The epic pitching matchups haven't really lived up to all the hype this postseason - close, but not totally there. But this is Tim Lincecum against Cliff Lee, and I think it'll be a dandy.
Yes, I said dandy.
Thread on!
27 October 2010
23 October 2010
MLB Playoffs Day 18: NLCS 6 - Giants at Philles, 7:50 PM
Edit: Game starts at 7:57 PM ET since the ALCS has finished.
***
Phillies Elimination Day, Take Two!
Game 6 worked out for the Rangers, but the Giants are on the road where they split the first two games of the NLCS.
It's a rematch of Game 2's matchup between Jonathon Sanchez and Roy Oswalt. The Phillies won 6-1. Pitching lines:
Sanchez: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Oswalt: 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Oswalt also pitched the bottom of the 9th inning in Game 4 (0.2-2-1-0-0), and lost the game for Philadelphia.
For today's game, I am predicting the Giants win 1-0 in 31 innings.
***
Phillies Elimination Day, Take Two!
Game 6 worked out for the Rangers, but the Giants are on the road where they split the first two games of the NLCS.
It's a rematch of Game 2's matchup between Jonathon Sanchez and Roy Oswalt. The Phillies won 6-1. Pitching lines:
Sanchez: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Oswalt: 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Oswalt also pitched the bottom of the 9th inning in Game 4 (0.2-2-1-0-0), and lost the game for Philadelphia.
For today's game, I am predicting the Giants win 1-0 in 31 innings.
22 October 2010
MLB Playoffs Day 17: ALCS 6 - Yankees at Rangers, 8 PM
Yankees Elimination Day, take two!
This time back in the Rangers' barn, it's a rematch of the Game 2 matchup of Phil Hughes and Colby Lewis. Here were their lines from G2 (Texas won 7-2):
Hughes got shelled, Lewis couldn't go deep into the game, so both bullpens saw significant action.
Since I was completely wrong about guessing last night's NLCS 5 was going to be a pitcher's duel for the ages, tonight I'm guessing the Rangers will score 38 runs and the Yankees will score 2.
This time back in the Rangers' barn, it's a rematch of the Game 2 matchup of Phil Hughes and Colby Lewis. Here were their lines from G2 (Texas won 7-2):
Hughes: 4 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Lewis: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Hughes got shelled, Lewis couldn't go deep into the game, so both bullpens saw significant action.
Since I was completely wrong about guessing last night's NLCS 5 was going to be a pitcher's duel for the ages, tonight I'm guessing the Rangers will score 38 runs and the Yankees will score 2.
21 October 2010
MLB Playoffs Day 16: NLCS 5 - Phillies Elimination Day? 7:50 PM
Will today be Elimination Day for the Philadelphia Phillies? Their backs are against the wall after the Giants won Game 5 on a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th by Aubrey Huff. Roy Oswalt volunteered to pitch the 9th on two days rest, with his next start coming on Saturday's Game 6, if there is a Game 6.
Tonight's game is a rematch of the highly anticipated matchup between the 2009 Cy Young, Tim Lincecum, and the favorite to win the award in 2010, Roy Halladay.
Neither pitcher was on his game in Game 1, with Lincecum slightly out-dueling Halladay:
With Halladay trying to prevent elimination for his team and Lincecum trying to pitch his team to the World Series, tonight should be the pitcher's duel we all expected in Game 1 - perhaps even better than expected
I think the final score to be 1-0, but who wins? I don't know.
***
Also: Boston Bruins home opener at 7:00 vs. Washington Capitals
Tonight's game is a rematch of the highly anticipated matchup between the 2009 Cy Young, Tim Lincecum, and the favorite to win the award in 2010, Roy Halladay.
Neither pitcher was on his game in Game 1, with Lincecum slightly out-dueling Halladay:
Lincecum: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Halladay: 7 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
With Halladay trying to prevent elimination for his team and Lincecum trying to pitch his team to the World Series, tonight should be the pitcher's duel we all expected in Game 1 - perhaps even better than expected
I think the final score to be 1-0, but who wins? I don't know.
