Sweet Home Chicago

Steve and I watched the Sox shellac the Astros today (the final score doesn't reflect Chicago's dominance, although in fairness our pitching did fall apart toward the end). It was Mark Buehrle's 100th win, which was pretty awesome to see. We also got to see Konerko, Terrero, and Uribe hit homers, as well as some awesome defensive play interrupted by Houston's three errors.

What I love is how very Chicago the game felt. Buehrle is the Platonic ideal of a White Sox pitcher: strong, big, methodical and businesslike. He looks the part, and it doesn't hurt that his name sounds like "burly." Then, brining in Jenks to finish it off was a definite crowd-pleaser.

Ozzie Guillen added to the flavor, sharing the fact that he bought a bottle of champagne in anticipation of Buehrle's 100th win, but lost patience and drank it last week. He had to send out for another bottle today. I have to note that the post-game write-ups have given up even trying to be fair when it comes to Ozzie's grammar:

"It's a nice compliment to have a no-hitter and 100 wins in the same year," Guillen added.

I don't see how that can be considered a compliment, unless it's a compliment paid to the team (or to Ozzie) by Buehrle. A more plausible interpretation is that Guillen said that Buehrle's 100th win was a nice complement to his no-hitter this year.

Anyway, as we walked out of the stadium, the whole crowd yielded to the beer and the sunshine and sang along with voices hoarse from yelling: Baby don't you want to go - back to that same old place - sweet home Chicago.