LA @ NYM, Game 2 NLDS

Pitching and defense. One of these things has been our bane all year long. The other has occasionally caused us problems. Both were out of whack in last night's game.

Nomar re-hurt his quad during the game which, as much as I would miss him at the moment, might be the best thing for the team next game -- Saenz or Loney would be more than suitable replacements. And a pinch-hitting Nomar late in a game has been proven to be a threat.

Tomko just didn't look sharp. Sure seems like everything went downhill for him after the news came out he was looking to step into a closer role at some point. That'll teach him. Well, at least he has his art to fall back on.

On the positive tip, Betemit's home run was a monster. Kuo, despite only going 4.1, was 4 H, 2 ER 2 BB, and 4 K in a pressure-packed situation. 85 pitches, 53 for strikes. Billingsley looked just wicked in his one inning of work with two strikeouts, as did the ever-dependable Saito. And as other writers have pointed out, even if Saturday's game at the Ravine is a loss (which is hardly a guarantee with Maddux pitching), this transitional season has been a success.

Besides, the Tigers earned a split in New York, causing much consternation in the Bronx and ESPN, and much jubulation every where else.