Well, last nite's game against the Royals saw our heroes split the series at a pair apiece. But the most interesting item, from this viewpoint at least was the parallel slow start to explosive pickups of two leading members of the Sox: Lester and Papi. The former had his typical worry-inducing April, going 1-2 and a horrible ERA, while the latter seemed to be having a continuation in April of the bulk of the past two seasons (final few months of '09 excepted somewhat).He only had a single HR and very few ribbies for April.
Well, now it's May and what a diff a month makes. Lester is now, after last nite's win, 6-2 and sporting a 2.97 ERA for the season. For May, his ERA is below 2.00. He is narrowly trailing behind the AL strikeout lead at 77 and is just again his dominant self.
Papi has bombed ten homers this month and now has a season total of 11 to go with his 31 ribbies. His B.A. is at a season high and climbing, after yesterday's HR and 3 ribbie day, sitting in the .270's.
While it's true the Hose are still in 4th, they trail the 1st place Rays by only 5 1/2, the Stripes by 2 1/2, and the Jays by a game and a half. Getting real tight, and hopefully pointing upward toward a solid run at the division leadership.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sterling Pitching!: Peter
Well, tonight is another example of an excellent pitching job by both the starter and the pen. Bucky got the win, one zip, going seven innings of four hit ball, with four K's and the same number of BB's. After the seventh, Bard took over, and immediately gave up a solid double. However, he then proceeded to blow away the Royals, taking down the next three batters. He needed only a total of 12 pitches, finished with a K. Then, The Laser took over. Same number of pitches, but perfect. No hits, no nothing and a K to boot. Game over. Bucky gets his 7th 'W' and his ERA drops to 2.73.
Offensively, Papi continues on his torrid May with a solid double in three trips and Mike Lowell drove in the only run of the game, while playing FIRST base. Series continues tomorrow at the Fens for a day game, PST start of 10:35.
While the Hose didn't exactly light up KC's pitchers, at least it was a good improvement over the previous two games, when the Sox started ahead and then lost, got blown out last night, spoiling what could have been a great Hub evening as the C's closed out the NBA Conference finals over Orlando and won the right to go for their 18th NBA Title. (As it turns out, against who else but the Lakers.)
Offensively, Papi continues on his torrid May with a solid double in three trips and Mike Lowell drove in the only run of the game, while playing FIRST base. Series continues tomorrow at the Fens for a day game, PST start of 10:35.
While the Hose didn't exactly light up KC's pitchers, at least it was a good improvement over the previous two games, when the Sox started ahead and then lost, got blown out last night, spoiling what could have been a great Hub evening as the C's closed out the NBA Conference finals over Orlando and won the right to go for their 18th NBA Title. (As it turns out, against who else but the Lakers.)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Eight Walks!?:Peter
Well, going in it looked like a reasonable bet that the Sox win streak would continue as the Royals hurler not only had an ERA in the high 4's, his away game ERA was well up in the 6's. Dice was pitching for the Sox, and, while he always gives up a somewhat unnerving number of walks, he usually limits them to just four or five and manages to avoid getting hurt by them. But tonight in the 3d, the Diceman couldn't avoid the bad results of too many walks. Of the threespot the guys from KC got, two of the runs were players who reached on a walk.In the four and 2/3 innings he pitched, Dice only allowed a pair of hits. Normally that wouild be a pretty good indication that the guy tossing the ball was going to get the 'W'. However, I'll tell you, Jenn, in all my years of watching baseball in general and the Sox in particular, I can't recall any time when a pitcher has allowed eight walks in that short a time and won. Same story here. Dice-K's line was 4 2/3 innings, two hits and eight walks, leadfing to three earned runs.
So, Jenn, here we are again. Is Dice really all the way back or isdn't he? Overall, he didn't pitch poorly. He wasn't getting lit up, but those eight freebies, along wioth a hit batsman and a wild pitch still hurt.
Plus side: Papi got another hit and JD got three in four at bats. Hall got his fourth HR of the season, but, unfortunately, it was a solo shot. Well, have to have another go tomorrow. Elsewhere, the Rays were well in the lead in the 9th while Mr. Hankie's Yankees appeared to have lost as they deep in a hole in the 9th.Ooops, the latest on both is that those were the finals. Hopefully we'll look better tomorrow.
So, Jenn, here we are again. Is Dice really all the way back or isdn't he? Overall, he didn't pitch poorly. He wasn't getting lit up, but those eight freebies, along wioth a hit batsman and a wild pitch still hurt.
Plus side: Papi got another hit and JD got three in four at bats. Hall got his fourth HR of the season, but, unfortunately, it was a solo shot. Well, have to have another go tomorrow. Elsewhere, the Rays were well in the lead in the 9th while Mr. Hankie's Yankees appeared to have lost as they deep in a hole in the 9th.Ooops, the latest on both is that those were the finals. Hopefully we'll look better tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sox Really Belt-re'd Rays: Peter
Best I could do on short notice to fit tonight's highlights, Jenn. Good to see you back, keyboard in hand. Yes, Beltre was truly awesome tonite. He went 4-5, including a pair of roundtrippers and a triple, and plated a half dozen ribbies. Not too shabby! With tonight's win, the Hose have won four in a row and eight of nine, AND have moved past Toronto in the division to third, just a little bit behind the Stripes. Papi continued his assault on enemy hurlers, getting his 10th HR and going 2-4 to finish a game over .260 for the first time this year. Youk added to his league leading runs scored total, picking up another three, complements of Beltre. Lackey was a little rough around the edges, but managed to get into the 7th inning before giving way to the guys from the pen. Oki closed out the 7th and Ramirez tossed a perfect inning. Nelson in the 9th gave up a hit, but it landed in the cheaps for the Rays' final tally.
