The headline says all you have to know! Twice in the early stages of the game, Manny came to the plate--once with the bases empty in the first and an inning later with a man on--and proceeded to deposit the horsehide in the seats for the 55 thousand plus fans to scramble for the ball. His second rivaled his Volvo-sign rocket of last week at Fenway for sheer awe-inspiring power. It was truly a monster shot! With these two, he takes sole possession of 24th place on the all-time home run list, dropping the greatest first baseman ever, Lou Gehrig to the rear. He also is now the player with the third highest HR total against the 'Stripes in history. Even better, the first two: Jimmie Foxx and Teddy Ballgame also both played for the Sox. All you Yankees fans who hate the Sox, try to explain your way around that one--can't do it, can ya'.
Back to the game--as things continued to roll along, by the time the game was barely half over, the lead was seven zip, Sox. In addition to Manny, Dusty, Youk, Drew and Tek all had multi-hit games, and, just as good--the first two times Ellsbury faced Mussina, he was hit and promptly stole second base. Works just as well as successive doubles. It also keeps the pitcher on edge and doesn't allow him to maintain the full concentration he needs when facing a lineup like the one the Sox put on the field.
On the defensive side of things, Beckett was almost like the guy we got used to seeing last year. He's still probably a tiny bit behind on conditioning, but he gave the team eight solid innings, spoiled only by a three run fifth when the Yanks briefly got to him. But he recovered nicely to close out that inning before things got totally out of hand, and then continued putting up zeroes on the board through the eighth, then giving way to Papelbon for the close.
Pap let things get a bit scary, but did close out the game with his second K of the inning and we're 3-2 for the young season against the boys from the Bronx. Next time we meet them will be same place for four in early July. Hopefully, by then, we'll not just be a game up in first as we are now, but have a nice fat lead--and with Papi fully recovered from this damn slump.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
I Hate Yo-Yo's - Jenn
Up and down. Up and down. That's what a yo-yo does. And that's what the Red Sox were last night.
I knew it was going to be an interesting evening when Wang, who was lights out when the Sox faced him last Friday, walked Pedroia. Wang who rarely gives up a walk, gave up three in the first four innings and Pedroia was the first. He'd eventually come around to score on a double by Manny Ramirez and it looked like maybe we could extend the winning streak to five. Unfortunately Clay Buchholz gave up three runs in the 2nd half of the first inning and the yo-yo began.
It's a sad state of affairs when your offense is working its butt off and yet the defense is taking a nap. Actually it wasn't all the defense, just the pitching. Last night's pitching staff was horrible on both sides. It just happened to be worse on ours. Buchholz, the starter, only made it 3.2 innings before he was pulled for giving up 8 hits and 7 runs. Julian Tavarez would come in for the last out of the third and eventually give up four more runs over his inning and a third. Clearly the Tavarez of '06 was back again. I swear this guy's a regular Jekyll and Hyde, too bad you never know what you're gonna get. Last night Hyde was back.
Aardsma would take over for two shutout innings making him the only beacon in a foggy sea of bad pitching. With only 2 hits over his two innings, his ERA is now a healthy 1.80. Too bad Timlin's not in the same ballpark.
Timlin may have saved face the other night with a scoreless inning against the Tribe, but the pitching challenged man I hate so much was back in glorious form last night. He came in for the 8th inning and the Sox were only down by two runs. Unfortunately by the time time Timlin left the mound, the Sox would be down by 6. Over that one inning Timlin would give up three hits, two walks and four runs. And while Giambi didn't homer off him again, he did get a double to drive in two. At this rate I wonder if Giambi is paying Timlin to make him look good. The man who can't hit anything, seems to hit everything Timlin throws at him.
While the yo-yo continued through all nine innings, the fifth inning is when it really took off. The score was 7-3 Yanks. It looked like the game was over and there were still five innings left. But then a miracle happened. The first five men that Wang faced reached and three more runs scored before he was pulled for Ohlendorf. But he didn't fare much better giving up two more hits and two walks. By the time the inning was over the Sox had batted around, Pedroia had gotten two hits in one inning, and they were back in the lead 9-7. Unfortunately, that lead wouldn't last long thanks to Tavarez who I've already talked about.
By the time the fifth inning was over, an unbelievable 50 minutes later, 19 batters had come to the plate, there were 10 hits, 10 runs were scored and a whopping 72 pitches were thrown. In one inning. I should've turned the TV off at that point. But I'm a masochist and had to see how it'd all turn out. As I've already mentioned, it didn't turn out well for our boys from Boston. But today's a new day and Beckett's back on the mound. Here's hoping we can turn things around.
