Sox Outslug the Rangers With 9-7 Win (Game 94, ’08)

John Danks should be an AllStar.  With 4 earned tonight, his ERA is still just 2.67 – very respectible.  I was glad to see him pitch so well against his former team. He ran into some trouble in the seventh inning, but he was great until that point.  He still did his job, and the Sox offense did their’s.  I feel great for Paul Konerko who has been taking a lot of heat for his lack of production.  While listening to “White Sox Weekly” on The Score, I was annoyed with callers wanting him dealt or benched.  This is only his fifth game back from the disabled list.  With a 4-for-4 night and a homer, I guess the naysayers will shut up…at least for a day.  I wish some Sox fans would remember this guy is an AllStar, the team Captain, and a World Series hero.  I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. 

It’s good to see Jim Thome continue his tear with another key homerun to center.  Jim is looking very good at the plate, even the way he takes pitches.  I can see he is locked in.  For Jim, the AllStar break might not be such a good thing.  I do believe the White Sox need Bobby Jenks to get back as soon as possible, and the news today of his pain-free bullpen session is very encouraging.  This road trip has proven how much they miss him. Bullpen by committee doesn’t work, and the White Sox, even with 9 runs on the evening barely hung on to win.  This game became far more interesting than it should have.  At least tonight’s victory will guarantee the Sox will be in first place at the All Star break regardless of what happens tomorrow.  I would like to see them win of course, and finish the first half on a positive…