Boston Red Sox - 2005 Season

[Wannabe Actuary]

That created a huge stir among a lot of Red Sox fans when they created that card. I think it's mostly because they used the term Red Sox Nation. All of us in Red Sox Nation are already part of the nation, we shouldn't have to pay money to get an ID card that says we're "official members". If they called it something else, they would have offended a lot less Red Sox fans, and probably would've gotten a lot more people to join, as I think a lot of fans (myself included) refuse to pay on principle.

By the way, let your wife know that there are Republican Red Sox fans out there (maybe I should start the Republican Red Sox Nation?)

1. Not the wife, just the g/f
2. One change wasn't a result of the other, merely an extension of forming her own opinions.
3. I have noticed a strong correlation growing up in CT and seeing many Sox and Yankee fans that MOST Republicans were Yankee fans and MOST Democrats were Red Sox fans.

[Wannabe Actuary]

When she stops believing in fairy tales.
:oyh:

[Libertarian Man]

When she stops believing in fairy tales.Knock that off, AM! No one invited you into this conversation.

Sorry about him, folks. He gets awful lonely sometimes.

[GefilteFish144]

By the way, let your wife know that there are Republican Red Sox fans out there (maybe I should start the Republican Red Sox Nation?)

I figured Sox fans would be Republicans in general, since the Yankees tend to do better with Democrats in the White House....

[Wannabe Actuary]

Is she still nuts or has she grown out of that?
Once she got by her nursing boards, and out of her house, it's all gone. Talk about your family pressure and a life situation putting a hurt on your life...

[Wannabe Actuary]

Libertarian Man,
Was the PM I sent what you were actually thinking?

[Wannabe Actuary]

sure, LM posts here and google ads put out....

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Help Spread the Libertarian Message Quality DVD's, Tapes Education/home
www.libalt.gemm.com

[Libertarian Man]

Libertarian Man,
Was the PM I sent what you were actually thinking?No. It's natural for a young person to flee the Republican party when they realize they have no soul. But running to the Democrats isn't any better, because they have no soul and no brain. Pretty soon she'll come around and join the cool people in the LP.

[Wannabe Actuary]

No. It's natural for a young person to flee the Republican party when they realize they have no soul. But running to the Democrats isn't any better, because they have no soul and no brain. Pretty soon she'll come around and join the cool people in the LP.Gotcha.

Well, like I said, she's more Democrat than Republican now, but like myself, she's not a straighy party-line voter. We vote based on the people and their stances on issues.

Forget this shiznit...it belongs in political.

Anyway, we're getting the MLB package next year so we can both follow the Red Sox...

[Libertarian Man]

sure, LM posts here and google ads put out....

Get Libertarians on TV (http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa=l&ai=Bo6lvZLQVQ9_hJoyMFKvtlMUD39quC9_b77EBwI23AfD9OR ABGAMgjaypAygDSIw5UPT07575_____wGyARh3d3cuYWN0dWFy aWFsb3V0cG9zdC5jb226AQk3Mjh4OTBfYXPIAQHgAQM&num=3&adurl=http://www.libalt.gemm.com&client=ca-pub-3487938833841309)
Help Spread the Libertarian Message Quality DVD's, Tapes Education/home
www.libalt.gemm.comI've never been on TV. I qualified as a contestant to be on the game show Greed, but it was cancelled before I got my chance to win $2 million.

[IAm@Work.com]

...I have noticed a strong correlation growing up in CT and seeing many Sox and Yankee fans that MOST Republicans were Yankee fans and MOST Democrats were Red Sox fans.
One of the local radio guys in Hartford has a theory that the Red Sox/Yankees split in CT is the same as the Tory/Revolutinary split back in the 18th century. You are probably seeing the rich Republican areas like Greenwich and Stamford leaning toward the Tory/Yankee side and the Democratic Hartford area leaning Revolutinary/Red Sox.

Sorry for all of you who live either too close to NYC or too close to Boston that cannot understand what it is like to live in an area where the fan split is 50/50. It's loads more fun.

BTW: Saw a new (to me anyway) T-shirt at the game Sunday. "Real women don't date Yankee fans."

[Wannabe Actuary]

One of the local radio guys in Hartford has a theory that the Red Sox/Yankees split in CT is the same as the Tory/Revolutinary split back in the 18th century. You are probably seeing the rich Republican areas like Greenwich and Stamford leaning toward the Tory/Yankee side and the Democratic Hartford area leaning Revolutinary/Red Sox.

Sorry for all of you who live either too close to NYC or too close to Boston that cannot understand what it is like to live in an area where the fan split is 50/50. It's loads more fun.

BTW: Saw a new (to me anyway) T-shirt at the game Sunday. "Real women don't date Yankee fans."
I'll have to get that shirt for the woman....

That's not exactly right. Regardless of region I saw the richer republican's like the yankees...and everyone else (the ones with brains) like the Red Sox.

I was near New Haven growing up, and went to UConn.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Latest rumor says that Sox have their eyes on Trachsel. Any chance of getting him?

The Red Sox' efforts to acquire pitcher Steve Trachsel from the New York Mets appeared to die yesterday. According to sources, Mets general manager Omar Minaya, who was involved with discussions with the Sox Monday night, had second thoughts and decided against trading the veteran right-hander.
-- Boston Herald

Steve Trachsel has been scheduled for another simulated start tomorrow, but otherwise, he couldn't shed any new light on his predicament. The 34-year-old righty said he was unaware, and therefore unprepared, to comment on trade reports. At the same time, Trachsel reiterated that he wants to stay in New York.
-- New York Post

[Wannabe Actuary]

if Red Sox fans can do me the favor of supporting :oyh: in the emoticon challenge, that would be great...

here is the link (http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=61985)

[Jables]

if Red Sox fans can do me the favor of supporting :oyh: in the emoticon challenge, that would be great...

here is the link (http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=61985)

Sorry, I didn't see it in time...already voted. Plus, carrot's my main man.. sorry!

[Pseudolus]

Sorry, I didn't see it in time...already voted. Plus, carrot's my alternate ID.. sorry!IFYQ.

[Jables]

IFYQ.

:oyh:

[Jables]

In former Sox news, Derek Lowe had a no-hitter for most of the complete game shutout that he threw today. Unfortunately, the no-hit bid was broken up in the 1st inning... :lol:

[Jables]

Sign me up for the Millarmy! :tup:

:wav:

[Triangle Man]

No lead is safe! (Unfortunately, that goes both ways.)

[r. mutt]

Pitching? We don't need no steenking pitching!

[Wannabe Actuary]

another home game, another 7+ runs...isn't that like 13 straight now...some sort of record?

I know they said the Red Sox were the first team to have it in 12 games since some team in 1895 or something like that

[r. mutt]

Sign me up for the Millarmy! :tup:

:wav:

Millar after the game, talking to Trupiano: "Yeah, well, I'm just trying to put more weight on my front foot and anticipate the ball, I'd been putting my weight on my back foot before and couldn't keep up with the pitches."

:lol: Yeah, yeah, open your stance, close your stance, whatever...as long as you're hitting, it's all good!

[Jables]

Afterthought from yesterday... when Millar finally got his first homer of the season about a month ago, he then homered the day after as well, and said they must come in bunches... Another month goes by homerless, and then he hits two yesterday :)

:bump:

Cowbunch up!

[Jables]

I had to laugh at the EEI announcers the other day. 'Mirabelli has deceptive speed ... he's slower than he looks.'
Deceptive is right!

5th inning of today's game

- K. Millar flied out to deep left
- A. Cora homered to deep right
- D. Mirabelli singled to shortstop
- A. Stern struck out looking
- D. Mirabelli stole second
- J. Damon struck out swinging

:bump:

Again! 2 on the year! Career-high!

[Ray Finkle]

:bump:

Again! 2 on the year! Career-high!

You can't stop him . . . you can only hope to contain him.

[RedSoxFan]

The Sox started a four game home series against the Rays with a 10-6 victory. They were actually up 10-2 after 7 innings but Alvarez allowed 4 runs in 1.1 innings, needed Timlin to rescue him in the end. Clement even came back after a 90 minute rain delay in the middle of the 2nd and ended up giving up just 1 run in 5 innings, on 3 hits and 2 walks. Papi hit two solo homers and earned POG, though Olerud also shined, going 3/4. Damon led off the game with a homer: the first home run in the first at-bat for the Red Sox since Damon hit one to start game 4 of the World Series last year. Damon left the game late after getting hit on the hand with a pitch during a swing. An interesting play in the 4th deserves mention. With one out in the fourth, Carl Crawford at first took off with the pitch. Cantu made contact, but Crawford didn't look back: Renteria and Cora made double-play motions even though the ball was on its way in the air to Nixon in right. Crawford didn't realize it was actually a fly until too late: he scurried back to first, but was doubled off just in time.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the Sox won nearly identical games: in both the Sox gave up 5 runs early on, but gradually battled back and ended up winning 7-6. On Tuesday Curt gave up 5 runs in the first two innings, giving up 7 hits, all but two of them for either a double or a triple. The next four runs, however, he gave up just two hits and no walks, and no runs. The Sox had already started the comeback: Renteria knocked in two runs with a double in the 3rd, and Nixon and Mueller both hit sacrifices in the 4th, as the Sox finally scored against Kazmir, against whom they have struggled this year and last. Bradford allowed a run inherited from Myers to score in the 7th, but in the 8th, the Sox tied it with another Mueller sacrifice, and an Olerud single. Timlin pitched the 9th 1-2-3, and in the bottom of the 9th, after Renteria struck out, Ortiz walked, Manny singled, and Varitek walked to load the bases. Damon flied out, but not deep enough to score Ortiz from third (and you must wonder why Ortiz wasn't replaced by a pinch runner when all we needed was a sacrifice to win), but Nixon followed with a single that scored Papi easily. Nixon finished 2/5, as did Ramirez, and Kapler went 2/3 before being pinch-hit for by Olerud. Delcarmen gave up a coule hits in the 8th but no runs: he was sent down the next day so that Youkilis would have eligibility for the playoff roster.

In yesterday's game Wakey gave up 5 runs in 3 innings on 3 homers, but after a walk with two outs in the 3rd, he proceeded to get the next 16 batters out in a row, leaving only the 9th for Timlin, who allowed one hit and one run, but no more, and the 7-6 margin became final. Millar hit one homer in the 2nd to tie it at 1, and Mirabelli homered to lead off the 4th to inch another run closer. The Sox put Mueller and Kapler on third and first right after, and a couple sacrifices later, it was only 5-4. Ortiz hit a homer in the 5th to tie it, and Millar hit his second homer in the game in the 7th to put the Sox up 7-5. Millar now has seven on the season, with four coming in two games. He earned POG, despite Mirabelli going 2/2 with 2 walks and a stolen base (he took off even before the pitcher threw his pitch: the pitcher, still holding the ball, did not realize he took off until Mirabelli was almost to the base). It was his second stolen base of the season, a career high.

Foulke is expected to return to the club tonight as the Sox go for the 4-game sweep of the Rays. The Sox are 2.5 games in front right now.

[Wannabe Actuary]

nice, Arroyo gets out of a bases loaded jam...still down 4-2 though

[Wannabe Actuary]

John O. with a 2run HR and a 3run HR

POG baby...do I hear another 7 runs?

[Wannabe Actuary]

7 runs....that's 14 games straight...

look out 1895 Phils and 19 straight home games of 7+ runs

[Wannabe Actuary]

alright, Sox win, Yanks lose...a good night

[Jables]

:wav:


Let's hope we can keep rolling with DiNardo. :lol:

[Hagbard Celine]

Did I miss something re: either Mirabelli or Varitek?

I read a piece in the Globe today, that was written yesterday. It said the Sox wanted to call up Shoppach (C), but he got injured and will be out 4-10 days. The Sox "Won't call up another catcher in the meantime." Now, is this just due to the roster increases as of Sept. 1 and they want a 3rd catcher, or did one of our guys go down injured?

[Jables]

I think they just wanted a 3rd catcher, possibly to rest Varitek, but I also heard it mentioned just have another catcher to work in the bullpen with the extra pitchers being brought up.

[Jables]

Ugh, 4 hits ain't gonna cut it...

[Jables]

Sign me up for the Millarmy! :tup:

:wav:

:bump:

[Jables]

I was terrified tonight that Timlin was gonna cough up a balowney savewich... :tfh:

[Triangle Man]

I was terrified tonight that Timlin was gonna cough up a balowney savewich... :tfh:Wouldn't have been Timlin's fault.

[Jables]

Wouldn't have been Timlin's fault.

