Well, the Sox won again, but as the headline suggests that was not the big news. No, the big news was the fact that finally, in his sixteenth year in MLB, Manny Ramirez hit his 500th home run. Becoming the 24th player to reach the milestone, he drove the first pitch of the at bat well over the right center field wall into the cheap seats. However, he simultaneously became a member of a much more exclusive club. He is one of only seven players in MLB history to have 500 homers, a .300 lifetime BA, 1500 RBI's, 1,000 walks, and 475 two baggers. Of the other six, all but one, Frank Thomas, are in the Hall of Fame. Thomas, like Manny, is still playing, so he'll have to wait for his ticket to Cooperstown. In any event, that's pretty rare company. Way to go, Manny!
As for the game, the Sox were briefly behind twice early in the game, but came back each time to tie the score. Once the score was knotted at 3, the Sox took over and locked up the W, adding two runs in the 7th and the final score in the 8th.
Lester pitched a decent five, but gave up all the O's runs while striking out just four. He gave up the final O's run on a solo shot by Roberts. He was succeeded by Aardsma, who pitched two innings of perfect ball and got credit for the win in the process. Aardsma was succeeded in order by Oki and Pap, each for an inning of shutout ball, Oki getting his 11th Hold and Pap his 16th Save.
While the Hubhose got only nine hits, five of those were for extra bases, including three roundtrippers. One of those was the aforementioned shot by Manny, one was Papi's 13th and the other was a solo by Dusty in the 3d. Papi later sprained his wrist on a swing in the 9th and is day to day, but hopefully he'll be OK. It'd be a shame to lose him again now that he appears to be more or less out of his slump. Tonight's game also netted him a pair of ribbies, bringing his season total to 43. Manny's shot left him with 35 ribbies on the season.
Other positive highlights included Ellsbury's second consecutive game with three thefts. Tonight's trey puts him in the league lead in the category. His triple puts him in a tie for second in the league for triples, one behind the leader.
The series continues tomorrow at Camden Field, and hopefully, the results will be the same. The Sox have to get as many wins as possible, leading into their upcoming series at Fenway against the Rays.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Playing Winning Ball--In Bal--Peter
Sorry, couldn't resist getting the home team's newspaper (remember them?) abbreviation into a headline. Seriously, as Jenn has noted recently, the Sox' play on the road is something of a worry. It's like a counterbalance to their MLB -best home record. After the loss at the M's Wednesday night, they were 11-18 on the road. If that traveling record were even .500, they'd be two and a half ahead of the Rays in their accustomed first place.
However, coming to Baltimore, they had a new opportunity. Beckett was starting and that in itself is always something to look forward to. The Sox got off quickly, taking a two-zip lead in the top of the first, Papi and Lowell getting the ribbies to put them on top. Unfortunately, that lead only lasted until the O's half of the fourth.
Having already halved the Sox lead in the 2d, the O's caught up with our heroes on a solo home run by Huff in the 4th. From there, both teams had men on base with some regularity, but no-one could score.
Through the 9th, the score remained 2-2, both starters having long since departed. JB did pretty well, other than the two single runs he surrendered early on. For his six innings, he nailed down 10 K's, while only surrendering four hits and three walks in his six inning stint. Those 10 K's will keep him among the league's leaders in the category. Unfortunately, he didn't get the W tonight and is still stuck at 5-4.
He was replaced by Okajima, who gave us two shutout innings, surrendering only a single hit. Normally, that would be followed by the arrival of Papelbon. However, as the score was still tied, Tito obviously was waiting for a lead before committing The Saver to the fray. So The Other Manny-Delcarmen appeared on the scene and gave an inning of shutout ball, to be followed by Lopez (1/3 of an inning), Hansen (1 2/3 innings) and Jenn's Favorite, Timlin (1 inning), all shutout appearances.
In fact, appearing to be making amends for his last appearance a couple of nights ago in Seattle, Timlin ended up as the winning pitcher this time. True, his scoreless inning was marked by three baserunners, including a pair of passes, but he made the pitches when it was necessary, and when the Sox got three in the top of the 13th, he was in position to be the man with the W--as long as Pap got the save.
Enter The Saver. He made short work of the O's. Three up--three down, including Ks of the last two batters he faced. It took him only a total of 10 pitches to finish off the Birds--truly vintage Papelbon.
The road record improved to 12-18--still a long way from acceptable, but a step in the right direction.
Other items of note: Ellsbury got three, count 'em, swipes, bringing his season's total to 23, remaining second in the league, but a lot closer to the lead. In fact, in the later innings, the Sox baserunners were driving the Orioles pitchers just short of absolutely schizophrenic. They didn't know whether to go to the plate or try to get a Sox runner leaning too far toward the next base. In addition to the aforementioned three thefts, O's pitchers were so distracted that they couldn't make a good pickoff or, at the same time, get strikes to the relevant Sox hitters. When you have three guys who can take a base almost at will, it's not easy concentrating on the plate for a pitcher. Jake, Julio and Alex fill this bill very satisfactorily.
Papi got two more hits, including his 10th two bagger, while Lowell had his 12th, Manny his 13th and Ellsbury a pair of them.Those doubles were part of three hits apiece for Ellsbury and Lowell.
On the seriously negative side of things, the Sox placed the Diceman on the 15 day DL today. He's got some weakness in his throwing shoulder, but, thankfully, no damage to the cuff or any muscles. Hopefully, a couple of weeks rest and Pt for strengthening will take care of it.
And while we're at it (back to the good stuff), it was an all Boston evening as the Celtics finished off Detroit to return to the finals for the first time since 1987--against who else--the Lakers. BEAT LA!! A seventeenth banner is long, long overdue!
However, coming to Baltimore, they had a new opportunity. Beckett was starting and that in itself is always something to look forward to. The Sox got off quickly, taking a two-zip lead in the top of the first, Papi and Lowell getting the ribbies to put them on top. Unfortunately, that lead only lasted until the O's half of the fourth.
Having already halved the Sox lead in the 2d, the O's caught up with our heroes on a solo home run by Huff in the 4th. From there, both teams had men on base with some regularity, but no-one could score.
Through the 9th, the score remained 2-2, both starters having long since departed. JB did pretty well, other than the two single runs he surrendered early on. For his six innings, he nailed down 10 K's, while only surrendering four hits and three walks in his six inning stint. Those 10 K's will keep him among the league's leaders in the category. Unfortunately, he didn't get the W tonight and is still stuck at 5-4.
He was replaced by Okajima, who gave us two shutout innings, surrendering only a single hit. Normally, that would be followed by the arrival of Papelbon. However, as the score was still tied, Tito obviously was waiting for a lead before committing The Saver to the fray. So The Other Manny-Delcarmen appeared on the scene and gave an inning of shutout ball, to be followed by Lopez (1/3 of an inning), Hansen (1 2/3 innings) and Jenn's Favorite, Timlin (1 inning), all shutout appearances.
In fact, appearing to be making amends for his last appearance a couple of nights ago in Seattle, Timlin ended up as the winning pitcher this time. True, his scoreless inning was marked by three baserunners, including a pair of passes, but he made the pitches when it was necessary, and when the Sox got three in the top of the 13th, he was in position to be the man with the W--as long as Pap got the save.
Enter The Saver. He made short work of the O's. Three up--three down, including Ks of the last two batters he faced. It took him only a total of 10 pitches to finish off the Birds--truly vintage Papelbon.
The road record improved to 12-18--still a long way from acceptable, but a step in the right direction.
Other items of note: Ellsbury got three, count 'em, swipes, bringing his season's total to 23, remaining second in the league, but a lot closer to the lead. In fact, in the later innings, the Sox baserunners were driving the Orioles pitchers just short of absolutely schizophrenic. They didn't know whether to go to the plate or try to get a Sox runner leaning too far toward the next base. In addition to the aforementioned three thefts, O's pitchers were so distracted that they couldn't make a good pickoff or, at the same time, get strikes to the relevant Sox hitters. When you have three guys who can take a base almost at will, it's not easy concentrating on the plate for a pitcher. Jake, Julio and Alex fill this bill very satisfactorily.
Papi got two more hits, including his 10th two bagger, while Lowell had his 12th, Manny his 13th and Ellsbury a pair of them.Those doubles were part of three hits apiece for Ellsbury and Lowell.
On the seriously negative side of things, the Sox placed the Diceman on the 15 day DL today. He's got some weakness in his throwing shoulder, but, thankfully, no damage to the cuff or any muscles. Hopefully, a couple of weeks rest and Pt for strengthening will take care of it.
And while we're at it (back to the good stuff), it was an all Boston evening as the Celtics finished off Detroit to return to the finals for the first time since 1987--against who else--the Lakers. BEAT LA!! A seventeenth banner is long, long overdue!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
One Run - Jenn
That's all the Mariners would get in the final game of the series. And unfortunately, it's all they'd need to win.
Wakefield was back on the mound. But unlike his last two outings, he was awesome. He pitched eight innings (that's all the Mariners would need to take the win), had eight K's (a season high), and didn't give up a single walk. He did however give up five hits, one of which was the home run from Yuniesky Betancourt.
Yes, Wakefield was amazing. Unfortunately the Mariners pitcher, Erik Bedard was better. Over his seven innings, he also struck out eight, walked three, and gave up just two hits. But not one of those five men the Sox had on base were able to make it home.
There looked like there might be some hope when JJ Putz walked Manny and Casey in the 9th, but that hope was dashed when with two outs already in the inning, Coco grounded out to Lopez at 2nd base for the final out of the inning and the game.
So the Mariners took the series and the Sox road woes continue. They have an off day today and tomorrow they're back on the east coast for a four game series against the Orioles in Baltimore. Beckett's back on the mound on Friday and ideally the Orioles losing woes will last just long enough for the Sox to break even on this road trip.
Wakefield was back on the mound. But unlike his last two outings, he was awesome. He pitched eight innings (that's all the Mariners would need to take the win), had eight K's (a season high), and didn't give up a single walk. He did however give up five hits, one of which was the home run from Yuniesky Betancourt.
Yes, Wakefield was amazing. Unfortunately the Mariners pitcher, Erik Bedard was better. Over his seven innings, he also struck out eight, walked three, and gave up just two hits. But not one of those five men the Sox had on base were able to make it home.
There looked like there might be some hope when JJ Putz walked Manny and Casey in the 9th, but that hope was dashed when with two outs already in the inning, Coco grounded out to Lopez at 2nd base for the final out of the inning and the game.
So the Mariners took the series and the Sox road woes continue. They have an off day today and tomorrow they're back on the east coast for a four game series against the Orioles in Baltimore. Beckett's back on the mound on Friday and ideally the Orioles losing woes will last just long enough for the Sox to break even on this road trip.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Manny Hits #499... To No Avail - Jenn
Manny's back. And he proved it last night by planting #499 in the right field bleachers to tie the game in the 6th. Unfortunately his homer wouldn't help the Red Sox get the win. Instead it would be just another dramatic moment in a night full of dramatic moments.
It all started in the bottom of the fifth when Dice-K took the mound to start his warm-up, only to be pulled before he threw his first pitch due to shoulder fatigue. Through four innings, the pitcher had only given up four hits and three runs. He struck out two and for only the second time this season, the Diceman didn't walk anyone. But in case losing your starting pitcher in the fifth due to injury isn't exciting enough for you, the Sox would lose two more key people later that same inning.
Aardsma had come in to pitch, and with two outs and a walk under his belt, that's when things really got interesting. Ibanez had just taken his first pitch for a ball when Lugo asked the 3rd base umpire, Angel Hernandez, to check the swing. Things must've gotten heated because Hernandez threw the shortstop out of the game. Then when Francona came out to retrieve Lugo, and ask why he was being ejected, Francona was ejected as well.
But the drama didn't end there. In the sixth inning the Sox offense decided to add their two cents. After Coco struck out, Pedroia chopped the ball to the Mariners shortstop, but he couldn't handle it and the Sox 2nd baseman ended up on first with one out. Then Papi lined to right and just like that, the Sox finally have something going against Batista.
Then Manny stepped to the plate. Manny's last homer was on May 12th against the Minnesota Twins, which means that red sign on top of the green monster has been stuck at 498 for the left fielder's last 42 at bats. But taking that day off on Sunday clearly helped because he took the first pitch he saw from Batista and planted it in the bleachers in right for his #499th career home run. That home run also tied the game 3-3 which meant the Sox had a chance to win and Dice-K's 8-0 record would remain intact.
Unfortunately, as I stated in the title, that homer wouldn't get the Sox the win. Nope, thanks to my favorite Red Sox relief pitcher, Mike Timlin, the Sox would lose in the bottom of the 9th. Balentien's infield hit would turn into Seattle's fourth and final run when Lopez drove Timlin's pitch up the 3rd base line for the walk-off win. Hey Dad, guess what - Timlin not only blew the save, he lost the game. His ERA's back up to a bloated 6.89 and he fell to 0-6 with a lifetime ERA of 10.29 at Safeco.
So I guess it's not all his fault. One has to wonder why, with stats like that and the game tied, they'd even put him in in the first place. I mean, Papelbon was warming up in the bullpen with him. But I guess they wanted to save Pap 'til they had the lead. It doesn't matter what the reasons were, the point is the Sox lost, making it 1-4 on this road trip. And stats like that don't make a championship team.
