The sign of a good team--at least to me–is one that not only gets up for high end opponents, but also finds the motivation to crush struggling one’s too.

I think most would have understood if the Sox played down to the Mariners over the weekend. Coming after the Sox sweep of the Yankees, and sandwiched between pivotal games in Baltimore and Detroit, the M’s were in a prime position to surprise the South Siders.

There were no surprises in store, as the Sox whipped the M’s in all three games. What’d ya think of that first game? I took my eye of the game in the 9th, thinking it was over, walked back in the room minutes later to catch the end of the Mariners six run explosion. I did hang around to watch the Sox win it in the bottom of the inning.

Nice outfield defense by Seattle gave the Sox a come from behind victory What a game! I know there was something historical about it, but to me, it was just a great win.

I guess Tyler Flowers may have a future in the league–haha. Flowers may never match the durability of A.J. Pierzynski, but the man can play. Defensively, he has a cannon behind the plate, and when he hits the ball it travels a long way. That moon shot he hit in the finale was jaw dropping.

Coming after another rain delay, Flowers just smoked a Kevin Millwood offering over the center field wall. His game winner on Sunday followed his go ahead blast on Saturday. Pierzynski is still the king of catchers, but Flowers isn’t a bad fall back.

Don’t see Robin Ventura get riled up like he did in the 2nd game. Every game you can see Ventura’s confidence growing. Yeah, he got ejected–as did Pierzynski–but it did seem to inspire the team.

I wonder when Ventura is away from the park if he ever thinks, “Man, this managing stuff isn’t that tough”.

I get so caught up in Kevin Youkilis’ offense that I forget how good he is defensively. Youk almost never takes a bad angle on a ball, and makes spectacular plays, along with the routine.

I read where most are saying the Sox won’t pick up his 13-million option for next year, but I, for one, think they will. He has brought a swagger to the team that it lacked early in the season. It also doesn’t hurt his cause that Brent Morel is hitting in the low .200′s with Charlotte.

Adam Dunn came in as 30/1 shot to lead the MLB in home runs. With his pair on Friday, he now has 38, giving a 4 more than his closest challenger in the A.L. & N.L. I am guessing he will finish with 45, and over 100 knocked in. I am sure most will talk about his low batting average, and high strikeout totals.

Feel bad for Gavin Floyd. I know a lot of you hate him as a pitcher, but lately he hasn’t pitched badly. Him leaving on Sunday with elbow soreness isn’t good. The Sox do have depth on their team and farm system, but the last thing you want is an untested rookie in the rotation at the start of September.

I am a Sox and Angels fan, so I was pissed that the Halos couldn’t at least take 2 of 3 in Detroit. They led in the final 2 games, but bullpen problems did them in for the umpteenth time. No matter how mad you might get at the Sox relievers, thank the heavens that you don’t have the Angels pen (pig).

The Sox still maintain a 2.5 game lead over the Tigers, but this week’s 7 game series, that ends with 3 in Motown, will go a long way in deciding who will represent the Central Division in the post-season.