I'm hoping y'all will see this before you start up your NFL festivities tomorrow. And yes, the world hasn't ended just because it's the first NFL Sunday. Baseball is still happening....

Since this is the 23rd recap, I must tell you that 23 is my favorite number. And it's not because of MJ. Real fans know who the best 23 is....

As Cubs fans know all too well, our beloved team is known for its chokes. I have already written on past misdeeds, Cubs and other teams. But it's not just the Cubs that are feeling the heat right now. Tampa Bay's lead looked "safe", but here come the BoSox! The AL East lead is down to 2 1/2 games. The Mets have the Phillies breathing down their necks. (both of these teams know what choking is about. In a a previous collapse post, I can't believe I forgot about the 1964 Phillies blowing a 6 1/2 game lead with 12 or 13 games to go. Sorry about that....) Even Arizona can't feel safe in a bad division. I can choke the life out of this, but it has me worried. I see everywhere, as far as the Cubs are concerned, that they shouldn't worry...blah blah blah. But they have reason to worry, especially when two of your pitchers are hurting.

And speaking of pitchers hurting, I know have bones to pick. I seem to remember a little while back when Carlos Zambrano was hurt it was 2-3 starts removed from a high pitch game. I know pitchers are babied more than ever, but knowing this has been an issue in the past, shouldn't the Cubs been more careful? Hindsight...yes. But the Cubs have a track record here and I'd hate to see a dream season ruined by this. As far as Rich Harden is concerned I still have to question why the Cubs would go into business with him. sure, his upside is good...WHEN he is healthy. But clearly the Cubs think there are issues now. I know why the Cubs had to do this in light of Milwaukee acquiring CC Sabathia. I guess I'd have to ask Cubs management this: How in the world could the Cubs not acquire Sabathia? Oh wait-I forgot. They're still try to sort through the ownership stuff. Hmm...I hope in the end this doesn't cost the Cubs.

Other things....Looking at the standings, it's hard to believe that Toronto is on the brink of catching the Yankees for third place in the AL East. It's been fifteen years that the Yankees have missed a post season. Changes are a coming!!

Poor Minnesota. The evil Republican Convention put the Twins on the road trip from hell. And it was a bad trip for them. Fortunately for them, the ChiSox didn't blast open the AL Central and the Twins are only 1 1/2 games behind. Looks to be a fun finish!

And now the NL Worst. When Colorado is eight games under .500 and five games back, you know it's a bad division. This race should also finish interestingly....

Hunter Flops

This week's version features teams whose football equivalent could be just as bad

Teams:

-NY Yankees. Could they finish in fourth place? It's starting to look that way. The Jets, even with Brett Faver, aren't supposed to be that great.

-Detroit. WE know how much they have underachieved this year. Question will be if Kansas City catches them for last place. I think the Lions are looking at last in their division.

-Atlanta. 62-80. Hard to believe how hard the Braves have fallen. At least the Falcons will keep them company.

-San Francisco. Could Barry have helped??. The 49ers are wondering if they will ever be good again

Players:

These players maybe special teams or practice squad players:

-Omar Vizquel. Maybe his .195 BA puts him on the Physically Unable To Perform list

-Jeff Mathis. A SoCal Angels player in the Flops?? When you're like 20 million games ahead, I guess you can hide a .195 hitter and put him on your extra point team.

-Corey Patterson. His speed may be a plus, but if you're only hitting .201, maybe at best you're on the punt return team??

-Paul Bako. At .204, maybe you're the big lineman who gets abused at practice

-Aaron Harang. At 4-15, you may need to go to the Arena League.

-Carlos Silva. With a 6.53 ERA, you shouldn't have made first cuts. And you're not even left handed!

Since it's always good to go out on a high note, congrats to Cliff Lee for winning your 20th game this week. 20-2 is absolutely insane and I think this puts you in as the AL Cy Young favorite.

Don't choke on the football, but remember pennant fever in Baseball!!