Worries still hanging over the team now include Jake missing a second consecutive game, with some people fearing a DL redux. Hope not. Awful hard, Jenn, for anyone to steal bases from the DL. JD joined him on the sidelines tonite as well due to a painful hip flexor. That can really be very painful and can, without attention lead to worse things. So, hopefully he'll get it cleared up. Also, the mystery of JB continues. He's clearly still possessed of his velocity, but somehow the command has gone AWOL. Hopefully, the coaching staff can figure it out before we get too deep into the remaining three quarters of the season.
See ya' Friday!
Worries still hanging over the team now include Jake missing a second consecutive game, with some people fearing a DL redux. Hope not. Awful hard, Jenn, for anyone to steal bases from the DL. JD joined him on the sidelines tonite as well due to a painful hip flexor. That can really be very painful and can, without attention lead to worse things. So, hopefully he'll get it cleared up. Also, the mystery of JB continues. He's clearly still possessed of his velocity, but somehow the command has gone AWOL. Hopefully, the coaching staff can figure it out before we get too deep into the remaining three quarters of the season.
See ya' Friday!
All About the Players
Dad --
I know I've been M.I.A. for a few weeks, but between Aidan and trying to watch the games, it's been tough finding a spare moment to blog. That, and in all honesty, with the way the Sox have been playing, I really haven't wanted to blog - I've been too depressed. But that's all over now. In the past week or so, I feel like I'm watching a whole new team.
Papi - I have to admit for the month of April, I was really starting to worry that we'd lost Big Papi. He just wasn't the man he used to be. It was clear to me that the wrist injury he suffered in '08 had left him scarred, never to hit home runs again. But then May came along - and whatever wasn't working, is now working over time. His batting average so far for the month of May is .359 and he's hit eight home runs. Eight! Just in the month of May. I know there's a lot of season left, but I'm pretty confident in saying the man is back!
Youkilis - He's also back with a vengence. In the last 12 games he has a batting average of .361, he's gotten 13 hits, five of which have been home runs and 12 of which have been RBI's. According to Jerry Remy on Monday, he could be the MVP of the team right now, and with these numbers I tend to agree.
Then there's the pitching. Before Monday all the starting pitchers in the four previous starts went eight or nine innings. That's great. It means our pitchers are back and our bullpen has gotten a break.
All in all, I'd say this is exactly what the Red Sox needed - a resurgence. It's good to see both the defense and the offense working again. Now if the Yankees could start losing some games, we'll really be in it.
Jenn
I know I've been M.I.A. for a few weeks, but between Aidan and trying to watch the games, it's been tough finding a spare moment to blog. That, and in all honesty, with the way the Sox have been playing, I really haven't wanted to blog - I've been too depressed. But that's all over now. In the past week or so, I feel like I'm watching a whole new team.
Papi - I have to admit for the month of April, I was really starting to worry that we'd lost Big Papi. He just wasn't the man he used to be. It was clear to me that the wrist injury he suffered in '08 had left him scarred, never to hit home runs again. But then May came along - and whatever wasn't working, is now working over time. His batting average so far for the month of May is .359 and he's hit eight home runs. Eight! Just in the month of May. I know there's a lot of season left, but I'm pretty confident in saying the man is back!
Youkilis - He's also back with a vengence. In the last 12 games he has a batting average of .361, he's gotten 13 hits, five of which have been home runs and 12 of which have been RBI's. According to Jerry Remy on Monday, he could be the MVP of the team right now, and with these numbers I tend to agree.
Then there's the pitching. Before Monday all the starting pitchers in the four previous starts went eight or nine innings. That's great. It means our pitchers are back and our bullpen has gotten a break.
All in all, I'd say this is exactly what the Red Sox needed - a resurgence. It's good to see both the defense and the offense working again. Now if the Yankees could start losing some games, we'll really be in it.
Jenn
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Another Team Win: Peter
Well, Jenn, tonight was another example of how baseball is simultaneously a team sport and one of individual achievements. The team as a whole put together quite a few good moves to get the win, and within the overall effort, a number of individuals worked to put the period on the sentence, as it were. Thank you, Mrs. Evans (my high school English teacher back at good old Haverhill High).
First, the pitching was nearly stellar. Lester was in nearly complete control for the six innings he pitched. If any fault could be found, it was the five walks he gave out. But, good pitcher that he is, he successfully pitched around these to avoid any damage at all. That's the difference between throwing and pitching. While he was at it, he struck out nine and allowed only a single hit. In fact, the Sox pitching overall was so good, that hit was the only one the Rays managed all evening! After Lester left, he was followed in totally hitless fashion by TOM, Bard and The Laser. These three were only Pap's BB shy of three innings of total perfection.
On the other side of the ball, the Sox were facing some pretty good pitching from the rays as well. However, Big Papi, in a further proof of his return, took care of the Sox offense by himself. With Youk and JD on base ahead of him, he lined a hard double into the deepest reaches of Tropicana's center field and brought home both of them. It was all the Hose needed for the night.
Personnel wise, Cameron returned from what has seemed like forever on the DL, but his outfield wingman, Jake, was out again due to some soreness. The Sox feel it's not anything serious, but took the safe path to avoid losing him again for any length of time.
In other games affecting the Sox, Mr. Hankie's Yankees' game against the Twins was suspended due to weather with the Twinkies in the lead. The Angels-Jays game is now in the bottom of the 7th with the Halos just adding a run to expand their lead to 7-2. If that stays the same, the Hose will move to within a half game of the Jays in the division. So now the Sox have their longest winning streak of the season so far, 4, and are also seven of eight. Since their worst point of the year, 4-9, they have gone 22-12, a pace that if maintained for the year should end up in the post-season again. Let's keep our collective fingers crossed--one game at a time.
First, the pitching was nearly stellar. Lester was in nearly complete control for the six innings he pitched. If any fault could be found, it was the five walks he gave out. But, good pitcher that he is, he successfully pitched around these to avoid any damage at all. That's the difference between throwing and pitching. While he was at it, he struck out nine and allowed only a single hit. In fact, the Sox pitching overall was so good, that hit was the only one the Rays managed all evening! After Lester left, he was followed in totally hitless fashion by TOM, Bard and The Laser. These three were only Pap's BB shy of three innings of total perfection.
