Walt Dropo

Over the weekend a Sox star from another era (1950's) moved on to the Big Dugout in the sky. The 1950 American League Rookie of the Year, Walt Dropo burst on the league and quickly became a fixture at first base for the Hose. Tall and lanky in stature, he physically appeared a bit like a right handed batting mirror of Teddy Ballgame. After a brief end of season call-up in 1949, he started the season at first in 1950 for the Sox and was just unstoppable! In earning the AL Rookie of the Year, he compiled an enviable record for anyone for the year: he led the league in RBI's with 144, was 1st in total bases with 326, and hit 34 homers, finishing second in the league. His B.A. for the season was a robust .322, 8th in the league. He also was second in the league in total extra base hits at 70. After that start, everyone was excited by the prospects for a great career, but in '51 he tailed off badly, hitting just .239 with 57 ribbies and 11 homers. But the following year, splitting it between Boston and Detroit,he had a decent rebound to 97 ribbies, a .276 average and 29 homers, and 3d in total bases at 282. After '52, with the exception of an occasional good stat in one or another area (96 ribbies in '53), he gradually faded, finishing up a 13 year career with a .270 lifetime BA and 152 HR's.
i can tell you, I always enjoyed him riding a pitch out over the Monster. RIP Walt!

Possible Gem for the D: Peter

Well, in case anyone thought the Hose were standing pat on the defensive side of the game, they aren't! They just agreed to a two year $12 Mill deal with Bobby Jenks. Basically, Jenks is changing Sox (thanks, AP). The Pale Hose closer for most of the past five years, averaging high 30's - low 40's yearly in saves, he lost his job in late 2010 as he had injuries that limited him to "only" 27 saves. Assuming he's again healthy, the Hub Hose gain in a pair of ways. First, in the immediate future, he sets up Pap and/or Bard, occasionally getting a save himself. Second, if The Laser leaves after the coming season via the free agent route, he could step into the role himself. If he truly is again healthy, the Sox got a bargain. After all, he stepped into the role as the Chisox won their first Championship in 80 plus years in 2005, much as Pap assumed his place with our Sox for the 2007 Championship. So he's experienced in the heat of a playoff run. February's looking better and better every day!

Fantasy Ball for Real!: Peter

Well, this week, the Sox thank you, Theo) outdid themselves! I've never been a fan of fantasy baseball I mean, what's the point, other than to dream of what might be. It has no practical, real world effect. But this past week. the Hose made fantasy real! Imagine a lineup that runs something like this--and then wake up and realize that's EXACTLY what it is! Here we go: Ellsbury, Pedroia, Crawford, Gonzales, Youk, Papi, Drew, Scutaro and Varitek. The order can be changed a bit, according to your needs or preferences, but this is incredible (hoping we avoid a repeat of 2010's injury list)! Between them, the first three guys easily account for 140-170 steals annually! You have the league leader in three-baggers, and a pretty good amount of power before you even get to the meat of the order. Then, the table having been set, you have the big bombers to get them home and stick more than a few in the cheap seats--the second three in the order, not to forget that Drew, Scutaro and Tek can also drive the ball often enough to make things more interesting. Could things be better? Sure! While few catchers handle pitchers as well as Tek, he doesn't have the pop in his bat that the now departed VMart did, and he's not as proficient as Victor was in throwing out runners. So a top of the line catcher to split time with him, and succeed him after retirement would be a good pickup. But, one guy he won't have to worry about running is our new left fielder, Crawford.
So, let's enjoy the fantasy come to life, hope for no injuries and look for a return to ownership of the Trophy in 2011!

Gonzo's Here!:Peter

Well, after a long series of negotiations and a lot of back and forth the past few days, it's official--Adrian Gonzalez is the new Sox first sacker! Welcome, Adrian! Sox gave up three leading prospects to the Pads for the rights to Gonzo--and are very likely still negotiating with Gonzo and his agent, John Boggs, on terms for a long term extension of the power hitting player's contract. Main diffs reported in various circles are contract length and whether Gonzo wll get $24 or 25 mill per year. One mill per year doesn't seem like a big diff at these levels, but, hey--a mill is still a mill!
On other free agent fronts, another Sox target, Jayson Werth, late of the '09 World Champ Phillies,is now officially a Washington National. He got a huge contract, around $18 mill per for something like seven years. That leaves the Sox with two options for more/continued power on the team: 1.) nail down Crawford; 2.) or forget Crawford and resign Beltre to a long term deal. The first would mean Youk would be the 3d baseman, while the second possibility would mean that Gonzo covers first, Beltre repeats at third and Youk (you're going to love this suggestion)--plays the wall in left. It's not such a far-fetched idea when you consider how well he already plays two separate positions.
Theo appears to have done it again.

By the way, Theo also made a pretty good offer to one of the only two Yankees I'd ever want on my team, Mariano Rivera. But Mo finally resigned with the Stripes. The guy (along with Jeter) is one of the few true gentlemen on that team, and, while I might have to take time to get used to seeing him in a Sox uniform, he would be an asset wherever he goes. When we won in '04, he publicly congratulated the Hose. As for Jeter (who agreed to a new 3 year Yank deal today), I still remember him tipping his cap and saluting the Sox as they moved to a final closeout in Game 7 of that memorable '04 ALCS victory over the Stripes. That is true class!

More Sox News: Peter

OMG! Two Sox offseason posts in a week! Actually, today's could have been two by itself, but I decided to combine. I mentioned the presence of a Sox player in this year's World Series: Ramon Ramirez. He made an appearance in Game 1 in relief. Didn't show much other than a mid-90's heater and one K in his brief appearance--very hittable otherwise, but the Giants won.
The other item is the fact that before yesterday's Game 2, the annual awarding of the Roberto Clemente Award was made. This goes to the MLB player making the most significant contribution off the field to some charitable endeavor. Presented by Clemente's widow, it is an honor because it recognizes the recipient's charitable work and also ties it to the well known such activities by the late Clemente, who died in a plane crash trying to get aid to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. This year's winner: Wakefield! Way to go, Wake!

If You Can't Be IN the Playoffs, Next Best Things:Peter

Well fellow Sox fans, as any of you who are long time followers of the site know, from time to time, we cover items of off-season Sox interest. This weekend, we had a pair of them, one particularly sweet. The sweet one is: THE YANKEES ARE OUT OF THE POST-SEASON! NO WORLD SERIES FOR THEM! In fact, to put a cherry on top, so to speak, the final out of their ALSC loss to the Rangers was A-Rod striking out to end the series and give the Rangers the ticket to the World Series.

The second item is the answer to the question: which start of the 2010 season Sox player is in the Series? No guesses? Well, I'll tell you. It's Ramon Ramirez, who was traded to the Giants by the Sox in August.

Final Game--A Perfect Bookend: Peter

Jenn:
It's been an interesting season, sometimes good interesting and sometimes like witnessing a train wreck interesting. Yesterday's final game of the 2010 season was like that. The Sox won, making it a perfect bookend to match the season's starting win, also against the Hankiemen. However, it also raised or emphasized several questions for the Sox over the winter, some of which I discussed this morning at length with your uncle, Phillip.
First, the game. Sox were never in any real danger on this one, eventually doubling up the New Yorkers, 8-4. Lackey gave us another of his recent very good outings, going almost eight innings and allowing only a pair of earned runs, while striking out ten pinstriped batters. One thing I didn't realize until it was mentioned on NESN, was that Lackey, whom I have often lampooned here, had six games in which he left with the lead and the relief crew blew the save for him. So, yesterday COULD have been his 20th rather than his 14th win, and had we won those six games, we (the Sox) would be in the postseason with no Stripes visible anywhere! Bard picked up another Hold, his 32d and Papelbon finished up, although it wasn't a save situation. He allowed a lone unearned run and got another K in the process. Offensively, the day belonged to Jed Lowrie, who had his second two homer day of the year, went 2-3 and drove in three ribbies. Close behind him in offensive importance were Big Papi and JD. The former went 3-3 including a bunt single on his final at bat that saw him laughing so hard as he ran to first that he almost couldn't run--wasn't even close either. JD's contribution led off the Sox scoring, a two run homer over the Sox pen into the seats behind it, his 22d of the year. Sox also had four steals in the game led by Kalish with a pair, his ninth and tenth of the year. The guy has good speed--nothing Jakian, mind you, but better than average, and over a full year likely would collect something on the order of thirty swipes.
In this one, the Hose never trailed and by the time six innings were finished, so were the Stripes. Very enjoyable--even more so when the guys from the Fens were denying the Yanks any chance at the division crown and/or home field advantage in the postseason. Also, after a poor year against the Bronxmen, the Hose ended up even on the year, nine and nine, by winning four of the final six games they played against these guys. Even a less than fully enjoyable season has its pleasures, Jenn.
So, next year: well, right off the bat, no pun intended, the Sox have two major free agents as well as another in the option year of a contract to deal with. Who? Correctamundo!Papi, Victor and Beltre. Theo: if you're listening, sign ALL OF THEM! OK, Papi you can have by just picking up his option. He has shown a remarkable return to a semblance (Read pre-2008) of himself. Is he worth $12.5 mill? Depends on your point of view and how you want to deal with it. Phillip says take the option and wait to see how he does next year before making any longer commitment. It's a reasonable approach. Me? I'd use that as a fallback and try to get a three year deal in the neighborhood of eight or nine per for him--maybe layer that with performance enhancement clauses as well.Beltre took just a one year deal hoping he could have a year like this year and then get a windfall. I don't have objections to him cashing in, and would try for three or four years in the ten to twelve per range. Victor is an interesting situation. The guy, when healthy, had good numbers, plus he can throw out base runners, and he can not only play behind the plate, but also at first or DH. In spite of a broken foot, he got his fifth twenty homer year and plated 79 runs. I'd also make him a reasonable offer for at least three years, especially given that Tek is likely at career's end. Mentioning that, it was very emotional seeing him get a final bow and salute on coming out to his position beginning the 9th before Terry pulled him. The tears were understandable, given all that he has meant to this team over the past decade. I still have his Time Mag cover pic on my office wall leaping into Keith Foulke's arms at Curse's End in 2004. He'll be missed if he does retire, but, if he does, the guys at Yawkey Way would be insane if they didn't keep him as a coach. His knowledge of handling pitchers would be invaluable!
Beyond this, the execs have to make some serious decisions on the bull pen and on adding another bat or two to the lineup. Jayson Werth of the Phils looks promising and, looking to 2012, Albert Pujols will be a free agent--probably have to get a special line from the Federal Reserve to get him, but well worth it when the time comes for a guaranteed first ballot HOFer still in his very productive years.
Another concern is starting pitching with both Beckett and the Diceman coming off very up and down years (Phillip says down and dump them). Tough decisions to make here. Otherwise the starters have two good ace type studs, Lester and Bucky, the latter of which came into his own this year.
Happy ending to what might have been but for injuries and it's only 129 days to February 10, 2011.
AS Sox stuff happens over the winter, we'll comment. See you all soon!

