The reality that nobody can stay with the Yanks is starting to sink in.

The reality that nobody can stay with the Yanks is starting to sink in.

Likely to enter the playoffs with the NL's best record, but most people will still prefer the Cards and Phils in October.

Likely to enter the playoffs with the NL's best record, but most people will still prefer the Cards and Phils in October.

Lost series in Anaheim to the Yanks. A bad sign? Angels fans hope to at least find out in the second half of October.

Lost series in Anaheim to the Yanks. A bad sign? Angels fans hope to at least find out in the second half of October.

Red Sox Nation is trying not to read too much into their string of losses in the Bronx.

Red Sox Nation is trying not to read too much into their string of losses in the Bronx.

Can't be trusted after the eighth inning.

Can't be trusted after the eighth inning.

Used the Cardinals to bolster their wild-card status. Now they're rooting for St. Louis so they don't have to face the lefty-laden Phils.

Used the Cardinals to bolster their wild-card status. Now they're rooting for St. Louis so they don't have to face the lefty-laden Phils.

Bullpen keeps the Cards from being the NL favorites.

Bullpen keeps the Cards from being the NL favorites.

Finally put together a streak, but it's too little too late.

Finally put together a streak, but it's too little too late.

Ian Kinsler becomes a fantasy player's dream with a 30/30 season.

Ian Kinsler becomes a fantasy player's dream with a 30/30 season.

Dan Uggla reaches 30 homers again, but a sub-.240 average hardly justifies it.

Dan Uggla reaches 30 homers again, but a sub-.240 average hardly justifies it.

If the Tigers do clinch the Central, they can thank the Twins for sending them into the postseason playing good ball.

If the Tigers do clinch the Central, they can thank the Twins for sending them into the postseason playing good ball.

Sorry Giants, you still have to score runs to win.

Sorry Giants, you still have to score runs to win.

If they can get three out of four in Detroit, the schedule favors them the rest of the way.

If they can get three out of four in Detroit, the schedule favors them the rest of the way.

It's possible the Kevin Gregg experiment cost the Cubs a postseason run.

It's possible the Kevin Gregg experiment cost the Cubs a postseason run.

Scary thought: Perhaps 2008 was their peak.

Scary thought: Perhaps 2008 was their peak.

Ken Griffey Jr. likely bought himself another season in Seattle.

Ken Griffey Jr. likely bought himself another season in Seattle.

Take your pick for most disappointing Brewer: Corey Hart, Jason Kendall or J.J. Hardy. OK, we know your answer, but just wanted to prove Hardy has company.

Take your pick for most disappointing Brewer: Corey Hart, Jason Kendall or J.J. Hardy. OK, we know your answer, but just wanted to prove Hardy has company.

A's fans can spend the offseason wondering if September means anything.

A's fans can spend the offseason wondering if September means anything.

Playing a pretty good spoiler to the Tigers and a good friend of the Twins.

Playing a pretty good spoiler to the Tigers and a good friend of the Twins.

Late run proves this is one of the NL's biggest upside teams.

Late run proves this is one of the NL's biggest upside teams.

Aaron Hill has 34 homers. I can't believe it either.

Aaron Hill has 34 homers. I can't believe it either.

Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman combine for 50 homers. And therein lies part of the problem.

Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman combine for 50 homers. And therein lies part of the problem.

Can't wait to see what Moorad and Co. do this offseason.

Can't wait to see what Moorad and Co. do this offseason.

Is the glass half full or half empty in Arizona? It's really hard to tell.

Is the glass half full or half empty in Arizona? It's really hard to tell.

It's hard to say whether the Mets need a power bat this offseason because it may not matter in that park.

It's hard to say whether the Mets need a power bat this offseason because it may not matter in that park.

Hopefully the rest of the rebuild, as in what's coming this offseason, goes better than what's taken place thus far.

Hopefully the rest of the rebuild, as in what's coming this offseason, goes better than what's taken place thus far.

Zack Greinke's case gets stronger and stronger. No reason to look elsewhere for your AL Cy Young winner.

Zack Greinke's case gets stronger and stronger. No reason to look elsewhere for your AL Cy Young winner.

Hey, the Steelers aren't much better, win percentage-wise.

Hey, the Steelers aren't much better, win percentage-wise.

Ten-game losing streak isn't exactly enticing season ticket holders to renew.

Ten-game losing streak isn't exactly enticing season ticket holders to renew.

Next week at this time the Stephen Strasburg countdown will have begun.

Next week at this time the Stephen Strasburg countdown will have begun.