***
Also: Boston Bruins home opener at 7:00 vs. Washington Capitals
20 October 2010
MLB Playoffs: Day 15 - ALCS 5 (4 PM) & NLCS 4 (7:50 PM)
It's an elimination game for the Yankees!!! C.J. vs. C.C.
They send Big CC on regular rest to try to right the ship, and to their credit their pitching is decent enough to get back into this series. CC, Hughes, and Pettitte, but so far all three have been out-pitched.
The Rangers send out C.J. "Cliff Lee, Jr." Wilson, who had little to do with the Ranger collapse, venturing into 8th inning, getting into some trouble and couldn't be bailed out by his bullpen.
Let's not forget the Yankees have been outscored in this series 22-5, and the only reason why they weren't swept was one bad inning by the Texas bullpen.
I'm not doing any celebrating until the final out is recorded. 2004 and 2007 reminded me of that, as did last May. Different sport, but similar idea of momentum and confidence: The Boston Bruins were leading the Philadelphia Flyers three games to none in the 2nd round of the playoffs, only to see the Flyers storm back and win the series.
...but I've got a good feeling about this evening. The action begins at 4:00 PM.
***
Game 4 of the NLCS is tonight and I have absolutely loved this series. The baseball has been entertaining, the pitching fantastic, and there's been a lot of respect on both sides and a lot of good characters. How about Cody Ross, eh? He's been RAKING in October. He's batting .348 this postseason with 4 dongs (3 in the NLCS) and a 1.336 OPS in the playoffs (1.990 in NLCS).
Cole Hamels was asked after the game what he does when a hitter is "hitting differently" (aka RAKING). Hamels said, "Hit him! Nah, I'm just kidding."
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said, "Matt Cain was too good. He didn't give us any runs!"
It'll be Joe Blanton for the Phillies and Madison Bumgarner tonight. Blanton didn't pitch in the LDS so he's had a ton of rest. Bumgarner pitched Game 4 of the LDS against Atlanta (6-6-2(2)-2-8).
Like in the first three games of the series, Game 4 is one giant toss-up. I don't think this series ends in 5 games.
First pitch at an incredibly accurate 7:57 PM ET.
They send Big CC on regular rest to try to right the ship, and to their credit their pitching is decent enough to get back into this series. CC, Hughes, and Pettitte, but so far all three have been out-pitched.
The Rangers send out C.J. "Cliff Lee, Jr." Wilson, who had little to do with the Ranger collapse, venturing into 8th inning, getting into some trouble and couldn't be bailed out by his bullpen.
Let's not forget the Yankees have been outscored in this series 22-5, and the only reason why they weren't swept was one bad inning by the Texas bullpen.
I'm not doing any celebrating until the final out is recorded. 2004 and 2007 reminded me of that, as did last May. Different sport, but similar idea of momentum and confidence: The Boston Bruins were leading the Philadelphia Flyers three games to none in the 2nd round of the playoffs, only to see the Flyers storm back and win the series.
...but I've got a good feeling about this evening. The action begins at 4:00 PM.
***
Game 4 of the NLCS is tonight and I have absolutely loved this series. The baseball has been entertaining, the pitching fantastic, and there's been a lot of respect on both sides and a lot of good characters. How about Cody Ross, eh? He's been RAKING in October. He's batting .348 this postseason with 4 dongs (3 in the NLCS) and a 1.336 OPS in the playoffs (1.990 in NLCS).
Cole Hamels was asked after the game what he does when a hitter is "hitting differently" (aka RAKING). Hamels said, "Hit him! Nah, I'm just kidding."
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said, "Matt Cain was too good. He didn't give us any runs!"
It'll be Joe Blanton for the Phillies and Madison Bumgarner tonight. Blanton didn't pitch in the LDS so he's had a ton of rest. Bumgarner pitched Game 4 of the LDS against Atlanta (6-6-2(2)-2-8).