Thank You Mike!: Peter

Well, yesterday was Lowell's final game in MLB as a player. So the Sox had a ceremony pregame to recognize the man and his meaning to the team and Red Sox Nation in the years since coming to the Hub (actually, even for the year before coming to Fenway as he was part of the 2003 Marlins team that beat the Stripes for the Series).Once that ceremony was finished, the Sox went out and beat the Yankees! While the Sox only have pride to play for, the Yankees still have yet to nail down playoff home field advantage and the Sox win in yesterday's Game 2 made it that much more difficult for them to do.Things started ominously with the Hankiemen going up a quick three , followed by 4-1. Then, the Sox dug deep and no matter the obstacle, kept coming back, much as they had in the first game of the year at Fenway against these same Yankees, to get the 'W'. One of the best moments for me, Jenn, aside from the win on Patterson's 10th inning hit, was in the 4th when Nava led off the inning with a hard hit double. Next up was Reddick. He hit a hard grounder to Berkman's right, but, proving he's no Youk with a glove, the guy bobbled it and tried a quick throw to the pitcher, Burnett, covering. Burnett just assumed he'd gotten the out, and you know, Jenn, what happens when you assume. EXACTLY! He found out that he'd failed to get the out and then started having a "conversation" with the umpire3 about the play. OK--an argument. Any way, time hadn't been called ans Nava, who'd obviously been paying attention to events on the other side of the field, noted Burnett was still holding the ball while having his "discussion" with the ump. So, what to do? He did what he should have--took off for home and scored the run to get the Hose within a run. The folks at the Fens went wild, and, although the Yankees still held the lead at that point, and later took another at 6-4, the wide awake play by Nava in this instance seemed like a charge to the entire team, and they were not to be denied. After they dropped back to the aforementioned 6-4, they came back again with a pair of runs in the 8th to tie and then the winner in the 10th, a perfect end to a long day at the park! Even the finish was sweet. Hall led off with a long double that just missed HR by a foot off the deepest part of the center field wall. Cash then laid down a perfect sac bunt to third, forcing A-Rod to come in for the ball and opening up the base for Hall's unchallenged advance. From there, in another show of team pride, Patterson, 0-4 so far, took aim on a pitch and laced into the Fenway outfield to plate the winning run. The perfect end to a long day at the park! Let's hope for one more 'W' today as a good way to end the year and point to better things in 2011!

More of What Could Have Been: Peter

Jenn: As you know, I've been visiting you for the past few days and so haven't had the time to update about the series loss to the Pale Hose in finality. But, even during and after that we still had an opportunity to get to 90 wins on the season. Not any more! First Lester, trying to become the first Sox pitcher in a few years to get 20 wins, the first lefty in a Bosox uni to get 20 in over fifty years, pitched, not really the right word for it, one of his worst efforts all year and was gone by the early 5th inning with eight earned runs. Then, we host the Hankiemen for the final series, one that back when the schedule had been announced was likely expected to have major bearing on the season's outcome for both clubs. Dice to start and we get the remnants of a tropical storm and major downpour with a postponement to today where it becomes game one of a doubleheader. So all game long it's Sox up, Sox down, finally, Sox done, 6-5 in ten. Many will only note that Pap gave up the winning run and shrug, "again.", but the fact is this one was aided in the extreme by an error that set up the run. Pap took the loss, but on an unearned run. Maybe we can take the final two of the year--a season bookend, since we took the opener of the year from Hankie's Yankees.

Finished!: Peter

Well, Jenn, it was a long run, and, considering the injuries the team had to endure, a good one. Had some new exciting players, Beltre and a few of the rooks who came up to plug the holes, and some who didn't live up to hopes (no names here).Anyway, even had we won last nite against the Chisox, we were eliminated already when both the Hankiemen and Rays won their games. Our loss only made it more final! The loss was particularly disappointing because again Lackey had a good outing. However, the pen blew the save,and, eventually, the game. Lackey allowed two runs in six innings and things fell apart afterward. On a positive note, Papi got his 32d HR and another ribbie, while Beltre increased his league leading doubles lead and added another ribbie.
Well, the Sox still have the 90 win mark to shoot for, and with five left should get it.

Bucky,Two Centuries Keep Sox Alive At Five: Peter

Jenn:
If nothing else, you gotta' admit the race remains exciting! Against the Pale Hose in Chicago, our heroes attempted to return the favor so to speak that the Chisox dumped on them a couple of weeks ago. The first game of the series was a good way to do so. Bucky pitched very well, allowing only a single run and getting a game WHIP of 0.625! Also lowered his ERA to 2.33, while getting his 17th win of the year. Offensively, the Sox struck quickly. The feature of the evening was both Big Papi and Beltre getting their 100th RBI of the year. Now if Beltre can get his 30th HR it will be a nice combination. Additionally, he got a pair of doubles, maintaining his position as number one in the league in two baggers with 48. Scoot,Papi also got doubles for the evening.
So this leaves the Bosox in postseason contention, although by the slimmest of threads. They are now five behind the Hankiemen with five to play. Keep hoping!

From Ecstacy to Heartbreak--in Two Innings!:Peter

Jenn: Maybe it's just as well that you probably haven't yet seen last night's game--unless you were watching live on TV where you were. Dice was as good as he probably ever was in his time with the Sox, only making one mistake in eight innings. Unfortunately, the 1-0 lead he had for most of the game to that point went out the window (actually, out of the park) when A-Rod got what was only the third hit and first HR against the Diceman in 22 AB's; 2-1, Hankiemen.Worse, it was the bottom of the 8th and the Sox 9th had the lower end of their batting order scheduled up. So, what happens? Like Celtic Pride in Red Sox, facing Mariano Rivera (who lately has been blowing saves like Pap this year) Kalish singles, then quickly steals second AND third. Then, after he's plated by Hall, gaining Big Mo another blown save and the Sox a tie score, Hall decides that he deserves an equal share of the spotlight and he, too, steals second and third, coming in for the lead on the soon retiring Mike Lowell sacfly. The inning ends soon after, but now the Hose are leading into the last of the 9th and I'm imagining writing this piece with the Sox just 4.5 back of the card and six out of first.
Not to be. The Laser comes on and quickly gets the first batter. Then it all falls apart! Pap gives up a walk and three hits, the tying run and gets his 8th BS of the year. Unfortunate too, because most of the hits were just out of the reach of various infielders. That's why they call baseball a game of inches. The inning ends tied and after the Hose fail to score in the 10th, the Stripes load the bases with no-one out against Oki, and after he gets a couple of outs, they score on a walk-off walk. Game over, and with it all but the most infinitesimal remaining part of the Sox' playoff hopes. The Hankiemen magic number to clinch the playoffs is now one. The next Sox loss or NY win, and it's wait until February to start all over again, hopefully with a lot fewer major injuries than the Hose have had to put up with this year. Speaking of which, even in the final inning, the injury bug grabbed one of the Sox starters. Diving to pick up and throw the ball to first on a bunt, Victor turned his ankle and couldn't get up for a few minutes, just lying face down on the infield grass writhing in pain.
Really sad--dropping behind, then taking the lead, only to lose it moments later. The Hose deserved a better fate this evening. Can't blame the Curse any more, I don't think.

Another Lester Gem: Peter

Jenn: If you haven't seen it yet, you've really got a treat on the Tivo tonight! Actually, given the geography, I know you probably haven't seen it yet. But Lester was just awesome today! In seven innings, he got another eight K's, had a game WHIP of 0.71, and allowed only a pair of weak singles, the earliest coming in the 6th inning. He was bidding to become only the third Sox hurler to have two no-no's in his career. The first was some guy named Cy--yes, that one, and the other was someone I've seriously never heard of, but a contemporary of Cy and the Babe when the Babe was one of the best pitchers in the league for the Sox. Lester also became the first lefthanded Sox hurler in 57 years to win 19 games, the last being Mel Parnell, who did it twice. Three of the others in the small number (6) of Sox pitchers doing that include the aforementioned Babe, Dutch Leonard and Lefty Grove. He also lowered his ERA to a sub-3.00 level, joining teammate Bucky in that rarefied sphere.
As for the rest of the game, the Sox, behind Lester, built a six zip lead, including Papi's 97th and 98th RBI's, homers by JD (his 20th) and Victor (19th). That means the team now has three hitters with at least 20, and two others within reach. After coming out, Bard gave up a pair of runs only one of them earned, on an error by Beltre and another homer by the Grandyman. However, Bard quickly ended any ideas the Hankiemen may have had about rallies, striking out Berkman and Swisher and getting Texeira on a liner to end the inning. The Sox added an insurance run on successive doubles in the 9th, and then Oki came on to close out the game, allowing only a meaningless solo shot by A-Rod for the final score.
Five and a half from the card with eight to play--tight, but not impossible.

One At A Time: An Exciting One At That!: Peter

Jenn:
If you saw the game live, you already know what I'm talking about before I even say it. If not, you've got quite a show in store on Tivo tonight! There the guys were, up three zip after two, the Yanks getting one back in the 3d, and I'm worrying. But after four,. it's 7-1, Sox, and, if that's not enough to get your juices flowing, they're up 10-1 after five--against Mr. Hankie's Yankees--IN NEW YORK--AGAINST ANDY PETTITE, their long time tormentor. I'm trying to not get too excited. After all, all of the aforementioned is still in effect, and it's only the 5th. But hey! I mean how bad can it get? Just wait, as it almost turned out.
Comes the last of the 6th and both A-Rod and Texeira go deep, followed by a walk to Cano. I'm thinking, actually telepathizing (is that a word?) to Tito to pull JB before things really go south. Just as I start these thoughts, JB recovers and closes out the inning without any more damage. So, it's now 10-3; still more than comfortable, right? Not right! Comes the Hankiemen's 7th, and with two gone, Jeter,one of the few New York players I actually respect, walks, followed By Swisher's shot to the cheaps on the first pitch he sees. It's now 10-5. Tito, anything happening down there? But wait! Atch takes the ball from JB. First guy he sees is Texeira, and walks him on a full count. A-Rod wastes little time, going deep on his second pitch and now the score is an uncomfortable 10-7. Fortunately, Atch stopped the bleeding there. After the Sox go hitless in the 8th, Bard takes over, and does exactly what he's paid to do--retire batters. Although he allows a two out single to the Grandyman, nothing else leaves the infield and the lead holds. Just three more outs, right. Oh Boy! The tension. Hose again get nothing in their half of the 9th other than Victor's leadoff free pass. Then, The Laser comes on to close things out. Now, back in the 5th, everyone in the Sox dugout, I'm sure, was figuring that the pen would have an easy evening, maybe not even have to do much. Shows you what a few pitches in the wrong place can do. Turns out Pap looks pretty good--for the first two batters, getting Jeter on strikes and Swisher on a soft fly. He then faces Texeira and gets to a 1-1 count. The next pitch looked very good from a pitcher's standpoint--down and in, where it takes a damn good bit of hitting to do anything at all with it--which, unfortunately, is exactly what Texeira does--a damn good bit of hitting! When next the ball is seen, it's resting well up in the right field seats, a no doubter. Sox, 10-8, and I'm really concerned, particularly when A-Rod works the count full (a couple of questionable calls by the ump,but, like they say, baseball is a game of inches), and then walks. He quickly takes second on defensive indifference, and I'm really worried. Why? Because Cano, having perhaps his best all-around season and batting in the .320's, is now in the box waving his bat around. A single, and it's tied. Just what we need at this point. I'm really watching for Pap's 'death stare'. I see it, so I feel better. He'll get Cano out--I hope. The count gets to 2-2, and Cano's hanging in there. He's really grinding; giving nothing away. But finally, The Laser has had enough of this bulls--- (I know, it's a family show) and burns Cano with a third strike. Cano swings, creates a quick breeze for anyone in the immediate area, and the Sox WIN!
Statswise: Lowrie goes a career high four for four, including his seventh shot of the year, a three run jobbie to start the Sox scoring. JD gets three hits, Papi is 2/5 with his 35th two bagger, and Hall gets his 18th HR of the year, moving ever closer to that magical twenty mark. Beckett got the 'W' and the pen got some good numbers, Bard his 31st hold and Pap his 37th save. So, the Hose knocked the Hankiemen out of first, and rest six and a half out of the card and seven from first with nine to play. Still tight, but mathematically possible. As the MLB net commentator noted, the Sox are just concentrating on one game at a time, and not concerning themselves about anything after that until this game is over. Then, the same for the next game,and so on. Just stay focused!