In other news, Julian Tavarez, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the Sox bullpen, is no longer part of the Red Sox team. As of yesterday, he's officially a proud member of the Milwaukee Brewers and that's fine by me. Let them figure out a way to keep Mr. Hyde at bay.
It all started in the bottom of the fifth when Dice-K took the mound to start his warm-up, only to be pulled before he threw his first pitch due to shoulder fatigue. Through four innings, the pitcher had only given up four hits and three runs. He struck out two and for only the second time this season, the Diceman didn't walk anyone. But in case losing your starting pitcher in the fifth due to injury isn't exciting enough for you, the Sox would lose two more key people later that same inning.
Aardsma had come in to pitch, and with two outs and a walk under his belt, that's when things really got interesting. Ibanez had just taken his first pitch for a ball when Lugo asked the 3rd base umpire, Angel Hernandez, to check the swing. Things must've gotten heated because Hernandez threw the shortstop out of the game. Then when Francona came out to retrieve Lugo, and ask why he was being ejected, Francona was ejected as well.
But the drama didn't end there. In the sixth inning the Sox offense decided to add their two cents. After Coco struck out, Pedroia chopped the ball to the Mariners shortstop, but he couldn't handle it and the Sox 2nd baseman ended up on first with one out. Then Papi lined to right and just like that, the Sox finally have something going against Batista.
Then Manny stepped to the plate. Manny's last homer was on May 12th against the Minnesota Twins, which means that red sign on top of the green monster has been stuck at 498 for the left fielder's last 42 at bats. But taking that day off on Sunday clearly helped because he took the first pitch he saw from Batista and planted it in the bleachers in right for his #499th career home run. That home run also tied the game 3-3 which meant the Sox had a chance to win and Dice-K's 8-0 record would remain intact.
Unfortunately, as I stated in the title, that homer wouldn't get the Sox the win. Nope, thanks to my favorite Red Sox relief pitcher, Mike Timlin, the Sox would lose in the bottom of the 9th. Balentien's infield hit would turn into Seattle's fourth and final run when Lopez drove Timlin's pitch up the 3rd base line for the walk-off win. Hey Dad, guess what - Timlin not only blew the save, he lost the game. His ERA's back up to a bloated 6.89 and he fell to 0-6 with a lifetime ERA of 10.29 at Safeco.
So I guess it's not all his fault. One has to wonder why, with stats like that and the game tied, they'd even put him in in the first place. I mean, Papelbon was warming up in the bullpen with him. But I guess they wanted to save Pap 'til they had the lead. It doesn't matter what the reasons were, the point is the Sox lost, making it 1-4 on this road trip. And stats like that don't make a championship team.
In other news, Julian Tavarez, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the Sox bullpen, is no longer part of the Red Sox team. As of yesterday, he's officially a proud member of the Milwaukee Brewers and that's fine by me. Let them figure out a way to keep Mr. Hyde at bay.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Winning Again--With An Unusual Twist--Peter
Well, the Sox headed to the Pacific Northwest and are back in the win column, although still a half game behind the Rays for the Division lead. For seven innings, we had a classic pitching duel going on. Hits were basically scattered and the few that occurred only resulted in a 1-1 tie through seven. Papi accounted for the Bosox' run singlehandedly by depositing a pitch in the far seats for his twelfth fourbagger of the season.
But it wasn't until the Sox 8th that things got going. Our heroes sent ten men to the plate and scored four runs, basically winning the game. Pedroia came up, hitless to that point, with a couple of baserunners and promptly drove a ball deep into the outfield for a double and the second Sox run. After Papi reached base, Manny brought Dusty home with a solid single and made it 3-1. This was followed by Ortiz being plated when Lowell eked out an infield single: Sox 4-1. Drew got a base hit, loading the sacks and a few minutes later Manny came home on Tek's RBI free pass. That was all the scoring the Sox would need. For that matter, it was all they'd get as well.
Oki came in and tossed an inning of one hit shutout ball, followed in the 9th by The Saver, Papelbon. That's where things got unusual. That's unusual as in rare. Now, it's true that Pap occasionally gets hit, maybe even giving up the long ball. It's also occasionally true that he even gives up more than one hit in an inning, win or lose (usually the former). But tonight, he was outdoing himself. Firing his usual assortment of laser beams, he struck out two batters and eventually closed out the win. But, he also gave up two hits, threw a wild pitch and made an error on a bad throw to first on a simple grounder. All this in an inning.
Well, it did make things a bit more interesting. But that kind of interesting is like the kind that developed eons ago in ancient Rome when an augurer would gut a chicken and watch which way the guts fell out as a way of forecasting the future. It's the kind of interest that you'd just as soon not have to be interested in.
Anyway, due at least in part to the wild throw, and also in part to the wild pitch that followed a few batters later, the M's got two runs in the 9th, both unearned, and made what had appeared a sure thing for the Sox "interesting". Fortunately, Pap recovered before things got too interesting and finally put the M's out of their worst in the league misery.
Overall, Sox got nine hits, two of them for extra bases. Colon pitched his second consecutive excellent start, going seven and picking up his second victory in two decisions since making it back to the Show. If he keeps pitching like this, it will become one of the best out of the blue acquisitions that Theo's made since plucking Papi off the roster of the Twins five years ago.
But it wasn't until the Sox 8th that things got going. Our heroes sent ten men to the plate and scored four runs, basically winning the game. Pedroia came up, hitless to that point, with a couple of baserunners and promptly drove a ball deep into the outfield for a double and the second Sox run. After Papi reached base, Manny brought Dusty home with a solid single and made it 3-1. This was followed by Ortiz being plated when Lowell eked out an infield single: Sox 4-1. Drew got a base hit, loading the sacks and a few minutes later Manny came home on Tek's RBI free pass. That was all the scoring the Sox would need. For that matter, it was all they'd get as well.
Oki came in and tossed an inning of one hit shutout ball, followed in the 9th by The Saver, Papelbon. That's where things got unusual. That's unusual as in rare. Now, it's true that Pap occasionally gets hit, maybe even giving up the long ball. It's also occasionally true that he even gives up more than one hit in an inning, win or lose (usually the former). But tonight, he was outdoing himself. Firing his usual assortment of laser beams, he struck out two batters and eventually closed out the win. But, he also gave up two hits, threw a wild pitch and made an error on a bad throw to first on a simple grounder. All this in an inning.
Well, it did make things a bit more interesting. But that kind of interesting is like the kind that developed eons ago in ancient Rome when an augurer would gut a chicken and watch which way the guts fell out as a way of forecasting the future. It's the kind of interest that you'd just as soon not have to be interested in.
Anyway, due at least in part to the wild throw, and also in part to the wild pitch that followed a few batters later, the M's got two runs in the 9th, both unearned, and made what had appeared a sure thing for the Sox "interesting". Fortunately, Pap recovered before things got too interesting and finally put the M's out of their worst in the league misery.
Overall, Sox got nine hits, two of them for extra bases. Colon pitched his second consecutive excellent start, going seven and picking up his second victory in two decisions since making it back to the Show. If he keeps pitching like this, it will become one of the best out of the blue acquisitions that Theo's made since plucking Papi off the roster of the Twins five years ago.
Enforcing the Rules - Jenn
Since Dad gave a very good picture of this weekend's horrendous outing from the Red Sox offense, I thought I'd rant about the new rules that were brought up this week to speed up a baseball game.
Now I know plenty of people that don't like baseball because it takes too long. But that's the nature of the sport. I mean, it wouldn't be called America's National Pass-Time if it wasn't an easy-going game. So the games are a minute longer than they were last season. And a whopping 5.5 minutes longer than there were five years ago. So what? To quote Kevin Youkilis, "this game is not about time". It's about intensity. Fans go to games for a good pitching duel or to see their favorite slugger belt one out of the park. It's not a race to see if they can get in and out of the ballpark in record time. If it were, fans wouldn't set up shop in the parking lots to tailgate.
But evidently that doesn't matter. Commissioner Bud Selig decided it was time to speed things up. So, he made conference calls to all club managers on Wednesday letting them know that starting as soon as possible, some rules were going to start being enforced. Those rules are:
1) Umpires will ask batters to approach home plate from the on-deck circle and enter the
batter's box faster. And if the batter doesn't, he'll get an automatic strike.
2) In a bases-empty situation, the pitcher has to throw the ball within 12 seconds of receiving it
from his catcher. They'll get a warning the first time, but for every violation thereafter, the
pitcher will be called for a ball.
3) Conferences on the pitcher's mound will be broken up more quickly, and teams will be asked
to have a reserve player or coach ready to catch warm up pitches if a catcher isn't ready.
These rules are lame. A perfect example is rule #2. A pitcher's windup is his thing. While some pitchers can get the ball, get the sign from the catcher, and throw within 12 seconds, plenty don't. Take Hideki Okajima. After each throw, he walks off the mound to the third base side, rubs his hands together, takes a moment, decides how he's going to throw and finally throws the ball. It could take up to 30 seconds. But do we want him to rush the Okie dokie? Of course not. That's his signature pitch. And while it's usually a ball, he gets the batter to swing at it more often than not. Want a better example? Just imagine Papelbon without his death-stare that seems to make time stand still.
Now I know I'm only talking about the Sox relief staff, but I'm sure you could find plenty of pitchers throughout the league whose quirks make them take longer than 12 seconds to throw the ball. But it's those quirks that strike batters out and make them fan favorites.
While Sox fans have yet to see the 12-second rule enforced, if you saw the game Friday night against the A's, you unfortunately got to see the batter rule enforced. Hitting coach, Dave Magadan, was thrown out of the game for standing up for his batter. JD Drew broke his bat. He wanted to run back to the on-deck circle to fix it, but the umpire wouldn't allow it and Magadan got pissed off. He said something to the ump, and the umpire threw him out. Francona came to his hitting coach's defense, but the ump stood his ground and Magadan left the game.
If this is what baseball is to become, it's going to quit being fun. Sure the Sox happen to be one of the slowest teams in the league. But they're not alone. The Yankees are right up there with them. As a matter of fact, historically it's the teams with the best records that have the slowest games. So, I guess if you want the Sox to start losing (this past weekend not included), then have the umps start enforcing these rules. Otherwise, back off and let's play ball!
Now I know plenty of people that don't like baseball because it takes too long. But that's the nature of the sport. I mean, it wouldn't be called America's National Pass-Time if it wasn't an easy-going game. So the games are a minute longer than they were last season. And a whopping 5.5 minutes longer than there were five years ago. So what? To quote Kevin Youkilis, "this game is not about time". It's about intensity. Fans go to games for a good pitching duel or to see their favorite slugger belt one out of the park. It's not a race to see if they can get in and out of the ballpark in record time. If it were, fans wouldn't set up shop in the parking lots to tailgate.
But evidently that doesn't matter. Commissioner Bud Selig decided it was time to speed things up. So, he made conference calls to all club managers on Wednesday letting them know that starting as soon as possible, some rules were going to start being enforced. Those rules are:
1) Umpires will ask batters to approach home plate from the on-deck circle and enter the
batter's box faster. And if the batter doesn't, he'll get an automatic strike.
2) In a bases-empty situation, the pitcher has to throw the ball within 12 seconds of receiving it
from his catcher. They'll get a warning the first time, but for every violation thereafter, the
pitcher will be called for a ball.
3) Conferences on the pitcher's mound will be broken up more quickly, and teams will be asked
to have a reserve player or coach ready to catch warm up pitches if a catcher isn't ready.
These rules are lame. A perfect example is rule #2. A pitcher's windup is his thing. While some pitchers can get the ball, get the sign from the catcher, and throw within 12 seconds, plenty don't. Take Hideki Okajima. After each throw, he walks off the mound to the third base side, rubs his hands together, takes a moment, decides how he's going to throw and finally throws the ball. It could take up to 30 seconds. But do we want him to rush the Okie dokie? Of course not. That's his signature pitch. And while it's usually a ball, he gets the batter to swing at it more often than not. Want a better example? Just imagine Papelbon without his death-stare that seems to make time stand still.
Now I know I'm only talking about the Sox relief staff, but I'm sure you could find plenty of pitchers throughout the league whose quirks make them take longer than 12 seconds to throw the ball. But it's those quirks that strike batters out and make them fan favorites.
While Sox fans have yet to see the 12-second rule enforced, if you saw the game Friday night against the A's, you unfortunately got to see the batter rule enforced. Hitting coach, Dave Magadan, was thrown out of the game for standing up for his batter. JD Drew broke his bat. He wanted to run back to the on-deck circle to fix it, but the umpire wouldn't allow it and Magadan got pissed off. He said something to the ump, and the umpire threw him out. Francona came to his hitting coach's defense, but the ump stood his ground and Magadan left the game.
If this is what baseball is to become, it's going to quit being fun. Sure the Sox happen to be one of the slowest teams in the league. But they're not alone. The Yankees are right up there with them. As a matter of fact, historically it's the teams with the best records that have the slowest games. So, I guess if you want the Sox to start losing (this past weekend not included), then have the umps start enforcing these rules. Otherwise, back off and let's play ball!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Beauty Is Only First Inning Deep--Peter
Well, after two consecutive losses at the hands of the Oakland Athletics, the events of the Sox first inning today seemed to presage a welcome change. A thing of beauty, David Ortiz parked his 11th home run on the year in the bleachers for a one zip lead as the game got under way. John Lester was pitching for the Sox against Joe Blanton, who, despite being described locally as the 'ace' of the Oakland staff, is really an average journeyman starting pitcher--especially against the Sox. The trouble is that the Sox today, after that first inning burst of offense, were basically ugly.
