Six and counting!--Peter

It was worse tonight, Jenn! Although the only regular day-to-day player was Papi. For awhile it looked as if Doc Halladay was going to close out his season with a no-hitter, but we finally managed three hits.
Separate from the game, interesting stat about Papi's season: for the first 35 games, he had zero HR's. Since then, he's had 27, the third highest total in MLB for that period. Go figure. Actually, I have, as I outlined last night.

Painful!

Dad --

As you said, not only did we lose last night's game, but we lost in the worst possible way. It was painful to watch!

As you said, we came from behind and got five runs in the 8th to pull within one. And like all Sox fans, I had faith. I believed this would be the way we would punch the Wild Card.

But after Papelbon did a phenomenal job. We got two runners on base. And still couldn't close the door.

It was just like the rest of the night. Whether it was the strike outs, the double plays (of which the Jays had four last night) or the number of times we had the bases loaded and couldn't get anyone home. I, like you am very concerned about the post season. Especially since we'll be facing the Halos who seems to be on a winning streak to end all winning streaks. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Jenn

Wild Card Is Ours!--Peter

Well, Jenn, at least there was some good news tonight. With the Texas loss to the Halos, the Red Sox officially are in the playoffs again. We're six up with five to play. Now maybe we can end this damn streak and sweep our way to the playoffs.

And the Streak Hits Five--Peter

Well, Jenn, as I'm sure you know by now, the frustration continued tonight. However, after falling behind 8-2, the Hose at least got their bats moving and got to within 180 feet of tying it in the 9th. Jake got to second, and Martinez was on first, but they were stranded by Youk, who was K'ed for the final out. We started with the Bucky of May on the mound,getting charged with the first seven of the Jays' runs. After that, things were pretty even for the rest of the game leading to the Sox 8th. Eight men went to the plate and we picked up a quick five spot to pull within one. Laser came on in the Jays 9th and was perfect, following Billy Wags perfect 8th. But we couldn't quite get it done.
On the bright side (how can there be a bright side in a five game losing streak?), Papi continues to hit, getting his 34th double and 96th ribbie (still a legitimate shot at 100), while Youk got his 35th two bagger, JD went 3-4, including a home run and Jake swiped number 67. In fact, Papi is now athis season high in B.A. at .240. Shows you just how far down he was early on. I think, Jenn,that he was having problems then not because he suddenly couldn't hit, but because he was still working the rust off from the wrist surgery of last year. In fact, I think there are still some signs of that rust, but, fortunately, not anywhere near the amount he had to work through in the first half of the year. I don't know if I'd bet on a 30 HR year, though he still has an outside chance, but with five games left, it's tight. Better bet is getting 100 ribbies, and that's no sure thing. He needs four in five games. The Stripes came from behind again to win their game, so now, not that it makes any real difference, we're 10.5 back. The real concern is this streak as we prep for the post-season. Not a good time to go in the tank. Not at all!

For Some Reason the Red Sox Can't Win

Dad --

That's all that needs to be said about the last four games. At the beginning of the weekend our magic number to win the Wild Card was three. You'd think the Red Sox could get at least a couple wins against the Yankees and Blue Jays, but no such luck.

Friday it was Joba Chamberlain vs. Jon Lester. It should've been an easy win since Lester's been great and Chamberlain has been sucking. But I guess they decided to swith places on Friday because Chamberlain was lights out through six and Lester didn't make it out of the 3 inning. Lester's early departure was due to the line drive off his knee causing every Red Sox fan to hold their breath. But he wasn't doing that great before he left anyway. Thankfully Lester only has a contusion on his quad and is expected to make his next start on Thursday.

Saturday as you said was more of the same, but Dice-K's definitely back on track.

Sunday there was a glimmer of hope when the Red Sox actually led going into the sixth inning. But Byrd fell apart giving up three runs to put the Yanks ahead and then Bard allowed the men in stripes to tack on an insurance run in the 9th.

But it wasn't just the pitching that was at fault this weekend in the Bronx, our bats were no where to be found. They made a little noise on Friday, but then slept through the rest of the weekend.

I thought the bats would wake up when the Sox came back to the Fens, but no such luck. More quiet bats coupled with Bowden, a rookie pitcher who was put in at the last minute because Beckett was having back spasms in his left shoulder, equaled the Blue Jays scoring 7 runs in the first three innings.

It looked like there might be hope in the seventh, when the Sox had men on second and third with one run already in and only one out but I guess mother nature was sick of the game and decided it would be a good time for a torrential down pour. They pulled the tarp and Red Sox Nation hoped the rains would disappear as quickly as they showed up so we could finish the game and get the win. Unfortunately our hopes were dashed when after 90 minutes the rain was still teeming and the game was called, which means the Jays won 11-5.

