1.   Both teams are on the fringes of playoff contention, and that was reflected in the game.

2.   And both immediately dropped out of playoff contention.

3.   Art Howe, widely nominated to be fired last winter, guided the unheralded Oakland Athletics from oblivion to playoff contention until the last week of the season.

4.   Any combination of Boston victories or Net losses eliminates them from playoff contention.

5.   Because the East is so mediocre, Toronto will be in playoff contention for at least another few weeks.

6.   A loss eliminates Steelers from playoff contention.

7.   A loss Sunday would all but mathematically eliminate the Giants from playoff contention.

8.   Both teams are out of playoff contention.

9.   Burkhart all but fell out of the sky to help rescue the Sox from a disastrous June slump and keep them in playoff contention.