Lester's pitching was not even remotely similar to his no-hitter this past week, although he might have survived had it not been for the Sox' truly ugly defensive play. Starting with one of his own, Lester and the Sox had to endure a total of three errors in the game. At least three of the A's runs were in some way resulting from these errors. In case you haven't noticed, three runs was the margin of victory for the A's as well, so today's ugliness had a direct bearing on the results. Speaking of results, with this loss, the Sox drop to a half game behind the Rays, who, winning again today have moved past them into first--again. Worse, Mr. Hankie's Yankees won again, completing their sweep of the Mariners, who are the next team the Sox visit.
Hopefully, they'll get back on track as this is the longest road losing streak the team has had to endure since 2001. It's now at 7.
On the plus side, besides Papi's homer,Manny, after a night off, went 3-4 and drove in two runs. Youk, although going hitless, extended his record consecutive errorless game streak to 231 games in a row. Not much else to tell, but this losing has got to stop.
Lester's pitching was not even remotely similar to his no-hitter this past week, although he might have survived had it not been for the Sox' truly ugly defensive play. Starting with one of his own, Lester and the Sox had to endure a total of three errors in the game. At least three of the A's runs were in some way resulting from these errors. In case you haven't noticed, three runs was the margin of victory for the A's as well, so today's ugliness had a direct bearing on the results. Speaking of results, with this loss, the Sox drop to a half game behind the Rays, who, winning again today have moved past them into first--again. Worse, Mr. Hankie's Yankees won again, completing their sweep of the Mariners, who are the next team the Sox visit.
Hopefully, they'll get back on track as this is the longest road losing streak the team has had to endure since 2001. It's now at 7.
On the plus side, besides Papi's homer,Manny, after a night off, went 3-4 and drove in two runs. Youk, although going hitless, extended his record consecutive errorless game streak to 231 games in a row. Not much else to tell, but this losing has got to stop.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Normally, You'd Expect--But This Ain't Normally--Peter
Normally, you'd expect that when Josh Beckett is the starter and, to make things better, he only gives up 2 runs in seven innings, we win. Normally, when JB is the starter and he gets 9 K's and walks nobody, you'd expect we win. Normally, a lot of things, but what it all comes down to tonight is we lost--in other words, it ain't normally.
Everything I just described happened, but, unfortunately, what else happened is that the Sox only got two baserunners. One, when Tek was hit by one of Duchsherer's pitches in the seventh and the second when Papi got a line single an inning later. As you might expect, and this time you'd be right, when the Sox offense is this quiet, read non-existent, they lose. Simple as that. That's exactly what they did. In case the obvious escapes you, what this all means is that a journeyman pitcher who has pretty decent numbers so far this year had a perfect game going entering the 6th and a no-hitter until there was one out in the 7th. Now, it's not John Lester stuff, but not too shabby. The guy pitched a good game.
I have nothing else to say about the game other than Lester goes tomorrow,and hopefully, can at least approach the quality of his last start. Manny, who took the night off, orders of Tito, will play tomorrow as well.
Oh, by the way, Celts beat Detroit in Detroit by 14; Celts lead series 2-1.
Everything I just described happened, but, unfortunately, what else happened is that the Sox only got two baserunners. One, when Tek was hit by one of Duchsherer's pitches in the seventh and the second when Papi got a line single an inning later. As you might expect, and this time you'd be right, when the Sox offense is this quiet, read non-existent, they lose. Simple as that. That's exactly what they did. In case the obvious escapes you, what this all means is that a journeyman pitcher who has pretty decent numbers so far this year had a perfect game going entering the 6th and a no-hitter until there was one out in the 7th. Now, it's not John Lester stuff, but not too shabby. The guy pitched a good game.
I have nothing else to say about the game other than Lester goes tomorrow,and hopefully, can at least approach the quality of his last start. Manny, who took the night off, orders of Tito, will play tomorrow as well.
Oh, by the way, Celts beat Detroit in Detroit by 14; Celts lead series 2-1.
Wakefield Ends the Winning Streak - Jenn
Yes, it's true. The knuckler did not have a good outing. And I knew it was going to be bad after the first inning.
See, in the first Wakefield gave up three runs. Then another four in the third inning. So, by the time Francona pulled him, the A's were up 7-2 and there was no chance for the Sox to recover. Not when the opposing pitcher of the night was the A's version of Josh Beckett.
While Wakefield walked four and gave up eight hits and eight runs, Rich Harden only gave up three walks, four hits and two runs. But the more important stat, he struck out eight. That's right eight. Twice as many as the Sox's dear old knuckleballer.
Who knows why it was an off night for Wake. Maybe his age is catching up with him. Maybe it's the fact that it was a chilly evening in Oakland, as it was in the high 40's. Maybe the lack of rest accounts for the bad outing. After all, the Red Sox had just been on a plane for 6 hours and were starting their game at 10:05 eastern. Maybe it was Dad finding that quarter in the Oakland parking lot. Maybe it was all those reasons combined.
Who knows why? The fact is they lost. What's worse, the Yankees won. As a matter of fact everyone in the American League East won last night. All except Baltimore who were playing Tampa Bay. So while the Sox are still leading the East, they're now only leading by a game and a half. Here's hoping Beckett gets the Sox back on the right track tonight.
As for Timlin. Yes, Dad I'm listening. And I'm watching. I know he's done well his last few outings. And no one was more surprised than I to see him go not one but two innings without giving up a run or even a hit for that matter. But he's still a liability. (Actually, right now the entire bullpen seems to be a liability.) So, until I see several more outings from #50 with the same results as last night, I'm still going to have stomach pangs whenever I see him warming up.
See, in the first Wakefield gave up three runs. Then another four in the third inning. So, by the time Francona pulled him, the A's were up 7-2 and there was no chance for the Sox to recover. Not when the opposing pitcher of the night was the A's version of Josh Beckett.
While Wakefield walked four and gave up eight hits and eight runs, Rich Harden only gave up three walks, four hits and two runs. But the more important stat, he struck out eight. That's right eight. Twice as many as the Sox's dear old knuckleballer.
Who knows why it was an off night for Wake. Maybe his age is catching up with him. Maybe it's the fact that it was a chilly evening in Oakland, as it was in the high 40's. Maybe the lack of rest accounts for the bad outing. After all, the Red Sox had just been on a plane for 6 hours and were starting their game at 10:05 eastern. Maybe it was Dad finding that quarter in the Oakland parking lot. Maybe it was all those reasons combined.
Who knows why? The fact is they lost. What's worse, the Yankees won. As a matter of fact everyone in the American League East won last night. All except Baltimore who were playing Tampa Bay. So while the Sox are still leading the East, they're now only leading by a game and a half. Here's hoping Beckett gets the Sox back on the right track tonight.
As for Timlin. Yes, Dad I'm listening. And I'm watching. I know he's done well his last few outings. And no one was more surprised than I to see him go not one but two innings without giving up a run or even a hit for that matter. But he's still a liability. (Actually, right now the entire bullpen seems to be a liability.) So, until I see several more outings from #50 with the same results as last night, I'm still going to have stomach pangs whenever I see him warming up.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Omens Can Be Misleading!--Peter
Well, tonight I attended the Sox game at Oakland Coliseum (That's the way it's spelled in Oakland--never noticed before tonight) figuring we should have a better than even chance at extending the win streak to eight. Wake was pitching and if his knuckler was doing what it should do, then the fact that Harden was throwing for the A's should be very nicely balanced out, with the Hose likely taking the game in the late innings after Harden had been removed. What further cemented this likelihood in my mind was the fact that as I opened my wife's door on our car in the Coliseum parking lot, I found a shiny new quarter on the ground. If, as traditional superstitions go, a penny's good luck, then surely a quarter just had to be that times twentyfive! Not..so...fast....!
The knuckler was moving as fast as it usually does, which is to say, if it topped out at 65, it was over the posted limit. At one point, Wake's ball was clocked at 55. That's right--the double nickle. His 'fast' ball got up a couple of times into the high 70's, but that's OK because Wake's bread and butter pitch is the flutterball. As any knuckleball aficionado will tell you, the thing that makes a good knuckler so effective is that no-one, and that includes the hurler tossing it up there, has any idea exactly where it will go. Oh, you know it will be somewhere within a few feet of the plate--in any given direction, but rarely the same direction on consecutive throws. It's like watching the flight of a butterfly--and a butterfly with an alcohol to blood reading of way over 0.8 at that! It darts; it drops; it rises; it dances, literally, side to side and then up and down--all of this in the short space of sixty feet, six inches. But what would you expect for a ball that's probably only moving at something only slightly faster than your neighbor's kid on his bike going down the hill a few blocks over?
The problem with it is that if it's not dancing, then it's almost like having it placed on a hitting tee. All one has to do in that case is take a good hard swing and it's going somewhere off in the distance. That, unfortunately, is what we got tonight. In the first inning, the A's quickly put two men on base; one quickly driven home by the next A's batter and then the Big Hurt--his mother, Mrs. Thomas knows him as Frank--drove the first pitch he saw over the fence--3-0, A's. A few innings later, we got something of a replay, though the guy driving the ball into the cheaps this time was the A's second sacker, Mark Ellis. As they'd already added a single run at the start of the inning, it was now seven-zip A's.
Most of Wake's stuff, while not really dancing the way it can on a good night, was at least decent. But all it took was two or three bad pitches and the game, for all practical purposes, was over. Were we facing some other A's hurler--perhaps Blanton or some other similarly marginal thrower, things could have turned out differently. Harden would have lasted his six innings, giving up the two runs he did, and then the Sox bats would have started banging on the A's bullpen. But those few bad pitches were thrown and that's the story. In the case of Thomas, it's understandable. He's done fairly well over his career against Wake, and he will be a first ballot pick for Cooperstown. Yes, he's deep into the twilight of his career--this could be his final year--but he's still the Big Hurt, and he still knows how to attack and drive a baseball. He proved it once more tonight, going 3-4, including aforementioned homer.
The quarter? It's in my pocket. Maybe I'll throw it away lest it have any A's karma. After all, it was the Oakland parking lot where I found it.
Pluses for the Sox--there were a few. Ellsbury got two RBI singles in four trips and, in a further example of how the night was going for our heroes, stole 2d cleanly late in the game. He was called out, correctly, after he had made the bag safely before the tag, and then gotten careless and found himself off the bag on the third base side. The A's fielder alertly had kept the ball and again swept his glove past Jake tagging him this time as he was off the bag. This was after the steal. But the official scorer only recorded it as a CS--no mention of the successful 20th steal of the season by Ellsbury.
Pedroia put one into the bleachers in left center for the Sox' first run on a hard flat shot, getting the faithful attending the game to hope it was the start of a comeback. Sorry--not tonight.
Pitching--it wasn't all disappointing. The bullpen collectively threw three consecutive scoreless, hitless innings. Hell, the last two of these were thrown by Jenn's favorite--Timlin. He even got a pair of K's as well as allowing no hits or walks. Can you say two perfect? That's three games in a row he hasn't thrown the game away. Jenn, are you listening?
Well, tomorrow's another day. By the way, that new photo you see is yours truly at tonight's game. Tomorrow things hopefully will go better as JB's taking the rubber, followed by Lester on Sunday.
The knuckler was moving as fast as it usually does, which is to say, if it topped out at 65, it was over the posted limit. At one point, Wake's ball was clocked at 55. That's right--the double nickle. His 'fast' ball got up a couple of times into the high 70's, but that's OK because Wake's bread and butter pitch is the flutterball. As any knuckleball aficionado will tell you, the thing that makes a good knuckler so effective is that no-one, and that includes the hurler tossing it up there, has any idea exactly where it will go. Oh, you know it will be somewhere within a few feet of the plate--in any given direction, but rarely the same direction on consecutive throws. It's like watching the flight of a butterfly--and a butterfly with an alcohol to blood reading of way over 0.8 at that! It darts; it drops; it rises; it dances, literally, side to side and then up and down--all of this in the short space of sixty feet, six inches. But what would you expect for a ball that's probably only moving at something only slightly faster than your neighbor's kid on his bike going down the hill a few blocks over?
The problem with it is that if it's not dancing, then it's almost like having it placed on a hitting tee. All one has to do in that case is take a good hard swing and it's going somewhere off in the distance. That, unfortunately, is what we got tonight. In the first inning, the A's quickly put two men on base; one quickly driven home by the next A's batter and then the Big Hurt--his mother, Mrs. Thomas knows him as Frank--drove the first pitch he saw over the fence--3-0, A's. A few innings later, we got something of a replay, though the guy driving the ball into the cheaps this time was the A's second sacker, Mark Ellis. As they'd already added a single run at the start of the inning, it was now seven-zip A's.
Most of Wake's stuff, while not really dancing the way it can on a good night, was at least decent. But all it took was two or three bad pitches and the game, for all practical purposes, was over. Were we facing some other A's hurler--perhaps Blanton or some other similarly marginal thrower, things could have turned out differently. Harden would have lasted his six innings, giving up the two runs he did, and then the Sox bats would have started banging on the A's bullpen. But those few bad pitches were thrown and that's the story. In the case of Thomas, it's understandable. He's done fairly well over his career against Wake, and he will be a first ballot pick for Cooperstown. Yes, he's deep into the twilight of his career--this could be his final year--but he's still the Big Hurt, and he still knows how to attack and drive a baseball. He proved it once more tonight, going 3-4, including aforementioned homer.