On the other side of the ball, the Sox were facing some pretty good pitching from the rays as well. However, Big Papi, in a further proof of his return, took care of the Sox offense by himself. With Youk and JD on base ahead of him, he lined a hard double into the deepest reaches of Tropicana's center field and brought home both of them. It was all the Hose needed for the night.
Personnel wise, Cameron returned from what has seemed like forever on the DL, but his outfield wingman, Jake, was out again due to some soreness. The Sox feel it's not anything serious, but took the safe path to avoid losing him again for any length of time.
In other games affecting the Sox, Mr. Hankie's Yankees' game against the Twins was suspended due to weather with the Twinkies in the lead. The Angels-Jays game is now in the bottom of the 7th with the Halos just adding a run to expand their lead to 7-2. If that stays the same, the Hose will move to within a half game of the Jays in the division. So now the Sox have their longest winning streak of the season so far, 4, and are also seven of eight. Since their worst point of the year, 4-9, they have gone 22-12, a pace that if maintained for the year should end up in the post-season again. Let's keep our collective fingers crossed--one game at a time.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Xing The Rays: Peter
Well, Jenn, as you probably know by now, since you were on Tivo in the 7th inning when we spoke a little bit ago, the Hose won their third straight, sixth of seven tonight. This is the best string for them all season, so maybe, just maybe they're coming around to expectations. Best of all, the victory was contributed to by the team as a whole. Yooouuukk got another HR, his 10th of the season and added to his league leading runs scored total. Big Papi, definitely looking as if he's all the way back, went 2-4, one of them being his ninth roundtripper of the season. This time last year he had a bagel--nada in the HR category. His average is at its highest this year as well, .256--still a way to go there, but definitely headed in the right direction. Dusty and Beltre each picked up three hits, with the latter raising his average to .335 and the former ending an 0-17 slide.
On the other side of the roster, Bucky was looking just primo! He went six, K'd eight and allowed just six hits and a single BB. The only run he allowed was Haverhill's finest driving one into the bleachers. He is on the longest road win streak if any Sox pitcher since the Rocket in 1993--eight consecutive road W's; Clemens had nine.
So, overall, we pick up a half game on the Stripes and one full game on the Rays. Love to see a sweep to really tighten things up in the division; we'll see.
Unfortunately, my Hub Headline of the evening was a bit short of expectations. The Celts lost, so: Sox win; C's lose (in OT, no less). Say hi to my favorite little fan. See you all this weekend.
On the other side of the roster, Bucky was looking just primo! He went six, K'd eight and allowed just six hits and a single BB. The only run he allowed was Haverhill's finest driving one into the bleachers. He is on the longest road win streak if any Sox pitcher since the Rocket in 1993--eight consecutive road W's; Clemens had nine.
So, overall, we pick up a half game on the Stripes and one full game on the Rays. Love to see a sweep to really tighten things up in the division; we'll see.
Unfortunately, my Hub Headline of the evening was a bit short of expectations. The Celts lost, so: Sox win; C's lose (in OT, no less). Say hi to my favorite little fan. See you all this weekend.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Left In Their Wake: Peter
Well, it may be only temporary, whatever that may mean, but with Wake taking JB's place in the roster, Jenn, it's continuing to look good for the Fenmen. His work today was only a tiny bit shy of the Diceman's yesterday. Like Dice, Wake went eight and gave up no runs of any kind, earned, unearned, nada! In fact had it not been for Ramirez in the 9th, the Sox would have had a shutout. Back to Wake, his stuff is so unlike what the Phils heavy hitters are used to seeing, they had no idea how to deal with it. I mean, when you're used to timing fastballs in the low to mid-90's and suddenly you're facing one that tops out at 78 (not a misprint), you have no idea how to time your swing. To make matters worse for a hitter, if said pitcher also throws a good knuckler, you're really left kind of twisting in the wind, a wind that most definitely is NOT produced by the ball as it flutters past you.
I think, Jenn, a good comparison in a parallel existence is that a hitter may have trouble dealing with one good pitch, but when there are two that he has trouble with, and he doesn't know which is coming, he's is worse trouble. Kind of like Papelbon: will it be his four seamer or his cutter? Oh, Boy!
Rounding out the discussion, Jake got his first hit since returning from the DL and an RBI, and YOOOUUUKK got a trip and homer. Looking good--2 in a row and 5 of 6.
I think, Jenn, a good comparison in a parallel existence is that a hitter may have trouble dealing with one good pitch, but when there are two that he has trouble with, and he doesn't know which is coming, he's is worse trouble. Kind of like Papelbon: will it be his four seamer or his cutter? Oh, Boy!
Rounding out the discussion, Jake got his first hit since returning from the DL and an RBI, and YOOOUUUKK got a trip and homer. Looking good--2 in a row and 5 of 6.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Roll Them Dice!:Peter
Well, Jenn, I think it's safe to say the Diceman is definitely back! After his poor star in the last game , his work began to turn around in the later part of his work to where he really began to look good. Today removed all doubt. Facing the twice defending NL champs (and WS Champs of '08), he gave up a single hit in eight innings, which even coupled with four free passes, gave him a game WHIP of only 0.625. He K'd five and was sparkling. The team was able to roll through the powerful Phillies lineup with a large bagel, five zip. Bard finished up with a 13 pitch perfect inning. Add in a Sox offense that had four two baggers of a total of nine hits and things were looking pretty good for the day. Amongst those hits, Papi had a double, and Beltre had a pair of them. Jake returned to the lineup today as well, and though going for the collar, I tell you Jenn, he looked pretty good. Hopefully, the Hose can finish the Phils off tomorrow morning and take the series. They picked up a game on the Stripes today, as well as one on Toronto. Rays, however, kept their lead.
And, once again doing my Hub Headline: Sox, C's Win! Celts were beyond awesome tonight!
