elsrbueno

I don't have a lot of hope for the division, even if Minnesota sweeps the Yankees (and we sweep Tampa Bay) we'll still be a half game out. We should have swept the Yankees, which would have made the division a lot closer to reality. It would take a historical collapse on the Yankees part for the Red Sox to take the division. We've got to play 4 games BETTER than them over the next 7 games. Much easier said than done. I'm much more focused on the Wild Card at this point. If Texas beats Anaheim, and we win, we could actually clinch tonight. The Red Sox (of course) can't be worried about Anaheim though. If they can take 2 of 3 from Tampa (and if they don't I'll be concerned) they can clinch without help. Let's focus on tonight's game, and hope the Sox can win and get one step closer to the playoffs. Kazmir dominated us last time, let's hope the bats (coming off wo consecutive 10+ run games against the Yankees) can figure out Kazmir. Arroyo's been as good as any Boston starter not named Pedro or Curt. Especially on the road. If he can get lefties out, the Sox should win this game.

Yeszir... If you read my post a little more closely, you'll see that if I'm picking the rotation, Lowe doesn't sniff the top 5. I just think Francona is incapable of making a move he thinks might piss off his players.... so the rotation with Lowe in it was my PREDICTION. My SUGGESTION had Arroyo as # 2 and Lowe riding pine.

I'm starting to agree with you. I always thought Lowe's inconsistencies were because of shaky infield defense, but it doesn't get much better than Mueller/Cabrera/Reese/Mientkiewicz. I have very little confidence in Lowe at this point.

I like Burks. If you're going to use SOMEONE as strictly a right-handed PH off the bench, he's a good option. Let's look at the other choices: Kevin Youkilis: Plays a solid 3B. Is good at getting on base. David McCarty: Good defensive 1B. Hasn't shown much with the bat. Pokey Reese: Again, best used as a defensive sub. Ricky Gutierrez: Not even as good as Pokey with the bat. If it were me, and I needed a right handed bat who I'd certainly pinch run for if he got on base... I'd pick Burks. Here's why: He and Youkilis are far superior hitters to anyone else on this list. Youkilis is my second choice, but he's got value too as a defensive 3B (if necessary). So, bottom of the ninth, tie game, Mientkiewicz at the plate against a TOUGH lefty...I'd bat Burks for him, use Roberts (or Pokey) if Ellis gets on base, then you've got McCarty to play first if you don't score. I honestly believe Burks is capable of helping the Red Sox win with his bat.

One of the smartest comments made in the last week. Look guys, the AL East would be awesome, but it's unrealistic. The Red Sox need to gain 5 games on New York with 10 games to play. That means if the Red Sox win ALL 10, the Yankees would have to play .500 ball. IF the Red Sox sweep the weekend series, AND Minnesota takes 2 of 3, AND the Red Sox sweep Tampa.... Then I'm willing to consider the AL East a possibility. Until that point, the Red Sox need to focus on winning the wild card. Nevermind the Angels, Athletics, or Rangers. They need 5 more wins this season to do it.

Nasty. Well, maybe (just maybe) Terry was trying to save Timlin, Foulke, etc for the Yankees? Although at 4.5 back it's hard to imagine a comeback.

Sarasox, This guy has worked so hard to come back. All he wants to do is play the game of baseball. His heart, attitude, and efforts are all in the right place. He's the kind of guy who deserves our respect and admiration. Is there room on the playoff roster for a player who can't play defense and can barely run the bases? Of course not. But he deserves to get the chance to help this team in September... and with the expanded rosters, you can afford to have him pinch hit, then take him out of the game for a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. Burks is a professional hitter and a great character. It's awesome that he's back, it's awesome that he got cheered at home. Realistically: Burks CAN help us win games with his bat.

Wow. So, the 2 runs Kim gives up possibly dooms our hopes of winning the East. I don't have TV. Anyone care to fill me in on how he looked last night? Did he get hit hard? Why did Terry pitch him with only a 2-run deficit?!? The Sox had been coming back all night, 2 runs was nothing (as they proved)... 4 in one inning is a hell of a lot harder.

