Congratulations to the Los Angeles Angels, who pounded the floundering Texas Rangers, 11 – 0, to win the AL West Division.  After the game, the team poured champaign over the jersey of Nick Adenhart, who had died in a hit and run accident this April.  The team also ran back onto the field where, in addition to celebrating with fans, they posed for a team photo in front of the Adenhart sign in the outfield.  [ESPN]

I forgot to congratulate the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have clinched at least a playoff spot, but haven’t yet clinched the division.  Meanwhile, sore hamstrings are keeping Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake from playing.  Blake’s hamstring is sore enough to require a trip back to see team doctors for treatment.  [ESPN]

The Red Sox are limping toward the playoffs, having been swept by New York, and then losing last night to Toronto.  Perhaps more importantly, Josh Beckett was scratched from his start with back pain.  Both Francona and Beckett said, since the pain was in his upper left side, he could have pitched if the situation required it.  However, with Jon Lester wounded by a line drive on Friday, having two wounded aces would be a bad omen for the playoffs.  [ESPN]

The Atlanta Braves have won 15 of 17 to not only make a run at the Colorado Rockies (they trail by two games in the wild card chase), but they moved to within four games of the slumping Philadelphia Phillies.  The Marlins couldn’t reach Jair Jurrjens last night, while Houston pummelled the Phillies, 8 – 2.

The Twins and Tigers were postponed by rain, so today Detroit hosts a day-night doubleheader (I’ll be watching at least one game today!!!).

Welcome Back! J.C. Romero returns from the DL to the Phillies.

Afterthoughts – and prayers… This story will melt your heart, and hopefully four-year-old Luke Holko will make a full recovery after being struck in the head by a line drive foul ball a few weeks ago.  Check it out.