I really hate to admit this, but the Nationals have had a better record than the Dodgers the last couple of days - I am surprised Moonie hasn't been lording that over!

For the record, as of the end of the day yesterday, the Nats were 8-7 (.533) and the Dodgers were 7-7 (.500).

Maybe he knows it won't last.

Yeah. "Lord" it over you right before the Dodgers come to town.

I might be reckless, but I ain't delusional.

The A's have had at least a share of the division lead for 15 consecutive days. Party like it's 2005.

It likely won't last but a significant improvement over last year when the only time they had at least a share of the division lead was through the first 8 innings of game 1.

I'm trying to be happy with the consolation prize of the rare opportunity of seeing the Dodgers put up a lot of runs on a consistent basis, even as the trade off is giving up a lot of runs and losing games.

Trying.

You and me both. Very frustrated right now.

The only hope is that they ride the sluggers through to the trade deadline and McCourt decides (assuming his hand's not forced by any divorce rulings in the meantime) to give Colletti the leeway to work his magic once again to make a run at the wildcard. Beyond that it'll be all about next season and how much of this power lineup they can maintain while fixing pitching.

Ouch. Not for the squeemish.

Based on the local recent example of a high school pitcher put into a coma similarly, I expect there'll now be demands that MLB outlaw aluminum bats.

But that would take away from the sanctity of the game!

17 days later the A's are still 1.5 games in the lead.

Why are we wasting everybody's time by continuing the season?