backing into the postseason...

we lost for the fifth time in the last sixth games today, and qualified for the postseason thanks to another top team's loss and some already-earned tiebreakers.

we've got one pitcher who is throwing well right now. one of five. so he threw well on thursday, picked up a win (to get a four-game series split), and the party was on. players wound up at the bar across the street, slammed three or four or six in a half-hour's time. i snagged a few beers from the coaching staff when they returned from their post-game time-killing. then, the magic number was two.

since then, we've lost three in a row. we did, however, back our way into the postseason today.

the negativity is fascinating. as we got to the ballpark this afternoon: "if any of you are pussies, stay on the bus. the bus driver'll take you to daycare. if you're ready to go to war, come on out." or something like. another coach going from player to player during the trip... "are you trying to make the big leagues?" ... "no you're not." and "do. you want. to be. a big. leaguer?" ... "i don't believe you."

odd, but we've backed in. odder still, the odds say we'll probably win with the ace on the mound in the first of a best-of-three. i'd like us to advance no further than the full three in series one. then a weekend.

whyzat? cats analysis.

color me surprised. pleasantly surprised. they played pretty darn well...their first blowout win since 2001.

what can be determined from this game:
- i have more confidence in baz than i did previously. it's sad that confidence with him is such an issue, but the fact is that he's erratic. but i think he was smart with the ball.

- i think philmore's fantastic. he wasn't saturday, but he is. what that means, then, is that the receiving corps is good. this because herbert made a few nice plays, and thompson did the same. that bodes well, because you sense that philmore will be freed up for big plays down the line.

- kicking game still sucks.

- tyrell sutton is, of course, the biggest revelation. sure, it was ohio. but 100 yards in a debut means a whole lot. not fumbling in a debut means, probably, more. 18 touches, all stayed with him. consider that he was running behind an all-inexperienced line, and give him high, high marks. plus, nemo says, "he's got some shakes." both touchdown runs were nice. didn't get a read on conteh (used late) or hamlett (not paying enough attention when he was in) or roberson (didn't see him play. thanks chelsea at guy hollerin's.)

- defensively, tougher to get a read on things. that cole play on the final play of the half was awful, then okay.

- tarver seemed to be 'around,' and made a nice play on the interception. heinz's shoes are large, methinks.

- i still believe the linebackers will be fantastic. kadela got his first career sack.

- that 99 cat, wootton, was around the action a lot. f' howard.

- good win.

- i'm confident enough to change my pick on northern illinois. i just hope i'm able to go.

.....

also, plans were hatched to officially 'make a weekend' out of the michigan night game. booze will be consumed on friday. football will be watched on saturday. booze will be consumed on saturday.

i think my cats count will be two for the season, although i'll consider a trip to illinois if the boy will have me.

.....

nemo's fantastic. so is the missus [!]. as are tater rounds. turkey in eggs? surprisingly delectable!

.....

i was at the ballpark, and the other radio guy offered to get my food. "what should i get?" "we don't have much that's good." "what do you recommend?" "probably the chicken tenders and fries." "let's go for it." ... tenders come up. pretty good. no sauce! i'm wondering why he didn't offer sauce. maybe they don't have it. i head down to go to the restroom before on-air time. i see a guy bringing up wings n' ranch. he could've offered ranch, or bbq, or ketchup. poor service. i've gotten it myself for the past two days, and will do so on monday.

labor day is awesome. i'll be at the yard, then on a bus. woof.