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It's hilarious to me that Yankshater said he hates the Yankees, and yankeehater I hate: Derek Lowe pitching ability. Terry Francona's attitude and managing style. The Yankees Minnesota for getting swept by the Yankees Kevin Millar's lack of range.

I think not resigning Pedro would be a big mistake. Despite his recent slide, he's still a top pitcher, and the Sox # 2 (I respect what Arroyo's done, and I'd still pitch him second because of his drastically better numbers on the road, but Pedro's the second best pitcher we have). I'm not worried about Pedro in the least. He's going to give all he's got throughout October and I believe that if he's used properly (cough, Francona, cough) he'll be invaluable to the Red Sox playoff push.

You're too early. Mendoza "hands down?!?" I'm leaning towards Mendoza myself, but it's not that easy a choice. One could make a case for Williamson or Leskanic (I'd be surprised if anyone picks Adams).

I still think we need Pokey AND Youkilis. I don't expect Youk to play a whole lot but he's insurance in case someone gets hurt. Keep in mind how defense has hurt this team in the past too. I want Mientkiewicz at first, Pokey at second, Cabrera at short, and Mueller at third in a close game late-inning situation. Defense wins ballgames. Pokey's been awesome at that. Bellhorn should start.... But Pokey should come in as a defensive replacement. I like dirtdogman's idea of only carrying 10 pitchers (that way you can have Kapler) so here's my official, modified playoff club: C. Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli IF: Doug Mientkiewicz, Kevin Millar, Pokey Reese, Mark Bellhorn, Orlando Cabrera, Bill Mueller, Kevin Youkilis OF: Trot Nixon, Manny Ramirez, Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler, Johnny Damon DH: David Ortiz. NOTE: Terry, PLEASE don't play Millar in the outfield unless COMPLETELY necessary. Starting pitchers: Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Bronson Arroyo, Tim Wakefield Relievers: Keith Foulke, Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, Derek Lowe, Mike Meyers The relief squad is a lot harder to pick right now. I came VERY close to leaving Lowe off entirely, but figured we could leave him on for now. Maybe he'll pitch better in a relief role? EDIT: I forgot the 10th reliever. This is an argument all to itself. Here are the options: Curtis Leskanic. Ramiro Mendoza. Scott Williamson. Terry Adams. Thoughts?

IF Pedro was sulking last night... that's not the kind of guy you want on the team anyway. I don't think he was. From everything I've read about Pedro, he's too proud to be laying down to the Devil Rays and let them hit him all over the park. I think it's more likely that he either a) had a bad game (what we're all hoping for) or b ) is tired (would be devastating). I just don't think Pedro tanked the game because he was named #2. I have more respect for him than that. Keep in mind that he should have won that game against the Yankees. After 7 innings, Pedro had pitched well enough for the Sox to win that game, and dipshit left him out there when he didn't have much left. I thought Pedro battled and did well against New York.

Pedro needs a good start, and the Red Sox need a crisp, clean game (and to win, most importantly). No preview today.... The Red Sox have got to win this game. Martinez has been awesome in his career against Tampa. This is just the opportunity he needs to get some momentum back for the post season... As this MAY be his last start depending on what Francona does with the rotation in Baltimore...

I don't think Pedro would hold up under that kind of workload. He's been fragile in the past... You're talking using BOTH Pedro AND Schilling both on short rest... twice?!? That's asking for trouble if you ask me.

I agree. Because in a 5 game set the #1 pitcher is the only guy who can potentially pitch twice, I like going with Schilling in game 1 and 5. Then if Pedro goes #2 (or #3 as I had suggested) he's fresh for game 1 of the ALCS and Schilling can come back in game 3 (meaning he'd pitch a potential game 7 situation in the ALCS). Assuming we open the playoffs on the road, this is STILL my rotation: ALDS Schilling Arroyo Martinez Wakefield (if necessary) Schilling (if necessary) ALCS (if we get there) Arroyo Martinez Schilling Wakefield Arroyo (if necessary) Martinez (if necessary) Schilling (if necessary) This sets you up so your guys who go more than once are your top 3 pitchers. Again, assuming we get in on the Wild Card, Arroyo throws on the road in the ALDS, and starts it on the road in a potential ALCS. This makes the most sense to me.

Yes. We're gunning for the division, folks. Rumors out of New York say El Duque was scratched from pitching yesterday (they didn't need him because the game was rained out) but he's not supposed to throw today, either. The reason: he has a "tired" arm. (thanks Sarasoxfan for bringing this up) I hate to see players injured (especially someone like El Duque who I respect) but this could be a HUGE blow to New York with Vazquez and Brown struggling. We'll have to keep an eye on the Evil Empire. If they take 2 of 3 (or 3 of 3) from Minnesota, we've got to settle for the WC... But we've got to hope the Twinkies give Torre and company fits! Game 1: Santana vs Mussina Game 2: Lohse vs Lieber Like I said before: I'm rooting for Minnesota 100%

Yes, it's official. We need Gabe! Who to drop..... I'm still undecided. I still think they should keep Youk (for reasons I stated before), so either Williamson or Mendoza get dropped. I'd almost say drop Lowe (and make a statement) but we know Tito won't do that.

