Three down, seven to go on the big road trip for the White Sox and even though the Sox looked like they were swatting flies in the top of the ninth inning yesterday, they still came away with two out three in Detroit.  The fact that these were come from behind victories should further hurt the Tigers spirit, although I would never count those guys out of it.  But 6½ games behind on July 28th is at least comfortable for now.  I won't be comfortable until the Tigers are mathematically eliminated.

Now, it's on to the Roller Dome and four big ones against the Twinkies.  And, kids these are huge considering that the Sox could leave Minneapolis in second place if something goes horribly wrong.

Mark Buehrle takes the ball for the Sox tonight and lately he's been very effective.  He'll be opposed by Kevin Slowey who lasted just three innings in last start against the Sox.  Tonight's game is critical for the Sox, because a win tonight assures them of no less than a ½ game lead if they lose Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

There's not much to say about what the Sox have to do tonight.  They just need to continue to play the way they did the first two games in Detroit.  If they can do that, they should be successful.

One other quick thing.  I know that everyone is all over Paul Konerko right now.  But, as Ranger Ronge correctly pointed out yesterday on the post mortem show, six weeks ago everyone was all over Jim Thome and he snapped out of it.  Now, nobody is ripping Thome.  I may be the last guy on the planet defending him, but I think Paulie will snap out of it.  The question that no one can answer is when.  And will it be soon enough to help this team win the division.  Yes, people should be concerned with Paulie's performance, like yesterday in the eighth inning when a single could have tied the game and he wound up grounding out with the tying runs on base.  The slump has begun to affect his confidence which is a terrible thing, especially for a guy who has been nothing but a class act during his Sox career. 

So, if Ozzie, as most of the chukleheads who call the post mortem show suggest, sits Paulie down that puts Nick Swisher at first and either DeWayne Wise or Brian Anderson.  Potentially it makes the defense better but weakens the offense.  You might argue that anything is better than a slumping Konerko, but I, at this point, disagree.  I believe that he is too good a player to slump forever.  Call me overly optimistic, call me a fool, but believe me, when I think a player sucks, I'll be the first one to tell you.  I don't feel that way about Konerko at this point.

If you need a player to rip, might I suggest Javy Vazquez, Nick Masset or Boone Logan.

Here's hoping the Sox eat some snack food the next couple of days.