We really do have an interest in the playoffs because many old friends will be in action somewhere almost every night next week. Look at the ex-Indians who are ready to punch their post-season tickets. This is not a complete list, just a few highlights. You probably could add a name or two that I overlooked.

There is C. C. Sabathia, 19-7 with the first-place Yankees who have the best record in all of baseball at 100-56, the only 100-game winner in baseball this year. C.C., by the way, leads the league in wins.

When the Indians traded catcher Victor Martinez to Boston, we sent him from last-place to the playoffs. The Red Sox have virtually clinched the American League wild card berth and Victor had something to do with that. Including his stats with the Indians, Victor is hitting .301 with 102 RBI. Paul Byrd also landed with the Red Sox as a spot starter. He didn't do much, six starts, 1-3 record, 5.81 ERA. But he'll get a playoff share. Maybe he'll get a ring.

The Tribe did a big favor for Cliff Lee, trading him to the Phillies, who lead the National League East by four games with six to play. Including his Cleveland stats, Lee is 14-12 with a 3.19 ERA this season.

If the Minnesota Twins overtake the Tigers for the division championship in the American League Central, they can thank the Indians for sending them Carl Pavano. His combined stats with Cleveland and Minnesota show a 13-11 record with a 4.86 ERA.

Casey Blake is playing a fine third base for the Dodgers, who lead the National League West by 4 1/2 games with five to play. I hesitate to mention Manny Ramirez of the Dodges because his relationship with the Indians goes back, to the previous millenium. There should be a statue of limitations here. Jim Thome also wound up with the Dodgers late this summer, seeing very limited duty, mostly as a pinch hitter. Jim is a two-month rental.

There are other former Indians scattered around, such as Brandon Phillips of Cincinnati, not in the playoffs. Set up man Bob Howry of San Francisco, 61 games. Starter Kevin Millwood, Texas, 12-10 and 3.75.

I probably should mention Milton Bradley of the Cubs -- 12 homers, 40 RBI, .257, two suspensions. Every team he's been on -- Montreal, Cleveland, the Dodgers, Texas, the Cubs (maybe I missed one or two) hates him to his core. He is stranger than Albert Belle and far less talented.

This article reprinted from CoughlinUnplugged.com, through a partnership between Dan Coughlin and The Cleveland Leader. To read more of his writing, visit his website.