Back in spring training, I was told that the first 120 or so games are important, but it’s what teams do in their final 40-42 that determine the season. After game 120, the Sox are now 60-60. Time to play or go home (love cliche sentences) . Recently things have been looking up as the Sox have won 8 of 10.

The Sox killed 2 birds with one stone today. Their 6-2 win over Kansas City gave them their first series win over the Royals this year, and also brought them back to the .500 mark.

John Danks pitched, if not his best game this year, than one of his best, holding the Royals hitless through 5 innings. A bad hop single past Brent Lillibridge ended the no-no, but didn’t stop Danks from winning his 5th game of the year. After Alex Gordon grounded out to begin the game, Danks struck out the next 4 batters. I knew then that this was gonna be his game.

The only thing I didn’t agree with was Danks saying that the .500 mark was no big deal. I disagree as this team was constructed to be a number of games above that mark, not struggling to just reach it. If as predicted, they would have won, lets say 10 of the games they lost, they would lead the division by 6 games.

I know the MVP of the Sox is Paul Konerko, but Brent Lillibridge should garner some votes. Not only has he played all over the infield, and outfield, but he continues to supply clutch hits. His home run in the bottom of the the first put the Sox up 4-0. Lillibridge added another hit to go 2-5, with 3 RBI. He also looks like a nice replacement for Konerko at first. He makes every play needed, and then some.

Did you catch that play that Brent Morel made in the 9th on Sunday? Diving about 4 feet to grab Johnny Giavotella hot smash then making a 1-hop throw to Lillibridge. Giavotella was safe, but it shouldn’t have even been close. What a fielder Morel is becoming.

Is it coincidental that Adam Dunn left the team for personal reasons when the Royals were throwing 2 left handers. Dunn is hitting .038 vs. lefties this year. Nah, they wouldn’t do that. Dunn will be back against the Indians, and I think he’ll do some damage.

The Sox own Mike Moustakas, who has gone 0-34 to start his career against the Sox.

Juan Pierre continues to hit. He has hit in 5 straight and 15 of 16. He is hitting .385 in August, with 4 stolen bases and 1 strike out. He is the toughest guy in the league to strike out. Remember when people wanted to bench him? Glad they didn’t.

Nice to Carlos Quentin get a couple hits in the 3 games. Quentin hasn’t been hitting much at home. His average at home is .220, compared to .294 on the road.

Maybe he can get hot when the Indians come to town starting Tuesday. Gavin Floyd and Ubaldo Jimenez will be pitching for the respective teams.

The Sox have played the Indians tough this year, winning 6 of the 7 meetings, including the only 2 at US Cellular.

Go Sox!!