Best month of the year approaching

Odds and ends as we build up to the start of college football, the start of the NFL, fantasy football, baseball pennant races, and universally tremendous weather from coast to coast.

1) White Sox get Manny. Thoughts? I tend to agree with the SI writer in the attached article. This is a "Hail Manny" that, had it been completed at the trade deadline, may have paid huge dividends. This late in the season, however, there is only so much he can do. I hope I don't eat those words. At the least, it will likely put a little more pressure on the Twins. I have to confess that I am anxious to see Ozzie interact with him.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tim_marchman/08/29/ramirez.white.sox/index.html?xid=siextra_083010

2) Two of three from the Mariners. I'll take it. We've struggled recently in Seattle, and if not for some stellar pitching, we could have LOST 2 of 3. Also, Joe Mauer had a "scheduled" day off yesterday, which obviously adversely affected the offense.

3) Statistically, the Twins have the easiest remaining schedule among teams in the AL pennant race. 19 at home and 12 on the road, with the 12 road games being one series against each division opponent, I believe.

3) Vikings looked respectable (from what I hear/read) on Saturday night. Offense still needs to iron out some kinks, but Percy Harvin actually played, and looked good.