And, once again doing my Hub Headline: Sox, C's Win! Celts were beyond awesome tonight!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Twin Sweep: Peter
Well, once again, our heroes seem to be coming around. They took a pair from the Twins (Who else, Jenn, but the Twins would you take a pair from?). This makes it three in a row, and, adding in the three consecutive losses by Mr. Hankie's Yankees, and the Jays' loss tonight, we're closing in on 2d and 3d in the AL East. Tampa is another story altogether, but, again, we've still 3/4 of a season to go. Papi got another HR last night, his 7th in May, after only one in April, and that's playing part time. His average has also climbed almost to .250, so, barring a reversal, he's well on his way to coming around. Bucky got the W last night, going eight plus innings and allowing just a pair of runs to run his record for 2010 to 5-3. Yoouukk continues to hit, but more about that in tonight's game below.
I'll tell ya' Jenn, the iPhone is great to catch up on the score. I had a SF Chamber of Commerce meeting at, believe it or don't, ATT Park, home of the Giants, and was catching Sox scores on the phone. So, tonight they take the Twinkies again, this time in a complete game by Lester, now 4-2, his 4th straight win and the best pitching winning percentage in MLB history of anyone with at least 100 starts, at .719!He gave up the runs, only one earned in the last two innings, and K'd nine Twins. About Yooouuuk, he got another HR and a run scoring two bagger, while Beltre also got a HR and ribbie double. Martinez, once again is getting my hopes up that he's found the stroke as he had three two baggers in four at bats. Let's hope he continues to climb now, not slide back as he did recently.
Other good news: I see where the two missing Sox starting OF's are doing rehab assignments: Jake at Pawtucket and Cameron with the Sea Dogs. Jake went 3-4 with a double and steal today, and it looks as if he'll be back in the Fens by next week. Cameron is only slightly behind, but also had a good rehab start. Get to see the Sox next month in SF as the interleague crap brings them to ATT to play Los Gigantes. They follow that, I believe, with a Bay Area return a few weeks later to play the A's. I guess you're getting them vs the Halos about the same time.
I'll tell ya' Jenn, the iPhone is great to catch up on the score. I had a SF Chamber of Commerce meeting at, believe it or don't, ATT Park, home of the Giants, and was catching Sox scores on the phone. So, tonight they take the Twinkies again, this time in a complete game by Lester, now 4-2, his 4th straight win and the best pitching winning percentage in MLB history of anyone with at least 100 starts, at .719!He gave up the runs, only one earned in the last two innings, and K'd nine Twins. About Yooouuuk, he got another HR and a run scoring two bagger, while Beltre also got a HR and ribbie double. Martinez, once again is getting my hopes up that he's found the stroke as he had three two baggers in four at bats. Let's hope he continues to climb now, not slide back as he did recently.
Other good news: I see where the two missing Sox starting OF's are doing rehab assignments: Jake at Pawtucket and Cameron with the Sea Dogs. Jake went 3-4 with a double and steal today, and it looks as if he'll be back in the Fens by next week. Cameron is only slightly behind, but also had a good rehab start. Get to see the Sox next month in SF as the interleague crap brings them to ATT to play Los Gigantes. They follow that, I believe, with a Bay Area return a few weeks later to play the A's. I guess you're getting them vs the Halos about the same time.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
SSDD?Not Today!:Peter
For those of you who read Stephen King as religiously as I do, you know what those four letters in today's title mean. But tonight, it wasn't the same s---, different day. It was a different day, but the game was different as well! Sox started like yesterday, dropping behind five zip to the Stripes and a tough CC. But from that point on, things began to happen. First Yoouuuk homered again. Then, bit by bit, the Sox clawed back until there we were in the top of the 9th facing the guy that Dusty yesterday referred to as the greatest closer in the history of the game--Mo Rivera. Fortunately, the Sox have been the best team against him over the years. Yes, he does get them out often, but they, more than any other team, take his measure, Jenn, and tonight was to be one of those times. Helped by an error at a crucial time by last night's Yankee hero, Thames (and they're still pronouncing it 'Timms'--someone's got to take him aside and have a talk--or maybe have a talk with the sportscasters--I'm not sure which), the Hose pushed a pair of runs across on two hits, the final dagger being Hermida's two out double to plate both runs. This came after they got another four off of Joba (how's that for a name?) the inning before. Jenn, you may recall I noted that last night the Sox had the chance to get the first win at Yankee Stadium since 1994 when being behind by 5-0; then they blew it. Well, tonight they did it! Once again, Bard did his thing in the 8th, though just the final out of the inning. Then Pap came on to try to get redemption and close the door. First batter gets on via Scutaro's second E6 of the night. That's A-Fraud, by the way. To compound things, he quickly steals second without even a challenge. Cano doubles him home and I'm beside myself. Two blown saves in a row by Pap? This can't be happening! Worse, just like last night, most of his pitches are topping out in the low 90's--not Papelbonian at all! Cano ends up at 3d on what has to be one of the best executed sac bunts I think I've ever seen and Miranda comes up, already having one dinger for the night. A sacfly is all the Stripes need to tie it up and force Pap into a second BS. However, not....so....fast. Miranda, not Carmen, but Juan, turns on a Pap fast ball and slams it right back through the box. A sure hit, but wait! It's NOT through the box! Pap makes like a Stanley Cup goalie and snares it, quickly turns to force Cano to hold at 3d and then calmly throws out Miranda. Sorry, Carmen, errr, Juan. Final guy, Winn, comes to the dish for his first face to face with The Laser. After the count gets worked to 3-2 and Winn is starting to get better timing on Pap's rockets, Pap beams one final one past him for the K. Game Over! Sox win! Redemption is sweet!
Beside the drama, Big Papi continues his renaissance, going 2-3 again and picking up another ribbie in the process. Drew continues to drive the ball, again driving in valuable runs and, as already mentioned, Yoooukk drops one in the cheaps. Looking forward, Jake is starting a rehab at Pawtucket and should be back in about a week or so. Maybe when your Uncle Phillip gets back from China, the Fenmen will be closer to first, and playing like we know they can.