I knew it was going to be an interesting evening when Wang, who was lights out when the Sox faced him last Friday, walked Pedroia. Wang who rarely gives up a walk, gave up three in the first four innings and Pedroia was the first. He'd eventually come around to score on a double by Manny Ramirez and it looked like maybe we could extend the winning streak to five. Unfortunately Clay Buchholz gave up three runs in the 2nd half of the first inning and the yo-yo began.
It's a sad state of affairs when your offense is working its butt off and yet the defense is taking a nap. Actually it wasn't all the defense, just the pitching. Last night's pitching staff was horrible on both sides. It just happened to be worse on ours. Buchholz, the starter, only made it 3.2 innings before he was pulled for giving up 8 hits and 7 runs. Julian Tavarez would come in for the last out of the third and eventually give up four more runs over his inning and a third. Clearly the Tavarez of '06 was back again. I swear this guy's a regular Jekyll and Hyde, too bad you never know what you're gonna get. Last night Hyde was back.
Aardsma would take over for two shutout innings making him the only beacon in a foggy sea of bad pitching. With only 2 hits over his two innings, his ERA is now a healthy 1.80. Too bad Timlin's not in the same ballpark.
Timlin may have saved face the other night with a scoreless inning against the Tribe, but the pitching challenged man I hate so much was back in glorious form last night. He came in for the 8th inning and the Sox were only down by two runs. Unfortunately by the time time Timlin left the mound, the Sox would be down by 6. Over that one inning Timlin would give up three hits, two walks and four runs. And while Giambi didn't homer off him again, he did get a double to drive in two. At this rate I wonder if Giambi is paying Timlin to make him look good. The man who can't hit anything, seems to hit everything Timlin throws at him.
While the yo-yo continued through all nine innings, the fifth inning is when it really took off. The score was 7-3 Yanks. It looked like the game was over and there were still five innings left. But then a miracle happened. The first five men that Wang faced reached and three more runs scored before he was pulled for Ohlendorf. But he didn't fare much better giving up two more hits and two walks. By the time the inning was over the Sox had batted around, Pedroia had gotten two hits in one inning, and they were back in the lead 9-7. Unfortunately, that lead wouldn't last long thanks to Tavarez who I've already talked about.
By the time the fifth inning was over, an unbelievable 50 minutes later, 19 batters had come to the plate, there were 10 hits, 10 runs were scored and a whopping 72 pitches were thrown. In one inning. I should've turned the TV off at that point. But I'm a masochist and had to see how it'd all turn out. As I've already mentioned, it didn't turn out well for our boys from Boston. But today's a new day and Beckett's back on the mound. Here's hoping we can turn things around.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
UGLY!-Peter
Not much to say about this one. Normally, when you score nine runs and get 14 hits, you win. Unfortunately, every single Sox pitcher except Aardsma was worse than terrible. That includes Jenn's favorite, Timlin. Middle of the game when it was beginning to look like this one wasn't going to be the Sox' night, we sent 11 men to the plat and got SIX RUNS in the inning--Sox 9, Yanks 7. Unfortunately, we gave it all back in an inning, four runs, in fact, and it continued downhill from there. Papi continued his slow recovery from the slump with a single; Manny( 3-4),JD(3-5) and Casey(2-3) all had multi-hit results, as did Dusty (2-5),but it was not to be tonight. What makes it even more frustrating was that we drove Wang from the mound after only four innings and change (he left in the 5th with no-one out), getting 9 hits, three walks and 8 earned runs from him. Too bad-- a wasted effort. Well, tomorrow's another day. Hopefully, it will have another result.
A Clean Sweep Thanks to the Rookies - Jenn
Last night it was all about the rookies. A guy who made quite an entrance during the '07 post season and another who made his MLB debut last night. Their names: Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie.
After four scoreless innings and one out in the top of the fifth, Jacoby Ellsbury came to the plate. And on a 2-1 pitch he lined to right. Ellsbury could have been out at second except Gutierrez bobbled the ball and the throw got away from the 2nd baseman. Gutierrez got the error and allowed Ellsbury to land on 2nd with just one out.
Lugo was up next and his second single of the night moved Ellsbury to 3rd. Then the new kid came to the plate. He'd already struck out once, but this time things went a little differently. The first pitch he lined just foul down the first base line. The second he grounded to the shortstop. It looked like the end of the inning and another blown opportunity for the Sox. But instead of the double play, Lowrie's speed allowed him to reach first and Ellsbury scored. While Lowrie didn't get a hit, he did get his first RBI and put the Sox on the board with their first run of the night.
Then in the 7th it started again. But this time instead of the score reading 0-0, it now read Sox 1, Indians 2. The Tribe had the lead, Youkilis was up and Jorge Julio had taken over the mound. Youkilis walked on four pitches. Ellsbury walked on five. And that was the end of Julio. Rafael Perez didn't fare much better when he took over. Somehow Lugo made it to first on a bunt bid that popped up but wasn't caught and now the bases were loaded with Lowrie coming to the plate.
