Good Morning! Well, I was certainly cheering for the Colorado Rockies last night, but when it was 11:00 p.m. and going into the 13th inning, I was ready for it just to be over. Scott Hairston's big two run home run in the top of the 13th was huge, and since he is a former Diamondback (until about July), he's cool. Once Jorge Julio was brought in, it was pretty clear that it was over. Then Ramon Ortiz came in and got the next three hitters out. But it will now be the San Diego Padres headed to Philadelphia for Game 1 of the NL Divisional Series on Wednesday afternoon...

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But wait... it couldn't be that easy, could it? I mean, the all-time leader in career saves was still available to come into the game to close the door, right? Hmmm... Kaz Matsui led off with a double to the right centerfield gap to lead off the inning. Then Troy Tulowiski doubled (his fourth hit of the game) to score Matsui. Then Matt Holliday (who had struck out his previous three times) ensured himself the NL Batting title with a triple that scored the tying run. Todd Helton was walked intentionally. Jamey Carroll then drilled a line drive right to right fielder Brian Giles. Giles made an accurate throw, but Holliday slid in with the game-winning run... and instead, it is the Rockies on their way to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in Round 1! (by the way, Matt Holliday was hurt on the play, hopefully just some scratches from a strange slide and play at home) So, congratulations to Ramon Ortiz and the Colorado Rockies!  (and of course, the game wasn't complete until Craig Sager was down on the field messing up a post-game interview!)

Here are some random links for you to peruse today:

• Nick Nelson posted his End of Season thoughts on the Twins.

• Josh Taylor asks "What's Next?" and if you are looking for dates when decisions like arbitration and such need to be made, be sure to check it out.

• Over at John Sickels Minor League Ball site, there are separate diaries with discussion on Chris Parmelee and Anthony Swarzak.

• Aaron Gleeman takes a look at the Twins 2007 bullpen. It is interesting to see the comparisons between 2006 and 2007 although I don't think that the numbers themselves will surprise too many that watched Twins games this season.

• There has been so much talk this season about how the Twins don't do the fundamentals very well, or they didn't do the little things right in 2007. Well, I have been pointing out that the Twins haven't done those things really well since Tom Kelly retired. Maybe there were a few more missed bunts and a couple of base running miscues, but it certainly isn't a new thing. It's really interesting that the Twins have developed this reputation of being good at 'doing the little' things right. It's not a bad reputation to have. I mean, people seemed to think that the 2005 White Sox won the World Series because of small or smart ball when the reality of the situation was that they had a bunch of mashers and four or five pitchers who pitched way over their heads. However, if your team is winning, who cares what the perceptions are for why!?

• Speaking of...  isn't it funny that the White Sox and Houston Astros played in the World Series just two seasons ago, and both were absolutely horrible in 2007! That shows two things really. First, I think that I prefer cheering for a team that has a chance to compete every year rather than a team that is good one year and then not good for awhile. It's not about the best teams playing in and winning the World Series... just about the team that gets to the playoffs that is playing the best.

• Did you see that the White Sox signed AJ Pierzynski to a two year extension? Crazy! Is there a guy whose reputation has allowed people to think that he is good more so than AJ? I find it comical when there are people who still think that he is a better catcher or better hitter than Joe Mauer. My favorite thing is when people talk about him being better because he has a World Series championship ring. Ummm... OK, so does

• OK, back to positive thinking... Josh's Thoughts has an EXCELLENT Q&A with Denard Span. I thought he did an excellent job of responding to some great questions. It's always interesting to read some of this information about guys that you only 'know' about through box scores and stats. Everything I've ever read or heard about Denard Span is that he is a wonderful person. Now, he also acknowledged that "I read Twins blogs. I read about people saying I'm not ready and that I suck..etc. But I read it to get motivated." Ummm... well, in case mine is one of those sites he reads, you're welcome for the motivation? No, I don't think I've ever been that negative about Span. That said, as of right now, I should probably say that I will stand behind my thought that I don't think he is quite ready. However, if he has a first half similar to his second half this year, he could compete at the big league level. I am surprised that the Twins didn't have him play a little bit of left field just in case Torii Hunter is resigned. But anyway... terrific interview!

• Josh also has his thoughts on the AL Awards. I agree with two of his three choices. I would have gone with the other guy in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.

• Over at mlb.com, there was a Q&A with new Twins GM Bill Smith. He was asked a lot of very interesting questions. He responds nearly identically to the way Terry Ryan would, but it is good information.

• More Player Comparisons from Stick & Ball Guy!!

• Trevor Plouffe was named the New Britain Rockcats MVP this year.

And finally, here are our NFL "Expert" Panel's standings after a VERY rough week 4. When 8 correct picks wins, that's not good. When the average correct is just 3.5, that is horrible. To all those who use these picks to help with your picks, I think I can send a collective "I'm Sorry!" to you! I have never seen a week like this. I don't think we've ever seen 1, 2 or 3 correct in any week and here it is normalcy. Anyway, here's how things stack up:

 Any thoughts or arguments? Please e-mail me or Comment below!!