It will be a fun weekend to watch. The Yankees & Rays are within 1/2 game of each other. The Sox can play spoilers & keep NY from winning the AL East title. After finishing up in Chicago today the Sox return to Fenway to play their last home series of the year.
Speaking of Chicago, Manny hasn't created the buzz or hype for the White Sox that he hoped for. No playoffs in sight for Chicago. Was it enough to get another contract next year? Who knows? Boston - LA - Chicago. The Manny train is running out of places to stop. I assume that he'll play somewhere next year, but it won't be for $20 million.
Bye to Manny after today's game. Hello Yankees for the weekend.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
2010 Officially Over
Red Sox lose. Yankees & Rays win. Playoffs are not for the Boston 9 this year.
What's left in the last 5 games of the year?
- Jon Lester gets a chance to become a 20-game winner.
- Victor Martinez & Bill Hall can join Big Papi, Adrian Beltre & J.D. Drew in the 20+ home run club.
- We can beat the Yankees 3 more times & keep them from winning the AL East.
- Mike Lowell gets his retirement day in front of the Fenway crowd.
There are a few more things to look forward to before what should be a wild, wild off-season.
What's left in the last 5 games of the year?
- Jon Lester gets a chance to become a 20-game winner.
- Victor Martinez & Bill Hall can join Big Papi, Adrian Beltre & J.D. Drew in the 20+ home run club.
- We can beat the Yankees 3 more times & keep them from winning the AL East.
- Mike Lowell gets his retirement day in front of the Fenway crowd.
There are a few more things to look forward to before what should be a wild, wild off-season.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Buchholz, Beltre Lead 6-1 Win
Clay Buchholz won his 17th game.
Adrian Beltre added 4 more hits & 2 RBI to his great offensive year.
And the Boston Red Sox are not yet eliminated with 6 games left in the season.
And the New York Yankees & Tampa Bay Rays have not yet clinched a playoff spot.
You just can't kill this Red Sox team. "A+" for effort.
Adrian Beltre added 4 more hits & 2 RBI to his great offensive year.
And the Boston Red Sox are not yet eliminated with 6 games left in the season.
And the New York Yankees & Tampa Bay Rays have not yet clinched a playoff spot.
You just can't kill this Red Sox team. "A+" for effort.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Bad Pap
A chance to sweep the Yankees faded away in the 9th & 10th innings last night. Sox lose 4-3 as Hideki Okajima walks in the winning run in the 10th. (Where was Bard?)
In the 9th the Sox score 2 big runs off Mariano Rivera to take a lead 3-2. But, in the bottom of the 9th, Pap gives us 3 hits & a walk to tie the game 3-3. Another blown save opportunity.
Dice-K pitched his best game of the year over the first 8 innings. A-Rod's bloop HR to right field, a Yankee Stadium special, was the only damage the Yankees could muster off the Dice-man.
This weekend is like the story of 2010. Close, but no cigar.
In the 9th the Sox score 2 big runs off Mariano Rivera to take a lead 3-2. But, in the bottom of the 9th, Pap gives us 3 hits & a walk to tie the game 3-3. Another blown save opportunity.
Dice-K pitched his best game of the year over the first 8 innings. A-Rod's bloop HR to right field, a Yankee Stadium special, was the only damage the Yankees could muster off the Dice-man.
This weekend is like the story of 2010. Close, but no cigar.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Red Sox Beat Yankees Again
Ha-ha-ha! We beat the Yankees again, this time 7-3 thanks to some great pitching by Jon Lester & HR's by Drew & Victor. A win by Tampa Bay gives the Rays a 1 1/2 game lead over NY with 7 to go.
Jon Lester wins his 19th game of the season. He gets a chance for 20 in his last start against the White Sox next Wednesday.
It was nice to see Joba get roughed up in the 8th with back-to-back doubles by Lowrie & Kalish. Joba then squibbed the ball to first, trying to pickoff a runner (Kalish) who was already at second. Way to stay alert, Joba!
