The baseball gods (or MLB’s broadcasting office) just don’t want this season to end. Because the AL Central is still up for grabs, the Chicago White Sox had to face the Detroit Tigers in a make-up game at US Cellular Field on Monday. The scenario was simple - White Sox win, Twins come to town for a one-game playoff; White Sox lose, they can start scheduling tee times.

After sitting through a three hour rain delay, it seemed that the Sox’s season was sunk. Although he started off with a shaky 1st inning, Tigers pitcher Freddy Garcia held the White Hose in check, clinging to a 2-1 advantage entering the bottom of the 6th.

But two big factors turned the tide for the home team: Garcia’s elbow and Alexei Ramirez.

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Last week, we told you of the postseason dilemma facing the Tampa Bay Rays - namely, who was going to throw out the ceremonial first pitch? There were all sorts of suggestions, ranging from Dick Vitale, Wade Boggs, Hulk Hogan, and many, many more.

Well, the 2008 AL East champs have finally made their decisions for not one, but two games. Game 2’s special pitching guest will be Paul Azinger, captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and open campaigner for the golden opportunity. And there’s Paul above, kissing Boo Weekley upon hearing the great news.

But who was awarded the grand prize of hurling the horsehide for the Rays’ first-ever playoff game? The lucky winner is none other than…

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This is too good to pass up. Fresh off clinching the franchise’s first-ever playoff berth, the Tampa Bay Rays now face a serious problem: Who will throw out the first pitch in their first playoff game?

Ever-diplomatic for such a previously woeful franchise, the Rays’ first instinct was to make it public through the WASHINGTON POST that you’re not worthy. You, as in, anyone:

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• How great was Monday night’s NFL showdown between the Cowboys & Eagles? Great enough to be the most-watched cable TV program ever!

Only gratuitous in-game shots of Jessica Simpson could have raised higher ratings - among other things.

• Let’s see if we can figure out this whole MLB postseason mess.

• Meanwhile, how can Major League Baseball keep children from using steroids? By reviving that old standby - “Just Say No!”

• It seems the Mets & Brewers are more concerned about making tee times than making the playoffs.

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Does anything scream Major League Baseball like that dude from “Moonlight and Valentino” singing a country music song? (Correct answer: Yes, everything.)

More impressive than Jon Bon Jovi — the visionary responsible for Slippery When Wet — getting all countrified in this TBS spot for the upcoming playoffs, is the breaking news that the Yankees are “expected to be competing in this year’s postseason.” Video evidence after the jump.

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