There was one small ray of light in last night's game though. The Rangers were slaughtered yesterday by the Angels which as I said means - the Red Sox magic number is down to one. Hopefully we can win tonight and stop worrying about whether or not we're going to make the post season.

Jenn

Well, There's Still the Card--Peter

Very quickly, Jenn, because there's not much to say. Today's game showed the continued quality of the returned Diceman's pitching, giving up just a single run on Cano's shot in the 6th, and the fact that Martinez extended his hitting streak. Other than that, CC showed why he's one of the top two candidates for the Cy this year, which would be his second. Of course, there's ALWAYS the playoffs, as the '07 Sox proved against him in Cleveland. Tampa's leading Texas in the 5th as I write.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly--Peter

Good to see and chat with you and Aidan tonight, Jenn. Skype's a wonderful thing. As for the game, NOT so wonderful. The Good was basically Papi's and Martinez's homers. The bad AND the ugly was almost everything else, starting with Lester's short stint, his line shot off his knee, A-Roid's performance, and, most important, the final score. Other good things are Big Papi's 94 RBI's and Martinez's extension of his hitting streak to 24 games. Youk got his 87th ribbie. Also, although his consecutive game hit streak ended, Dusty swiped his twentieth base again. Although most purists will tell you (Joe Morgan, for example) that Dusty's not a base stealer, he does steal bases. This may seem confusing, Jenn, but it's really simple. A stealer can virtually swipe a bag in any circumstance. Someone like Dusty does it by working really hard at timing his move and taking advantage of the circumstances of the moment in deciding when and how to make a move.
And speaking of moving, I'm outta' here. Hopefully, the next two games will be better. By the way, Texas won tonight, so the Magic Number for the Card is still three--with nine left.

Buchholz is 6-0

Dad,

Not only did Buchholz win last night, it's actually his 6th straight since joining the rotation at the end of August. And his ERA for those six wins comes to a tiny 1.32 which, as you said, definitely earns him the number 3 spot in the post season rotation.

As for Martinez, did you know his 23 game hitting streak tied Ted Williams for the longest hitting streak on the Sox? That's pretty impressive. But what really surprised me was that Williams' hitting streak was so short. Actually both Don Orsillo and Sean Casey, last night's NESN commentators, were also surprised by the stat.

Anyway, as you said the Buchholz win gets us closer to tying up the wild card and playing in the ALDS. Now it's onto New York and the evil empire. Can't wait for the weekend.

Jenn

Heating Up Some More!--Peter

This is going to be a lot shorter than my usual winning posts--it's late; I've been going since 5:30 this morning and I'm tired--VERY tired, Jenn. So please excuse the brevity. Tonight's win did a few positive things for the Sox. It evened this series, extended our latest winning streak heading into the mausoleum in the Bronx (who pays this kind of money for a baseball field?),put us two games closer to clinching the Card (Texas lost tonight); and showed just how far along Bucky and Papi have continued to come. Bucky's pretty well laid legitimate claim to the third spot in the rotation, continuing his comeback from the early season doldrums. He pitched into the 7th, allowing only five hits, but no runs, no BB's and K'd eight. That leaves his record for the last eight starts at 6-0. Papi had one of his best games of the season, getting another homer (26th), three RBI's (91 for the year), and an RBI double in a 3-5 night. Dusty swiped a pair, extending his league leading total to 66, also picking up four hits, and Dusty got his fortysixth two bagger while extending his hitting streak to sixteen games. Guy's got a good shot at fifty deuces with ten games left. Speaking of streaks, Martinez extended his consecutive game streak to a career best 23 in a row.
I'm not happy the Hose had to play a game in KC before traveling to the Bronx while Mr. Hankie's Yankees got the night off for R&R, but at least we won and won big. Let's hope it carries on through the three in NY. Still a shot at the division--a long shot, admittedly, but a shot nevertheless.
And I'm done!

