Brad

I like the present system because it emphasizes the importance of winning the division and not making the WC equal or co-equal to a division winner; it devalues the WC but still gives WCs a chance to play in October. Seeding teams would defeat that concept. Yes, it's a shame that either Cubs or Pirates will go home but that's just the way it worked out this year. On Sirius XM MLB program, Steve Phillips said that for those who decry one of those teams going home, the answer is make sure you win the division next time As as far as the Yankees, they looked dead the last week or two and it carried over. The over under was around 83 or 84 so they defied expectations and had a better year than anticipated.

Well, Dbacks aren't cooperating so looks like Astros will clinch tie for WC tonight and Angels can only hope that they and Dbacks win tomorrow or their season is over.

Light that baby up! One of the great comebacks I've seen all season as the Halos come off the mat, down by 4 runs, to beat the Rangers 11-10. It at least staves off elimination until the final day of the season. Now, if only the Dbacks could do something against the Astros tonight. The crowd was stunned, to say the least.

Yes, they've played very well. They should make Lovullo the manager. Otherwise, someone will nab him.

Just a lot of rain here in NJ but this was around the time (early by a couple of weeks) of Sandy, which was preceded the year before by a smaller storm that resulted in no power for three days. We now have a generator that runs off natural gas so we are prepared.

Sorry to hear that. Hope he gets better. I have a friend who's battling csncer for 11 years and it looks like the end is near, sadly.

Harvey pitched almost 7 innings in the clincher on Saturday. I'm not sure what happened between the Yankee game and last Saturday. Perhaps he decided that he needed to regain control of his career from his agent.

Embarrassing game for the Mets on Sunday, mostly due to the Harvey mess. Of course, if the bullpen does its job and the defense is not so terrible, no one might be making as much an issue as it became. Onwards and upwards with a win against the hapless Braves last night.

I'm just finishing up Transit by Anna Seghers, reissued by NYRB Classics. Not sure how I feel about this book. At times I've found it tedious but it presents a good snapshot of what it was like to be -- and still may be like -- to be a refugee trying to get out and the tedium that goes with it.

Sorry to hear this Dan. Our cat Scarr, who was one of the most sweetest cats we ever had, passed away earlier this year. He also had cancer and was just a shadow of what he had been. It was painful to see but we remember the fun we had with him. Brad

Terrific series and agree that Moriarty is well played here.

Mets played some amazing baseball in the last three days against the Nats, including winning one game they probably had no business of winning. Cespedes is playing out of his mind, basically putting the team on his back and taking them to the Division title. It's one of the greatest salary drives I've ever seen. The better he does, the more he prices the Mets out. He probably won't be here next year but we're enjoying the ride the team is on. Mets vs Dodgers should be fun.

I believe the early RVGs had the slip cases, not sure about the later ones. I've kept mine.

Mets problem is the bullpen, particularly the 7th inning. No one has done the job there. Blew the game on Friday in the 7th and yesterday, before taking it back in the bottom of the 7th. They acquired the former Dbacks closer, Addison Reed, yesterday. Remains to see if he can do the job. If not, they will not go far in the playoffs.

Once the Giants get into the playoffs...all bets are off. They know how to win. Just sayin'. They need to get there first, which is by no means assured at this point. No doubt they are battle tested, which is why -- assuming Mets get there (who can forget 7 up with 17 to play in 2007) -- I would almost prefer the Dodgers. Either way, it doesn't matter.

Mets keep on truckin'. They must have thought they were still in Coors Field last night as they bashed the Phillies. If they keep it up, they will face Dodgers or Giants. They were 4-3 vs Dodgers and 3-3 vs Giants. Either will be fine. Thank goodness they don't have to face the NL Central in the first round: they were a combined 3-17 against them.

What if the Emperor picks up?

The whole world is being consumed by over demand, that's just reality.

That's a valuable resource to have off the bench: a pitcher who can hit. Dodgers Giants should be exciting down the stretch because the loser is going home (unless Cubs collapse).

What is your point? Demand is outstripping supply, so they're farming fish. Wild is better obviously but that's the reality.

Mets continue to roll while Nats continue to stumble. Watched the Nats Dodgers game. Vin Scully just keeps rolling along fantastically. He is a treasure.

One of my first Mosaics. Great choice too. Hopefully it stays in print forever.

I missed it. Too bad Sevilla lost.

It's been a few years (about 10) since I've been to London but, yes, it's been changing, and not for the better, in my humble opinion. Thanks for the pics. Look like you were having a great time.

I loved the Select series. Must have about 10 of them; really sorry to see them go.