Well, fellow Sox fans, just as a week or so ago, we have another Fabulous Fifth to fondly remember. Today is the fifth anniversary of the Sox finally breaking the Curse. Yes, five years ago today, Johnny Damon parked one in the cheap seats on the game's fourth pitch and Derek Lowe made it count as the Hose won the game, three zip and the Series in a four game sweep of the Cards. Yours truly didn't get to enjoy the entire game (stuck with a client who just HAD to see one more house), but I was tuned in for the final three innings or so, following pitch by pitch on the computer for the final out and the Sox victory. Here's hoping next year will get us back there one more time.
Meanwhile, we'll still be here for important signings and other Sox news in the offseason as they occur.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fifth Anniversary--Just as Wonderful Now!--Peter
As regular followers of this blog already know, I also keep up with things Sox during the offseason. Today is a special place in Red Sox lore. It's the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Sox comeback from three games down to the Yankees (never been done before or since by anyone)to win the ALCS and go on to the World Series, where they ended the Curse in four straight. The final victory over the Stripes was 10-3, Sox. He may have been with the Stripes, but I'll always remember how Joe Torre, the Yanks' manager at the time, took off his cap and saluted the Sox as they won. Very classy.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Ultimate Blown Save
Well Dad, as the song goes... "the party's over..."
Not that this post season has been much of a party. Today's game was beyond depressing. I mean, we were at Fenway. Buchholz pitched a pretty 5+ innings and had his eye not only on his first start in the post season, but his first win. And then Papelbon took the mound.
This is the guy who I had a shirt made for a couple years ago - "Papelbon Saves". Not today! And I suppose it's no surprise, since this season has not been a good one for the closer. He walked more guys this season than in the past and every time he took the mound I, and a lot of Red Sox Nation, had heart palpitations.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this season I'm used to Paps giving up a run or two, but then hunkering down and closing out the game for the win. Today Paps wasn't so lucky. All he needed was four outs. That's all. And unfortunately he couldn't get them. It was sad to watch, but even worse, it was painful to hear.
I don't think I've ever heard Fenway so quiet. The Nation's faithful were shocked by the turn of events. You could hear a pin drop in the stadium when Fuentes got the final out of the ninth signaling the end of the Red Sox's season.
Dad, you're right. It's time for Theo to take a good, hard look at his team, and make some tough cuts for next year. I agree Tek and Lowell should be on that list. But I'm not ready to lose Papi just yet.
On the bright side, Aidan got to a game and as I said last night, at least now I can focus all my attention on the Patriots and what will hopefully be a winning NFL season.
Jenn
Not that this post season has been much of a party. Today's game was beyond depressing. I mean, we were at Fenway. Buchholz pitched a pretty 5+ innings and had his eye not only on his first start in the post season, but his first win. And then Papelbon took the mound.
This is the guy who I had a shirt made for a couple years ago - "Papelbon Saves". Not today! And I suppose it's no surprise, since this season has not been a good one for the closer. He walked more guys this season than in the past and every time he took the mound I, and a lot of Red Sox Nation, had heart palpitations.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this season I'm used to Paps giving up a run or two, but then hunkering down and closing out the game for the win. Today Paps wasn't so lucky. All he needed was four outs. That's all. And unfortunately he couldn't get them. It was sad to watch, but even worse, it was painful to hear.
I don't think I've ever heard Fenway so quiet. The Nation's faithful were shocked by the turn of events. You could hear a pin drop in the stadium when Fuentes got the final out of the ninth signaling the end of the Red Sox's season.
Dad, you're right. It's time for Theo to take a good, hard look at his team, and make some tough cuts for next year. I agree Tek and Lowell should be on that list. But I'm not ready to lose Papi just yet.
On the bright side, Aidan got to a game and as I said last night, at least now I can focus all my attention on the Patriots and what will hopefully be a winning NFL season.
Jenn
Unable to Close!--Peter
Well, it had to end sometime, but I really was expecting to start out something like: 1998:beat Cleveland; 2003:beat Oakland; 2004:BEAT YANKEES; 2009:beat? Unfortunately, it's 2009:got beat. Really disappointing when Papelbon gets to a final strike to end the game with a W and can't close the deal. There won't be many times in his career when you'll see the Laser have a two run lead, get down to the final strike and get lit up. Unfortunately, it happened today.
