noonanberg

I'm sorry did you say Brad Lidge was the best closer in the NL? Are you forgetting about a little Canadian named Eric Gagne? Oh right, he only has the most consecutive saves in history and, obviously, rarely blows a save. I think I would rather have Gagne closing it out for me. The only other reliever in the game I would take over him would be (gag) Rivera.

Thank you RedSox24. Tito easily could have pitched Embree in the seventh, Timlin eighth and Leskanic ninth. Giving the bullpen each an inning isn't gonna kill them. And like you said, we'd need Schilling more in a game five than we are going to need to save the 'pen for a game. That's what D- Lowe is for.

No leave him in a little longer retard. Francona is truly a f***in idiot. Not only does he now let Anaheim get some momentum (if not for today, tomorrow) but he may have, or at least came close, to getting Schilling injured. GOOD JOB TITO.

8-1 if we blow this... Assuming we win we should be golden. Seriously, I don't think Pedro will have another bad outing, he's overdue for a win and Colon for a loss. Manny is a beast. I hope Francona doesn't overuse Curt. He should prob only pitch 5 innings, and definitely not more than six. Give Lowe a lil work, maybe squeeze in Embree and Leskanic as well. C'Mon Sockies let's go.

I hear ya RedSox24, I'm a lil nervous meself. Dont get me wrong I think the Sox can and will win this series and hopefully all three, but sure I'm still worried. Last October I think I felt every emotion possible, and I dont expect this year to be any different, except for maybe that one devastation that comes from an early winter.

True whitesoxfan, but your own team hasn't made much of a statment since Shoeless Joe Jackson so...

That's awful. All these South American baseball players seem to be burdened by a lot at home and that's too bad. Best of luck Ugie.

The guy can certainly hit the ball and I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a run at .400 someday. One thing to note though is Ichiro has a lot of infield hits. Not that I'm trying to say rhis diminishes the accomplishment, it doesn't, but I wonder how many of Sisler's hits were infielders in comparison to Ichiro.

It's tough being a Sox fan, but it must be worse to live in Chicago's North Side. Looking like they should easily take the Wild Card, the CUbs have managed to lose 6 of the last 7, many by one run to pretty much blow their playoff hopes. Prior pitches a gem against the Reds and the Cubs lose 2-1 in 12. They also dropped the game before in 12 to the Reds. They also lost to the Mets not long ago. Meanwhile, the 'Stros have been on a freakin tear since August. Clemens is back in form, Pettite is back, Oswalt is hot and their hitting is there. With their last series against the Rockies, it's a safe bet that the Stros will likely pull off a remarkable WC steal. Meanwhile, the Giants meet the Dodgers to determine their playoff fate. If the Giants sweep it will create two one game playoffs. One for the NL West and then the loser will go for the WC. However, Beltre is on fire and all the Dodgers gotta do is take one. It should be a good finish.

I voted Minny too. The only guy who scares me is Santana, but since we'd be countering him with Schilling we could probably steal the win. As mentioned Oakland's got the big three, and how many times can they choke in the first round? Anaheim won it only two years ago. Colon has the potential to be lights out, and frankly Vlad Guerrero scares me. You really can't throw the ball anywhere because he swings and hits everything. They also have a solid core of guys like Eckstein and Glaus. Washburn could be a tough foe and their pen is really strong. But since we only meet the Twinkies if they sweep the Tribe, I'd put my money on one of the AL West teams.

Yeah it is good the Expos are finally going to have a chance. The funniest part of this whole ordeal was that some Canadians said they were pissed? Are you kidding? Did they even have 100 season ticket holders? But I'm not worried Montreal will forget about 'em soon enough. Things to look for: 1) What will their new name be? 2) Will they try to make some trades now and be semi- legit next year? It should be interesting to watch.

I know, who'da thought? Good for him. He'll probably get his 90th (he's got 89) RBI this weekend too. THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU!!!

Don't worry, Kim is not eligible to be on the playoff roster.

Since his return, batters are 2- for- 17 against Williamson, and that is a 90 MPH Williamson at that. This season batters are hitting only .101!!!! against him and his ERA 1.01. If he can prove he's healthy enough to last the playoffs it is a no brainer. This guy is our best pitcher from the 'pen and is arguably one of the best in the league. God forbid he somehow find that 98 MPH fastball...

It's the most important month of the year!!! And how do we start it? With Tim (expletive) Wakefield. If he wants a shot to be in the playoff rotation he better pitch a gem tonight. Sox need to take this series, no more losing to this sub- .500 team. We need to go into Tuesday with some wins. Meanwhile, on the other coast, our playoff foe may be decided. A's and A's are getting ready for a weekend season finale, with both teams tied for the AL West. We shouldn't focus too much on it, but it is something worth noting. THIS IS THE YEAR WE START THE 2004 CHANT!!!!

HAHAHA. Me too

I wouldn't worry much about Pedro, mentally or physically. Sure he's had rough patch, but on the plus side it can't get much worse. A few things to note: 1) Does anyone else remember the whole 'Yankees are my daddy' bit? There is no way Pedro truly feels that way, and if we meet the MFY in the ALCS I guarantee he'll prove who is the real daddy. 2) This is the same Pedro who bitched about his contract status in the past, and now he says he wants to re- sign, and he has also had a pretty strong season to boot. 3) I feel Pedro was being honest when he said Schilling deserves the number one. Pedro respects Schilling and Schilling, Pedro, and I think the two will be able to get along with any rotation. Don't worry about Pedro, he'll bring it when he needs it.

