.jpg)
I don' t like to write game recaps but this is a special occasion. Was that the biggest game of the year? Arguably. You never like to see Gavin Floyd get lit up, but the bullpen came through clutch in a 14-inning 10-8 Sox win vs. the Tigers Tuesday night. On a night that saw the ChiSox play for the first time since losing sole possesion of first place, a lead they got a hold of 2 and half months ago, the homers were flyin.
Nick Swisher hit a walk-off home run that almost gave Hawk Harrelson a heart attack. Impressive performances by Paul Konerko(2-Run HR), Carlos Quentin(4-7) and Matt Thorton(3IP, 5 SO) helped the Good Guys get back to into first. The Twins lost a late inning thriller to the M's and the Sox are full game up in the standings again.
After Swisher's walk-off blast, Dan Plesac the guest color-commentator shouted exburantly, "This could be the one that turns the Sox season around!!! Huge Home Run by Dirty Thirty!!" First off "Dirty Thirty" is an abrsurd and hilarious nickname. But second of all he could sense that this was a special night for the White Sox. Obviouvly Plesac could be right or could be wrong inj his statement and there is over 50 games remaining in what looks to be a dog fight for the AL Central. However this is going to one of the games that defines the 2008 season and defitiely a night to be remembered.
4 comments:
I am in total agreement. This from a life long Sox fan who grew up on the south side. This could very well be a defining game. But the real impetus for this, I believe is Ozzie. Many folks don't like him or think he is crazy but I think he is "crazy like a fox" and knows when and how to motivate his players. In each instance this season where he has lit it up, the Sox have responded. The only question now is how many more "Ozzie episodes" are in him.
Go Sox and let's also cheer the Cubs who, once again, are on a roll. They do seem to be the team to beat.
I have to say, if it was as important for the Sox as it was depressing for me, then this is the defining game for sure.
Is the pitching really where it needs to be for the Sox though? I mean, they should be able to outlast the no-bullpen Tigers and would be my bet over the Twins, but they can't win in the playoffs with the pitching performing this way.
Since the break the Sox have the third worst team ERA. What is a satisfactory season for the Sox? I would say Central Division Champs is a great accomplishment and realistic at this point.
I think Ozzie is failing. His strength was to motivate these guys and you can't point to one victory and say that they are motivated. This team is underperforming and everyone knows it.
Talent-wise they are the best team in the Central. I would think making the playoffs is a must and winning the Central is the only acceptable way to get there at this point. Once in the playoffs, you have to think the buzzsaw that is the Angels will be the ones coming out of there.
You're crazy, look at any one of the pre-season predictions and the white sox were ALWAYS rated below the Tigers(most-talented) and the Indians. This year has been a pleasant surprise, the last month has been tough. But really nobody thought and the beginning of the year they would be in this position. One of the main reasons they are where they are, Ozzie Guillen.
Post a Comment