Like in the first three games of the series, Game 4 is one giant toss-up. I don't think this series ends in 5 games.
First pitch at an incredibly accurate 7:57 PM ET.
19 October 2010
Tuesday, Oct. 18: Phillies @ Giants (day), Rangers @ MFY (night)
The Giants (Matt Cain starting) have gotten to Cole Hamels -- it's 2-0 after four.
16 October 2010
Saturday October 16 - Championship Serieses
4pm - MFY/TEX
Last night, Texas made a bid at outdueling Boston's bullpen for shittiest in the AL. This afternoon, it's Phil Hughes vs. Colby Lewis in Arlington.
7:30pm - SF/PHI
The first game will likely still be going on when this one gets underway, but MLB is stupid that way. This one's on FOX and I'll be drunk at the biggest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, but I'm sure I'll come home to a high scoring affair, as Tim Lincecum takes on Roy Halladay in this wickedly sweet pitching battle. Two great pitchers that aren't complete fist-pumping knob donglers like Joba.
(Just had to throw in a JtC dig there)
***
Unrelated but possible threading material, the Bruins are back in North America and taking on the cap-sensitive Devils in New Jersey at 7pm. Tim Thomas getting the start for the Bs.
And a whole bunch of other NHL games.
15 October 2010
12 October 2010
ALDS5: Fuckin' Rangers @ Fuckin' Rays
Blown call at 1B to bring in the 3rd Texas run courtesy of Wheelz Guerrero and more, inside.
***
RAYS LOSE!
MFY in TEX, Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 4. Total BS.
Giants in Philly, Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 8. Buck/McMoron.
11 October 2010
10 October 2010
MLB Playoffs - Day 5
We won't have to see the Yankees play for a few days.
Tampa Bay survived against Texas yesterday. Both will go with a fourth starter instead of pitching aces on short rest; that's Tommy Hunter (TEX) in Tampa versus Wade Davis at 1:07 EST.
In the infinitely more interesting National League, San Francisco will venture into the park of the best home team in the MLB this year. The Braves went 56-25 there, and have reserved ace Tim Hudson (2.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, .229 BA, 228.2 IP in 2010) for Game 3. The Giants counter with young loudmouth Jonanthan Sanchez (3.07 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, .204 BA, 193.1 IP), who started the division-clinching game last Sunday under the pressure of having predicted his team would do so. 4:37 EST.
Philadelphia will try to finish off the Reds (Hamels vs. Cueto) at 8:07 EST.
There is also football.
Tampa Bay survived against Texas yesterday. Both will go with a fourth starter instead of pitching aces on short rest; that's Tommy Hunter (TEX) in Tampa versus Wade Davis at 1:07 EST.
In the infinitely more interesting National League, San Francisco will venture into the park of the best home team in the MLB this year. The Braves went 56-25 there, and have reserved ace Tim Hudson (2.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, .229 BA, 228.2 IP in 2010) for Game 3. The Giants counter with young loudmouth Jonanthan Sanchez (3.07 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, .204 BA, 193.1 IP), who started the division-clinching game last Sunday under the pressure of having predicted his team would do so. 4:37 EST.
Philadelphia will try to finish off the Reds (Hamels vs. Cueto) at 8:07 EST.
There is also football.
09 October 2010
MLB Playoffs - Day 4 (AL only)
A "rivetting battle continues" as Australia and India's cricket teams continue to kick the shit out of each other. "As it has been through five previous days of rivetting cricket, the battle remains evenly poised at the end of Day 1 of the second Test," reports cricbuzz.com. "The end result was that after the first session, Australia were 95/0," -- a result most JoSers were able to predict even when they weren't particularly high.
"Watson...scored yet another half-century. Zaheer had bowled well, Sreesanth had been good but evidently was not at full rhythm after a long lay-off, while Harbhajan and Ojha had got prodigious turn, which would have given the Indians some hope, and some cause for worry at the thought of batting last on this pitch." Ish was unable to travel to the match and take pictures, but Allan was said to be scoring the game on a poster-sized piece of paper covered with something more than ten little charts.