The quarter? It's in my pocket. Maybe I'll throw it away lest it have any A's karma. After all, it was the Oakland parking lot where I found it.
Pluses for the Sox--there were a few. Ellsbury got two RBI singles in four trips and, in a further example of how the night was going for our heroes, stole 2d cleanly late in the game. He was called out, correctly, after he had made the bag safely before the tag, and then gotten careless and found himself off the bag on the third base side. The A's fielder alertly had kept the ball and again swept his glove past Jake tagging him this time as he was off the bag. This was after the steal. But the official scorer only recorded it as a CS--no mention of the successful 20th steal of the season by Ellsbury.
Pedroia put one into the bleachers in left center for the Sox' first run on a hard flat shot, getting the faithful attending the game to hope it was the start of a comeback. Sorry--not tonight.
Pitching--it wasn't all disappointing. The bullpen collectively threw three consecutive scoreless, hitless innings. Hell, the last two of these were thrown by Jenn's favorite--Timlin. He even got a pair of K's as well as allowing no hits or walks. Can you say two perfect? That's three games in a row he hasn't thrown the game away. Jenn, are you listening?
Well, tomorrow's another day. By the way, that new photo you see is yours truly at tonight's game. Tomorrow things hopefully will go better as JB's taking the rubber, followed by Lester on Sunday.
Boxcars for the Diceman--Peter
Those of you who shoot dice know that 'BoxCars' is another way to describe 'making a hard eight'. It's getting eight, if that's your point, with both dice showing a four. It also describes Dice-K's latest victory last night. Going for, and getting his eighth that left him at 8-0 for the season, was not an easy win.
First, he had six BB's in just over five innings. Thank God he struck out seven, so that somewhat balanced off the free passes. Then, after leaving having been charged with three runs, but ahead 11-3 at inning's end (after the Sox got their turn at bat), the relief, pre-The Saver, gave up an additional five runs. Three of those were surrendered by the usually reliable Aardsma. Coming into the Royals' half of the 9th it was suddenly a lot more 'interesting' than I cared for. Time for Laserman, better known to the faithful as Papelbon. He quickly put the first two batters away, but then gave up a pair of singles and all of a sudden, it's tying run at the plate. This isn't how one usually envisions Pap saving a game. However, a few quick bursts and the third and final out was on the board and the Royals were once again out of their misery--or, maybe, deeper into their misery. I guess it just depends on your frame of reference.
Another note about the pair of fours (boxcars) relative to this game is the pair of Grand Slams by the Sox, the first time for two in a game at Fenway in over 20 years, and the first by the Sox anywhere in about five years. That last time was also unique unto itself as both Slams then were by Billy Mueller, one from each side of the dish. Thanks for last night to Lowell and JD! In addition to the Slam, both guys had multi-hit games, Lowell coming with a double and single to add to the shot. Other Sox players with multi-hit evenings were Lugo and Youk.
Anyway, it was the Sox' seventh win in a row, so I guess you shooters can look at a good evening either way. We got our '7' and made our point (if the point was 8) in a pair of ways. Keep rolling.
I'm planning to see the Sox live tonight at the Oakland Colosseum; Wake's pitching.
Also, this blog was very kindly recognized by the Marin Independent-Journal's Dave Albee in his column today. For you folks who aren't local (northern California) and want to see his column, you can log on to the paper's web site and go to the sports section. The web URL is: www.marinij.com. Thanks, Dave. Always appreciated.
First, he had six BB's in just over five innings. Thank God he struck out seven, so that somewhat balanced off the free passes. Then, after leaving having been charged with three runs, but ahead 11-3 at inning's end (after the Sox got their turn at bat), the relief, pre-The Saver, gave up an additional five runs. Three of those were surrendered by the usually reliable Aardsma. Coming into the Royals' half of the 9th it was suddenly a lot more 'interesting' than I cared for. Time for Laserman, better known to the faithful as Papelbon. He quickly put the first two batters away, but then gave up a pair of singles and all of a sudden, it's tying run at the plate. This isn't how one usually envisions Pap saving a game. However, a few quick bursts and the third and final out was on the board and the Royals were once again out of their misery--or, maybe, deeper into their misery. I guess it just depends on your frame of reference.
Another note about the pair of fours (boxcars) relative to this game is the pair of Grand Slams by the Sox, the first time for two in a game at Fenway in over 20 years, and the first by the Sox anywhere in about five years. That last time was also unique unto itself as both Slams then were by Billy Mueller, one from each side of the dish. Thanks for last night to Lowell and JD! In addition to the Slam, both guys had multi-hit games, Lowell coming with a double and single to add to the shot. Other Sox players with multi-hit evenings were Lugo and Youk.
Anyway, it was the Sox' seventh win in a row, so I guess you shooters can look at a good evening either way. We got our '7' and made our point (if the point was 8) in a pair of ways. Keep rolling.
I'm planning to see the Sox live tonight at the Oakland Colosseum; Wake's pitching.
Also, this blog was very kindly recognized by the Marin Independent-Journal's Dave Albee in his column today. For you folks who aren't local (northern California) and want to see his column, you can log on to the paper's web site and go to the sports section. The web URL is: www.marinij.com. Thanks, Dave. Always appreciated.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Somehow Dice-K Goes 8-0 - Jenn
Somehow indeed. Over 5 2/3 innings the starter not only struck out seven, he somehow only allowed 3 runs over six hits, and six walks.
While it's true the Royals ended the game with 8 runs, they weren't given up by the Diceman, which means the pitcher is now 8-0. That makes him just the 11th Red Sox pitcher to ever win at least his first 8 outings. I still don't know how he does it. Today's game marks the third time this season the starter has given up at least 6 walks and gotten the win. I guess Dice-K just knows when to slam the door on the opposing team.
But Dice-K didn't do it all by himself. As is always the case, the pitcher needs some help. And today Dice-K got some serious help from his offense in the form of 11 runs. Eight of those runs came in the form of not one, but two grand slams.
The first came in the third inning. Manny got an infield hit. Then Lowell and Youkilis managed to drive their balls to left to load the bases. Then JD Drew stepped up. And on a 2-2 pitch, the right fielder launched the ball over the green monster for a home run and the first grand slam of the day.
Three innings later in the sixth, with two more runs on the board, Ellsbury walked and Pedroia doubled off the green monster to put the youngsters on second and third with just one out. Then Papi popped out and it looked like the Royals had a chance to get out of the inning without any more damage. But then Kansas City did something surprising - they walked Manny Ramirez - intentionally.
So, the bases are loaded and Mike Lowell steps to the plate. Gobble throws the first pitch high for a ball. The second pitch was a strike - right in the middle of the plate. And Lowell crushed it. He sent that ball screaming into Manny's 498 sign for the second grand slam of the day.
Those two slams mark the 10th time in Red Sox history there have been two grand slams in a game. That's more than any other team in the majors. The last time it happened Bill Mueller did it all by himself on July 29, 2003 from both sides of the plate. Before that, it was John Valentin and Mo Vaughn at Yankee Stadium in May of '95. But the last time two Sox players slammed at the Fens was in 1984 against Detroit. It was Tony Armas and Bill Buckner, yes that Bill Buckner, who slammed the Tigers on August 7 of that year. And now there are two more names to add to that esteemed list - Lowell and Drew.
Those two slams took the Sox to an 11-8 win, a series sweep over the Royals, and a 7-0 homestead. And as I said earlier, it was those slams that gave Dice-K his 8th win. Again, I'm in shock. But it's a good shock. And what better way to go 8-0 then adding two more Red Sox names to the history books.
While it's true the Royals ended the game with 8 runs, they weren't given up by the Diceman, which means the pitcher is now 8-0. That makes him just the 11th Red Sox pitcher to ever win at least his first 8 outings. I still don't know how he does it. Today's game marks the third time this season the starter has given up at least 6 walks and gotten the win. I guess Dice-K just knows when to slam the door on the opposing team.
But Dice-K didn't do it all by himself. As is always the case, the pitcher needs some help. And today Dice-K got some serious help from his offense in the form of 11 runs. Eight of those runs came in the form of not one, but two grand slams.
The first came in the third inning. Manny got an infield hit. Then Lowell and Youkilis managed to drive their balls to left to load the bases. Then JD Drew stepped up. And on a 2-2 pitch, the right fielder launched the ball over the green monster for a home run and the first grand slam of the day.
Three innings later in the sixth, with two more runs on the board, Ellsbury walked and Pedroia doubled off the green monster to put the youngsters on second and third with just one out. Then Papi popped out and it looked like the Royals had a chance to get out of the inning without any more damage. But then Kansas City did something surprising - they walked Manny Ramirez - intentionally.
So, the bases are loaded and Mike Lowell steps to the plate. Gobble throws the first pitch high for a ball. The second pitch was a strike - right in the middle of the plate. And Lowell crushed it. He sent that ball screaming into Manny's 498 sign for the second grand slam of the day.
Those two slams mark the 10th time in Red Sox history there have been two grand slams in a game. That's more than any other team in the majors. The last time it happened Bill Mueller did it all by himself on July 29, 2003 from both sides of the plate. Before that, it was John Valentin and Mo Vaughn at Yankee Stadium in May of '95. But the last time two Sox players slammed at the Fens was in 1984 against Detroit. It was Tony Armas and Bill Buckner, yes that Bill Buckner, who slammed the Tigers on August 7 of that year. And now there are two more names to add to that esteemed list - Lowell and Drew.
Those two slams took the Sox to an 11-8 win, a series sweep over the Royals, and a 7-0 homestead. And as I said earlier, it was those slams that gave Dice-K his 8th win. Again, I'm in shock. But it's a good shock. And what better way to go 8-0 then adding two more Red Sox names to the history books.
Colon Worth the Wait - Jenn
Like Dad said, Bartolo Colon made good. He may have only pitched five innings and threw only 74 pitches, but he did enough to get the win and prove that the Sox purchase in the off season was a smart move.
I won't go into details because Dad gave you everything you need to know. All I'll say is Colon looked good and closed the door on the Royals when he needed to.
Thankfully the bullpen kept up the good work and yes, even Timlin didn't screw it up, though he tried by giving Gathright a free pass. Then DeJesus lined to right and Gathright scored the final Royals run. Luckily the Sox were ahead by 4, so one run wasn't enough to be a threat.
Today Dice-K's back on the mound and the Sox look to sweep the Royals in the final game of the series and make their trip back to the Fens 7-0.
I won't go into details because Dad gave you everything you need to know. All I'll say is Colon looked good and closed the door on the Royals when he needed to.
Thankfully the bullpen kept up the good work and yes, even Timlin didn't screw it up, though he tried by giving Gathright a free pass. Then DeJesus lined to right and Gathright scored the final Royals run. Luckily the Sox were ahead by 4, so one run wasn't enough to be a threat.
Today Dice-K's back on the mound and the Sox look to sweep the Royals in the final game of the series and make their trip back to the Fens 7-0.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Welcome Home, Bartolo!--Peter
You can never have too much good pitching, and tonight the Red Sox reaped the benefits of having picked wisely in the pre-season. Bartolo Colon, the 2005 Cy Young winner with the Angels, was thought by many to be done due to injury. However, the Sox, after careful analysis, took a chance in Spring Training and, after another injury delayed the debut, he got his first MLB start in a couple of years. He did just fine. Pitching on a very tight pitch count, he went five innings, giving up a pair of earned runs, both on soft singles, but showed he hasn't forgotten how to pitch. He even topped out at 94, and averaged between 89 and 92, not bad for the first game at MLB level in a couple of years. Throw away that fork--he's far from done!
A hurler shows his skills not when everything's going along without any trouble, lots of K's and so on. No, he demonstrates his knowledge of his craft when he's got men on base and not much margin for error. Both times the Royals scored, they still had men on base and threatened to do more damage. But Colon bore down, made the pitches and limited the damage. That's the mark of a pitcher, as opposed to a thrower. Muy bien, Bartolo!
The Sox bats were somewhat more productive tonight than they had been in the first two games of the series. Tonight the Bosox got an even dozen hits, four of them for extra bases. It began with Jacoby's leadoff homer to start the Sox half of the first inning and, after briefly giving up the lead for the first time in this series, resumed with Tek leading off the 5th with his sixth shot of the season to tie the score. The Hub Hose then added three more runs in that inning and finished their scoring in the seventh. Although the heart of the order was only 1-13, the sole hit from this section of the order was Lowell's ninth two bagger of the year, and Papi got his 38th ribbie on a sac fly. Four of the Sox had multi-hit games with Jacoby and Dusty getting three apiece.
Even something for Jenn--Timlin finished up and, again didn't give away the game, although he did surrender a single run in the ninth.
A hurler shows his skills not when everything's going along without any trouble, lots of K's and so on. No, he demonstrates his knowledge of his craft when he's got men on base and not much margin for error. Both times the Royals scored, they still had men on base and threatened to do more damage. But Colon bore down, made the pitches and limited the damage. That's the mark of a pitcher, as opposed to a thrower. Muy bien, Bartolo!