A Return to Normalcy--Peter

Well, Jenn, actually the Royals aren't the worst in all of MLB. The Nationals hold that diSTINKshun. Seriously, the loss the other night in a come from ahead loss was very distressing and last night's loss was predictable as Greinke, even though a rook, is a leading candidate for the Cy. I mean he's second in the the league in K's and leads in ERA, the latter being within an eyelash of dropping under 2.00. However, tonight we got back on track. JB, though not at his best, was good enough to pick up his 16th W of the year and added 7 K's in six innings. He pitched when he had to and minimized the damage by the Royals.
Offensively, Martinez extended his career high hit streak to 22 games, Bay got a pair of ribbies to get to 115, a career high for a season, Jake got a pair of RBI's, along with his tenth triple, and Big Papi was big tonight, getting four RBI's, including his 25th HR, a three run shot. He still has the thinnest of chances at both 30 round trippers and 100 RBI's for the year, as does Youk. Realistically, with eleven games left, it'll be a push for either of them. Papi now has 85 ribbies for the year, and Youk has 86; they each have 25 HR's. Sox currently have five guys with at least 20 HR's on the year: Bay, Youk, Papi, Martinez and Drew. Lowell has an outside chance here, but a lot will depend on playing time, and with that hip, who knows.

Bullpen Leads to Red Sox Loss

Dad --

I know! What is up with Manny Del Carmen lately? He was great at the beginning of the season, but his past two outings have been less than stellar.

Last time he only pitched to 4 batters giving up 2 homers and 2 walks before he was pulled. Last night he pitched to 6 batters. And while he did get two outs, he also gave up three doubles and a walk. Which means by the time he left the mound, the Royals were up by two runs. It was very upsetting.

What made it worse was that Bard, who's been lights out in the past, took the mound and gave up another two hits causing two more runs to score and giving the Royals the lead.

Dad, it always sucks to lose, but it really sucks to lose to the worst team in the majors. Tonight's the second game of the four game series and Byrd is on the mound. One can only hope our pitchers are back on track.

Jenn

A Return to June 30--Peter

Well, Jenn, so much for the latest Sox onslaught. Tonight started out great: three zip after one, six zip a few innings later, and 8-2 shortly after that. Wake's going pretty well, considering his recent back/nerve problems. Then, suddenly, it's 8-5, Sox. So, OK, we get another run to go up 9-5 after five. A bit closer, but should be OK. I mean, this IS KC, after all. WRONG! The pen, which recently has been pretty reliable got lit up royally--starting with TOM. The same guy who started a thankfully avoided replay of the June 30 game against the O's did it again. Tonight in 2/3 of an inning, he gave up 4 runs, leaving us tied and still batting against the Sox. Bard followed down the same path and, well, forget about it.
On the good side, Bay got his 36th HR and Martinez picked up his 100th ribbie of the season. AS I began writing, Jenn, Texas was thrashing the A's, so barring a reversal of their fortunes, we'll give up a game of our lead. The Halos were leading the Stripes, but it was early, so that remains to be seen.
Tomorrow better be better.

Another Sweep

Dad --

Well, it's another sweep of the O's. And now the Red Sox are 16-2 against the Baltimore team. That's a pretty impressive number. But as you said, what's even better is the magic number the Red Sox are now at in the Wild Card - that's a big fat 7.

As for the Evil Empire, yes, we could catch the Yankees and maybe even take the lead in the division, but as long as we remain number one in the Card, I'm happy.

And yes, I was happy with the Dice man's performance. There were a couple times he got into some trouble, but as seems to be his style, with one pitch, he got out of it. All three games were great to see and I'm looking forward to the next series with the Royals. Should be another good one.

Jenn

One Game Closer:Two Ways--Peter

Well, Jenn, it's just like a traditional pennant race should be--lots of tension and margins between teams getting closer or expanding as one team suddenly finds itself or another starts to find its collar a bit tight. Today, our heroes jumped off from the start, giving the Diceman almost all the support he'd need in the 1st inning, and salting away the W by the 3d. Dice pitched his second consecutive victory, allowing three over five and change, but, again, giving up just a single free pass and ringing up five K's to get the victory. The offense was again a team effort. Martinez extended his personal best consecutive games hit streak to 19, and both Jake and Jason homered and picked up three RBI's. In Bay's case, it equalled his career best of 35 for a season and set a new personal career best in ribbies at 110. Martinez moved to within a pair of a century for the RBI's, Jake got his 63d swipe and the team as a whole was in triple digits again for hits.
The best of all, if you must look for one thing that is keying this late season surge, is the fact that the starting pitching is doing a fabulous job. You have to remember, Jenn, that when you can regularly get the starters to go deep into a game, you put less of a strain on the pen, so that when you do need to go there, the relief corps is fresh. The Hose hurlers during this surge have allowed no more than three runs in any game for thirteen straight. During that time, the starters are 8-1 with a difficult to beat ERA of 2.18.
So where exactly does that leave us with fourteen to play in the season? Well, we picked up a game in the race for the Card AND in the chase of Mr. Hankies Yankees.We are now just seven from clinching the Card, as Texas lost again, and have crept to within five of the Stripes for the Division. Again, in the latter case, it's a situation of having to almost win every game, including the three remaining with the Stripes, or combining enough wins with Yankee losses to accomplish the same result. But, as '04 proved, anything is possible. Also, another example, my favorite, of a pennant race surge/collapse I believe I've told you about. In 1964, the Phillies were leading by 6.5 with ten to play. Pretty solid lock, you'd figure, right, Jenn? Well, Philly lost all ten and the Cards won the pennant by a game, not to mention the Series. Like I said at 0-3 in the ALCS in '04, you have to play the game to make it official--no matter what the margin.

