In a sport where just 27 percent of teams play reach the postseason, is there anything more a baseball fan can realistically ask for other than meaningful games in October?

I think not.

The Twins weren't in an elimination game on Friday night against Kansas City, but every win postpones Detroit's ability to clinch the division. We're not at the point of "win and you're in" yet, as we still need the White Sox to win at least one more game, but the Twins are awfully close.

Minnesota's magic number is 4, while the division-leading Tigers' is just 2. Two games remain.

If Chicago can win two more games against the Tigers, and the Twins sweep the remaining games against Kansas City, the division would go to Minnesota outright.

If Detroit loses one of two and the Twins win out, or if Detroit is swept and the Twins win one of the remaining two, a one-game play-in will be held on Tuesday night at the Metrodome for all the marbles.

A few weeks ago, a playoff run looked extremely unlikely. After failing to win the crucial series in Detroit earlier this week, things looked even bleaker. The odds of the Twins catching up to the Tigers aren't favorable, but after days like yesterday, we're reminded that "it's not over yet, folks."

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