How a nondescript night becomes ridiculous
As a bunch of us returned to work from our annual office fantasy football draft, we get smacked in the face with a couple of big-time games that no one would've expected to draw much attention months ago. First off, the U.S. basketball team showed it is vulnerable after losing to Argentina. Baron Davis even admitted not taking them seriously. You have to wonder if USA Basketball will rethink its use of NBA stars, especially when many of the true superstars weren't there. Of course, the Americans could bounce back in the knockout round and absolutely clobber everyone now that they're mad (or should be).

As for that A's streak, it was impressive seeing them pile up the runs early, and just as astonishing seeing the Royals bounce back to come back from an 11-run lead. But to quote Alyson, an unabashed Royals fan, "They'll find a way to lose it." And they did it most dramatic fashion, although it was very spooky to see everyone pretty much expect Oakland pull it out in the bottom of the ninth after letting Kansas City tie it. You've got to wonder, though, if Billy Koch will blow up in the postseason with some of those blown saves and late-inning flare-ups that would eventually lead to the late dramatics. As much as it would be neat to see the A's set the major-league record (and there's a long way to go), you've got to think it ends during one of those games in Minnesota. Besides, despite this huge streak, Oakland still has a brutal schedule down the stretch.This only serves to keep them in the pennant race.