Patrick

So much for the Cubs. They did have a good season. Agree that Philly is the team least likely to be toast (scoreless as I type this), and that (besides the Cubs) the Angels are the most. I didn't see a whole lot of his starts, but I am seriously underwhelmed by Weaver (all Weavers, actually). Schilling may be getting a little too much hype based on past performance, but he's at least as effective as Weaver, and the Angels have too many guys at less than 100%. That was my reaction to the pitch track graphic--way off.

hopefully he still is.

More excitement at the Jake last night. While game 1 was tight until the end of the fifth when the Tribe blew it open, game 2 obviously was ultra close the whole way. Much of the game I was thinking how it would be a shame to have Fausto lose on just one mistake to Melky (throwing his third best pitch). And then have to listen to a bunch of nonsense about how green Carmona is and what a great pro Pettitte is, etc. Pettitte was tough, but the Tribe had plenty of opportunities (...and eventually your luck runs out). I think the Yankees got about as much out of him as they could reasonably expect (maybe he could have gone a little deeper, but he was putting a lot of guys on). Like Sabathia in game 1, he battled out of all of his jams. Difference is I think one can reasonably expect better pitching from Sabathia. Unlucky with bugs I suppose (...though Yankees dodged harm when Peralta's double would have been a home run if it were hit 4 ft closer to center, and Hafner lined out right to Meinkcantspellvich... [somehow I'm thinking Giambi doesn't make that play]). Bugs bothered players on both teams in both halves of the innings (and they seemed to subside after 2 innings). Should Torre have gotten Mo when it was clear Joba was getting ticked?? A day off and then we see how non-aces fare--Westbrook v. Clemens. Jake could be anywhere from VG+ to pretty bad. Same for Clemens (at least for a few innings), I guess. Seems a fair amount of the media/fandom is thinking it's 1997 or so. That there is a bunch of old guys in that rotation (crafty, experienced, etc, but...). And you out there (in the press) who claim the Yankee bullpen is so superior to the Tribe's, can we get a few redactions or "yes, I'm an idiot, I swallow NY hype before tasting it first"? thank you. And you manager Wedgie, see what good things happen when Joe Borowski remains safely secured in the bullpen? [And the verdict is in, Eric, the spouse and the mother don't like your beard--give it up.] Obviously I missed the start of the other AL game, but from what I saw, it looks like it was Manny being Manny: some adventures in left field, and then a monster blast late. They said it was his first walkoff homer since an Indians/Angels game. If I'm remembering the right game, I think the Tribe went back-to-back-to-back off of Troy Percival in that one (Belle and maybe Murray or Thome hit the first two?).

Just doublechecking with all these tweaks to accommodate television etc. I successfully purchased a pair of tickets for each of four possible LCS games to be played at the Jake. (Yeah, the fourth one requires enduring a 7 game series against the Angels--unlikely to happen for a variety of reasons). If the Tribe gets that far, gotta figure out whether to fly or drive from the DC area, how much annual leave to take, how long I can wait before purchasing airfare with miles etc. ...My daily commute is about an hour, so these early evening weeknight starts are killin me. At least Monday is Columbus Day. Tribe definitely hasn't locked anything up yet, but you gotta figure tonight's game is pretty darn close to "must win" territory for the Yankees. Anyone else a tad bit underwhelmed by the TBS coverage? Nothing outrageously bad, but...(1) I put Tony Gwynn in the same category as a lot of other ex-player analyst/talking heads (Eduardo Perez, Fernando Vina, ...). Is he really providing any value over the course of a 3 hour plus game? Brenly is serviceable if not spectacular, at least he's not McCarver. As far as talking heads go, I guess I prefer the reporters Kurkjian, Olney, Gammons. (2) I was amused that the TBS graphics initially credited Martinez' homer to Ryan Garko. Never mind that Martinez is their MVP (and should finish top 5 for AL honors). I guess they were too distracted at that moment by Craig Sager's compelling interview with drummer John Adams out in the left field bleachers. (3) And the TBS version of K-zone. At least when I saw it in action, the graphic seems to always make the pitch appear much more off the plate than it actually is. Not a big deal, but kinda lame. On the plus side, Ernie Johnson does a fine job hosting, and maybe Cal and Big Hurt are alright in the studio (though I haven't yet been overwhelmed by keen insights). Initially I thought they were spending a whole break between innings in the studio because they didn't sell the time for commercials (...or couldn't figure which Law & Order to promote). That break from playing another chorus of the Lofton DHL commercial is nice.

