Five Up!--Peter

No, we're NOT talking dominoes. One of my favorite games while sitting at a table is Five Up, played with dominoes. Great for the concentration and mental analysis. It's in its own way a bit like chess, but usually doesn't take quite as long. However, the five I'm talking about is the margin we're up over the Stripes. As most of you who have followed the Sox are likely already aware, our Hub heroes expanded their lead in the AL East to four games while taking the series from the former Boston, now Atlanta, by way of Milwaukee, Braves. Well, Jenn, tonight was something you'll appreciate even more than the normal Hose win. The losing pitcher for the Nationals was--none other than the former Dr. Jekyll - Mr. Hyde of the Sox, Julian Tavarez. I can hardly wait for your reaction after viewing the Tivo of tonight's game. For once Mr. Hyde definitely helped us--and that was before the Hub Hose put the game away with six in the 8th, followed by another run in their half of the 9th. There used to be an expression about the Washington ball club, not this one, but the various iterations of its predecessors, Jenn. It was always, "Washington--first in war, first in peace and last in the American League. Well, Jenn, as you can see not much has changed except for the league. Hell, the Nats are not only last in the NL, they've got by far the worst record in all of MLB. But, at least they beat the Yanks two of three last week. How much sweeter than that can things be, I ask you.

Tonight, the Fenmen collected seventeen hits, including an assortment of doubles spread around the order, and two trips by Jake--along with his 30th swipe. Guy went 4-4 tonight, complemented by the Sox' answer to Gary, Bay, picking up a 4-6 evening that included his 19th homer.

I'm waiting for day after tomorrow when Smoltz starts for the Sox. A definite future Hall of Famer, possibly first ballot even, he could be a good pickup for the Sox. If he's even close to what he's been showing in his rehab, he's definitely going to help out with the team, as well as further polish his HOF credentials, not that they need any polishing. I mean he's the only guy in the history of MLB with at least 200 wins AND 150 saves. This is a guy who can definitely help in many ways. If his comeback works out, he could even be pitching by the time Aidan goes to his first Sox game--not beyond conception by any means.