Scalped

The Cleveland Indians and long-time nemesis C. C. Sabathia embarrassed the White Sox yesterday. The Sox once-potent offense managed only four hits, and since none of them was a home run, was shut out, 6-0. Javier Vazquez, who is slated to pitch the last game of the season in Minnesota on Saturday morning -- they need the extra time to convert the field for football as the Golden Gophers host my law school alma mater University of Michigan -- gave up six runs on six hits. This season is becoming more painful with each passing day. Last year The Update didn't want baseball to end; this year, the last game can't come soon enough. What went wrong? We'll start taking a look at that once all the games are in the books, but here's a start:

• This year, the Sox have a losing record, 38-39, away from the Cell, and that's only likely to get worse as they play out the string with one more in Cleveland and three against the always-tough Twins, who still have something to play for. Last year they were Road Warriors.

• This year, they are are .500 (17-17) against the A.L. East, a bit above that (19-15) against the West, and only a hair above the break-even mark (37-35), and as noted, likely falling, against the Central. If it weren't for their success against the N.L. (1 4-4), this year's Sox would be in real trouble. Last year, they took care of business against their own division and had a crown to show for it.

Meanwhile, congrats to Update favorite Frank Thomas, who led the Oakland A's to the A.L. West title. The Big Hurt's 38 homers on a offensively challenged team should -- but, unfortunately won't -- get him serious M.V.P. consideration. If you look at how he played when Oakland got hot, it's clear that he's got the V part down in the M.V.P. formula. Good luck, Frank in the post-season.

Well, the Sox players and I now have something in common. We're all looking forward to playing golf on Sunday. Go Sox!