Recognizing that no one (...at least fans of AL teams) should get ahead of themselves, what is the home/away format for the LCS? Is is 2-2-1-1-1, 2-3-2 (like the World Series), or something else?

Fun game at the Jake for Tribe fans, though there was quite a bit of drama early. C.C. Sabathia really struggled with his control (and Froemming's strike zone) all night (which for him was just 5 innings). I think quite a bit of it was being amped up for his first playoff game since 2001. Uncharacteristically, he walked six. Surprisingly, none of the six scored. He "scattered" four hits, including solo homers to Damon and Cano and a double to Abreu. Perhaps the biggest moment was his last inning. Yankees had the bases loaded, only one out, the hyped Jorge Posada up with a 3-0 count, and Sabathia really struggling to throw strikes. Jorge gets the green light and fouls it off. About 3 pitches later, he strikes out. Matsui then pops out to shortstop and the inning ends with the Tribe still ahead 4-3. This really shows how Sabathia has matured--in previous seasons he would have lost his cool, started yappin at the umpire, and just start throwing as hard as he could. Tonight, he fought threw his tough situations (...of his own making). Then in the bottom of the 5th, the big sticks come out for the home team... Wang had as much difficulty, if not more, throwing for the Yankees. One of the few bright spots for NYY might have been Phil Hughes who pitched well in two innings (though it was definitely a blowout by then, and he did surrender one of the 4 Tribe HRs). It will be interesting to see if this goes 5, how well CC does, and how confident the Yankees will be about facing him. Kenny Lofton was huge. A couple of key RBI hits with two outs, especially early when the game was still close. He was my favorite player on the teams of the mid-90s. Great to see him getting key hits, and stealing a base. And the bullpen returned the favor to Sabathia (who averaged 7+ innings per start and threw 4 complete games during the regular season). The combination of Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis, and Rafael Betancourt combined to throw 4 innings, giving up just 1 single (which should/could have been caught), and striking out 6. This may be the source of Indian fan frustration if Joe Borowski melts down in some other game--there are other talented relievers who could close much more effectively for this team than JoeBo (at the very least, the 2 Rafaels). So it's just one game, but a good start for the underdog Tribe. Hopefully Fausto will be dealing tomorrow afternoon, and Old Man Pettitte won't be. One cost to the Tribe is that their best lefty reliever, Perez, threw 31 pitches (in the sixth and seventh), so he probably is not available Friday night. skeith: wear that Tribe hat proudly!! (you only live once...and after all the fun may last only another week or so)

Go George Go! I haven't heard much of his work with Pepper, and I have not yet connected with Cables Vision. For me, it's Frank Morgan's Mood Indigo (Antilles 1989) which I guess got mixed reviews (Frank plays too slow, Wynton is on a few cuts, boring, etc.). I don't listen to it that often now, but it was a recording (of standards) that re-energized what was then only a passing curiosity I had in jazz. Frank's story of return may have also played a role. A very subdued album, it begins and ends with a beautiful short theme "Lullaby" composed by George. Very moving. I will spin it later tonight. Continue on, George!

...cue the MG's for the outtro...

I agree, and having Vlad and Matthews Jr at less than 100%, also helps. Tribe hasn't announced their roster, beyond announcing that rookie starter Aaron Laffey will make the postseason staff as a lefty long reliever. That almost certainly makes it official, the Cliff Lee era in Cleveland is now over. Given the dearth of starting pitching that will be available in the offseason, Tribe should be able to get something decent for him, even with his nightmare season this year. Shapiro, please trade him to the National League so that when he bounces back, you and the Tribe will see him at most once or twice a year. If they do trade him, only Grady Sizemore will be left from one of the greatest Tribe trades of all time: Bartolo Colon (rental) and Tim Drew to the Expos for Sizemore, Lee, Brandon Phillips, and Lee Stevens (contract). If only Phillips hadn't been handed a starting infield position when he wasn't ready (...kind of like Andy Marte, come to think of it...), and then dispatched. Wouldn't have to be training Josh Barfield now...

...And it wouldn't surprise me if Wakefield was extremely effective in that scenario (high upside, and downside). As for the Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles California, any chance Bartolo Colon makes the post-season roster/rotation? The prospect of facing Ervin Santana (7-14, 5.80 ERA) at some point in the first round would be quite useful to an opponent.

