We couldn't have had him throw at a more perfect time. Coming off two tough losses at home, a day off, and the start of a six game West Coast swing against the best team in the game (right now), we definitely got the trip off on the right foot.

But if we want to continue the success the offense is going to have to provide a little more in the upcoming week. Another thing we have become used to is Pedro not getting much run support and last night was no exception. Take Manny Ramirez out of the line-up and you take our two runs off the board. But Manny was there, and that's exactly why he's there. Last year, we lose this game.

With lefty John Halama on the mound for Seattle last night, Dante Bichette was given the start. I'm not sure if it's tonight or tomorrow that the Sox will see another lefty from the Ms, but either way I think Dante should get all three starts in this series. If not to spell the struggling Troy O'Leary, then to showcase him to Seattle who is still looking for a power #5 guy.

Whether the Sox are looking to trade Dante or not (right now I hear not), when they head over to Oakland for the tail end of this trip for three I think Bichette should be kept in the line-up for those three as well (we get one lefty in that series). Troy is really struggling and it has been for a solid month, Bichette is dying to get in there on a full-time basis, and if he can add some production, it's a no-brainer decision.

Hideo Nomo takes the hill tonight in that nice spacious ballpark they have there in Seattle. For this game anyway, Nomo can allow a few deep flies and not worry about it, though it really hasn't been much of an issue (yet) this year.

paul@redsox2000.com