True dat... Renteria didn't help things! :lol:

[Pseudolus]

Ole! Rood! Ole! Rood! Ole! Rood! Ole! Rood!

[Jables]

Remy will sell anything!

http://www.theremyreport.com/images/merchandise/SmellTShirt.jpg

[Triangle Man]

Don't look now, but they're now closer to catching the White Sox for best record in the AL as the Yankees are to catching them for the division.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Schillings care for family from New Orleans
September 6, 2005

BOSTON (AP) -- Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4267/) and wife Shonda paid to fly a New Orleans family of nine to Boston and pledged to provide them with housing for a year.

The Fields family, with seven children between the ages of 5 and 12, fled New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina struck. They spent the past week at an Atlanta hotel with the help of a charitable organization.

``When we realized how many people had nowhere to go, we didn't just want to make a donation,'' Shonda Schilling told The Boston Globe. ``We decided we wanted to bring an entire family here and put them up.''

The families connected through a Web site, openyourhome.com, which matches displaced families with people willing to house them. The Schillings registered Friday and on Saturday anonymously arranged for the family to fly to Boston.

``He said, 'I would like to help you,''' Efrem Fields, 31, told The Globe in a phone interview from his hotel. ``He didn't say who he was.'' Fields and his wife, Shelita, 28, and their kids met the Schillings at the hotel. Fields said his new friend looked familiar. ``I said 'Wait a second, I know this guy,''' said Fields, a baseball fan. ``Schilling ... Schilling, there's only one Schilling I know, and he's a baseball player. It blew my mind.''
...

[Mike and Maddog]

Don't look now, but they're now closer to catching the White Sox for best record in the AL as the Yankees are to catching them for the division.


Not anymore

[Mike and Maddog]

Schilling shelled: It's gone from excusable "just getting back into starting" anomaly to his regular MO. Playoff stopper? Hardly.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/quickie

[Wannabe Actuary]

hey Mike and the Maddog...how many days have the Yanks been in second place now?

[yankeetripper]

hey Mike and the Maddog...how many days have the Yanks been in second place now?

I guess this will only be a relavent question on October 2.

BTW, how many consectutive years have the Red Sox finished in second place?

[Wannabe Actuary]

I guess this will only be a relavent question on October 2.

BTW, how many consectutive years have the Red Sox finished in second place?7...who has more championships since the turn of the century?

[yankeetripper]

7...who has more championships since the turn of the century?

Wait...give me a minute...it will come to me...give me a hint...OK so you got lucky ONCE IN MY LIFETIME! :swear:

Looking forward to this weekend.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Wait...give me a minute...it will come to me...give me a hint...OK so you got lucky ONCE IN MY LIFETIME! :swear:

Looking forward to this weekend.
Luck had nothing to do with it...Mo just couldn't close the deal. Biggest choke in sports history....

Bring it on...I can't wait.

[Yank]

Luck had nothing to do with it...Mo just couldn't close the deal. Biggest choke in sports history....

Bring it on...I can't wait.

So I guess that means the Yanks lost it more than the Sox won it. Wow, that sucks for you. You get one win every 4 generations and you couldn't even earn it yourself. It had to be given to you. See you in 2090...

[RedSoxFan]

Schilling shelled: It's gone from excusable "just getting back into starting" anomaly to his regular MO. Playoff stopper? Hardly.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/quickie

Like any of your starting pitchers are "stoppers"?

[yankeetripper]

Like any of your starting pitchers are "stoppers"?

I don't see any of your starting pithers 6-0, 2.42 ERA coming off a complete game shutout of a playoff contender.

[RedSoxFan]

I don't see any of your starting pithers 6-0, 2.42 ERA coming off a complete game shutout of a playoff contender.

If Aaron Small is your "ace", good luck in the playoffs (if you make it).

[RedSoxFan]

One of the Gooooogle ads at the bottom of the screen:

Sarbanes-Oxley Guidance
SOX mandated SEC rules and
plain English summaries. Free
Trial
:lol:

[yankeetripper]

If Aaron Small is your "ace", good luck in the playoffs (if you make it).

Hey, I'm just having fun with you. Obviosly niether staff really scares anybody these days but I think the Yanks staff looks just a little bit better and strength of schedule is definitely in Yanks favor.

[RedSoxFan]

This past thursday the Sox started off September by winning their fifth game in a row, finishing off a sweep of the Devil Rays. They fell behind 2-0 in the second on a 2-run homer off of Arroyo, but Olerud answered right away with a 2-run homer of his own. Bronson gave up another 2-run shot in the 4th, but in the sixth, Olerud hit another homer, a 3-run shot, that put the Sox up 6-3 in the 6th. Olerud capped off his night and obvious POG honor by getting one more RBI in the 8th: the only run not batted in by Olerud on the night was Renteria's sac-fly in the 5th. Millar also got two hits, playing left on Manny's day off. Timlin got his 5th save.

The Sox fell to 5-8 this year against the Orioles on Friday in the series opener. It looked like they'd do well early, as after they had Reneria on first with two out in the first, Manny singled, Nixon walked, and Varitek doubled in two runs. DiNardo, making his first major league start, faced only three batters in the first, but allowed three runs with two outs in the second. A solo homer in the 4th made the deficit 4-2, which was closed with to 4-3 in the 4th with a Damon sac-fly, but the Sox would not be able to score again. Chad Harville and Matt Perisho both made their Red Sox debuts out of the bullpen in the 7th and combined to give up a run. Bradford followed and allowed an inherited run to score. Foulke allowed a hit but got the last out of the inning. Gonzalez pitched the last two innings, giving up the 7th run. DiNardo had to start in Wells place because of his suspension. No single offensive player got on base more than once; and DiNardo actually only gave up 1 earned run in his six innings, so he gets POG. He gave up 7 hits and a walk but struck out six.

The Sox won a 7-6 game for the third time in five games, as Timlin earned the save despite allowing two runs in the 9th. A Millar 2-run homer in the 4th, a Ramirez 2-run single in the 5th, and a solo shot by Ortiz were the key plays in building the lead: Ortiz' homer was the winning run. The Sox committed three errors in the game, after two in the previous one. The Orioles scored 4 runs while Clement was on the mound, but only 2 were earned: he rested the bullpen by going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 4, to earn POG.

The bullpen was rested after the previous night, but wasn't used at all in this one, as Wells went the distance, giving up just 1 run on 7 hits and no walks, striking out 4, the clear player of the game. The Sox scored all 5 of their runs in the 5th: Nixon and Mueller singled to lead off, and Olerud homered them in. Mirabelli then doubled, and after Graffanino singled, Damon doubled two runs in. It was an incredible rally, getting six hits in a row, after getting just one hit in the first four innings off of nemesis Rodrigo Lopez, who has completely shut down the Sox in his career.

The Sox could not parlay their series victory over the Orioles into a win on Monday against the White Sox. Making up a rain-out, the Sox were mastered by youngster Brandon McCarthy. The final score of 5-3 betrays the dominance that occurred, as all three runs came with two outs in the 9th on POG Graffanino's homer. McCarthy gave up just 3 hits and 1 walk in 7 scoreless innings. He struck out 7, including Renteria three times. Schilling looked good early but ended up giving 4 runs in his 6.1 innings. Foulke actually finished off the 7th and pitched the 8th perfectly.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Papi with the walk off HR....

[RedSoxFan]

I think the Yanks staff looks just a little bit better

Are you insane? Aaron Small is your ace. Shawn Chacon is another guy who the Yankees got in a trade for a sack of potatoes - he has pitched decently since coming over, but gave up 8 runs in his last outing. Al Leiter gave up 6 runs and only got two outs his last time out, and ESPN.com is listing him as the starting pitchers in both of the Yanks next two games. Mussina might not pitch again this year, and Randy is no longer dominant.

On the other hand,

Wells went 9 innings giving up 1 run in his last outing. Wakefield gave up 2 runs in 9 innings in his. Clement gave up 2 earned runs in 8 in his last outing. And you have to bet that the best postseason starting pitcher in history is going to get his act together by October. We also have Arroyo and Miller, but you only need 4 starters in the postseason.

Care to rethink your statement?

[RedSoxFan]

An exciting win tonight for the Sox, as Ortiz gets a walk-off HR against the Angels (sound like game 3 of the ALDS last year?) He hit it off of Shields with one out in the 9th. The Sox had a good chance to break the 2-2 tie in the 7th, putting Damon and Renteria on third and second with none out. But Ortiz struck out, Manny grounded into a fielder's choice which saw Damon out at home, and after Nixon walked, Mueller, previously 10/17 with the bases loaded, struck out. Wakefield went all 9 innings. He gave up the tying run in the 7th, when, with nobody on and two outs, he allowed a double, with the runner scoring on a Figgins single to Manny. Manny's throw to the plate would have been in time had it been anywhere close to the target, but at least Mirabelli was able to throw out Figgins trying to advance to second. Wakey also dodged the leadoff batter reaching base in both the 8th and 9th innings. He allowed a leadoff double in the 9th, with the runner reaching third with just one out, but Finley grounded to second, and the runner on third was caught in a run-down. Kennedy struck out to end the half inning.

The Sox loaded the bases in the 5th with one out on Damon's single and walks by Renteria and Ortiz. Manny then walked the first run in, and Renteria scored on a wild pitch. Orlando Cabrera hit just his second home run in Fenway in his career in the top of the sixth to cut it to 2-1.

Vlad Guerrero was 2/2, and was walked both times he came up to bat with a man on second and first base open, due to his incredible success hitting homers off of Wakey. As implied above, Wakey did go the distance, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks, striking out 7. The Sox got 9 hits and 5 walks but were 0/10 with runners in scoring position. Damon was 3/5, and Ortiz was 2/4 with a walk.

And winning in the 9th is doubly sweet when your rivals lose in the 9th to put your team 4 games up in the division.

[Jables]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050907/capt.bxf10509070225.angels_red_sox_bxf105.jpghttp://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050907/capt.bxf10609070224.angels_red_sox_bxf106.jpg


BOOM!

[PK]

... but were 0/10 with runners in scoring position.When Papi is at the plate, does that count as a runner in scoring position?

[Yank]

When Papi is at the plate, does that count as a runner in scoring position?

Yes.

And same thing any time Schilling is on the mound.

[RedSoxFan]

Bronson continued the streak of great, long outings by starting pitchers: four of the last five starts have been at least 8 innings, giving up no more than 3 earned runs. Arroyo got the first two batters out in both the 1st and 2nd innings, but he allowed three straight hits in the first that produced two runs, and hit batter and two straight hits in the 2nd that produced another run. Millar started the comeback with a solo homer in the 2nd, and a rally to open the third consisting of Cora and Damon walks, a bases loading single by Renteria, and a 2-RBI single from Papi that tied the game. In the 4th, Cora tripled with one on and one out, and Damon sacrificed him home, making it 6-3 (Nixon hit an RBI double in the 3rd). Bronson gave up 8 hits and no walks in the 8 innings, striking out two. Timlin got the save, allowing just a one-out double. Papi gets POG, going 2/3 with a walk and 2 RBIs. The Sox have a major league best 48-21 home record.

[Wannabe Actuary]

The Sox now have a major league best 48-21 home record.
:clap:
And they've had the best Home Record for a while...

AND they have the most home games left :clap:

[Wannabe Actuary]

I'm so excited, Friday against the Yanks on ESPN, Saturday on Fox, Sunday on InHD.....not to mention the game last night!!

I get to see 4 (yes FOUR) Red Sox games on TV this week.

I'm so excited.

[Pseudolus]

I know how you feel. I got to watch the Mets last night on ESPN. Friggin' Looper.

[Triangle Man]

Here's the weekend of the year. The Sox and Yankees both have 23 games to play, and the Sox' magic number for the division is 20. The Yankees have to win at least two to keep realistic hopes alive of winning the division. Saturday's game might be most important of the year, partially because of the preceding sentences, but also because Schilling is running out of chances to prove he can be counted on in October. If the Yankees win tonight, a win Saturday is needed to stop any momentum, and if the Sox win tonight, a win Saturday effectively wraps up the division.

[yankeetripper]

Here's the weekend of the year. The Sox and Yankees both have 23 games to play, and the Sox' magic number for the division is 20. The Yankees have to win at least two to keep realistic hopes alive of winning the division. Saturday's game might be most important of the year, partially because of the preceding sentences, but also because Schilling is running out of chances to prove he can be counted on in October. If the Yankees win tonight, a win Saturday is needed to stop any momentum, and if the Sox win tonight, a win Saturday effectively wraps up the division.

For Red Sox fan you summed this up pretty good.