One More Gasp of Air: Peter

Jenn, it's getting awful close to midnite. After Lester hurled his great game a few days ago, I was re-energised. Baltimore coming to the Fens, even with their good record under Showalter, should be a positive. And maybe it would have been if the Sox had their full roster. Anyway, we lose the first, 3-1, in a well played game, sans much offense. Yesterday, however, was very hard to take. Bucky's holding a one zip lead, finally gives up an unearned run and leaves after six. The roof then quickly falls in, beginning with Atch giving up a trey and ending with Pap in a non-save nightmare allowing three of his own on a five hit inning. Very out of recent character. Final: O's 9, Hose the same lousy run they had since early in the game. I'm trying to find some ray of light amidst the clouds, and the best I can come up with is, since the Rays also lost both days, we're still six and a half from the card. Only trouble is the games are dwindling down to a precious few and we're not narrowing the margin--at all!
So, tonight, we get Lacky, in the midst of the worst losing streak, four, of his MLB career--not exactly what Theo was planing for when he signed the Lack to an $85 mill contract in the off-season.
Hold on! Tonight Lackey pitched one of the best games of his recent past. He went seven, allowing a lone run in the 4th and posting a game WHIP of 0.71 and change. Not a typo--0.71+! That's what Theo had hoped for all year. The pen held up their end of the deal as well, Bard being perfect for an inning with a pair of K's and The Laser, totally opposite to last night, striking out the side.
Offensively, Papi had four ribbies, including three on his 31st homer of the season and brought his ribbie count to 96. He has ten remaining to get to the Franklin mark again for the 6th time in his Sox career--should be seventh but he got jobbed last year for his 100th as the year ended. Beltre moved to within one RBI of his second career century season with his 45th two bagger of the year, and Reddick got his first shot of the year, a drive deep into the right field seats--and I mean deep! Had it been hit any harder it would have gone through the back wall and foundation of the stands at that point.
So, here we are, still six and a half back of the card, as the Rays took one from Mr. Hankie's Yankees, and just ten games to go. It's hard to say with a straight face the Sox will make it, but it has happened before. In 1964, the Phils were leading the NL (no divisions then) for the pennant and a trip to the Series. They'd led almost from Opening Day. The lead was up to the same 6.5 games and there were the same ten games left. A lock, right, Jenn? N o t S o o o F A S T!! Phils lost their last ten and the Cards won the pennant by a game--took the World Series too--against guess who?!! The Yankees (pre-Steinbrenner)!(In '65, they dropped like a rock, eventually hitting last place.) So, my point (and the same one I made to you after the Hose were down three zip in the ALCS to the self-same New York mob) I wouldn't bet all my money on it, but they still have to play the games and it's not over until they do.

Another Lester Gem: Peter

Well, Jenn, after yesterday's second straight loss to the Jays, coupled with the Stripes and Rays wins, I was getting down. I mean, 15 to go and that distance from the post-season--getting tense. But today, Lester came out and, other than not getting his usual almost one K per inning strikeout totals (he only picked up four), he was excellent! He allowed four harmless singles and held the Jays scoreless. The scoreless item was copied by the two Sox relievers, so that the team got a shutout collectively. Offensively, the Sox got four extra base hits, including a pair of jacks out of nine hits. Drew and Victor supplied the shots, and are now respectively just one and two HR's short of the magic number twenty. If they get it, and McDonald, who has 17 at this point also does, the Hose will have five players at 20 or more for the year. If Papi is joined above 30 by Beltre, that would be a pair at that level. Pretty good, in spite of all the injuries. Actually, power is one of the few things that the injuries haven't totally destroyed for the Sox this season. They currently are second among all teams in MLB for homers for the season, behind the Jays.
With losses by the Stripes and Rays today, the Hose are back within seven for the division and five and a half for the card. Not impossible, but tight. Stay tuned.

Too Little, Too Late: Peter

Jenn, when I asked if you'd seen tonite's game and you said not yet, I had to restrain myself from telling you how things had just turned out! Really exciting, but thoroughly frustrating! There things were. The Hose started well enough, taking an early two zip lead at the Fens, complements of Martinez, who launched a two run shot in the 1st. Unfortunately, Lackey was once again lacking. Very next inning,he gives the lead back--and then continues to give and give and give until he'd given seven runs, taken a shower and goodbye--and it was only the 5th! It got worse. In the 6th Bowden continued the giving by the Hose hurlers, allowing three more Jays runs on a pair of singles, a wild pitch and the AL leading Bautista's 48th HR of the year--10-2, Jays. I think the evening's over; at least that's what I'm thinking.
Not So Fast!In their half of the same inning the Sox show some life, taking back three of those runs on a couple of singles and two doubles, as well as a ground out ribbie by V-Mart to go with his 1st inning homer--10-5, Jays. Unfortunately, Fox, who began looking pretty decent for the Sox weakened and gave up another run on a pair of two out singles and a wild pitch in the Jays' 7th. Wake had to come in and get the last out of the inning or who knows what might have happened--Jays, 11-5.
Which is where things stayed until the bottom of the 8th. Having kept the Jays from scoring again, the Hose tried to take back the game. Leading off and pinch hitting, Nava greeted the Jays new pitcher by walking setting up V-Mart for his second two run shot into the cheaps, and it's now 11-7, with no outs. Unfortunately, that was it for the inning. Another new Jays pitcher shut that door.
To their credit, however, the Hose weren't done for the evening. No sir! Bottom of the 9th--last chance, and here come the Hose! It was getting exciting again, and I'm thinking we still can keep pace with Mr. Hankie's Yankees (who won) and get a game on the Rays (who didn't).
Lowrie opens the inning with a ringing double. Then, hopes fall....and fall, as the next two Sox hitters (and I use the term lightly) strike out. Down to our last out. Is it over? Are we done? Not yet! Navarro, who normally can't get a hit for love or money, produces a run scoring single, 11-8, Sox. After this, he's rewarded for his efforts by been plated when Nava doubles into center, 11-9, Sox, and the guys on MLB Network are going crazy! Why? Well, guess who's coming to the plate! V-Mart--he of the two homers so far! MLB to hype things up shows how the very light hitting Chin Soo Choo of Cleveland only moments earlier hits his third HR of the evening,and then ask the rhetorical question, will V-Mart do the same? If so, it will be tied at 11! Jays manager Cito Gaston counters with Gregg, whose lifetime record against Martinez is getting Victor out all six times he's had to face him, including a pair of K's. That's OK, I'm thinking. It's Victor's turn. Yeah, right! The pitch....a swing....a weak popup to the edge of the OF and it's over.
Seven back of NY with 15 to go, 6.5 back of the Rays. But, as the guys on MLB were pointing out as they debated the fact, Sox can still get in to the post. Even old "Cowboy Up" Kevin Millar of the 2004 Champions, who's now on MLB network, was strongly pushing that. "Just watch", he kept saying. "It's not over!" Hope you're right, Kev.

Another Team Win: Bucky Hits 16: Peter

Jenn, this is getting really exciting! It's starting, and I emphasize that word, to remind me of the Sox in late 1967. Keep your eyes on the team. Tonight, Bucky's trailing one zip after Branyan dropped one in the cheaps, the only run the M's would manage, as it turned out. From that point on, the Sox came together. With one swing, Beltre moved closer to the thirty HR mark and tied the game. Two innings later, Papi led off with a ringing double and scored on an error by Figgins. You should have seen the play! Ball goes right through his legs like he's a Little Leaguer in his first game at the sack. Sox, 2-1! In the 7th, the Hose started the inning by getting hits from the first three batters they sent up, including a pair of doubles. Result: two more runs. They then finished off the scoring for the evening in the next inning after there were already two outs. Scoot singled, stole second, and then found he'd wasted his energy going to second because Kalish tripled and sent him home--5-1, Sox.
Bucky came out after seven and Oki tossed an inning of shutout ball, including an inning ending DP. Closing out the game, Atch tossed a perfect inning, getting three balls on the ground for an easy 1,2,3 outing.
So now the guys from the Fens are six and a half behind the Rays for the Division lead and six behind the Stripes for the card. Rays beat the Stripes tonight. Stay tuned. The Hose play Mr. Hankie's Yankees six more times this season, and the Rays and Yankees play each other another nine. Could get interesting. Hmmmm.

