some people call it luck

i say, there's a reason why he's known as Mr. Clutch.

now that the stupid trade deadline is over & i can breathe again...and after reading (to my own bewilderment) how many other Sox fans were upset that none of the trade rumors panned out (did they *really* want to see Lowell, Loretta or Lester packing up their bags??)...i am ready to revel in the JOY that was last night's game. i am ready to marvel at what was creeping up in the 9th inning as another loss for Boston, with even bigger implications of sharing #1 with THEM again, turning around & becoming wild screaming & chants of "MVP! MVP!"


because after all the criticism of Kyle Snyder, he pitched some beautiful long relief for David Wells last night...4.1 scoreless innings, giving up only a single hit. and taking the bullpen with the attitude that i *love* about the 2006 Sox: "I'll take the ball whenever they give it to me, whether it's out of the bullpen or starting and do whatever I can to help this team win some ballgames," said Snyder. all you nay-sayers can think what you like, but if we can get a healthy starting rotation, i think Kyle in the pen may be just the answer to our EZ woes. Snyder was most certainly last night's unsung hero, because even when the bats went mute, he held off the Indians, giving Boston 4 opportunities to make magic happen.

and happen it did. 'cause it ain't over till the Big Man swings.

and rounds the bases to the cheering adoration resounding from the Fenway stands, heading for the waiting arms of his "welcome home" committee.

i feel the need to soak in this moment as we await news of the Cap'n's knee injury (anybody got anything negative left to say about Dougie's return to Boston now?? i don't care how he hits. i want his guidance & leadership behind the plate over some rattled kid's any day of the week.) and cringe in dread at the return of Jason Johnson to the hill tonight...when we'll probably give last night's win right back again. (i'll happily eat my words tomorrow morning if anyone is wondering.)