After four scoreless innings and one out in the top of the fifth, Jacoby Ellsbury came to the plate. And on a 2-1 pitch he lined to right. Ellsbury could have been out at second except Gutierrez bobbled the ball and the throw got away from the 2nd baseman. Gutierrez got the error and allowed Ellsbury to land on 2nd with just one out.
Lugo was up next and his second single of the night moved Ellsbury to 3rd. Then the new kid came to the plate. He'd already struck out once, but this time things went a little differently. The first pitch he lined just foul down the first base line. The second he grounded to the shortstop. It looked like the end of the inning and another blown opportunity for the Sox. But instead of the double play, Lowrie's speed allowed him to reach first and Ellsbury scored. While Lowrie didn't get a hit, he did get his first RBI and put the Sox on the board with their first run of the night.
Then in the 7th it started again. But this time instead of the score reading 0-0, it now read Sox 1, Indians 2. The Tribe had the lead, Youkilis was up and Jorge Julio had taken over the mound. Youkilis walked on four pitches. Ellsbury walked on five. And that was the end of Julio. Rafael Perez didn't fare much better when he took over. Somehow Lugo made it to first on a bunt bid that popped up but wasn't caught and now the bases were loaded with Lowrie coming to the plate.
All it took was four pitches. The first two were strikes, the third Lowrie lined foul down the 3rd baseline. The fourth was another strike, but this strike took a trip through the infield, past the diving shortstop and ended up in short left. That ground ball got Youkilis and Ellsbury across home, gave the Sox a 3-2 lead, and landed Lowrie on first. The rookie got two more RBI's and his first hit in the big leagues. (Since his earlier RBI was scored as a fielder's choice, this was the one that counted and the ball he'd take home.) Lowrie would come to bat once more in the game and strike out. But three RBI's for his debut should make the rookie very proud and the Fenway Faithful happy to know there's another man to back up Lowell during inter league play.
While the Indians would come back to tie it up in the 7th, and a pinch homer from Varitek in the 9th are what everyone's talking about, the final out by Ellsbury is what I remember. Another spectacular catch from the 24 year-old who makes so many it's almost expected. This time around there were no amazing dives or spectacular dodging of chairs in the visitors bullpen. This time it was a sprint toward the seats and a catch that actually took the ball away from a first row spectator. No fan interference here. Ellsbury had that ball in his glove and there would be no argument from the Tribe. That catch saved the victory and guaranteed the sweep.
Now onto the Bronx and a two-game series against the evil empire. But this time around the Sox are a game ahead and have won four games in a row. With Buchholz and Wang facing each other for the second time, it's going to be a great game.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Don't You Love the Drama?-Peter
Well, here we are again--ninth inning and needing a run to take the lead so our closer(s) can nail down another victory. Last night it was 4-3 Tribe entering the ninth and the Sox bats came through, followed by another Papelbon laserium. Tonight we entered the ninth at least tied, but still needing a run to nail it down and avoid the added stress, wear and tear of extra innings.
Wake started and was doing pretty well entering the fifth; even had a 1-0 lead. The Indians, however, worked a two-spot out of him, combining two walks and a like number of singles for the deuce. They still had men on base, but Wake avoided more damage by getting a grounder for a well timed twin killing. That's the way the score remained until the Sox 7th. The first two Sox hitters were walked and then Lugo tried a bunt. As I've said previously, they call this a game of inches. The bunt doesn't go to the ground instantly, but stays airborne long enough for the Tribe reliever to get a good shot at a catch for the out. Had this happened, a DP very well might have resulted and goodbye rally. But, for whatever reason, it wasn't caught--only caromed off his glove. "In play", you say. So why not pick it up and wing it to 2d or 3d and at the very least get the lead runner or the next in line? Well, the gods were really looking out for the Sox on this one. It went from the pitcher's glove through the catcher's legs as he went out to assist if needed. When the smoke cleared, there were Sox players on every base. Jed Lowrie, just called up last week from the Pawsox wasted little time. Jumping on a pitch he liked, he placed it into center field for a two run single, and the Sox had reclaimed the lead.
Unfortunately, the Indians wasted little time in knotting the score again. Bottom of the same inning, they quickly loaded the bases and then 'The Other Manny', Delcarmen to you, hit the Tribe first sacker, Garko, with a pitch forcing in a run. That was all he'd allow, though and we rolled through a mutually scoreless eighth. Aardsma came in during that inning with two already gone, fired two pitches and the stage was set for the ninth inning heroics.
