26 (still)

Well, at least the White Sox didn't lose 9-3 again, instead falling to the Twins by an 8-5 margin.  The Sox came into this series needing a sweep of Minnesota to keep their slim hopes of the post-season alive, but found themselves on the other end of the broom.  They're now 9.0 games behind the Central Division leaders with only 16 games to play.  If the Twins play just .500 ball from here on out, the Sox can't catch them even by winning out.  In other words, even Bluto Blutarsky says it's over.

Paul Konerko doesn't share that belief.  Last night, Twins starter Carl Pavano plunked Paulie between the mouth and nose -- not sure how an object the size of a baseball could hit that area and miss the mouth and nose, but that's what the Trib said.  Next time up, Konerko slugged his 37th home run of the season.  Kenny Williams, are you watching this?  Sign the guy to an extension.  By the way, Mark Buehrle defended his teammate by bopping Michael Cuddyer first chance he got.

Meanwhile, Manny Ramirez still hasn't stroked an extra-base hit or driven in any runs since joining the Sox.  That was certainly $4 million well spent and obviously a much better investment than say re-signing Jim Thome would have been.  Thome has driven in 57 runs, hit 23 homers, 16 doubles, and even two triples, batted .283, in only 258 at bats -- all for the bargain-basement salary of $1.5 million.  And don't even mention Andruw Jones or Mark Kotsay.

Final note: On Saturday, the Sox will be honoring Nancy Faust, who has been the organist since 1970.  Charter Update subscriber Bob Koza and I once sat directly in front of her and enjoyed chatting with Nancy during the game.  The ballpark experience won't be the same without her.  To Nancy, we say "Na na na na. Na na na na.  Hey, Hey.  Goodbye!