Balancing Act

Thursday was an off day, but there was plenty of action off the field. As you've head by now, Mr. Zero is now a Charlotte Knight. That's not a terrible thing. I'm glad he's still around. Maybe a few weeks in AAA will help him find his stuff. And he might be needed if Vizcaino continues to suck, or Jenks implodes... Also, Big Frank gone for the year. That's not a huge blow to the Sox, but I feel bad that more missed time, and a year older, will slow down his accrual of key stats that require entrance to Cooperstown.

Sox Update: The Sox defeat Baltimore convincingly, 7-2. Konerko and Everett homer. For me, the key play of the game was El Duce battling Sosa with 2 outs in the 5th. The O's had just scored and looked like they were rallying. But El Duce gave no ground and closed out the inning with a huge huge strikeout. The other thing I noticed in the game was a clutch hit by Iguchi. With two outs, he was also battling. Man on second, he hit a pitch that looked like it had already gone by him. His bat speed on that pitch was just incredible. Single up the middle, insurance run scores. I have a good feeling about the next few days.

The Twins not only lost, they lost Torii Hunter to an injury. He's out 4-6 weeks.

Down On The Farm:

Charlotte (AAA): Over the past two days, the Knights have lost twice, amassing a total of just 4 hits.

Birmingham (AA):Friday the Baron neat Chattanooga 9-1. Stewart homers in a 3 for 4 effort, driving in 3. Blakely had 2 hits and drove in 2. Haigwood has a good outing - 7 Ks and 0 runs in 7 IP. On thursday, it looked like the extra inning contest was over when Montgomery scored 3 runs in top of the 10th. But the Baron scored 4 in the bottom of the 10th and win 9-8. Blakely's dramatic 3-run homer is the difference.

Winston-Salem (A): Friday, the Hog beat Potomac 5-2. Collaro homers. Thursday they lost 8-6. Valido gets 2 hits and drives in 4.

Kannapolis (A): rained out the last two nights.

Bristol (R): on friday, the Sox beat JC 10-1. Acosta collects 3 hits. Sanchez had 2 SB. Some guy named Roth for JC made 3 errors. On thursday lost to JC 9-6. Swain was 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs.

Great Falls (R): firday was a 14-8 loss to Billings. Hernandez was 4 for 5 with a homer. They split a doubleheader with Billings on thursday. In game 2, Acosta homered. Lemon struck out 7 of 9 batters he faced.

Baseball phrase of the day: taking the day off.

Today's music selection: Ornette Coleman puts me to sleep on the train ride home.

Beer count - thursday 2. Friday 3.

Croquet and cocktails party tonight in the SW burbs.