Guess my Aaron Small as "ace" will get tested tonight. Last outing in the Bronx, Wells pretty much ramed it down our throats. I'm hoping Yankee bats are a little more lively against him this time around.

[Wannabe Actuary]

My brother (a Red Sox fan) and his G/F (a Yankee fan) will be at Saturday's game.

PS - I have no idea how they make that whole situation work.

[Jables]

My brother (a Red Sox fan) and his G/F (a Yankee fan) will be at Saturday's game.

PS - I have no idea how they make that whole situation work.

It's a love/hate relationship :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

It's a love/hate relationship :)ba-dum-ba

[Triangle Man]

Jables, let's post all of our in-game comments this weekend in the Yankees thread.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Big series tonight fellas...let's go SOX!

[yankeetripper]

You wanna re think knockin' Aaron Small -ACE.

Tommorow its more of the same as Shilling gets out pitched by Chacon.

[yankeetripper]

Jables, let's post all of our in-game comments this weekend in the Yankees thread.

Sweet pad the post count, but then when you're behind the post don't come as quick. Hope Yanks can push shilling's era closer to 7 tomorrow.

[Jables]

I didn't get to see any of the game last night...was forced to listen on a combination of various AM stations as I drove across New England... sounded like an ugly game all around, unfortunately more so for Boston...

[R2T]

My brother is a huge Yankees fan and his girlfriend favors the Red Sox (I wouldn't say she's a huge fan). They live in Indiana and she bought him tickets to Sunday's game for his birthday. That is going to be a wild scene. First of all, it's Red Sox vs. Yankees in September. Secondly, it's September 11th. That atmosphere is going to be electric after a somewhat somber ceremony in honor of Sept 11th (I speculate that they will do something extra to commemorate Sept 11th since they are in NY, I could be wrong I suppose).

[GefilteFish144]

That atmosphere is going to be electric after a somewhat somber ceremony in honor of Sept 11th (I speculate that they will do something extra to commemorate Sept 11th since they are in NY, I could be wrong I suppose).

Sure, they will have a 5-minute 7th inning stretch ceremony with the trained eagle and the Irish tenor Ronan Tynan. Afterwards, the Yankees will have a big inning off Tim Wakefield, and after the game he'll use the lame excuse that the stretch was too long and his arm couldn't take the wait.

[r. mutt]

Tommorow its more of the same as Shilling gets out pitched by Chacon.

Gratuitous :bump:.

[yankeetripper]

Tommorow its more of the same as Shilling gets out pitched by Chacon.

Ok I guess that was open mouth insert foot.

[RedSoxFan]

The Sox could not sweep the possible postseason opponent Angels on Thursday, getting blanked 3-0 by Paul Byrd, Shields, and K-Rod. They actually got some action in the 8th, when Millar doubled and Manny walked to end Byrd's outing. Manny struck out, and though Damon walked, both Renteria and Ortiz struck out. In the bottom of the 9th, Olerud struck out, Nixon singled and Varitek walked, Millar struck out, Mueller walked, but Petagine pinch-hit for Cora and struck out. That's right: the Sox left the bases loaded in the last two innings, striking out for all six outs. Clement gave up just one run through six, on a couple lead-off doubles in the 4th, until the 7th, when he hit the first batter with a pitch, then allowed a single and a grounder-sacrifice. The Angels small-balled another run in as well. Papelbon gets his career-first POG, for relieving Myers with one on in the 8th, and getting a double play and a grounder to end the inning, using just six pitches. Foulke pitched the 9th and allowed a double and a walk, but no runs.

The Sox then opened a critical series in New York against the Yankees, the Sox with an opportunity to end the weekend up as many as 7 games or just one. They got off to a good start: in the top of the 2nd, Varitek singled, and after Millar popped out, Mueller and Graffanino both singled to load the bases. Damon hit a sac-fly to tie it at 1, and Renteria came through with a double to make it 3-1, but Aaron Small would not allow another run. They threatened in the top of the 3rd, with a Varitek walk and Millar double, both with two outs, but Varitek was riskily sent home, and thrown out easily.

A couple solo homers over the 2nd and 3rd innings by Posada and A-Rod off of Wells tied the game, and the Yankees took the lead on a Jeter RBI single in the 4th. The Yankees blew the game open, however, taking advantage of poor defense in the 6th. With one out, Posada singled on a play that could have been called an error, and then Cano singled to center. Damon bobbled the ball, allowing Posada and Cano to advance an extra base. Posada also turned the corner, and Damon threw to Renteria, but Edgar's relay throw went pretty much straight down into the dirt, nowhere close to home. Wells then got a grounder for the second out before being replaced, but Bradford allowed a walk and a couple RBI singles. Even Myers allowed an RBI single before he got Matsui to fly out. The Sox had two other errors: with the shift on Giambi in the first, Graffanino in shallow right threw wide of Millar at first fielding a grounder, and A-Rod scored from third. In the 9th, Varitek attempted to throw-out Crosby stealing second, but the ball ended up in center-field.

Ironically, a Yankees critical error in the 7th almost led to a Sox comeback. Damon had singled to start the inning, and after Renteria grounded out, Ortiz walked. Sturtze came in to hit Manny, and Embree then came in. Nixon grounded it sharply to Cano, who probably should have turned an inning-ending double play, but bobbled it, and Renteria scored, and the bases were still loaded, the lead just 8-4. Gordon came in to face Varitek, and got the Sox captain to ground into a double play. Renteria went 2/5 with 2 RBIs and a R, but with his embarrassing error: Mueller gets POG, going 3/4 and a run.

On Saturday, the old Schilling was back: he went 8 innings, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. The Sox offense also awoke, and was helped by some poor defense by the Yankees, making up in some way for the four Red Sox errors the previous night. The Sox first scored off of Chacon in the first, when, with two outs, Ortiz walked, and Manny ended his homerless streak. The Sox blew it open in the 4th, however. Olerud opened the inning with a huge homer to the upper deck in right. Mueller and Kapler then singled, and Chacon was curiously lifted. Rodriguez allowed Graffanino to single to load the bases, but got Renteria to ground out right to the pitcher. The first defensive mistake: Rodriguez threw very low to Flaherty, who could not throw to first for the double play. Leiter came in out of the bullpen, and Ortiz hit a ball to deep left. Matsui appeared to have trouble locating the ball, and then flubbed the catch, and the score was now 4-0, with the bases still loaded and one out. Manny then hit an RBI single, and Nixon batted in two runs. Varitek then hit a sac-grounder (and actually reached second when Cano threw the potential double play ball directly into the stands). That error didn't amount to a run, however, as Olerud flied out to deep center (nearly his second homer of the inning!)

Tim McCarver jinxed Curt Schilling's no-hitter: as Giambi was starting his at-bat with one out in the fourth, McCarver went on and on about how ridiculously superstitious people are when they won't talk about a no-hitter in progress. Giambi immediately hit a homer for the first Yankee hit of the game. But Schill settled down, and didn't allow his other run until the 8th, when he allowed a walk and two singles to start the inning. He got a couple fly outs and a foul-out to escape his jam. Papelbon allowed a one-out single and walk in the 9th, but finished off the game.

Al Leiter saved the Yankees bullpen by pitching the last 5.2 innings of the game. Graffanino batted leadoff as Damon got the night off, and went 3/5 with a run. Manny went 2/4 with a walk, 3 RBIs, and 2 Rs, and Nixon, Olerud, Mueller, and Kapler all had two hits, as the Sox racked up 16 in total.

[Jables]

Another game I had to listen to rather than watch... sounded like a damn good game on both sides with Yanks getting just the slight edge they needed. :shake:

At least it wasn't a sweep!

[RedSoxFan]

The Sox lost to the Yankees on Sunday, winning just one of the three games, but considering the series was on the road, and a sweep would have left the Sox up only 1 game up in the division, leaving New York three games up isn't so bad. What is worrisome, though, is that the Sox offense, #1 in the majors, was shutout for the second time in four games. And just as in the Angels game, the Sox should have scored in each of the last two innings. Graffanino singled off of Gordon to lead the 8th. Then Mirabelli hit a pop-up, and the Yankees appeared to let the ball fall in the infield, so that they could throw out Stern at second. Mueller flied out, and Rivera came in, and walked Ortiz in an exciting at-bat. Ortiz was batting for Kapler (Damon DH'd). The Sox had the tying run at second, but he was the slowest guy on the team, and Tito curiously did not run for him. Instead, he ran for Ortiz only (Ortiz would have to be replaced in the field anyway). Damon then grounded out to first.

Renteria lined out to start the 9th, and Nixon grounded out, hitting for Youkilis. Manny walked, and Millar fought to a full count before singling Manny to third. Olerud came in and struck out to end the game. The Sox were actually relieved to see the relievers, having gotten only one hit (Youkilis) and two walks in 7 innings off of Randy Johnson (who stepped up as the other ex-Diamondback team-ace of the rivalry stepped up yesterday). That overshadowed Wakefield's great performance, who went 8 innings, giving up just 3 hits and a walk, striking out a career high 12. But one of those hits was a Giambi homer in the bottom of the first inning.

Both teams now travel to lesser East teams that have given them trouble this year: the Sox go to the Jays, against whom they are 3-8, and the Yankees travel to Tampa Bay, and they are 5-11 against the Rays.

[RedSoxFan]

:bump:

This almost fell off the first page!

[Jables]

I thought this was going to be another 1-0 game, only with the Sox on the right side of the score, flip to football for a while, came back and it was 5-0...

Back to football, and then the next thing I know, it's all tied up 5-5?!?

Heading into the 11th at the moment... :tfh:

[Jables]

ORTIZ GOES BOOM!


2nd homer of the night, #39 & #40 on the season. Sox up 6-5 in the 11th!!! :party:

[Wannabe Actuary]

Big Papi has 2HR, 3RBI, 3runs....a fantastic night....

Papelbon, at least from the online game update, looks good pitching from the 9th on...

[Jables]

1-2-3 to end the 11th, Sox win 6-5. Nice relief outing from Papelbon!

[Jables]

I know it got mixed reviews from Sox fans, but let me remind you that Fever Pitch comes out on DVD tomorrow :)

[Wannabe Actuary]

I know it got mixed reviews from Sox fans, but let me remind you that Fever Pitch comes out on DVD tomorrow :)
Note, there are two versions. One is a Red Sox collector's edition, with 4 minutes of extra footage from the Red Sox winning the world series...

Jables, what did you think about the movie?

Second note, I've been watching Lost to catch up for the start of season 2 (I missed most of season 1 the first time) and I had to laugh when they Jack and Jack's dad said "and that's why the Sox will never win the series." What was the timing of that episode being filmed/aired? :lol:

[Jables]

Note, there are two versions. One is a Red Sox collector's edition, with 4 minutes of extra footage from the Red Sox winning the world series...

Jables, what did you think about the movie?

I liked the movie overall, I plan on buying it... I was a little upset at the time the Sox won the series with the actors running onto the field to be filmed, but I guess I can understand that now. How often do you get the chance to totally rewrite and shoot the ending to a movie in a week-long span? :) Can't say I'm thrilled with the choice of Jimmy Fallon for the lead (especially since he's an alleged Yankee fan in real life), would've prefered Seth Myers, but I guess that's why I'm not some Hollywood bigwig.

[Pseudolus]

I had to laugh when they Jack and Jack's dad said "and that's why the Sox will never win the series." What was the timing of that episode being filmed/aired? :lol:I'm sure it was after/after. Intentional irony.

[Wannabe Actuary]

I'm sure it was after/after. Intentional irony.that's what I figured actually, but haven't tried to confirm (other than posting here)

[RedSoxFan]

Big Papi came up clutch again, as he belted a 2-out homer in the top of the 11th to put the Sox up 1, and the Sox held on for the win. Papi became only the second Red Sox to hit 40 HRs in consecutive seasons. The Sox were shut down early by Lilly, again, getting only two hits in the first 5.2 innings, one of which was Papi's first homer of the game. The offense suddenly awoke, however, as they got four straight hits to begin a streak where 8 of the next Sox 9 batters got either a single (7) or a walk (1). The first two were an Ortiz single and Manny homer. A Varitek single chased Lilly, and after a Millar single and a Nixon walk, Mueller grounded out. Then to start the 7th, Kapler and Graffanino both hit infield singles, and Renteria hit an RBI single. Ortiz then grounded into a fielder's choice but netted an RBI: that made it 5-0.

In his first six innings Arroyo only had one 1-2-3 inning but hadn't allowed a run, but in the 7th, he loaded the bases with none out on a hit and a couple walks. Curiously, Foulke came in, his first pressure-situation since coming off the DL, and allowed a couple runs on a single and sac-fly. He then got the second out of the inning, a strikeout, before Timlin came in. Another curious decision to bring the closer in in the 7th, but Wells had only been 2/14 against Timlin. Those numbers didn't matter, as Wells hit a 3-run homer to tie the game.

