It was the kind of trip that could make or break the Minnesota Twins' season -- a poorly timed 14-game getaway to accommodate the Republican National Convention in the Twins Cities.
Chris DeLuca: This little White Sox club that wasn't supposed to do much in the American League Central has survived its share of injuries to somehow keep its hold on first place.
Chris De Luca: Imagine the Cubs trying to make it through September or -- gulp -- beyond without ace Carlos Zambrano. Superstar leadoff hitter Alfonso Soriano winces at the very thought.
BOSTON -- No matter what happens down the stretch the last month of the regular season, the 2008 White Sox exceeded expectations. Hold your applause.
Chris De Luca: Line them up on the baseline, one by one: Orlando Cabrera, Nick Swisher, Paul Konerko, Jim Thome and Alexei Ramirez. At some point this season, each has been the target of boos from White Sox fans, who can't shake the too-fresh memories of a 90-loss season in 2007.
Chris De Luca: Word of Jay Mariotti's split with the Chicago Sun-Times reached the White Sox' clubhouse minutes after their victory Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, and the reaction could be heard outside.
Ken Griffey Jr. hadn't been in a White Sox uniform for more than an hour, and manager Ozzie Guillen already felt the need to set the record straight.
Chris De Luca: Saturday marks one full month since Pablo Ozuna was cut loose by the White Sox. Somehow, they have managed to stay atop the American League Central. The backlash after Ozuna's exit was surprisingly nasty for a utility player.
Looking around the National League as we drift into mid-August, one thing becomes clear: Not only should the Cubs win their second consecutive NL Central title, but they also should have a clear path to their first World Series since 1945.