Some MLB thoughts

- With all the talk about Justin Verlander and his comical MVP candidacy this year, Clayton Kershaw's great season seems to be flying under everyone's radar. He leads the league in strikeouts and ERA and even has 20 wins on a piss-poor Dodgers team.  His numbers are inflated by pitching in the National League, and, specifically, the NL West, but he still continues his climb towards the level of elite pitchers in the game.

- Speaking of elite, hello Jacoby Ellsbury.  Sure, juicing helps, but still a sick season and leading the league in WAR (and total bases).

- Let's talk about the rest of the Red Sox for a minute.  Beckett is still a good pitcher, and so is Jon Lester.  After that, and besides Daniel Bard, THEIR PITCHING SUCKS.  John Lackey might be worse than AJ Burnett, which is saying a lot.  If they get into the playoffs, they're obviously a very dangerous offensive team, and Beckett and Lester will be able to pitch 4 of the 7 games.  Their bullpen has been atrocious lately, with good old Anusmouth Papelbon acting like a clown as usual. That being said, an ALCS matchup with the Red Stockings would be a classic, and a ton of fun.

- Is there a worse team in baseball than the Minnesota Twins?  Is there a worse contract in baseball than Joe Mauer's?  (Nope, and nope.)