Chicago's victory reduced its magic number to one, clinching a tie for the American League Central title. But even if the Indians were to sweep the three-game set at Jacobs Field this weekend, thus clinching a playoff berth, the White Sox would win the tiebreaker for the AL Central crown with an 11-8 edge in head-to-head play.

The reason the White Sox and Indians wouldn't play a one-game playoff is because, with the Red Sox and Yankees playing each other this weekend, one team would be guaranteed to finish out of the playoffs if the Indians swept the White Sox. And in instances in which two teams from the same division are guaranteed to make the playoffs, MLB does not use a one-game playoff, instead relying on head-to-head records to break the tie.

Alight, this is pretty damn exciting. I feel great. MY team is number one, and the Chicago National League Baseball Club is nowhere to be seen this year. We've taken all the crap you North Siders have dished out, and this particular year you've got nothing. Your team didn't even get to .500. So shut the hell up this year - next year, we're on again. This year - SHUT UP.

However, I will graciously extend my arm to help out anybody willing to jump on the bandwagon to see how far we can ride it this year.

I realize I live in Chicago. I realize we don't have the greatest history when it comes to championships with any professional team in the city. We may get no further than this round. This is OK. Like I said, come 2006 it's "Game On" all over again.

Here's two seemingly opposite stats that bring the whole year in focus as a great start and a sickening slide at the end: Only the 10th team in history to be in first place every day of the season, and the only team in history to have a 15-game lead drop below three games, And we still won it with 3 games to spare.

It sure is nice feeling being on top. Again.