Hoping against hope. Since the Angels lost, wins by the Mariners and the Red Sox kept both teams' playoff hopes alive in the American League wildcard race. If the Angels lose every remaining game and either the Mariners or the Sox win every remaining game, the Mariners (or Sox) go to the playoffs.

There is something wonderful about sports. The best and the worst of life can be found in one game and on one field, and yet remain bloodless and pure. The Mariners and the Sox have hope. Pure, unadulterated, backs-against-the-wall, will-there-be-a-miracle hope. Hope. The Yankees down in the bottom of the ninth in the World Series homerun type hope. It is thrilling, it is moving, and it is wondrous. And it does not have to involve horror and bloodshed. Sports can be an analogy, a guideline, and a benchmark for life. Those who cannot see that are simply not smart enough--indeed, they often believe they are too smart.