Papi's 30 Again! Sox Come Back: Peter

Jenn, it's getting exciting again! Here the Sox were, able to see that the Rays had lost to the Stripes, meaning the Sox had a chance to get a half game closer to the lead and a full game closer to the card. All they had to do was beat Seattle again. So, naturally in the very first inning they drop behind. However, in what was to ultimately be the winning pattern, they immediately took the lead, 2-1, in the 2d and then expanded to 3-1 in the 3d. When the M's trimmed it, the Hose took matters into their own hands and again stretched it to a pair. I was actually starting to think positively. Then, unfortunately, the Dice got rolled--for a tying pair in the 5th and the lead run in the 7th. Exit Dice, to be spared any further agony thanks to the work of Oki and Hill (sandwiched around one batter who reached off of Bowden). Hill actually got the 'W' once the Sox got things straightened out, but, for a little while I was beginning to get schpilkes. Fortunately, in the very next inning, the 8th, V-Mart and Beltre collected consecutive two out singles to set the table for Papi. Looking at the opportunities, the game lead and a chance to reach the thirty homer mark again after a couple of years' absence, he didn't waste a lot of time. One and oh and goodbye baseball! Someone in dead center went home with a souvenir--Sox, 7-5. At that point, Lowrie, who had a very good evening ended the inning with a flyout, but, hell, after his earlier contributions of a pair of homers, no complaints from this quarter.
In the 9th, the Hub Heroes added another pair, giving the team a little room to breathe. These two came with only a single hit, but some real nifty baserunning, which is something that hasn't been as common for the Sox this year as had been planned, given the injury to Jake. No matter--Tek led off with a walk and was removed for the fastest remaining guy on the roster, Patterson. He wasted no time in swiping second, after which he set sail for third on Nava's ground out to first. When the M's blew a simple fielder's choice grounder by Kalish, the Hose had another run and a baserunner to boot. The M's changed pitchers and Kalish greeted the new hurler by changing bases, stealing second before the new pitcher could even get his bearings. From there a grounder, followed by Reddick's hit brought him home with the final run for the Fen crew.
In the home half of the 8th Bard had done his usual 'hit this if you can' flamethrowing, and now it was the turn of, who else, The Laser! Facing the top of the M's lineup, beginning with the most prolific collector of hits in MLB for the past decade, Ichiro, he worked hard but ultimately lost him on a full count walk, followed by Ichiro's move to second on defensive indifference. At that point, all it took was Figgins' fourth hit of the night to plate the run and it's now 9-6. What does Pap do, Jenn? Only what, with one exception, that he's done for the past five or six weeks. He took it up another couple of gears and simply blew away the next three hitters in order--k, K, K!! Game over! Sox inch a little closer.
With Papi's homer, he joins Beltre over 90 ribbies, and maintains his chances at a century for the season in that category, along side Beltre. It would be nice--a return to the days a few years ago when he and Manny performed the same act for the team. Don't forget--Beltre's just three HR's shy of the thirty mark as well.

No Longer Winless in Seattle: Peter

Jenn:
Tonite (actually last nite as it's now morning) against the M's in Seattle was a turnaround for Lester. Even when he's had a good showing in his home town, somehow the Sox lose. Not this time! Lester went a fabulous eight innings allowing only a trey of singles and one lone run while the team supported him with five runs, including a number of doubles and Kalish's HR to seal the deal.
Lester meanwhile was busy picking up a dozen K's and his 17th 'W' on the year. This puts him in second in wins for the league. His game WHIP was a low 0.75, and the only reason it was that high was he gave up a few walks to go with the three hits. Statistically, Lester is now not only 2d in wins, but also third in strikeouts at 208, eighth in ERA (3.18) and tied for third in opponents' batting average at a low .220. He's also one of a very small group of Sox pitchers with consecutive 200 K seasons, the club including Clemens and Pedro.
Now, I know that seven out of wild card and seven and a half from first with only eighteen games left is a pretty slim chance, but the Sox basically have their own destiny in their own hands. Why? They still play the guys from NY six times and those same guys have nine left with the Rays. The right combo of Sox wins and Rays/Stripes losses and....well, you see the possibilities. Time will tell.

A Good Finale: Peter

Well, Jenn, at least the Oakland finale was worth watching. It served a couple of purposes: it got the Hose back on the winning trail, hopefully to continue further up the coast in Seattle tonight, and it showed why pitching a perfect game doesn't necessarily mean anything beyond the event. (The same pretty much goes for no-hitters too, as any review of exactly who all of the no-no's in history belong to.)The Sox came to their season finale in Oakland with no chance of winning the season series for a fifth consecutive year, again largely due to the war scene injury list they've assembled. They were facing another of the A's good (but NOT, contrary to local opinion, great young pitchers. This one, Dallas Braden, had an additional distinction. He'd been lucky enough to toss a perfecto this year--and done not much of anything else worth writing about since. Yes, he had an ERA in the 3's, which is pretty good on its face, but nothing overpowering. Look at some other of history's perfect games as a comparison: Cy Young (yes, that Cy Young)(most career wins ever: 511); Sandy Koufax (HoF;the perfect was his then-record FOURTH no-no of his career; a regular 300K/season pitcher);Jim Bunning (HoF; no-no's in both leagues);Randy Johnson (second all-time career K's;HoF;Series MVP)--you get the picture. Then you go to the other extreme: Braden; Gallaraga (Tigers hurler who threw a perfecto, only to have an umpire blow the call on the final out & who since is less than even average.
Anyway, the Sox were out there in Alameda County Colosseum and found themselves down three zip before you could even finish your first bag of peanuts, well maybe your second bag, as it was the 5th by the time things got this bad. It didn't show any signs of getting better as JB suddenly couldn't find the plate, walking four in a row! OUCH!! Looking grim until the Hose responded in the very next inning with four runs by a combination of timely hitting and smart baserunning. Jd jammed one deep into the Colosseum outfield for a two run two bagger and then, safely ensconced on second base, came around along with Mike Lowell, on Kalish's perfectly timed pinch single. Just to solidify things, in the 8th with one gone, JD again got the key hit, this time loading the bases for a moment--until an A's error byh one of their "good young pitchers" allowed Beltre to score the Sox' fifth run.
Atch pitched his second perfect inning and then, comes the 9th. Hose got nothing so on comes The Laser. Your uncle Phil and I had debated him just a few hours earlier--his recent return, for the most part, to the Pap of a few years ago (my claim) vs. he's not the guy he used to be (Phillip). Pap settled it for this game. Thirteen pitches after taking the mound the A's had gone three up and down, all K's and the game was over--bing, Bang, BOOM! Pap got his 36th save and JB had another win. Hadn't done all that poorly either other than the aforementioned four straight BB's. JB got seven K's in six innings, although his game WHIP was a bit high, largely due to the four walks. Offensively, I think you have to say that JD was the big hero, going 3-3 and driving home a pair of runs, while Papi & Beltre each picked a pair of hits.

Two Bad Days in Oakland: Peter

Well, the past two days across the Bay have been upsetting, to say the least. Friday, we've got Bucky, leading the league in ERA, going against the best of Oakland's good staff, Cahill, each after his 16th of the year. Bucky has what is definitely his worst start of the year! In an inning plus, he allows nine batters to reach base! Not a good way to win a game. In fact, we don't. We lose by five zip, which is the score when Bucky leaves in the 2d with no outs. The pen did an excellent job thereon with few baserunners at all. But the damage was definitely done. Too bad too as the Stripes lost. Could have picked up a game. Am I sounding like a never say die fan, or what?
Yesterday, Sara and I were going to go the the game, but tickets were unavailable, so we decided to watch on the 48" screen at La Maison Richmond--right here in the media room. Game's supposed to be on the air, but ten mins before game time, we find out that as it's a Comcast broadcast, you don't get it if you don't have Comcast. Folks like us on Direct TV have to miss it. So, our revised plans of peanuts, dogs and drinks (just like the ballpark, but without any obnoxious A's fans) falls apart. We're reduced to watching occasional updates on Direct's MLB channel. This, of course, gives your father, Jenn, the chance to watch his second fave old movie (behind Casablanca, of course) in between the updates. For the record, that's Cagney in White Heat. "Top of the World, Ma!" Great flic!
Anyway, the game. As we see from the MLB updates, Scoot leads off things with a shot into the cheaps and it's Sox, 1-0. Stays that way for a while until we get another run. So now, it's Sox, 2-0, and I'm making the mistake of hoping. Lackey's pitching as well as any time this year. Unfortunately, in the 7th, it all falls apart and with a collection of hits and walks, he gives it all away. By the time the smoke clears, the A's have the lead, 3-2, later to be expanded to 4-2 against Bard, and the game is gone. We do pick up a run in the 9th with two gone, but it's too little, too late. Another loss, even though the Stripes lost again.

Mirror Image--More Like It!: Peter

Jenn:
I'm starting to feel as if I'm in the Fun House with mirrors everywhere! This series with the Rays is looking like that mirrored room--close to lookalikes, but not quite! First we win, 12-5. Then we lose, 14-5, then we win, 11-5. Balls sailing out of the Fens left and right, people running the bases like it's just a jog in the afternoon--on and on and on and....well, you get the picture.
Tonight started looking as if it was a continuation of last night's nightmare, with the Guys from FLA up four zip after an inning and a half. Then, in successive innings, the Hose tied it by scoring a pair each in the 2d and 3d. Included were three of their five roundtrippers on the evening. Scoot started with the first of his two (of four hits overall) and then Papi and Beltre each went solo. Looking more like the Sox will have a pair of 30+ HR hitters for the first time since Manny & Papi last did it. If Papi can pick up enough ribbies, we'll also have a pair of century guys in that category, again for the first time since Manny and Papi last went there. Just missed by one last year when Papi got jobbed on his 100th.
Anyway, after the Hose caught up, Wake allowed the Rays a run for the lead again in the very next inning, and I'm again getting skeptical. I never doubt the heart of our team; it's just that when your roster looks like the worst third of a MASH triage scenario, it's hard to keep the optimism up. Anyway, the Sox response, beginning with three in the 5th and continuing through the 7th, was to grab the game by the throat and keep squeezing until they killed any chance the Rays had of coming back.
Seventeen hits, some outstanding, not to mention scoreless, relief pitching, and the Sox are now within six and a half of the Rays and still nine behind Hankie's Yankees.
Milestones worth noting are the fact that Wake, with tonight's 'W', is the oldest Sox hurler to ever win a game, passing HoFer Dennis Eckersley. It's been a while since Eck set that mark. Wake now says he wants to pass The Rocket & Cy as the winningest Sox pitcher ever. He needs another 13 wins for that. Don't bet against him. The knuckler puts almost no strain on a pitcher's arm, so time really isn't the issue it would be with a pitcher throwing more traditional stuff.
Scoot's four hits tie his career best for hits in a game. The guy's exemplifying the guts the Hose are showing in the face of the injuries. Like Lowell, Scoot's playing through the pain. In the SS's case, it turns out he's got rotator cuff damage in his throwing arm, but would rather play than lose any time during the season. A cuff injury's no fun, trust me on that, Jenn.
Day off tomorrow, then the Hose are here against the A's. The best thing the A's have is the lowest team ERA in the league, so it will, as always, be interesting. Sara's trying to locate tix for us to go Saturday nite,but nothing definite yet.

Mirror Image--Not Good: Peter

Jenny:
It's getting really hard--reminds me of my youth when the Sox (in a one division AL) used to end up 8th or 9th in the league. They'd have an occasional good game and then go right back in the tank--like tonight! Last night we beat the Rays, 12-5, after leading 12-2. Tonight, the Rays beat us, 14-5, after leading 14-2. The Diceman was great--for two innings. After that, fuggeddaboudit! It got bad and then got worse. On the injury side, Scoot was back in the lineup, so either they found very little in the MRI or deemed it play throughable (if there is such a word). At least the Stripes also lost, so we're still nine back, although we're again 7 1/2 behind the Rays for the card. Oy, how much longer can this go on?

