Come to think of it, maybe Bill Mueller too. Look at his slugging percentage drop.

In any case, I think this Millar's last year under contract, so he's gone. Maybe Mueller too. That alone would be great for the Sox offense.

I read a column lauding the wildcard, touting the great race in the American League and bashing "pesky purists" who had opposed the wild card. I for one, don't like the wild card. I think the best way to choose the best teams in the league is to play the entire season.

The problem with this guy's argument is the specific piece of evidence he cites: the race in the American League. The race actually shows the weakness of the wild card. As he notes, the Sox, Yankees, and the Tribe are all tied with a week to go. It's going to be a close finish. Two teams will advance, one team will go home.

Now imagine if there was no wild card? Well, the American League would have an even *better* race. The Sox, Yankees, and the Tribe would be all tied in the old American League East with a week to go. It would be a fantastic finish. One team would advance, two teams would go home. Note the difference: only one team would advance. More pressure; more tension.


But hey, the guy's a sports columnist. No need for actual substantive analysis! In fact, the guy will probably write the exact same column next year.

Before the season we all thought that Michigan would have a terrific offense and a mediocre defense. That's what I thought as well. I was wrong. Our defense is pretty good, but the offense is crappy. It seems that Henne has regressed--maybe he's missing Braylon Edwards. Also, Steve Breaston hasn't done much all year. Maybe it's the loss of Mike Hart.

Against Wisconsin we generated nothing the whole second half, but for one flea-flicker trick play. I think our defense did a pretty good job, but it was on the field the whole game. They could only hold for so long.

The Sox are done. I can't imagine them coming back after blowing a game like tonight's.

And holy crap is Rita ever a big hurricane.....

It is distasteful for me to note this, because Papi is my favorite player in baseball at the moment (I know, I know, just like everyone else in Red Sox Nation), but I have to admit I'd vote for ARod for MVP in the American League.

Ortiz has had a great year, but ARod has been maybe even better offensively (same slugging, higher average, better speed) and plays a great third base too.

I don't think Michigan is the #4 team in the country. There aren't many teams with better offenses, but the defense looks very average. Northern Illinois shouldn't get 400 yards against Michigan.