Though Ortiz got POG, Papelbon deserves very special mention, as he picked up his first major league win, pitching the last three innings, giving up just one walk, and no hits. One has to wonder why we wouldn't give the hard-throwing youngster a shot at closing games. Manny went 3/6 with 2 RBIs and a run, and Ortiz went 3/5 with a BB, 3 RBIs, and 3 runs. Damon missed the game with a sore shoulder, and went back to Boston for an MRI. Kapler started in his place. The Sox moved up 3.5 games above the idle Yankees. The Sox are also 2 games ahead of the Indians, who lead the wild-card race.

[RedSoxFan]

With 19 games to go, Papi is running away with the fight for the most POG honors (see also the first page of the thread):

Player of the Game totals
20 Ortiz 4 5 18 31 44 49 52 53 60 70 79 83 85 114 116 117 129 137 138 143
16 Ramirez 11 13 21 37 69 76 81 90 91 95 104 105 106 110 113 126
12 Damon 17 19 20 25 54 62 63 86 94 99 100 109
11 Renteria 6 9 39 46 47 48 118 121 122 123 124
8 Wakefield 7 12 67 72 77 101 115 142
8 Varitek 1 2 34 40 58 66 98 107
6 Wells 10 15 59 64 103 135
6 Clement 16 29 43 68 73 134
6 Millar 3 22 30 33 55 131
6 Nixon 8 32 36 88 89 130
5 Mueller 41 112 125 128 140
5 Arroyo 14 23 28 65 80
4 Embree 24 57 71 78
2 Schilling 93 120 141
3 Graffanino 111 127 136
3 Olerud 84 102 132
3 Miller 51 61 97
3 Timlin 82 87 92
3 Halama 42 50 75
2 Bellhorn 38 74
2 Foulke 45 56
1 Papelbon 139
1 DiNardo 133
1 Kapler 119
1 Myers 108
1 Stern 96
1 Mantei 35
1 Youkilis 27
1 Mirabelli 26

[yankeetripper]

I'm guessing Clement won't be adding to is POG totals tonight as Toronto hangs a 5 spot on him in the 2nd!

[Triangle Man]

I'm guessing Clement won't be adding to is POG totals tonight as Toronto hangs a 5 spot on him in the 2nd!Hmmmph. Everybody knows that a 5-0 lead in Toronto ain't worth squat.

[Triangle Man]

See? The lead cut to 5-1 already.

[Wannabe Actuary]

RedSoxFan will be away for a while. In the meantime he has asked me to write the summaries until he returns. Hopefully they aren't too far off his standard.





Toronto continues to have Bostons number this year. The Sox are now 4-9 against the Blue Jays this year heading into the rubber match of this series. There is a 4 game series at the end of September as well.

The Blue Jays got to Clement early, putting up 5 runs in the second inning. Gross hit his first HR in almost a year. The Sox were not able to recover after that. The Sox and Jays traded runs in the 5th. In the 6th, Big Papi added a solor HR moving him into a tie among the top of the AL HR leaders with A-Rod (both at 41). Millar added a sac fly to put the score at 3-6 (his 50th RBI of the year). That was the closest the Sox came. Foulke came in for the 7th inning and gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP and 2 runs (both earned). Harville pitched the 8th and was not very impressive. Facing 5 batters he threw 21 pitches, only 9 for strikes. After a 2 out walk, he gave up a double to add the Jays final run.

Millar's double in the top of the 5th extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Renteria had both a fielding error (5th inning) and a throwing error (7th inning), making his seaon total to date 27.

The MRI on Damon's left shoulder showed no structural damage. Damon will not rejoin the team for Wednesday's game as he stays in Boston for treatment. Tomorrow the Sox are home to face Oakland.

POG has to go to Ortiz, who went 2-3 with a walk, HR, RBI. Ortiz was the only Sox player with more than one hit. 41 HR ties the previous career high for Ortiz. It was also his 37th HR as a DH this year, tying an MLB record set by Edgar Martinez back in 2000. The next HR by Ortiz will be a nice one to celebrate.

The Sox lead over the Yanks is now 2.5 games, as the Yanks won big over the Devil Rays. However, the Indians also won and the Yanks are still 1 back in the WC race.

[Wannabe Actuary]

RedSoxFan will be away for a while. In the meantime he has asked me to write the summaries until he returns. Hopefully they aren't too far off his standard.
Since I can't edit the first post or sig as RSF usually does, I've edited the second post in the thread with the game '1-liner' POG totals will be updated when he returns (approximately the 25th of the month).

[yankeetripper]

The Sox lead over the Yanks is now 2.5 games, as the Yanks won big over the Devil Rays. However, the Indians also won and the Yanks are still 1 back in the WC race.



Yes but Yanks just 2 back on Sox in the all important loss column and tied w/ Cleveland.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yes but Yanks just 2 back on Sox in the all important loss column and tied w/ Cleveland.
Do you think the Yanks will win the next two against the team they have trouble with (Devil Rays)? Otherwise, being tied in the loss column and 2 wins behind Cleveland is not important.

[Triangle Man]

Do you think the Yanks will win the next two against the team they have trouble with (Devil Rays)? Otherwise, being tied in the loss column and 2 wins behind Cleveland is not important.At this stage in the season, the two extra off days are immensely valuable.

[yankeetripper]

Do you think the Yanks will win the next two against the team they have trouble with (Devil Rays)? Otherwise, being tied in the loss column and 2 wins behind Cleveland is not important.

Yes I think they'll smack down the Devil Dogs the next 2 nights.

Being at least tied w/ Cleveland in loss column is important, Yanks can make up wins against Tor & Bal but if they are behind in loss they need help from someone else which tonight I expect to be Barry Zito shuting down the tribe, question will be can A's get to Westbrook who they've struggled against this year as he's 2-0 against them.

Then A's & Sox meet for 4 so one of them has to lose each night (duh) giving the Yanks thier best oppurtunty to pick up ground on Boston or seperated themselves from a close WC contender until they come to Fenway for the last series. And this time BoSox won't have Octavio Blotel on the mound. Unfortuately niether Zito nor Harden will throw against the Sox this weekend.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Wang it pitching tonight, he's 0-3 this year against Tampa

[yankeetripper]

Wang it pitching tonight, he's 0-3 this year against Tampa

See he's due to win one. 6-1 against the rest of the league, things like this tend to average out over time. He's just had the misfortune of not pitching on days when he yanks have a 13 run inning or bat around 3 times. :-D

[Dookie]

According to Yahoo:

BOSTON'S GABE KAPLER LEFT THE GAME IN THE TOP OF THE FIFTH INNING DUE TO AN APPARENT ANKLE INJURY. HE WAS INJURED ON TONY GRAFFANINO HOME RUN. KAPLER FELL ROUNDING SECOND BASE AND HAD TO BE CARTED OFF THE FIELD. ALEJANDRO MACHADO PINCH-RAN FOR KAPLER AND FINISHED ROUNDING THE BASES FOR KAPLER.


Wow. Not sure I've ever heard of a pinch-runner mid-play. I didn't see the play yet. Hopefully not too serious.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

According to Yahoo:

BOSTON'S GABE KAPLER LEFT THE GAME IN THE TOP OF THE FIFTH INNING DUE TO AN APPARENT ANKLE INJURY. HE WAS INJURED ON TONY GRAFFANINO HOME RUN. KAPLER FELL ROUNDING SECOND BASE AND HAD TO BE CARTED OFF THE FIELD. ALEJANDRO MACHADO PINCH-RAN FOR KAPLER AND FINISHED ROUNDING THE BASES FOR KAPLER.


Wow. Not sure I've ever heard of a pinch-runner mid-play. I didn't see the play yet. Hopefully not too serious.
Very weird. I hope Graffiano didn't pass him.

[MountainHawk]

He didn't. Saw the highlight on ESPN. It was funny in the twisted sense, but it didn't look good for the old ankle.

[r. mutt]

Jeez, every few minutes things change tonight. Now it's Sox up by 2, and TB ties the Yankees again.

Like I said, a fun September.

[Sox34]

The next HR by Ortiz will be a nice one to celebrate.




:toast: :party: :band2: :band1: :wav: :clap: :notworth:

[r. mutt]

Remember when Ortiz was behind Ramirez in RBIs?

Nice finish to the game. Go Rays!

[Bicycle Repair Man]

Wow. Not sure I've ever heard of a pinch-runner mid-play. I didn't see the play yet. Hopefully not too serious.Ruptured Achilles. Season is over. :(

[Jables]

Most Valuable Papi!

[PK]

According to Yahoo:

BOSTON'S GABE KAPLER LEFT THE GAME IN THE TOP OF THE FIFTH INNING DUE TO AN APPARENT ANKLE INJURY. HE WAS INJURED ON TONY GRAFFANINO HOME RUN. KAPLER FELL ROUNDING SECOND BASE AND HAD TO BE CARTED OFF THE FIELD. ALEJANDRO MACHADO PINCH-RAN FOR KAPLER AND FINISHED ROUNDING THE BASES FOR KAPLER.


Wow. Not sure I've ever heard of a pinch-runner mid-play. I didn't see the play yet. Hopefully not too serious. Very weird. I hope Graffiano didn't pass him. I had just finished some stuff and was on my way upstairs. "Gotta check the score", I thought as I went by the TV. Turned on the TV. As it warmed up, there was too much crowed noise. Something must have happened. The catch was that the sound comes on before the picture, so I couldn't see yet whether it was Sox noise or Jays noise. If it were in the Bronx they wouldn't be cheering as loud for the Sox, but it's in Toronto and there are probably as many Sox fans as Jays fans, so...

Anyway, the picture comes on and shows Kapler sprawled in the infield just past second base. He clearly isn't trying to get up, but just as clearly, no one is trying to tag him out. It wasn't immediately clear to me where the ball was. Next thing that happened was a replay of him falling. He tagged second as he went by with his right foot, took the next step with his left, and planted his right foot in the rug that passes for grass in Toronto. That was the last step he took. Looked to the viewer and the commentators like he twisted his right ankle.

Finally, they pull back so I can see more of the field. There is Graffanino standing there just past second. Not on the base, but one step past it. Calmly waiting for Kapler to get up so he can follow him around to home. Finally the commentators tell the whole story and show a bunch more shots so I finally find out where the ball is (left field stands). Now they start talking about what happens next. There were two trainers from the Sox and a Dr. from the Jays out on the field by Kapler along with all four Umps and Francona. The commentators knew that if a player hits a home run, but cannot complete the trip around the bases, that he can be replaced by a pitch runner. They did not know what happens if it is another player.

Finally, while they continued to deal with Kapler, Machado trots out and finishes the trip with Graffanino one step behind him.

Later they told us that it was his left Achilles tendon, which doesn't fit with the replay, but I assume just means that it was one step earlier that he got hurt. They also posted the rule that says something along the lines of "If, due to injury, a player cannot continue to a base that he has be awarded, a pitch runner can be substituted." It was fancier wording than that to cover all the reasons why the runner might be allowed to advance, but the gist of it is that you can sub for an injury

[Pseudolus]

Thanks for posting that explanation. Saves me a lot of poking around.

[Wannabe Actuary]

In the rubber match of the series, it was a back and forth game. Graffanino led off the game with a double and two batters later scored on a ground out by Ortiz. In the bottom of the second the Jays scored 2 runs to take the lead. Graffanino led off the third with a single, but after a line out and a double play the inning was over.

In the top of the 5th with two outs, Kapler reached base on a throwing error. Graffanino then homered to score two runs, but while rounding second, Kapler ruptured his left achilles tendon. This is a bad blow to the Sox, as Kapler was able to fill gaps in the outfield. While doing so he also provided the strongest arm in the outfield for the Sox. Kapler is obviously out for the rest of the year. One note, medically speaking…if he ruptured his achilles tendon rounding second on a homerun, it's very likely it was going to happen soon anyway. I'd rather have it happen there than when he's running down a fly ball in the outfield and a play gets botched.

The Sox stayed up 3-2 until the bottom of the 6th when Hillenbrand singled in Koskie to tie the score.

My clutch hit came through in the bottom of the 8th with a two run HR to center field. With the HR, Ortiz hit two milestones: 42 HR this season, his new career high; and 38 HR from the DH position, a new MLB record.

Bradford came in to pitch the 8th and faced only three batters in the inning and needed only 9 pitches. Timlin came in for the 9th and also faced only 3 batters using 10 pitches.