With one gone, our captain, Jason Varitek, came in as a pinch hitter. Since Wakefield started and Tek doesn't catch him, he'd been letting Cash handle the duties as Wake's latest iteration of Doug Mirabelli. But with Wake long gone by now, it made sense to get Tek into the game, particularly as Cash was already 0-3 on the evening and hitting only .200. Tek worked the count to 1-2, and then drove the next pitch to the opposite field for the lead, 4-3. His third HR of the young season, it's also his third career pinch homer. Couldn't have come at a better time.
We could use a little insurance here, though. The Tribe has some very good hitters. So, insurance runs requested--insurance run delivered. The Sox proceeded to load 'em up and Youk delivered a single for the final run.
This,of course, presented Francona with a bit of a dilemma. Who to send out for the finish? Papelbon had done a spectacular job last night, but he may be needed tomorrow in Yankee Stadium, so ideally he doesn't go tonight so he can stay fresher than those eggs you had for breakfast this morning. Aardsma could have gone on, but he's not really a closer. So the task fell to Okajima. No problemo! Twelve pitches, nine of them strikes and another perfect inning is in the books, including two K's. Game over once again and Okajima didn't even break a sweat.
Some commentary: the rookie playing third tonight, looked pretty good. Handled all his chances cleanly and drove in a trey, even though he was just one for four. Timely hits are always appreciated and his certainly was. Papi also got a single, that's three hits in two games. He's still got quite a way to come back, but these hits can only help him regain his eye and his confidence. Hopefully, it won't be very long before he's crushing the ball again.
All you folks out there in cyberspace: don't forget to add your comments to this or any other posting on the blog. It's your blog, TOO! Enjoy!
Wake started and was doing pretty well entering the fifth; even had a 1-0 lead. The Indians, however, worked a two-spot out of him, combining two walks and a like number of singles for the deuce. They still had men on base, but Wake avoided more damage by getting a grounder for a well timed twin killing. That's the way the score remained until the Sox 7th. The first two Sox hitters were walked and then Lugo tried a bunt. As I've said previously, they call this a game of inches. The bunt doesn't go to the ground instantly, but stays airborne long enough for the Tribe reliever to get a good shot at a catch for the out. Had this happened, a DP very well might have resulted and goodbye rally. But, for whatever reason, it wasn't caught--only caromed off his glove. "In play", you say. So why not pick it up and wing it to 2d or 3d and at the very least get the lead runner or the next in line? Well, the gods were really looking out for the Sox on this one. It went from the pitcher's glove through the catcher's legs as he went out to assist if needed. When the smoke cleared, there were Sox players on every base. Jed Lowrie, just called up last week from the Pawsox wasted little time. Jumping on a pitch he liked, he placed it into center field for a two run single, and the Sox had reclaimed the lead.
Unfortunately, the Indians wasted little time in knotting the score again. Bottom of the same inning, they quickly loaded the bases and then 'The Other Manny', Delcarmen to you, hit the Tribe first sacker, Garko, with a pitch forcing in a run. That was all he'd allow, though and we rolled through a mutually scoreless eighth. Aardsma came in during that inning with two already gone, fired two pitches and the stage was set for the ninth inning heroics.
With one gone, our captain, Jason Varitek, came in as a pinch hitter. Since Wakefield started and Tek doesn't catch him, he'd been letting Cash handle the duties as Wake's latest iteration of Doug Mirabelli. But with Wake long gone by now, it made sense to get Tek into the game, particularly as Cash was already 0-3 on the evening and hitting only .200. Tek worked the count to 1-2, and then drove the next pitch to the opposite field for the lead, 4-3. His third HR of the young season, it's also his third career pinch homer. Couldn't have come at a better time.
We could use a little insurance here, though. The Tribe has some very good hitters. So, insurance runs requested--insurance run delivered. The Sox proceeded to load 'em up and Youk delivered a single for the final run.
This,of course, presented Francona with a bit of a dilemma. Who to send out for the finish? Papelbon had done a spectacular job last night, but he may be needed tomorrow in Yankee Stadium, so ideally he doesn't go tonight so he can stay fresher than those eggs you had for breakfast this morning. Aardsma could have gone on, but he's not really a closer. So the task fell to Okajima. No problemo! Twelve pitches, nine of them strikes and another perfect inning is in the books, including two K's. Game over once again and Okajima didn't even break a sweat.
Some commentary: the rookie playing third tonight, looked pretty good. Handled all his chances cleanly and drove in a trey, even though he was just one for four. Timely hits are always appreciated and his certainly was. Papi also got a single, that's three hits in two games. He's still got quite a way to come back, but these hits can only help him regain his eye and his confidence. Hopefully, it won't be very long before he's crushing the ball again.