Oh, and before I forget, Jenn, in this spring's equivalent of memory lane for your old Dad, we have tomorrow's Hub newspaper headline: Sox, C's win! Although this is a Sox blog, it's worth noting that this is the first time in the history of the Celtic franchise that they have opened a playoff series with two consecutive away wins!
Beside the drama, Big Papi continues his renaissance, going 2-3 again and picking up another ribbie in the process. Drew continues to drive the ball, again driving in valuable runs and, as already mentioned, Yoooukk drops one in the cheaps. Looking forward, Jake is starting a rehab at Pawtucket and should be back in about a week or so. Maybe when your Uncle Phillip gets back from China, the Fenmen will be closer to first, and playing like we know they can.
Oh, and before I forget, Jenn, in this spring's equivalent of memory lane for your old Dad, we have tomorrow's Hub newspaper headline: Sox, C's win! Although this is a Sox blog, it's worth noting that this is the first time in the history of the Celtic franchise that they have opened a playoff series with two consecutive away wins!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tonight REALLY Hurt!!:Peter
Well, I've been sitting by watching the Sox on their current trip, winning the first game and losing the next two in the Motor City, thinking that at least Papi seems to be coming around, and a month earlier than last year, all the while playing only part time. He's hitting over his weight and driving the ball almost like he used to do. Unfortunately, the rest of the team doesn't seem to be able to get it all together simultaneously to benefit. Tonight in Yankee Stadium started off as a continuation of this frustration. I'll tell you, Jenn, when the first six batters reach base against you, it's usually a sign that you've got a long and very unenjoyable night ahead. But, to his credit, the Diceman, after allowing five runs in the 1st, steadied down, giving the Hose a chance to get back in Then, with Wake following for 2 and a third shutout innings, the Sox had even more chances to get back. They took every advantage, popping the first three of their ultimate five roundtrippers on the evening to claw back to within a run a t 7-6, Stripes. Papi, in addition to his latest shot got another hit, while JD and Martinez each got the Big Fly, VM the first of two on the night. About time, I'd say, as his hitting, or lack of same, has been one of the ongoing problems. Finally, in the 8th, the Sox grabbed the lead, 9-7, with back to back HR's from Yooooukk and VM. Bard comes in to face the Stripes in the bottom session and, except for a free pass, goes through the inning without a hit, including a pair of K's, the last a beauty of the Yanks' captain, Jeter.
Comes the 9th, and for the second time in the past three years or so, the Laser gives up a bomb to A-Fraud. Talk about a heart breaker, Jenn. I mean the way Pap pitched tonight, he looked as if he'd been taking lessons from JB--not good at all. He then proceeded to give up another pair of hits, the final one of which was another shot, this time from someone who can't even pronounce his name correctly. If his name really IS pronounced Timms, He's got my apologies, but I know about sixty or seventy million people following the Union Jack who'll debate him on it. At least the casters kept calling him "Timms", when anyone over the age of four knows that 'Thames' is pronounced 'Temms' ans in the River Thames (Temms). Just ask a Brit if you don't believe me. What's even more frustrating, Jenn, is that had the Sox succeeded in getting the W, it would have been the first time they'd trailed by five at Yankee Stadium and won since 1994! Well, there's always tomorrow. Guess who's pitching. Yup--JB. Well, he's got to turn it around sometime. Can't think of a better time.
Comes the 9th, and for the second time in the past three years or so, the Laser gives up a bomb to A-Fraud. Talk about a heart breaker, Jenn. I mean the way Pap pitched tonight, he looked as if he'd been taking lessons from JB--not good at all. He then proceeded to give up another pair of hits, the final one of which was another shot, this time from someone who can't even pronounce his name correctly. If his name really IS pronounced Timms, He's got my apologies, but I know about sixty or seventy million people following the Union Jack who'll debate him on it. At least the casters kept calling him "Timms", when anyone over the age of four knows that 'Thames' is pronounced 'Temms' ans in the River Thames (Temms). Just ask a Brit if you don't believe me. What's even more frustrating, Jenn, is that had the Sox succeeded in getting the W, it would have been the first time they'd trailed by five at Yankee Stadium and won since 1994! Well, there's always tomorrow. Guess who's pitching. Yup--JB. Well, he's got to turn it around sometime. Can't think of a better time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dice Appears to be BACK!!-Peter
I know, it's only one game, but taken with his first three innings against the Stripes, tonight's effort by the Diceman was outstanding! Like 2007 & 2008 all over again! The Dice threw seven innings, giving up a single run, three hits and K'd NINE! Better yet, this edition of the Diceman is even better--not a single free pass! Sox took their second straight from the Jays; third in a row overall. Tek continued to take advantage of his occasional playing time getting his sixth HR of the season and another hit as well. Drew and Pedroia also were two for this evening. In Dusty's case, it included his 13th two bagger for the year; in Drew's he's now gone from not hitting his weight to .286 in just over a week. Hope they keep it going.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Intent or Not
Dad --
Yes, it was nice to have one win against the Evil Empire. And Lester was awesome! But I want to look at Friday and Saturday's games. Not the beating that we took but a question that was on everyone's lips - was Sabathia's nailing of Pedroia intentional? Was it payback for the two batsmen that Beckett nailed Friday night in the 6th inning?
My answer is yes! I fully believed that Sabathia hit Pedroia on purpose Saturday. He nailed him square in the butt on the first pitch. Now both Tito and Joe Girardi danced around the question and said Sabathia just lost control, but I believe he had perfect control. Losing control means he would've nailed Pedroia on the arm, or the leg, but Sabathia got him square in his ass. So square, I think Pedroia's gonna be in pain every time he takes a seat on the bench for the next few days.
