Sox Get Much Needed Win Behind Vazquez and Griffey With 4-2 Victory (Game 109, ’08)

What was most amazing about watching Griffey tonight was seeing two 2-out hits, with two RBI.  That has been rare for the Sox lately, especially in the nightmarish series in Minnesota.  Griffey is a very smart hitter, taking what the pitcher gives him and does what he does best.  I hope the rest of the Sox hitters take note and follow suit.  Perhaps Griffey can help relax a few players who might be pressing at the plate.  Even the one time Griffey was retired, he took the ball all the way to the wall.  I thought he might have gotten enough, but nothing seemed to carry in the thick Kansas City air tonight.  This was a rare victory for the Sox without the benefit of a homerun.  What also pleased me was seeing Vazquez bounce back with a strong outing, with just 2 earned over 6 innings pitched. What troubles me is the bullpen’s recent inability to put games away.  They did it tonight, as Carrasco was a bit shaky, but still got the job done.  The Sox need a healthy Linebrink back.  They really miss him in the bullpen, as they missed Jenks when he was gone.  The Sox have somehow been able to maintain their slim hold on first place with these holes in their roster.  When fully healthy, I think they have a chance.  If they don’t get their guys back, I’m not sure Griffey, as great as he is, will be enough.  Good start in KC though…