Millar scored points with me back when the Sox took 2 of 3 against the Yankees at Fenway (the same series of the brawl, and Mueller's heroics) he hit 4 HR in that series. Anyone who beats up on the Yankees holds a special place in my (and all Sox fans) heart. Millar's been good. He went through a tough stretch, and is the classic streaky player, so let's all hope he gets on a hot streak through the playoffs. He's no Mientkiewicz, but I actually thought Millar played a good defensive 1B in the playoffs last year. Tonights game, though, reminded me how badly the Sox need Kapler on the postseason roster. Millar's range in the outfield is scary... we need Trot Nixon, and Kapler as his backup!

Well said. We've got a good shot no matter who we play... We've just got to go out there and do it. Take care of our business, and let what happens happen.

Mosox: on WEEI last night they were saying that Francona's preference (between setting up the rotation and winning the division) is setting up the rotation. If they are right, it may not become an issue. It's a tough decision, especially since losing the division DOESN'T mean not being in the playoffs. Home field advantage is something the Red Sox would really benefit from... BUT there's no use burning out your pitchers on what is still a very unlikely senario: Overtaking the MFY for the division.... especially because we have a fallback plan. Will it hurt to finish second to the MFY AGAIN? Yes Would it hurt even more to take the division, just to see a tired team get their a$$ handed to them in the first round? Yes. The goal here is to win the World Series. Wild Card teams have done it before, and let's not forget that this team is GUARANTEED to win the Wild Card (at least). This doesn't mean they should stop trying, but the Red Sox should set up the playoff rotation FIRST, and deal with trying to catch the Yankees as an afterthought.

There's no question who I want to win the games: Minnesota. We're in the playoffs no matter what (man, that feels good), and I don't think it'll matter who we play. Yes, we've owned Oakland, and they've struggled in the playoffs lately. Yes, we've struggled against Minnesota this season. BUT, let's face facts: None of that matters come playoff times. We were lucky to squeeze by Oakland in last year's series and I believe with Mulder, Hudson, Harden and Zito they have 4 very solid pitchers. We've got 2 awesome pitchers, and 1 decent one (Arroyo) and one who CAN be awesome but can also be aweful (Wakefield). Minnesota scares me, but in reality I think I'd rather face Minnesota than Oakland's big 4. Back to the subject at hand: Until we're mathematically eliminated from the postseason, I have to hold out hope that we can catch the MFY. Therefore, I'm hoping for a Minnesota Twins sweep of New York. As I've said many times before, this team will be very dangerous in a playoff series. I believe we can match up with ANYbody... So now that the Sox are guaranteed a spot, us fans can sit back and watch the other teams (Oakland and Anaheim) battle it out. Speaking of which.... Anaheim needs mentioning here too, considering they are tied for the division lead now. They are a very strong team, and are on fire right now. I think between Minnesota, Oakland, and Anaheim.... I'd enjoy facing Anaheim the LEAST.

Reasons why the Red Sox (despite clinching a playoff spot) should still play well tonight: Derek Lowe has got to pitch well to restore his own confidence, and management's confidence in him. Otherwise...It's bullpen time. Arroyo stepped up last night -- It's Derek's turn. The Sox are only 3 behind NY. With a magic # of 4, New York should clinch soon.... but until they do, Boston's gotta make it interesting. If the Sox can take these next 2 games, and Minnesota can take 2 of 3 from the Yankees, the gap will be back to 1.5 games... Then the Red Sox play the pesky Orioles for 4 and the Yankees play Toronto. The only hope the Sox have might be a Minnesota sweep. More importantly: Derek Lowe needs to step up tonight.

ACL brings up a good point. If you take Youk off the roster, Pokey's the ONLY backup infielder....and you'd have to play Bellhorn at third. In a short series, I'd say you could get away with 10 pitchers, in which case drop either Mendoza (if Williamson pitches well over the next week) or Williamson, and add Gabe. For me: It's important to have Youk on the roster because he's another infielder.

sarasoxfan, I see your point, but remember what happened to the Sox when they only had 1 backup infielder? they lost 2 guys and Mientkiewicz had to play second. I say carry the extra infielder. I like Leskanic, but honestly I'd rather have Williamson at 80% than Curtis at 90%. Willy has been flat-out dominant this year (when pitching). In a 5 game set, it's possible you can get away with 10 pitchers (and put Gabe on the roster). I forgot about the fact that Trot stuggles against lefties. I think dirtdogman suggested a good roster... and with Lowe added to the 'pen it might make the pitching shortage a little easier to deal with. I'd still be tempted to try to carry Williamson if he proves he can pitch (and be effective) in back to back games...

