Bruiser Chong

Clemens still isn't healthy. He won yesterday, but he didn't look all that sharp and had some command issues. Should still be an interesting series.

People should still remember that Cleveland wasn't pegged to even contend until next season. Terrible ending, but I'd say they have the brightest outlook of just about any team in the AL.

And I should note that part of me wants the Nationals to win, just so it's not the Cubs' fault entirely that the Phillies didn't get in.

Innings like this is one of the reasons the Cubs aren't going to finish with a winning record.

And with Maddux coming out now, leaving him in to hit was a bad move in retrospect.

GAH! Why throw the ball to second when you have no play? Stupid Neifi.

I'd question not pulling Maddux for a PH when they had two runners in scoring position with two outs, but then I remember who we've got on our bench and our pen.

Well, it was a sweet lead while it lasted.

Philly.

Ah, the power of multiple hits in an inning.

The game would be tied if Maddux had laid down the bunt correctly.

Cubs walk to get to Oswalt, who then drives in a run with an infield single. Man.

Yeah, but at this point, it doesn't look like either the Indians or Cubs are going to force any Monday baseball.

I'd give eBay closer looks. More specifically, if you can buy several graphic novels in a lot, the prices break down to be significantly cheaper than picking them up individually. I recall getting four Batman graphic novels (including 10 Nights of the Beast) for less than $10 shipped a while back.

"Cold World" - GZA/Liquid Swords

Just from the first two innings, it's clear that Oswalt's on his game while the Cubs aren't really too keen on being locked in today. Phillies are in trouble.

Corey Patterson and Jose Macias are the Cubs' 1-2 hitters today. Phillies fans, I am so sorry.

Would Yankees fans really prefer to see the Red Sox in the postseason over the Indians?

I'm actually counting on him at second base. From every piece I've read in recent weeks, Jim Hendry isn't aware that Todd Walker still exists.

They're both free agents come this offseason, so it's not as if some big move will land those two on the north side. Naturally, both of them have been mentioned as targets for the Cubbies this winter, especially Furcal. I doubt they land both of them, but it'd seem like a given that they wind up with one since Sammy and Nomar will both be off the books in 2006. Moreover, both would be great fits in Chicago and fill several of their needs. As much of an upgrade on all fronts as Burnitz has been over Sosa, I doubt he's brought back. It's seem like a natural fit for Giles to come in to fill that void, since the Cubs would be lacking any sort of power from the left side. Furcal is going to be one of the more touted FA SS's this winter, but I like the Cubs' chance of getting him. They'd likely over him a good multi-year deal and he'd fill the gap at short, be that proven leadoff hitter they still need and provide some speed on the basepaths. I've soured a bit on the value of speed and stolen bases in recent months, but it's still not a bad thing to have a guy who gets on base regularly that can put the pressure on the pitcher because he may swipe a bag. Of course, the Cubs are no strangers to shattering what seem to be the most logical of moves.

I reached the conclusion of this thread's title halfway into my first viewing of the trailer prior to Wedding Crashers. The inclusion of Paul Walker was an early tip-off, too.

I don't know why the Yanks wouldn't try to keep the Red Sox out of the postseason. To win the division AND keep your most hated rival out of the postseason entirely within the span of two days, would be grounds for some serious bragging rights.

TheDon is the only one who comes in here to chronically lay down some of the most asinine complaints among anyone. This week's highlights included the request to have someone hanged and congragulating the Red Sox for winning the AL East the day before they lost it.

Considering who's due in the ninth, the Phillies are gonna have to win tomorrow and pray for an Astros' loss just to tie for the WC. It's gonna be the same teams as last season. I must just accept it.

Jerome Williams is twirling a gem, but the Cubs can't scrape together any runs.