We’re coming on after the World Cup game between USA and Cuba so make sure you tune it a little earlier tonight. 

We’ll begin with the Cardinals who can clinch a playoff spot with a loss by the Cubs this evening.  It’s amazing the job Tony LaRussa has done.  At the beginning of the year he didn’t know what to expect from Chris Carpenter and he didn’t have a closer.  Carpenter is back to being his ace and Ryan Franklin has stepped up to be his closer.  Also, remember he didn’t have anyone to protect Pujols to start the season, but he had his team in good shape until they got Matt Holliday and we all know how that trade has worked out.  Let’s not also forget the moves to bring in DeRosa, Lugo, and Smoltz.  The Cardinals know how to stay in the race year in and year out and a lot of the credit has to go to their manager.

Another team that’s interesting is the Twins.  This is a team that is always in the mix year in and year out and they have to do it with a low payroll.  They lose players like Johan Santana and Torii Hunter, but can replace them with a Joe Mauer and Justin Morneuau.  Even with Morneau out for the season they are right there with the Tigers with players like Michael Cuddyer stepping up.  Their race with the Tigers down the stretch will be fun to watch.

Speaking of the Tigers they are playing in our Thursday night game tonight against the Indians.  They have had a great turnaround from a year ago with letting players go like Gary Sheffield and Edgar Renteria and allowing young players to flourish like Rick Porcello.  With Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson, and Porcello at the top of that rotation the Tigers could be a tough out in the playoffs.-John Hart