Today's a Day of Independence for All the Munchkins and Their Descendents!

Ding Dong, the strike is dead! For the first time in nine tries they signed the collective bargaining agreement without a work stoppage.

Pros:

- The three-team AL West race.

- The Astros chase of the Cards.

- Johnson & Schilling and Martinez & Lowe, 2 sets of teammates battling for the Cy Young.

- The Dodgers and the Giants continuing the rivalry while fighting for the NL wild card.

- Bonds' pursuit of Aaron.

- A-Rod's pursuit of a first MVP.

- Smoltz and Gagne's pursuit of Thigpen's season save record.

- No more fan signs.

- One more month of baseball!

- The Playoffs!

- The World Series!

- Less Bud Selig, Donald Fehr, and Bob Dupuy.