A Bit Tense in the 9th,But the Magic Number Drops--Peter

You know, Jenn, I hate to keep quoting Yogi on this blog, but as the bottom of the 9th began to develop, I was starting to experience a feeling of deja vu all over again. Here we were, via another excellent team effort, holding an 11-3 lead, the pen (Billy Wags and Saito) doing nothing but putting zeroes on the board and TOM comes on to finish up. Batter one: HR, 11-4. Batter two: HR, 11-5. Batter three: full count free pass; ditto batter four--and still no outs. All I could think of was the game earlier this year (June 30; O's 11,Sox 10) that we came from ahead to lose with a double digit score and a huge lead early in the game. Fortunately, Terry decided not wait any longer to see if TOM could retire anyone on this particular day, yanking him for Ramirez, who came in, threw 13 pitches and closed the door. Your father can take a deep breath and relax.
The evening's entertainment featured a less effective than normal, but still good enough Lester getting win number 14, the Sox collecting 17 hits, six of which were for extra bases, three of those circuit shots. Martinez extended his consecutive game streak to a career best eighteen and Papi had a pair of doubles and a sac fly to go with his RBI. JD added three hits, a HR and a two bagger among them and four ribbies. Bay was out with 'flu-like symptoms'--can't anyone just have the flu any more--but his caddy, Reddick, covered fine with a two run shot.
With the win, even though Texas also won, 3-2, the magic number for the Card drops below double digits for the first time this year. It's now nine, and counting. Mr. Hankie's Yankees, who lost on a two run walkoff by Ichiro last night, off Mariano, no less, cutting the division lead to six, are currently leading the M's tonight two zip in the 4th. While the odds of our taking the division are pretty long with just sixteen left, we still have a trey with the Stripes, so if they lost a few while we stay hot, welllll....

There's No 'I' in Team--Peter

Well, Jenn, you've probably heard the old saying, to illustrate that ball is a team game, 'There is no 'i' in team.' Although there IS one in WIN, tonight's play by the Hose illustrates the adage perfectly. Bucky came out and gave us six solid innings of five hit baseball, getting a respectable WHIP for the game of 1.33 (one or lower being the goal), and really pitching when he had to--like when the Birds had men at the corners and only one out and he retired the next two batters without incident. The pen was almost perfect, with Oki, Bard and the Laser allowing just a single free pass among them and no hits, Pap slamming the door once again. The offense put together enough punch to take care of the runs for the team, eleven hits, including Bay moving to within one of his career best season HR total at 34 and within 2 of his career high season ribbie total. Jake swiped another to keep his chances of getting the league steals crown and extend his Sox franchise season record for steals.
Bucky is turning into a solid number three starter behind JB and Lester--he's 5-0 since the break with an ERA for that period of under 3.0. Also, as I write this, Texas trails the Halos two zip in the top of the 9th. If LA can hang on, our lead in the Card goes up to seven. Stripes lead their game against the M's one zip in the---OOps! Hold that! M's tied it at one, and it's now top of the 3d. Now I know reasonable folks will say that the division is decided, even though there's still mathematically a chance. But, those same guys would have said (probably DID say)the Sox were toast in the '04 ALCS when we trailed the Stripes 0-3. We still have three with Mr. Hankie's Yankees, so if we can get within two or three, well,Jenn, you never know....

Might Be Time for Varitek to Retire

Dad --

I know my title is a bold statement to make, especially since I, like most of Red Sox Nation, really wanted him back this year. And for the first half of the season I felt justified in my desires. He was hitting and covering the bag like he used to. Unfortunately since the All Star Break the Captain just hasn't been performing. His batting average is down and since we acquired Martinez he hasn't been spending nearly as much time behind the plate.

But last night he was back. Mainly because Beckett doesn't like pitching to anyone else. And last night Beckett paid for it.

