Oh, I'd hate to be Joe Crede today. The Chicago third baseman turned from hero to scapegoat in a half inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning he hit a double off right-handed reliever Curt Schilling (I love saying that), driving in Aaron Rowland that tied the game 5-5.

But shortly after that important double, he made an error that helped the Red Sox widen the gap in the East.

Manny's pop-up flew high into the night sky and dropped down above Crede who was in position for the can of corn. Instead, Crede couldn't handle it and Manny got a second chance. In an article by Boston Globe's Gordon Edes Crede says that after the mishap he was thinking, "Oh, man, I hope he doesn't hit a home run."

Crede's hopes were dashed on the very next pitch, when Manny knocked a solo shot into the left field stands, the game winner as it turned out.

You just can not give Manny second chances. After hitting the foul ball, Manny adjusted his stance - moving back a couple of inches in the box - and turned the foul ball into a home run.

While the White Sox fans may not think too highly of him today, in Boston Crede is king.

Obviously Schilling struggled. It will happen. But he too got a second chance, managing to pull it together for the final three outs.

It would appear that the Red Sox are not the only team with closer troubles. The White Sox are concerned about Dustin Hermanson's health. The closer, who has converted 22 of 23 saves, has some lower back troubles. He told the Chicago Tribune that he will pitch through the pain. Brave and perhaps a little stupid.

If they want to bring their team to the next level, the White Sox should be looking for some assurance and some relief. As should another team with the word Sox in their name.

Speaking of relief, the Sox are still apparently talking about a deal to get some pitching - notably J.C. Romero from the Twins. The deal may now involve another team - the Florida Marlins.

The Boston Globe's Gordon Edes gives us the scoop while reminding us a deal not yet thought of could transpire.

Some sort of deal will get done eventually.

If the Sox end up with J.C. Romero, A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell, they would have done well. While, Mike Lowell's numbers may appear down from previous years, he may shine in Fenway Park. Still I'd hate to see Bill Mueller go.

But with all the rumors and with a history of big deals getting done at the last minute last year, I would not be surprised to see Theo Epstein work a little magic. I just hope it is not at the expense of losing one of our premiere players, especially Johnny Damon.

The Chicago Sun Times writes that Damon has interest in joining the Cubs next year. With this type of talk, Epstein may think to cut ties while he has the opportunity to get something back.

In light of this "news," I have three hopes: 1) I hope that the thought doesn't cross Epstein's mind (There is no substitute for Damon), 2.) I hope Damon can keep his mouth shut until after the trading deadline (He's been a little too vocal lately and there is no substitute for Damon), 3.) I hope we can somehow Boston can re-sign him (Have I mentioned "there is no substitute for Damon?")

Hey Theo, please give the Sox and Damon a second chance - at the title.

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