So how does this season look in retrospect? First half, we look fabulous even though Dice-K and Bucky had trouble early on. Even had the Stripes eight zip on the season. Second half, we slumped out of the division lead, the Stripes came on strong, getting a good return on at least two thirds of their investment, and we entered the playoffs with some questions, but looking like a good bet to meet Mr. Hankie's Yankees in the ALCS. Not to be, so we look forward to February. Lots of questions to consider going forward, some of which I mentioned last post. Theo's going to have to wave his wand really hard this time around, starting with keeping Bay, and then looking for replacements for the core guys I referred to last time out.
It's the off easeon. See you in '10, as well as when there are any major stories of the Sox during the winter.
So how does this season look in retrospect? First half, we look fabulous even though Dice-K and Bucky had trouble early on. Even had the Stripes eight zip on the season. Second half, we slumped out of the division lead, the Stripes came on strong, getting a good return on at least two thirds of their investment, and we entered the playoffs with some questions, but looking like a good bet to meet Mr. Hankie's Yankees in the ALCS. Not to be, so we look forward to February. Lots of questions to consider going forward, some of which I mentioned last post. Theo's going to have to wave his wand really hard this time around, starting with keeping Bay, and then looking for replacements for the core guys I referred to last time out.
It's the off easeon. See you in '10, as well as when there are any major stories of the Sox during the winter.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Aidan's First Playoff Game
Dad --
Yes, the game sucked! Especially since as I said after the first game, the Red Sox usually wipe the floor with the Angels come the post season. And we also had amazing seats - right at first base.
But even though the Red Sox lost, we had a blast. See it wasn't just Aidan's first playoff game, it was his first baseball game. And we got him all decked out.
You can't see it, but not only was he wearing the Red Sox knitted cap, he also had on a onsie he got.
Aidan watched the game and seemed really into it - the noise, the lights and all the action. That was until the Angels started losing. Then he got fussy. And around the seventh inning when things really got bad, Aidan decided he'd had enough - and conked out.
He missed the rest of the game. Wish I had.
Tomorrow we're at Fenway, and the Red Sox have to win. Because if they don't... well, at least then I can focus all my attention on the Patriots.
Jenn
Yes, the game sucked! Especially since as I said after the first game, the Red Sox usually wipe the floor with the Angels come the post season. And we also had amazing seats - right at first base.
But even though the Red Sox lost, we had a blast. See it wasn't just Aidan's first playoff game, it was his first baseball game. And we got him all decked out.
You can't see it, but not only was he wearing the Red Sox knitted cap, he also had on a onsie he got.
Aidan watched the game and seemed really into it - the noise, the lights and all the action. That was until the Angels started losing. Then he got fussy. And around the seventh inning when things really got bad, Aidan decided he'd had enough - and conked out.
He missed the rest of the game. Wish I had.
Tomorrow we're at Fenway, and the Red Sox have to win. Because if they don't... well, at least then I can focus all my attention on the Patriots.
Jenn
It Gets Uglier by the Minute!--Peter
Yes, Jenn, the first game was not a pretty sight. But last night's Game 2 was worse. JB was moving along nicely. Jake's trip and the run made it better, but still, for the most part, the Sox bats might as well have been toothpicks--nothing was happening. All season long, whenever the Sox had an extended losing streak, it occurred contemporaneously with a lineup of quiet wood. The trouble is, during a season, you can recover. In a playoff series, this solitude can mean only one thing--premature vacation. Let's hope that the Hose turn things around fast, or we'll all be watching other teams try for the prize.
Your uncle Phil and I were talking about this just this morning, and we agree that next year some major changes are likely necessary to bolster the team. Tek, as good a leader as he is, is pretty much done. This is two consecutive years of almost no significant hitting, and he is almost unable to throw out a runner heading for second. Too bad to see him go, but almost a necessity. Papi is another one. True, he has more HR's than anyone in MLB since June, but he definitely is not even close to the Papi of tree or four years ago. Another guy I'd hate to see go, but he'd be better for the Sox as a trade for someone still popping regularly. Finally, and this hurts as much as anything, Mike Lowell is at the stage where retirement would be a good idea. It hurts me to watch him struggling on that hip almost as much as I'm sure it really hurts him to run on it. He's been reduced to a very good 'every third day' player who can still hit and, in a very reduced range, field. I feel very bad, almost treasonous, talking about these three core members of the recent Sox successes, but, if we are to continue going forward, these cuts are necessary.