It's always a great day when the Red Sox beat the Yankees.
Jon Lester wins his 19th game of the season. He gets a chance for 20 in his last start against the White Sox next Wednesday.
It was nice to see Joba get roughed up in the 8th with back-to-back doubles by Lowrie & Kalish. Joba then squibbed the ball to first, trying to pickoff a runner (Kalish) who was already at second. Way to stay alert, Joba!
It's always a great day when the Red Sox beat the Yankees.
Lowrie Or Scutaro in 2011?
Red Sox beat the Yankees 10-8. It always fun to beat the Yankees. It doesn't matter that we are out of it.
Jed Lowrie went 4-4 with a home run & 3 RBI. Thinking towards 2011 - is Jed Lowrie the starting shortstop or is it Marco Scutaro? Lowrie is a switch-hitter & adds more offense with steady defense. Scutaro plays hard everyday & has been a serviceable leadoff man for the Sox in the absence of Ellsbury.
How about we keep them both at short? Lowrie has a history of injuries, but he helps win games when he is in the lineup. Scutaro has shoulder & neck injuries, but keeps giving his best every night. Between both we should be all set at short without spending an arm & leg for someone else. Both can also fill-in at other infield spots to give Youk, Pedroia & whoever is at third a break.
It's interesting to talk about 2011 already & all the moves that need to be made.
Jed Lowrie went 4-4 with a home run & 3 RBI. Thinking towards 2011 - is Jed Lowrie the starting shortstop or is it Marco Scutaro? Lowrie is a switch-hitter & adds more offense with steady defense. Scutaro plays hard everyday & has been a serviceable leadoff man for the Sox in the absence of Ellsbury.
How about we keep them both at short? Lowrie has a history of injuries, but he helps win games when he is in the lineup. Scutaro has shoulder & neck injuries, but keeps giving his best every night. Between both we should be all set at short without spending an arm & leg for someone else. Both can also fill-in at other infield spots to give Youk, Pedroia & whoever is at third a break.
It's interesting to talk about 2011 already & all the moves that need to be made.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Ortiz Hits #31
A 6-1 win against the new Orioles last night avoids a sweep at home. David Ortiz contributes a 3-run line-drive homer & 4 RBI to close in on another 100+ RBI season.
It's a strange case with David Ortiz when you look at his horrible start in April - for the 2nd year in a row. But he's not alone. Look how slow other guys like Lester, Beckett & Victor all started. April is the "what if" month of the 2010 season. What if the Sox started hot - like they usually do - in April? What if Beltre doesn't collide with Jacoby? Lots of what if's.
But here we are in late September with 10 games left & no playoffs in the picture. This season shows me how the sun, moon & stars have to align to win a World Series. 2004 & 2007 remain very special years.
It's a strange case with David Ortiz when you look at his horrible start in April - for the 2nd year in a row. But he's not alone. Look how slow other guys like Lester, Beckett & Victor all started. April is the "what if" month of the 2010 season. What if the Sox started hot - like they usually do - in April? What if Beltre doesn't collide with Jacoby? Lots of what if's.
But here we are in late September with 10 games left & no playoffs in the picture. This season shows me how the sun, moon & stars have to align to win a World Series. 2004 & 2007 remain very special years.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bring On New York
The Sox have run out of gas. The offense has scored only 3 runs in the last 2 nights in 2 losses at home against the Orioles.
11 games left. 9 games out. Doesn't look like the math will work out this year. As one commentor said, maybe the Sox started playing their prospects too soon & gave up on the season after Youk when down. Personally, I still think the season turned on Lackey & Beckett being ineffective, not position players. But 2010 will be over soon.
We have some fun left as the Sox can play spoilers to the Yankees hopes for another AL East crown. This weekend & next feature 6 games with the pinstripes. Anything we can do to knock the Yankees out of first is a plus in my mind.
