11.   A quick glimpse at the wild-card standings shows the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox might be out of the playoff picture.

12.   A three-week flurry of trades and free agent signings is expected to significantly alter the playoff picture.

13.   A victory here would give the Falcons six and put them in the playoff picture.

14.   A victory means the Giants might be able to climb back into some sort of playoff picture, even if that picture is no Picasso.

15.   But if Cato decides to play, the Rockets could again be in the playoff picture.

16.   But now the playoff picture is more bleak than ever.

17.   But with the playoff picture in both conferences only four days from taking final shape, the battle in each is now waged in a glaringly different manner.

18.   Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa was in Houston, involved in both the National League playoff picture and the Home Run Chase of the Century.

19.   Come February, if not sooner, they could be out of the playoff picture again, for a sixth straight season.

20.   Hankinson has made several personnel changes and may be on the right track in getting the team in the playoff picture.