All you folks out there in cyberspace: don't forget to add your comments to this or any other posting on the blog. It's your blog, TOO! Enjoy!
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Ghost of the ALCS Still Haunts Cleveland - Jenn
Tonight's game was starting to bring back horrible memories of October. The Sox were down by three runs, similar to the three games they were down just five months ago. But just like they did back in October, our boys from Boston fought their way back and got the win.
Lester gave another sub-par performance allowing 5 hits, 5 walks, and 4 runs over just 4 1/3 innings. So by the time the 4th was over, the 1 run lead the Sox had in the first, had turned into a 3 run deficit. But again, it was only the 4th inning. There were 5 left and as the Sox have proven on more than one occasion, they have a way of making a comeback.
Tonight was one of those comebacks. And the two men that made it possible were none other than Manny and Big Papi. That's right, Big Papi was hitting again. And he didn't just get one hit. He got two. Neither of them were the clutch, awe-inspiring hits we're used to. But a hit is a hit. And actually, now that I think about it, one of them was clutch. It was a 2 out bloop single in the top of the ninth.
Lugo had already scored on Pedroia's sacrifice fly to deep left. And Papi stepped to the plate with two outs in the inning. If he struck out, as he already had twice, the Indians would be going to the 9th with a tie score and a chance of taking the win. Especially if Timlin stayed in (but more on him later). But instead, on a 1-1 pitch, Ortiz hit the ball to short left. This was the rare occasion when the shift helped Ortiz instead of hurt him. See, with the shift on, the third baseman becomes short stop, the short stop takes over second base and the second baseman takes position in short right. All the outfielders take up their positions deep in the outfield. Because of this positioning Blake couldn't get out fast enough and Michaels couldn't get in. So the ball dropped squarely between them landing Ortiz on first base.
That would be the end of Ortiz. He did what needed to be done and was pulled for the younger, faster Jacoby Ellsbury. That way if Manny got a double, there was a good chance Ellsbury would score and give the Sox the lead. Too bad Ellsbury's speed wouldn't be needed.
Indians closer Joe Borowski threw just one pitch. A pitch that was up and over the plate. And Manny did what he does best - hammered it over the wall in left. It was Manny's third home run of the season that put the Sox on top 6-4, and forced Cleveland to relive the pain of last October. That home run would be enough to bring Papelbon in for the 9th and keep Cleveland in the loss column.
On a side note, some might find the timing of the end of Papi's batting drought quite interesting: within 24 hours of the Yanks uncovering Big Papi's shirt in the foundation of their new stadium, #34 gets two hits. That kind of timing would make some believe the curse that was supposed to be on the Yanks was actually on Ortiz. I however believe it's just a very strange coincidence and what actually got Papi out of his slump was that mental health day I talked about in my last post.
But bigger than Papi's 2 hits was the shocking 1,2,3, 8th inning courtesy of Mike Timlin. That's right Mike Timlin. The same relief pitcher who up until tonight had not retired a single batter in his last two outings and ended last night's game with an astounding 81 ERA. But tonight was a new night. Timlin took the mound and faced three batters. David Dellucci popped out to short left. Franklin Gutierrez lined out to JD Drew in right. And then Indians third baseman, Casey Blake, struck out on just three pitches. Three up, three down and Timlin can finally walk off the mound with his head held high. These three outs bring Timlin's ERA down to a not yet respectable 20.25. And while I'll admit this was a noteworthy feat, I'll also say that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.
So are Ortiz and Timlin finally out of their slumps? The uncovering of a "cursed shirt" says yes. For one of them. Too bad Timlin's jersey wasn't found along with it.
Lester gave another sub-par performance allowing 5 hits, 5 walks, and 4 runs over just 4 1/3 innings. So by the time the 4th was over, the 1 run lead the Sox had in the first, had turned into a 3 run deficit. But again, it was only the 4th inning. There were 5 left and as the Sox have proven on more than one occasion, they have a way of making a comeback.
Tonight was one of those comebacks. And the two men that made it possible were none other than Manny and Big Papi. That's right, Big Papi was hitting again. And he didn't just get one hit. He got two. Neither of them were the clutch, awe-inspiring hits we're used to. But a hit is a hit. And actually, now that I think about it, one of them was clutch. It was a 2 out bloop single in the top of the ninth.
Lugo had already scored on Pedroia's sacrifice fly to deep left. And Papi stepped to the plate with two outs in the inning. If he struck out, as he already had twice, the Indians would be going to the 9th with a tie score and a chance of taking the win. Especially if Timlin stayed in (but more on him later). But instead, on a 1-1 pitch, Ortiz hit the ball to short left. This was the rare occasion when the shift helped Ortiz instead of hurt him. See, with the shift on, the third baseman becomes short stop, the short stop takes over second base and the second baseman takes position in short right. All the outfielders take up their positions deep in the outfield. Because of this positioning Blake couldn't get out fast enough and Michaels couldn't get in. So the ball dropped squarely between them landing Ortiz on first base.