11 games left. 9 games out. Doesn't look like the math will work out this year. As one commentor said, maybe the Sox started playing their prospects too soon & gave up on the season after Youk when down. Personally, I still think the season turned on Lackey & Beckett being ineffective, not position players. But 2010 will be over soon.
We have some fun left as the Sox can play spoilers to the Yankees hopes for another AL East crown. This weekend & next feature 6 games with the pinstripes. Anything we can do to knock the Yankees out of first is a plus in my mind.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lester Wins #18
We'll take a bright spot where we can.
Jon Lester shutout the potent Jays offense for 7 innings yesterday to lead the Sox to a 6-0 win. The win was the 18th for Lester who has an outside chance for 20.
Victor Martinez kept his home run swing going, adding his 15th of the season yesterday. Either Victor is now healthy or he is playing for a big contract offer in 2011. His offensive display the last 6 to 7 weeks put him at a 30+ HR, 100+ RBI clip for the season. Too bad we didn't see that kind of offense from Victor all year.
The Yankees & Rays open a big series in New York this week. Unless one team loses all 4 games, preferrably the Yankees, the Red Sox role over the final 2 weeks is that of spoiler with their 6-games remaining against the Yankees.
Jon Lester shutout the potent Jays offense for 7 innings yesterday to lead the Sox to a 6-0 win. The win was the 18th for Lester who has an outside chance for 20.
Victor Martinez kept his home run swing going, adding his 15th of the season yesterday. Either Victor is now healthy or he is playing for a big contract offer in 2011. His offensive display the last 6 to 7 weeks put him at a 30+ HR, 100+ RBI clip for the season. Too bad we didn't see that kind of offense from Victor all year.
The Yankees & Rays open a big series in New York this week. Unless one team loses all 4 games, preferrably the Yankees, the Red Sox role over the final 2 weeks is that of spoiler with their 6-games remaining against the Yankees.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
14 Left, 8 Behind
The math is catching up. Another loss to the Jays brings the Sox closer to being mathematically eliminated in 2010. In reality, they are eliminated.
I hate to throw-in the towel, but I think Steve Buckley is right when he says the Red Sox problem is a shortage of manpower. The subs & fill-ins have just run out of gas.
Does that mean it hasn't been a successful season? Depends on your measuring stick. If the standard is making the playoffs, then yes it has not been a successful season. If the standard is achieving 90 wins with 4 1/2 months of fill-in players, then it has been a successful season.
As the Sox look forward to 2011, they have showcased many, many players to other teams that will help them put together - via trades - a competitive team for 2011. The baseball show yesterday talked about getting Andre Ethier from the Dodgers for Dice-K & Ryan Kalish. This is just one of many scenarios that will be talked about during the hot stove.
Management, players & fans don't like losing in Boston. You can expect the Red Sox to be very active this off-season.
I hate to throw-in the towel, but I think Steve Buckley is right when he says the Red Sox problem is a shortage of manpower. The subs & fill-ins have just run out of gas.
Does that mean it hasn't been a successful season? Depends on your measuring stick. If the standard is making the playoffs, then yes it has not been a successful season. If the standard is achieving 90 wins with 4 1/2 months of fill-in players, then it has been a successful season.
As the Sox look forward to 2011, they have showcased many, many players to other teams that will help them put together - via trades - a competitive team for 2011. The baseball show yesterday talked about getting Andre Ethier from the Dodgers for Dice-K & Ryan Kalish. This is just one of many scenarios that will be talked about during the hot stove.
Management, players & fans don't like losing in Boston. You can expect the Red Sox to be very active this off-season.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Another Poor Start for Lackey
Usually a big time pitcher steps up & delivers in a pressure situation. We have not seen that from John Lackey this entire year. 7 runs in 4+ innings last night lead to a home loss 11-9 against the Jays.
What miniscule hopes of making the playoffs the Red Sox have (had) are even smaller today. Lackey killed a 4-game win streak that had fans, like me, still thinking the impossible was possible.
Lackey is turning into J.D. Drew - lots of money for an average player.
