Your Sunday Scoreboard

We're heading into the final home stretch of the season—the gardening season that is—so with mild temperatures predicted for the next few days and no frost in sight for at least the next week, let's take a look at how our "teams" are faring so far this season. Team Big Tomato got a late start but as you can see, they're going strong into the final stretch. Everyone knows the arch nemesis of Big Tomato is Little Squirrel, but so far the Squirrels are leaving the Tomatoes alone. We'll have to see if they can hold them off for the rest of the season. If the Squirrels go on the offensive, look for the Tomatoes to go into the clubhouse early.

Another late starter is Team Mild Habanero. These plants are loaded with peppers, which are supposed to turn red. We're not quite sure what their magic number is, so time will tell if there's enough time left in the season for these guys to finish what they've started.

Not sure you can see but this is Team Okra, which stands at about eight feet tall. No one needed to check these guys' birth certificates as Team Okra started quite late, but since August has been a solid producer and has definitely had a winning season. As good as these guys have been, don't look for them to return next year. The commissioner is planning to shake things up over the winter and due to its lack of fans, Team Okra is not expected to be in the league come next season.

The most dependable team of the season has to be Team Grape Tomato. Because they started early and keep on producing, look for them to be this season's MVP.

Mathematically eliminated early in the year were Team Pumpkin, Team Cantaloupe, Team Watermelon, and Team Summer Squash. The conditions were just too shady for these vines. If they choose to come back to the league next year, they're going to have to put themselves in the sun if they want to have any chance at success.

Another disappointment this year was Team Brussels Sprouts, who were blanked by the Invisible Slugs throughout the year. We're not sure if Team Brussels Sprouts will return next year but if they do, they're going to have to rely on their bullpen to handle the Slugs. This year the bullpen was totally ineffective against the Slugs. If management can't find a better solution at the Winter Meetings, we might not see the Sprouts in the league next year.

Say congratulations to this year's All-Stars—Team Grape Tomato!