That would be the end of Ortiz. He did what needed to be done and was pulled for the younger, faster Jacoby Ellsbury. That way if Manny got a double, there was a good chance Ellsbury would score and give the Sox the lead. Too bad Ellsbury's speed wouldn't be needed.
Indians closer Joe Borowski threw just one pitch. A pitch that was up and over the plate. And Manny did what he does best - hammered it over the wall in left. It was Manny's third home run of the season that put the Sox on top 6-4, and forced Cleveland to relive the pain of last October. That home run would be enough to bring Papelbon in for the 9th and keep Cleveland in the loss column.
On a side note, some might find the timing of the end of Papi's batting drought quite interesting: within 24 hours of the Yanks uncovering Big Papi's shirt in the foundation of their new stadium, #34 gets two hits. That kind of timing would make some believe the curse that was supposed to be on the Yanks was actually on Ortiz. I however believe it's just a very strange coincidence and what actually got Papi out of his slump was that mental health day I talked about in my last post.
But bigger than Papi's 2 hits was the shocking 1,2,3, 8th inning courtesy of Mike Timlin. That's right Mike Timlin. The same relief pitcher who up until tonight had not retired a single batter in his last two outings and ended last night's game with an astounding 81 ERA. But tonight was a new night. Timlin took the mound and faced three batters. David Dellucci popped out to short left. Franklin Gutierrez lined out to JD Drew in right. And then Indians third baseman, Casey Blake, struck out on just three pitches. Three up, three down and Timlin can finally walk off the mound with his head held high. These three outs bring Timlin's ERA down to a not yet respectable 20.25. And while I'll admit this was a noteworthy feat, I'll also say that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.
So are Ortiz and Timlin finally out of their slumps? The uncovering of a "cursed shirt" says yes. For one of them. Too bad Timlin's jersey wasn't found along with it.
Deja Vu All Over Again-Peter
I know, I know--the title today was first spoken by a Yankee, but since it was Yogi, I'm willing to make an exception and use it. Those must have been some conversations in the '50's between Yogi and his manager, Casey Stengel. But that's for another time and blog, NOT one for our Sox!
Tonight's game was a return matchup of last year's League Championship series, Sox vs. Indians, played in the Jake, in weather that would have generated snow if there were precipitation. Happened yesterday in the Tribe's game against the A's.
This game began well enough. Lester was cruising along through three without a single hit surrendered. The Sox picked up a single run in the first on a Youk two bagger, following a hit, really, a hit, by Papi. More on that later. So we roll into the 4th and the Indians strike. By the end of the inning we're trailing by 2-1, soon to be 4-1 an inning later.
That's the way things continued as inning followed inning, and I'm starting to think, "Christ, can't we get a winning streak longer than two games this season?" At least the middle relievers are doing an outstanding job. Tavarez throws two and two thirds shutout innings, and as if that weren't enough, gets four K's in the process. He even invoked the spirit of El Tiante at one point. Hell, he was impossible to pick up on some of his contortions! Whatever works and thanks to you Luis. All we need now is one of Tiant's thick cheroots in the clubhouse now.
This coincided with the first run in the Sox comeback. Top of the seventh, Lugo and Crisp reach and Pedroia brings home Julio. Two men on with only one out and Papi and Manny coming to bat. Something's got to happen. It did, just not what we wanted. Betancourt struck out both of them. Well, at least we're a run closer. Now if the hurlers can keep holding the Tribe at bay, who knows.
But--Who comes in to pitch with this possibility and everything hanging on the line? I'll give you a hint. I wrote about him last night, agreeing with Jenn. You got it--Timlin! Terry, what are you thinking? But tonight he wasn't the Timlin of this young season. Nosiree--he was the Timlin of 2004 and 2007, the Timlin who owns four Series rings (he got two before coming to Fenway & good or bad so far this season, the man does know HOW to pitch). Entering to open the bottom of the eighth, just after Youk in the top of the inning has brought the Sox another step closer to the Tribe with a shot that had homer written all over it the instant it left the bat, he immediately took command. No fancy flourishes, no BS, just good professional pitching. I and every member of Sox Nation quickly had our worries turn to ecstasy. The man was awesome! Mixing 92 and 93 mph heaters with curves and sliders that looked like they'd fallen off a table, he quickly disposed of the Indian batters--three up, three down, one on strikes. In one fell swoop, his 81 ERA dropped to 20.25. It's not too often you see a hurler cut almost 75% off his ERA in a single inning. But Timlin did it! Maybe I'll rethink my advice of last night. I know Jenn will take more convincing, but I'm willing to think about it. Terry, I should know better than to even consider questioning you. Sorry. Won't happen again.