What miniscule hopes of making the playoffs the Red Sox have (had) are even smaller today. Lackey killed a 4-game win streak that had fans, like me, still thinking the impossible was possible.
Lackey is turning into J.D. Drew - lots of money for an average player.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Mike Lowell to Retire
What comes to mind when you hear the name Mike Lowell? I think of class & professionalism.
Instead of hanging around the big leagues as a DH for second tier team for a few more years, Mike Lowell is retiring as a Red Sox at the end of the 2010 season. As he said, his baseball career is more smiles than any downside to retiring now.
Lowell has 2 World Series rings - one with the Marlins in 2003 & one with the Sox in 2007. He was also the MVP of the 2007 World Series. Many players never reach those heights. Lowell also overcame a bout with cancer early in his career.
Lowell's retirement reminds me of Curt Warner, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, walking away from his last year & $11 million because he would be unable to perform at a high level.
Some athletes know when to retire. Lowell made the right decision. But I wouldn't expect anything less from him.
Instead of hanging around the big leagues as a DH for second tier team for a few more years, Mike Lowell is retiring as a Red Sox at the end of the 2010 season. As he said, his baseball career is more smiles than any downside to retiring now.
Lowell has 2 World Series rings - one with the Marlins in 2003 & one with the Sox in 2007. He was also the MVP of the 2007 World Series. Many players never reach those heights. Lowell also overcame a bout with cancer early in his career.
Lowell's retirement reminds me of Curt Warner, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, walking away from his last year & $11 million because he would be unable to perform at a high level.
Some athletes know when to retire. Lowell made the right decision. But I wouldn't expect anything less from him.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sox Sweep Seattle
Another Red Sox win, this time 5-1 behind Clay Buchholz, to sweep the series. And 2 Yankees losses to Tampa Bay puts the Sox 6 behind the Bronx Bombers. Are the Sox still alive in the Wild Card? Barely, but the answer is yes mathematically. As Jerry Remy said, they live for another week.
The Sox do have 6 games remaining against the Yankees. And the Yankees still have 4 more with the Rays. Who knows? Baseball is a funny game. The Yankees are a lowly 2-8 in their last 10.
The Sox have a day off today, then host Toronto & Baltimore for 6 at the Fens. Both AL East foes have played well of late.
Let's see what this week brings.
The Sox do have 6 games remaining against the Yankees. And the Yankees still have 4 more with the Rays. Who knows? Baseball is a funny game. The Yankees are a lowly 2-8 in their last 10.
The Sox have a day off today, then host Toronto & Baltimore for 6 at the Fens. Both AL East foes have played well of late.
Let's see what this week brings.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Big Papi Hits #30 in Win
David Ortiz had a big 3-run homer to help the Sox to a 9-5 win at Safeco Field. It marks the 6th season that Ortiz had reached the 30 homer mark.
Not a bad fete for a guy who started off so poorly. You have to wonder what the future holds for Big Papi. It's hard for any team to deal with an aging veteran, let alone someone like Ortiz who is such a big part of Red Sox history in 2004 & 2007.
Should be a very interesting off season.
Not a bad fete for a guy who started off so poorly. You have to wonder what the future holds for Big Papi. It's hard for any team to deal with an aging veteran, let alone someone like Ortiz who is such a big part of Red Sox history in 2004 & 2007.
Should be a very interesting off season.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Red Sox Win, Yankees Lose
Jon Lester picked up his 17th win last night. Ryan Kalish added a big 2-run homer as the Sox beat Seattle 5-1.
In the meantime, Tampa Bay beat the Yankees 1-0 in extras & the Yanks lose for the 4th consecutive time. Tampa Bay is now in first.
The Yankees have several games left with Tampa Bay & Boston. Wouldn't it be sweet if New York lost the division to the Rays & then got bumped out of the Wild Card by Boston or Chicago?
It could happen, but I believe in a lot of strange things.
In the meantime, Tampa Bay beat the Yankees 1-0 in extras & the Yanks lose for the 4th consecutive time. Tampa Bay is now in first.