However I do not believe Beckett had intent. And I'm not just saying that because I'm a Red Sox fan and I hate the Yankees. I'm saying it because why on earth would you hit a batter when you're already down five runs with the bases loaded? Does that make sense to anyone? Certainly not me. But that was the second batter Beckett nailed.
Robinson Cano was the first batter to be hit and he might have been intentional. I think however, Beckett just lost control of his pitch. See unlike Sabathia, Beckett nailed Cano on the knee sending the second baseman from the game. In my book that's an errant throw. If you're gonna nail a batter on purpose, you're gonna do what Sabathia did and hit the batter on the butt or back. Somewhere that will make your point, but not potentially cause major injury. Cano had to be helped off the field, he was hit so hard.
The fact of the matter is, only Beckett and Sabathia know for sure if they hit those three guys on purpose, and of course they're never gonna tell. But from where I'm standing, it seems pretty clear to me that Beckett had actually lost control and Sabathia was dishing out a little payback.
Jenn
Yes, it was nice to have one win against the Evil Empire. And Lester was awesome! But I want to look at Friday and Saturday's games. Not the beating that we took but a question that was on everyone's lips - was Sabathia's nailing of Pedroia intentional? Was it payback for the two batsmen that Beckett nailed Friday night in the 6th inning?
My answer is yes! I fully believed that Sabathia hit Pedroia on purpose Saturday. He nailed him square in the butt on the first pitch. Now both Tito and Joe Girardi danced around the question and said Sabathia just lost control, but I believe he had perfect control. Losing control means he would've nailed Pedroia on the arm, or the leg, but Sabathia got him square in his ass. So square, I think Pedroia's gonna be in pain every time he takes a seat on the bench for the next few days.
However I do not believe Beckett had intent. And I'm not just saying that because I'm a Red Sox fan and I hate the Yankees. I'm saying it because why on earth would you hit a batter when you're already down five runs with the bases loaded? Does that make sense to anyone? Certainly not me. But that was the second batter Beckett nailed.
Robinson Cano was the first batter to be hit and he might have been intentional. I think however, Beckett just lost control of his pitch. See unlike Sabathia, Beckett nailed Cano on the knee sending the second baseman from the game. In my book that's an errant throw. If you're gonna nail a batter on purpose, you're gonna do what Sabathia did and hit the batter on the butt or back. Somewhere that will make your point, but not potentially cause major injury. Cano had to be helped off the field, he was hit so hard.
The fact of the matter is, only Beckett and Sabathia know for sure if they hit those three guys on purpose, and of course they're never gonna tell. But from where I'm standing, it seems pretty clear to me that Beckett had actually lost control and Sabathia was dishing out a little payback.
Jenn
Sunday, May 9, 2010
What A Diff A Day Makes!--Peter
Just Amazing! Last two games against Mr. Hankie's Yankees and we're blown out, literally and figuratively. Tonight, against the pitcher the Stripes got last year because of his anti-Sox record, the Sox turned the tables. They started with a 2d inning unearned run, and, you know, Jenn, against the Stripes, I'll take 'em any way they come. The best was yet to come, however. While Lester was busy controlling the Yanks' bats, the Hose were running up the score. Lester's pitching over a season appears to match Texeira's hitting for the Yanks over the season. Spring training isn't enough to get ready for the season, but by late April or early May, things turn around. Tonight was more of this. Lester went seven, got that many K's, had a game WHIP of under 1.0, and, cut his season ERA to 3.71. His only two mistakes came after the Sox had staked him to a six zip lead, when he gave up back to backers to Swisher and A-Fraud. The next batter singled and suddenly the specter of more Stripavation was hanging over the Fens. No matter, a quick visit from the Sox pitching coach and Lester was back in control. In the 8th, TOM came in and was a little shaky, but was followed by Wake for the 9th. Wake was great! The butterfly was fluttering around and Wake was three up; three down, punctuated by a solid K for the third out. A perfect ten pitch inning.
The offense was just as impressive. Papi showed signs of more recovery, slashing a solid ground rule double to right that looked like a frozen clothesline, driving in a run during the Sox' five run third. Beltre, wearing glasses showed if you can see it, you can hit it--very important thing to remember. He had a pair of doubles, driving a pair of runs. Youk and Hermida also each had a pair of hits, the latter including a long soaring drive to the back wall of the Sox bullpen.
Other than that, we had additional good news in the fact that both Jake and Cameron were taking BP before tonight's game, with Cam likely starting a rehab stint with the Pawsox in the next day or two. Jake's apparently a few days behind that. Now, Jenn, if you have any suggestions to get JB back on the beam, I'm sure Terry'd like to have them.
Hub headline for tomorrow's daily rag (you knew it was coming, Jenn): Sox, C's win! Ain't spring wonderful?
Jays in town for a few tomorrow night.
The offense was just as impressive. Papi showed signs of more recovery, slashing a solid ground rule double to right that looked like a frozen clothesline, driving in a run during the Sox' five run third. Beltre, wearing glasses showed if you can see it, you can hit it--very important thing to remember. He had a pair of doubles, driving a pair of runs. Youk and Hermida also each had a pair of hits, the latter including a long soaring drive to the back wall of the Sox bullpen.
Other than that, we had additional good news in the fact that both Jake and Cameron were taking BP before tonight's game, with Cam likely starting a rehab stint with the Pawsox in the next day or two. Jake's apparently a few days behind that. Now, Jenn, if you have any suggestions to get JB back on the beam, I'm sure Terry'd like to have them.
Hub headline for tomorrow's daily rag (you knew it was coming, Jenn): Sox, C's win! Ain't spring wonderful?