Graffanino had a chance to hit for the cycle in the top of the 8th, but flied out to right, falling a triple short of the cycle.

Wells pitched 7 innings giving up 7 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs to get the win. Bradford was good for the hold and Timlin gets his 8th save of the year.

Despite Graffanino going 3-4 with a two run HR, almost hitting the cycle and scoring 2 runs, the POG has to go to Big Papi again for his clutch HR in the 8th that was cause to celebrate for many reasons.

In other news, both the Indians and Yanks win, so there is no change in the standings. Yanks are 2.5 back from the Sox (2 in the loss column) and are 1.0 back from the Indians in the WC race (tied in the loss column).

[MountainHawk]

Yanks and Sox still have three more games against each other, right? Man, if the race stays like this, those could be tense. ;)

[Triangle Man]

Yanks and Sox still have three more games against each other, right? Man, if the race stays like this, those could be tense. ;)You mean the wild card race, right? It's going to be awesome to watch the Sox end the Yankees' season for the second straight year.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yanks and Sox still have three more games against each other, right? Man, if the race stays like this, those could be tense. ;)Could be, we shall see...

[Mike and Maddog]

How do you hurt yourself running the bases on a HR? LMAO

Would be funnier if it was poopi that did it.

[Wannabe Actuary]

How do you hurt yourself running the bases on a HR? LMAO

Would be funnier if it was Giambi that did it.Did you read my medical note? Chances are it was already partially torn/ruptured and the slightest tweak just finished the job.

and IFYQ too

[Triangle Man]

How do you hurt yourself running the bases on a HR? LMAO

Would be funnier if it was poopi that did it.But it still wouldn't be as funny as a pitcher punching a wall and breaking his hand in the middle of a pennant race. Now THAT'S comedy on a grand scale.

[PK]

How do you hurt yourself running the bases on a HR?For the record, it appeared that Kapler was rounding second running hard, and still watching the ball to be sure it wasn't caught. His intention was to score on Graff's double. LMAOThis is only true because you are a heartless boor. No one should be happy that a professional athlete ruptures his Achilles. Not even if they are on the opposing team.

[yankeetripper]

I don't have the time to find the original post, but some sox fan said they struggle against pitchers they've never seen. Hope the trend continues as tonights starter for the A's Joe Blanton has never faced anyone in the sox lineup.

Oh and hope Shillings good start last saturday was just an aberation and he returns to the form he showed the rest of the year.

[Triangle Man]

I don't have the time to find the original post, but some sox fan said they struggle against pitchers they've never seen. Hope the trend continues as tonights starter for the A's Joe Blanton has never faced anyone in the sox lineup.That was me. Fortunately, the game is in Fenway where they kill the ball. Furthermore, it's the first game of a homestand which seems to energize them. Here are the Sox' runs scored for the first games of every Sox homestand this year:

8, 4, 7, 4, 1, 10, 0, 6, 8, 11, 9, avg 6.18

[yankeetripper]

8, 4, 7, 4, 1, 10, 0, 6, 8, 11, 9, avg 6.18

I'll hope for one of the underlinde scores.

[Triangle Man]

I'll hope for one of the underlinde scores.I was actually surprised at those when I went back and checked the season log. Biased Sox fan that I am, I only remembered the double digit totals and expected the average to be even higher.

[yankeetripper]

I was actually surprised at those when I went back and checked the season log. Biased Sox fan that I am, I only remembered the double digit totals and expected the average to be even higher.

Its about 1/2 a run above thier season average but I'd guess they score more at home than the road so its probabaly pretty close to their overall home scoring avaerage.

White Sox just lost to KC again so the 6 they have left w/ Cleveland are looking more important. Especially as hot as Cleveland has been and what the rest of their schedule looks like.

[GefilteFish144]

How do you hurt yourself running the bases on a HR? LMAO



As a Yankee fan, it's a painful reminder of Jack Clark, who injured himself on a HR trot during spring training.

For you youngsters out there, Jack Clark had a Barry Bonds-type season with St. Louis. (Yes, teams even intentionally walked him with the bases empty.) Needless to say, George shelled out the big bucks for him, but along with most other big-money superstars the Yankees got in the 80's, he fizzled big time.

[Jables]

:exams:

[Wannabe Actuary]

It took a while to start the game thanks to rain, but it didn't take long for the A's to get to Schilling. 5 pitches into the game, the Sox were down 2-0. Schilling gave up a single, double and another single to the first three batters of the game. The A's added another run in the second with a single, a bunt single and another single. After that Schilling calmed down a bit and went scoreless for the next 4 innings.

Boston's Johnny Damon returned to the lineup last night and led off the 6th inning with a double. After a Renteria groundout moved Damon to 3rd, Big Papi hit a sac fly to bring in the Sox first run of the game. Manny then singled and eventually moved to second on a wild pitch. Nixon then walked and with the score 3-1 and runners on first and second, the Sox looked like they might make a comeback. The inning ended with Varitek going down swinging.

A's tagged Schilling for one more run in the top of the 7th with a 2 out, 2 on single. Schilling's night ended there, but the A's scoring did not. Schilling went 6.2 innings and gave up 11 hits, 3 walks and 4 runs. He also had 3 K's.

Myers came in and finished the inning. Damon was able to drive in Olerud and move Muelleron a groundout and the score was 4-2 with a runner on third. The Sox again looked like they might make a comeback. Renteria proceeded to ground out to end the inning.

Myers started the 8th, was replaced by Bradford, who was replaced by Gonzalez. In the end, the A's added 2 runs, one credited to Myers, the other to Bradford.

The Sox went down in order in the 8th and only managed a 2 out double in the 9th. The score remained 6-2 for the final.

Damon and Ortiz had one RBI each, while Mueller and Manny each had 2 hits. There is no clear choice for POG, but I think it will go to Damon for returning to the lineup, going 1-4, with an RBI and a run scored.

In other action, the Yanks finished off a sweep of the D-Rays (I'm shocked), and the Indians were idle. The Yanks are now 1.5 back (1 in the loss column) from the Sox and 0.5 back (tied in the loss column) from the Indians in the WC race. The Indians are 9-1 in there last 10 and are heading into a 3 game series with KC followed by 3 with the struggling White Sox followed by 4 more with KC. The Indians are just 4.5 back now of the White Sox in the Central and have 6 games left against the CWS.

[GefilteFish144]

In other action, the Yanks finished off a sweep of the D-Rays (I'm shocked),


The only thing shocking is the Rays winning the season series against the Yankees for the first time ever. Now that Sheffield and Cano are swinging hot bats again the team can play to their potential.

[GefilteFish144]

I don't have the time to find the original post, but some sox fan said they struggle against pitchers they've never seen. Hope the trend continues as tonights starter for the A's Joe Blanton has never faced anyone in the sox lineup.



Good call on that one. No surprise there, since Yanks struggle against unfamiliar arms as well. The two teams are basically mirror images of one another.

[Wannabe Actuary]

The only thing shocking is the Rays winning the season series against the Yankees for the first time ever. Now that Sheffield and Cano are swinging hot bats again the team can play to their potential.Yes it is shocking the Rays won the season series, however, heading into this last series, it just looked like the Rays had the Yanks number. I figured the Rays would get at least one win.

[Patience]

funny thing is I figured Cleveland for the WC, but the way Chicago is playing a lot more is up in the air.

[GefilteFish144]

Yes it is shocking the Rays won the season series, however, heading into this last series, it just looked like the Rays had the Yanks number. I figured the Rays would get at least one win.

I admit I saw it that way too, but as with the Sox, the Yankees are capable of going on a hot streak at any time. Boston had theirs a couple weeks ago when they scored 7+ runs against weak pitching for several consecutive games. Now it's the Yankees turn. Looks like the final regular season series may mean something after all....

[Mike and Maddog]

Curt Schilling:
Returns to form, gets whacked by the motivated A's. He gave up 11 hits and 4 ER in 6 IP. If it's not vs. the Yankees, he's still struggling.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/quickie

[Wannabe Actuary]

I admit I saw it that way too, but as with the Sox, the Yankees are capable of going on a hot streak at any time. Boston had theirs a couple weeks ago when they scored 7+ runs against weak pitching for several consecutive games. Now it's the Yankees turn. Looks like the final regular season series may mean something after all....It was going to mean something either way, it just looked like it was going to determine if the Yanks could win the WC, now it looks like it will have more meaning.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Sox are 85-61 with 16 to go. I say 95 wins locks up the division.

[Patience]

Sox are 85-61 with 16 to go. I say 95 wins locks up the division.

10-6 down the stretch?? I think 12-4 at worst to be sure.

[Wannabe Actuary]

10-6 down the stretch?? I think 12-4 at worst to be sure.Well, 16 more wins would be for sure.

I'm stating my opinion. I think the division winner will have 95 wins.

[Patience]

Well, 16 more wins would be for sure.

I'm stating my opinion. I think the division winner will have 95 wins.

we'll see, I see no less than 97

[Wannabe Actuary]

we'll see, I see no less than 97
so 12-4 by the Sox, or 14-3 by the Yanks...I can't see that, considering they play each other 3 times at the end.

[GefilteFish144]

I think the 95 estimate is reasonable. You figure Yanks win 10 of their next 14 against Baltimore/Toronto, and since the series is tipping in the Yankees favor this year Boston is bound to win 2 in Fenway. That would give 94 W's for the Yankees.

[yankeetripper]

I figured going into the series w/ Sox, A's would need to win Blanton & Haren starts. If they should pull one out with Kennedy or Sarloos starting that would be a big plus but the only way I see the A's winning tonight is if the pound Wakefield. His knuckler has looked go the last few starts so maybe he's due to have a game where it flattens out. I figure w/ Kennedy starting if he can go 6 innings and allow 4 runs its probably the best the A's can hope for, anything better would be just gravy but I have a bad feeling the Sox will be seeing Juan Cruz or Kiechi Yabu early tonight though the A's may be starting Cruz on Monday so he might not be available.

My guess is that Sox, Yanks (with Unit), and Tribe (v KC) all win tonight but its September Baseball at its best right now and anything can happen.

[r. mutt]

Jerry Remy: "Well, you can't put a shift on THIS..."

[r. mutt]

Fact of life: any time Ortiz hits a homer, Manny takes a giant hack at the first pitch he sees.

[r. mutt]

Late innings and the Oakland As...always a weird combination. Eight guys on the mound for a conference! :lol:

[r. mutt]

Late innings and the Oakland As...always a weird combination. Eight guys on the mound for a conference! :lol:

:lol: :lol: And then Manny HBP to win the game. :lol: :lol: Our new recipe for success, solo homers from Big Papi, wild pitches and HBP.

[Pseudolus]

Walk-off clutch HBP. Thank goodness it didn't hit him in the intangibles.

[Jables]

Walk-off clutch HBP. Thank goodness it didn't hit him in the intangibles.

Gotta love the team mobbing him for his clutch game-winning performance :lol:

[r. mutt]

Walk-off clutch HBP. Thank goodness it didn't hit him in the intangibles.

I love that, a walk-off HBP. Wondering if that made Sports Center.

It's also funny to see someone walked to get to Manny, but that was undoubtedly the best call for Oakland. Now changing pitchers every other batter...that's just a guaranteed way to find that one pitcher on your staff who's having a bad day.

[PK]

Gotta love the team mobbing him for his clutch game-winning performance :lol:
Didn't see it, but the paper this morning seems to imply that they were trying to make sure he went to first, as they thought he was headed for the dugout. Quote from Ortiz of something like "Would he have been out if he went to the dugout?"

Anyone stay up late enough to see what happened?

[Pseudolus]

Didn't see it, but the paper this morning seems to imply that they were trying to make sure he went to first, as they thought he was headed for the dugout. Quote from Ortiz of something like "Would he have been out if he went to the dugout?"

Anyone stay up late enough to see what happened?
I think there was only one out at the time, so I'm not sure it would have affected the outcome.

[Wannabe Actuary]

The game started late and ended with extra innings and an unusual play. Delayed due to rain, the game almost didn't get started at all. But Wakefield took the field around 8:45 and started dancing his knuckleball in light rain.

Boston scored the always important first run when the weather is questionable, since the game might not be played in it's entirity. In the bottom of the second Mirabelli struck out swinging with runners on the corners, but the pitch got by the catcher. By definition, Mirabelli can't go to first because first is occupied and there is only one out (had there been two outs he would still be able to run to first). Millar made it home safely and Youk made it to second.

However, in the top of the 4th Oakland hit Wakefield well. Of the first 5 batters in the inning, 4 of them got hits and produced 2 runs, before the 6th batter hit into an inning ending double play.