Separately, how did Aidan enjoy his first Sox game? I'd guess he wasn't standing and cheering every Sox move the way his Pops does, but I'm glad he's getting into things. Any pics of the little fan?
Your uncle Phil and I were talking about this just this morning, and we agree that next year some major changes are likely necessary to bolster the team. Tek, as good a leader as he is, is pretty much done. This is two consecutive years of almost no significant hitting, and he is almost unable to throw out a runner heading for second. Too bad to see him go, but almost a necessity. Papi is another one. True, he has more HR's than anyone in MLB since June, but he definitely is not even close to the Papi of tree or four years ago. Another guy I'd hate to see go, but he'd be better for the Sox as a trade for someone still popping regularly. Finally, and this hurts as much as anything, Mike Lowell is at the stage where retirement would be a good idea. It hurts me to watch him struggling on that hip almost as much as I'm sure it really hurts him to run on it. He's been reduced to a very good 'every third day' player who can still hit and, in a very reduced range, field. I feel very bad, almost treasonous, talking about these three core members of the recent Sox successes, but, if we are to continue going forward, these cuts are necessary.
Separately, how did Aidan enjoy his first Sox game? I'd guess he wasn't standing and cheering every Sox move the way his Pops does, but I'm glad he's getting into things. Any pics of the little fan?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Lack of Run Support Equals Loss
Dad --
Did you see last night's game? Disappointing is an understatement.
Lester was awesome through the first four innings. Even when he got into trouble he pulled a Dice-K and somehow managed to escape without any damage. That is until the fifth.
Aybar was the first to bat and he ended up on 2nd base. Then Figgins hit a grounder that moved Aybar to 3rd. Abreu walked and then Hunter hit a home run to straight away center field. So the Halos are up 3 zip. But three runs is no big deal, especially since there's still four innings left to play.
But 4 innings doesn't mean squat if you can't get men on base. And the only men to get on base last night were Pedroia, Bay, Drew and Gonzalez. And they each only got one hit. It wasn't pretty.
But even uglier was Ramon Ramirez's stint on the mound. He took over for Lester and only faced three batters in the bottom of the 7th - and all three reached. So it's no surprise that the Angels scored two more times to give them their winning score of 5-0.
It was sad, especially since this is the same team the Sox seem to whip every year in the ALDS. But there's still hope.
Last night was only game one. The Angels still need to win two more in order to knock the Sox out of the post season and there are four games left to play; two of which are back at the Fens. Tonight Beckett takes the mound and we'll be there to watch. Hope our trip to Edison Field helps the Sox bats wake up. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Jenn
Did you see last night's game? Disappointing is an understatement.
Lester was awesome through the first four innings. Even when he got into trouble he pulled a Dice-K and somehow managed to escape without any damage. That is until the fifth.
Aybar was the first to bat and he ended up on 2nd base. Then Figgins hit a grounder that moved Aybar to 3rd. Abreu walked and then Hunter hit a home run to straight away center field. So the Halos are up 3 zip. But three runs is no big deal, especially since there's still four innings left to play.
But 4 innings doesn't mean squat if you can't get men on base. And the only men to get on base last night were Pedroia, Bay, Drew and Gonzalez. And they each only got one hit. It wasn't pretty.
But even uglier was Ramon Ramirez's stint on the mound. He took over for Lester and only faced three batters in the bottom of the 7th - and all three reached. So it's no surprise that the Angels scored two more times to give them their winning score of 5-0.
It was sad, especially since this is the same team the Sox seem to whip every year in the ALDS. But there's still hope.
Last night was only game one. The Angels still need to win two more in order to knock the Sox out of the post season and there are four games left to play; two of which are back at the Fens. Tonight Beckett takes the mound and we'll be there to watch. Hope our trip to Edison Field helps the Sox bats wake up. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Jenn
Monday, October 5, 2009
Season-ending W--Peter
Well, yesterday's season ending game was a success, overall, for the Sox. We got another W, the 95th of the year, are headed to the playoffs, and put a lot of horsehide into the bleachers. Gonzalez got his first career slam, Papi got a pair of ribbies, but came up one shy of the century--still a great second half when you consider what the first half looked like, and Jake swiped his league leading 70th base--winning the title by ten.