A Bit of Hope--and Another DLer: Peter

Talk about symptomatic of the season! Yesterday, Jenn, the Sox showed what they can do by shredding the Rays 12-5 with homers from Papi, Beltre (back 2 back) and Kalish (his 2d slam of the year). Lester was good enough in six innings to get his 16th win, picking up 10 K's along the way and getting a game WHIP of 1.0. In fact, the Sox were ahead 6-1 after two and 11-2 after four. However, it was also announced that at the same time Tek came back off the DL, Scoot is having an MRI due to possible damage to his shoulder suffered in the finale of the Chisox debacle on Sunday. It never stops! It's like you're afraid to look around because someone who should be there will be next seen in the hospital ward. Unbelievable! There's also an interesting thing about just how badly these injuries have affected the team. Even though he's been out for over two months now, Yooouukk is still listed in the AL top ten in the batting averages! His .307 places him tenth in the league, and his runs scored, which he was either leading or second in the league in when he got hurt would still have him within 19 of the top five in the league.
At least the Sox are getting a good look at the future members of the team in a way that would be unlikely if not impossible in a normal year.

Just When You'd Think It Couldn't Get Any Worse: Peter

I don't know how much more of this I can take, Jenn. Today JB was a pitcher in the true sense of the word. When he had to, he made pitches and got outs, including nine K's in 6 1/3 of an inning. He was far from on the top of his game, but at crunch time, he had it all!So he leaves in the 7th trailing 3-2, due to a pair of unearned runs, but Bard keeps things going and the Hub Hose pick up a pair in their half of the 7th and one in the 8th to enter the 9th up 5-3. Enter the Laser. You can almost see where my story's going, can't you. Pap quickly gets two outs, allowing just a walk, the runner advancing on defensive indifference. Still, it's 5-3 with two out. Papelbon's pitching. How bad can it be? This bad--a double scores one run.The next batter up singles for the tying run and Pap's seventh BS of the year (first in several weeks with his recent return to yesteryear). Had enough yet? Too bad, because it goes steeply downhill from here.Pap faces one more batter, who he walks on a 3-2 count.He's then followed by Richardson, who walks the only batter he faces. Tito rethinks Richardson out of the game and Manuel comes to the mound.Is he the solution? Are you kidding? He merely walks the next TWO batters in succession, and, as both walks are with the sacks jammed, two more runs score making it Chisox 7, Bosox 5. What a lovely way to end the afternoon! Right. And the bases are still loaded! Mercifully, he gets the next batter to line out and end the inning. After this, the Hose come up for their last at bat, going oh so quietly on a pair of strikeouts and a fly ball.
If you need any more salt to rub in your wounds, today the Yankees and the Rays both lost--a glorious opportunity to pick up a game on both--not to be. Still ten back of first and 7.5 astern of the card with 25 to play.
The Sox will never admit it, but, given the way things are going, they're already looking closely at the youngsters and how they'll fit in with the regulars with 2011 in mind. If you need reminding just how futile it's been for the Sox to maintain a healthy lineup, the starting lineup that Francona put on the field on Opening Day only repeated its start a total of three more times all season! Four games all year with the Opening Day starting lineup--how bad is that?

All Coming to An End--Badly: Peter

Jenn:
The headline says everything you have to know. Injuries continue to mount, the Sox, in spite of real good effort, continue to fall astern, and in worse ways each day.Yesterday, they played a doubleheader to cover not only the sched game, but also the one called off in advance by Earl. That's Hurricane Earl. Both ended up as 3-1 losses to the Pale Hose, but in different ways. The first game was disappointing, but, OK, even though he pitched well enough to win, Bucky was outdueled. I can live with that. It happens. But the second game--Uugghh!!
Early in the game, it's zip zip and Chicago sends a runner home. A brilliant peg to Saltalamacchia well in advance of the runner and the runner is out, right? Sorry, wrong! Salty drops the ball on contact with the runner. Chisox, 1-0 on Salty's error. So, the game moves on, and Scoot shortly after drives home the Bosox run to tie, just as he had in game one. The game proceeds until the 7th and with men on first and second, a long drive is hit to center. It bangs off the wall and Kalish grabs the ball, throws to the cutoff man for a realistic try at the runner going home. Only problem is that his throw is so far off the mark, the runner could have walked home, and, to make matters worse, the guys from the South Side end up with a runner on third, an easy fly ball from scoring--which is exactly what happens next. Three runs for Manny's new team--all due to Hubhose errors. Disgusting.
On the injury side, the Dustman had surgery yesterday and is expected to be ready for spring training (hello, February). But we also found out that Mike Lowell, who, in what is probably his final season, playing like there was a title at stake on every pitch and getting his BA higher with some regularity, has been playing with a broken rib, but refuses to go on the DL. Why? Simple! The team needs him, and he feels like he wants to finish by playing, not being a statline. More credit to him. This is one guy when you look up 'character' in Webster's, it will say, "See him".When you hang 'em up, Mike, you will be truly missed.
Hopefully, today brings a better result.

Everyone Contributes: Peter

Jenny, tonight was one of those games where it seemed everyone had a part in the victory. When a timely hit was needed, someone stepped to the plate and delivered. When the pitching looked like it was ready to give back the game, the pen came to the rescue. Finally, when else, when it looked as if Pap was going to slide back to the earlier part of the season and blow a save, he stiffened and put the Birds out of their misery, finishing with a pair of K's.
Early on, the Sox started with a quick five zip lead, and the Diceman was rolling along looking as though no O was ever going to get on base. I know three and change is a bit early to start talking about no-no's, Jenn, but things looked that good! However (the way things have gone this year, there's always a however), in the 6th the O's struck back, and suddenly, what had appeared to be an easy victory in the making was now looking very possibly like another lost opportunity. Dice gave up three quick hits at the start of the inning, and after a couple of outs, allowed another double that plated one more pair of runs. Now, it's five four, Sox and Dice is off to the showers. On comes Atch, and I'm on schpilkies (not really sure how it's spelled, but I'm on them anyway). Fortunately, Atch rears back and gets the inning ending out with a resounding K. The Hose picked up another run in the very next inning, making it 6-4 and that's how things stayed. To his credit, Atch went two full innings of no-hit shutout ball, getting three K's in the process. This kind of contribution goes a long way, I can tell you, to giving the regulars in the pen a rest. Oki finished the 8th with a quick ground ball out, and that brought on The Laser. As already mentioned, he first reverted to earlier 2010 season and started giving everyone in Sox Nation cardiac trouble. But, finally, he came around to recent performance levels and put the Birds back in the cage.
WE gain no ground on Mr. Hankie's Yankees as CC was almost unhittable against the A's, but it looks like we got a half game on the Rays, as I think they were off today.

A Lesson In Pitching: Peter

Jenn, tonight was a real lesson in pitching by Lester. I know, I've repeated it so many times that you probably hear it in your sleep, but the true measure of a pitcher is how does he do when he really, really has to PITCH? Anyone can throw the ball 60 feet, six inches when there's no pressure on, but all of a sudden, when you've got men on base, few if any outs and the opposing team's in rally mode; or you've already dug yourself an early hole of three or four runs and are trying to stop the blood so your team might have a realistic chance to get back in, that's what separates the real pitchers from the throwers. Tonight was Lester's turn to show he can pitch when it really counts!

In the first two innings, he allowed five runs! Not what you'd call a real good start to the evening. In the process, he gave up five hits, a hit batsman and a walk and only got a pair of K's. This clearly isn't the Lester we're accustomed to seeing, and it was starting to look, God forbid, like a repeat of his outing two turns ago against Toronto. Oyyyy!
Then came the 3d, followed by the 4th and Lester had three up and down in each inning, getting three more K's in the process.But it's still 5-2, O's. However, in the very next turn at bat JD got the Hose a run closer by sticking one deep into the center field bleachers, 5-3.
Lester back on the hill in the 5th and it's a repeat of innings three & four--three up and down, including another pair of strikeouts. In the 6th, Lester struggles again, but once again showing just how good a pitcher he really is, he gets the O's without allowing any more damage even though he had loaded the bases with Birds. Picked up another pair of K's in the process, bookending them around the Bird's threat.
From that point on, taking Lester's guts as a guide, the Sox hitters took control of the game, picking up six runs in the top of the 7th and rewarding Lester with his 15th W of the year. McDonald led off with a hit, and then, with one out, Scut worked the count full and then deposited the ball in the cheaps in left for the two runs that tied the game. But the Hose were far from finished. JD walked, after which Martinez greeted the new O's hurler with an RBI double, 7-5, Sox. But not through yet! Papi came to the plate. Not wanting to see him in a slow trot around the bags, Showalter ordered him walked--to get to Beltre. So much for strategy! Beltre took one strike and then gave Papi the opportunity to take a nice slow trot around the sacks anyway--in front of Beltre, who was doing the same thing--drive deep to the left field seats; 9-5, Sox.
From there, it was pretty much textbook Sox, marred only by a two out run on a sacfly off of Bard to put the score where it was when things ended. Papelbon finished off things in the 9th, a quick 1,2,3 inning made up of a K and a pair of harmless ground balls. Once again, The Laser is looking like The Laser of a couple of years ago.
Standings: well, we're still eight out of first, seven behind the Rays for the card, but, once again, the Hose refuse to die. I know, Jenn, last night I said that it was looking all but over for them, but, hey, you never know. If they can continue to hold things together a game at a time like this, who knows? Do it, SOX!

TOM Gone--Hermida too!: Peter

Well, for awhile we had two many Manny's. So, to distinguish, The Manny was ALWAYS Manny, while DelCarmen was The Other Manny or TOM, for short. Then, after Manny left, I kept calling TOM TOM because he was The Only Manny. Now, I don't call him at all because he's gone in a trade yesterday to the Rockies--Sox to Rox, and we now have NOM (Not One Manny). I enjoyed him while he was here (most of the time) and wish him well in Colorado. Today, Jeremy Hermida was released making it a very short residency with the Sox. Good luck here as well.

A Wasted Beckett Effort: Peter

Well, Jenn, we're getting closer to running out of time. Tonight it was the O's, the AL's worst team, who did the deed. JB pitched a respectable seven innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out five. He gave up just a lone free pass, and his WHIP for the game was microscopically over 1.0. Unfortunately, an error allowed a third run, and though Lowrie tried to get the Hose back into the game with a two run shot, Dubront gave up a pair of solo shots to the cheap seats. Add those to no timely Sox hitting and you've got a recipe for a loss--which is what the Sox ended up with.