The score remained the same until the bottom of the 6th with one out. Ortiz smashed his 43rd HR to right field. With each HR he adds to his new career high in HR and as he is always the DH (except back in IL play), he continues to add to the MLB DH HR record.

The next three innings produced no runs for either team. Wakefield gave another strong outing, going 9 innings and leaving the game tied 2-2.

Timlin came in to pitch the 10th and retired the first two batters. But the third batter doubled and went to third on a wild pitch. The scare was over when Ellis grounded out.

Graffanino lead off the bottom of the inning with a double and Machado came in to pinch run. Machado moved to third on Damon's ground out.

Then the A's collapsed. They hit Renteria to put runners on the corners. Not wanting to pitch to Ortiz, they chose to give him an IBB with one out. With the best chance to get out of the inning alive, the A's were looking for a double play ball. Instead, on a 1-1 count, trying to pitch inside, they plunked Manny. A walk-off HBP. It was the first time since Aug. 23, 2002 that a HBP ended the game. The last time the Sox won on a HBP was June 16, 1997.

Both Cleveland and the Yankees won, so the Yanks remain 1.5 back (1 in the loss column) of the Sox in the AL East and 0.5 back (tied in the loss column) in the WC race. The Yanks lead 11-3 after 4 innings, but were into their pen early with Randy only going 1.2 before being ejected. The Jays mounted a comeback, bringing the score to 11-10 by the end of the 7th inning. Eventually, Mo was needed to close out the game. Two notes here, it may have put some more strain on the Yanks pen, but it may have allowed Randy to put in an extra start down the stretch, as he only threw 51 pitches.

Some may feel that Ortiz is the POG, but I would say it was Wakefield, going 9 innings and saving a bullpen from work, a day after it saw a lot of work. Wakefield went 9 innings for a no decision; he allowed 7 hits, stuck out 3 and walked only 1.

Millar extended his hitting streak to 13 games.

[GefilteFish144]

Eventually, Mo was needed to close out the game. Two notes here, it may have put some more strain on the Yanks pen, but it may have allowed Randy to put in an extra start down the stretch, as he only threw 51 pitches.


Don't think Torre/Mel will throw off the rest of the pitchers just to give Randy an extra start. They have their rotation planned out to the very end.

[r. mutt]

I think there was only one out at the time, so I'm not sure it would have affected the outcome.

True, and true.

[yankeetripper]

Don't think Torre/Mel will throw off the rest of the pitchers just to give Randy an extra start. They have their rotation planned out to the very end.

He's only going to get 3 starts, if they move hime up he won't be slated to go in the Sox series so I'd expect to see hime starting his normal turn on Wednesday which would have him set to pitch the Saturday game in Fenway.

[GefilteFish144]

He's only going to get 3 starts, if they move hime up he won't be slated to go in the Sox series so I'd expect to see hime starting his normal turn on Wednesday which would have him set to pitch the Saturday game in Fenway.

No sense moving him up -- a 50-pitch night means less chance of injury. Besides, Saturday at Fenway would make him available for Thursday of playoffs. Not sure if that would be in time for Game 2, but Game 3 would be nice as well.

[yankeetripper]

:swear: A's allow just 7 runs in 3 days and can only win one stinkin' game.

[Jables]

:lol: Good effort from Arroyo tonight (really the walks in the 5th started the one inning of trouble), and the home run from Manny sealed the deal! I totally expected the offense to come up big today, but I'll take the win any way it happens...

[Wannabe Actuary]

After a Johnny Damon strike out, the Sox got things going with 3 consecutive singles, with Manny driving in the run.

Arroyo pitched strong, retiring the batters in order for the first 4 innings. But the offense of Boston failed to produce any more runs for him in that time.

In the top of the 5th the A's struck back. Arroyo walked the first two batters before getting Johnson to ground into a double play. Arroyo promptly walked the next batter, leaving runners on the corners. A single by Scutaro tied the game.

The score remained tied until Manny hit a solo HR with one out in the 6th. Papelbon pitched the 8th, giving up only one hit. Timlin pitched the 9th in order for the save. He struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced.

Arroyo went 7, giving up 3 walks (all in one inning), 3 hits, 2 Ks and 1 run.

POG goes to Manny for being Manny. Manny went 2-3 with a HR, 2 RBI and a IBB.

Sox lead this series 2-1 and look to close out the series with another win today.

The Yanks and Indians both won again, so there is still no change in the standings.

[r. mutt]

Phew. Could have been a catastrophic day in New England sports if Embree hadn't padded the Blue Jays lead.

[r. mutt]

I know we Red Sox fans can be a little maniacal, but sod (https://secure.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/fan_forum/sod_form.jsp) this sort of insanity.

I'll bet in 2008 Georgie at least auctions off pieces of Yankee Stadium to raise money for charity.

[Pseudolus]

My uncle got his piece of the 1969 Shea sod the old fashioned way - rioting.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Wow, the Sox just got spanked all around yesterday. Clement went 1.1 and got tagged for 7 runs. The first inning was a mess and went: single, single, wild pitch to advance both runners, ground rule double, single, single, fielders choice, fly out, walk, and line out. Clement started the second inning with a double, ground out, single, and a HR. His day was over after that.

Gonzalez game in and looked to be doing well, getting out of the second and allowing no runs in the 3rd or 4th. He imploded in the 5th, allowing 5 runs. At this point, the Sox had only gotten 4 hits and hadn't scored a run.

The Sox got to test out a lot of players though, which should help down the stretch. Foulke pitched 2 innings allowing only 2 hits. DiNardo and Harville each pitched an inning and neither gave up a hit. Both teams however substituted large portions of their players. Inlcuding pitchers, the A's used 18 players and the Sox used 20.

Boston finally got some offense going when Mueller lead of the 6th with a HR. In the 7th, Boston was able to string together 4 hits and get 2 runs out of it. However, they failed to do anything else the rest of the game and lost 12-3.

However, the Yanks also fell yesterday, while the Tribe won again. The Yanks are now 1.5 back in both the East and the WC (1 in the loss column in each).

Boston starts a 3 game series in Tampa Bay today.

POG goes to Mueller for going 1-3 with a solo HR.

[Wannabe Actuary]

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=103252

Hansen to join Sox

[yankeetripper]

...if Embree hadn't padded the Blue Jays lead.

He does realize he's no longer with the Sox? I'm mean just because the paycheck still has the Sox logo doesn't mean he has to help them out so much.

[GefilteFish144]

He does realize he's no longer with the Sox? I'm mean just because the paycheck still has the Sox logo doesn't mean he has to help them out so much.

He's helping out the Yankees by giving the other bullpen arms a rest. Come postseason Torre should switch roles -- have Embree do blowout relief and bring in Leiter as the lefty specialist.

[Wannabe Actuary]

He's helping out the Yankees by giving the other bullpen arms a rest. Come postseason Torre should switch roles -- have Embree do blowout relief and bring in Leiter as the lefty specialist.assuming the yanks have a post season

[Triangle Man]

Hansen!

[GefilteFish144]

Do you hear those footsteps in the AL East?

[Jables]

Ooh boy, I'll be hearing about this all day tomorrow.

Can we get a little help for Ortiz? He can't do it all on his own ya know... :shake:

[Hagbard Celine]

I keep waiting for them to stop this skid!

I didn't watch last night, but I did tune in at one point and saw Adam Hyzdu up at bat. Is that really how we expect to reverse our recent fortunes?

[Wannabe Actuary]

It was a night of up and down emotions. Boston started out well. Damon lead off with a double, and advanced to third on Renteria's ground out. A sac-fly by Ortiz brought him home for an early lead. Wells gave up back to back singles in the bottom half, but escaped with no runs scored.

Boston went down in order in the second. Wells again gave up back to back singles in the bottom half, but escaped with no runs. In the third Graffanino and Hyzdu lead off with back to back singles. A deep fly out by Damon moved Graffanino to third and a sac fly by Renteria brought him home. Sox up 2-0 at this point.

Wells then fell apart. After getting the first batter to ground out, Gomes singled and went to second on a wild pitch. Perez singled to put runners on the corners. Then Huff singled, Gonzalez hit a ground rule double, Hall hit a sac fly, Hollins singled, Lugo singled, Crawford walked and Francona said enough was enough and yanked Wells. Harville came in and got Cantu to foul out and stop the bleeding. Sox down 2-4.

Boston struck back in the top of the 4th when Cora tripled to drive in Millar and Mueller (both had reached on back to back 2 out walks). Score now tied 4-4.

The tie didn't last long as Harville started the bottom of the 4th allowing a double, single and fielders choice to bring the score to 4-5.

Even with the Sox down 4-5, I couldn't help but get excited about the bottom of the 5th when rookie Craig Hansen made his MLB debut. He struck out Hall on 6 pitches, broke Hollins bat on the 8th pitch, and struck out Lugo with 7 pitches. He only pitched the 5th and was fouled off a lot, but was throwing some major heat (95-96 mph). I think Hansen will play a big roll in the Boston pen.

Papelbon came in to pitch the 6th and promptly allowed a double and a HR. Sox now down 7-4. In the top of the 7th Big Papi hit a 2 run double, driving in Damon and Renteria to bring the Sox back within 1.

Bradford came in to pitch the 7th and made it through with no runs scored. However, in the 8th the Crawford lead off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on Cantu's ground out. Renteria's error on the next play allowed Gomes to reach safely and Crawford to score. Myers came in and struck out Gathright. Huff singled next but Manny added to his outfield assist total and threw out Gomes at home. Sox down 6-8.

Baez came in to close out the Sox and retired Damon and Renteria on ground outs. Ortiz continued his hot hitting and belted his 44th HR of the year. Ortiz was unable to carry the whole team on this night though. Still down one, Manny struck out to end the game.

The Sox used 6 pitchers and Harville was tagged for the loss, but Wells only going 2.2 in the fashion that he did lead to the trouble. At least the Sox are getting opportunities to try out a variety of pitchers before setting the playoff rosters. As mentioned, Hansen looked good, so we'll have to keep an eye on him.

POG goes to Ortiz for his great performance. He went 2-4 with 4 RBI. He had a solo HR and a 2 run double as well as a sac-fly. Ortiz leads the majors with 136 RBI and is tied with A-Rod for the AL lead in HR.

In other news, the Indians beat the ChiSox and the Yanks hit a walk-off HR to beat Baltimore last night. The Yanks are now just 0.5 games back of the Red Sox (tied in the loss column) but remain 1.5 back of the Indians for the WC (1 in the loss column).

[GefilteFish144]

In other news, the Indians beat the ChiSox and the Yanks hit a walk-off HR to beat Baltimore last night. The Yanks are now just 0.5 games back of the Red Sox (tied in the loss column) but remain 1.5 back of the Indians for the WC (1 in the loss column).



At this rate it's futile to measure WC progress against Cleveland. Cleveland is doing what the Red Sox did last year. Play mediocre ball till August, then go on a tear, give their once comfortable division leaders a run. If Cleveland overtakes the division and gets homefield advantage, the WC team in the AL East will have the unenviable task of facing the Indians in the Divisional Playoffs.

[lawfi5h]

If Cleveland overtakes the division and gets homefield advantage, the WC team in the AL East will have the unenviable task of facing the Indians in the Divisional Playoffs.

I refuse to believe the Indians will do much damage this year. I think they are a mediocre team playing with all their heart right now, floating on the wave of playing crappy teams. That momentum has allowed them to win big series against Oakland and start out 1-0 against CWS this week.

I think at the end of the day, Boston/NY/Oakland/Angels' A-game is still much better than the Indians A-game.

I hope I am wrong though. I am squarly on their bandwagon right now.

[PK]

I think at the end of the day, Boston/NY/Oakland/Angels' A-game is still much better than the Indians A-game. Seems like we haven't seen Boston's A-game in a while. Do they still have one?

Is the commercial about the love/hate relationship with the Sox a local thing or a national thing?

It starts out with "We have a love/hate relationship with out team. Suturday we love them. Sunday we hate them. What's today? ... ... Thursday? ... ... They're bums...."

Funniest thing I've heard in a while because it's so true.

[yankeetripper]

...Adam Hyzdu ...

He's no Bubba Crosby I tell ya.

[GefilteFish144]

He's no Bubba Crosby I tell ya.

I always liked Bubba -- he just needed some playing time and the security that he was not going to get sent down again. All of a sudden, his BA is up to .278. Put that with his blazing speed and solid defense, and you have the perfect #9 hitter to set up RBI chances for Jeter, A-Rod, etc.

[yankeetripper]

Seems like we haven't seen Boston's A-game in a while. Do they still have one?

