I’ll admit it, it’s just 1 game in August of the 2011 season, but that Dayan Viciedo kid is pretty good. Let’s see a bloop single, 3-run home run, and a walk in his first game in a Sox uniform this year. He also looked pretty comfortable out in right, especially when he caught Ichiro’s ball in the 1st inning. It’s way, way, way too early to anoint him the next great White Sock, but you have to be excited about what he showed today. I hope he cleared all his stuff out of Charlotte, because he may not be going back—ever!

Really, it was a good day to be a Sox fan. I think most can admit that the Sox are getting a little long in the tooth at certain positions, but with Viciedo and Tyler Flowers, they have possible 2 future studs to build around. I should also throw in Gordon Beckham, Brent Morel, & Alexei Ramirez. The average age of those 5 guys is under 25 years old. I am not saying the Sox are done this year, but they should still be excited about the years to come. I do get the feeling that each one of those guys may be starting next year.

Tyler Flowers 2nd home run of his career was a grand slam today. Nice to get that out of the way.

The pitching isn’t too bad either. Gavin Floyd extended his scoreless streak in Seattle to 15 innings, before giving up 2 in the 8th. Usually teams that grow together, win together. Floyd gave Flowers a hug after his slam. Those guys are nice guys, easy to deal with, and love the fans. Another lucky break for Sox fans.

Paul Konerko’s always been a good hitter, but he seems to be even better with a hurt leg. The guy can barely move on the bases, but he continues to reach base. The Captain was hitting .305 when Andrew Miller hit him with a pitch, hurting his calf. Since that time Konerko’s raised his batting average to .316. In a day and age where some players take off if they feel sore, it’s nice to see a gamer like Konerko gut it out for a team that is a long shot to reach the post season. If Konerko wasn’t on the team, I believe the Sox would be vying for the #1 pick in the MLB draft.

So the So sweep away the Mariners, now head home to take on the Twins. This starts a stretch of 30 straight games against AL Central opponents. I will go out on a limb by saying these games will make or break the Sox season. I have been known to be a master of the understatement.

Oh yeah, the Sox are in a different position in the Central. It’s just by percentage points over the Indians, but they are now in 2nd place. If the Sox win tomorrow they will be two games over .500 for the first time since April 13th.

Go Sox!!