Thanks. Ya got the script mostly right, you just forgot that the Cleveland/NY series will not go 5 games, so Fausto or CC will be available for game 1 at the Fens, ...against Wakefield.

Mission accomplished for Red Sox. After tying it up in the top of the 8th, Rafael Perez puts two on in the bottom of the 8th, and one of these scores. So the Red Sox will finish with the best record in MLB. Amazing that the Tribe got as close as they did, given how listless they were at the ASB. Dan, you really think Boston will opt for the quicker Division series? I'm not sure that it matters that much to any team, but CC and Fausto twice each would be nice.

My comment on Wake may have been a bit quick, but I just noticed the 4 consecutive innings giving up a run, and needing double plays in two of those innings to avoid further damage (...not that there's anything wrong with that). Likewise agree on Oki, he got the job done. Bases loaded and one out in top of 8th, Tribe can't push across the go ahead run (Michaels and Gutierrez leave the bases loaded). KC has already used 4 relievers, but it's September so they probably have 4 more available...

Does look good for the Sawx--Wakefield was mediocre and Okajima make it a tad bit interesting in the ninth (a la Borowski) but your team got it done. Meanwhile Westbrook has pitched well after spotting KC 3 in the first (though Pena Jr. has now tripled in the seventh for KC). Lots of Indians striking out and not putting hits together. Blake did score from first on a single by Martinez (full count, 2 outs), but got caught stealing his next time on. So your wish is likely to come true tonight. ...Though the great Rafael Perez just got David DeJesus to ground into a FC, Pena out at home! And after intentionally walking Grudzielanek, Rafael P struck out Teahen. So maybe just maybe the Tribe'll will get at least 1 run in their last two ABs. Watched a bit of Phillies/Nats on Fox (...a channel I rarely watch for MLB, but hopefully I'll be extremely interested in the ALCS this year). Gotta say, as bad as Joe Morgan is, Tim McCarver is barruttalll!! Is Peavy really going to pitch tomorrow, and then only be available for 1 start in the NLDS? So says Fox.

now the DG webpage says "Temporarily Out Of Stock".

Having met in a clarinet section, we used the Adagio from the Mozart Clarinet Concerto (K 622), arranged for saxophone quartet, for the processional. The clarinet part was played, and the arrangement made, by my bride's high school clarinet teacher. Our first dance, by the swimming pool in the backyard (...no one got tossed in), was to Ella and Louis "Cheek to Cheek". For background music during dinner I made a mix tape or two of chamber music and jazz. If you have the time, I'd assemble a mix.

Someone (I don't know) is selling a copy on eBay right now, currently at $40. Henderson on eBay Looks like there are a few others currently in this price range as well.

Nice to see the Bosox finally clinch their division (...5 days later than LA and Cleveland). And it is fitting that the Cubs clinch on the same evening as well. Orioles had a brief moment where they looked like the Nats--scrappy and not willing to give up even down by three in the ninth. And Mariano is still an effective closer, but not nearly as intimidating as he once was. Cy Cy Sabathia had a performance somewhere between Beckett last night and Dice tonight--solid 7 innings, 3 runs, gets the win. JoeBo up to his usual practice: gets first two guys out then puts two on (while nursing a 2 run lead) before closing it. Exciting night, especially in NL...and not everything is resolved yet...

You should send your gift baskets to Joe Borowski, and perhaps to Eric Wedge who keeps running him out there, even though he has better alternatives. Tuesday night JoeBo blew a two run lead in the ninth, but the Tribe was able to recover in the 12th. Last night, in the second game of a doubleheader (after playing 12 the night before) he blows a one run lead with two out in the ninth by serving up Jeff Clement's (who's that?) first career home run, and they lose in 10. Wedgie says they wouldn't kill themselves to have the best record, and last night's starting lineup was evidence of that. You can't expect to win every game, but after Sowers and Jensen combine for 7 shutout innings, you hope you can squeak by on a couple of solo home runs (Shoppach and Garko). Not to be. If the Tribe doesn't win it all, I sure hope it's not due to Borowski. This is different than Jose Mesa in '97. But pananoia will run rampant whenever he's put in a close game (3 runs or less). Joe Nathan made things interesting in the ninth at Fenway tonight, but Varitek and Youk failed to deliver with the bases loaded so the Twinkies survived Ortiz going 4/4. Paul Byrd has already served up a two run blast in Seattle, but Lofton has responded with a run scoring triple, and its still early. Hopefully Tribe will score a bunch against Baek. While having the long schedule would benefit the Tribe the most, this is because their 1-2 starters are the best pair out there. I don't think they give up much running Byrd or Westbrook out against the 3/4 guys on the other AL playoff teams, so it's not the end of the world if they host NY and play the long schedule. Minn at Boston while Cle goes to KC for their final series. Should be interesting (though not as tight as all the NL races!).

