Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Just to show you how seriously I take baseball, I prepared a three-by-three diagram before yesterday's games. On the left, I had the Minnesota Twins going 2-0, 1-1, and 0-2. Across the top, I had my beloved Detroit Tigers going 2-0, 1-1, and 0-2. Six of the nine boxes were filled in with "Det," which meant that six of the nine possible outcomes were favorable (from my point of view). Two of the nine boxes were filled in with "Tie," and one with "MN." Yesterday's victory by the Twins meant that they would not go 0-2 this weekend. Yesterday's loss by the Tigers meant that they would not go 2-0 this weekend. The three-by-three diagram has become a two-by-two diagram. This one has "Det," two "Tie"s, and "MN." The Tigers no longer control their fate. I feel confident that the Tigers will win today, since they have their ace (Justin Verlander) pitching; but I'm also sure that the Twins will win. They beat Kansas City's ace (Zack Greinke) yesterday and should have no trouble with a lesser pitcher. If both teams win, there will be a one-game playoff in the Metrodome Tuesday. I wish I could say that I'm optimistic about the result. I'm actually quite pessimistic.