After giving up a solo shot to Kendrick in the top of the 3rd the Sox were able to get the lead back in the bottom of the fourth with three runs. Everything looked fine until the 7th. Beckett got two quick outs but then fell apart.

Kendrick singled to left. Then Izturis pinch hit a ground-rule double to right. I and Red Sox Nation exhaled because that ground rule double saved a run. At least it should have. But while facing the next batter, Beckett threw a low pitch that Varitek couldn't handle. The ball went right between his legs and skidded to the back stop allowing Kendrick to score from third and tie up the game.

Now I know what you're going to say. There were still three chances for the Sox to regain the lead. And yes, it was Billy Wagner who gave up the game winning run in the 9th. But it was Varitek's mistake that gave the Angels the momentum they'd been looking for all series.

It was a sad moment. Not because we lost, but because it shined a light on what Theo Epstein and the rest of Red Sox management may have known since last year - Varitek just isn't the catcher he used to be. And maybe now, at the age of 36, he should really consider making this season his last.

Don't get me wrong, I love Varitek. He's been a great asset to the team and he's absolutely one of the best catchers in the majors, but unfortunately baseball is a young man's game and he's just not the spry guy he used to be. Besides, it's not like we don't have anywhere to turn. Victor Martinez has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, he can easily take over for the Captain. And he has, on more than one occasion.

Dad, I hate to admit it, but last night made it imminently clear - it's time for Varitek to pass down his mask.

Jenn

A Comeback and a Walk Off

Dad --

The last two games against the Angels have been amazing. It may still be the regular season, but these have sure felt like playoff games to me.

I was nervous about Tuesday's game what with Dice-K being back on the mound and both Martinez and Youkilis out. But as you mentioned Dice-K was the pitcher we paid over $100 mil for. He was awesome. Yes, he got to a 3-2 count on almost every batter, but as seems to be the case for the Dice-man, he always managed to get out of the inning unscathed.

As a matter of fact the only pitcher to give up a run over the game was our closer - Papelbon. But that seems to be par for the course these days. God forbid Papelbon just comes in and closes the game without any adventure. I guess he needs it to be a real save situation in order to perform.

As for last night Byrd was on the mound, and just as you said, I'm glad I don't have a heart condition. The ups and downs of last night, were worse than the worst roller coaster.

Byrd was the Byrd we got rid of in the first half of last season. He may haveonly given up three runs, but that was just dumb luck since nine Angels got hits off him. Thankfully though the offense showed up last night, even without Youkilis or Martinez.

Someone I follow on Twitter, Shelly1005, was concerned with the bottom of the Sox batting order. But they were the ones to deliver, none more than our shortstop of three years ago.

Brian Fuentes just couldn't perform last night. He got two quick outs in Bay and Lowell, but then he loaded the bases and then tied the game with a walk to Nick Green. The final call was questionable but we'll take it. That walk brought up Gonzalez who didn't wait long to hit the ball to deep left for the walk off. And a collective sigh of relief from Red Sox Nation could be heard across Massachusetts. (Incidentally, Shelly1005 apologized to the lower bats after the game.)

So as I said at the top of this blog - is it October yet, cause it sure feels like it.

Jenn

Coming Back; Again and Again and Again!--Peter

Jenn, I'll tell you, if you had a cardiac condition at the start of tonight's game, you wouldn't have survived to the finish. Byrd starts and we're quickly in a three zip hole. But wait, ten batters in the 6th and we're up 5-3--only to go down 7-5 in the 7th where we remained until the 8th when we tied--only to drop behind once more in the 9th (we really need this at that late time, right?)--only to pull things out in the final half inning and win 9-8. Jake got a couple of hits, but the only steal was by your hubby's double, Bay.
Meanwhile, I know you've recently been stressing about the pen, and, again, tonight, in one case, it's stress well deserved, but, on balance, the pen hung on and saved the game--once the offense brought us back. Tonight and last night, by the way, were without the services of Youk and Martinez. Youk's day to day with back spasms; Martinez has 'personal' issues, but have no idea what that means. Word is he may be back tomorrow.
At the end of the game, we had picked up another game on Texas in the Card, and reamined 6.5 behind the Stripes. Earlier it looked like we had a shot at gaining a game on both, but the Stripes came back. Oh well.