The Yankees have several games left with Tampa Bay & Boston. Wouldn't it be sweet if New York lost the division to the Rays & then got bumped out of the Wild Card by Boston or Chicago?
It could happen, but I believe in a lot of strange things.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sox Avoid Sweep in Oakland
Josh Beckett got a win. Think of how few times we have said that this year. After issuing 4 walks in a row, Beckett settled down to win his 5th game of the season. A big pinch hit single by Ryan Kalish that scored 2 gave the Sox the lead in the 6th for good in a 5-3 victory.
The best part remaining to the 2010 season are the 6 games against the Yankees on the last 2 weekends in September. The Sox can help Tampa Bay take the division & have the Yankees start the playoffs on the road.
For now the Sox move up the coast to Seattle for 3. The Mariners started out the season as favorites in the AL West & that quickly fizzled. Most fans will catch a few innings of this meaningless series before bed every night. I know I will.
The best part remaining to the 2010 season are the 6 games against the Yankees on the last 2 weekends in September. The Sox can help Tampa Bay take the division & have the Yankees start the playoffs on the road.
For now the Sox move up the coast to Seattle for 3. The Mariners started out the season as favorites in the AL West & that quickly fizzled. Most fans will catch a few innings of this meaningless series before bed every night. I know I will.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sox Lose 2 On Left Coast
Clay Buchholz had a very short outing in game 1's 5-0 loss on Friday.
John Lackey had his usual late-inning meltdown in game 2's 4-3 loss on Saturday.
The Oakland A's have taken any remaining life out of the Red Sox this weekend. The remaining 4 games with the A's & Seattle are meaningless, as are the remaining 20 games of the 2010 season.
Most sports fans in New England will be turning on the Patriots today.
Our next hope for Red Sox excitement will be the off-season to see who stays & who goes. We've gotten spoiled with the Sox going to the playoffs every year, not to mention 2 World Series wins. Not this year...
John Lackey had his usual late-inning meltdown in game 2's 4-3 loss on Saturday.
The Oakland A's have taken any remaining life out of the Red Sox this weekend. The remaining 4 games with the A's & Seattle are meaningless, as are the remaining 20 games of the 2010 season.
Most sports fans in New England will be turning on the Patriots today.
Our next hope for Red Sox excitement will be the off-season to see who stays & who goes. We've gotten spoiled with the Sox going to the playoffs every year, not to mention 2 World Series wins. Not this year...
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sox Offer Victor Contract
Theo & Co. are turning the wheels of progress towards the 2011 team. A 2-year contract extension was offered to Victor Martinez this week. It was turned down by Martinez & his agent, but looked at as a positive sign that the Sox want Victor back. At 31 Victor is looking for more years, probably a minimum of 4.
My question: where does Victor fit on this team? Catcher? 1B? DH? Maybe all the above. His bat has come alive over the last 6 weeks with many key hits & long balls. Too bad we disdn't see that kind of offense all year. Was he hurt? We know about his finger & toe problems. Don't you expect a catcher to be dinged up all the time?
Victor is but one interesting piece to the many pieces that Theo has to deal with this off-season. Beltre & Ortiz are 2 more major contracts to deal with. Dice-K & Drew have 1-year deals left & could be moved. Lowell is definitely gone.
I hope they re-sign Victor. He is a middle-of-the-order switch hitter &, to me, that is his real value. He is also a tough guy that plays hurt. And he is versatile. Catching may not be his primary position going forward & that may be the sticking point, along with length of contract & money. At least there was an offer to start discussions going.
My question: where does Victor fit on this team? Catcher? 1B? DH? Maybe all the above. His bat has come alive over the last 6 weeks with many key hits & long balls. Too bad we disdn't see that kind of offense all year. Was he hurt? We know about his finger & toe problems. Don't you expect a catcher to be dinged up all the time?
