Three observations …

• Royals closer Greg Holland has been shut down with a torn elbow ligament. It's a blow to their bullpen, but the Royals have enough depth to make up for his absence.

• Loved all the Yogi Berra tributes this week. The man will be missed, but his Yogi-isms will last forever.

• The Cardinals are a threat to make a long postseason run, but there's no way they do it without catcher Yadier Molina. His thumb injury has to be a major concern.

… and two predictions

• Joe Maddon should be a lock to win NL manager of the year. The Cubs were going to be better, but who expected a 90-win season?

• The Twins will go 4-3 during the final week of the regular season — and just miss out on a wild-card spot.