Dice Rolls a 7--Peter

Or to put it another more simple way--the Diceman was AWESOME! Pitching into the 7th, he allowed only 3 hits, no runs and picked up five K's. His WHIP for the appearance was 1.0--not too shabby an outing for a guy just off three months of DL. Matched out for out until the 6th, he hung on long enough to get the W when the Sox picked up a pair off the Halos' Lackey, to be followed two innings later by another pair, including Big Papi's 24th homer of the year, a shot to dead center. For Papi, it was also a milestone as it set the all time record for HR's by a DH--270. Papi had been tied at 269 with Frank Thomas. Papi still has a shot at both 30 HR's and 100 RBI's for the season. It'll be close, especially the ribbies, as the Hose have just 19 games left.
Oh yes--Texas and the Stripes lost, so the Hub Heroes are just 6.5 behind Mr. Hankies Yankees and are 5.5 ahead of Texas for the Card.

Like Old Times--Sox Sweep Rays!--Peter

Well, Jenn, after this weekend, it almost seems like old times with the Rays. True, they're not the Rays of old--not even close, but with today's twinbill sweep, finishing out the weekend sweep, added to the Sox recent two of three in Tampa, the Hose have now won four straight and six of the last seven against the Rays. Today, we got great pitching from both Buchholtz and Lester as starters, followed by near spotless relief (OK, Wagner did allow a pair of hits before slamming the door in the 9th of game 2) from Oki, Laser and Billy Wags, respectively. The penultimate pitching was Pap in Game 1, after allowing a leadoff hit, he K'd the side; and Lester in Game 2. Today he showed a much better start than the brief attempt before Friday's rainout: eight innings, with just two hits and seven K's, not to mention a WHIP for the game of 0.625--not too shabby!
On offense, the Sox got timely hits in both games, slowly building their leads so that going into the 9th in each case, the closers could do what they're paid for--CLOSE. In game 1, it was tied at 1 as the Sox came up on the bottom of the 8th. Gathright got on and Dusty added a pair of runs to the Hose total with a shot to the cheaps--final score: 3-1. In the nightcap, the Hose had a three zip lead going into the bottom of the 8th, but Tampa's meat of the order was coming up in the 9th. An insurance run would be nice. You asked, you received. Bay provided a fan a souvenir and the score was four zip. Wags closed and Sox win.
Very nice. Texas leads in their first game, 6-1, top of 7th, so, worst case, the Sox maintain their Card lead at three with twenty to go. If Seattle can win even one today, the lead goes up to four. Keep hoping.
Speaking of hoping, Jenn, earlier today, the O's were tied with Mr. Hankie's Yankees at three. I was hoping for an O's sweep of the Evil Empire, which would have left us just six behind. But, it wasn't to be as the Stripes woke up and finished out the Birds, 13-3.

JB's Back--Peter

Well, Jenn, if tonight's any indication, whatever was bothering JB is a thing of the past! As you recall, even though he lost in his last start against the Chicago Mob, he'd allowed no HR's and retired his last umpteen in a row. I'd said then that MAYBE he'd turned around, but we'd have to wait to be sure. Well, the man apparently smells the post-season. He's legend there and tonight, while still regular season stuff, definitely had that flavor. Here we are in a tight fight for the Card, leading Texas by just two with just under three weeks to go. JB takes the ball, waits out hours of rain delay, and, once again, is JB. Although it was shortened to six innings, in his start, he allowed only four hits (just one for extra bases), K'd four and walked just one, a 0.83 WHIP for the effort.
On the other side of the sheet, the Hose were overwhelming. While getting just eight hits, only two for extras, they put together a solid attack, particularly in the 3d. They got eight of their runs there starting with Gonzalez opening with a hit, stealing a base and finishing with a bases loaded double. Yooouuuk finished the Sox scoring in the 4th with his 25th shot of the year, and he still has a reasonable chance at 100 RBI's for the year. It'll be tight, but not impossible, and, while I'm speaking about it, even Big Papi, who picked up a ribbie tonight, has an outside chance at another century. Yooouuukk needs 15 in 22 games, while Big papi needs 19--both tight, especially BP, but makeable.
The Speedburner picked up his league leading 61st swipe.

As you no doubt know by now, last night's game was rained out three batters in, which may be a blessing as Lester wasn't having exactly a great start--no outs and two men on, but with the rain or threat of same starting today, it was looking like we might have had to schedule reg season play after the reg season ended. So we got today's in, and last night's is set as part of a day-night double header for tomorrow, the latter being the featured Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN. Not sure yet who's pitching.