Victor is but one interesting piece to the many pieces that Theo has to deal with this off-season. Beltre & Ortiz are 2 more major contracts to deal with. Dice-K & Drew have 1-year deals left & could be moved. Lowell is definitely gone.
I hope they re-sign Victor. He is a middle-of-the-order switch hitter &, to me, that is his real value. He is also a tough guy that plays hurt. And he is versatile. Catching may not be his primary position going forward & that may be the sticking point, along with length of contract & money. At least there was an offer to start discussions going.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
"A+" For Effort
Give the Sox players credit. They get an "A+" for effort in this series where they take 2 out of 3 from Tampa Bay. Had it not been for a stinko performance by Dice-K in the middle game, maybe they take all 3.
5 homers from the Sox offense paced the 11-5 win. Scutaro (2), Beltre, Ortiz & Martinez all hit bombs & chased Red Sox killer Matt Garza early. It's always fun to get back at a pitcher who usually has your number.
Tim Wakefield, in a spot start, gets a win & becomes the oldest Red Sox pitcher in history to win a game. I think he needs to lose the beard, though. At 44 it's not a good look as it makes him look as old as Abe Lincoln.
Youngsters Reddick, Kalish & Anderson all contributed in the field & at the plate. As Tito mentioned after the game, they do bring an enthusiasm & freshness to the lineup. Nice to see.
It's off to the west coast for 6 with Oakland & Seattle. Get a nap in, fans, to stay up for these games.
5 homers from the Sox offense paced the 11-5 win. Scutaro (2), Beltre, Ortiz & Martinez all hit bombs & chased Red Sox killer Matt Garza early. It's always fun to get back at a pitcher who usually has your number.
Tim Wakefield, in a spot start, gets a win & becomes the oldest Red Sox pitcher in history to win a game. I think he needs to lose the beard, though. At 44 it's not a good look as it makes him look as old as Abe Lincoln.
Youngsters Reddick, Kalish & Anderson all contributed in the field & at the plate. As Tito mentioned after the game, they do bring an enthusiasm & freshness to the lineup. Nice to see.
It's off to the west coast for 6 with Oakland & Seattle. Get a nap in, fans, to stay up for these games.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Rays Beat Up On Dice-K
8 runs, 8 hits, 4 walks in 4+ innings. That was the pitching line for Dice-K last night. The loss brings Red Sox Nation closer to the reality of no playoff berth in 2010.
A win in game 2 of this series would have left a faint glimmer of hope that a sweep of the Rays keeps the Sox playoffs chances alive. But a 14-5 pounding leaves no doubt that it's time to start thinking about 2011.
Next year is now.
A win in game 2 of this series would have left a faint glimmer of hope that a sweep of the Rays keeps the Sox playoffs chances alive. But a 14-5 pounding leaves no doubt that it's time to start thinking about 2011.
Next year is now.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Kids Win 12-5
Only 4 starters were on the field - Victor, Lester, Beltre & Drew. The rest were kids. Homers by Big Papi & Beltre gave the Sox a lead they would never lose. And Kalish added his 2nd grand slam to put the game out of reach.
It was nice to beat the Tampa Bay Rays badly in the opener of a 3-game series. Maybe a little payback by the Sox for the last series in Tampa. Price & Garza go in games 2 & 3, so we'll see how the rest of the series goes. The effort is still there, even if the firepower is lacking at times.
Last night Lars Anderson made his Major League debut. It seems like we have been talking about him for years, but Anderson is only turning 23. Just another young face in a long line of 20-somethings that have made their way to the big club in 2010 because of injuries.
It would be great to see the Sox out-hustle the Rays & take this series.
It was nice to beat the Tampa Bay Rays badly in the opener of a 3-game series. Maybe a little payback by the Sox for the last series in Tampa. Price & Garza go in games 2 & 3, so we'll see how the rest of the series goes. The effort is still there, even if the firepower is lacking at times.
Last night Lars Anderson made his Major League debut. It seems like we have been talking about him for years, but Anderson is only turning 23. Just another young face in a long line of 20-somethings that have made their way to the big club in 2010 because of injuries.
