Dad --
In talking about yesterday's final game against the Twins, you forgot to mention the most surprising thing that happened. The home plate umpire, Todd Tichenor, ejected four players in one inning.
Now I know ejections aren't that uncommon these days, especially with the amount of brawls that happen in a season. But what is uncommon is seeing the exact same members of both teams get thrown out within the same inning.
It all started in the top of the 7th when Twins catcher, Mike Redmond, argued a close call at home that gave the Red Sox their third, final, and winning run. Redmond believed he'd tagged Bailey before Bailey touched home. Tichenor disagreed, and after a minute or two of arguing, threw out Redmond. Then when Twins manager, Ron Gardenhire, came out to argue the ejection, he also was thrown out of the game. Okay so two ejections for a minor disagreement isn't that unusual.
But then in the bottom of the 7th inning there were two more ejections. This time it was over arguing balls and strikes, which you're evidently not allowed to do anymore. On a 2-2 pitch, Beckett threw a ball that both he and Varitek believed to be a strike. Unfortunately Tichenor again disagreed. Beckett was visibly pissed, but Varitek was the one to turn on Tichenor and argue the call, mainly so Beckett wouldn't get in trouble. Unfortunately Varitek did, and was thrown out of the game. Then Francona came out to argue Tichenor's third ejection and the Sox manager made it four of a kind.
In all my years watching America's Oldest Past Time, I've never seen the same members of both teams get ejected for arguing calls or protecting their players. It's absolutely absurd how touchy the umps are these days. I'm happy we didn't lose Beckett, but throwing out Redmond, Gardenhire, Varitek and Francona just for arguing a couple calls is insane. And while it may make for a good show, it doesn't make for good baseball.
Dad, I know you agree.
Jenn
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Lester Festers;Sox Split et al--Peter
Well, Jenn, I share your concerns over Lester. Usually when a pitcher succeeds, it's because at some point in the game(s), he gets into a rhythm. Makes no diff whether he's throwing heat, junk or some other combination of stuff. At some point, he gets into a groove, gets comfortable and that rhythm takes over. At that point, he starts to run off four, five, six innings or more without a baserunner; or, if he lets one guy reach base, he quickly regains control and eliminates any chance that it will grow into a rally. Lester's got his velocity, but he seems somehow uncomfortable. It's as if he starts to roll along and then realizes things are OK and unconsciously reacts by changing things just enough that suddenly he's a target. I hope he gets it straight. Right now, the Sox Big 3 aren't looking to impressive. Dice was going along OK until he had one bad inning and that was that. At least JB looked good today--8 K's in 7 innings and only three hits. Even better: his game WHIP was under 1.0 today. Sox back in sole possession of First.
Other stuff: Too bad, Jake's streak ended at 22 as he went 0fer today. Tek still isn't what you'd call a good hitter yet, but, including today's pair of circuits, he's doing a hell of a lot better than last year. I'll take anything I can get. There's some talk that the Sox may pick up a third catcher just in case he or Wake's caddy gets hurt. I even saw a suggestion on the web that Posada could be available. Wouldn't that be something? Doubt he'd agree to come--too much history in the rivalry. Years ago, when players didn't have the right of refusal, there was serious talk of an even-up trade of Teddy Ballgame for Joe D. Fortunately, for the Hose, it never went through. Just over a year later, DiMag was retired and TW was still going for another decade.
Regarding Aidan's arrival at Fenner's, I guess this means he's got one up on Pops. I never got to a sports bar (or any other kind) until well into my teens. As far as falling asleep, I went to my first ball game at age four and it was a twinbill. I fell asleep in the 4th inning. It wasn't a Sox game either. It was the Boston Braves vs. the Phillies. Saw my first Sox game a couple of weeks later--stayed awake for that one. Both Beantown teams weren't too bad. The Sox had gone to the Series the year before and missed the next year's ('48) Series by losing a one game playoff against the Tribe, while the Braves won the Series in '48. Could have been a Boston Series. Oh, well.
Enough rambling. It's late; the book needs more work and I'm exhausted.
