A different magic number

Manager Mike Scioscia was asked if he knew his team's magic number and immediately, he wanted clarification.

"Define magic number," Scioscia said. "Is that the year the good Lord takes us, or are you talking about winning the division?"

Scioscia, of course, will do anything he can to halt talk about the team's upcoming clinching party. Ask about the postseason roster and Scioscia will talk about how tonight's game is his only focus. Ask about the importance of earning the top seed in the AL playoffs and he says that those types of questions will be relevant at a later. At least that answer is an admission that the playoffs are coming.

Here is a perfect example of the length Scioscia will go to avoid postseason questions. Scioscia was asked by yahoo.com's Tim Brown if looking at the standings is part of his daily routine.

"I haven't looked at the standings since probably the All-Star break," Scioscia claimed.

Responded Brown: "Well, I have good news for you."