April 2nd @ Kansas City

[MANNYHOF24]

No big deal. This is ONE game, I am not worried at all. Meche pitched extremely well today, and we didn't make good descions on the basepaths. Schill had no control, his FB was 90-94 which was good, so I think he will be fine. It's not like Schill to lose control like that and he will correct it.

[a700hitter]

Too much negativity, even for me.

[jacksonianmarch]

If you were a Red Sox fan I'd say you were essentially jumping off the bridge. Given that you're not I'm not sure what you're doing. It's the first day of the season man. If three starts in Schilling has done nothing but throw crap then fine, I'll join you. Given that Schilling threw very well in ST in a fair number of innings I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet (despite what you may want).

 

I really can't help but wonder: what the hell are you doing on a Red Sox site so much on opening day? Is there not a single yankees board that wants your opinion? Not trying to be a jerk (you know I like having you around) but I would think that on opening day--if ever--you would be with your own instead of with your baseball-enemies. I don't get it :dunno:

 

I am on a few yankee boards. The majority of them are very annoying. I have found a couple that are solid, but are not as active. And those that are disallow the use of Pussano or anything negaive about your team. You may think I'm a Kool Aid drinker, but a lot of message board clones on yankee sites are way worse. Carl Pavano for comeback player of the yr? I nearly puked when I read that.

 

Plus, I have been banned from 3 yankees sites, one of them twice. When things go wrong, I wil call a spade a spade. And I have been known to take my shots at the teflon coach.

 

Also, you guys are pretty cool. ORS, you, 700, crunch, etc, are good, thoughtful posters. Also, I am originally from CT and went to college in MA. I am used to being the oddball liking the enemy. Consider it comforting.

[schillingouttheks]

I'm sorry, but I can't look at this game as if it's only one game. 1 game means everything. 1 game meant everything in 2005 when we finished with the same record as the Yanks but got the wild card because of the head to head record.

 

They better have gotten the kinks out. I'm willing to calm down a little because it's the first day and we historically have bad opening days, but when you have early games against lowly teams you need to win them.

[jacksonianmarch]

If you were a Red Sox fan I'd say you were essentially jumping off the bridge. Given that you're not I'm not sure what you're doing. It's the first day of the season man. If three starts in Schilling has done nothing but throw crap then fine, I'll join you. Given that Schilling threw very well in ST in a fair number of innings I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet (despite what you may want).

 

As for Schilling, consider that I have been on the other end of watching him be amazing. His best asset is amazing control of an amazing arsenal. I have seen him get tattooed and most of the time it is due to his rare mistakes getting hammered. I have never seen him THIS off, is all. I'll stop now.

[Ray10]

Even though they looked bad today it's still only the first game still got 161 more to go. I'm not worried at all.

[schillingouttheks]

I love Schill and I love everything he's done for us. That said, I really am concerned about him for this year. I never saw him look so off and truth be told, I didn't have much confidence in him to begin with. I'm not jumping off his ship, but I am concerned about how he's going to hold his own. He'll have his good outings but I just don't think they're going to be as common as we would like them to be. Not to bring up an annoying subject, but that decision on holding off on that contract extension is looking good. I know it's one start, but seriously, imagine if we see him pitch only marginally better than he did today. With the possibility of him pitching as or near as badly as he did today on a consistent basis, I'm glad he isn't locked up for next year. The only thing that unsettles me is that if Schilling starts to implode a bit, moving Papelbon to the 'pen may not have been the smartest thing to do...

 

Okay, now I'll settle down, realize it's opening day, and wait patiently before I make anymore judgments on him. I promise, this is just me being a bit annoyed about losing this badly to the Royals (of all teams) on OPENING DAY. I'm not as concerned as it seems (after all, there really are 161 games left). Besides, such is the life of a Red Sox fan. The only thing I've ever known is panic.

