1.   Several years ago, a reporter friend ventured into the Astros clubhouse after the team clinched a division title.

2.   And now, as they close in on yet another division title, a bitter irony confronts these Braves.

3.   And so the Dodgers returned to the road, with maybe only a week to seal their claim to a division title that might not produce a postseason reward.

4.   And until they learn it, they will never be a contender for a wild-card spot, much less a challenger for the division title.

5.   And, as the season winds down, that group could decide the division title.

6.   As for his emotions watching his brother put his team away to clinch the division title, Hoffman refused to comment.

7.   As for this season, McLane stops short of promising a championship or even another division title.

8.   As it was, they finished tied with the Yankees, then lost a one-game playoff for the division title.

9.   Astonishingly, they still have a chance to defend their division title, warts and all.

10.   At this stage last season, the Astros had already wrapped up the division title and held a double-digit lead over the Chicago Cubs.