In other, less interesting news, Texas (behind the starting pitching effort of young Colby Lewis) was leading Tampa (featuring Matt Garza, the subject of many fawning compliments by Joy of Sox posters) by a score of 1-0 after four innings.
Starting around 5:37 EST, a fuckin' bunch of non-union hard-ons will continue their push toward another World Series against a team that has a really nice new stadium and apparently not that much else going for them. That's Phil Hughes v. Brian Duensing.
"Watson...scored yet another half-century. Zaheer had bowled well, Sreesanth had been good but evidently was not at full rhythm after a long lay-off, while Harbhajan and Ojha had got prodigious turn, which would have given the Indians some hope, and some cause for worry at the thought of batting last on this pitch." Ish was unable to travel to the match and take pictures, but Allan was said to be scoring the game on a poster-sized piece of paper covered with something more than ten little charts.
In other, less interesting news, Texas (behind the starting pitching effort of young Colby Lewis) was leading Tampa (featuring Matt Garza, the subject of many fawning compliments by Joy of Sox posters) by a score of 1-0 after four innings.
Starting around 5:37 EST, a fuckin' bunch of non-union hard-ons will continue their push toward another World Series against a team that has a really nice new stadium and apparently not that much else going for them. That's Phil Hughes v. Brian Duensing.
08 October 2010
MLB Playoffs - Day 3 Gamethread
12:00p - Minnesota Wild vs. Carolina Hurricanes from Helsinki
3:00p - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks from Stockholm
6:00p - NLDS 2: Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies
Bronson Arroyo / Roy Oswalt
I wouldn't bet on "Little Roy" topping or equaling the no-hitter by Roy Halladay, but Oswalt is a #2 pitcher only on this team, and an ace most anywhere else. Bronson Arroyo will have his hands full with the Phillies lineup in a virtual must-win for Cincinnati. You can't expect to ever beat Halladay, and if they lose this game, go down 0-2, then come back, they'd have to face him in Game 5, most likely.
9:30p - NLDS 2: Atlanta Braves @ San Francisco Giants
Tommy Hanson / Matt Cain
What a pitcher's duel last night, eh? That's what you'd think with a 1-0 result, but Tim Linecum had it (9-2-0-0-1-14, 119), and Derek Lowe kinda sorta not really had it (5.1-4-1-1-4-6, 96), and was lucky to only give up one run. Atlanta's bullpen was excellent, giving up just one hit between the four relievers who pitched the final 2.2 innings.
3:00p - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks from Stockholm
6:00p - NLDS 2: Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies
Bronson Arroyo / Roy Oswalt
I wouldn't bet on "Little Roy" topping or equaling the no-hitter by Roy Halladay, but Oswalt is a #2 pitcher only on this team, and an ace most anywhere else. Bronson Arroyo will have his hands full with the Phillies lineup in a virtual must-win for Cincinnati. You can't expect to ever beat Halladay, and if they lose this game, go down 0-2, then come back, they'd have to face him in Game 5, most likely.
9:30p - NLDS 2: Atlanta Braves @ San Francisco Giants
Tommy Hanson / Matt Cain
What a pitcher's duel last night, eh? That's what you'd think with a 1-0 result, but Tim Linecum had it (9-2-0-0-1-14, 119), and Derek Lowe kinda sorta not really had it (5.1-4-1-1-4-6, 96), and was lucky to only give up one run. Atlanta's bullpen was excellent, giving up just one hit between the four relievers who pitched the final 2.2 innings.
07 October 2010
ALDS2: Yankees @ Twins, 6 PM
Andy "Tucan" Pettitte / Carl "Mustache Ride" Pavano
The Twins are looking to TIE THIS ONE UP. Like seriously, do it. These two pitchers are wildcards and question marks in this series. Is Tucan healthy? Can Pavano out-smart the Yankee lineup? Needless to say, this is a big one for the Twinkies.
