Three games to go and here's where we stand in the races that are still open:
AL East/wildcard -- The Yankees open a three-game set tonight in Boston with Andy Pettitte on the mound while the Rays continue their four-gamer in Kansas City after losing last night, 3-2. That leaves the two teams tied at 94-65. Since both are going to the postseason, there is no one-game playoff if they finish tied. Instead, the Rays' 10-8 regular-season advantage gives them the edge. The winner will play Texas in the division series, the loser opens on the road against Minnesota, clearly a tougher assignment. The weather bears watching in Boston for tonight. There's heavy, heavy rain up the East Coast.
NL West/wildcard -- It's basically all over for the Padres after Thursday's devastating 1-0 loss to the Cubs in their home finale. Former Bison Brad Snyder touched closer Heath Bell for an RBI single in the top of the ninth and the Padres are now three games behind the Giants with three to play. And the teams meet starting tonight on the shores of McCovey Cove. San Diego is just 12-22 in its last 34 games.
So it's easy: One win and the Giants take the title for the first time since 2003. The Padres are two out of the wild card and the Braves' magic number to extend Bobby Cox's career is two. Atlanta is hosting the Phillies this weekend, so it's no easy chore.
Cy Young race -- The Mariners have shut down Felix Hernandez for the season, meaning he won't make his scheduled start Sunday. So does 13-12, 2.27 ERA register enough to the voters?
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
