Spoiler's List

What is the significance of the following list? Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, MLB players strike, New York Yankees, Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.

It's a list of what ended the Atlanta Braves' season quest for a World Series title. Every year except 1995, of course. Fourteen consecutive division titles and only one ring to show for it. Not very good in the clutch. And of all the NL teams that still have playoff possibilities, each team (SD, StL, Hou and Phi) is already on The List.

Each year I root against the Braves winning a division title. "Why can't this be the year?" But then I realize it's more satisfying to see them lose in the post season. I'm hoping for nothing different this year. The only question remaining is wether they will sell out a playoff game.

In the Driver's Seat

Both the A's and Giants are in identical situations... and in the driver's seat. Both are 4 games out with 7 to play, and starting a 4 game series with the team in front of them. If each team wins all the rest of the games this season, each will win the division title. A 4 game sweep with the identical number of wins in the last series as the Angels and Padres will force one-game playoffs in each division. Win those and win the division. Will either happen?

We'll wait and see....

At the Finish Line

Here's my wishes for the 8 teams I'd like to see in the playoffs. In order of East, Central, West and Wild Card. I'm including miracles for those still mathematically alive.

Boston, Chicago, Oakland, Cleveland.
Philadelphia, St. Louis (they've clinched so I have to accept them), San Francisco, Houston.

Oakland over Cleveland, ChiSox over BoSox.
Philly over Houston, SF over StL.

Oak over Chi, SF over Philly

SF over A's in Bay Bridge Series.........

But in reality (my guess): Hou over Atl, StL over SD, Cle over NYY, LAA over Chi
StL over Hou, Cle over LAA
StL over Cle

Last Call for a Winning Season

If the Dodgers hold on to their six run lead, the Giants will have run out of losses this season in their quest to finish with a winning record. At 66-80, they'll have to win the remaining 16 games to go 82-80. But if they win the division, and the World Series, we'll be talking about this for decades to come.

Viagra Junkie

Given the infamous side affect of steroid use, it has now become obvious why Rafael Palmiero uses Viagra. He has to.

Bonds' last game at SBC.

Could it be that Barry Bonds' last game at SBC Park (or whatever it will be called by then) will be the 2007 All Star game as the all-time home run king... in an American League uniform?

Giants Post-Season?

Well, it finally happened. I never thought it could, but was sure it would (go figure that one). I received a notice from the Giants that my post-season ticket invoice is due this coming Friday.

This from a team that is 13 games under .500 with 17 left to play, with two teams that they still need to pass, and a third that is only a half game behind them. But Barry is back in the lineup. I guess that makes magic happen.