This is the smartest thing I've seen in this thread (no offense to anyone else, I just personally thing this is a GREAT idea). In a 5 game series, only the #1 pitcher starts twice. For the #2 pitcher to come back in game 5, it would be on 3 days rest. Under the logic that Schilling would bounce back better on short rest, you'd imagine you'd want Schill as #2. However, Assuming the Red Sox make it to the second week of October with fewer wins than the Yankees and more wins than Oakland/Anaheim/Texas, the first 2 and last game of such a series would be played on the ROAD. This is my rotation: 1. Schilling 2. Arroyo 3. Martinez 4. Wakefield Anyone who reads my posts knows I'm fascinated with statistics. Because Arroyo has so much more success on the road than at home. As a result, he squeezes into #2. Now on to the question of where to put Schilling and Martinez. Look at Pedro's home/road splits: Home: 9-2, 3.01 ERA Road: 7-5, 4.40 ERA. How about Schilling's splits? Home: 11-1, 3.52 ERA Road: 9-5, 3.00 ERA So one would decipher from these stats that Schilling's slightly better on the road, and Pedro's MUCH better at home. So Schilling (who's been much more consistant than Pedro this year ANYway) gets the nod for the first game. And let's face it: If I had to pick 1 pitcher to start twice in a series... it would be Schilling. OK, so why Wake at #4? Well.... Why not? He's no worse than Lowe, and his performance in last year's ALCS was the only reason the series even went 7 games. Now, that's the rotation I'd pick. They say Francona's obsessed with statistics... Yet he ignores them sometimes (Alan Embree is NOT a lefty specialist). Terry's been trying all year NOT to start Pedro/Schilling back to back... It would make a HUGE statement (and be controversial) NOT to start Pedro in game 1, and his feelings might be hurt. Is Francona capable of making a controversial decision? Doubt it. Which is why I present my predicted rotation: 1. Martinez 2. Schilling 3. Lowe 4. Arroyo Why Lowe? Because he too might be pissed off to be left off the rotation. Why Arroyo? Because Wakefield has always been outspoken about his team-first attitude. For this, he gets banished to the 'pen.

Seriously guys. No need to get angry...he's not even a Yankees fan. The bad grammer and computer speak (e.g. "ur", "lol", etc) annoys me too, but I don't call him names and tell him to leave the board. Yankshater. PLEASE OH PLEASE try harder to make your posts easier to read. Thanks

Although I don't post during games, I was cursing Foulke like everyone else, and pumped my fist when Mientkiewicz/Varitek/Reese turned the DP in the top of the 12th. Defense made a huge difference in this game, with Cabrera and Mientkiewicz playing good D in late innings. Then, of course, Cabrera winning it in the 12th was AWESOME. On the radio when he missed the 2-1 pitch they were saying Cabrera was trying to win it with one swing of the bat. Next pitch -- He did just that. Cabrera has had a few BIG hits this season, this being the latest one. The only thing left for Cabrera to do is beat the Yankees with a big hit or great defensive play... Then he'll be adored by Red Sox fans. That being said... I already like him (in fact, I distinctly remember saying this guy was great BEFORE we got him.) Great win! I think it's important that we not get too overexcited about the division. Yes, we're only 3.5 games back and have 3 games left with the Yankees... AND we've got Pedro and Schilling going this weekend... (uh oh, I'm getting excited) But let's focus on the Wild Card. Magic Number: 5

While I share your frustration with Foulke, it's hard to be pissed at him if the Red Sox still win, which they did the last 2 games.... It's hardly something to be ashamed of to give up homeruns to Rafael Palmiero (a hall of famer) and Javy Lopez (a very good hitter, ESPECIALLY offspeed stuff, Foulke's specialty) He also didn't get the calls, which is by NO MEANS an excuse... But could have caused him to throw closer to the strike zone. He's a non-traditional closer (what's his fastball.... 90 MPH tops?), and as I've said before, it concerns me that he blew a game in the playoffs against US last year.... If Williamson and Timlin can step up and do what they did last postseason (assuming we get there) our bullpen should be the least of our worries.

I hope your prediction is correct. The key for Arroyo should be getting the lefties out.

Yeah, but how often to managers check? You said so yourself, nobody checks unless to rattle pitchers. It happened in the ALCS last year (I remember Timlin getting checked, but I can't remember who on the Yankees did) Anyway, I'm glad Lopez wasn't cheating... But I'm also glad we beat him in the end.

I agree. Roberts has been awesome for this team. He gives this team a dynamic that it didn't have last year, and I can't remember the last time it did have: Speed. Roberts, Reese, Cabrera, are all fast guys added this season. We lost Damien Jackson, but certainly have gained in that area. I like the idea of starting Trot (assuming he's healthy) and possibly removing him for a pinch runner if necessary. Trot's been clutch for the Sox, and it'll be exciting to see him get some more ABs and hopefully he's at full swing come late October (assuming the Sox make the playoffs)

RedSoxRooter, I agree with you 100%. There are some pitchers who just come apart when the opposition starts a rally. After I read your post, I looked up Sydney Ponson's numbers this season with nobody on base. Here are opponents Batting Average/On base Percentage/Slugging Percentage: .286/.338/.401 Compare that to the same stats with runners on: .320/.373/.492 Hitters fair MUCH better against Ponson with runners on base. Like you said RedSoxRooter (I'm not taking credit for this I'm just backing up your theory), that might be the key to victory tonight. That, and Bronson pitching well.

Mosox, I respect and appreciate Dave Roberts as much as anyone. I love the aspect of the game that speed adds. But who where do you play him?

Are you saying play Roberts instead of Damon? I'm not sure I agree with that. Damon's been very good (except for last night) most of the season. I really like Roberts, and wouldn't mind seeing him play some more outfield... but with both Damon and Roberts in the outfield... I don't like the looks of 2 weak arms out there...

