one thing to remember is that there are jobs on the line, and those jobs are worth potentially multi-millions. for instance, i've been watching the rockies. sure they suck, are young and inexperienced, but they are busting their asses off. so it is with the other teams. the only way to look at the games is a straight handicap. but you really have to know the teams and players, and also try to figure out what management is trying to accomplish, even though there is no kind of pennant contention. no team just packs it in. there is always a bigger plan. so, dough plays a huge role & what the manager is trying to develop. the orioles want nothing to do w/sammy, raffy, and ponson, so they got on with their plan to try to develop something else. the o's suck, but they are still busting ass. there's millions & fame on the line.