The Sox bats were somewhat more productive tonight than they had been in the first two games of the series. Tonight the Bosox got an even dozen hits, four of them for extra bases. It began with Jacoby's leadoff homer to start the Sox half of the first inning and, after briefly giving up the lead for the first time in this series, resumed with Tek leading off the 5th with his sixth shot of the season to tie the score. The Hub Hose then added three more runs in that inning and finished their scoring in the seventh. Although the heart of the order was only 1-13, the sole hit from this section of the order was Lowell's ninth two bagger of the year, and Papi got his 38th ribbie on a sac fly. Four of the Sox had multi-hit games with Jacoby and Dusty getting three apiece.
Even something for Jenn--Timlin finished up and, again didn't give away the game, although he did surrender a single run in the ninth.
Good Pitching--Peter
Well last night's game comes down to one thing--GOOD PITCHING! There's an old expression in baseball that good pitching will always beat good hitting. That was proven again by the game. Red Sox rookie Masterson was called up the day before the game with another of the Sox' young corps of quality pitchers of the past couple of years, Buchholz, on the DL with a torn fingernail. Masterson, who's only pitched once last month, against the Angels, in the Bigs, did very well, lowering his ERA to 1.45 as he gained his first MLB win. Limiting the Royals to just three hits, he hung around through 6 1/3 innings and then left for the bullpen.
Lopez got the next out, the only hitter he faced. Then The Other Manny, Delcarmen, allowed one hit that scored the only run charged against Masterson before getting the last out of the inning. That was it for TOM. Okajima followed in the eighth and after getting two outs and loading the bases was picked up by The Saver.
Papelbon struck out the remaining Royals batter of the eighth, then lasered his way through the three batters he faced in the 9th, striking out two of them. Game over.
Today Colon is supposed to make his Sox debut. If he has anything at all of his 2005 Cy Young stuff, he should be quite an acquisition.
Lopez got the next out, the only hitter he faced. Then The Other Manny, Delcarmen, allowed one hit that scored the only run charged against Masterson before getting the last out of the inning. That was it for TOM. Okajima followed in the eighth and after getting two outs and loading the bases was picked up by The Saver.
Papelbon struck out the remaining Royals batter of the eighth, then lasered his way through the three batters he faced in the 9th, striking out two of them. Game over.
Today Colon is supposed to make his Sox debut. If he has anything at all of his 2005 Cy Young stuff, he should be quite an acquisition.
Rookie Gets First Win - Jenn
Justin Masterson got his second major league start last night. But unlike his first start back in April, this time the rookie got the win.
Through 6 1/3 innings the 23 year-old struck out five, gave up 3 hits and 3 walks. One of those walks unfortunately turned into a run, but it was the only run the Royals could muster. The young rookie threw 95 pitches over his 6 1/3 innings, 55 of which were strikes. His performance not only got him his first win, it also qualified him to go to Pawtucket instead of being sent back to Portland like last time.
While Masterson was great on his own, he owes his win to one person, and one person only - Jonathan Papelbon. Pap came in in the 8th inning after Okajima loaded the bases with a ground rule double and two walks. I'm sure Masterson was sitting in the dugout wondering why this kept happening to him.
See, the last time the rookie was on the mound he also had the lead when he left the game after pitching 6 phenomenal innings. Unfortunately the bullpen couldn't get through the 7th inning without giving up 4 runs and the lead. And in case you forgot, the Sox lost that game and the series to the Angels.
But last night was different because the bullpen was different. The main reason, they weren't suffering from the flu like they were a month ago. Delcarmen may have given up the hit that got Teahen to score the first Royals run of the night, but luckily Callaspo's K would end the 7th without any further damage. The lead may have been cut in half but it still belonged to the Sox. And that's when things got interesting.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the 8th (thanks to Okajima) Francona thought it was time to bring in his closer. Papelbon may have had a couple of shaky outings, but he's the best the Sox have, so it's him or it's a loss. And Pap did what he does best. He struck out Butler. A huge sigh of relief escaped the lips of every member of Red Sox Nation. But they weren't the only ones breathing a little easier. I'm sure Masterson was as well. The 9th proceeded as it should when Pap continued the carnage with three quick outs to end the game and secure the win for the young rookie. But the best was yet to come.
Not only did Masterson secure his first win of the big leagues, the man who saved it for him saved something else. As the team walked off the field giving each other high-fives, Masterson got a little something extra from Papelbon - he got the ball. The final ball of the game. The one Pap used to strike out the final batter. The closer gave that ball to the starter as a souvenir of his first major league win. And to quote Masterson that's "pretty cool."
Through 6 1/3 innings the 23 year-old struck out five, gave up 3 hits and 3 walks. One of those walks unfortunately turned into a run, but it was the only run the Royals could muster. The young rookie threw 95 pitches over his 6 1/3 innings, 55 of which were strikes. His performance not only got him his first win, it also qualified him to go to Pawtucket instead of being sent back to Portland like last time.
While Masterson was great on his own, he owes his win to one person, and one person only - Jonathan Papelbon. Pap came in in the 8th inning after Okajima loaded the bases with a ground rule double and two walks. I'm sure Masterson was sitting in the dugout wondering why this kept happening to him.
See, the last time the rookie was on the mound he also had the lead when he left the game after pitching 6 phenomenal innings. Unfortunately the bullpen couldn't get through the 7th inning without giving up 4 runs and the lead. And in case you forgot, the Sox lost that game and the series to the Angels.
But last night was different because the bullpen was different. The main reason, they weren't suffering from the flu like they were a month ago. Delcarmen may have given up the hit that got Teahen to score the first Royals run of the night, but luckily Callaspo's K would end the 7th without any further damage. The lead may have been cut in half but it still belonged to the Sox. And that's when things got interesting.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the 8th (thanks to Okajima) Francona thought it was time to bring in his closer. Papelbon may have had a couple of shaky outings, but he's the best the Sox have, so it's him or it's a loss. And Pap did what he does best. He struck out Butler. A huge sigh of relief escaped the lips of every member of Red Sox Nation. But they weren't the only ones breathing a little easier. I'm sure Masterson was as well. The 9th proceeded as it should when Pap continued the carnage with three quick outs to end the game and secure the win for the young rookie. But the best was yet to come.
Not only did Masterson secure his first win of the big leagues, the man who saved it for him saved something else. As the team walked off the field giving each other high-fives, Masterson got a little something extra from Papelbon - he got the ball. The final ball of the game. The one Pap used to strike out the final batter. The closer gave that ball to the starter as a souvenir of his first major league win. And to quote Masterson that's "pretty cool."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Another "Historic Night" at Fenway - Jenn
You may ask why I'm using quotes in my title today. It's because that's how Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy started to refer to last night's game in about the 7th inning.
See, the NESN commentators refuse to call a game a no-hitter until the last pitch has been thrown. They did it last year when Buchholz threw his gem and they did it again last night. As the game goes on, Don and Rem Dawg will start to comment on the crowd, the tension, the fact that no one is sitting anywhere near the pitcher in the dugout... they'll make every implication possible but they will never ever call the game exactly what it is. Fans know what they're implying, but the idea of calling a game a no-hitter before it's over is like putting an automatic jinx on the pitcher and the game. And while Don and Remy didn't jinx last night's game, they did come pretty close.
Before the 9th inning started, they flashed back to last year's "historic night" that Buchholz threw against the Orioles. It was cool, but uncomfortable at the same time. I was watching that flashback thinking, "what are you doing? It's the top of the 9th. The game ain't over yet." See, Lester still has three batters to face. And these are the Red Sox. If it can go wrong, it will. And surprise, surprise, Lester walked the first batter he faced in the 9th. After retiring the last 18. Here we go, I thought. But luckily that walk didn't amount to anything. The next three batters ground out to Lowell, ground out to Youkilis and struck out. How fitting that the final out was a K, Lester's ninth of the night. That's not only a season high for the lefty, but a career high as well.
Another history was made last night. Varitek was behind the plate. And the lefty's no-no made Varitek the only catcher in major league history to catch four no-hitters. Varitek's first came in 2001 when he was catching Hideo Nomo. The second came one year later while catching Derek Lowe. He'd have to wait five years for his third, which came last year with Buchholz and then last night was the fourth.
While Lester makes the 18th time the Red Sox have pitched no-hitters, he's only the fifth south-paw in the team's history to pitch a no-hitter. The last one was July 14, 1956 when Mel Parnell beat Chicago.
Last night's "historic night" had a lot of great moments from Ellsbury's web gemming catch in the 4th to Varitek handing over the game winning ball to Lester. But for me, the best moment of the night had to be when Francona hugged Lester after the win. The pride on the manager's face was overwhelming. He's seen this kid go through so much, Francona said he felt just like a proud parent. Which makes sense since Lester said Francona's been like a second father to him. That moment, along with all the others, make the long road back all worth it.
See, the NESN commentators refuse to call a game a no-hitter until the last pitch has been thrown. They did it last year when Buchholz threw his gem and they did it again last night. As the game goes on, Don and Rem Dawg will start to comment on the crowd, the tension, the fact that no one is sitting anywhere near the pitcher in the dugout... they'll make every implication possible but they will never ever call the game exactly what it is. Fans know what they're implying, but the idea of calling a game a no-hitter before it's over is like putting an automatic jinx on the pitcher and the game. And while Don and Remy didn't jinx last night's game, they did come pretty close.
Before the 9th inning started, they flashed back to last year's "historic night" that Buchholz threw against the Orioles. It was cool, but uncomfortable at the same time. I was watching that flashback thinking, "what are you doing? It's the top of the 9th. The game ain't over yet." See, Lester still has three batters to face. And these are the Red Sox. If it can go wrong, it will. And surprise, surprise, Lester walked the first batter he faced in the 9th. After retiring the last 18. Here we go, I thought. But luckily that walk didn't amount to anything. The next three batters ground out to Lowell, ground out to Youkilis and struck out. How fitting that the final out was a K, Lester's ninth of the night. That's not only a season high for the lefty, but a career high as well.
Another history was made last night. Varitek was behind the plate. And the lefty's no-no made Varitek the only catcher in major league history to catch four no-hitters. Varitek's first came in 2001 when he was catching Hideo Nomo. The second came one year later while catching Derek Lowe. He'd have to wait five years for his third, which came last year with Buchholz and then last night was the fourth.
While Lester makes the 18th time the Red Sox have pitched no-hitters, he's only the fifth south-paw in the team's history to pitch a no-hitter. The last one was July 14, 1956 when Mel Parnell beat Chicago.
Last night's "historic night" had a lot of great moments from Ellsbury's web gemming catch in the 4th to Varitek handing over the game winning ball to Lester. But for me, the best moment of the night had to be when Francona hugged Lester after the win. The pride on the manager's face was overwhelming. He's seen this kid go through so much, Francona said he felt just like a proud parent. Which makes sense since Lester said Francona's been like a second father to him. That moment, along with all the others, make the long road back all worth it.
Monday, May 19, 2008
A True Inspiration!--Peter
Well, the story from here is a bit different than the norm. Yes, the Sox won for the fourth time in a row, expanding their lead by a half game over the rest of the AL East in the process. But, for once, the victory is incidental. Two seasons ago one of the Sox young pitchers, someone who everyone thought was a 'star of the future' got lit up by something other than the opposing team's lumber. He found himself staring down a much more sinister opponent with the count already at 3-0. The opponent he was facing was CANCER--The Big C. But he fought it down just like it was another tough hitter sitting on a hanging curve. He showed his first K against the C by coming back last year and being the winning hurler in the fourth and final game in the World Series. Then came tonight. So far this season, Lester's had mixed results. His record was 2-2 entering the game, with an ERA in the high 3's. Good, but could things get better?
Could they EVER! Jon Lester pitched a no-hitter! Giving up only two walks and his own error, he basically waltzed through the Royals' lineup. Only one ball was hit well enough to be a threat to the no-no. Ellsbury made sure that wouldn't break up the no-no with a sterling diving catch in the fourth. Everything else seemed to be easy for Jon. He got 9 K's for the night, as well. This is the second no-no from one of the Sox' young 'stars of the future' in 8 months. But tonight was so much more! This is what the folks mean when they say someone gave an inspiring performance. It shows that no matter how bad things appear to be, there's always hope. In case there was any doubt, Lester's back--ALL THE WAY! Congrats, Jon!
From a personal point of view, it's kind of funny. While no-hitters aren't as scarce as hen's teeth, they are still rare enough that the ball is shipped to Cooperstown, even if the pitcher never wins another game in the Bigs. Yet for all the itme I've been following the Sox, prior to last year's gem by Buchholz, I'd never seen a no-hitter, either in person, on the tube or on the computer where I usually 'watch' the games nowadays. Now in just over eight months, I've 'seen' two of them--and I'm more than ready for a third--maybe a perfect game this time.
As for the rest of the game, the Sox bats weren't exactly exploding, but they got timely hits when the opportunity to score presented itself. Though only getting five hits total, three were for extra bases, including a homer by Tek and a triple by Ellsbury--to go with his pair of stolen bases.