[example1]

As for Schilling' date=' consider that I have been on the other end of watching him be amazing. His best asset is amazing control of an amazing arsenal. I have seen him get tattooed and most of the time it is due to his rare mistakes getting hammered. I have never seen him THIS off, is all. I'll stop now.[/quote']

 

 

The good thing is that he will likely Blog his ass off about this start and let all of us know what was wrong. It is true that his body didn't LOOK like it was all going in the same direction and that he was very much throwing with his arm, but that is probably a pretty surface level assessment. I imagine Schill will say that the 12 ribbon of flesh on his index finger finger-print was raised slightly and it didn't jive with the seams, which felt a little dry in the midwest heat (or something very specific like that). We can always count on Schill for an honest assessment.

 

Speaking of honest assessments (and slightly off topic) what does it say about MLB that we allow Sammy Sosa to come back and play baseball? If he's good its because he is on UNDETECTABLE HGH. I have no doubt about that, and I doubt many of you guys do either. Is there any doubt that this guy not only corked his bats but also pumped himself full of crap? Doesn't he LOOK juiced again? His face, his legs, all of it.

 

I took some solice watching all the NFL homers having to eat crow when their defensive player of the year tested positive and was back in the league a few weeks later, contending for that award. I hate to see the same s*** going on in MLB. I'm sick of people pointing to how much better the NFL is than MLB by pointing to the MLB turning a blind eye to steroids--when it is SO obvious that the NFL has the same, if not a bigger problem. To see Sammy back in the game makes me frustrated with the state of the game.

 

Are we really such sheep that we have to be okay with this s***? If he hits 20 bombs and sends the rangers to the playoffs what does that say about us as fans?

 

Just curious about people's opinions on the subject.

[example1]

I love Schill and I love everything he's done for us. That said, I really am concerned about him for this year. I never saw him look so off and truth be told, I didn't have much confidence in him to begin with. I'm not jumping off his ship, but I am concerned about how he's going to hold his own. He'll have his good outings but I just don't think they're going to be as common as we would like them to be. Not to bring up an annoying subject, but that decision on holding off on that contract extension is looking good. I know it's one start, but seriously, imagine if we see him pitch only marginally better than he did today. With the possibility of him pitching as or near as badly as he did today on a consistent basis, I'm glad he isn't locked up for next year. The only thing that unsettles me is that if Schilling starts to implode a bit, moving Papelbon to the 'pen may not have been the smartest thing to do...

 

Okay, now I'll settle down, realize it's opening day, and wait patiently before I make anymore judgments on him. I promise, this is just me being a bit annoyed about losing this badly to the Royals (of all teams) on OPENING DAY. I'm not as concerned as it seems (after all, there really are 161 games left). Besides, such is the life of a Red Sox fan. The only thing I've ever known is panic.

 

Again, he pitched better than any sox starter in Spring training. We HAVE seen him pitch worse (think '05 return from injury) and I think that if anyone can make the necessary adjustments it is Curt Schilling.

 

Also, let's not pretend that this KC team is the same s***** team that played last year. Between Sweeney being back, Shealy playing 1B and Gordon hitting 5th this isn't a bad lineup (at least on paper). Today they certainly looked adequate.

[schillingouttheks]

Again, he pitched better than any sox starter in Spring training. We HAVE seen him pitch worse (think '05 return from injury) and I think that if anyone can make the necessary adjustments it is Curt Schilling.

 

Also, let's not pretend that this KC team is the same s***** team that played last year. Between Sweeney being back, Shealy playing 1B and Gordon hitting 5th this isn't a bad lineup (at least on paper). Today they certainly looked adequate.

 

Yes, that is what's comforting to me. I'm really not as concerned about him as I seem (considering the size of my rant paragraph) but it was just ugly today, and I think everyone agrees.

 

You're right, though. Curt Schilling is the last person we should be worrying about in terms of making the correct adjustments. I bet there were also some nerves throughout the whole team about opening day. KC just came to play today and we didn't. As simple as that. Hopefully the team as a whole will be calmer tomorrow.