By the way, Jenn, all reports point to the return of the Diceman on Tuesday. If his last rehab start is any indication, he may be the Diceman, or a reasonable facsimile, that we'd come to expect over the last two seasons. Hope so, as this is awfully late in the game for something else to go sidewards.
By the way, Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost their second in a row--to the O's! I will, however, at this point, salute a Yankee--yes, in this blog! Unlike some of the online haters, I'll at least give credit where it is deserved. Derek Jeter passed Lou Gehrig as the all-time hits leader of the Yankees last night. Yes, he's a Yankee--and the enemy, but, like many of the greats of the Stripes of years past (Gehrig, Joe D, Scooter), he's got a lot of class. I do respect him, unlike certain of his teammates, who shall remain unnamed. I'll never forget in 2004, as the Sox finished their unprecedented comeback against the Stripes, two guys from the Evil Empire publicly saluted the Sox for their Never Give Up Attitude and victory--Jeter and the manager, Joe Torre. They lost, but had the class to at least publicly recognize their betters.
Now, let's get to the post-season and beat those Yankees--and anyone else that we face! Oh, yes! Texas lost tonight to Seattle. Sox lead the Card by three!

Sox Bats Continue Against the O's--Peter

Well, Jenn, last night and tonight the Sox bats continued to take their toll against the O's. Last night, the Hose won ten zip, including six HR's, two by Dusty and another by Papi. Buchholtz went a nice solid seven giving up just 3 hits. Tonight, the onslaught continued although a bit closer than it needed to be, 7-5. The Sox led 3-1, only to fall behind 4-3 when TOM allowed a combination of O's hits and an error to bring three runs across. However, not to worry, after the Sox tied it in their half of the 6th at 4, Martinez pushed across the Hose's final three with a bases loaded two bagger. At this point the rest of the pen came on and settled things. Bill Wags was perfect including a pair of K's--the guy's almost unhittable--; Bard followed with is flamethrower of an arm, getting another pair of K's, although he left with two men on via a walk and a hit. Enter The Laser! (Drum Roll, please) He finished off the O's in the 8th and then finished things in the 9th getting save 35 for the year, although he did give up a run via a pair of singles and a sacfly.
While we were maintaining the lead for the Card over the Rangers, the team set some history--again. You see, Jenn, that's one of the nice things about a team with the history the Sox have--both good and bad--there's always a chance you'll see history made. Tonight Bay got his 100th ribbie, and in the process, became just the fifth Sox left fielder ever to have at least 30 homers and 100 RBI's in the same season. The others are all in the Hall or going to be: four guys named Ramirez, Rice, Yaz and Williams. You may have heard of them. To show you the company he's joined, of the prior four Manny did it six times with the Sox and five times before that with the Indians, Rice did it four times, Yaz-three and Teddy Ballgame an incredible SEVEN. Like I said--with a club like ours, history just happens. Awesome!

The Mob Gets Wacked--Peter

Lester pitched a gem; Pedroia had an ESPN Web Gem-worthy catch and then magnified it by doubling up the Chisox baserunner on 2d, and the Hub Hose bats finished the issue. Lester's worst inning was his first, when he had runners on 1st and 2d with one out. Next batter hits a sinking liner into shallow right center and Dusty runs after it, waves off JD coming in from right and Yoouk charging over from first, makes like Randy Moss hauling in a bomb from Brady and then turns and throws out the Pale Hose runner who'd been on second. Jenn, you HAD to see it. If you've Tivo'd this game, check it out! Shortly thereafter Lester becomes the Lester we've come to know and shuts down the Chicago mob, giving up nothing but zeroes for the rest of his stint. Billy Wagner finally gave up his first run as a Red Sox--a crushed 95 mph heater that sat a little too far out over the plate and came to rest about thirty rows deep in the cheaps.After that, the Fenmen's pen turned out the lights--no questions asked. First Dan Bard, throwing a bit slower than normal, only 99 mph, put a row of zeroes on the sheet and then The Laser closed out the game almost as easily.
Offense? Glad you asked, Jenn. Lowell may have a bad set of wheels, but he still knows how to swing a bat. Here comes the pitch. Bang! Two zip, Red Sox. The Red Sox answer to your hub, Jason Bay, added an RBI, and Vick Martinez settled things with a three run shot that left absolutely no doubt when it left the bat. You ask what else, Jenn? Well, Jake got three hits and added to his league leading steals total. He's at 59 and counting now.
Added to all of this Texas, the Stripes and the Rays all lost, so we're up in the Card by three, leading the Rays by seven, I believe, and within 7.5 of Mr. Hankie's Yankees.