Since the Rays lost tonight, we're still seven back of the wild card. However, Mr. Hankie's Yankees won, so our heroes are now a full eight games behind the division lead--with just thirty to play. The fact that the Sox have done a remarkable job given the battlefield-like casualty list all season long doesn't make it hurt any less.
I was thinking about a conversation you and I had after game three of the 2004 ALCS when the Stripes had us down three zip. Your comment then was, "I guess it's over." You sounded so down, to call you glum would be an understatement. My response was that I recalled the rules said you had to win four games before you won the ALCS, and that while, yes, we certainly were deep in the doo-doo (Actually I used a stronger word, but, hey, this is a family show), it wasn't over yet. As everyone knows, the turnaround began immediately with that day's game, ran through an eight game win streak that concluded with a World Series championship. Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight rush of Red Sox cheer. Everyone still sitting here will remember that fall of that we all revere. Oops, excuse me--apologies to Longfellow. Anyway, conversation aside, I'm getting to the point where I'm about to admit this year isn't our year--not because of a lack of talent or desire. This team has, considering what's been constantly happening to them, put on a display that they should be more than proud of.It's just that when the heart of your club is unable to take the field because of a med student's list of injuries, it's hard to use your talent to its intended end. I truly believe that without most of the injuries, the Sox would right now be in the thick of the fight, if not in an outright lead. Somewhere out there in the mists, Teddy Ballgame is nodding agreement. I know there's still enough time, but unless the injuries stop and the players get back in long enough to have an effect....

These Are the Ones That Really Hurt!: Peter

Well, Jenn, between the ribs and Mom's fruit salad, you saw it with me. There we were, Sox up one zip into the 7th and Bucky throws over to first, past Lowell and by the time Pena (pride of Haverhill, MA) stops running, it's a two base error. A sacfly foul that JD made a great catch on and it's tied. Not to worry, we figured. I'm repeating as Martinez comes to bat in the 8th, "Let's hope he remembers yesterday"--and he does!Here's the pitch--it's a fast ball, letter high out over the middle of the plate and Martinez swings--and a second later it's ten rows deep in the right center seats--TWO ONE, SOX! Unfortunately, in the Rays' half of the inning, Bucky makes one more mistake and Upton takes him deep--two all. In spite of all of this, Bucky gets an ND and does pretty well, lowering his ERA to 2.21, still by far the AL best. That's the way it stays until the bottom of the 10th. The Rays' DH comes up; some guy both of us and God knows how many others as well have never heard of, Johnson.His season BA is .149 and his slugging (a misnomer in his case, you would think) average is an equally anemic .298. He has only one HR for the whole season, for Christ's sake. Atch throws the ball--and the game is over! Bang! Home run! Now he has two for the year! By the way, those averages are AFTER the HR. He was marginally worse before that swing!
Now, Jenn, I know you keep faulting the Sox for leaving starters in too long, but today's players are better conditioned than those of my youth and before, and those guys routinely had 15 or 20 COMPLETE games every year, win or lose! Some of those were for extra innings too! This pitch count stuff is bull! But with the salaries the teams have invested, they're afraid to let the pitchers go as long as their bodies will permit. The result--self fulfilling prophecies--and few of them good!
If all of this weren't bad enough, my old "if all of both teams' men on base had scored, the Sox walk away 10-7 winners. They out hit the Rays, they just didn't do it in as timely a fashion. Well, tomorrow is another chance to leave Tampa "just" 4.5behind with 31 games left. It's still possible, but those games are getting fewer and fewer.

The REAL Lester!: Peter

Well, Jenn, like I told you last evening over the remnants of dinner,tonight Lester looked like the guy we've gotten used to seeing on the mound. He completely left last weeks' abortion against the Jays in the trash where it belongs. Against the Rays last night, he went seven strong innings, allowing just a pair of harmless singles while striking out ten. True, he did allow five freebies and hurled three wild ones--THREE!, but even then, he quickly recovered and pitched. I don't think you or anyone following this blog needs me to again explain what I mean by 'pitching', so I'll leave enough said.
After he left, Bard did a quick inning of shutout ball, followed by The Laser who, following in his recent renaissance, struck out the side. While he did allow two walks, he quickly neutralized both.Got his 33d save in the process.
Offensively, Martinez handled most of the lifting with a pair of solo shots to the cheaps. Papi also doubled and scored the other run on a Lowrie hit.
And we move closer to the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees.

Doubleheader--Good & Bad: Peter

Well, because of yesterday's rainout, we got a day-nite 2blheader today with the M's. First game had JB starting and for 6 13 innings he was the JB we've come to expect in the best times. Only allowing a leadoff single by Ichiro at the start, he was unhittable while the Hose were building a four zip lead,. Then, one out into the 7th, suddenly he was Joe Anybody. Throw a ball, watch it sail--out of the yard in two cases and now it's 4-3 and time for a shower.Bard came in and shut down everyone through the end of the 8th while the Hose added a run, and then The Laser came on and slammed the door. Perfect 9th-his 32d save, but much more important, more evidence to the idea I wrote about here a day or two ago--the 'old' and best model Pap is back. He admits he's regained confidence in his splitter and feels very comfortable using it at random to keep the hitters totally off balance. Today's appearance was his fifth since blowing a save and losing to Toronto a couple of weeks ago. It also marked the fifth straight he's had without a run, during which streak he's allowed a total of one hit--just a single single. Basically, he appears back to the Pap of '07/'08--nearly unhittable. If we can get a reasonable healthy team on the field with some consistency, the timing of his return could be perfect!

Now, the nitecap--Sox faced a young kid who's looking good and likely to get better. Felix Hernandez, though only 10-10 has a 2.47 ERA, second in the AL to our own Bucky. He went seven, picked up nine K's against a single walk, and allowed only four hits. That kind of pitching will end anyone's winning streak and so it was for the Hose tonight. Wake, called in to pitch on short notice, did a creditable job,but against the stuff Hernandez was tossing, 'creditable' isn't going to cut it--not now, not never, and that's NOT a slap at Wake. It's just a fact of life no matter who's on the losing end in a case like this. Wake was starting as Lester, the scheduled guy, was pushed back to open this weekend's series against the Rays in Tampa, after he was pushed there due to the scheduled starter for that game, Dice, came down with a sore lower back. That series can be the final make or break for the Sox for this year. Sweep (and they almost have to) and they're just 2 1/2 behind and poised to really challenge for the post season. Don't and....well, not worth stating the obvious.

He's Not Coming!: Peter

Well, it's official--Damon's staying right where he is--in Motown. He exercised his contractual right to stay. By the way, in case any similar rumors pop up, Manny's also NOT coming to the Hub.

Scoot & Lack: Not Lacking Tonite:Peter

You know, Jenn, if we could get some consistency as well as some health, we just might see the Hose back in the post-season this year. Tonight was a great example of consistency from some key Sox pickups for the year. Scutaro, moving to leadoff in Jake's absence, got another pair of timely hits tonight, bringing in four of the Sox six runs. With that support, Lack took the ball, went eight innings and allowed just a pair of earned runs (three in all) while striking out ten M's batters. He only gave away a couple of freebies as well, so his game WHIP was a cool 1.00. It's his best performance since his near no-no on July 22. Now, if we could have this kind of performance more often than monthly....
After he'd gone eight, Lack was replaced by the newly rejuvenated (see yesterday's post) Laser. Pap came on, gave up a weak single and then retired the next three hitters, nailing down a couple of K's on the way. All this in a mere twelve pitches, again with many in the over 95 range on the gun. This renewal on his part is the third consecutive renaissance of the "original" Pap. Love to see it and look forward to having it continue.
Of the balance of the lineup, both JD and Beltre also had a pair of hits apiece. Overall, the two teams had 17 hits combined--all if them singles. I don't think that's any kind of record, but it's sort of impressive in some kind of offbeat way. Blame it on the wind blowing in from center for a change.

Is the Damon Demon Back?: Peter

Yes, folks that heading is correct! Sox grabbed Johnny Damon off the waiver line today. He has, due to his contract, 48 hours to OK a deal with the Hose. Most Sox players commenting were very happy with the prospect and Damon himself said going back to the Hub would repair the scars left from his departure. We'll see.

Bucky & The Bats: Peter

I'll tell ya', Jenn, for awhile, I was beginning to think this game would never get played. First, a rain delay before starting of well over an hour and a half, then another of about an hour in the top of the 3d, and things were looking as if we'd drop, at least temporarily, another half game behind both NY and the Rays, both of whom were well on the way to wins. But, the sun more or less came out and the game continued to its finale. And Bucky was looking pretty good for his six innings. He had a couple of rough stints, but pitched himself out of trouble in each occasion. You've heard me say many times that when the opposing team has guys on base and things are looking dangerous is when you separate throwers from real pitchers. Bucky once again proved himself to be the latter. In the 1st, he found himself facing Jays on first and third with just one out, but successfully pitched himself clear. Then, again in the 6th, he was in a jam and, once again, worked his way out without allowing a run. After he left, the Sox pen, first Bard, then Doubront, kept the Jays scoreless and preserved Bucky's 15th 'W' of the year. He's still on track for a shot at twenty. You can definitely tell, Jenn, this is the guy whose potential first showed up in his rookie year with the No-No. Now at 15-5, he has the lowest ERA of any AL starter at 2.26, a full 0.10 lower than at first pitch. Getting there he picked up seven K's and scattered five hits, all harmless singles. In going shutout again, he extended his current string of innings without any earned runs to 23 2/3, and, even better, gave up three or fewer runs for the 15th of his last 16 starts! Not too shabby! And, Jenn, since I'm on a statistical roll, this is the third consecutive game he's allowed five hits or less! I think you'll agree that's pretty damn good for the third or fourth starter on the staff.
Beyond Bucky, the Sox bats came alive in two innings--the 5th and the 8th. In the former, the power was evident as Papi tripled (can you picture him chugging his 230+ pounds around to third?), and then on the next pitch was plated by Beltre's 37th double of the year. Three batters later and it was Hall's turn to bring in the runs and he did so with his 17th HR of the year, scoring Beltre ahead of him. In the 8th the Hose finished the scoring as one of the exciting Sox rooks, Kalish, doubled and was brought in by V-Mart. Papi then brought Scoot home for the final Sox run with a hard single.
Can you imagine how the final six weeks of the season might go if we only had the whole team back (OK, Youk is gone for the year, but otherwise) to play. Dust and Jake alone could make a difference, so there it depends if they can get healed enough to stay in for the duration. Otherwise, 2011 is looking closer and closer.

