Three observations ... • Everyone is raving about the Yankees' offense, but good pitching can slow down good hitting. The Yankees' rotation gives any opponent a shot to beat them in the postseason.
• On my list of great people I have covered in this game, Jim Thome is near the top. One of the most polite, professional and humble players I have dealt with.
• It's too early for the Justin Verlander-for-MVP discussions. Let's see how he does over the next three weeks -- and how Jose Bautista, Curtis Granderson, Miguel Cabrera and Adrian Gonzalez do over that time.
... and two predictions • The Giants will catch the Diamondbacks and win the NL West. Yes, I'm betting on Carlos Beltran.
• Justin Morneau will bat at least .280 and hit at least six home runs the rest of the season. He's starting to have some success against lefthanders, a good sign.