Could they EVER! Jon Lester pitched a no-hitter! Giving up only two walks and his own error, he basically waltzed through the Royals' lineup. Only one ball was hit well enough to be a threat to the no-no. Ellsbury made sure that wouldn't break up the no-no with a sterling diving catch in the fourth. Everything else seemed to be easy for Jon. He got 9 K's for the night, as well. This is the second no-no from one of the Sox' young 'stars of the future' in 8 months. But tonight was so much more! This is what the folks mean when they say someone gave an inspiring performance. It shows that no matter how bad things appear to be, there's always hope. In case there was any doubt, Lester's back--ALL THE WAY! Congrats, Jon!
From a personal point of view, it's kind of funny. While no-hitters aren't as scarce as hen's teeth, they are still rare enough that the ball is shipped to Cooperstown, even if the pitcher never wins another game in the Bigs. Yet for all the itme I've been following the Sox, prior to last year's gem by Buchholz, I'd never seen a no-hitter, either in person, on the tube or on the computer where I usually 'watch' the games nowadays. Now in just over eight months, I've 'seen' two of them--and I'm more than ready for a third--maybe a perfect game this time.
As for the rest of the game, the Sox bats weren't exactly exploding, but they got timely hits when the opportunity to score presented itself. Though only getting five hits total, three were for extra bases, including a homer by Tek and a triple by Ellsbury--to go with his pair of stolen bases.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sox Power Triumphant!--Peter
Well, you'd think with Beckett pitching against someone entering the game with a six plus ERA that things would be easy for the Sox. That's what you'd think, but you'd be wrong. JB didn't pitch badly, but due to just a few bad pitches, he gave up six runs, all of them earned, raising his ERA to 4.67. However, he did get 9 K's against only a single walk in seven innings and his WHIP for the game was exactly 1.00--nothing to complain about at all. Now, if he'd just remember to leave the bad pitches back in BP, we'd be fine and he'd be on track for another year like 2007. Not that 5-3 is a bad record; I'm just wanting more. I'm spoiled, you see. It's like good food or good sex. Once you've had a taste, you crave more of the same and plenty of it.
Anyway, after seven, our heroes were up 11-6, so, barring a complete collapse by the bullpen, JB was assured of the W. Replaced for an inning by The Other Manny, Delcarmen, things got a tiny bit closer. TOM gave up a single run in his inning, the run coming off a pair of Brewer hits in the inning, but that still left our guys with at least a four run lead, more if we could add some insurance in the last half of the 8th, and The Saver, Papelbon coming on to close things out in the 9th.
As it turned out, the Hub Hose were unable to add anything to the score and Pap came in to close things out. Even though not a save opportunity due to score margin, it was almost vintage Papelbon. He threw a total of nine pitches, almost all of them above 90 mph--well above 90, in fact. Aside from a seeing eye single by the third batter he faced that somehow evaded Lowell at third, no-one had a chance. The first two hitters weakly popped to short locations in the outfield, and the final batter saw four pitches: 96 mph, 97, 90 and 95. The final strike was dropped and for a moment only the batter was aware of it, but by the time he'd steamed about halfway to first, Tek had recovered and thrown to Yoouk covering first and the guy was out, and so were the Brew Crew.
As for the power alluded to in the lead, forget about slumps now for the rest of the season! I suppose either Papi or Lowell could return to their hitting problems of last month, but, the way they're swinging the lumber now, I wouldn't mortgage my house and bet all of my money on it. Following Lowell's 5th shot of the season yesterday, Papi went 3-5, and all of his hits were for extra bases, including two bombs. He now has 10 on the season, leads the league (unless someone else picked up one today), and drove in four RBI's, giving him 37 for the season. Lowell went 1-4 today following yesterday's explosion, and Yoouk had a 3-5 day as well, with a two bagger and homer of his own included. Other 'rocket men' for the Sox were Pedroia and Varitek, the former dropping one in the cheaps as part of a 3-4 day, and the latter picking up his 11th two base hit of the '08 campaign as part of a 2-3 afternoon.
Overall, the Sox offense totaled 15 hits, six of them for extra bases. Lugo also stole a base, while Ellsbury was thrown out trying to steal, something that rarely happens.
Next Sox game will be on Tuesday and back in their own league, the AL. The inter league play will pick up again in a few weeks' time.
By the way, though this is a Sox blog, for you true down to the bottom of your soul Boston sports fans, no matter which team we're discussing, the Celtics won game seven today at the Garden and move to the conference finals for the first time in six years. I'm getting more and more ready for a Celtics-Lakers final, with the Green (who else) taking the trophy for the 17th time, extending their league record.
Anyway, after seven, our heroes were up 11-6, so, barring a complete collapse by the bullpen, JB was assured of the W. Replaced for an inning by The Other Manny, Delcarmen, things got a tiny bit closer. TOM gave up a single run in his inning, the run coming off a pair of Brewer hits in the inning, but that still left our guys with at least a four run lead, more if we could add some insurance in the last half of the 8th, and The Saver, Papelbon coming on to close things out in the 9th.
As it turned out, the Hub Hose were unable to add anything to the score and Pap came in to close things out. Even though not a save opportunity due to score margin, it was almost vintage Papelbon. He threw a total of nine pitches, almost all of them above 90 mph--well above 90, in fact. Aside from a seeing eye single by the third batter he faced that somehow evaded Lowell at third, no-one had a chance. The first two hitters weakly popped to short locations in the outfield, and the final batter saw four pitches: 96 mph, 97, 90 and 95. The final strike was dropped and for a moment only the batter was aware of it, but by the time he'd steamed about halfway to first, Tek had recovered and thrown to Yoouk covering first and the guy was out, and so were the Brew Crew.
As for the power alluded to in the lead, forget about slumps now for the rest of the season! I suppose either Papi or Lowell could return to their hitting problems of last month, but, the way they're swinging the lumber now, I wouldn't mortgage my house and bet all of my money on it. Following Lowell's 5th shot of the season yesterday, Papi went 3-5, and all of his hits were for extra bases, including two bombs. He now has 10 on the season, leads the league (unless someone else picked up one today), and drove in four RBI's, giving him 37 for the season. Lowell went 1-4 today following yesterday's explosion, and Yoouk had a 3-5 day as well, with a two bagger and homer of his own included. Other 'rocket men' for the Sox were Pedroia and Varitek, the former dropping one in the cheaps as part of a 3-4 day, and the latter picking up his 11th two base hit of the '08 campaign as part of a 2-3 afternoon.
Overall, the Sox offense totaled 15 hits, six of them for extra bases. Lugo also stole a base, while Ellsbury was thrown out trying to steal, something that rarely happens.
Next Sox game will be on Tuesday and back in their own league, the AL. The inter league play will pick up again in a few weeks' time.
By the way, though this is a Sox blog, for you true down to the bottom of your soul Boston sports fans, no matter which team we're discussing, the Celtics won game seven today at the Garden and move to the conference finals for the first time in six years. I'm getting more and more ready for a Celtics-Lakers final, with the Green (who else) taking the trophy for the 17th time, extending their league record.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
JennWon't Believe This!--Peter
Well, my only decision here is whether to discuss the story behind the title first or afterward. Hmmm. Well, let's see. On the one hand we have the Sox getting only a half dozen hits, but winning anyway. On the other hand, we have an occurrence that Jenn would never believe even if she watched it live and then again on the Tivo.
Again, on the one hand, we have the Beantown Boys again getting a good early lead against a big Zero for its opponent only to find themselves behind and in danger of worse by the middle of the game. But, again on the other hand, we have something Jenn will just not believe--even if she had been at the game--which I can assure you, she most definitely was not.
One final time, I could on the one hand tell you that the two teams combined for a total of seven errors, three by the Sox, and somehow the Bosox managed to still hang on for the win. Also for a final time, on the other hand, I could explain exactly what it is that Jenn just would never be able to believe. What to do? Hmmm.
Well, I've kept everyone in suspense so long to this point I guess I'll save 'Jenn's mystery' for the end of the story and get to the rest of the game--what I haven't already covered anyway.
Picking up a deuce in both the first and third innings, complements of Mike Lowell's two run double in the first and his 2-run shot over the Monster in the third, the Sox found themselves ahead by a five zip score in the top of the 6th. Unfortunately, that's when the Brew Crew struck. Getting three runs in the 6th, they pulled even the following inning when a series of Sox errors coupled with a double by the Brewers' shortstop, Craig Counsell, got them three more and the lead. I'm thinking, "We just got over this recent habit of giving away games after taking a good early lead and now we're back at it all over again."
Not to worry. In the Hub half of the 7th, the Sox struck for a pair to regain the lead. Although both runs were unearned due to Brewha errors, it still took Sox bats to plate the scores. First, Papi got an RBI on a grounder that Counsell handled, scoring Jacoby. Then, Yoooouk finished off the scoring for the day with an RBI single that drove home Pedroia. Dusty's was the winning run, as it turned out. But we didn't know that at the time.
To make things a bit more uncertain until the game actually was over (you know what Yogi always said about 'over'), we then had to endure what, if successful, would be impossible for Jenn to believe even if she saw it herself. No, it wasn't Lopez pitching an inning of no-hit shutout ball. It wasn't him gaining a Hold in the process, either.
No, it was NONE of these things. OK, OK, I'll finally tell all of you exactly what it was--what thing Jenn could never, WILL NEVER, believe--no matter how she finds out about it. Mike Timlin , yes--that Mike Timlin (let's face it--how many can there be?) in a brilliant inning of perfect pitching threw just eight pitches and SAVED THE GAME!!!!
Yes, Jenn, it REALLY happened. But don't take my word for it. Check your Tivo--check the boxes in tomorrow's paper; or as (I can't stand the fact that these 'bards of baseball' are all former Yankees) Casey Stengel used to say, "You can look it up." If it will help, Timlin saved the game!
Again, on the one hand, we have the Beantown Boys again getting a good early lead against a big Zero for its opponent only to find themselves behind and in danger of worse by the middle of the game. But, again on the other hand, we have something Jenn will just not believe--even if she had been at the game--which I can assure you, she most definitely was not.
One final time, I could on the one hand tell you that the two teams combined for a total of seven errors, three by the Sox, and somehow the Bosox managed to still hang on for the win. Also for a final time, on the other hand, I could explain exactly what it is that Jenn just would never be able to believe. What to do? Hmmm.
Well, I've kept everyone in suspense so long to this point I guess I'll save 'Jenn's mystery' for the end of the story and get to the rest of the game--what I haven't already covered anyway.
Picking up a deuce in both the first and third innings, complements of Mike Lowell's two run double in the first and his 2-run shot over the Monster in the third, the Sox found themselves ahead by a five zip score in the top of the 6th. Unfortunately, that's when the Brew Crew struck. Getting three runs in the 6th, they pulled even the following inning when a series of Sox errors coupled with a double by the Brewers' shortstop, Craig Counsell, got them three more and the lead. I'm thinking, "We just got over this recent habit of giving away games after taking a good early lead and now we're back at it all over again."
Not to worry. In the Hub half of the 7th, the Sox struck for a pair to regain the lead. Although both runs were unearned due to Brewha errors, it still took Sox bats to plate the scores. First, Papi got an RBI on a grounder that Counsell handled, scoring Jacoby. Then, Yoooouk finished off the scoring for the day with an RBI single that drove home Pedroia. Dusty's was the winning run, as it turned out. But we didn't know that at the time.
To make things a bit more uncertain until the game actually was over (you know what Yogi always said about 'over'), we then had to endure what, if successful, would be impossible for Jenn to believe even if she saw it herself. No, it wasn't Lopez pitching an inning of no-hit shutout ball. It wasn't him gaining a Hold in the process, either.
No, it was NONE of these things. OK, OK, I'll finally tell all of you exactly what it was--what thing Jenn could never, WILL NEVER, believe--no matter how she finds out about it. Mike Timlin , yes--that Mike Timlin (let's face it--how many can there be?) in a brilliant inning of perfect pitching threw just eight pitches and SAVED THE GAME!!!!
Yes, Jenn, it REALLY happened. But don't take my word for it. Check your Tivo--check the boxes in tomorrow's paper; or as (I can't stand the fact that these 'bards of baseball' are all former Yankees) Casey Stengel used to say, "You can look it up." If it will help, Timlin saved the game!
They Solved the Problem!--Peter
Well, we finally have the answer! You ask to what. It's how do the Sox take an early three zip lead and proceed to lose the game, and what can be done about this recent bad habit of theirs. Simple! Before you score three runs to take a lead, score at least one other and have the subsequent three add to it. This is exactly what the Hub Heroes did today, scoring a single run in the first and then adding the fateful three an inning later. Those three came on Papi's eighth HR of the season, which came with two aboard. Instantly--4-0 Sox. With the Diceman doing a pretty good job on the Brewers batters, that remained the score until they were 2/3 through the seventh. At that point, a fielding error followed by a roundtripper by Milwaukee's center fielder, cut the lead in half and Tito hooked Dice. Lopez walked the only batter he faced and was quickly replaced by The Other Manny-Delcarmen. TOM did quite well, giving us an inning and a third of shutout ball, allowing only a solitary single and, better yet, getting us to Saver Time--the 9th for Papelbon.
Pap came on, got the first two batters he faced relatively easily and then, after creating a little tension by allowing a first pitch solo shot, shut the door by nailing the final Brewers batter. He only threw a total of seven pitches, so he should be well rested should the team need his services again in game two tonight.