On the minus side, Bucky was not particularly encouraging, lasting just three and looking more like his early season self than his second half persona--for the second consecutive time. Hopefully, it's an aberration as he's slated to be the third starter in the post-season. Speaking of which, the rotation has been set with Lester leading off, followed by JB and then Bucky. Terry's not yet said who or where anyone else will fit in. Wake is definitely out for the duration with a ruptured disc that is causing numbness in his leg. Hate to see him go, but well past forty with this as an issue, it wouldn't surprise to see a retirement. Hope not, but we'll see what the MD's say after the season.
NOW--on to the playoffs!
On the minus side, Bucky was not particularly encouraging, lasting just three and looking more like his early season self than his second half persona--for the second consecutive time. Hopefully, it's an aberration as he's slated to be the third starter in the post-season. Speaking of which, the rotation has been set with Lester leading off, followed by JB and then Bucky. Terry's not yet said who or where anyone else will fit in. Wake is definitely out for the duration with a ruptured disc that is causing numbness in his leg. Hate to see him go, but well past forty with this as an issue, it wouldn't surprise to see a retirement. Hope not, but we'll see what the MD's say after the season.
NOW--on to the playoffs!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Still Tuning--Peter
Well, tonight was a continuation of the playoff prep tuning. JB came back after missing a turn for back spasms. He was a little shaky early on, but finished up a decent five inning stint getting five K's along the way. The game WHIP wasn't what we'd like to see, but given the circumstances, not going to complain.
As for the other Hose, the offense looked pretty solid. Martinez continued his torrid hitting, getting a Slam that has him now at 108 RBI's for the year, and the first Sox member to hit in 29 consecutive starts since some guy named Damon did it in '05. Does anybody remember him? I think he left to join some team a ways down the coast or something.
Papi didn't get an RBI, so he's still stuck on 98, but has one more chance for the C-Spot. He did pick up his thirtyfifth double, not too shabby a number especially given his early season problems. In addition to Martinez, three other Sox got HR's, including Brown, whose shot I believe is his first MLB hit. Way to get started!Jake didn't play, so he'll have to get his 70th steal tomorrow. Finally, literally, a new Sox hurler out of the pen, Richardson, did all anyone can ask--an inning of perfect ball. Welcome to the club, Rich! May you have many others like it for the Sox.
Finally, for the followers of the blog--you know who you are--Welcome and thanks to Winter Park! Good to have you aboard!
As for the other Hose, the offense looked pretty solid. Martinez continued his torrid hitting, getting a Slam that has him now at 108 RBI's for the year, and the first Sox member to hit in 29 consecutive starts since some guy named Damon did it in '05. Does anybody remember him? I think he left to join some team a ways down the coast or something.
Papi didn't get an RBI, so he's still stuck on 98, but has one more chance for the C-Spot. He did pick up his thirtyfifth double, not too shabby a number especially given his early season problems. In addition to Martinez, three other Sox got HR's, including Brown, whose shot I believe is his first MLB hit. Way to get started!Jake didn't play, so he'll have to get his 70th steal tomorrow. Finally, literally, a new Sox hurler out of the pen, Richardson, did all anyone can ask--an inning of perfect ball. Welcome to the club, Rich! May you have many others like it for the Sox.
Finally, for the followers of the blog--you know who you are--Welcome and thanks to Winter Park! Good to have you aboard!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rolling the Dice--Peter
Jenn, it's looking like we've got a rotation. With Lester doing his thing yesterday, JB pitching this weekend and the Diceman looking more and more like he was expected to, things are looking better in the Fens. Tonight, Dice sat down twelve consecutive batters after opening by allowing a double. He K'd seven in six innings, allowed only five hits and, when it mattered and things got a bit tough in the 5th, he PITCHED--he got in a jam and, although he gave up the Tribe's only runs, worked his way out of it, cutting it off there and following with another solid inning of shutout ball. Since he's come back from the DL, his ERA has been a nice low 2.22--pretty impressive.