 

However, I WILL have a problem if we do not take the next 2 games.

[ORS]

Why would Sosa be the focus of your ire when someone with as much to hide is about to break the most hallowed record in American sports?

[jacksonianmarch]

The good thing is that he will likely Blog his ass off about this start and let all of us know what was wrong. It is true that his body didn't LOOK like it was all going in the same direction and that he was very much throwing with his arm, but that is probably a pretty surface level assessment. I imagine Schill will say that the 12 ribbon of flesh on his index finger finger-print was raised slightly and it didn't jive with the seams, which felt a little dry in the midwest heat (or something very specific like that). We can always count on Schill for an honest assessment.

.

 

I will only listen to what Schilling says with one ear closed. Remember this, the guy is in a walk yr. He shouldnt come out and say too much.

 

And for anyone who has had coaching in pitching, you know that you drive over your knee and to your target. The harder you drive, the lower the ball will go. So the object is to drive over the knee with your entire body weight. If your back is injured, driving over the knee is nearly impossible and everything is up. One other thing he could say is that he was overstriding. When you overstride, you lose the ability to drive over the knee and your release leaves everything up. His stride looked okay. He just wasnt driving over the knee well. That is why I think his back is bothering him.

[jacksonianmarch]

Again, he pitched better than any sox starter in Spring training. We HAVE seen him pitch worse (think '05 return from injury) and I think that if anyone can make the necessary adjustments it is Curt Schilling.

 

Also, let's not pretend that this KC team is the same s***** team that played last year. Between Sweeney being back, Shealy playing 1B and Gordon hitting 5th this isn't a bad lineup (at least on paper). Today they certainly looked adequate.

 

The Royals lineup will be one of the worst in all of baseball. Chalk it up. That is a guarantee.

[example1]

Why would Sosa be the focus of your ire when someone with as much to hide is about to break the most hallowed record in American sports?

 

Because I thought he was at least out of the game. Bonds has received plenty of my ire already, but Sosa is a recurring mole in this game of whack-a-mole. If Sosa comes back and sucks then that's fine, its his own image. But if he comes back and is successful then it is an (additional) tarnish on the game. God forbid he hit 50 HR this year.

 

John Lackey needs to get over himself. Yes, crappy defense can kill a pitcher's outing but he looks like a pissed off teenager out there right now.

[example1]

The Royals lineup will be one of the worst in all of baseball. Chalk it up. That is a guarantee.

 

If healthy it will be better than last year. Chalk that up!

 

EDIT: not that they will be GOOD, simply better.

 

EDIT2: (to avoid triple posting!) Does anyone else wish that when baseball started we could just put our jobs and lives on hold for 6 months? I could sit here all day and type crap to you all and watch game after game.

 

I've only watched about 5 minutes of the NCAA Championship game. It's opening day for crying out loud.

[ORS]

The Royals lineup will be one of the worst in all of baseball. Chalk it up. That is a guarantee.

Case of Pabst says they won't be.

[jacksonianmarch]

Make it Natty Lite and you are on!

[a700hitter]

The Royals lineup will be one of the worst in all of baseball. Chalk it up. That is a guarantee.

Teahen is very good, Sweeney is a great hitter, and Dejesus isn't bad, neither Grudz. If Sweeny can stay healthy and the rookie Gordon comes throught, they'll be better than they have been in years.

[jacksonianmarch]

Teahen is very good' date=' Sweeney is a great hitter, and Dejesus isn't bad, neither Grudz. If Sweeny can stay healthy and the rookie Gordon comes throught, they'll be better than they have been in years.[/quote']

 

they were the worst power team in the majors last yr by a long shot. They added Gordon and Teahan may be a bit better this yr. But they wont be very good yet.

[a700hitter]

They'll be better than they have been, but that is not saying much.

