E.K. NATION

How do I feel about Felipe giving a rest to all the main starters and then watching the G-Men lose to San Diego? Not too good. Marvin Benard even got in the game. Come on. We still have home-field advantage to fight for. If the starters play and capitalize on playing a weak San Diego team, this team is tied with the Braves for home-field. If I'm Alou, I say save the celebrations for later, especially if you have a day game the next day. Shouldn't do too much partying yet anyway; this thing is far from over. Winning the division is the first of four steps. Don't make me angry the day after winning the West.

I also note with a bit of chagrin that the Twins' lead in the A.L. Central has ballooned to 3.5 games. This means that we are closer to having the playoff scenario involve the Metrodome. I hate that place. I don't want to watch baseball in that cavern. I'll be rooting against the Twins. Sad, because I like watching some of them play, like Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart. Too bad: You play in a dome, then I hate your team. That's the way it goes.

NFL Specials: Okay, so I went 3-5 last week. Don't count that. I was interfered with.

Tampa Bay over Atlanta

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati

St. Louis over Seattle

Tennessee over New Orleans

Buffalo over Miami

Minnesota over Detroit

N.Y.Giants over Washington

And...Get The Score Exactly Right On Monday Night Football:

27 21

Last week, the Giants definitely did not beat Dallas 41-13.