I disagree and agree with a lot of things that have been said in this thread: first: Yes, certain players can struggle/dominate certain teams. Look at Rodrigo Lopez: He's an average pitcher, until he faces Boston... then he's freakin' Cy Young. It happens. second: Kim failed miserably in the 2001 World Series, everyone knows that. Did he have a hard time getting over it? Sure, who wouldn't. He still has great stuff and if he could harness that stuff.... He could be dominant. third: Some players simply can't perform on the big stage: Roberto Alomar (Mets)struggled, Jeff Weaver and Kenny Rogers (Yankees) are perfect examples. Is Kim one of those guys? Maybe, maybe not. Last year, Kim was 4-2 with a 4.17 ERA at Fenway Park with 8 saves in 11 opportunities. By contrast, he was MUCH better on the road last season (8 for 8 in save opportunities, a 2.65 ERA. This would point toward maybe Kim struggling in places like Fenway and Yankee stadium, but the guy's 25 years old, meaning he's not yet in his prime, and he has the chance to learn how to succeed in big games. The Red Sox have GOT to hope he can overcome his injuries and past failures and be a productive pitcher soon. I think they're just looking to get him exposure this year and set him up for next season. IF the Red Sox can clinch a playoff spot before the end, I wouldn't be surprised to see Kim getting a start against Baltimore in October. Especially if the Sox are trying to set up their post-season rotation.

Yes, the rotation should be Pedro, Wake, Schilling. NO, Francona shouldn't juggle it. Why? Because you can't get any better than throwing both of your top pitchers in a 3 game set. Even better, the 2 most crucial games (the first and last) are started by our top 2 starters. also, wake has OWNED NY this season: in 2 starts, he's 1-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He pitched 6 innings, gave up just 2 runs (0 earned) in the start he DIDN'T win. Bronson's got a 5.25 ERA in 4 starts vs New York (no decisions, although Boston's won all 4 games) Lowe is 2-3 with a 9.28 ERA against the Yankmees. Let's face it... This is our best possible rotation for the upcoming Yankee series.

Sydney Ponson is Baltimore's version of Bartolo Colon. They brought him in to anchor that pitching staff, and there has always been concerns about him keeping in shape. Ponson also can dominate when on, but when he's off he tends to be erratic at best. This season he beat Boston on opening day, then 2 weeks later the Red Sox got 7 runs over 4 innings. Baltimore won that game (scoring 5 runs in the 11th inning), but Ponson didn't get a decision. Ponson's has pitched well in his last 3 starts, 2 of which were against New York. He had 3 bad starts before that, however, getting hit hard by Oakland (twice) and Texas. He seems to be the classic streaky pitcher, so hopefully the Red Sox can snap his good streak tonight. Bronson Arroyo has only faced Baltimore once this season. Coincidentally enough, he gave up the 5 runs in the 11th inning of the abovementioned game. Granted, only 2 of those runs were earned, but Arroyo only recorded 1 out, so his ERA vs Baltimore this season is 54.00. As I said in a previous post, Arroyo has also pitched very well of late. He didn't get a decision against New York, but pitched VERY well, giving up just 2 runs over 6 innings. Bronson continues to pitch SIGNIFICANTLY better on the road, where his ERA is 3.12 (his home ERA is 5.12). As predicted, Bronson's struggles occur against lefthanded hitters. The 2 Yankees to get RBIs against him were both lefties (Posada and Olerud). It may work to Arroyo's advantage that of Baltimore's sluggers (players with 20+ homeruns), only 1 (Rafael Palmiero) bats lefthanded. Bigbe, Gibbons, and Surhoff may get a start to try to counter Arroyo's dominance vs Righties... The key to this game (as usual) will be starting pitching. The Red Sox are coming off an emotional win and need to keep momentum.

Wow. Schilling didn't get the win he deserved last night, but let's face it: Lopez didn't deserve to lose, either. What's up with Francona asking to see Lopez' cap at the start of that 8th inning? Do you guys think he did it to rattle him? He walked 2 guys after that happened. Does anyone think it actually DID rattle him? I think Francona probably did it in an attempt to rattle him, but the walks could probably be attributed as much to the fact that he was tired as that little meeting. Either way: Walks KILLED the Orioles last night. 2 of the 3 runs scored got on base via the walk. On the other hand: Bravo Kevin Youkilis, for getting on base to start the 9th. What the Foulke? He should have saved that game. It ended a streak of 16 straight converted saves. Let's hope this is just one bad game (which I think it will be). One of the most memerable games of last season was at Fenway, against Baltimore: We're down 5-2 late, and Todd Walker hit a 3-run HR to tie it, then Ortiz gets the walkoff homer to win in extra innings (or it may have been bottom 9)..... This game reminds me of that game. Bellhorn has k'ed 161 times this season...... That's crazy. Anyway, glad to see the Sox finally win, let's hope it starts some momentum for the final 2 against Baltimore then into the Yankee series. I still don't think we'll take the division, but we've got to make a statement against the Yankees next weekend. Last weekend was embarrasing.

The bullpens: http://www.18eaststreet.com/articles/yanksvssoxpart3.html The Rotations: http://www.18eaststreet.com/articles/yanksvssoxpart4.html Discuss.

It's on. http://www.18eaststreet.com/articles/pregame20040917.html