Which brings us to the top of the ninth and our last three outs. In comes Cleveland's stopper, Borowski. Now you've got a guy here who led the American League last year in saves with 45, so he's not exactly chopped liver. However, he's not lights out like some other closers I can name. In fact, a good way to describe his pitching is it's an adventure--the same way that watching Manny chase down a fly ball sometimes is. Anyway, first guy he faces is Lugo who drives one to left, takes off from the batter's box like he's been scalded and doesn't even slow for the turn at first. No, he's going for two before it even gets near the Indians' left fielder. Add to the fact that said left fielder has the arm of a kid in pre-school and it's a sure thing he'll be standing on second before the dust clears. As it turns out, he makes it in a slide, pops up and is ready to advance to third should the throw-in go awry. It doesn't and Julio's on second--for a second. Crisp drops down a bunt and is barely thrown out in a bang-bang play at the bag--I'm still not sure who won that one, even after several replays. But, more importantly, it leaves Julio standing on third. A sac fly and the game will be tied.
But, at this point the Sox have become sharks with blood in the water. Sac fly? Why settle? They'll do better than that. Yes, Lugo does come home on a sac fly by Pedroia, but the fun's only beginning. Papi comes to the plate. Will he pull off one of his thousand volt shots and simultaneously electrify the citizens of Red Sox Nation and electrocute the fans of the Tribe? He swings and, for once, benefits from the exaggerated shift thrown against him. His ball drops fair into short left, a single--which brings up, who else, Manny.
Borowski throws, Manny swings and the ball is launched like something from a howitzer. Manny takes his usual pose for the requisite two seconds and begins his trot--6-4, Sox. That shot, by the way, puts him in a tie with Lou Gehrig on the all time list at 493. Not such shabby company. Looking forward, ManRam should also pass by such elite players of the past as Mel Ott, Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews, all residents of a particular Hall in upstate New York that will one day also host Manny. The fireworks end at that point, but now it's bottom of the ninth and you know who's coming in--None Other.
Death stare in place, arm appropriately tuned up, he gets the top of the Indians order--strength versus strength. Sizemore gets the first chance. A damn good hitter; he can hurt you. Four pitches later he's a K, with the gun topping out at 97. This guy's not human. Hell, you may have to register that arm as a deadly weapon. Next guy up takes five pitches, but the result is the same. With the exception of an 89 mph slider, all pitches are 93 and up--and the batter is down, another K. Final batter is Hafner, a power hitter who will make you pay for your mistakes. A couple of balls, followed by a quick strike and the final pitch comes burning toward the plate. Hafner hits it a mile, but, unfortunately for Cleveland, a mile will leave it short of the fence and the game is over.
On reflection, I hope that Papi's slump is also over and that Sox are about to break out on a real streak. It's three in a row now, the longest so far in this short season to date. Tavarez is starting to show his ability to burn up batters as well as innings in certain situations. Crisp is hitting like he was supposed to when he came to the Fens in 2006; Drew is hitting like he was expected to when the Sox rescued him from LaLa land. One more at the Jake and then a pair at the Yankees' home park, you know--the House that Ruth Built, aka the House that Hankie Abandoned. Careful, 'Stripes, the spirit of the Shirt is lingering.
By the way, we hope you're all enjoying this blog. Let us know what you think write your comments on the site, be they complementary (we hope) or critical.
Tonight's game was a return matchup of last year's League Championship series, Sox vs. Indians, played in the Jake, in weather that would have generated snow if there were precipitation. Happened yesterday in the Tribe's game against the A's.
This game began well enough. Lester was cruising along through three without a single hit surrendered. The Sox picked up a single run in the first on a Youk two bagger, following a hit, really, a hit, by Papi. More on that later. So we roll into the 4th and the Indians strike. By the end of the inning we're trailing by 2-1, soon to be 4-1 an inning later.
That's the way things continued as inning followed inning, and I'm starting to think, "Christ, can't we get a winning streak longer than two games this season?" At least the middle relievers are doing an outstanding job. Tavarez throws two and two thirds shutout innings, and as if that weren't enough, gets four K's in the process. He even invoked the spirit of El Tiante at one point. Hell, he was impossible to pick up on some of his contortions! Whatever works and thanks to you Luis. All we need now is one of Tiant's thick cheroots in the clubhouse now.
This coincided with the first run in the Sox comeback. Top of the seventh, Lugo and Crisp reach and Pedroia brings home Julio. Two men on with only one out and Papi and Manny coming to bat. Something's got to happen. It did, just not what we wanted. Betancourt struck out both of them. Well, at least we're a run closer. Now if the hurlers can keep holding the Tribe at bay, who knows.
