She's Got a Ticket to Ride

Baseball: The first official member of the 2009 postseason is - the Yankees. They punched their ticket after beating the Angels, 6-5...And thanks to another Red Sox loss, it looks like the Yanks will be riding in as the AL East title winners. But there is that pesky 3 game series this weekend that could change things...Looks like Ben Affleck is a very lucky man. I mean his wife actress Jennifer Garner is almost as big a Red Sox fan as he is...The Tigers held off the Indians, 3-1...And the Twins topped the White Sox, 8-6. The Tigers still hold a two and a half game lead over Minnesota...Chicago closer Bobby Jenks is likely done for the season after pulling a right calf muscle in pregame drills. But the bigger question remains has Jenks played his last game for the White Sox?...If there was award for strike out king, Mark Reynolds would own it -- two years in a row. Reynolds had three strike outs for his 205th punch out of the year, breaking his year old record for most strike outs in one season...The D'backs went on to beat the Giants, 10-8. Oh Matt Cain, this is not the time to start pitching poorly...The Rockies extended their wild card lead after out slugging the Padres, 11-10...Two Rockies prospects, Brent Bowman and Shane Lowe, have been suspended for 50 games following positive tests for amphetamines...THe Dodgers are now just three games away from clinching a playoff spot after hamemring the Nats, 14-2...Also closing in on a divisional title is St. Louis after they killed the Astros, 11-2. Way to kick a team when they are down...If there were say four more weeks left instead of two, maybe the Braves would have a better chance at making the playoffs, especially with the way they have been playing as of late (Phillies series not with standing) instead they'll have to take solace in their 3-1 victory of the Mets which puts them a game away from another sweep...Sad news, Curt Schilling has decided not to run for Ted Kennedy's seat. I only write that it's sad news, because his campaign could be the source of ten -- no at least 20 posts on this here blog.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Basketball: The owner of the Utah Jazz D-League Team Brandt Andersen is offering a $100,000 donation to see Michael Jordan take on Bryon Russell.

College Football: Good news Gators, it's not swine flu, just the regular old knock-your-butt-to- the-curb flu. Now don't you feel better?...In other not as serious as originally thought injury report news, it's just turf toe for Irish QB Jimmy Clausen...Louisville starting safety Terrence Simien is out indefinitely after suffering a lacerated kidney. That should not be confused with not as serious as originally thought injury report news because a lacerated kidney is pretty serious..Keep those fingers crossed Pete Carroll, because who knows if Matt Barkley and Taylor Mays will play against Washington State. Wouldn't want two upsets in a row...Apparently Kansas' football and basketball teams are not friends. Or at the very least frenemies.

Football: Cowboys RB Marion Barber received treatment and hopes to play on Monday...The Chiefs are sticking with Matt Cassel...Robert Henson has decided to take down his twitter account after calling Redskins fans "dim wits" Well they like the Redskins so that's really not too far off. I hope this had nothing to do with it...The new Cowboys Stadium remains a work in progress and as such, the Cowboys have decided they'll try to limit the number of standing room only tickets. Oh and Giants LB Danny Clark would like you work on the plumbing in the visiting team's locker room.

Hockey: The Blackhawks have lost Adam Burish for six months once he undergoes surgery for a torn ACL...Colorado will be without Tom Preissing for four-to-six weeks after he had a scope done on his right knee.
(Photo: AP)

Nascar: A day after Jack Daniels announced they were leaving the No. 07 chevy, Jim Bean has announced they'll no longer sponsor Robby Gordon's No. 7. It appears 7s are not so lucky in Nascar...Kyle Busch was docked 25 points for having a too low fender at New Hampshire...Casey Mears will be without tire changer Clint Pittman for the rest of the season after he broke his foot during a pit stop at New Hampshire...Here's a note for anyone who plans to interview Juan Pablo Montoya, don't wait until 5:01.

Best of the Rest: Rampage Jackson says he's done fighting in UFC. Good now he can back to taking his frustrations out on other cars...Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has agreed to pay $5.6 million in back taxes to the IRS. I would say that's a good idea...Looks like it could be another epic battle between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer this time at the Davis Cup.

Check this Out: For your viewing pleasure, indicted Tom DeLay on Dancing with the Stars. Click here for Countdown's review of Tommy's pefromance. (PS - Could they mention he is indicted anymore?)