Papi Does It Again!

Well, apologies for dropping from sight the past week--included a three of four W's from the playoff contending Royals, followed by a loss sweep by the Bucs in Pitt. Off last night to the newly crowned AL East champ O's and after a brief deficit to the home town team, the Sox shot ahead quickly on cheap seats shots by Papi and Yo, the first of which gave Papi another century ribbie season, his eighth, and the latter of which put Yo within four of the Sox having a two century guys in a season for the first time since Manny left. Midway through the game the home towners tied the score at three, and I began to think not again.  Game went extras and in the Sox 10th, Papi came up with a man on and quickly settled the issue. He drove this one into souvenir land and the Sox had what ultimately became the winning runs and Papi had his 34th shot of the year and his 102d RBI. In getting to this level, Big Papi tied for the most career 30-100 years in Sox history with none other than--who else--Teddy Ballgame. That's pretty unique company. Am I saying he's TW's equal? Don't even ask the question! He's a HOF player as soon as he's retired five years, but equal to TW? Sorry! Taking nothing away from Papi, there wouldn't be anything close to a tie had the Sox all time hitting hero not been snatched from the Fens for service in two wars, losing almost five years in the process right at his prime. Even with that, if Papi were "only" in second all time for the team, he'd still be very special. Papi still has a slim shot at an AL RBI title, trailing LA's Trout by a five spot.
Not to forget, the Sox pen looked good last night as well--perfect ball from the first pitch, with the exception of Breslow, who faced a pair of O's hitters and allowed both to reach and score.