[ORS]

They'll get a full year out of Shealy too. No, they won't be very good, but there's a big gap between very good and one of the worst. That is where they will end up.

[yeszir]

Case of Pabst says they won't be.

 

High roller!

[example1]

They'll get a full year out of Shealy too. No' date=' they won't be very good, but there's a big gap between very good and one of the worst. That is where they will end up.[/quote']

 

Not to beat a dead horse (or get caught up in word choice) but they could still be one of the worst. I think its just fair to say they will be better. Sweeney is a lock to get hurt and after that its all down hill. They have the potential to be better than the worst though.

 

I think that baseball is in a really good spot right now. There are a ton of good young players and even the bad teams have a player or two to get excited about. 7 champions in 7 seasons says enough about parody for me, and honestly I like it that there are a few teams that are dominant on an annual basis... it makes for better drama when there are the 'disliked' teams. Just like in football, despite braging about equality across the league people still love to see the Colts and Patriots lose.

[EvilDonut]

Schillings take on his start.

 

http://38pitches.com/2007/04/02/game-1-4207-kc/#more-67

[jacksonianmarch]

Schillings take on his start.

 

http://38pitches.com/2007/04/02/game-1-4207-kc/#more-67

 

didnt see your post. I created a double. Sorry.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Just in case anyone cares, Trot Nixon had two hits, Hanley Ramirez had two doubles, Alex Gonzalez had an RBI and Rudy Seanez pitched a scoreless ninth.

 

Not saying we shouldnt have given them up (except A-Gon), but its nice to see them starting out well.

[riverside sluggers]

Schilling was bad' date=' and Tek looked awful last year, too.[/quote']

 

Tek has been bad since the all-star break of 2005.

 

164 games- 141 Hits in 580 ABs (.243 avg) 32 Doubles, Triple, 21 HRs, 89 RBIs, 77 Runs, 83 Walks, 140 Ks, 3 SBs

 

I just hope they dont get antsy and somehow call up kottaras if he's having a good year in Pawtucket. He needs to stay down there for the whole 2007 season. If all goes well in 08, he'll start as the backup catcher and work his way up from there

 

EDIT: All in favor for some "SchillingouttheKs" mojo tomorrow, say aye!

[Gom]

What a perfect day. Pavano pitches better than Schilling, Royals pound the Red Sox and their fat boy pitcher, Yankees take care of Kazmir and the Devil Rays. Life is good.

 

Remember to tune into the YES network for post-season analysis.

 

Great day, isn't it Jacko?

 

Now if only Beckett lives up to form, the Red Sox will go into Friday's game looking to get swept.

 

On a serious note, Schilling is just getting old. I know, it's just one start, but with power pitchers, when they get old, they tend to get old fast. Look at Randy Johnson. He lost it in one year. He'll be serviceable, but no ace. It has to happen sooner or later, it happens to all of them. Pitchers like Glavine, Mussina, Maddux, etc., pitcher who rely more on off-speed pitches to win tend to last longer. There really isn't much doubt who will have a better year of the two, but if Schilling has an off year, you guys are done. That's a lot of hope to pin on a 41 year old pitcher who doesn't keep himself in shape. As a Yankee fan, I know what it's like to pin your hopes on older pitchers [brown, Wells, RJ]. My prediction of 86 wins still stands.

[riverside sluggers]

Some notes here

 

Schilling is 40, not 41

 

Good to count out the competition early on, yea every single player on this team is gonna suck, huh? I just cant see how this team is just as bad as the one who played in the 2nd half of 2006

 

The series ends on Thursday not Friday. Thursday being the first lopsided as ever matchup of the year-- Matsuzaka vs Zack Greinke

[BSN07]

And now everyone who wanted to sign Schilling after a good ST is going oh s*** maybe he isn't worth it! From what I could tell he pitched like s*** against a very lack luster offense. I am sooooo glad they didn't sign him, but theres still a whole season to prove hes worth it.