Other stuff: Too bad, Jake's streak ended at 22 as he went 0fer today. Tek still isn't what you'd call a good hitter yet, but, including today's pair of circuits, he's doing a hell of a lot better than last year. I'll take anything I can get. There's some talk that the Sox may pick up a third catcher just in case he or Wake's caddy gets hurt. I even saw a suggestion on the web that Posada could be available. Wouldn't that be something? Doubt he'd agree to come--too much history in the rivalry. Years ago, when players didn't have the right of refusal, there was serious talk of an even-up trade of Teddy Ballgame for Joe D. Fortunately, for the Hose, it never went through. Just over a year later, DiMag was retired and TW was still going for another decade.
Regarding Aidan's arrival at Fenner's, I guess this means he's got one up on Pops. I never got to a sports bar (or any other kind) until well into my teens. As far as falling asleep, I went to my first ball game at age four and it was a twinbill. I fell asleep in the 4th inning. It wasn't a Sox game either. It was the Boston Braves vs. the Phillies. Saw my first Sox game a couple of weeks later--stayed awake for that one. Both Beantown teams weren't too bad. The Sox had gone to the Series the year before and missed the next year's ('48) Series by losing a one game playoff against the Tribe, while the Braves won the Series in '48. Could have been a Boston Series. Oh, well.
Enough rambling. It's late; the book needs more work and I'm exhausted.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Another Bad Night for Lester
Dad --
I don't know what it is about Lester this year, but he can't seem to get past the 5th inning without giving up several runs. Well, last night it was de javu all over again.
He was great for the first four innings. Even had a couple that were three up, three down. Then the fifth inning came. Lester saw seven batters come to the plate. And although Ellsbury made a phenomenal catch for an out early on, he couldn't prevent five other Twins from rounding home. It was really tough to watch.
Lester did pitch one more inning, but the damage was done and Lester knew it. He was so upset with himself, he stormed into the clubhouse when Francona told him between the 6th and 7th that he was done for the day.
I don't know what to make of him, do you? He's got good speed, he's throwing all the right balls, I think he's just missing his spots. He seems to be leaving stuff up in the zone a little too often and that's what's killing him. Francona moved Papi down in the batting order yesterday to take some pressure off. Maybe he should do the same for Lester.
On a brighter note, Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 21 games in his first at bat. That's the longest of his career. Hope he makes it to 22 today. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Jenn
I don't know what it is about Lester this year, but he can't seem to get past the 5th inning without giving up several runs. Well, last night it was de javu all over again.
He was great for the first four innings. Even had a couple that were three up, three down. Then the fifth inning came. Lester saw seven batters come to the plate. And although Ellsbury made a phenomenal catch for an out early on, he couldn't prevent five other Twins from rounding home. It was really tough to watch.
Lester did pitch one more inning, but the damage was done and Lester knew it. He was so upset with himself, he stormed into the clubhouse when Francona told him between the 6th and 7th that he was done for the day.
I don't know what to make of him, do you? He's got good speed, he's throwing all the right balls, I think he's just missing his spots. He seems to be leaving stuff up in the zone a little too often and that's what's killing him. Francona moved Papi down in the batting order yesterday to take some pressure off. Maybe he should do the same for Lester.
On a brighter note, Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 21 games in his first at bat. That's the longest of his career. Hope he makes it to 22 today. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Jenn
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Win Coupled with Aidan's First Trip to Fenners
Dad --
Yes, Pap's first blown save was upsetting, to say the least. Thankfully he didn't have to go out for the final game since the Sox won by 7 runs. And while the Sox lost the series against the Mets, at least it wasn't a sweep.
But now we're onto Minnesota and a four game series against the Twins. Yesterday's game was a win, but another dramatic one where Pap almost got his second blown save in three days. Pap came in for the 9th, and after getting two strike outs gave up a two run shot to pinch hitter, Joe Mauer. Luckily Mauer's shot didn't tie the score. Instead the Sox were still ahead by one and the Laser got the next guy out on a flyout to right and got his 12th save of the season. Whew!
I don't know what it is about Pap this season, but he can't seem to get three outs in a row. Is it something to lose sleep over? Not yet. But if this drama keeps up, I may lose a lot more sleep than from just Aidan waking up in the middle of the night for another feeding.