One Swing of the Bat!: Peter

Jenn, I could write about quite a few things on last nite's game with the Jays, but I'm limiting myself mainly to two. I'll briefly mention others, but this piece will center on the ending of the game and the recent apparent return to past levels of quality of Papelbon.
First, the end of the game. After a game in which our heroes had built a 4-1 lead early on, only to have Lyle Overbay, he of the seven ribbies the night before, tie it on one swing of the bat, we drifted agonizingly into extra innings. Nothing seemed to work at ending the game with a 'W'. Finally, in the 11th, Jed Lowrie came to the plate to lead off the inning. As with Overbay's tying shot for the Jays earlier, he took one swing of the bat and it was walkoff time--Sox bullpen, game over! This guy typifies the Sox injury/DL issues of the year. Tabbed over a year ago as the Sox shortstop of the future, he'd been on the DL incessantly for most of last season and this, only recently coming off the list long enough to play. The only reason he's been playing regularly, lots of talent aside, is that the SS the Sox picked up in his absence, Scutaro, has been doing an excellent job, and second base is held by the Dustman--until he broke his foot. So Lowrie played 2d, and, yesterday, for just the third time in his career, first base as a late inning replacement. Showing his inexperience there, he had a shot at an inning ending catch of a foul pop in the top of the 11th, overran it and then dropped it--E3. This required Pap to labor a couple of pitches longer, but more on that later. After the inning ended on a Laser K, who came to the plate? Lowrie! He wasted no time on making amends--and ending the game. One swing of the bat--bullpen--GAME OVER!(I think I said that somewhere previously, but it was dramatic enough to warrant a repeat here).
Now, Papelbon. This year, The Laser has been somewhat less than his prior years, although it is very hard to quarrel with thirty saves and counting at any time. Nevertheless, Pap's had more Blown Saves than in any prior year, and just hasn't always seemed to have his legendary command. This has led to a few stories or rumors (hopefully that's all they are) that the Sox may deal him shortly. Well, as Remdog correctly pointed out early in last evening's appearance by the closer, in recent outings, he seems to have upped his velocity and command noticeably with very positive results. A few games ago, against the Halos, it was three up, three down--all K's for Pap. Last night, it was three up and down as well, with a K for the finis, and most of the fire showing 97 or more on the gun. If he really has rediscovered his awesome power and command, it's a great omen for the balance of the year and beyond. All I can say is, "Welcome back!"
Other briefly notable items from the game were both V-Mart's and Scoot's three hits apiece and Bard's usual strong effort for the team in relief.

Ugly Doesn't Begin to Cover It!: Peter

Oy, Jenn! Last night vs the Halos was bad enough, but, after winning nine straight, it was bearable. Tonight--Yeeechhh! Lester starts, so we've likely got an excellent shot right? Not tonight! He lasts just two plus innings, has a game WHIP of over FIVE at departure and is behind nine zip when he takes a shower with no-one gone in the 3d. At game time he's in third in the AL in K's and just adds one on the evening.All this in 51 pitches in so short a time. Four relievers follow in order and all give up runs to the Jays, only the last, Wake, avoiding having any earned runs charged to him.
Sox offense? Well, you could say the way they played tonight was offensive, but only to people who enjoy seeing good baseball played. And just to make matters worse, the Dustman went back on the DL. Seems his foot that's healed really isn't. I don't even want to have a nightmare about where we'd be without Beltre & Papi this year.
Fortunately, Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost and Oakland has tied the Rays in the bottom of the 8th and has men on first and third. So more hope there.
Boy did the Sox game stink tonight--worse than one of Aidan's diapers!

Lackey Veats Old Team--Again: Peter

Don't know if you saw the Tivo of tonight's game yet Jenn, but once again the Sox major off season pitching acquisition beat his former team. Wasn't easy, but he got it done. He allowed five runs along the way in seven innings, but didn't walk anyone and at least hung in there until the Sox offense could get the lead. After that was taken care of, he gave way first to Bard who pitched an inning of hitless ball, followed by The Laser. Tonight Pap looked like the Papelbon of prior years. He faced three batters, threw only a total of 14 pitches and struck out the side--bing, Bang, BOOM! Game over! It was his thirtieth save of the year, and, while thirty saves is nothing at all to sneeze at, the fact that he's blown more saves this year than in any prior year in his MLB career has been of concern. So it's definitely encouraging to see a performance like tonight's.
Offensively, Sox had half of their dozen hits go for extra bases, including Beltre's 23d and Hall's 16th. It's looking more and more as if the team will have at least four 20HR players this year. Also of note: the Dustman got a solid hit and stole a base, as if to say to everyone, "I'm back and don't you think otherwise!"
AS the Rays and Yankees also won their games tonight, the standings remain unchanged.

Great Return Home: Peter

Jenn: I've always said one of the best things about taking a trip is coming home. Worked out that way tonight for the Sox. Not only did our team shut out the Halos, six zip, the game also marked the return to the lineup of the Dustman. True, he was o-4, but is presence in the lineup just always seems to add a spark. The team picked up their six runs quickly between the 3d through the 5th innings, the big blow coming on Kalish's first career Grand Slam in the 4th. Other offensive stars were McDonald, who also homered and Papi, who got a pair of hits, including his 25th double, followed by V-Mart's 26th to plate him.
Defensively, Bucky scattered five hits over seven, while simultaneously lowering his ERA to 2.36 and getting his 14th win. Not to shabby, not at all! So we remain 5.5 behind the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees, who both also won.

What A Diff; Take 2: Peter

This difference being the wrong way! Dice was on the mound and actually pitched reasonably well, but he gave up just enough, combined with minimal Sox offense, to allow the Rangers to take the rubber game of the series. The Sox only had six hits, three of which were for extra bases, but without many runners at the time. Result when that happens is usually a loss, and that's what happened today in 103 degree Texas summer heat.
The Diceman did have a notable accomplishment. He became the second fastest Sox pitcher since 1920 to 500 K's in a career. Only one faster was Roger Clemens. Dice got his in his 91st Sox game, while The Rocket hit the mark in his 79th. In fact, since 1995 only two pitchers have gotten there quicker in MLB. Congrats, Dice!

What A Difference A Day Makes: Peter

Well, Jenn, last nite I just couldn't bring myself to relive the horrors of the team's late inning meltdown, followed by Wake's single pitch loss. Pap didn't blow a save; did an inning of hitless ball, but after having led 8-2, the team fell apart and we lost.
Tonight was an entirely different story! The Sox combined some excellent pitching, timely hitting and a fabulous throw out of an attempted steal at the penultimate moment to win. Jenn, you'd have loved it. Saw it in its entirety on MLB Network, which was carrying NESN's feed. So it was like home, with Remdog and the crew. Just great! Anyway, the game. Lester was just awesome! He went eight scoreless, allowing just five scattered hits and zero free passes. His game WHIP was 0.625! In fact, on the rare occasion he found himself in a jam, he just elevated his game and pitched himself clear. The final time this happened was in the Texas 7th when, with one out, Texas suddenly had a man, Cruz, on third via a long triple that ricocheted off the right field wall away from Drew. Normally, JD's in perfect position for the carom, but hitting this particular part of the right field wall, the ball went away from him and by the time he picked it up and threw to 3d, the Texas batter was halfway to the bag. Not even close. What did Lester do? The next two batters were only able to manage soft grounders for the inning ending two outs. Lester continued this through the 8th, getting the three Texas batters in order, effectively finishing by retiring the last five batters he faced in a row, and fifteen of the last sixteen, going back to the Rangers 4th when their leadoff hitter got a single. All this is 101 degree August Texas heat.
Enter the Sox 9th, the Hose still up by a very slim one zip lead. Lowell leads off with a double that had to be placed exactly where it was for him with his hip to make it safely to second. The next two Sox hitters singled, driving in one run, after which Scutaro sacflies another run in, but ends up on base due to a fielding error in the Rangers outfield. While that was the scoring for the night, the fact that the Sox were able to get three more men to the plate before having to hold serve gave the pitching staff a bit more time to prep for the finish.
Atch came in and did a creditable job. He deserved better, but got the first Texas hitter. The next, Hamilton, who is having an MVP, batting title, possibly Triple Crown year drove a shot to center that Patterson, subbing for Jake (more on that later) chased vainly into the center field wall. It cleared the wall, Patterson didn't (but wasn't hurt) and it was 3-1. Guerrero, always a dangerous hitter through his entire career, and a definite HOFer once he hangs 'em up, copied last night's heroics, diving headfirst into first base to beat out the throw on a grounder to the left side of the infield. Tito figured even though Atch wasn't really getting lit up, it was time for a new pitcher. Enter Doubront. While he's facing his first batter, Vlad decides to steal second to be in scoring position. V-Mart had him by ten feet. The throw wasn't great--a bit off to the first base side, but with Vlad's relative lack of speed, Scutaro's excellent handling of it, he was able to tag Vlad as the latter tried to slide under the throw. Total game complexion change! Doubront, pressure gone, simply struck out the Texas pinch hitter. Game Over! What more can one say? Not much too say! Enjoy it on the Tivo!
Add to this, the Dustman had a good showing today in the first rehab game he played, so he may be back as early as next week.
Now for the bad news. Jake went back on the DL today due to his ribs. They didn't really get specific, or if they did, I missed it, but apparently they've not healed totally. I can't imagine how badly they were broken to have him going through this for so long. I mean he's basically missed the better part of 70% of the season--over four months! Speaking from experience (busted ribs on three different occasions) it never took four months to get back to a regular schedule. In fact, when I broke two ribs the third time, preparing for my Black Belt test, I successfully took the test two months later. HEEEYAH!

Bad Finish in Toronto: Peter

Well, not much to say about last nite's loss to the Jays. We had it in the bag with Lackey doing well and leading 5-2 entering the 9th. He gave up a homer to the Jays leadoff and Papelbon came on. Game over? Not so fast. Pap was anything but himself, blowing the save for the 6th time this year and taking the loss as the Jays picked up three from him.
On the good side, Papi got his 25th HR of the year, the seventh time as a Red Sox player he's had a 25 HR year. This ties him with Jim Rice for second all time on the team, and leaves him trailing the all time leader, Teddy Ballgame for the honor.

Bad Finish in Toronto:

A Hall of A Game!: Peter

Yes, Jenn, it really was another team victory, but you have to give Bill Hall special mention in this one. He went 3-5, including a pair of homers and drove in four ribbies. Good enough to seal the Jays' fate for the night. He also had support from JD and Beltre, each of whom added a shot, and Lowell, who collected three hits as well. Balance this with a masterful game by Bucky on the mound and you have the Sox 3d straight win and 4th of six. Bucky allowed only a single unearned run, gave up just five scattered hits and a pair of freebies over eight innings. Game WHIP of 0.875--not too shabby at all! With his 13 'W's', he leads the Sox staff for now. Lester will be going for a match his next time out. Buck has an outside shot at a twenty win season, and if Lester keeps up, he also has a very slim chance at one. JD's HR keeps him on pace for a shot at 20 for the year, and the pair of shots by Hall place him right in the discussion as well. Had Yoooukk not gotten hurt, the Sox would have had a good shot at five players with at least twenty dingers on the year, including two possible at 30. The latter figure is still a slim chance, but Beltre will have to be amazing in the HR category to do so. I'm assuming that Papi will reach that figure.
Hopefully, a sweep tomorrow. The Rays lost today, so the Sox cut that deficit to 3.5. Unfortunately, Mr. Hankie's Yankees came back from a 6-2 gap to win 7-6, so the Hose remain five astern of them. Stay tuned, kiddies. As I've said before, it's going to get very interesting before it's over.