I wouldn't be surprise to see many of the Sox with a shaved head by next week. Here's a few other notes: Arroyo- You like the cornrows? Those things are grotesque. Only Pokey can rock that dew. Back to the old dew Arroyo. Millar- Get rid of that bleepin chin hair. He looks more like ZZ Top than a baseball player. (plays more like ZZ Top too) Nixon- I don't know, I liked the Mohawk Damon- LOVE THE HAIR Pedro- Must say I like the clean shaven Pedro over the Jheri Curls Manny- Like it Bellhorn- Love the flow. OTHERWISE: It's all good.

Back to the Opponent thing. I would rather face Minnesota personally. Sure you gotta deal with Santana, but that same game Minny will have to deal w/ either Pedro or Schill. Either way it's a Cy Young battle. After Santana, the Sox will have three more games to put the Twins away before they will face another pitcher (Johan) of Santana's calibre. The thing with Oakland (who I still think will take the West) is they have a much better pitching staff and a pain in the ass for a lineup. Mulder, Zito and Harden all in a five gamer. Not one of those is a sure or easy win. Also, Mulder and Zito pretty much take the bat out of Nixon and Ortiz' hands. On another note: how many times can Oakland lose in the ALDS? Sure it's possible, maybe even probable it'll happen again, but blowing series leads like they've done to us and the Yanks, how many times can they choke? If by chance we face Anaheim, as long as we keep Guerrero from just absolutely beasting us we should be in good hands.

Here it is: Definites: C- Tek 1b- Mientkiewicz (we really need the fielding in the playoffs so shut it Millar) 2b- Bellhorn (remember what Todd Walker did last year) ss- Cabrera 3b- Mueller LF- haha Manny CF- Damon RF- nixon DH- Ortiz SP- Pedro SP- Lowe (rather him than Wake) SP- Schilling SP- Arroyo RP- Foulke RP- Timlin RP- Myers That's 15, the remainders: RP- Williamson, if his arm is still intact at the end of the week it's undisputable. RP- Wakefield (although he's sucked, he deserves the shot for his dedication) RP- Leskanic (he's been pretty good and has quietly helped stabilize the pen) RP- Mendoza (although i doubt he'll get it over Embree, he should) C- Mirabelli (best backup catcher in the biz) 1b- Millar (will need him against lefties and morale) IF- Youkilis (gotta give Pokey the axe. He's been hurt and he can't hit. Bellhorn isn't that bad of a fielder in the grand scheme. Plus, if Bellhorn goes down, we know that the Youk at third Mueller and second combo works.) OF- Kapler (need him for righties, added speed and he deserves it for all he's done filling in for Trot) The last one: Roberts. It's tough because I am a bit biased to McCarty, but the fact is McCarty hasn't been too hot and we now have Mientkiewicz for D at first. Roberts gives us speed which could result in that one important run. SIDE NOTE: I must say though, it does suck that only 25 can go to the show. I say that the MLB change its rule so that you can carry forty, but can only have 25 be available to play during the game. This way you could switch the 25 everyday so everybody can get the chance to finish what they all helped to start.

Good. Next to the Green Monster and Pesky Pole, the best part of Fenway.

At least they saved the celebration for the locker room. Two things to note. 1) Millar is an alcoholic. I wouldn't recommend starting him tomorrow because he'll probably be hung over. 2) Loved Pedro's comments, although it does seem he might be upset if he doesn't start in game 1. "I want that ring"- that's our Petey

To hell with the division. All the Sox need to do is win one more and they're in. If the Angels lose one they're out. Break out the bubbly!!! I'm kidding. Last year we looked like idiots celebrating like that after just clinching the WC.

I saw that BASEBALL TONIGHT and she was looking good. Much to my surprise she also did a good job on the show as well. I thought she made good comments and handled herself nicely for a ball girl who probably never expected to get the spotlight. BEST BALL GIRL IN THE BIZ.

For the ALDS this is what I'd do: 1) Pedro Martinez (Despite the fact Schilling has had a stronger season, I'd rather Pedro pitch first.) 2) Derek Lowe (Lowe got it done last year in the ALDS and even with the ugly starts he's had, there are times he can be very good. Assuming Pedro wins game one, we have not much to lose by throwing Lowe in at number two.) 3) Curt Schilling (Triple purpose. One not a bad guy to have if going for a sweep. Two, if we come out of game tie with a series tie, I'd rather Schilling on the hill because we'd most likely get a win. Three, God forbid we be down two games, I'd like to have Schilling to rely on to try and start another amazing comeback.) 4) Bronson Arroyo (After Schilling he has been the most reliable guy in the rotation. Putting him at number four is not a bad move. First he is a guy who could get that third win if the situation calls. Second, I'd rather have him than Lowe or Wake if we needed to tie the series in game four. Plus, if he falters we can throw Wake in for long relief.) 5) Tricky, but I'd start Pedro. Hopefully he would be able to find his playoff magic and the Sox could take the game. In this scenario, Schilling would start game one of the ALCS if we won. Also, if Pedro falters we could use Schilling in relief. Hopefully the ALDS is done in four so we can save our aces for the next round (granted we're the winners), but if not I believe that one of our two aces can get it done in game 5. DISCLAIMER: Performance predictions based on Francona not being a moron and trying to save the 'pen.