Don't know about planned Yankee festivities, they looked happy but pretty damn subdued when their game ended tonight--more relieved than anything else. Guess if you've made it to the playoffs 12 or 13 years in a row and its only the wild card, you can remain calm. In Cleveland, where I think only Sabathia and maybe Westbrook were on the last playoff team, they (rightfully) made winning the division a big deal. And the town went appropriately nuts. It does look like the Angels are fading, and that Boston will win their division. The only other thing to decide is who has the best record, between Boston and Cleveland. Agree that the preferred schedule benefits Cleveland the most (while also benefiting their opponent, whether it is NY or ...). I expect a lotta chatter about the Tribe's 0-6 record against NYY. Let that chatter persist (while CC is dealing...). Tribe played extra innings on Tuesday (thanks for blowing a 2 run lead in the ninth JoeBo--you had your ERA under 5.00 briefly, but now its safely back up to 5.17) and a doubleheader tonight. Fausto was dealing in the first game, at one point retiring 15 in a row, and finishes the regular season 19-8. Second game tonight features the following Indian lineup 1. F Gutierrez, 2. Chris Gomez, 3. Peralta, 4. Garko, 5. Michaels, 6. Nixon, 7. Shoppach, 8. Barfield, 9. Andy Marte. So at this juncture at least, no Sizemore, Martinez, Hafner, Blake, or Cabrera. And this to support Jeremy Sowers (he of the 6.82 ERA). Shoppach threw out 2 Mariners trying to steal third in the first inning (...no respect of Shoppach, or totally clueless?), and Garko has already gone deep, so who knows, maybe they'll sweep the doubleheader. Sowers, however, has put the first two on in each of the first 2 innings. And what of the races in the National League? Such a big contrast between the two DC area teams. The Orioles totally blow, while the Nationals are still scrapping for wins, and just swept the Mets in NY to reduce their division lead to 1.

And both the Brewers and the White Sox are winning... Nats having their way with the Mets again...

...Wasn't going to mention that. But I will encourage all these rags to keep focusing on those big market teams. In Yankee currency that Indians payroll of $61.3M does not even get you A-Rod, Giambi, and Mussina. Bosox bucks stretch a little further--Manny, Drew, Clement, Schilling and Lugo.

Has anyone tried to use either of these coupons ($9.99 or 40% off) more than once? I'm not sure I will try, but I am tempted. After saying I hardly go into Borders, I've now made three purchases. Tonight I used these two coupons to get 3 RVGs, Andrew Hill Dance with Death, Joe Zawinul Brown Street, and Manu Katche Neighbourhood. When I used the $9.99 discount, the worker swiped a different coupon that was 3 for $11.99: http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon_1199cd0924.htm When I told him it was 3 for 9.99 each, he was a bit surprised but rang me up appropriately. I guess the emails to this area were the 11.99 version (this is the version I received via email). I then returned with the 40% coupon and pointed it out to him before he started ringing up my order. He was quite surprised, having not seen it before, and then complained that Borders was issuing these nice coupons when he was low on cash. [What kind of discount do Borders' workers get these days?]

Tribe clinches the Central behind a solid outing from Jake Westbrook. Paul Byrd likely is the third starter in the post season, but it's close between these two. Nice to do it at the last home game of the regular season in front of a packed house on a beautiful September day. So Cleveland and Boston clinched after the same number of games played. You have Mother Nature to thank in part for your "early" clinch. How soon until Wakefield is in long relief? Not soon enough? Kind of a weird lineup with Coco Crisp batting 6th. Was this an experiment having Alex Cora bat second? He had 2 hits, but I'd think he's an 8-9 guy, even with players missing.

The Tigers lost. Are you taking comfort/pride/whatever from clinching perhaps just one game before LAA and Cleveland (both of whom have magic numbers of 1)? Based on how well things were going a month or two ago, wouldn't you have been shocked by this?? Rough outing for Paul Byrd. Would be nice if Tribe could pick the slower schedule and pitch CC and Fausto twice each, and Byrd + pen in just one.