The Twins are looking to TIE THIS ONE UP. Like seriously, do it. These two pitchers are wildcards and question marks in this series. Is Tucan healthy? Can Pavano out-smart the Yankee lineup? Needless to say, this is a big one for the Twinkies.
ALDS2: Rangers @ Rays, 2:30 pm
C.J. Wilson / "Big Game" James Shields
Texas goes for the 2-0 chokehold this afternoon at the juice box, trying to win their first ever playoff series. Rocco Baldelli has been removed from the Rays roster and replaced with Willy Aybar.
Thread will be open and ready for action at 2:30!
Texas goes for the 2-0 chokehold this afternoon at the juice box, trying to win their first ever playoff series. Rocco Baldelli has been removed from the Rays roster and replaced with Willy Aybar.
Thread will be open and ready for action at 2:30!
08 September 2010
Game 140 • Rays at Red Sox • 7 PM
What do you mean, "If there is a thread"? Of course there is a thread!
FKR: Matt Garza and the Spitwads
BOS: Tim Wakefield and the Knuckleballs
FKR: Matt Garza and the Spitwads
BOS: Tim Wakefield and the Knuckleballs
21 August 2010
Blue Jays vs. Red Sox - 7 PM
Can we PLEEEEEEASE not get killed tonight like last night??? Thread on!
05 August 2010
04 August 2010
Game 108: Ellsbury to the Bridge!
Daniel Nava is going back down, and LBJ will be up, leading off, playing center field, and staying clear of Adrian Beltre (so will the Cleveland pitching staff).
With Lowell's dramatic first-pitch home run in his first at bat in the majors since June 22, the hope dashed by Youkilis's injury seemed to return. I haven't seen any word on whether MLB will levy fines for the mob scene that took place after Beltre took a pitch well east of his ass yesterday. But it's always great when your coaching staff gets angry enough to be right in the mix when the benches clear.
Last time we faced old friend Justin Masterson, he had one of his occasional very good games. This time will be different, I suspect.
With Lowell's dramatic first-pitch home run in his first at bat in the majors since June 22, the hope dashed by Youkilis's injury seemed to return. I haven't seen any word on whether MLB will levy fines for the mob scene that took place after Beltre took a pitch well east of his ass yesterday. But it's always great when your coaching staff gets angry enough to be right in the mix when the benches clear.
Last time we faced old friend Justin Masterson, he had one of his occasional very good games. This time will be different, I suspect.
RED SOX (61-46)
Ellsbury CF
Scutaro SS
Ortiz DH
Martinez 1B
Drew RF
Beltre 3B
Kalish LF
Lowrie 2B
Cash C
Pitching: LHP Jon Lester (11-6, 3.05)
INDIANS (45-62)
Donald 2B
Cabrera SS
Choo RF
Duncan LF
Nix DH
Marte 3B
Crowe SS
Marson C
Pitching: RHP Justin Masterson (3-10, 5.55)
03 August 2010
Game 107: Mike Lowell goes Bridge!
I don't know if I'd call it an emergency call up, but our embattled, beloved, beleaguered 2007 WS MVP has returned. The news that Youkilis is going to the DL just arrived, and surprised fans who read yesterday's thumb injury didn't look too bad. So Mikey Lowell it is -- starting at first base.
It appears Carlos Santana's knee injury isn't as bad as it looked yesterday when he blocked the plate, tagged Kalish out, and his knee bent back the wrong way. In what ended up being a one-run game, the young man really took one for the team. Here's hoping his career won't be significantly affected.
Is it too much to ask for an easy win against a not-so-hot pitcher, against a poor team, at home? We're going to play 56 more games regardless, so let's begin with a win.
