It's the first playoff game for the Chicago White Sox since 2005.

No one among us (not even the best and brightest like Jim, The Cheat, Rickhouse, Fornelli or Jeeves) ever thought back in March this team would be where it is. All you heard about and read about in the papers and on radio was talk about the National League team and how wonderful they were and that this could be the year. And now, the city is abuzz with two teams in the post season.

Nobody (and I admit it, I'm among them) gave this team even a ghost of a chance to make it to the post season.  And yet, after 163 games, here they are.

I wonder what the odds in Vegas were for a first round Sox-Tampa match up in the ALDS.  I'll bet they gave Bob Barr better odds at becoming President.

But here we are.

Rather than weep, wail and gnash my teeth, make bold predictions that probably won't come near reality, brag about world domination (see blogs comma Cubs comma Red Sox), complain about the Sox lack of inside success or underestimate the White Sox first round opponent, I'm going to savor and enjoy it.  Because I didn't expect to be invited to this party.  I'm willing to spin the wheel and see where she lands.  And not even getting swept in the first round will disappoint me.  This is like 1983 all over again.  No one thunk it, yet here we are.

Make no mistake.  I'd love another parade.  But for this moment, I'm just happy to be here.

My only comment on today's game is that Ozzie giving Javy the ball today will do one of two things: Make him into a hero (like it did Contreras in 2005) or forever make him Captain Choke.  I'm leaning toward Javy having another Javy like outing where he looks good for about four innings and then implodes in the fifth or sixth. That doesn't mean that the Sox can't or won't win, it just means that the bullpen will play a factor in this game.  Hopefully, they'll bring their A-game.

I'm looking forward to the playoffs.  Let's have some fun!