PHI 4, TB 3

An anticlimactic end, kind of, but the Phillies are champions of the world. And Aaron is champion of the pool! Final points and standings follow.

Thanks so much for playing this year; see you back here next fall. Payouts will happen shortly.

PHI: 18

Pena, C.: 1
Longoria, E.: 1

Kazmir, S.: 5
Hamels, C.: 3
Lidge, B.: 1

141: Aaron
129: Lauren
115: Maria
113: Jill East
110: Sarah
105: Zach
78: Brian
68: Tim
57: Joe
41: Tom and Angela

PHI 10, TB 2

Bit behind here at BPPHQ after going out of town for a few days; sorry about that, and thanks to the rain for letting me catch up.

Fun game to listen to on the radio, not least because Howard-pickers got on the board big-time, and you have to love the Blanton homer.

PHI: 5
Howard, R.: 7

New standings, with Lauren coming back and Maria gaining:

123: Aaron
111: Lauren
107: Jill
94: Maria
91: Sarah
87: Zach
77: Brian
68: Tim
57: Joe
41: Tom
40: Angela

With Howard's bat waking up, the core of the TB lineup has gone cold, and now we're in a weird rain delay; watch this space for a scheduling update. Jeff Passan thinks the rain delay symbolizes everything that's wrong with baseball right now, so while we're waiting, read and enjoy.

PHI 5, TB 4

Sorry about yesterday's points oversight; I'm on the road and having to do these on the fly. Never hesitate to correct me.

I think I've got these right, though: 3 for Philly pickers, 3 for Utley, and Howard finally shows up for 2 points.

118: Aaron
107: Jill East
99: Lauren
86: Sarah
82: Zach and Maria
77: Brian
61: Tim
50: Joe
34: Tom
33: Angela

Sonnanstine and Blanton at 8:30 tonight.

TB 4, PHI 2

Tampa Bay picks one up to scotch the sweep points for the pool; Howard's offensive absence continues, and the sports press is turning into the narrative for the postseason.

TB pickers get 3 points each, plus one each for Pena and Longoria and 4 for Shields.

The standings for today's off day:

112: Aaron
107: Jill East
94: Lauren
83: Sarah
79: Zach
77: Maria and Brian
59: Tim
48: Joe
32: Tom
31: Angela

[edited 10/26 to reflect Shields Ks]

Saturday night's game starts at 8:35 ET, MVP Garza vs. Grandpa Moyers.

PHI 3, TB 2

Huh. So, Backstreet's back and it's not going to get any less weird from there, I guess.

PHI: 3

Utley, C.: 3

Hamels, C.: 5
Lidge, B.: 2
Kazmir, S.: 4

No huge change in the standings, although Maria is coming on somewhat.

112: Aaron
103: Jill East
94: Lauren
83: Sarah
79: Zach
77: Maria
69: Brian
56: Tim
48: Joe
30: Angela
28: Tom

Myers and Shields in The Battle Of The Plurals tomorrow night at 8:30.

TB 3, BOS 1

Looks good on ya, CRAPELBON. Gahhhhhd, I hate that guy.

Tampa heads to the World Series vs. Philadelphia; Jill East is looking to kick some ass and drink some beer...and it looks like she's almost out of beer; and something Brian this way comes. Whole new poolgame, folks.

Last night's points:

TB: 13

Longoria, E.: 1

Lester, J.: 8

A bunch of picks drop out, but only two poolies eliminated from contention; their names appear in italics below, and they won't appear in future updates. (Sorry, guys.)

The standings going into the Classic:

106: Aaron
99: Jill East
86: L. Shots
78: S. Bunts
76: Zach
69: Maria, Brian
59: Broomfield/Romine
56: Tim
48: Joe
30: Angela
28: Tom
23: Matt

Will Philly suffer from all those days off? Can Tampa ground the Flyin' Hawaiian? We'll find out at 8 PM ET Wednesday; Hamels climbs the hill for the Phillies, no word yet on the Rays' starter. It pains me, but I'm calling it for Tampa in 6. Discuss.

BOS 4, TB 2

Color me surprised that Tampa couldn't touch up Beckett, and at home at the Trop no less. I thought the Rays could win this game easily, but I also think that not coming right back -- and having to face Lester again tomorrow night -- hurts them. This is what Boston does; I'm surprised they're in a position to do it again, but won't be surprised if they do do it.

Points:

BOS: 3

Youkilis, K.: 3

Shields, J.: 3

Not much change in the standings, except that I'm back in the money and Aaron widens his lead:

98: Aaron
86: Lauren
78: Sarah
77: Jill East
76: Zach
69: Maria
56: Brian
51: Broomfield/Romine
48: Joe
43: Tim
29: Angela
28: Tom
23: Matt

Lester vs. Garza tomorrow night at 8:07. If Boston wins, Aaron wins, pretty much.