Overall, the guys looked pretty good today. Dice got his 7th win against no losses, allowing only 76 scattered hits and a pair of walks, while K'ing six. On the offensive side of things, Papi was 2-2 and a pair of walks, driving in 3 ribbies. Tek got a pair of two-baggers, and the team totalled 11 hits, five of them being for extra bases. Ellsbury started today, so I'm guessing that Coco will do the honors in the nitecap.
Pap came on, got the first two batters he faced relatively easily and then, after creating a little tension by allowing a first pitch solo shot, shut the door by nailing the final Brewers batter. He only threw a total of seven pitches, so he should be well rested should the team need his services again in game two tonight.
Overall, the guys looked pretty good today. Dice got his 7th win against no losses, allowing only 76 scattered hits and a pair of walks, while K'ing six. On the offensive side of things, Papi was 2-2 and a pair of walks, driving in 3 ribbies. Tek got a pair of two-baggers, and the team totalled 11 hits, five of them being for extra bases. Ellsbury started today, so I'm guessing that Coco will do the honors in the nitecap.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Why Can't the Red Sox Hold onto a Lead? - Jenn
For the third night in row the Sox had a three run lead in the first inning and squandered it. But worse than that, tonight's loss was the 6th loss of this 10 game road trip. And even worse than that, the Sox had the lead in five of those six losses.
So, I have to ask: What is it that's keeping the "nation" from a win?
A) the starting pitchers
B) the relief pitchers
C) the number of men left on base
D) all of the above
If you answered "D" you're right on. I can't fault any one area because unfortunately it's all areas. Our starters weren't good this trip. Even our "ace", Josh Beckett couldn't hold it together. He gave up the winning runs in last night's game taking his record to 4-3. Remember last year when he was 9-0 and had 20 wins? What do you think the odds are that's gonna happen this year? We won't talk about Dice-K. I still don't know how you walk 8 and get the win, it sounds like a bad math problem.
As for the relief team, let's see... Tavarez's ERA is 6.39. Timlin's ERA may be 9.00 now, but a month ago it was 81.00. Craig Hansen's ERA is 8.44. Manny Delcarmen's is 6.14. Those are our center relief guys. Those are the guys we look to when our starters need to leave the game sooner than expected. These are the guys we shouldn't have to worry about. But just because we shouldn't doesn't mean we don't. Only four relief pitchers on the Red Sox staff have an ERA below 4.00. Only 4. That's a problem.
As for the number of guys the Sox leave on base, well, that's been a problem for as long as I can remember. They may even be known for it. Every year the Sox lead the league in number of men left on base and based on this road trip, that's not going to change any time soon. Tonight the Sox got 12 hits, yet only three men crossed home plate. Last night they had 20 men on base. But again only four of them came home. And as Dad pointed out, if you don't come home, you don't score. And if you don't score, you don't win.
If the Sox can fix at least one of these problems I'm willing to bet those losses will become wins. But if they can't fix them, the Sox may not see the post season, let alone the championship.
Well, tomorrow's a new day; one which the Sox have off. Then Friday it's back to Fenway for a seven game home stand and the beginning of interleague play. Hopefully this will be the beginning of new kind of streak - one where the Sox win.
On a side note, Manny's amazing play in the 4th not only made the highlights in tonight's Baseball Tonight, and was the #4 Web Gem (why it wasn't #1 I have no idea), it inspired a Manny Being Manny clip reel. Boy he's got some doozies. Included in the reel were his disappearing act into the green monster in the middle of an inning, and acting as the cutoff guy for a Johnny Damon throw. Keep in mind, he was maybe ten feet away from Damon when he decided to cut off the throw. There have been some great moments for the left fielder, but tonight's high five to the fan then the throw to get the double play at first, is definitely my number one.
So, I have to ask: What is it that's keeping the "nation" from a win?
A) the starting pitchers
B) the relief pitchers
C) the number of men left on base
D) all of the above
If you answered "D" you're right on. I can't fault any one area because unfortunately it's all areas. Our starters weren't good this trip. Even our "ace", Josh Beckett couldn't hold it together. He gave up the winning runs in last night's game taking his record to 4-3. Remember last year when he was 9-0 and had 20 wins? What do you think the odds are that's gonna happen this year? We won't talk about Dice-K. I still don't know how you walk 8 and get the win, it sounds like a bad math problem.
As for the relief team, let's see... Tavarez's ERA is 6.39. Timlin's ERA may be 9.00 now, but a month ago it was 81.00. Craig Hansen's ERA is 8.44. Manny Delcarmen's is 6.14. Those are our center relief guys. Those are the guys we look to when our starters need to leave the game sooner than expected. These are the guys we shouldn't have to worry about. But just because we shouldn't doesn't mean we don't. Only four relief pitchers on the Red Sox staff have an ERA below 4.00. Only 4. That's a problem.
As for the number of guys the Sox leave on base, well, that's been a problem for as long as I can remember. They may even be known for it. Every year the Sox lead the league in number of men left on base and based on this road trip, that's not going to change any time soon. Tonight the Sox got 12 hits, yet only three men crossed home plate. Last night they had 20 men on base. But again only four of them came home. And as Dad pointed out, if you don't come home, you don't score. And if you don't score, you don't win.
If the Sox can fix at least one of these problems I'm willing to bet those losses will become wins. But if they can't fix them, the Sox may not see the post season, let alone the championship.
Well, tomorrow's a new day; one which the Sox have off. Then Friday it's back to Fenway for a seven game home stand and the beginning of interleague play. Hopefully this will be the beginning of new kind of streak - one where the Sox win.
On a side note, Manny's amazing play in the 4th not only made the highlights in tonight's Baseball Tonight, and was the #4 Web Gem (why it wasn't #1 I have no idea), it inspired a Manny Being Manny clip reel. Boy he's got some doozies. Included in the reel were his disappearing act into the green monster in the middle of an inning, and acting as the cutoff guy for a Johnny Damon throw. Keep in mind, he was maybe ten feet away from Damon when he decided to cut off the throw. There have been some great moments for the left fielder, but tonight's high five to the fan then the throw to get the double play at first, is definitely my number one.
Up Three and Lose Again?--Enough Already!--Peter
Boy am I ever getting to feel more and more like Bill Murray! Today, for the third consecutive time the Sox from Beantown found themselves ahead three zip. It didn't all come in the first inning as the previous two games had, but nevertheless, there we were up 3-0 after 5 and a half innings when deja vu struck. The Birds picked up a deuce on a ground out and single with the appropriate baserunners in scoring position in their half of the 6th. Worse was soon to come.
In the 7th, the O's loaded the sacks and a former Sox player, Jay Payton (they let him go because he wanted to be somewhere where he could play regularly) put the second pitch he saw into the bleachers for Grand Slam, O's 6-3. The loss was charged to Craig Hansen who'd put the winning runs on, and Okajima got one of his rare BS's (Thank God they're rare) when he served up the pitch that Payton deposited in the cheaps.
On the bright side, in spite of this, the fourth loss in a row, the Sox got a dozen hits including a pair of doubles by Youk and solo shots by Lowell and Tek. Ellsbury went 3-4 and stole his 15th base. In the field, Lester gave a creditable performance and deserved better from the team. He only allowed 2 in six and got 4 K's and a WHIP for the appearance of 1.167. Manny turned a highlight reel play in left. This is Manny who usually makes every catch an adventure. Going back on a long drive off Lester, he made a fabulous catch, paused to high five a Sox fan (we're everywhere) in the stands, and then pegged the ball in to double up a baserunner. Only Manny.
Hopefully, we'll end this losing streak tomorrow. It's at four and that's four too many.
In the 7th, the O's loaded the sacks and a former Sox player, Jay Payton (they let him go because he wanted to be somewhere where he could play regularly) put the second pitch he saw into the bleachers for Grand Slam, O's 6-3. The loss was charged to Craig Hansen who'd put the winning runs on, and Okajima got one of his rare BS's (Thank God they're rare) when he served up the pitch that Payton deposited in the cheaps.
On the bright side, in spite of this, the fourth loss in a row, the Sox got a dozen hits including a pair of doubles by Youk and solo shots by Lowell and Tek. Ellsbury went 3-4 and stole his 15th base. In the field, Lester gave a creditable performance and deserved better from the team. He only allowed 2 in six and got 4 K's and a WHIP for the appearance of 1.167. Manny turned a highlight reel play in left. This is Manny who usually makes every catch an adventure. Going back on a long drive off Lester, he made a fabulous catch, paused to high five a Sox fan (we're everywhere) in the stands, and then pegged the ball in to double up a baserunner. Only Manny.
Hopefully, we'll end this losing streak tomorrow. It's at four and that's four too many.
Three In the First...And An L--Again?Monotonous--Peter
This is starting to be like the scene in Groundhog Day where Bill Murray keeps waking up in the same situation....over and over and over. Here the Sox were; first inning and three runs come across for them, just like the prior evening in Minneapolis. Then, they go to the field with their best pitcher on the mound. Beckett surely would end comparisons with the Twins game quickly. Oh, yeah? Well, before you knew it, in a couple of innings, the score was 5-3 and we were on the bad end of it. Worse still is the fact that more often than not we're getting beat by people who have what can best be described as egregious stats either this season or, in some cases, forever.
Last night It was a player by the name of Scott, and, no he will never be confused with the former Sox first sacker, The Boomer. This Scott was hitting at a rate of 7 for his last 55 at bats going into last night's game. So what happens? He goes 3 for 3, and includes a three run shot in those stats that basically sealed the team's fate for the night. This is crazy! I mean when you're arguably one of the best pitchers in the league--hell, make that MLB, these are the types of guys that you use to fatten your resume on. That's fatten as in three at bats--three K's. But not this time.
JB wasn't himself last night for whatever reason. He gave up 11 hits in his relatively brief appearance, ended up back over 4.00 in ERA and took the loss. The Sox did reasonably well at the plate again, though they only accumulated 9 hits. They also gave it a late inning shot at coming back, but still fell a run short. The bullpen looked pretty good as the guys who followed JB, including The Other Manny didn't surrender any additional runs.
We'll have to try again today. Lester's taking the ball. May he end this ugly and frustrating streak, now at three.
Last night It was a player by the name of Scott, and, no he will never be confused with the former Sox first sacker, The Boomer. This Scott was hitting at a rate of 7 for his last 55 at bats going into last night's game. So what happens? He goes 3 for 3, and includes a three run shot in those stats that basically sealed the team's fate for the night. This is crazy! I mean when you're arguably one of the best pitchers in the league--hell, make that MLB, these are the types of guys that you use to fatten your resume on. That's fatten as in three at bats--three K's. But not this time.
JB wasn't himself last night for whatever reason. He gave up 11 hits in his relatively brief appearance, ended up back over 4.00 in ERA and took the loss. The Sox did reasonably well at the plate again, though they only accumulated 9 hits. They also gave it a late inning shot at coming back, but still fell a run short. The bullpen looked pretty good as the guys who followed JB, including The Other Manny didn't surrender any additional runs.
We'll have to try again today. Lester's taking the ball. May he end this ugly and frustrating streak, now at three.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
It Ain't Who's Up At The Beginning!--Peter
Well, when things started off so well for the Sox last night, I figured, Livan Hernandez may be reviving his career as a pitcher, but not tonight. Papi drove in the first run with a single and then Manny left no doubt with his eighth shot of the year, and 498th of his career. Sox up 3-Zip. Unfortunately, things went mostly downhill from there. By the end of the 4th the final score was already posted on the board and it was 7-3 Twins--not good. I suppose if you are looking for something good, a silver lining, if you will, then the fact that the Bosox had men on in most innings and accumulated double figures again in hits was good. Had everyone on both sides that was LOB scored, the Sox would have been the winners--just like the night before. But that's not how the game is played. You actually have to cross the plate. I hate technicalities.
The bullpen crew did their job and even Jenn's 'favorite', Timlin pitched an inning of shutout ball, further reducing his bloated ERA to 9.00 for the first time since it hit double figures several weeks ago--only took him seven tosses too! However, the only stat that counts, the score left us with an L. Off to Baltimore to face the Birds, who, for the first time in quite a while are playing reasonably good baseball. Peter Angelos may start receiving less epithets if this lasts the season. Beckett's on the hill and that gives us a pretty good shot at a W, but it still has to be played out.
Separately, I'd noted in the comments yesterday and Jenn spoke of it in her posting, Julian Tavarez has departed the premises. The Sox answer to pitching schizophrenia has left the asylum--actually been discharged by the team. He gave us some good innings over the last couple of years, helping in last year's World Championship, but this year's Jekyll and Hyde impersonation just wasn't cutting it. Designated for assignment, he'll be officially gone in 10 days or less. Good luck, Julian.
The bullpen crew did their job and even Jenn's 'favorite', Timlin pitched an inning of shutout ball, further reducing his bloated ERA to 9.00 for the first time since it hit double figures several weeks ago--only took him seven tosses too! However, the only stat that counts, the score left us with an L. Off to Baltimore to face the Birds, who, for the first time in quite a while are playing reasonably good baseball. Peter Angelos may start receiving less epithets if this lasts the season. Beckett's on the hill and that gives us a pretty good shot at a W, but it still has to be played out.
Separately, I'd noted in the comments yesterday and Jenn spoke of it in her posting, Julian Tavarez has departed the premises. The Sox answer to pitching schizophrenia has left the asylum--actually been discharged by the team. He gave us some good innings over the last couple of years, helping in last year's World Championship, but this year's Jekyll and Hyde impersonation just wasn't cutting it. Designated for assignment, he'll be officially gone in 10 days or less. Good luck, Julian.
