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With two outs in the top of the 9th, Charlie Manuel emerged from the top step of the dugout.

The Phillies, sporting a 10-3 lead over the Houston Astros, stood poised to claim their third straight division title.

Scott Eyre, returning from the disabled list, had quickly recorded the first two outs, getting former Phillie Michael Bourne and Miguel Tejada.

But here comes Uncle Charlie, waving for the bullpen.

There goes the Philadelphia faithful, waving the white rally towels.

And out comes Brad Lidge to collect the final out.

The fans loved it.

To think, Braves fans had it all two days ago.

The Braves were on fire, the Rox were, to an extent, scuffling, and they sat only two games back.

An unlikely series of events would still have to occur. But, hey, we were believers.

Then, Cameron Maybin, Dan Uggla, Josh Johnson, and Jorge Cantu happened.

Later that night, Chris Iannetta happened.

No biggie. Still only three games.

It'll be a little harder, but it's still possible.

We have to believe...right?

Then tonight happened.

Originally published at WNST.net.

As the Orioles fall toward the 100-loss mark with seemingly little resistance over the final week of the season, their elder statesman winds down his 10-year stay with an organization fixed in what feels like an endless era of losing.

After leaving last night's game against the Houston Astros with an injury, it has been revealed that Jamie Moyer will be out for the rest of the season.

The 46-year-old pitcher tore a groin after making a pitch last night. He will have surgery at some time next week.

He will be ready for spring training next season.

After losing his job in the starting rotation in August to Pedro Martinez, Moyer has been completely dominant out of the bullpen, used primarily as a long relief man.

During the 2009 season, Moyer had a 12-10 record with a 4.94 ERA.

Francisco Rodriguez has been a premier closer (perhaps the premier closer) in all of baseball over the last six years. Since 2004, "K Rod" has saved 206 games and crafted a stunning 2.20 ERA during that span.

Justin Maxwell has shown flashes of brilliance around his periods of ineptness, but hasn't indicated any real ability to become an everyday major leaguer.

Since being recalled from "AA" Harrisburg in 2007, Maxwell has a 162-game average of just .245-13-26 with a .317 on-base percentage.

It doesn't seem like the Yankees care about anything other than winning at this point. Since clinching home field advantage for the entire postseason, they haven't lost a game and continue to look great.

However, things aren't set in stone in the American League Central. The Tigers hold a two game lead over the Twins, but the two teams face off tonight and tomorrow. According to Baseball Prospectus, Minnesota still has a 17 percent chance of winning the AL Central.

PHILADELPHIA—This just in. Jamie Moyer's MRI results have come in and they don't show good news for the Phillies.

The MRI shows tears in three tendons—two in his groin and one in his lower abdomen.

He will not pitch again in 2009.

Recovery time is reportedly 10 months, but Moyer is expected to be ready for the start of Phillies' spring training in February.

Just because the 2009 season has not officially wrapped up does not mean that it’s too early to start looking towards 2010. 

First up in our early positional rankings are the catchers; so let’s get right to it and take a look at the Top 15.

Ron Gardenhire is generally regarded as a good manager. He is a likable man and a likable manager, but that doesn't mean he isn't second-guessed.

Yesterday, in both games of a crucial doubleheader, Gardy made some questionable decisions. From an ill-advised suicide squeeze to not bringing in Jose Mijares to face a lefty, Twins' fans are split on Gardy.

Most like the man, some can't stand his managerial tactics.

On September 30, 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies began what has become one of their best three-year runs in franchise history. On that day, they defeated the Washington Nationals 6-1 to clinch the National League Eastern division crown.

Almost a year later, the Phils reclaimed their title as division champions by once again defeating the Nationals.

Moving to 2009, we see this same opportunity once again.