Hit twice by the Chicago Mob--Peter

Well, here we are leading the Wild Card by three--and then we go to Chitown--The Windy City--The Home of Capone--and so on. Friday night, we get our ass (as well as any other part of our anatomy) handed to us. After three, it's seven zip, Chisox. Game's end and it's 12-2, Chisox. What's worse, since I, as regular followers of the blog know, like to refer to things of historical significance, is that the Pale Hose got 20 hits--the first time that's happened against the Bosox in almost half a century, 1960, to be exact. Ugly!!
OK, so today it's a new day. Better luck, right? Wrong! In a day game [baseball played as it was meant to be--my God, I'm starting to sound like a Cubs fan, Jenn], our heroes came out behind the second return of Wake, and played as if it were as funeral; which, if we keep this up, it very well will be. Three hits, K'd 11 times, and we're on the short end of the score, 5-1. Fortunately, today the Rangers also lost, so we maintain our two game Card lead. Unfortunately, Mr. Hankie's Yankees won so we're now 8.5 back of them. Had we won on Friday night, we'd be three up on Texas and 7.5 behind the Stripes. Woulda', Shoulda', Coulda'.

Penny's and Heartbreak--Peter

Two post a day, Jenn. How often do you see that? Tonight's covers the game--heartbreak; and a "Penny" novel--Brad. In the former, something's definitely going on, and not in a good way, with JB. He starts off getting lit up so that by the 3d inning we're in a 5-1 hole, in large part to the pair of HR's he gave up. He's doing this in spite of throwing in excess of 95 mph steadily, and racking up the K's (nine tonight in just six innings). But, even though we were facing the Rays' Sox killer, Garza, we managed to come back until we were tied at five in the 8th. Then, heartbreak. Bottom of the 8th, Rays score a trey and it's done. Texas and the Stripes both won, so we gave ground on both ends of the axis.
On the "Penny" novel, it reads (at least for now) like Smoltz, Part 2. Penny gets picked up by the Giants, starts tonight, and goes eight shutout innings, getting the win for the guys from SF. There are three pennies in the story: Bad Penny, Good Penny and Brad Penny--and they're all the same.

'Senator' Schilling?--Peter

Schill just blogged he 'might be interested' in Teddy's Senate seat.Schill, this isn't a game & making laws isn't how hard you throw heat or how much break on your curve. Do everyone a favor--stay out of it!

Great Team Win--In Tampa?!--Peter

Well, Jenn, today our heroes took the show to one of their least favorite road venues--the Tampa dome. I was thinking this morning as I perused the sports section over breakfast who makes these schedules? The Stripes get Baltimore in the final month of the race and we draw the Rays--in Tampa! Have you heard who's responsible? Sure like to know.
Anyway, the night started that way. Lester, in spite of having the heater working, gives up an early run to Haverhill's finest, Pena, and we're down one zip.But, and, Jenn, this is a very important 'but', the Hose didn't let things stay that way for long. Immediately after this, they got a tying run complements of the speedburner. Jake drove n the tying run. Next inning, before the Rays could reply, the Sox tacked on a trey when JD hit the cheaps with a drive, scoring Lowell in front of him. Yoouukk finished out the inning with a sacfly to make it 4-1. As things moved on through the middle innings, the Sox added on some more until the score stood at 7-2, complements of Bay, Yoouk and Lowell, the former pair going yard as well. In fact, if my count is not wrong, we now have four guys with at least 20 HR's each, and JD just one shy of the mark. In fact, it's not too much of a stretch to imagine all five over 20 and also Lowell making it six.

The pitching, with the rare exception of Oki, was also outstanding. Lester allowed both early runs, but K'd nine in six innings. In the process, Jenn, he set a team record for the most K's in a season by a southpaw, breaking Bruce Hurst's old one of 190 from, I believe, 1987. Lester finished up tonight at 196--and counting. The pen's newest addition, the closer anywhere else, Billy Wagner, threw another perfect inning in his second appearance for the Hose, taking just 13 pitches to get through the 7th inning, including a pair of K's. Looks like his shoulder surgery worked. Boy, the Mets would sure love to have him back. After Oki came on and had a rare bad outing allowing all five batters he saw to reach, which resulted in a pair of Tampa runs--now it's 7-4, Terry figured enough of this crap. He called on Pap to handle the final TWO innings. It was CLASSIC Laser! Six up, six down. Game over!Three K's along the way. Don't blink--you'll miss it!

Unfortunately, both the Rangers and Mr. Hankie's Yankees won, so the margins there remain. We trail NY by 6.5 with 29 to play. The Rays are now six down to us--wish it could have happened last year too.
Apart from the game, Penny news. As I told you on the phone tonight, Jenn, Penny got claimed by the SF Giants. Be something if he duplicated Smoltzie's post-departure performance. But don't bet on it.