I've been impressed all year by Cory Lidle's stuff. He throws harder, and has better command, than I thought. His April wasn't great as a whole, but he now has three wins and a no-decision in his last four starts, and put everything together in his latest masterpiece: a solo shot by Salmon, singles by the Kingfish and GA, one walk and five strikeouts -- a tidy 103-pitch complete game. That's how Cory was pitching last August, and it's all you could ask from a #2. Not only did he use all his pitches, he kept the hitters off-balance. Lidle shook off Wilson constantly, and like the catcher, I rarely guessed what he wanted to throw or even the location. Neither did the Angels.

Today's assignment is more difficult against this great lineup. Hank Blalock is really impressive; he looks strong at 3B and his bat has lightning in it. A-Rod settled the Gold Glove thing once and for all -- I'm sure Mike Bordick was as amazed as the rest of us at the clinic Alex put on last night. Juan Gonzalez is the laziest player imaginable; it's as if he thinks playing the outfield or running the bases is an imposition. But he's a very tough out right now. So's Everett, whose catch off Hinske last night was sensational. Mea Kulpa's blown calls, on the appeal (Eric stumbled, missed the bag with both toes, but obviously got it with his heel) and on 3-2 to Cat, decided that game. He was awful, and Hollowell, behind the plate today, also owes one to the Jays; I expect better umpiring in our high school league.

It's a 2:05 start, a rare game I won't see or hear for at least a few innings. I'll be back here about 7:00 to find out what I missed. I hope Raffy can wait one more day for #499, and I wish Ryan Drese and/or Todd Van Poppel lotsa luck.