It would be great to see the Sox out-hustle the Rays & take this series.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Over & Out
Losing 3 to the Chicago White Sox at home was the knockout punch.
I feel like an emergency room doctor who comes out & says despite our best efforts, we were unable to save the team known as the 2010 Red Sox. The team was too far gone with fatal baseball injuries to Ellsbury, Cameron, Pedroia & Youkilis.
With 3 games tonight against the Rays & 6 more against the Yankees the Sox get to play a spoiler's role for 9 of their last 25. This team has just run out of gas, going 3-7 in their last 10 games. You can't make up ground that way.
I have a couple of suggestions for Tito with regards to Spring Training next year. One - give Beckett & Lester more innings so they are ready to pitch in April, not 6 weeks later. Two - work on pitchers fielding their positions more. How many balls have been thrown away by pitchers on pickoffs or throws to first base this year?
It's hard to rag on a team that fields a lineup of 5 out of 9 starters everyday & does their best to compete. Let's just enjoy the last 25 with no pressure & get ready for the fireworks to start in the off-season.
I feel like an emergency room doctor who comes out & says despite our best efforts, we were unable to save the team known as the 2010 Red Sox. The team was too far gone with fatal baseball injuries to Ellsbury, Cameron, Pedroia & Youkilis.
With 3 games tonight against the Rays & 6 more against the Yankees the Sox get to play a spoiler's role for 9 of their last 25. This team has just run out of gas, going 3-7 in their last 10 games. You can't make up ground that way.
I have a couple of suggestions for Tito with regards to Spring Training next year. One - give Beckett & Lester more innings so they are ready to pitch in April, not 6 weeks later. Two - work on pitchers fielding their positions more. How many balls have been thrown away by pitchers on pickoffs or throws to first base this year?
It's hard to rag on a team that fields a lineup of 5 out of 9 starters everyday & does their best to compete. Let's just enjoy the last 25 with no pressure & get ready for the fireworks to start in the off-season.
Friday, September 3, 2010
6 1/2 Behind Tampa Bay
We'll take a little positive news, even if it's a baby step.
The Sox win 6-4 in Baltimore, thanks to a good bullpen last night, & gain 1/2 game on idle Tampa Bay. The Yankees won to stay 8 games up on the Sox.
Yes, we do need a meltdown by one of leaders. But, as an example, I heard that the NL West leaders, the San Diego Padres, just lost 7 in a row. It can happen.
How about the year that Adrian Beltre is having? 25 HR's & 90+ RBI so far. Maybe all the owners should get together & offer only 1-year contracts so every year is a contract year. He has taken over for Youk, who we hardly mention anymore, as the most consistent offensive player on the team.
Dustin Pedroia may have season ending surgery today to repair his broken foot. It may be the best option to be sure he is ready for Spring Training next year. Still, it's bummer for all of Red Sox Nation.
The Manny show comes to town for the weekend. If the Sox can win the weekend series, it will make the 3-game set against Tampa next week a little more exciting. We can still make things interesting in the pennant race - at least for another week.
Hope everyone has a good holiday weekend.
The Sox win 6-4 in Baltimore, thanks to a good bullpen last night, & gain 1/2 game on idle Tampa Bay. The Yankees won to stay 8 games up on the Sox.
Yes, we do need a meltdown by one of leaders. But, as an example, I heard that the NL West leaders, the San Diego Padres, just lost 7 in a row. It can happen.
How about the year that Adrian Beltre is having? 25 HR's & 90+ RBI so far. Maybe all the owners should get together & offer only 1-year contracts so every year is a contract year. He has taken over for Youk, who we hardly mention anymore, as the most consistent offensive player on the team.
Dustin Pedroia may have season ending surgery today to repair his broken foot. It may be the best option to be sure he is ready for Spring Training next year. Still, it's bummer for all of Red Sox Nation.
