If the Chicago White Sox do not win the AL Central this year, you may have to add Mother Nature to the list of reasons.

If it continues to rain all day today (you didn't think it would rain all day yesterday, either) the Sox will have lost three games with Detroit that can only be made up after the season.  That means, a doubleheader on Monday. a single game on Tuesday and, if necessary,a playoff to determine the division winner on Wednesday.

The Twinkies have already taken advantage of the situation by sweeping the Orioles and tying the Sox for first place. And, they have Michael Cuddyer back.  Even at the advertised 60%, he's still a Sox killer and may come up big in the series in the twin cities. If the Twinkies have a four game lead going into the last game, it's over. 

If MLB insists on playing the games today in a steady drizzle, it will affect the outcome.  There could be more Sox injuries (I can already see Junior popping a hammy or Alexi's cleats getting stuck in the mud.  Or Javy blowing a shoulder as he slips off the mound.)

Ozzie is right when he says he can't worry about it.  He's also right when he says at the rate things are going, Jose Contreras might be pitching the nightcap.

Wouldn't it suck after all we have been through this season, to wind up losing the opportunity to go to the playoffs because of Ike?  Now I know how Tina must have felt when Ike hit her.

Lightning Round

• Joe Crede may be done with the White Sox as a direct result of his agent, Scott Boras, getting involved in Crede's rehab for his back. Aparently, Boras doesn't want to risk injury to Crede before he can trot Joe out onto the market to get him his big payday.  The question is who will pay for a player that has known back issues which have cost him lare portions of the last two seasons?  Sure, someone might offer him a big, one year, incentive laden deal, but that might be the end of it.  Would you invest long term in Joe Crede?
• Two quick things involving managers in the division: You will have Eric Wedge to kick around in 2009.  I never thought the guy was in trouble and thought he did a great job after a lot of his team was sold for spare parts. They just had a lot of injuries and never got on track.  Meanwhile, Trey Hillman picks the Twins to win the AL Central.  Like I believe a guy who is the manager of a last place team.  Great turnaround in KC, Trey.  Why don't you worry about getting out of the basement before you become a pundit? (South Side Sox)
• Duh.
  
• The Cubs will be in my back yard tonight.  You've got to feel bad for the Astros. If it's a like a home game when the Cubs play at Miller Park, imagine what it's like if the Brewers aren't involved.