Is the commercial about the love/hate relationship with the Sox a local thing or a national thing?

It starts out with "We have a love/hate relationship with out team. Suturday we love them. Sunday we hate them. What's today? ... ... Thursday? ... ... They're bums...."

Funniest thing I've heard in a while because it's so true.

A-game? - Shilling on the hill to get pounded again sounds about right.

Unless Wakefield is starting I'd be very nervous if I was a Sox fan.

Commercial must be local haven't seen it CA.

[GefilteFish144]

A-game? - Shilling on the hill to get pounded again sounds about right.

Unless Wakefield is starting I'd be very nervous if I was a Sox fan.

Commercial must be local haven't seen it CA.

Schilling will probably get shelled again, but TB's pitcher is no better. (He's the one who gave up the Grand Slam to Cano.) Red Sox will probably win this one by a FG (10-7, 13-10, something like that).

[r. mutt]

The Sox haven't shown an A-game in either hitting or pitching in about 3 weeks. Other than Ortiz, anyway.

[Pseudolus]

Smashy smashy.

[Macavity]

God Damn, Ortiz is just a monster. So ferocious! Twins fans must hate to see this.

[Jables]

Ortiz having a monster game, and it's not just him... "the giant part of the lineup" is 15-for-16 with 12 RBI's and 11 runs scored!

[Wannabe Actuary]

through 5 innings

Ortiz 4-4, 4 runs scored, 4 RBI (2 HR)
Ramirez 4-4, 4 runs scored, 3 RBI (2HR)
Nixon 3-4, 3 runs scored, 3 RBI (1 HR)
Varitek 4-4, 2 RBI

just freaking nasty

[r. mutt]

The Sox haven't shown an A-game in either hitting or pitching in about 3 weeks. Other than Ortiz, anyway.

MOre prophetic words were never spoken!

[Wannabe Actuary]

WOW, where to begin. The Sox got things going right early. Ortiz hit a 2-run HR in the first and Manny homered right after that. It's the first time this year they've gone back-to-back. So the Sox had an early 3-0 lead. But the meat of the order (3-6) was on fire last night as the Sox exploded for 15 runs! Schilling pitched 7 innings and only gave up 2 runs on 6 hits. He also struck out 7 while only walking 1. Hopefully he's starting to find his rhythm again. In the end, the Sox piled up 21 hits and had 4 batters with 4 hits (just the third time since divisional play began that this has happened). In addition to Schilling pitching well, we also had Ortiz go 4-5 with 2 HR, 4 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Manny went 4-4, with 2 HR, 3 RBI and 4 runs scored. It didn't stop there, Nixon finished 4-6 with a HR, 3 RBI, and 4 runs scored while Varitek went 4-5 with 2 RBI.

The Sox scored 3 in the first, 4 in the third, 3 in the fifth and 2 in the seventh. In the process they beat up on 4 Tampa pitchers. After Schilling was done with his 7 innings, Delcarmen and DiNardo pitched the 8th and 9th, striking out 5 of the 6 batters they retired while allowing no hits or walks.

POG could go to Papi, Manny, Nixon or Schilling. But yet again, Papi was leading the way and setting the tone early. Ortiz now has a 10 game hitting streak. He also homered in his last at bat in the previous game before homering in his first two at bats last night, to have 3 HRs in 3 ABs. Ortiz now has 27 HRs on the road, passing Ted Williams' mark of 26 in 1957 for the most all time by a Red Sox in a single season. Ortiz now has 9 multi-HR games this season, sitting 1 below the 10 by Jimmie Foxx in 1938. With 46 HR, Ortiz has set a new record by a lefty Red Sox for a single season. 46 HR also places him in a tie for second with Jim Rice for most HR in a season. Furthermore, Ortiz's 2 HR both came off McClung….Ortiz now has 3 HR in 5 ABs this season against McClung.

This year against the D-Rays, Ortiz has 10 HRs and Manny has 7 HRs, so look for them to keep hitting the Rays tonight.

In other news, the Yanks jumped to an early lead on the O's. Despite being up 10-3 at one point, the O's battled back and made a game of it, but lost 12-9. The White Sox beat the Indians in extra innings. So the Yanks are now just 0.5 games back of Boston in the East and the Indians in the WC race. In both cases they are tied in the loss column. The Red Sox have Thursday off while the Indians have next Monday (9/26) off. We'll see how the Yanks fair down the stretch with no days off. The race is on...

[GefilteFish144]

God Damn, Ortiz is just a monster. So ferocious! Twins fans must hate to see this.

Even if he were still on the Twinkies he'd never hit like this. People just have to pitch to him because Manny protects him in the lineup. If he were still on the Twins he'd be the Barry Bonds of the AL.

[DW Simpson]

If he were still on the Twins he'd be the Barry Bonds of the AL.

Without the Gold Gloves, talent or ability to touch his toes.

[PK]

If he were still on the Twins he'd be the Barry Bonds of the AL.Without the Gold Gloves, talent or ability to touch his toes.Definately the CTM of the day. :tup:

[r. mutt]

Yikes! Talk about not knowing when to pull a pitcher. :shake:

[GefilteFish144]

Johnny Gomes!

:party:

Lily Timlin!

:party:

Yankees in first place!

:party:

[Mike and Maddog]

Thanks Timlin. I picked him up in a fantasy league to try and get some saves at the end of the season when it looked like they wouldn't go back to foulke.

Can't say i am totally disappointed though.

[GefilteFish144]

Timlin will get his saves as long as nobody is on base. Heard a stat last night that 17 of 31 inherited runners have scored off him. That's a big reason his ERA is good while the rest of the bullpen have much higher ERA's.

[Wannabe Actuary]

So I'm out at a special even Lost premier party, checking scores on my phone. Man did I get twisted over this one….

Sox got an early lead for Wakefield, loading the bases in the top of the second with only one out. A sac fly from Cora and singles from Mueller and Renteria put 3 on the board. Ortiz walked and the bases were loaded again before Manny popped out to end the inning.

Tampa struck back, leading off the bottom of the inning with a HR and added another run on a throwing error by Cora trying to turn 2.

The score remained the same until Manny lead off the 5th with a HR to make it 4-2. Manny and Ortiz now have 85 combined HRs, surpassing the previous Red Sox high of any two combined batters of 84 (which they set last year).

Then came the bottom of the 8th. Started rocky, looked ok, then went to pieces. Gathright singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Then Lugo was hit by a pitch. Wakefield got Crawford to ground into a double play and it looked like the Sox were going to be ok. But then Cantu singled, scoring Gathright. Timlin came in and allowed a single to Lee, which moved Cantu to third. Timlin imploded, giving up a triple to Gomes, scoring 2 runs…then a double to Munson to score another. And to top it off he allowed a single to Gonzalez to score one more run for good measure before getting Hall to fly out. The 8th saw 6 hits and 5 runs and left the Sox down 4-7 with only half an inning left.

The Sox had Ortiz, Manny and Olerud due up so hope was not lost. However, Ortiz grounded out to complete his 0-4 performance, followed by Manny's strike out and Olerud's fly out.

POG goes to Mueller. Mueller moved up to lead off with Damon out of the line-up for another cortisone shot in his shoulder. He expects to be back Friday. Mueller went 3-4 with a walk and an RBI. All three hits were singles and his walk was the first AB of the game. His last two hits saw him out on double plays at first. Ortiz and Renteria both lined to first and Mueller was out at first as well.

In other news, the Yanks got 2 runs on a Lawton HR early in the game and held on to win 2-1. The Indians won 8-0 over the White Sox.

The Yanks now lead the Red Sox by 0.5 games. The one game difference will be evened out today as the Sox are off and the Yanks face Baltimore.

The Indians lead the Sox by 1.0 game in the wild card, and are only 2.5 back on the White Sox now.

Schilling left the team to tend to a personal matter. Not sure when he will return.

[yankeetripper]

Guess this makes the question "How many days have the Yankees spent in 2nd place?" a bit irrelevant right now.

Timlin has allowed 18-32 inherited runners (or something close) to score, maybe Francona should consider bringing him in before runners are on base :lol:.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Guess this makes the question "How many days have the Yankees spent in 2nd place?" a bit irrelevant right now.

Timlin has allowed 18-32 inherited runners (or something close) to score, maybe Francona should consider bringing him in before runners are on base :lol:.I'll say exactly what yankee fans have told me, it only matters were you finish...if the yanks lose today, it would mean a tie atop the AL east...so the day isn't over yet.

[lawfi5h]

I'll say exactly what yankee fans have told me, it only matters were you finish...if the yanks lose today, it would mean a tie atop the AL east...so the day isn't over yet.

Too lazy to lookup, and figured someone here would know this answer....

What happens when there are ties? Example: If BOS, CLE, NYY are all tied for the AL 2nd best record (behind CWS), what happens?

[yankeetripper]

Too lazy to lookup, and figured someone here would know this answer....

What happens when there are ties? Example: If BOS, CLE, NYY are all tied for the AL 2nd best record (behind CWS), what happens?

BOS travles to NYY for 1 game playoff to deterime AL east winner (Yanks won coin flip),

Loser of Monday game travels to CLE (CLE won all coin tosses) to determine Wild Card.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Too lazy to lookup, and figured someone here would know this answer....

What happens when there are ties? Example: If BOS, CLE, NYY are all tied for the AL 2nd best record (behind CWS), what happens?well, Bos and NYY would have a one game playoff to determine which is the conference winner. The loser would then have a one game playoff with CLE for the WC...

[Wannabe Actuary]

yankee beat me to it and included the locations...

[MountainHawk]

Too lazy to lookup, and figured someone here would know this answer....

What happens when there are ties? Example: If BOS, CLE, NYY are all tied for the AL 2nd best record (behind CWS), what happens?


If there is a three way tie, Boston and the Yankees would play a playoff for the division crown in New York (NYY won that coin flip). After the game, the winner is the division champ, but the loser is now 1/2 game behind Cleveland, so there is no longer a tie and Cleveland would be the WC team.

[MountainHawk]

BOS travles to NYY for 1 game playoff to deterime AL east winner (Yanks won coin flip),

Loser of Monday game travels to CLE (CLE won all coin tosses) to determine Wild Card.


Unless they changed it in the last 2-3 years, this is how it should work, but it does not work this way.

[lawfi5h]

yankee beat me to it and included the locations...

Another thing I always wondered (sorry to badger you guys with ?'s)...when do they do the coinflip? They always seem to have all scenarios accounted for, but it is never clear to me how early they do it. Clearly they can't flip coins for each team, right?

[MountainHawk]

Oops ... they did make the change this year. There was a controversy about 3-4 years ago because it didn't work this way, but my recollection was baseball decided not to change it. My bad:


In the event three clubs finish the season with the same winning percentage in either league, with one of them a division winner and another the Wild Card, the two teams tied for the division lead would play the one-game tiebreaker.

The winner would be declared the division champion, and the losing team would engage the club from the other division for the Wild Card.




They did the coin flips on September 12th ... or at least that's when the story was posted on MLB.

[yankeetripper]

I'll say exactly what yankee fans have told me, it only matters were you finish...if the yanks lose today, it would mean a tie atop the AL east...so the day isn't over yet.

That was my point when the question was asked around the end of August.

Don't expect Yanks to lose too many before next Friday, sure it could happen but they are playing inspired ball right now. 9-1 starting w/ Johnson's 1-0 masterpiece against Wakefield. And the 2 teams they play, well Baltimore quit a few weeks ago and Yanks have played pretty good against Toronto. I figure Yanks are good for 4-1 against Baltimore and 2-1 against Toronto. I figure Boston to go 2-1 against Baltimore and 2-2 against Toronto which if my math is correct would give Yanks a 3 game lead going into Fenway.

And I haven't seen Jabels update that Yankee record when they score 3 or less in a while - what's up with that?

[yankeetripper]

Another thing I always wondered (sorry to badger you guys with ?'s)...when do they do the coinflip? They always seem to have all scenarios accounted for, but it is never clear to me how early they do it. Clearly they can't flip coins for each team, right?

Yes they do. A's lost all coin flips, Indians won all coin flips. Other teams kind of split. Not sure how CHW did in the flips if it comes down to that, they were so far ahead at the time of the flips that I don't evene remember seeing them published.

An interesting, though unlikely scenario, would be all 4 tied w/ best record. Oddly enough this would give an advantage to AL West winner who would get 2 days off with the 5th best record in the league assuming they don't have to play a Monday playoff which would be in Anehiem.

