If the Pirates lose tonight the magic number for the playoffs drops to 11. I know that the real goal is the division, and beyond that home field advantage in the LDS, but still I'm surprised at how little focus there has been on how close we are to clinching our first playoff berth. All things remaining equal we are on track to clinch the playoffs at home against the Brewers on the Saturday game on 9/22, should be quite a celebration, although I suspect that the players will hold off on the big pile up until the division is won.
As far as clinching the division is concerned, that is almost certain to occur on the road, either in Philly or St. Louis. Sure would be nice to see the guys pop the champagne bottles in Philly if it can't be here.
