Great Start to ALDS

Jill's shrine worked. The game was definitely worth staying up for if you were on the east coast. Or the Gulf coast, like Jill. I got to bed at normal time, but was too wired to get to sleep easily.

It was a classic pitcher's duel for most of the game. It could have gone either way. Jon Lester was stellar, stepping up to the No. 1 spot in place of ailing Josh Beckett. Masterson and Papelbon did their parts in relief.

There were stunning fielding plays, like Jacoby Ellsbury's diving catch (how does he DO that?) and Youk's quick recovery of a blooper to first to nail Guerrero at third in a base running mistake (will he be the Angel's Bill Buckner?).

And then there was Jason Bay (Manny Who?) and his two run smash in his first playoff at bat to put the Sox in the lead. Late inning insurance runs didn't hurt, either.

Thank God for Baseball. It gives us a break from crashing stock markets, debates, talking heads, and Caribou Barbie. No wonder Jon Stewart has been so furious lately. With no New York teams in the playoffs, I'm afraid Indecision 2008 might do him in. He needs to adopt a team, for his mental health!