Now that it's safe to talk about this, I'll start the thread. You've got 25 guys.... Who do you bring with you to the opening playoff series? Here's my list 1. Jason Varitek 2. Doug Mirabelli 3. Doug Mientkiewicz 4. David Ortiz 5. Pokey Reese 6. Mark Bellhorn 7. Orlando Cabrera 8. Bill Mueller 9. Kevin Youkilis 10. Kevin Millar 11. Dave Roberts 12. Manny Ramirez 13. Johnny Damon 14. Trot Nixon Guys who got left off: Ricky Gutierrez, Dave McCarty, Gabe Kapler No real controversial decisions here, except leaving Kapler off the roster. This is strictly a numbers game. I struggled with leaving Millar off, and putting Gabe on, but Kevin's hit better this season, and has had more ABs, and can play both outfield and first base (although Mientkiewicz should play first late in games). Gotta have Roberts, Ramirez, and Damon, so the last spot goes to Nixon. He's proven to me that he's ready to shoulder the load, play RF every day, and play his ass off (like he always has). He's been clutch for Boston throughout the years, and he's in. The infield is pretty straight-forward. Mueller, Cabrera,Bellhorn,Mienkiewicz/Millar starting infield, with Pokey/Youkilis backing up. Youk has been awesome in his rookie year for Boston, and deserves it over Gutierrez. I like McCarty, but he's caught in the numbers game too. Pitchers: 1. Pedro Martinez 2. Curt Schilling 3. Derek Lowe 4. Bronson Arroyo 5. Tim Wakefield 6. Keith Foulke 7. Mike Timlin 8. Alan Embree 9. Mike Myers 10. Scott Williamson 11. Ramiro Mendoza guys that got left off: Terry Adams, Pedro Astacio, Lenny DiNardo, Byung Hyun Kim, Curtis Leskanic Why I picked who I picked: 1-8 were easy. They've been the guys who got us to the playoffs, and it wouldn't be a Red Sox postseason roster without them. The last 3 guys were tough, but here's why: Mike Myers: Gets lefties out. Late in games, even one or 2 outs can be huge. Remember when the killer Yankee teams had Grahme Lloyd? He could get lefties out, and got MANY key outs for them and was very valuable. Scott Williamson: When he's pitched, he's been lights out. Last year in the playoffs for Boston he was AWESOME. With Foulke shouldering the closer's load, Williamson shouldn't HAVE to pitch every day. Ramiro Mendoza: Well, since none of the other guys have pitched well for Boston, Ramiro made this choice easier. He's thrown well, he can be good in short relief, but also is capable of pitching more than one or 2 innings if needed. Another reason: Mendoza's been there. He's not afraid of the playoffs, and nerves won't be an issue with him. That's my roster. The one player I regret leaving off the roster most: Gabe Kapler. Sorry Gabe!

Another thing to consider regarding the next 7 games is this: Francona's got to find out who he can/can't depend on in a playoff series. The rosters are cut down again to 25, and I'd say the bench and last few bullpen spots are wide open. There are a few obvious choices, but guys like Mendoza, Adams, Youkilis may find themselves fighting for their playoff lives.

I like how Wake and others were saying they still have unfinished business. The Red Sox aren't exactly upsetting anyone by clinching a playoff spot. With this team, making the playoffs should be the expectation. 3 games behind NY. 6 games to play. Boston needs help from Minnesota and Toronto, but they also need to take care of business. It'll be interesting to see how Francona and company handle the roster if Boston gets close heading into the final series with Baltimore. On one hand, we're in the playoffs, so there's no use burning out players just to get the division. On the other hand, homefield advantage is a big deal. Kazmir dominated us again tonight. He's only made 5 MLB starts, but it seems like he has a bright future (at least when he faces Boston).

It's not the ideal senario, but I'd take it.

I'm not convinced that he is better than Little. I didn't really mind Little (except for in game 7 of the ALCS) and thought he did a decent job leading this team (except for one bad decision). Francona's OK, but he should have learned from Little (and statistics, and games he's managed earlier this season) that Pedro gets tired and ineffective after 100 pitches. Also, Alan Embree is not a lefty specialist, and shouldn't be used as one. Mike Myers IS a lefty specialist, and shouldn't be used to get out righties. He's not the worst manager the Red Sox ever had, but I disagree with a lot of the moves he makes. Yes, It's easy for me (and others) to second guess him.... but Grady got fired for the kind of crap Francona pulls every day. It will be interesting to see if he's retained if the Red Sox don't win it all.

What Ichiro has done the second half of this season is amazing. He's hitting .412 against lefties He's hitting .412 away from Safeco field. He's hit .440 since the all-star break. I don't get to see the man play (no TV) but his numbers are amazing. Not bad power numbers (23 doubles, 5 triples, 8 homers) for a leadoff man. He definately is not a power hitter in his current role, but some players (especially the good ones) adapt to their spot in the lineup. As a leadoff hitter, it's not Ichiro's job to hit homeruns. It's his job to get on base. He does that at a .416 clip. Imagine his numbers if he didn't "slump" in April and June?!? Both of those months he hit under .300, but he hit over .400 in May, July, and August, and has hit .386 in September. Wow.

Don't think it'll happen. Ramirez has CARRIED Boston this year. He's not the fastest runner, or the best defensive left fielder, but the Red Sox NEED his bat. Ramirez/Ortiz have been the MLB's best 1-2 punch in the bigs this year. They need to keep that together.