RED SOX (60-46)
Scutaro SS
McDonald CF
Martinez C
Ortiz DH
Beltre 3B
Lowell 1B
Lowrie 2B
Hall LF
Kalish RF
Pitching: RHP Josh Beckett (2-1, 6.33)
INDIANS (45-61)
Crowe CF
Cabrera SS
Choo RF
Duncan LF
Brown DH
LaPorta 1B
Valbuena 2B
Nix 3B
Marson C
Pitching: LHP David Huff (2-9, 6.04)
02 August 2010
Game 106: First of Four vs. Cleveland, 7:10 EST
Nava is coming back up, according to Extra Bases, presumably because Cameron's going on the DL.
RED SOX (60-45)
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Martinez 1B
Beltre 3B
Kalish LF
Hall 2B
Patterson CF
Pitching: RHP John Lackey (10-5, 4.26)
INDIANS (44-61)
Crowe CF
Cabrera SS
Choo RF
Santana C
LaPorta 1B
Brown DH
Duncan LF
Nix 3B
Donald 2B
Pitching: RHP Fausto Carmona (10-8, 3.92)
01 August 2010
Game 105
I'm sorry people weren't able to post yesterday. I left the option on to be able to do so, and yet you weren't, and I don't know why. Please try again today.
Yesterday's game was pretty exciting, and the Yankees Reloaded managed to beat the Rays to stay 2 games up. We're 5.5 out of the wild card.
I don't know how much Sox fans are going to miss Ramon Ramirez. Maybe he can help out here in San Francsico.
Yesterday's game was pretty exciting, and the Yankees Reloaded managed to beat the Rays to stay 2 games up. We're 5.5 out of the wild card.
I don't know how much Sox fans are going to miss Ramon Ramirez. Maybe he can help out here in San Francsico.
RED SOX (59-45)
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Martinez C
Beltre 3B
Kalish LF
Lowrie 2B
McDonald CF
Pitching: RHP Clay Buchholz (11-5, 2.71)
TIGERS (52-51)
Jackson CF
Rhymes 2B
Raburn LF
Cabrera 1B
Boesch RF
Peralta 3B
Frazier DH
Avila C
Santiago SS
Pitching: RHP Justin Verlander (12-5, 3.76)
31 July 2010
No More Grand Slams in Vain
The Rays beat the Yanks 3-2 while we suffered another "tough loss". Is this the point at which we start rooting for the Yankees to falter? For their new acquisitions to weigh them down? For the Rays to roar past them so we can just perhaps steal the wild card?
Speaking of new acquisitions, apparently you can add Kerry Wood to the list of those who have gone to the Yankees along with Berkman and Kearns. We're sending down Hermida and bringing up Richardson and OF Kalish, so the lineup given below is going to shift. Abraham thinks it's possible these moves indicate some kind of trade happening for the Sox, but it may just be that "these are our deadline acquisitions -- from the minors and eventually from the DL!"
If nothing happens today for the Sox, deals can still be done in August. No reason to panic. No reason to panic if we don't make the postseason either. But I'd much rather play into October -- wouldn't you?
Stranger things have happened.
Speaking of new acquisitions, apparently you can add Kerry Wood to the list of those who have gone to the Yankees along with Berkman and Kearns. We're sending down Hermida and bringing up Richardson and OF Kalish, so the lineup given below is going to shift. Abraham thinks it's possible these moves indicate some kind of trade happening for the Sox, but it may just be that "these are our deadline acquisitions -- from the minors and eventually from the DL!"
If nothing happens today for the Sox, deals can still be done in August. No reason to panic. No reason to panic if we don't make the postseason either. But I'd much rather play into October -- wouldn't you?
Stranger things have happened.
RED SOX (58-45)
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Martinez C
Beltre 3B
Hall 2B
Hermida LF
McDonald CF
Pitching: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (7-3, 4.09)
TIGERS (52-50)
Jackson CF
Rhymes 2B
Boesch RF
Cabrera 1B
Peralta 3B
Kelly LF
Frazier DH
Laird C
Santiago SS
Pitching: RHP Max Scherzer (7-8, 4.45)
30 July 2010
28 July 2010
Channeling My Inner RedSock
Maybe it's the prospect of meeting Allan for the first time later today, but reading Peter Abraham's Extra Bases stuff today is sending me into a minor rant.
