I forgot to celebrate the Latin Love Machine’s birthday on September 19 (though I did do my share of talking like a pirate), but that two-run homer he just smacked was enough to remind me to dig up the bouncing Javy head.

Noble of Indiana, a charitable organization that helps people with disabilities to find jobs and provides other services to more severly disabled people, is holding a charity auction.

You can check out what’s for sale here. Among the items is an autographed photo of Gary Majewski, but there’s also lots of stuff you might want to buy.

Boxscore

Both the Brewers and the Mets collapsed at the end of last season. It’s funny how both have done so again this year. The only real difference is that this year, one of the teams will make the playoffs.

C. C. Sabathia started for the Brewers on short rest, but rest is not something Sabathia needs. That’s something required for lesser pitchers. He scoffs at the notion of rest. And of not injuring himself and losing the biggest free-agent jackpot of ever.

But I digress. Sabathia handled the Pirates, allowing just 1 run over 7 innings. He struck out 11, as well.

The win brought the Brewers back into a wild card tie with the New York Mets, who fell to the Chicago Cubs. There are 4 games left for both teams, so this should stay interesting.

Dusty Baker is known for having a serious blindness to the playing abilities of Corey Patterson. He had it when he managed in Chicago, and so it came as no surprise when Patterson joined the Reds shortly after Baker was hired.

No reason for Baker’s cluelessness about Patterson’s ineptitude as a player has ever been put forth. But if you were thinking it was because Patterson was banging Baker’s daughter, think again. John Fay has the details.

“She hasn’t even been to Cincinnati,” Baker said. “This is so far out of line. It’s hurtful to my wife and daughter. How can people stoop that low? I don’t know who started it. But I’ve been hearing from fans, players, announcers.”

So there you go. One reason checked of the list of possible reasons for Baker’s managerial incompetence. Still left in play: blindness, severe brain trauma, man crush, and toothpick wound.

Boxscore

The Astros shut out the Reds last night. The disappearance of the Reds offense was somewhat suspicious. I’m not one to toss out conspiracy theories, but letting the Astros win did keep them in the wild card race. Theoretically.

Ramon Ramirez started for the Reds, and he did well: 5 innings, 2 runs, and 4 strikeouts. All the focus on drafting quality pitchers over the course of this millennium seems to be paying off, as Cincinnati’s system is stocked. I’m trying to feel optimistic about it, but it’s hard with Dusty Baker there.

For example, look at Houston. Here’s a team that doesn’t have the parts to win or contend. Yet here they are at the end of the year with a winning record and not being eliminated from playoff contention until the last few days. The Reds best them in talent, but not in wins, the only thing that really counts.

So hopefully, Walt Jocketty can find Luck available in the free agent market this year. The Reds are going to need it.