Last year the Sox dominated the National League, posting a 15-3 record. That shouldn’t surprise anyone considering the Sox have won 142 IL games, just two behind the Yankees for best all time.

Everything appeared to be status quo last night. The Sox led the Dodgers 3-2 with 2 out in the 9th inning, with Mister Automatic, Sergio Santos on the mound. Santos came in with a perfect ERA, including 6 saves. Russell Mitchell, yes that Russell Mitchell, didn’t care as he cranked a game tying home run over the wall in left. Mitchell, who was 0-4 at the time, raised his average to .125. I guess it’s true, if you’re in the majors, you are always dangerous. The Dodgers would add 3 more runs off Santos, but because he has been so dominant, his ERA only rose to 1.69.

The Dodger won game one, but have they ever fielded a weaker lineup? Take out Carroll, Ethier, and Kemp and no other player Friday night was hitting better than .232. Three of those players are hitting less than .200. Sad state of affairs in Dodgerland.

I remember in March, most thought that Phil Humber was just in the rotation until Jake Peavy returned. Sounded good at the time, but someone forgot to tell Humber that he is a journeyman. 1 bad pitch to Matt Kemp was the only think that separated him from victory number four. He could only have 7 wins by then, but would you consider Humber for the all-star team if he keeps pitching like this?

Mike MacDougal. One of the few guys that Don Cooper couldn’t turn around. I think it was more mental for MacDougal, than physical. That guy weighs about 150 pounds, and stands about 6’5. He throws near 100 MPH. He had some good seasons in KC and Washington, but was never able to find consistent success in Chicago. MacDougal picked up the save on Friday, but I’d be worried if LA makes him the full-time closer.

Guess who is the all-time wins leader in interleague play? If you guessed Mark Buehrle with 24, than give yourself—nothing, you already own your stuff. Is Buehrle a Hall of Famer? Lets say he pitches 5 more years, and wins his average, which is 12 victories a year. That would give him 215 wins, 2 Gold Gloves, 1 World Series, a no hitter, a perfect game, and an all-star appearance. Plus, he is roundly liked by his teammates, management, and more importantly, the media. I think if he can get to 250 wins, he is in. I can’t see him getting to 300 wins, even in the best scenario. I think the criteria to get in to the hall has changed, so I think Buehrle has a great shot at enshrinement, where he may not have 30 years ago.

Nice to see Jon Garland back in Chicago. Garland had some good seasons in a Sox uniform, including helping them win a title in 2005.

Interviewing him was always a challenge. He was a master at the one word answers. Anyhow, one time I asked for an interview and he says, “How much time do you want? I said, if you actually answer my questions, it’ll be about a minute. He says, “You’re lying”. I say, “Try me”. So I ask him 3 questions. His answers are great! He looks down at his watch after I thank him and says, “You weren’t lying, it was just one minute!”.

Some ball players don’t get it. All I want is good answers. You keep giving me garbage, and I’ll keep asking questions. Give me a few good answers, and I’ll be out of your hair quickly.

Garland was out of the game quickly, giving up 11 hits and 7 runs in just over 3 innings. Welcome back.

Brent Lillibridge is continuing to impress. A late substitution for Carlos Quinten, Lillibridge made a nice defensive play, plus he hit his 4th home run of the season. That home run ties him with Rios and Dunn for 4th on the team. FYI: Rios and Dunn have over 100 more at bats than Lillibridge.

Speaking of Dunn. The big mans batting average is below .200 again. a 4-34 slump will do that to ya. I’m hoping these games against the NL will help him regain his stroke. Did I mention he had 4 strikeouts as well, giving him 57 this season. Nuff said.

Russell Mitchell—really!! He is now hitting .100

Garland got to pitch against his former team on Saturday, Edwin Jackson gets his original team on Sunday. Remember Jackson’s first win? A victory over Randy Johnson and the Diamondbacks. Let’s hope he can pitch that well tomorrow.

Go Sox!!