Abraham seems like a smart guy, consistent in his approach. I have read a lot of his stuff on EB, including chats. He's sometimes criticized for taking a condescending tone toward fans who panic too easily, propose unreasonable trades, or speculate about next season before this one is over. I've been OK with that tone for the most part.
But yesterday he pissed me off. Before the game, he dedicated a post to Drew's coming out of the lineup, writing, "J.D. Drew has added to his MLB record of most times scratched from the lineup because of a hamstring strain."
I suppose he's trying to be a bit funny, and I suppose he's referring to the fact when Drew misses games, he often is scratched at the last moment. But as RS has pointed out, Drew's right up there in terms of games started for the year. Why should Abraham, whose calling card is skewering boneheaded fan notions, encourage the notion of Drew as fragile? Many the Sox fans in the Oakland stands last week were loudly calling him "Nancy". It's probably too late -- the label's not going away.
Having said all that, DJ is not in the lineup for today's game (12:35 PST / 3:35 EST).
Abraham seems like a smart guy, consistent in his approach. I have read a lot of his stuff on EB, including chats. He's sometimes criticized for taking a condescending tone toward fans who panic too easily, propose unreasonable trades, or speculate about next season before this one is over. I've been OK with that tone for the most part.
But yesterday he pissed me off. Before the game, he dedicated a post to Drew's coming out of the lineup, writing, "J.D. Drew has added to his MLB record of most times scratched from the lineup because of a hamstring strain."
I suppose he's trying to be a bit funny, and I suppose he's referring to the fact when Drew misses games, he often is scratched at the last moment. But as RS has pointed out, Drew's right up there in terms of games started for the year. Why should Abraham, whose calling card is skewering boneheaded fan notions, encourage the notion of Drew as fragile? Many the Sox fans in the Oakland stands last week were loudly calling him "Nancy". It's probably too late -- the label's not going away.
Having said all that, DJ is not in the lineup for today's game (12:35 PST / 3:35 EST).
RED SOX (57-44)
Scutaro SS
McDonald RF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Martinez C
Beltre 3B
Hermida LF
Hall 2B
Patterson CF
Pitching: RHP Josh Beckett (1-1, 6.66)
ANGELS (52-51)
Aybar SS
Izturis DH
Callaspo 3B
Abreu RF
Matsui LF
Kendrick 2B
Napoli 1B
Wilson C
Willits CF
Pitching: RHP Joel Pineiro (10-7, 4.18)
In other news, Edes has a good article on Okajima's social and language issues, and Sons of Sam Horn a good discussion on the same.27 July 2010
The Return of Big John
John Lackey has been healthy but unspectacular as a Red Sox (9-5, 4.36, 1.51 WHIP). His recent couple of strong starts have inspired hope that down the stretch he'll be a credit to the rotation. The career numbers (3.86 ERA / 1.32 WHIP) he earned as an Angel are closer to what Boston fans would like to see.
For those who tend to mix up the Weaver brothers, Jered is the better one. He's 9-6, 3.22, 1.09 in 2010.
RS and L-girl are traveling. I'll see them tomorrow.
LBJ was 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Fort Meyers today.
For those who tend to mix up the Weaver brothers, Jered is the better one. He's 9-6, 3.22, 1.09 in 2010.
RS and L-girl are traveling. I'll see them tomorrow.
LBJ was 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Fort Meyers today.
RED SOX (56-44)
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Martinez C
Beltre 3B
Lowrie 2B
Cameron CF
Hermida LF
Pitching: RHP John Lackey (9-5, 4.36)
ANGELS (52-50)
Izturis SS
Callaspo 3B
Abreu RF
Hunter CF
Matsui DH
Napoli 1B
Kendrick 2B
Rivera LF
Mathis C
Pitching: RHP Jered Weaver (9-6, 3.22)
26 July 2010
Playin' with the Angels
Buchholz vs. Pinero
Attention, shoppers: VMart is back in the lineup. But as the Rays and Yanks continue to play well, is a West Coast trip full of its share of miscues going to derail us altogether? The question will be answered the way they always are in baseball: game by game.