And Hawk they did change the rule either this year or last year. Contoversy came up when I think LAD & SD were close with Central wild card contender. It became a non issue because there was not a 3 way tie but people thought it was unfair that the WC could sneak becuase the other 2 teams had to play a 1 game playoff. They came up with some more detailed and equitable rules to deal w/ multiple playoff tie breakers invloving more than 2 teams.

[MountainHawk]

They don't flip it for all the teams. For example, in the highly unlikely event that the Braves end tied with the Phils or Marlins, they'd have to do that coin flip on the spot, because they didn't do any for the NL division races because they were decisive at the time of the coin flip.

[yankeetripper]

They don't flip it for all the teams. For example, in the highly unlikely event that the Braves end tied with the Phils or Marlins, they'd have to do that coin flip on the spot, because they didn't do any for the NL division races because they were decisive at the time of the coin flip.

Didn't realize that, I thought they did most if not all possible scenarios, guess they limit it to "likely scenarios". Maybe that's why I didn't see any results for the White Sox.

[r. mutt]

Uh oh, Foulkie (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aj2vD1OqakZ6fYjk2q9BihE5nYcB?slug=ap-redsox-foulke&prov=ap&type=lgns) got sent home.

[Triangle Man]

Uh oh, Foulkie (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aj2vD1OqakZ6fYjk2q9BihE5nYcB?slug=ap-redsox-foulke&prov=ap&type=lgns) got sent home.Let the Hansen for Closer bandwagon start!

[r. mutt]

Let the Hansen for Closer bandwagon start!

Won't happen with Francoma at the helm. If he won't put him in during an obvious situation like last night, he won't put him in anywhere important.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Uh oh, Foulkie (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aj2vD1OqakZ6fYjk2q9BihE5nYcB?slug=ap-redsox-foulke&prov=ap&type=lgns) got sent home.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqFL6LeFxGJ9bwyrINH0E9cRvLYF?slug=redsox foulke&prov=st&type=lgns
apparently he's done for the season

[MountainHawk]

Yanks hold off Baltimore ... Sox a full game out now.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Sox were off, Yanks eventually won. They were down 0-1 and took a 7-1 lead. The final score was only 7-6, but a tired Mo didn't pitch, Gordon did. Signs of a tiring bullpen....


Cleveland also won.

Sox are 1.0 back on the Yanks, and 1.5 back of Cleveland (1 in the loss column).

Sox open their last road series today against Baltimore (3 games) before facing Toronto (4 games) and the Yankees (3 games) at home to close out the season.

[Mike and Maddog]

Sox were off, Yanks eventually won. They were down 0-1 and took a 7-1 lead. The final score was only 7-6, but a tired Mo didn't pitch, Gordon did. Signs of a tiring bullpen....


Signs of a bullpen with 2 closers. Something socks wish they had.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Signs of a bullpen with 2 closers. Something socks wish they had.Honestly, I wish we had one consistent one....

Gordon allowed a 2 out solo HR to Mora...

I remember looking at who was coming up to bat in the 9th and saying to myself, Mora is gonna homer, I hope someone gets on base for him (since they were down 2). Sadly, no one did and it was a solo HR.

Gordon has more IP than Rivera, so I'm thinking they're both getting tired.

[PK]

...Gordon has more IP than Rivera, so I'm thinking they're both getting tired.And I'm thinking that Mike is starting to grasp at straws. [The cartoon is from last year. Published after the series.]

[MountainHawk]

The Yankees have made up 4.5 games in the past three weeks or so, and it's the Yankee fans that are grasping at straws? Face it Sox fans, your $200M payroll bought you the exact same thing the Phillies $90M payroll did ... a team either barely good enough to scrape into the postseason, or just bad enough not to.

[Wannabe Actuary]

PK, that's hanging in my cube....that whole week long series of strips is actually...

[Wannabe Actuary]

IFYQ1 game, with 10 left (7 at home) and 3 against the team ahead of us is still WELL within reach. I'm not worried.

[Triangle Man]

The Yankees have made up 4.5 games in the past three weeks or so, and it's the Yankee fans that are grasping at straws? Face it Sox fans, your $200M payroll bought you the exact same thing the Phillies $90M payroll did ... a team either barely good enough to scrape into the postseason, or just bad enough not to.They're only three games worse than the team with the best record in the AL. Considering they lost their ace and their closer for large chunks of the season, that's pretty good.

[GefilteFish144]

Sox are 1.0 back on the Yanks, and 1.5 back of Cleveland (1 in the loss column).

Forget about chasing Cleveland. At this rate AL East WC team will probably be facing them in the playoffs. Indians are just 1.5 games back. If White Sox cough this one up, this would be a bigger collapse than the 1978 Red Sox or the 2004 Yankees.

[MountainHawk]

They're only three games worse than the team with the best record in the AL. Considering they lost their ace and their closer for large chunks of the season, that's pretty good.

The AL is pretty mediocre this year.

[yankeetripper]

The AL is pretty mediocre this year.

Good one Hawk. The top 6 teams in AL are better by far than any team in NL with the exeption of STL who is about even with the AL's best. The only reason STL has the best record in MLB is because the rest of the NL s#ucks so bad.

[yankeetripper]

Hey Sox fan, good news is your just 3 games back of the other Sox in the Wild Card race.

Looks like you get your last chance to pick up ground this weekend when you visit the O's, who mailed it in about 2 months ago, but then we get to turn around and beat them 4 more times next week. So looks like you'll have to beat NYY at Fenway if you want to defend that title.

[MountainHawk]

Good one Hawk. The top 6 teams in AL are better by far than any team in NL with the exeption of STL who is about even with the AL's best. The only reason STL has the best record in MLB is because the rest of the NL s#ucks so bad.

LMAO. No. If the Yankees or Red Sox were in the NL East, they'd be buried.

[yankeetripper]

LMAO. No. If the Yankees or Red Sox were in the NL East, they'd be buried.

No if either team was in the NL east, they would be getting ready to play san diego because ATL would be the likely WC. Just becasue every team in the NL east is basically a 500 team, doesn't mean the division is great, just filled with mediocrity. It's just odd that in a whole division in the NL, not one team can manage to stay above 500, probably because the AL, kicked thier sorry a$$es. What was CLE this year 12-1 against the NL? Its part of the reason they are likely to catch the White Sox.

[yankeetripper]

BTW Hawk, AL was 20 games over 500 against NL this year. And how many consectutive all star games has AL won?

Seriously if Boston or NYY got to beat up on the NL on regular basis, neither team would be talking about "under achieveing" this year as each team would easily have won 100+

[MountainHawk]

Competitions between the two leagues is horribly skewed by the fact that the AL plays arcade baseball, and the NL plays real baseball. The NL has much better teams, but is a consistent disadvantage because it's much much much easier to have an AL team play real baseball than an NL team play arcade baseball.

[yankeetripper]

Competitions between the two leagues is horribly skewed by the fact that the AL plays arcade baseball, and the NL plays real baseball. The NL has much better teams, but is a consistent disadvantage because it's much much much easier to have an AL team play real baseball than an NL team play arcade baseball.

Yeah I forgot, in sports the better team usually loses. Nice try Hawk, come back when you've got someting to back up your weak claims that the NL teams are better.

[Pseudolus]

Competitions between the two leagues is horribly skewed by the fact that the AL plays arcade baseball, and the NL plays real baseball. The NL has much better teams, but is a consistent disadvantage because it's much much much easier to have an AL team play real baseball than an NL team play arcade baseball.Can we cut the data to look only at games played at NL ("real baseball") parks? If the leagues are even, the homefield advantage should result in the NL teams winning slightly more than 50% of these games.

[MountainHawk]

Haven't seen it available, but I'll look around.

[Triangle Man]

Competitions between the two leagues is horribly skewed by the fact that the AL plays arcade baseball, and the NL plays real baseball. The NL has much better teams, but is a consistent disadvantage because it's much much much easier to have an AL team play real baseball than an NL team play arcade baseball.In fact, it's the exact opposite. NL pitchers are more used to hitting than AL pitchers, while the NL teams can easily replace their pitcher with a DH.

[MountainHawk]

In fact, it's the exact opposite. NL pitchers are more used to hitting than AL pitchers, while the NL teams can easily replace their pitcher with a DH.


NL teams don't have DHs lying around. The difference in quality between the AL DH and the NL pinch hitter that ends up playing is much much bigger than the difference between the .030 hitting AL pitcher and the .090 hitting NL pitcher.

[GefilteFish144]

NL teams don't have DHs lying around. The difference in quality between the AL DH and the NL pinch hitter that ends up playing is much much bigger than the difference between the .030 hitting AL pitcher and the .090 hitting NL pitcher.

I agree. If Ortiz were in the NL, he'd actually have to field. While Papi is Mr. Clutch at the plate, his fielding makes Giambi look like a gold glover. The only time I know that the DH really helped an NL team was when the Mets could use Piazza in that role while using a catcher who could actually throw out baserunners.

[yankeetripper]

NL teams don't have DHs lying around. The difference in quality between the AL DH and the NL pinch hitter that ends up playing is much much bigger than the difference between the .030 hitting AL pitcher and the .090 hitting NL pitcher.

So what you're really saying is the NL benches are filled with a bunch of scrubs who should probably be in AAA. You know, you're not really making your argument that the NL is better any stronger by dissing 24% of the league.

(24% estimated by 25 - 8 (starters) - 11 (pitchers) / 25 on active roster).

[MountainHawk]

No. The NL benches are filled with guys that are balanced players, but generally they are better in the field (at multiple positions, as well) than at the plate. NL team benches are generally much more versatile than AL team benches in the field, but no team in the NL is going to keep a guy that can hit .325 and 30 HR around if he's completely useless in the field. We ship him off to the AL so he can play arcade ball.

[Triangle Man]

No. The NL benches are filled with guys that are balanced players, but generally they are better in the field (at multiple positions, as well) than at the plate. NL team benches are generally much more versatile than AL team benches in the field, but no team in the NL is going to keep a guy that can hit .325 and 30 HR around if he's completely useless in the field. We ship him off to the AL so he can play arcade ball.Which is why most of the best players end up in the AL, which is why the AL is better than the NL.

[MountainHawk]

Which is why most of the best players end up in the AL, which is why the AL is better than the NL.


Nope. Most of the people that can only hit/steroid users end up in the AL, so they score more runs than the NL so people think the AL is better.

[Triangle Man]

Nope. Most of the people that can only hit/steroid users end up in the AL, so they score more runs than the NL so people think the AL is better.How silly of us to think that the point of the game is to score more runs. You more enlightened types understand that the true point of the game is prove your manager's cleverness at orchestrating a masterful double switch.

[yankeetripper]

... but no team in the NL is going to keep a guy that can hit .325 and 30 HR around if he's completely useless in the field. We ship him off to the AL so he can play arcade ball.

Which is why Barry Bonds is still a Giant and Jeff Bagwell is still an Astro?

Give me a break anyone with the #s you listed above and a team will find him a position. Unless his leg/arm is totaly shot, they will always try to hide him on a corner 1st/3rd/right/let. I mean Manny and Giambi are horrible fielders but both of them still get trotted out there almost every day in the field.

The AL is just plain better, face it your rooting for second best and it just upsets you.

[MountainHawk]

How silly of us to think that the point of the game is to score more runs. You more enlightened types understand that the true point of the game is prove your manager's cleverness at orchestrating a masterful double switch.

Close, but as you are unenlightened, I would except you to understand that their is a thing called defense in baseball, and that all people that want to play on a baseball team should be able to understand the basic mechanics of how to put on a glove and throw and catch, something which cannot be said on most AL DHs.

[MountainHawk]

Which is why Barry Bonds is still a Giant and Jeff Bagwell is still an Astro?

Give me a break anyone with the #s you listed above and a team will find him a position. Unless his leg/arm is totaly shot, they will always try to hide him on a corner 1st/3rd/right/let. I mean Manny and Giambi are horrible fielders but both of them still get trotted out there almost every day in the field.

The AL is just plain better, face it your rooting for second best and it just upsets you.

Saying the AL is 'better' is like saying a rugby team is 'better' than a American football team. The AL is better at arcade ball, the NL is better at baseball.

[yankeetripper]

Nope. Most of the people that can only hit/steroid users end up in the AL, so they score more runs than the NL so people think the AL is better.

Ken Caminitiwon his MVP in the NL and Bond didn't triple in size in the AL so you have you share of juicers as well.

The reason the AL scores more runs is 9 people acutually bat as opposed to the 8 the NL send out.

[MountainHawk]

Ken Caminitiwon his MVP in the NL and Bond didn't triple in size in the AL so you have you share of juicers as well.

The reason the AL scores more runs is 9 people acutually bat as opposed to the 8 the NL send out.


and the lack of quality defense and pitching in the AL.