The Manny show comes to town for the weekend. If the Sox can win the weekend series, it will make the 3-game set against Tampa next week a little more exciting. We can still make things interesting in the pennant race - at least for another week.
Hope everyone has a good holiday weekend.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sox Win 9-6, But Gain No Ground
It's time to scoreboard watch. Every time the Sox win in September we have to see what the Yankees & Rays have done. All 3 won last night, so the Sox gain no ground & another game is crossed off the season.
With only 29 games left it will take a bad week by one of the front-runners & a good week by the Sox to get back in the race. There are 3 games at home versus Tampa coming up next week. To say each game, including the finale in Baltimore tonight, is a "must" win is an understatement. By any measurement the Sox need about 22 wins out of these last 29 games to have any chance at a playoff birth.
Last night's comeback win was very entertaining. Jon Lester got roughed up early, then settled down to get the win. Marco Scutaro & Adrian Beltre had big home runs in the 6th. And even J.D. Drew hustled from first to home in the heat to give the Sox a lead. It's nice to see that the players still have enough pride to be giving a full effort. Well done!
Now let's get that effort & result about 22 more times in September...
With only 29 games left it will take a bad week by one of the front-runners & a good week by the Sox to get back in the race. There are 3 games at home versus Tampa coming up next week. To say each game, including the finale in Baltimore tonight, is a "must" win is an understatement. By any measurement the Sox need about 22 wins out of these last 29 games to have any chance at a playoff birth.
Last night's comeback win was very entertaining. Jon Lester got roughed up early, then settled down to get the win. Marco Scutaro & Adrian Beltre had big home runs in the 6th. And even J.D. Drew hustled from first to home in the heat to give the Sox a lead. It's nice to see that the players still have enough pride to be giving a full effort. Well done!
Now let's get that effort & result about 22 more times in September...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Manny Delcarmen Traded to Colorado
It was time for the Red Sox to cut bait with Manny Delcarmen. His 6 years of up & down performances finally ended yesterday as the Sox dealt Delcarmen to the Colorado Rockies for a minor league pitcher & cash.
A Boston native, Delcarmen was a 50/50 proposition any time he entered a game. He was good with electric stuff one day & walking batters around the park & giving up HR's the next. One never knew which Delcarmen would show up. Too many times it was Manny "Del-meatball" this year.
A change of scenery may do him well.
A Boston native, Delcarmen was a 50/50 proposition any time he entered a game. He was good with electric stuff one day & walking batters around the park & giving up HR's the next. One never knew which Delcarmen would show up. Too many times it was Manny "Del-meatball" this year.
A change of scenery may do him well.
Sox Lose Again, 5-2
The Red Sox have lost 3 in a row. Last night it was the Baltimore Orioles doing the honors 5-2, even though Josh Beckett pitched well enough to win. A big 2-run error by Marco Scutaro did in the Sox who could only muster a 2-run homer by Jed Lowrie.
As Mike Lowell said after the game, it's frustrating to lose on a night where one of the teams you are chasing - Tampa - also loses. Barring a turnaround that would border on the miraculous, September will see the Sox run out of time to qualify for a playoff spot.
Umpire Ed Rapuano had a big strike zone all night & made an especially generous called strike three on pinch-hitter Daniel Nava with 2 runners on base. But players need to adjust to an umpire's strike zone during the game. No excuses.
It's hard to rag on a team that has 4 starters out of the lineup on a regular basis. It does appear, though, that time is just going to run out on this team in September.
As Mike Lowell said after the game, it's frustrating to lose on a night where one of the teams you are chasing - Tampa - also loses. Barring a turnaround that would border on the miraculous, September will see the Sox run out of time to qualify for a playoff spot.
Umpire Ed Rapuano had a big strike zone all night & made an especially generous called strike three on pinch-hitter Daniel Nava with 2 runners on base. But players need to adjust to an umpire's strike zone during the game. No excuses.
It's hard to rag on a team that has 4 starters out of the lineup on a regular basis. It does appear, though, that time is just going to run out on this team in September.
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