We're big Rays fans -- we've been going to games since my 9-year-old was a baby and his dad had to change diapers in the stands because there were no changing tables in the men's rooms (thank you Matt Silverman & Co for fixing that!). We're thrilled that the Rays (who I used to refer to as the best minor league team in major league baseball) have thrived under Coach Maddon. And we appreciate what a wonderful baseball team this franchise has evolved into -- it's really just terrific!

So when my son asked -- why is Coach Maddon saying 9=8? I explained that Coach Maddon says that 9 guys playing hard all season results in them being one of the 8 teams in the post-season -- and my son says -- we're in the AL, mom -- shouldn't that be 10=8? Counting the DH?

Well, I was stumped -- is there something obvious I'm missing?