October 7, 2006 [LINK / comment]

A's advance to next round

For the first time since 1990, the Oakland Athletics have won a playoff series. Oddly, the Twins outhit the A's in the third and deciding game, 12-8, but Oakland still won by a five-run margin, 8-3. Josh Suchon (via David Pinto) recalls the bizarre ways the A's have blown their nine previous opportunities to clinch postseason series. Meanwhile, there is no joy in Twinville.

Tigers prevail; Yankees go home

I guess I'm as stunned as anyone else that the Yankees choked against Detroit after entering the postseason with so much confidence. Damon and Rodriguez both went hitless in the last two games, and A-Rod was actually batting eighth! Well, at least he wasn't getting booed while playing on the road... Sheffield was not performing much either. No doubt there will be some Major Changes in the Yankee roster during the off-season, and A-Rod is understood to be willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. There's no question that the Tigers deserved to win, the way they were playing, so congratulations as they advance to the ALCS for the first time since 1987.

Tiger Stadium lives another day

Because of engineering questions, cost, and other factors, Detroit officials have postponed the planned demolition of Tiger Stadium, so it will remain standing for the next few months at least. See detnews.com (via Maury Brown of SABR)

Buck O'Neil passes away

The famed Negro League player, who missed getting voted into the Hall of Fame by just one ballot earlier this year, died in a hospital bed at the age of 94. See MLB.com. As I noted on the Ken Burns Baseball page, he was an extraordinarily charming and decent fellow who added a lot to that historical documentary series.