Jays in town for a few tomorrow night.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Hope Game 3 Is Better: Peter
Well, Jenn, I was commenting on just how bad the Sox have been in the first two games of the current Fenway series against the Stripes. Unfortunately, I tried to edit after saving the piece and everything but the title was deleted. I haven't the stomach to relive the agonies of these games through a second write. Suffice to say, JB started well yesterday--for three innings and then the roof fell in, while today, we again started looking good, a 3-2 lead after three and the roof again fell in--even more heavily, led by Texeira's 4-6 day, including three round-trippers and five ribbies. I guess it's safe to say his annual spring hitting drought is over. Of our guys, only Youk had more than one hit, both singles. The bright items, few that there are, McDonald and Martinez both hit homers in the 3d for the lead, TOM threw an inning of no-hit ball, and the Rays lost to Oakland. Other than that, it's wait for Jake to get back, hope Papi continues to show some power and hope that Boof Bonser is sound when he finally arrives at Fenway.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sox, Papi & Other Stuff: Peter
Well, Jenn, about Papi, I understand the booing. Like you, I don't agree given who it is, but even Teddy Ballgame got booed on occasion. Buy the way, with last (Wed) nite's game, his HR total is now up to four on the year, a full month ahead of last year. I thing he's definitely NOT the Papi of a few years ago, and, unfortunately, never will be again. But I also think he has value to the team, is still a threat in many cases, and should be given some slack by the fans.
Now, the team. With the pitching the past couple of night, topped off by last nite's, it appears (let's see how Dice does today), the staff is doing what it was supposed to do. Lester on Monday, followed by Bucky Tuesday and Lackey last nite were satisfactory to very good, and both Bard & Laser last nite were phenomenal, each pitching a perfect inning, Pap getting a league leading 8th save.
Beltre's doing his job at the plate, and Lowell has been a renaissance of himself at the dish. Keeping my fingers crossed it continues, because the Stripes are in town Friday for a pair and the pace they and the Rays are going at will require it.
Now, the team. With the pitching the past couple of night, topped off by last nite's, it appears (let's see how Dice does today), the staff is doing what it was supposed to do. Lester on Monday, followed by Bucky Tuesday and Lackey last nite were satisfactory to very good, and both Bard & Laser last nite were phenomenal, each pitching a perfect inning, Pap getting a league leading 8th save.
Beltre's doing his job at the plate, and Lowell has been a renaissance of himself at the dish. Keeping my fingers crossed it continues, because the Stripes are in town Friday for a pair and the pace they and the Rays are going at will require it.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sox May Take First Two but Papi's Being Booed
Dad --
Yes, it was upsetting to see the Sox give up another four runs in the top of the 9th on Monday, but at least we had such a big lead, there really wasn't anything to worry about.
As for last night's game, it was tied at one 'til the 8th inning when we got another four runs which was enough to give us our second win in as many days.
But these two wins are not why I'm writing today. Although I'm thrilled we've now won two in a row against the Angels, I'm writing about something else. I'm writing about a worrisome trend that has started at the Fens. A trend I'm not too keen on and one I hope doesn't continue. That trend - the constant booing of Big Papi.
Now I know he hasn't been hitting well. I know his batting average is below .200. And I know last night's zero hits knocked him down to .149. But does that mean our clutch man should be booed every time he steps to Fenway's plate? Yes, he's struggling, but this is the guy who so many times has been our walkoff hitter. He even has a special award for being the guy to count on in a clutch.
I'll admit I'm not happy. And I think Francona switching him out for Lowell against left-handed pitchers is the right move. But that doesn't mean we should just write off one of our great players, does it?
Look, the fact of the matter is, Papi just hasn't been right since his injury two years ago. Maybe he's worried about hurting himself again. Maybe the injury never healed correctly in the first place. Whatever the reason behind this slump, it's no reason to start dismissing one of Red Sox legends. Give the guy a break. At least he's gotten a few home runs - three to be exact. This time last year, he still had yet to get even one out of the park.
Yes, I'm not happy about the turn of events where Papi is concerned. And yes, I'll be sorry to see him go when and if he must. But as long as he's still wearing a Red Sox uniform, I'll still be cheering for him. He was great and in my book, he still is.
Jenn
Yes, it was upsetting to see the Sox give up another four runs in the top of the 9th on Monday, but at least we had such a big lead, there really wasn't anything to worry about.
As for last night's game, it was tied at one 'til the 8th inning when we got another four runs which was enough to give us our second win in as many days.
But these two wins are not why I'm writing today. Although I'm thrilled we've now won two in a row against the Angels, I'm writing about something else. I'm writing about a worrisome trend that has started at the Fens. A trend I'm not too keen on and one I hope doesn't continue. That trend - the constant booing of Big Papi.
Now I know he hasn't been hitting well. I know his batting average is below .200. And I know last night's zero hits knocked him down to .149. But does that mean our clutch man should be booed every time he steps to Fenway's plate? Yes, he's struggling, but this is the guy who so many times has been our walkoff hitter. He even has a special award for being the guy to count on in a clutch.
I'll admit I'm not happy. And I think Francona switching him out for Lowell against left-handed pitchers is the right move. But that doesn't mean we should just write off one of our great players, does it?
Look, the fact of the matter is, Papi just hasn't been right since his injury two years ago. Maybe he's worried about hurting himself again. Maybe the injury never healed correctly in the first place. Whatever the reason behind this slump, it's no reason to start dismissing one of Red Sox legends. Give the guy a break. At least he's gotten a few home runs - three to be exact. This time last year, he still had yet to get even one out of the park.
Yes, I'm not happy about the turn of events where Papi is concerned. And yes, I'll be sorry to see him go when and if he must. But as long as he's still wearing a Red Sox uniform, I'll still be cheering for him. He was great and in my book, he still is.
Jenn
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sox,B's,C's Win: Peter
In keeping with the traditional Beantown newspaper sports page headlines when multiple Hub teams are playing, the above should be tomorrow morning's headline. As I noted earlier tonite, however, these ARE the Red Sox. It was 17-4 then in the top of the 9th. Final: 17-8. Never a dull moment. Of their 20 hits, the Sox had double figures in extra base hits, including four round trippers, and Lowell's four for four that had three doubles.