Pedroia Back Soon!: Peter

Good news here! Latest reports on the Dustman's recovery from the broken foot is that he was running full speed without pain yesterday and is likely to start a rehab assignment this weekend. If all goes well, he could be back with the Sox by the following weekend.

The Team Keeps It Going: Peter

Jenn: You had to like the way almost everyone had a hand in tonight's win against the Jays. The Diceman started and, although he was looking really good until the 3d when a homer tied things at four, he hung in there to pass the torch to Dubront. The latter had the opportunity to preserve Dice's ninth 'W' of the year, but promptly blew the save and yet stopped the bleeding there. Result, he got Dice's 'W'. But only after Manny and then The Laser closed things out with an inning apiece of shutout ball, marred only by a lone single surrendered by Pap. Pap got the save, his 29th on the year.
Offensively, the Hose collected 11 hits, and more importantly, seven of those were for extra bases--five two baggers and a pair of roundtrippers. Papi and Lowrie each had a pair of doubles, and Jake, showing that he's finally found out where he left his lumber, went 2-4 and drove in a run. The homers were by Lowell and Drew. Lowell may be nearing the end, but he showed any doubters that he still knows how to turn on a ball, while Drew actually has an outside shot at another twenty homer year. e now needs just seven more in the remaining 48 games. That's one HR for every seven games--not unreasonable.
On the standings, the Rays won, so they maintain their four and a half game lead over the Sox, but the Yankees of Mr. Hankie lost to Texas, so the Hose are now within five of first.
Stay tuned, kiddies. This has the potential of a really interesting pennant race.

A Split--and Jake is BACK!: Peter

Well, after a pair of increasingly ugly losses, finished off by Sunday's 7-2 debacle victimizing JB, today's game was a refreshing change in a few ways.First, the Sox by winning gained a series split against Mr. Hankie's Yankees. Second, the pitching was masterful--can't describe it any other way. Lester went into the 7th, leading 2-0 and nailing a half dozen K's. Then Bard came on for an inning's worth, and although giving up Tex's 26th HR of the season, held the Yankees pretty much at bay. He was followed by The Laser, who pitched like the pap we've come to expect over the past three or four years. He went 1 1/3 innings, K'd the side in the 9th and slammed the door on any ideas the guys from the Bronx might have had about taking the third in a row from our Hose.
Now, as for Jake, his return to the lineup has bordered on painful to watch, at least as far as his offense is concerned. But today, he finally got a hit and then, just to remind everyone in attendance exactly why Tito refers to his base running as "breathtaking", immediately proceeded to steal second. But that was just the beginning. By the time the game was over and the Sox had the 'W' safely tucked away, Jake had stolen FOUR bases for the one game! That's not a typo. He just took a page from Forrest Gump's book, started running and kept running. Had the game gone on any longer, God only knows how many swipes he might have picked up on the day. To illustrate just how special a baserunner he is, JD also stole a base today. It was his third for the season. Jake took off and in one game exceeded JD's season total by one, and ow has twice as many as JD for the season--even though he's only played in something like ten or twelve games! Breathtaking, indeed!
Off to Toronto and let's hope he continues apace.

Getting Serious: Peter

Jenn: I don't know whether to cheer or cry! Here we go into probably the most important road trip of the season to date and just as some of the walking (if we're lucky) wounded come off the DL, they're almost immediately replaced by two others! V-Mart and Jake come back (although so far the latter hasn't even been a pale shadow of himself--now below the Mendoza Line after a returning O for Twelve) and we lose Yooooukk for the season and now have Oki on the DL for a strained hammy. I'm almost afraid to see who's next! It's as if those two jerkoffs who carjacked me two weeks ago have graduated to the Sox dugout, God forbid!
On the good side, tonight's opener against Mr. Hankie's Yankees in Gotham turned out pretty good for us. Don't know if you've had a chance to catch it on the Tivo yet, Jenn, what with Aidan's Nana visiting, but it was really refreshing. After Texeira and Papi traded shots early on to leave the Sox trailing by a run, 2-1, the Hose took advantage of an error by Cervelli and pushed across a trey in the 2d to go up 4-2. Bucky grabbed the opportunity and pitched well enough for the 'W'. So when A-Roid drove in a run to close within one three innings later, the Sox' newest rookie hot hitting outfielder, Kalish by name, responded with his first MLB homer to extend the lead to three, where it ended later on.
Bucky went into the 8th, picked up to close the inning by Bard's six pitches for the last two outs of the 8th and closed out by The Laser's no-hit 9th for the finish. Pap's 9th, by the way, wasn't as easy as it might have otherwise been. This because Jeter, an eventual Hall denizen, did his evil best to spoil things. With Pap already having sent the first two Stripers to the bench, the Yankees' captain worked Pap for a walk--after TWELVE pitches! Talk about nerve racking! But The Laser showed why he's the Sox closer. I ask you, Jenn, did he let it get to him? Did he come apart? Hell, no! He reared back and retired the next batter before anything serious could get going. Game Over! Enjoy the replay!Hopefully, it's the start of something good from now through October. Aidan will be pointing! Tell him it made Pops happy.

Dice-K & Beltre--A winning Combination!:Peter

After last night's abortion (9-1 loss compounded by THREE errors!), tonight was just what the doctor ordered! After allowing a solo early inning shot, the Diceman only allowed four more hits over eight innings, faced a max of four batters in any inning, struck out six against just a pair of walks, and had a game WHIP of 0.875! He definitely has returned to his 2008 form and just in time. It appears that his last outing was an aberration on his return from the DL, and he now is 8-3 on his abbreviated season. He could be key, along with JB and the rest of the staff in a run to the post season. As he acknowledged after the win tonight, the Sox have to play all of these like it's a desperation game. Offensively, Beltre took care of things, hitting his eighth Slam (first since 2006) and continuing his run through Cleveland pitching. JD provided a pair of insurance runs in the 8th, but they weren't needed once The Laser came in to quell a potential Tribe uprising in the 9th. He faced three batters, sandwiching a pair of K's around a free pass, and slammed the door on the Indians' plans.
This continuing return to form of the Hose mound staff is badly needed good news as the team learned today that Yooouuuk is now lost for the season due to necessary surgery to repair muscle damage in his thumb. It's like the hits just keep on coming! Get Jake and Lowell back, lose Yooouuuk. I'm almost afraid to look at a game for fear that I'll see another casualty. The Dustman still has pain running and may not be back until September, and Tek is also still gone for at least a few more weeks. Don't we have some kind of manufacturer warranty against these things happening?
Tomorrow a really tough ten game road trip starts in NY against Mr. Hankie's Yankees (four games) , followed by three apiece against the Jays and Rangers. Could make or break the rest of the season. Stay tuned kiddies for a real interesting ride!

Vintage Beckett: Peter

Well, missed blogging over last night's loss, but, quickly, it was a further example of Sox performance over the past few games: fall way behind early and then try to catch up and win. Sometimes you get the elevator and others the shaft. Last night, in spite of a four run rally over the last two innings, the Hose came up a run short. Also lost Yoooukk to the DL from tearing a muscle in his thumb. Fortunately, they remained 6.5 behind first, but now it's jointly the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees there.
Tonight: different story. JB was on the mound and Lowell (remember him?) was on first. It was vintage JB. He went eight innings, allowing only three hits, one a homer, no freebies and had a game WHIP of 0.375 (not a misprint!)! Only reason he didn't get the complete game, he was one of the Sox leaders in a bench clearing rush to the field after the Tribe pitcher threw behind a Sox hitter for the second time in the game. Ejection! No matter--The Laser came in and it was three up and down--bing, bang, boom! Game over!
Now Lowell. Pressed into service fresh off the DL himself, he replaced Yoooukk and in his first AB took one over the Monster on the first pitch he saw--two zip, Sox. In the field he performed flawlessly. Welcome back, Mike!
Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost tonight to the Jays, so the Hose are now five and a half games astern of them and the same 6.5 behind the Rays, who didn't lose.

Nothing's Easy: Peter

Today's game is a classic example of how sometimes things go for the Sox even when they win, or, as Yogi used to say, Jenn, "It ain't over til it's over." Here we are cruising into the 9th, ahead three zip, behind Bucky who's only allowed a pair of hits to the Bengals. Then, comes the 9th. First two guys get on via an infield hit and a walk--not exactly a ringing statement of their offense, but they are on base with no outs. Call to the pen and in comes The Laser--who immediately gives up a two run double, followed by a K and a run scoring single. Blown save and it's tied! Just when a win would be great because Mr. Hankie's Yankees got whitewashed by three by the Rays. Anyway, at that point Pap regains his mastery and closes things out with a DP grounder.
Bottom of the 9th, starting with Scut's hit, the Sox quickly show they're not going to let this one get away. They load the bases with no outs and the game winner scores on an error by the final Tigers pitcher. Sox now are two straight, five of six and seven of ten.
Tomorrow the Tribe visits the Fens.

Papi To The Rescue! : Peter

Well, for the second day in a row against the Bengals, things were looking bleak. The Sox starter, Dice in this case, got well behind early (four zip today) in spite of getting a good number of K's and the opposing hurler was basically setting the Sox down almost as fast as they came up. They did get to within two in the 7th, but Papi, for the second consecutive inning ended the inning leaving men on base. In the 6th he struck out with men on 2d and 3d to end the inning and repeated again in the 7th with the sacks jammed to end that rally. Then came the fateful 9th. Tigers hurler Coke, who'd entered the game to start the 9th had previously faced Papi eight times and was perfect against him, getting him out all eight times, including three K's. So when he loaded the bases with just one out, you had to think he was more than happy at the prospect of facing his old "sure thing".
Well, this time Coke was anything but the Real Thing. Finally getting his pitch, Papi drove a shot deep into the gap in left center clearing the bases and winning the game for the Hose. For those of you keeping a record, it was his eighteenth walkoff hit of his career, and one that couldn't have come at a better time. It allowed the Sox to pick up a game on the second place Rays and maintain pace with Mr. Hankie's Yankees as the latter beat the former today. The win for the Sox was their fourth of five games and sixth of nine, either of which would be a good pace to maintain for the balance of the season and get to the playoffs.
The pen was well represented, allowing no hits over three innings and having it all capped by Oki's perfect 9th for the 'W'. Offensively, besides Papi's 2-5 and three ribbies, Martinez, Hall, Kalish (more in a bit) and McDonald all had a pair of hits on the day. Kalish was a late callup to replace Hermida, who was sent down to the Pawsox.The Sox also sent Ramirez to the Giants, where he can face the other Ramirez that the Sox shed two years ago, and picked up some catching insurance from Texas in the form of Saltalamacchia (think I guessed right on the spelling)in exchange for a couple of prospects. Actually, you could use his last name as one of the words in the final stages of the national spelling bee championship and you'd probably eliminate one of the contenders right there. I can see it now, but I digress. Good day all around for the Sox and on to the series finale tomorrow.