Another Pitching Fiasco - Jenn
The Red Sox got three runs off Livan Hernandez to start yesterday's final game against the Twins. But that lead would be wasted thanks to another awful outing from Sox pitching.
Clay Buchholz was on the mound last night and was off to a rocky start from the beginning. Harris, Mauer, and Morneau all got base hits off the rookie so by the end of the first inning the Sox lead was down to just one run. The second inning was much better and I thought Buchholz had settled into a groove. Unfortunately I was wrong.
In the third inning Buchholz gave up another two hits and his third and fourth walks of the night which loaded the bases and lead to two more runs. By the end of the inning the Sox had not only lost their lead, they were down a run. And so it went – a good inning in which no one scored, followed by a bad inning where least one Twin crossed home. And by the time Buchholz got the hook, the Twins were up by four runs.
Even though the Sox relief team kept the Twins from scoring any more last night, the Twins pitching did the same. The Sox had men on base in almost every inning, some in scoring position. But as is classic Sox none of them ever saw home plate, which meant the score at the end of the 4th was the same as the score at the end of the 9th – 7-3 Twins. The guys leading the American League Central had taken the series and given the Red Sox a two game losing streak.
There is good news, though. First, Minnesota’s behind us as today marks the beginning of a new series with the Orioles – a team the Sox have yet to face this season. Second, Josh Beckett’s on the mound which means the Sox could win. Third, and probably the best news of all, Julian Tavarez was designated for assignment yesterday to make room for Sean Casey. That means the Red Sox have 10 days to trade him or give him his outright release. And we all know what that means: no more Dr. Jekyll and/or Mr. Hyde. I for one plan to celebrate. Who's with me?
Clay Buchholz was on the mound last night and was off to a rocky start from the beginning. Harris, Mauer, and Morneau all got base hits off the rookie so by the end of the first inning the Sox lead was down to just one run. The second inning was much better and I thought Buchholz had settled into a groove. Unfortunately I was wrong.
In the third inning Buchholz gave up another two hits and his third and fourth walks of the night which loaded the bases and lead to two more runs. By the end of the inning the Sox had not only lost their lead, they were down a run. And so it went – a good inning in which no one scored, followed by a bad inning where least one Twin crossed home. And by the time Buchholz got the hook, the Twins were up by four runs.
Even though the Sox relief team kept the Twins from scoring any more last night, the Twins pitching did the same. The Sox had men on base in almost every inning, some in scoring position. But as is classic Sox none of them ever saw home plate, which meant the score at the end of the 4th was the same as the score at the end of the 9th – 7-3 Twins. The guys leading the American League Central had taken the series and given the Red Sox a two game losing streak.
There is good news, though. First, Minnesota’s behind us as today marks the beginning of a new series with the Orioles – a team the Sox have yet to face this season. Second, Josh Beckett’s on the mound which means the Sox could win. Third, and probably the best news of all, Julian Tavarez was designated for assignment yesterday to make room for Sean Casey. That means the Red Sox have 10 days to trade him or give him his outright release. And we all know what that means: no more Dr. Jekyll and/or Mr. Hyde. I for one plan to celebrate. Who's with me?
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Schizophrenic and the Old Men - Jenn
Tim Wakefield (old at 41) only lasted 2 2/3 innings. Julian Tavarez (the schizophrenic) who's supposed to be the middle reliever that can go for 2 or 3 or even 4 innings only lasted an appalling 1 1/3. And while Mike Timlin (another old pitcher at 42) lasted 1 2/3 innings, he gave up the winning run to the first batter he faced.
All the commentators say that Wakefield's knuckler should be unhittable in domes. But if you look at his last two games in covered stadiums they tell a very different story. When he faced the Rays at the Trop at the end of April, he may have pitched 6 innings, but he gave up four runs on 6 hits and five walks. Then last night he only lasted 2 2/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. I don't know, but it seems to me if Wake is scheduled to pitch in a dome, Francona should move some stuff around so he doesn't have to.
Then there's Julian Tavaraz. All I have to say about him - clearly the doctor was out. Instead we had the party-man, Mr. Hyde. Thank God Francona only let him pitch for the third and fourth innings.
Then there's Timlin. If you read this blog you all know how I feel about him. If he's in the bullpen warming up, and we're losing, I know the game is over and we've lost. Last night, just as expected, the same thing happened. The first batter he faced, designated hitter Craig Monroe, took Timlin's 2-2 pitch and deposited it in the left field seats for the 9th and final Twins run. Sure, he proceeded to get the next five batters he faced out, but the damage was done.
Theo and Tito need to take a long, hard look at Tavarez and Timlin and decide if it's worth the damage they cause to keep them on the roster. I, for one, don't believe it is.
All the commentators say that Wakefield's knuckler should be unhittable in domes. But if you look at his last two games in covered stadiums they tell a very different story. When he faced the Rays at the Trop at the end of April, he may have pitched 6 innings, but he gave up four runs on 6 hits and five walks. Then last night he only lasted 2 2/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. I don't know, but it seems to me if Wake is scheduled to pitch in a dome, Francona should move some stuff around so he doesn't have to.
Then there's Julian Tavaraz. All I have to say about him - clearly the doctor was out. Instead we had the party-man, Mr. Hyde. Thank God Francona only let him pitch for the third and fourth innings.
Then there's Timlin. If you read this blog you all know how I feel about him. If he's in the bullpen warming up, and we're losing, I know the game is over and we've lost. Last night, just as expected, the same thing happened. The first batter he faced, designated hitter Craig Monroe, took Timlin's 2-2 pitch and deposited it in the left field seats for the 9th and final Twins run. Sure, he proceeded to get the next five batters he faced out, but the damage was done.
Theo and Tito need to take a long, hard look at Tavarez and Timlin and decide if it's worth the damage they cause to keep them on the roster. I, for one, don't believe it is.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Stew That Left A Bad Taste--Peter
I was going to stress how the oldest pitching team to combine for a win in baseball history did it again. That would have been Wake & Timlin, who, at 83 years and 300 plus days, were the oldest pitching combo to win a shutout ever last week against Detroit. Unfortunately, Wake was gone before the 3d inning was over, trailing 7-1.
He was succeeded by Tavarez, and I thought, "I hope it's Dr. Jekyll, not Mr. Hyde's turn on the rubber. He quickly ended the carnage to that point, ending the 3d, and started the 4th with two quick outs. Then, just as I thought, "Great--the Doctor is on the mound", his nefarious alter ego decided to join the party. I don't know why, but there he was nevertheless--probably felt left out or something. Hyde quickly reopened the flood gates, surrendering a hit and two free passes that led to an unearned run, 8-1. He finally did manage to end the inning with no further damage. Tito quickly produced the hook and the Sox definition of pitching schizophrenia headed for the showers.
That brought on Aardsma, who did pretty well. Throwing for two shutout innings, he gave up only a walk and a hit. Meanwhile, we had picked up four runs and, in the 7th, added a pair. We're within two runs at 8-6 and for the 7th, we get: Jenn's favorite--Timlin.
Now, for all his faults, he did pitch well enough--he actually reduced his bloated ERA to an even 10.00--he even gave up only a single hit in the inning and two thirds he pitched. Unfortunately, that sole hit came to rest not in an outfielder's glove, but in the cheap seats, putting the Twinkies again ahead by 3 runs. Lopez closed out the 8th, quickly retiring the only batter he faced.
Which brings us to the 9th, trailing by three. The Twins closer, Joe Nation, comes in to seal the win. But--not...so...fast. Our heroes get two batters on and Drew quickly plates one with a sharp single, 9-7. Coco comes to the plate having already contributed a triple and a homer and lines a shot off Nation's glove. Another run, Youk, crosses the plate, 9-8, but Nation has a shot at a play on JD going to 3d and gets it easily. JD'd had to hold up midway between 2d and 3d in case the liner by Coco had been caught to avoid getting doubled up. When it fell fair, he was in a baserunner's no-man's-land between 2d and 3d, dead meat whichever way he went, barring a bad throw by Nation. The throw wasn't bad and JD was out number two.
Manny is brought up to pinch hit for the catcher, Cash. On the first pitch, Coco takes off for second like someone is chasing him with a gun and beats the throw. Now in scoring position, with his speed he can score with a simple single. Manny doesn't have to launch one into orbit to tie things up.
And that's when things return, for the moment, to the origins of the old expression from the days of my youth and before, "Good luck to you and the Red Sox." Manny, who only needs to get a single, but has never gotten a hit in his career from Nathan (should be due, no?), harmlessly grounds out to short and the game is over. That shot Timlin gave up was the winning run, even though Wake got charged with the loss. That's one of the mysteries of baseball scoring rules that I have never understood--and probably never will. I can explain it, but don't understand it. Wakefield surrendered seven runs, but the Sox got back eight. The winning run was surrendered by another pitcher, Timlin. So he should be the losing pitcher, right? No--wrong. The way baseball record keeping scores things, if the losing team never takes the lead after initially falling behind, then the original pitcher who left with them trailing shall be the one with the big L after his name. Makes no sense, but I didn't invent the game; I just follow it--like a supplicant visiting Lourdes. By the way, Timlin's appearance was his 1,023d in his career, putting him in eighth place in baseball history for a career.
The comeback from their slumps continues as Papi got two more hits and Lowell one, picking up an RBI in the process. Yooouk got a pair and Coco got the aforementioned three bagger and homer, along with three ribbies. Overall, the Sox got 15 hits, 50% more than the Twins got. Unfortunately, the Twinkies had more circuit shots included in their 10 hits than the Sox did in their 15.
Well, tomorrow's another day in the big garbage bag to the North. As with tonight's game, ESPN's got it on.
He was succeeded by Tavarez, and I thought, "I hope it's Dr. Jekyll, not Mr. Hyde's turn on the rubber. He quickly ended the carnage to that point, ending the 3d, and started the 4th with two quick outs. Then, just as I thought, "Great--the Doctor is on the mound", his nefarious alter ego decided to join the party. I don't know why, but there he was nevertheless--probably felt left out or something. Hyde quickly reopened the flood gates, surrendering a hit and two free passes that led to an unearned run, 8-1. He finally did manage to end the inning with no further damage. Tito quickly produced the hook and the Sox definition of pitching schizophrenia headed for the showers.
That brought on Aardsma, who did pretty well. Throwing for two shutout innings, he gave up only a walk and a hit. Meanwhile, we had picked up four runs and, in the 7th, added a pair. We're within two runs at 8-6 and for the 7th, we get: Jenn's favorite--Timlin.
Now, for all his faults, he did pitch well enough--he actually reduced his bloated ERA to an even 10.00--he even gave up only a single hit in the inning and two thirds he pitched. Unfortunately, that sole hit came to rest not in an outfielder's glove, but in the cheap seats, putting the Twinkies again ahead by 3 runs. Lopez closed out the 8th, quickly retiring the only batter he faced.
Which brings us to the 9th, trailing by three. The Twins closer, Joe Nation, comes in to seal the win. But--not...so...fast. Our heroes get two batters on and Drew quickly plates one with a sharp single, 9-7. Coco comes to the plate having already contributed a triple and a homer and lines a shot off Nation's glove. Another run, Youk, crosses the plate, 9-8, but Nation has a shot at a play on JD going to 3d and gets it easily. JD'd had to hold up midway between 2d and 3d in case the liner by Coco had been caught to avoid getting doubled up. When it fell fair, he was in a baserunner's no-man's-land between 2d and 3d, dead meat whichever way he went, barring a bad throw by Nation. The throw wasn't bad and JD was out number two.
Manny is brought up to pinch hit for the catcher, Cash. On the first pitch, Coco takes off for second like someone is chasing him with a gun and beats the throw. Now in scoring position, with his speed he can score with a simple single. Manny doesn't have to launch one into orbit to tie things up.
And that's when things return, for the moment, to the origins of the old expression from the days of my youth and before, "Good luck to you and the Red Sox." Manny, who only needs to get a single, but has never gotten a hit in his career from Nathan (should be due, no?), harmlessly grounds out to short and the game is over. That shot Timlin gave up was the winning run, even though Wake got charged with the loss. That's one of the mysteries of baseball scoring rules that I have never understood--and probably never will. I can explain it, but don't understand it. Wakefield surrendered seven runs, but the Sox got back eight. The winning run was surrendered by another pitcher, Timlin. So he should be the losing pitcher, right? No--wrong. The way baseball record keeping scores things, if the losing team never takes the lead after initially falling behind, then the original pitcher who left with them trailing shall be the one with the big L after his name. Makes no sense, but I didn't invent the game; I just follow it--like a supplicant visiting Lourdes. By the way, Timlin's appearance was his 1,023d in his career, putting him in eighth place in baseball history for a career.
The comeback from their slumps continues as Papi got two more hits and Lowell one, picking up an RBI in the process. Yooouk got a pair and Coco got the aforementioned three bagger and homer, along with three ribbies. Overall, the Sox got 15 hits, 50% more than the Twins got. Unfortunately, the Twinkies had more circuit shots included in their 10 hits than the Sox did in their 15.
Well, tomorrow's another day in the big garbage bag to the North. As with tonight's game, ESPN's got it on.
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