East coasters may be looking forward to the end of baseball after midnight. As a West coaster, I feel like 7:00 is the perfect time for games to end, not to begin. But we're in Orange County regardless, playin' with the Angels.
Attention, shoppers: VMart is back in the lineup. But as the Rays and Yanks continue to play well, is a West Coast trip full of its share of miscues going to derail us altogether? The question will be answered the way they always are in baseball: game by game.
East coasters may be looking forward to the end of baseball after midnight. As a West coaster, I feel like 7:00 is the perfect time for games to end, not to begin. But we're in Orange County regardless, playin' with the Angels.
04 June 2010
Sox @ Baltimore: Revenge on the Birds
Boston 11 - Baltimore 0
Buchholz threw a 5-hit complete-game shutout, and Scutaro, Beltre, and Youkilis hit homers. There was never much doubt about this one.
Buchholz threw a 5-hit complete-game shutout, and Scutaro, Beltre, and Youkilis hit homers. There was never much doubt about this one.
Failure to dominate bad teams, including the dreadful sweep we suffered from Baltimore a month ago, has cast a shadow on our record so far in 2010. To move firmly out of our tie with Toronto, we need to do well in this series. And let the Jays (Cecil 5-2, 3.81 ERA, 109 ERA+) and Yanks ("Butt-head" Burnett 6-2, 3.28 ERA, 124 ERA+) beat up on each other tonight.
According to Extra Bases, Francona commiserated with Dave Trembley before the game. The Orioles' manager was fired this morning, and Terry knows what that's like. 3B coach Juan Samuel takes over; maybe ours should have.
We will continue to operate with a makeshift outfield. With Hall, Hermida (and McDonald) showing signs of life at the plate, that's not such a bad thing; maybe Hermida is more comfortable in left for away games. Apparently, Cameron's available to pinch hit.
RED SOX (31-24)
Marco Scutaro SS
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Victor Martinez C
J.D. Drew RF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jeremy Hermida LF
Bill Hall CF
Pitching: RHP Clay Buchholz (7-3, 2.73).
ORIOLES (15-39)
Corey Patterson LF
Miguel Tejada 3B
Nick Markakis RF
Ty Wigginton 1B
Luke Scott DH
Matt Wieters C
Adam Jones CF
Scott Moore 2B
Cesar Izturis SS
Pitching: RHP Chris Tillman (0-0, 3.18).
Buchholz is looking great lately, and of course Baltimore was the victim of his 2007 no-hitter...but we know that's not much of a factor.
26 April 2010
Get Thee Behind Us: Red Sox at Blue Jays, 7:07pm EST
Oatmeal from Extra Bases:
RED SOX (8-11)
It'd be a bit daunting to know back on Opening Day that we'd be fielding this kind of lineup in April -- not to mention that Beckett's not the only starter with an ERA above 5 (Lester, Lackey, and Wakefield are flying high as well.)
There's no doubt we'll recover, but enough to compete with the MFY and Tampa?
First things first. A sweep will put the Jays behind us, and us in third place.
RED SOX (8-11)
Scutaro SS
Pedroia 2B
Youkilis 1B
Lowell DH
Drew RF
Varitek C
Beltre 3B
Hall LF
McDonald CF
Pitching: RHP Josh Beckett (1-0, 5.26)
BLUE JAYS (10-9)
Lewis LF
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Gonzalez SS
Bautista 3B
Buck C
Snider RF
Pitching: LHP Dana Eveland (2-0, 1.93)
It'd be a bit daunting to know back on Opening Day that we'd be fielding this kind of lineup in April -- not to mention that Beckett's not the only starter with an ERA above 5 (Lester, Lackey, and Wakefield are flying high as well.)
There's no doubt we'll recover, but enough to compete with the MFY and Tampa?
First things first. A sweep will put the Jays behind us, and us in third place.
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