Rough Start

You can't win them all, but Wednesday's one run loss to the Indians was tough to see and something we haven't seen since last September's struggles.

It isn't time to panick, however.  Hawk alluded to the fact that this year's team doesn't seem to have the rhythm they had last season coming out of spring training and I think there is a lot of truth to that.  That can be attributed to the lack of playing time in March between Podsednik and Iguchi.  Wednesday was a frustrating day where the Sox just couldn't get the clutch hitting they were so used to last season.  It's took back Crede couldn't have pinched hit yesterday because that situation where where Cintron hit for Ozuna would have been a perfect time to use Mr. "Clutch" Crede.

Keep in mind that the Sox were a foot away from winning that game when Konerko's bloop landed just foul.  That's how close it was and that's what went so right for the '05 team when every single one of those balls went the Sox way.  It would be rare for that to happen again (part of the reason why it is so hard to repeat).  We just have to hope that the added talent helps balance that out.

Positives: Iguchi went 3 for 4, proving he is comfortable in the 2 spot.  Thome was walked intentionally twice.  They are walking Thome in order to face Konerko!  It worked out for the Indians yesterday, but you know that will help Konerko and the team all year long.

I'm excited to see Garland pitch tonight in KC.  We need to get one of our starters a win! 

FROZEN FOUR!

Last night I was in Milwaukee for the Frozen Four.  We had press passes so it was an especially fun night.  One of the perks of being a journalist is the free food for the press and the spead at the Bradley Center was very impressive last  night.  Flank Steak and Mahi Mahi for dinner.

I also got to see Gary Thorne, Barry Melrose, and Bob Ryan.  Pretty cool.

The game was obviously a good time too.  The Badgers jumped out to a 1-0 lead and after Maine tied it up, Ross Carlson made an amazing play, stealing the puck short handed, beating the only defender and burying it though Bishop's five-hole.

The atmosphere at the Frozen Four is very cool.  If you ever get a chance to go, take advantage of it.  College hockey is way better than the NHL, but unfortunately it is limited mainly to the Northern Mid-west and New England.

I'll be back for the championship Saturday night.  Wisconsin takes on Boston College, which will be fun for me with a lot of friends at BC.  On Wisconsin!

For tonight, Sox need a win.  I'd also like to see Pauly get on the board with a HR.

Photo of Paul Konerko from MLB.com.  Photo of Brian Elliot courtesy of uwbadgers.com.