On that note, Aidan actually made his first visit to Fat Faced Fenners yesterday, Dad. He had on his little Red Sox booties that his Aunt Ellen bought him and he sat in the corner booth for a couple hours. Granted he slept through the game, but at least he got to the bar. I'm sure we'll be back several times over the season, and who knows, maybe Aidan will even be awake for some of our time there. But I figure it's never too late for Aidan to get to know our favorite Sox bar. And who knows, maybe one of the visits will even include his Pops.
What do you say, Dad?
Jenn
Yes, Pap's first blown save was upsetting, to say the least. Thankfully he didn't have to go out for the final game since the Sox won by 7 runs. And while the Sox lost the series against the Mets, at least it wasn't a sweep.
But now we're onto Minnesota and a four game series against the Twins. Yesterday's game was a win, but another dramatic one where Pap almost got his second blown save in three days. Pap came in for the 9th, and after getting two strike outs gave up a two run shot to pinch hitter, Joe Mauer. Luckily Mauer's shot didn't tie the score. Instead the Sox were still ahead by one and the Laser got the next guy out on a flyout to right and got his 12th save of the season. Whew!
I don't know what it is about Pap this season, but he can't seem to get three outs in a row. Is it something to lose sleep over? Not yet. But if this drama keeps up, I may lose a lot more sleep than from just Aidan waking up in the middle of the night for another feeding.
On that note, Aidan actually made his first visit to Fat Faced Fenners yesterday, Dad. He had on his little Red Sox booties that his Aunt Ellen bought him and he sat in the corner booth for a couple hours. Granted he slept through the game, but at least he got to the bar. I'm sure we'll be back several times over the season, and who knows, maybe Aidan will even be awake for some of our time there. But I figure it's never too late for Aidan to get to know our favorite Sox bar. And who knows, maybe one of the visits will even include his Pops.
What do you say, Dad?
Jenn
Saturday, May 23, 2009
What Is This: 1986?--Peter
What's going on here? The Mets come to town to face the Hose who are on a three game win streak and in each of the first two games, come back to win by a run? Even worse, in today's game we waste a really good effort by JB--only one unearned run over eight innings when Pap, of all people gives up a game winning two run shot by a banjo-hitting catcher in the top of the 9th. Since when does someone like this take a laser deep? Very sad. Worse, Papi continues in the dumps after his nice HR the other night, and the middle of the order isn't doing much better right now.
The only other bright note is Jake extended his hit streak to 18 games and stole a base, also his 18th. With this loss, the Yankees have tied the Sox for second, a half game behind the Jays.
The only other bright note is Jake extended his hit streak to 18 games and stole a base, also his 18th. With this loss, the Yankees have tied the Sox for second, a half game behind the Jays.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bring Out the Brooms!--Peter
Yes, Jenn--I did "see" Papi's homer--pretty deep ball too considering where it landed. Also was aware of Jake's fielding feat. The tied record was only done twice previously--first in 1929 and then again in 1977, I believe. Pretty cool. Not only that, Jake's on a hitting streak, and with tonight's hit, extended it again to 16 games. Now, if he triples that total, he'll only be eight games behind the Clipper, but he'll have long broken the Sox club streak,held by Joltin' Joe's brother Dom, at 34 straight.
Tonight's game, while I'm on the subject, completed the sweep against the Jays and got us back to within a half game of the Jays. The difference is just one more game the guys from north of the border have played (and won). A bit more good news from tonight was Bay's 13th circuit shot, coupled with the first hint of a decent showing in quite a while by Lester. The Sox' second ace went just over six innings and got five K's, but, more important, started to get guys out like he did last year and in '07. Now, if the Diceman can do likewise in his return tomorrow against the Mets, all will be moving much more smoothly. Speaking of smooth, Smoltzie was almost lights out in his first rehab start yesterday. If he can make it back and Dice starts rolling sevens, the Fenmen are going to really be in a position to grab the division and league by the throat and squeeeeeeze!
