Keeping it Going...Sox Beat A's With 4-3 Win (Game 89, '08)

This ballgame got a little too close for my comfort in the last two innings as the Sox let the A's climb back into this ballgame.  John Danks, who was somehow inexplicably left off the All Star Team pitched well again today, surrenduring just 2 earned on 4 hits.  Linebrink earned his first save of the season, but not without making things interesting.  I have to give him credit for holding down that spot until Bobby Jenks gets back.  This is not a job just anyone can do, and I appreciate Bobby Jenks' value even more since he has been gone.  Linebrink is a great setup guy, but not a great closer.  He is being asked to do what he normally does not so, I give him credit for doing that.  The invincible Twins won again.  I knew the Indians' lead would never hold up.  It didn't, but the Sox won again too, maintaining their 1 game lead. 

I was glad to hear Carlos Quentin is going to the All Star Game.  He has been outstanding.  Crede is typically very good, but his defense, including today has not been very good so far this year.  He will be going as well.  I was shocked not a single White Sox pitcher made the All Star Game - not a single guy from this outstanding staff - one of the best in the league.  I know the voting for the All Star Game is really a name recognition contest, but the pitchers are not voted on by the fans.  Very disappointing.  Still, I guess that just means they will have all the more time to rest up for the second half.