Remember that final week? Only the two New York clubs had clinched playoff spots when it began, and many people had thoughts of a Subway Series. Going into the final afternoon of the final Sunday, every Division Series matchup was still to be determined. The Padres and Dodgers had to be separated by a tiebreaker of best head-to-head record, and the Tigers lost to Kansas City while the Twins won.

It was late-season drama at its finest, and that is how things are shaping up at the MLB.com Shop and apparently all around the online shopping world. Some people have been like those two New York clubs and got things done early, helping to smash overall holiday sales records at the Shop and for online shopping in general. But Internet market researchers like ComScore Networks have continued to project big numbers into the final week before Dec. 25 as more and more people have grown comfortable with the security and convenience of shipping procedures from places like this.

So stick to your game plan, follow this Q&A and let the MLB.com Gift Guru help guide you all the way through that checkout champagne celebration clincher:

1. Is it really OK to celebrate after taking my shopping cart through checkout just like they do on the field after clinching a championship?

Absolutely! You've waited this long and dealt with the pressure of shipping deadlines. You've had to somehow find just the right stuff out of countless thousands of possibilities in the MLB.com Shop. So get one of those locker covers like the one Jose Reyes used when the Mets clinched the National League East title. Get one of those clinch bottles like the one Derek Jeter signed. Be merry!

2. What if I missed the shipping deadlines and decide to wait until there is a full count with two out and bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7?

Relax at that point. There is always an MLB.com Gift Certificate, and that can be sent to anyone with Internet access on a 24/7/365 basis and for whatever amount you wish. Just put yourself on the other side of the equation. How would you like it if someone on Dec. 25 said, "I got you a $100 Gift Certificate to the MLB.com Shop. Is that OK?"

3. Should I put "Matsuzaka" on the back of my jersey now?

If you are an active member of Red Sox Nation, then you know the proper protocol. Just the No. 18 on the back of an authentic home jersey will suffice, because they don't wear names on the Fenway jerseys. Put "Matsuzaka" on the back of the authentic road version. Or go for the replicas.

4. What are some other new looks that are musts for 2007?

The Diamondbacks went red, and the Reds are going back to the diamond in style. And the Dodgers are going back to names on the back, so it's OK to put Jason Schmidt and 29 on that one.

5. I've been watching Major League teams throw around money this offseason like it's going out of style. But what advice do you have for those of us looking for a bargain right now?

If you ever considered a team-logo Dreamseat for your baseball-watching bliss, then note that those are marked down from $1,295 to $999. There are some incredible deals at the MLB Outlet. Examples include that same base-layer long-sleeve mock worn by players that is down from $49.99 to $36.97. Or one of those Moonlight Graham zip-up sweatshirts that are down from $74.99 to $44.97. You can find deals everywhere you look, and take 10 percent off your next Shop purchase if you order the MLB.com Offseason Package by Dec. 31.

6. Can I have my merchandise gift-wrapped for delivery?

For your shopping convenience, some items can be gift-wrapped for a cost of $4.95 per item, and that includes a personalized gift card. If you want this service, then simply click on the gift-wrap option during checkout. Choose from a variety of paper selections and personalize your card. Gift-wrapping may not be available on some items due to their size -- like that Yankees Full Bed from Sienna. But many items like that also come with a gift message, so a recipient will know something's coming, depending on the availability date specified.

7. Let's say you were a Cardinals fan wearing those camo thermals in late October and were in hiding. You have no idea what happened in the World Series. What is the one thing you would want at the Shop, so we know what Fall Classic collectors should focus on?

The hot-seller at the Shop is the new A&E video Cardinals 2006 World Series Collector's Edition Box Set. This has become an annual tradition. The sets for the 2005 White Sox and 2004 Red Sox are still going strong in the Shop, too.

8. Does it really take dedication to be an MLB.com holiday shopper?

Well, anyone who never has watched a Major League game can just drop by and pick up the perfect gifts for friends or family just as easily as those who closely follow the national pastime. But there's some dedication here for everyone. Start with the Majestic Athletic Authentic Collection Women's Dedication Hooded Sweatshirts. They're exactly as worn on-field. There are men's versions available as well, as sweatshirts or T-shirts.

9. Is there really a Santa Claus?

Type those two words into the search box at the MLB.com Shop, and you may be surprised by the result. It's a jolly character who has brought joy into the lives of baseball fans for many years, so ...