4/3 @ Texas

[jacksonianmarch]

If you want to think that, I won't make you change your mind.

 

Haden is gonna be pretty good.

 

Thinking that and having it backed up by facts are two different things. The entire city of Cleveland should purge themselves of sports teams so they can minimize their suicide rate

[Youk Of The Nation]

Thinking that and having it backed up by facts are two different things. The entire city of Cleveland should purge themselves of sports teams so they can minimize their suicide rate

 

The suicide rate would probably increase. Without the sports teams to cheer for (no matter how terrible), they would have nothing left to focus on except the foundation of all their problems-namely, living in Ohio.

[jacksonianmarch]

What's worse, though? Living in a shithole with teams that are continuously beaten by a drum, or living in a shithole and getting to pick whichever team in the country to root for?

[Youk Of The Nation]

But you have no games to go to, less games available on television, no stadiums to get drunk in with others...it's a tough call.

[italstallianion]

Technically San Diego has a longer title drought than Cleveland, but when San Diego loses the fans can at least go outside.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Yeah. Plus in San Diego there is talent EVERYWHERE.

 

Plus, the Padres got REALLY close to making the playoffs last year, which is basically like winning the World Series in Cleveland-standards.

[SoxSport]

The Red Sox played like they weren't ready to open the season against a tough team on its home turf .

 

They lost 10 games in a row in spring training--near the end of spring training--not the beginning.

Granted their policy is to look at minor leaguers in spring training. But maybe, just maybe, they overlooked their tough opening schedule and didn't play those regulars together enough in the pre-season. Especially with two key lineup changes and guys coming back from injuries.

 

I can recall that TV game against the Twins, when Tito took all the regulars out in 5 innings after posting a 7-1 lead. A game they ultimately lost. Maybe those guys needed more work to get out of the gate faster.

[BOSOX11]

Which was worse? Watching this game or doing my income taxes?

[db41]

The Red Sox played like they weren't ready to open the season against a tough team on its home turf .

 

They lost 10 games in a row in spring training--near the end of spring training--not the beginning.

Granted their policy is to look at minor leaguers in spring training. But maybe, just maybe, they overlooked their tough opening schedule and didn't play those regulars together enough in the pre-season. Especially with two key lineup changes and guys coming back from injuries.

 

I can recall that TV game against the Twins, when Tito took all the regulars out in 5 innings after posting a 7-1 lead. A game they ultimately lost. Maybe those guys needed more work to get out of the gate faster.

 

SS, I agree. That is, however, their philosophy. They look at everyone in ST and run a split squad out there most of the time. Players don't know each other yet and Tito treats everyone with kid gloves. I can't say I've ever seen him put the pedal to the metal and ask players to do more, work harder, or get in anyone's face-- it's not who he is.

 

However, you've gotta admit that our pitching was pretty bad.

[jacksonianmarch]

Really, the only thing of interest to take from this series is that the Rangers can hit. The sox are gonna hit. Lester will eventually pitch to Cy Young level and Lackey will be giving innings. I was intrigued to see how Buch would respond this season. His line wasnt awful, but for a guy who only gave up 9 homers all yr, giving up 4 in his first game has to sound off some sort of alarm, especially since he gets so much downward movement on his pitches. It is probably just an odd start, but that is the only cause for concern through 3 games. The other stuff will sort itself out

[SoxFanForsyth]

Really' date=' the only thing of interest to take from this series is that the Rangers can hit. The sox are gonna hit. Lester will eventually pitch to Cy Young level and Lackey will be giving innings. I was intrigued to see how Buch would respond this season. His line wasnt awful, but for a guy who only gave up 9 homers all yr, giving up 4 in his first game has to sound off some sort of alarm, especially since he gets so much downward movement on his pitches. It is probably just an odd start, but that is the only cause for concern through 3 games. The other stuff will sort itself out[/quote']

 

I mean. Can the Rangers hit? Absolutely. No doubt about it. Are they going to hit to the tune of a team OPS of 1.181 all year?? Not a chance. They will come back down to earth, and their pitching is very beatable. I have no worries about seeing them again in August when Lester and Lackey throw to their ability, and every pitch they put a bat on doesn't hit a gap or a bullpen.

[a700hitter]

I realize that it is very very early in the season, but I think the Sox reliance on Salty and their passing on Martin will prove to be a critical misstep. Only time will tell.

[Palodios]

I realize that it is very very early in the season' date=' but I think the Sox reliance on Salty and their passing on Martin will prove to be a critical misstep. Only time will tell.[/quote']

 

I adamantly believe that the bigger mistake was ignoring Olivo. Incredibly cheap, and you know exactly what you are getting --low OBP/ mediocre defense, but a rocket for an arm, good power, experience, and he hits pretty well against LHP. Plus, none of the likely health problems.

[boston22407]

I realize that it is very very early in the season' date=' but I think the Sox reliance on Salty and their passing on Martin will prove to be a critical misstep. Only time will tell.[/quote']

 

i hope not

[Mkoll]

Really' date=' the only thing of interest to take from this series is that the Rangers can hit. The sox are gonna hit. Lester will eventually pitch to Cy Young level and Lackey will be giving innings. I was intrigued to see how Buch would respond this season. His line wasnt awful, but for a guy who only gave up 9 homers all yr, giving up 4 in his first game has to sound off some sort of alarm, especially since he gets so much downward movement on his pitches. It is probably just an odd start, but that is the only cause for concern through 3 games. The other stuff will sort itself out[/quote']

 

 

The series also shows the Rangers pitching is better than thought also. Starters have a 2.89 ERA. Granted, that is just the one series, but by comparison the Sox starters had a 10+ ERA.

[suns]

159 games left.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Lets table the pitching comparison to the ASB.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

I see some people live in la-la land.