But--Who comes in to pitch with this possibility and everything hanging on the line? I'll give you a hint. I wrote about him last night, agreeing with Jenn. You got it--Timlin! Terry, what are you thinking? But tonight he wasn't the Timlin of this young season. Nosiree--he was the Timlin of 2004 and 2007, the Timlin who owns four Series rings (he got two before coming to Fenway & good or bad so far this season, the man does know HOW to pitch). Entering to open the bottom of the eighth, just after Youk in the top of the inning has brought the Sox another step closer to the Tribe with a shot that had homer written all over it the instant it left the bat, he immediately took command. No fancy flourishes, no BS, just good professional pitching. I and every member of Sox Nation quickly had our worries turn to ecstasy. The man was awesome! Mixing 92 and 93 mph heaters with curves and sliders that looked like they'd fallen off a table, he quickly disposed of the Indian batters--three up, three down, one on strikes. In one fell swoop, his 81 ERA dropped to 20.25. It's not too often you see a hurler cut almost 75% off his ERA in a single inning. But Timlin did it! Maybe I'll rethink my advice of last night. I know Jenn will take more convincing, but I'm willing to think about it. Terry, I should know better than to even consider questioning you. Sorry. Won't happen again.
Which brings us to the top of the ninth and our last three outs. In comes Cleveland's stopper, Borowski. Now you've got a guy here who led the American League last year in saves with 45, so he's not exactly chopped liver. However, he's not lights out like some other closers I can name. In fact, a good way to describe his pitching is it's an adventure--the same way that watching Manny chase down a fly ball sometimes is. Anyway, first guy he faces is Lugo who drives one to left, takes off from the batter's box like he's been scalded and doesn't even slow for the turn at first. No, he's going for two before it even gets near the Indians' left fielder. Add to the fact that said left fielder has the arm of a kid in pre-school and it's a sure thing he'll be standing on second before the dust clears. As it turns out, he makes it in a slide, pops up and is ready to advance to third should the throw-in go awry. It doesn't and Julio's on second--for a second. Crisp drops down a bunt and is barely thrown out in a bang-bang play at the bag--I'm still not sure who won that one, even after several replays. But, more importantly, it leaves Julio standing on third. A sac fly and the game will be tied.
But, at this point the Sox have become sharks with blood in the water. Sac fly? Why settle? They'll do better than that. Yes, Lugo does come home on a sac fly by Pedroia, but the fun's only beginning. Papi comes to the plate. Will he pull off one of his thousand volt shots and simultaneously electrify the citizens of Red Sox Nation and electrocute the fans of the Tribe? He swings and, for once, benefits from the exaggerated shift thrown against him. His ball drops fair into short left, a single--which brings up, who else, Manny.
Borowski throws, Manny swings and the ball is launched like something from a howitzer. Manny takes his usual pose for the requisite two seconds and begins his trot--6-4, Sox. That shot, by the way, puts him in a tie with Lou Gehrig on the all time list at 493. Not such shabby company. Looking forward, ManRam should also pass by such elite players of the past as Mel Ott, Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews, all residents of a particular Hall in upstate New York that will one day also host Manny. The fireworks end at that point, but now it's bottom of the ninth and you know who's coming in--None Other.
Death stare in place, arm appropriately tuned up, he gets the top of the Indians order--strength versus strength. Sizemore gets the first chance. A damn good hitter; he can hurt you. Four pitches later he's a K, with the gun topping out at 97. This guy's not human. Hell, you may have to register that arm as a deadly weapon. Next guy up takes five pitches, but the result is the same. With the exception of an 89 mph slider, all pitches are 93 and up--and the batter is down, another K. Final batter is Hafner, a power hitter who will make you pay for your mistakes. A couple of balls, followed by a quick strike and the final pitch comes burning toward the plate. Hafner hits it a mile, but, unfortunately for Cleveland, a mile will leave it short of the fence and the game is over.
On reflection, I hope that Papi's slump is also over and that Sox are about to break out on a real streak. It's three in a row now, the longest so far in this short season to date. Tavarez is starting to show his ability to burn up batters as well as innings in certain situations. Crisp is hitting like he was supposed to when he came to the Fens in 2006; Drew is hitting like he was expected to when the Sox rescued him from LaLa land. One more at the Jake and then a pair at the Yankees' home park, you know--the House that Ruth Built, aka the House that Hankie Abandoned. Careful, 'Stripes, the spirit of the Shirt is lingering.
By the way, we hope you're all enjoying this blog. Let us know what you think write your comments on the site, be they complementary (we hope) or critical.
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