Tonight's game, while I'm on the subject, completed the sweep against the Jays and got us back to within a half game of the Jays. The difference is just one more game the guys from north of the border have played (and won). A bit more good news from tonight was Bay's 13th circuit shot, coupled with the first hint of a decent showing in quite a while by Lester. The Sox' second ace went just over six innings and got five K's, but, more important, started to get guys out like he did last year and in '07. Now, if the Diceman can do likewise in his return tomorrow against the Mets, all will be moving much more smoothly. Speaking of smooth, Smoltzie was almost lights out in his first rehab start yesterday. If he can make it back and Dice starts rolling sevens, the Fenmen are going to really be in a position to grab the division and league by the throat and squeeeeeeze!
A Night of Firsts
Dad --
Did you see? Oh my God. It was awesome.
Papi hit his first home run of the season!
Varitek continued his tradition of homering on May 20th.
And Ellsbury tied the major league record for most putouts in the outfield during a 9 inning game.
Pretty Damn Cool!
Let's start with Papi. In the 5th with Pedroia at 3rd and two outs in the inning, Papi got a pitch that stayed over the plate and swung for the bleachers as he always does. But unlike every other time Papi's swung this season, this time, the ball actually ended up there. It was a great moment. For the club, for the fans, but most of all for David Ortiz himself. He finally got that one out of the way. The sigh of relief that came as he crossed the plate was like Atlas finally taking the globe off his shoulders. It was truly a sight to see.
Then there was Varitek, who last year couldn't hit to save his life. Well this year he seems to be doing quite well. Before last night's game he'd already gotten five home runs. Well last night he added to that tally, not once, but twice. And as it turns out, getting home runs on May 20th is standard issue for the Captain.
Dad, did you know that starting in 2001 Varitek has gotten at least one home run every May 20th except for '06, '07, and '08? And in those three years he's gotten at least one hit. So it appears if the Sox want to do well, they need to continue to start Varitek on May 20th.
And finally there's Ellsbury. The speedy center fielder tied a major league record last night. And it wasn't for stolen bases. He recorded not one, not five, not even ten putouts which tied the Red Sox record. Nope, Ellsbury went two better and recorded an astounding 12 putouts over the nine innings he played. It was actually starting to appear that he wouldn't even make that. But as the perfect end to what was already a pretty amazing night, Ellsbury tied that record with the final out of the game.
Overall Dad, I'd say the game was pretty awesome. Of course the Sox won and have one more game left against the Jays before this series is over. Tonight probably won't be as special, but a win and a sweep would be pretty cool just the same.
XO
Jenn
Did you see? Oh my God. It was awesome.
Papi hit his first home run of the season!
Varitek continued his tradition of homering on May 20th.
And Ellsbury tied the major league record for most putouts in the outfield during a 9 inning game.
Pretty Damn Cool!
Let's start with Papi. In the 5th with Pedroia at 3rd and two outs in the inning, Papi got a pitch that stayed over the plate and swung for the bleachers as he always does. But unlike every other time Papi's swung this season, this time, the ball actually ended up there. It was a great moment. For the club, for the fans, but most of all for David Ortiz himself. He finally got that one out of the way. The sigh of relief that came as he crossed the plate was like Atlas finally taking the globe off his shoulders. It was truly a sight to see.
Then there was Varitek, who last year couldn't hit to save his life. Well this year he seems to be doing quite well. Before last night's game he'd already gotten five home runs. Well last night he added to that tally, not once, but twice. And as it turns out, getting home runs on May 20th is standard issue for the Captain.
Dad, did you know that starting in 2001 Varitek has gotten at least one home run every May 20th except for '06, '07, and '08? And in those three years he's gotten at least one hit. So it appears if the Sox want to do well, they need to continue to start Varitek on May 20th.
And finally there's Ellsbury. The speedy center fielder tied a major league record last night. And it wasn't for stolen bases. He recorded not one, not five, not even ten putouts which tied the Red Sox record. Nope, Ellsbury went two better and recorded an astounding 12 putouts over the nine innings he played. It was actually starting to appear that he wouldn't even make that. But as the perfect end to what was already a pretty amazing night, Ellsbury tied that record with the final out of the game.
Overall Dad, I'd say the game was pretty awesome. Of course the Sox won and have one more game left against the Jays before this series is over. Tonight probably won't be as special, but a win and a sweep would be pretty cool just the same.
XO
Jenn
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