MMMM, YEAH, JAYS MATHEMATICALLY ELIMINATED

John Gibbons... what's happening? Yeah, we're going to need you to go ahead and get your office cleaned out. Yeah. Nothing to worry about.

Sorry, just kidding around a bit there in honour of the birthday of Gary Cole, AKA Lumbergh from Office Space.

Not much to say about the Jays being mathematically eliminated from the AL East race with a 6-3 annihilation by the Yankees. (Since the Toronto Star used the word "smoked" to describe New York's one-run win on Monday, three runs qualifies as an annihilation, right?)

The Jays never really put it together from the outset of this season, and at seven games over .500, look every bit like the 1998-2000 vintage teams -- good enough to dream, but ultimately lacking in pitching and defence. At least now we know that Gibbons probably isn't the manager who can make the difference, that Russ Adams is probably never going to put it together (at least not until he moves on to another organization) and Adam Lind is going to hit a lot of fences before he's through.

Hey, the Jays' futilty is certainly no more abject than the Boston Red Sox's complete collapse despite having nearly twice the payroll.

It doesn't even make sense to resent the Yankees today. The $200 million payroll helps, but they had their act together, although the only way you're going to see a Subway Series is if someone builds a transit link to the Twin Cities ... from San Diego. (Hey, it's not that far-fetched.)

As for the Jays, it's on to Next Year Country, just as soon as those TPS reports are finished. Don't forget to use the new cover sheet.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The dreaded day has come for Detroit Tigers fans. Their division lead is down to a half-game after they were skunked by the Chicago White Sox as the Twins, led by Justin Morneau's five-hit night, were beating Boston. The Chisox are 4½ games out of the wild card with 11 to play, meaning all they can do is play spoiler. The Tigers aren't going to fall that far, since they have those six games left against Kansas City to cushion their fall.
• There's no momentum in baseball. Coming off their dramatic 10-inning win over the San Diego Padres on Monday, the L.A. Dodgers lost to the lowly Pirates and fell back into second place. You know, at some point someone should try keeping the NL West for more than a day, just to see how it feels.
• Don't try to say the schedule-making is random: Kingston Frontenacs bench boss Bruce Cassidy will make his Ontario Hockey League debut on Friday against his old coach and team, as the Frontes meet Brian Kilrea's Ottawa 67s. (Here's a wire story on the former NHL coach who's returned to the junior ranks.)

Back with more later in the day. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca. NHL previews are in the hopper.