Speedy is still taking over the basepaths, although tonight is the second consecutive evening of getting caught stealing as well as swiping a base. Statistically, 12 CS's out of 82 tries is pretty good work.
Overall a good workmanlike victory. Two more for the season's end and then--the Playoffs! By the way, CC will not celebrate his first ever 20 win season as a Yankee this year. The Rays lit him up really good.
Speedy is still taking over the basepaths, although tonight is the second consecutive evening of getting caught stealing as well as swiping a base. Statistically, 12 CS's out of 82 tries is pretty good work.
Overall a good workmanlike victory. Two more for the season's end and then--the Playoffs! By the way, CC will not celebrate his first ever 20 win season as a Yankee this year. The Rays lit him up really good.
The Boys are Back!
Dad --
Yes, last night was definitely a return to normalcy. And no one could be happier than me.
It was great to see that Lester's injury had no ill effects on his pitching skills. Did you know, he was perfect through the first three innings? It was pretty awesome to watch. And the standing ovation he got as he left the field in the 7th was gratifying.
But for me, the best part of yesterday's game, besides the win of course, was seeing the first string back where they belong - on the field. Watching Wednesday's final game against the Blue Jays felt like watching a preseason game. All the players, except for Papi were the second string.
I know it's the end of the year, and why risk injuring one of your starters before the playoffs, but there's a reason I don't go to preseason games. I don't wanna see the 2nd string. I wanna see Youkilis, Pedroia, and Ellsbury get hits, steal bases and make amazing catches. I know these 2nd stringers could be the Red Sox of the future, but I'm not interested in the future now. I wanna see the guys I know and trust. I have no problem putting the 2nd string in toward the end of the game, especially if it's a blow out, but watching them from the very first inning, to me that's just a cop out.
As I said, I'm glad that last night we were back to business as usual - our starters were in the lineup and we beat the Indians with a nice shutout. Here's hoping our Red Sox can carry that momentum through these last few games of the season and into the ALDS.
Jenn
Yes, last night was definitely a return to normalcy. And no one could be happier than me.
It was great to see that Lester's injury had no ill effects on his pitching skills. Did you know, he was perfect through the first three innings? It was pretty awesome to watch. And the standing ovation he got as he left the field in the 7th was gratifying.
But for me, the best part of yesterday's game, besides the win of course, was seeing the first string back where they belong - on the field. Watching Wednesday's final game against the Blue Jays felt like watching a preseason game. All the players, except for Papi were the second string.
I know it's the end of the year, and why risk injuring one of your starters before the playoffs, but there's a reason I don't go to preseason games. I don't wanna see the 2nd string. I wanna see Youkilis, Pedroia, and Ellsbury get hits, steal bases and make amazing catches. I know these 2nd stringers could be the Red Sox of the future, but I'm not interested in the future now. I wanna see the guys I know and trust. I have no problem putting the 2nd string in toward the end of the game, especially if it's a blow out, but watching them from the very first inning, to me that's just a cop out.
As I said, I'm glad that last night we were back to business as usual - our starters were in the lineup and we beat the Indians with a nice shutout. Here's hoping our Red Sox can carry that momentum through these last few games of the season and into the ALDS.
Jenn
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Return to Normalcy
Well, Jenn, I guess if you wait long enough things will get back to normal. Tonight's game with the Sox is a perfect example of that.Lester came back from the 'contusion' (fancy name for a bad bruise) to throw, make that pitch six and a third and allow just a pair of harmless hits, one free pass and K seven Indians.Bard and Wags kept the lid on and Laser, as he usually does, slammed the door--three up, three sown, including two K's.
Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Jake got another swipe--looks like a lock for 70+ for the year; and Papi got one more RBI closer to the century mark with his 97th. He needs three in three games. In fact, Jake went 3-4 and Youk also added another RBI to climb higher into the 90's.
As for the playoffs, the rumor is that Lester will start game 1, JB go in game 2 and Bucky in Game 3. Should be interesting.
Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Jake got another swipe--looks like a lock for 70+ for the year; and Papi got one more RBI closer to the century mark with his 97th. He needs three in three games. In fact, Jake went 3-4 and Youk also added another RBI to climb higher into the 90's.
As for the playoffs, the rumor is that Lester will start game 1, JB go in game 2 and Bucky in Game 3. Should be interesting.
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