About That O's Sweep: Peter
Well, Jenn, I can't say much more than you did about this recent lost weekend. It was great to celebrate Aidan's 1st B-day and Gary's 40th, but, where the Sox are concerned, I suppose that if I were Elizabeth Barrett Browning, I could count the ways that I could describe how terrible it was, but I'm not and you've pretty well covered things. Re: Wake, I would never even suggest in jest that he's taking his vengeance on the team for the shift. He's spent his career in both the pen and the rotation and he's a team guy, so it's just a bad outing.The knuckler obviously wasn't tumbling and floating enough--happens. Even a knuckle pitcher can't explain why the ball does what it does and when. As far as Dice, he did have a good four innings (one hit), so maybe he can build on this. Time will tell.
One thing that drove me crazy yesterday, beside Pap's error that set up the winning run, was the way the Sox had a perfect opportunity to get out of the two run inning that tied the game for the O's unscathed, but Beltre, for reasons I can't even begin to guess, didn't go home with the DP grounder. Even if he only gets one, the Sox still have the lead and no runs have scored to that point. Again, there may be many reasons, but I'm not E.B.Browning, and none of them will suffice anyway, as you ALWAYS go home in those situations.
On the good side, tonite's opener against the Angels at Fenway is in the top of the 9th and the Sox have a narrow lead--17-4, and, no, that's not a misprint. They also have 20 hits. Bucky looked pretty good until the 6th, but the pen has been sterling!I know the game is not yet over, but I think it's pretty safe to count the W in this case. Oh, wait--this is the Red Sox. Still....
One thing that drove me crazy yesterday, beside Pap's error that set up the winning run, was the way the Sox had a perfect opportunity to get out of the two run inning that tied the game for the O's unscathed, but Beltre, for reasons I can't even begin to guess, didn't go home with the DP grounder. Even if he only gets one, the Sox still have the lead and no runs have scored to that point. Again, there may be many reasons, but I'm not E.B.Browning, and none of them will suffice anyway, as you ALWAYS go home in those situations.
On the good side, tonite's opener against the Angels at Fenway is in the top of the 9th and the Sox have a narrow lead--17-4, and, no, that's not a misprint. They also have 20 hits. Bucky looked pretty good until the 6th, but the pen has been sterling!I know the game is not yet over, but I think it's pretty safe to count the W in this case. Oh, wait--this is the Red Sox. Still....
Another Sweep - But this One's Bad
Dad --
It was so much fun to have you here this weekend for Aidan and Gary's birthday party. But what made it especially cool, was being able to sit and watch the games with you. Too bad the games were torture.
At this point with the Red Sox being 7 games out of first, I don't know what to say because I can't point to any one problem. When our pitching is good, we have no run support, and when we get the runs, our defense decides to take a vacation. It's becoming absurd and seriously frustrating.
I won't talk about Beckett because honestly I'm sick of talking about him. As you witnessed, he seems to be good for the first two or three innings and then his arm dies. That doesn't make for a good starter. It makes for a good reliever. But something tells me Beckett has no interest in filling that role.
Dice-K finally came back and I for one was excited. But again, he's clearly not the Dice-K of old. Now, I understand it was his first game back, and maybe he did have a small case of the jitters, but come on. And I know I can't blame Saturday's game entirely on Dice-K, after all he was good for the first four innings, but he fell apart in the 5th giving up six runs.
Then Wakefield came out and hammered in the final nails by giving up another 5 runs. Is it possible his age is catching up with him? He is 43 after all. I personally believe Wakefield may have been paying the Sox back for shuffling him off to the bullpen to make room for the younger pitcher. It's unprofessional and probably not what happened, but right now, it's the only reason I can come up with.
Which brings me to another issue the Red Sox seem to be having this season - leaving the starters in too long. What's that about? Is Terry really that concerned with the bullpen that he's afraid to pull our starter when things go south? If so, it may be time to start looking for a new pitching staff.
But based on the last few seasons, I honestly don't know if that will help. Every year Theo goes out during the off season and spends a ton of money to get better pitchers so we can win. And yet, somehow we always end up however many games out of first. Is he going off stats and not really watching? Or is it just injuries that happen to crop up at the worst possible time? I have no idea. All I do know is it's only been a month and I'm already frustrated as hell.
Jenn
It was so much fun to have you here this weekend for Aidan and Gary's birthday party. But what made it especially cool, was being able to sit and watch the games with you. Too bad the games were torture.
At this point with the Red Sox being 7 games out of first, I don't know what to say because I can't point to any one problem. When our pitching is good, we have no run support, and when we get the runs, our defense decides to take a vacation. It's becoming absurd and seriously frustrating.
I won't talk about Beckett because honestly I'm sick of talking about him. As you witnessed, he seems to be good for the first two or three innings and then his arm dies. That doesn't make for a good starter. It makes for a good reliever. But something tells me Beckett has no interest in filling that role.
Dice-K finally came back and I for one was excited. But again, he's clearly not the Dice-K of old. Now, I understand it was his first game back, and maybe he did have a small case of the jitters, but come on. And I know I can't blame Saturday's game entirely on Dice-K, after all he was good for the first four innings, but he fell apart in the 5th giving up six runs.
Then Wakefield came out and hammered in the final nails by giving up another 5 runs. Is it possible his age is catching up with him? He is 43 after all. I personally believe Wakefield may have been paying the Sox back for shuffling him off to the bullpen to make room for the younger pitcher. It's unprofessional and probably not what happened, but right now, it's the only reason I can come up with.
Which brings me to another issue the Red Sox seem to be having this season - leaving the starters in too long. What's that about? Is Terry really that concerned with the bullpen that he's afraid to pull our starter when things go south? If so, it may be time to start looking for a new pitching staff.
But based on the last few seasons, I honestly don't know if that will help. Every year Theo goes out during the off season and spends a ton of money to get better pitchers so we can win. And yet, somehow we always end up however many games out of first. Is he going off stats and not really watching? Or is it just injuries that happen to crop up at the worst possible time? I have no idea. All I do know is it's only been a month and I'm already frustrated as hell.
Jenn
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