¡VIVA RIVAS!

What a game. Just as the Royals pulled ahead of the Tigers in extra innings, Cuddyer cracked his 9th inning double to pull the Twins within one. Once again the Twins weren't able to take advantage of a Tigers loss, and the Central title may come down to the last game of the season. A few observations from today's game:

In a perfect world, Glen Perkins would be heading with the Twins into October in place of the struggling Carlos Silva. But we live in a world where the Code of Baseball is recognized and respected. You know, it's the one that dictates older veteran players take favor over rookies, even when on-field performances dictate otherwise. So in all likelihood (Gardy said there would be 'no surprises' in the playoff roster), Silva will make the 25-man playoff roster and Perkins will be on call in case of injury. Too bad: Perkins would not only give the Twins another long-relief man -- a valuable commodity with both Radke (shoulder) and Garza (high pitch count) in the rotation.

Dick and Bert tried talking up Bobby Jenks as an elite closer going into the 9th inning, but his performance since he took over as closer last year indicate he is a middle-tier closer, not an elite one. That would be Joe Nathan territory. Jenks has converted 40 of 44 save opportunities this year, but his ERA is in the high 3s, his control is shaky and his fastball his hard and straight. While he possesses more poise than LaTroy displayed in that capacity when he was with the Twins, I still expect Jenks to eventually flameout as a closer. I'm just not convinced that he's Chicago's long-term answer there.

In the 9th inning, A.J. displayed why his abrasasive personality is ultimately an asset to his team. On Mauer's two-strike check-swing, the home plate umpire stretched his arms out, giving the 'safe signal,' meaning Mauer did not go around. But A.J. stood up and yelled at the ump, pointing at third, forcing an appeal to the third-base ump, who called Mauer out. Just another chapter in the career of A.J. The Agitator.

I was out of town traveling for a long weekend vacation last night, but Thank Rivas I was able to listen to the entire game in the car last night! Talk about picking a bad night to be away from home --WOWZERS. While I'm now at a computer, the posts this weekend may be spotty.