Emotion

First my (non) sports fans, a shout out. I just returned from Montana, one of the most beautiful places with the most amazing people. It was a memorable trip. If you ever have the chance, get there.

Now, let's talk about emotion.

The MLB divisional playoffs have been spectacular. As I write, the Yankees and Twins are going to the 12th inning. No, wait...the Yankees just ended it on a walk off home run by Mark Teixeira. Talk about emotion!

Indiana and Phoenix are playing in the WNBA Finals. Some of the best known players in the league, Cappie Pondexter, Diana Taurasi and Katie Douglas are playing their hearts out -- with emotion.

The Cardinals played their hearts out last night and they lost. Some say it was crushing. But was it? The Cardinals were one of the best teams in the regular season and now they're down 2-0 in the playoffs to the Dodgers. Can they come back? Yes, but I think they've got to find the right balance of fight and grit and emotion.

Emotion is just one the many variables in sports. How athletes channel the emotion, that adrenaline, that's careening through them.

Keep watching the playoffs. It's just getting good.