Another week has passed, and as the memory of summer fades into fall, and winter makes promises in the distance, the Barn is where you’ll stay warm. Don’t forget about our MLB Playoff Giveaway. We’re giving away copies of Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding. To enter, simply like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to the website between now and the final out of the 2012 World Series, and you’re automatically eligible for our draw for one of three copies of Harbach’s incredible baseball novel, courtesy of our good friends at the Hachette Book Group.

With no NHL but thank the good Lord of sport that we have the MLB postseason to keep us warm. Watching Justin Verlander pitch is liked watching my ex-wife sign divorce papers—an unadulterated thing of beauty that will resonate for generations.

Enough about my failures, here’s run down of just some of the mighty fine things we read up on this week. Oh, and for our Canadian readers, be sure to enjoy the Globe & Mail before its paywall kicks in, relegating the once mighty publication to total irrelevance. 

• PLAY OF THE WEEK

Some sports are summer sports for a reason.

• A FANDOM TOO FAR

In Argentina, futbol fans don’t just cheer, they kill. [Outside via Longreads]

• DARE YOU NOT TO CRY

A marine carries boy across finish line after his prosthetic legs break during a marathon. [Yahoo]

• SNARE BOOKS DIES, IS REBORN

Snare Books, the publisher of both the Barn’s Mike Spry and Ian Orti’s first books, says goodbye. Sort of. [Quill & Quire]

• A PERFECT GAME(S)

Jayson Stark on why this MLB postseason is as good as we’ve ever seen. [ESPN]

• DARYL KATZ, BILLIONAIRE OILERS OWNER, IS A DICK

The Oiler owner is involved in a game of arena chicken with the City of Champions. [Puck Daddy]

• ICHIRO TALKS WEIRD, BUT GOOD

A new book will celebrate the wonderful, wacky world of Ichiro-speak. [Seattle PI]

• MLB SEXIST? WHAT BROAD SAID THAT?

Is the MLB’s dress code for female reporters sexist? Well, the stiletto and mini-skirt rule seemed a little much. [Think Progress]

• SONG OF THE WEEK