I don’t even know where to begin. How about Pelf? Let’s go with Pelf. Starts the night with fewer strikeouts on the season than Johan typically gets in a game, and winds up fanning six. He managed to not balk, he went 7 strong, and had he been facing just about anyone other than Beckett, that start would have been worth a win, hands down.

Because let’s face it, Beckett was nothing short of awesome. I’ve been a fan of his since the 2003 World Series and was not looking forward to the Mets facing him- and he showed us all why. Utterly stymied the Mets- the one run they did score off of him was unearned- and he gave the Sawx 8 innings of solid ball. Hats off to ya; may you pitch that well every time you’re facing any team that doesn’t end in “-ets.”

Another huge HOUR from Santos- I hope he stays and Castro goes when Schneider comes back. Not that I dislike Castro but Santos is just a more exciting player.

And how about those middle infielders? What a night they had! Well, with Castillo, it’s been pretty much all year that he’s shown vast improvement, and that play in the 8th was tremendous. But Martinez? Could he be 2009’s version of 2006’s Jose Valentin? Time will tell whether he’s going to be a wise addition or just another over-the-hill Hispanic player for Omar’s collection/fetish/what have you.

Mr. Putz, it pleases me greatly to see you muster the necessary hormones required to put the scoreboard on lockdown. Had me worried with the leadoff walk there but you hung in and allowed the defense to shine behind you.

And Sheff- I’m so glad he’s getting in there and contributing. He’s getting on and scoring, he’s driving guys in… and he’s saying all the right things when he’s interviewed. I was happy to hear he’d joined the team, and he’s not disappointed.

Excellent team win tonight.

And thanks to the Yankees’ own 9th-inning come-from-behind efforts, only half a game separates the Mets from the Phils. Sunday could see us back in first, and it’ll be nice to have the momentum from sweeping Boston at their house going into the series vs. Washington. Because a few convincing wins vs the Natties could then snowball into a few more against the Marlins… And beyond.

Btw- I love that Keith Hernandez day commerciak, esp whe he tells the kid to say hello to his mom.

Aaaaanyway. It’ll be weird rooting for the Yankees tomorrow.