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I’ve backdated this entry to Thursday the day of the game.

Being dog-tired wasn’t something that was going to prevent Carrie and I from seeing the Chicago White Sox. True, the team was 57-76 entering this contest but it’s been a tradition since we’ve been together to catch a White Sox game each year. (Heck, I’m not even a fan)

The game featured 15-million dollar “ace” Kevin Millwood on the bump for the home team Rangers. Millwood, a veteran of 11 seasons, has been a complelty different pitcher since the All-Star break.

Before All-Star Break 6-7, 6.16 ERA
Since All-Star Break 3-4, 3.71 (*includes this game)

Millwood has pitched 8.2 innings in his last start and while I wasn’t expecting that on a muggy night in Arlington I certainly wasn’t let down with his 7 innings of six hit ball allowing only a run in the first on a homerun by Jim Thome.

The White Sox had rookie John Danks on the mound. Danks, a former Rangers top-prospect, was acquired by the White Sox in a trade for Brandon McCarthy. Danks had made some statements a few months ago about the pressure of pitching in Frisco and I for one was not about to let him off the hook.

I saw John Danks a few times last season while he was with the Frisco Rough Riders. He seemed to have the makings of a dominating fire-baller who could go out on the mound and blaze fast balls by hitters posting 10-plus strike out games. Even with the fastball Danks seemed to be missing something. That something I’ve figured out is confidence.

A top prosect thougout his time with the Rangers, Danks always found ways to struggle upon a promotion. Danks has to be missing confidence. How else can you explain his comments about pitching in Frisco?

Danks lasted 5.2 innings allowing 7 hits and 5 runs, only 2 of which were earned thanks to three fielding erros by Andy Gonzalez.

One of the hits off Danks was a solo-homer by Sammy Sosa. Despite his long career I’ve only been to a couple of games in which Sosa has played. Luckily for me Sosa was playing tonight and with that blast now has 606 homers on the career. I’ve always liked Sosa and I’ll admit it was one of the best moments I’ve been a part of, even if the homer had no historical value.

With Josh Fields learning the outfield for next season that left Andy Gonzalez playing third base for the White Sox. Gonzalez a guy struggling to hit .210 on the season had primairly been used as an outfielder but had started a few games at third and even some at second. He went on to make three throwing errors in this contest costing the White Sox any chance of keeping the game close. With nearly 150 AB under his belt I don’t see this 25 year old being anything more then a Triple-A player.

Former Rangers farm-hand Brian Bukvich pitched 1.1 innings of hitless, scoreless relief for the White Sox. Thirty-eight year old lefty Mike Myers also made an apperance.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia t-shirts were already on sale in the gift shop and Carrie bought one since wearing Mark Teixiera isn’t such a cool thing to do anymore. Salty collecting two hits and even scored a run.

Taking over for John Rheinecker in the 8th, Joaquin Benoit pitched the final 1.1 innings for the Rangers in the 5-1 win.

While making my exit from the ballpark we walked past the White Sox bullpen. Gavin Floyd was standing up starring in at the field. I yelled “Gavin Floyd sucks”. Floyd turned arround immediatley and starred. I then yelled “He still makes more money then me.”

Gosh I wish I could do my job like Gavin Floyd. Half the work and about 20 times the pay.

The win moved the Rangers to 61-72 and was their fifth in a row.