Sox fan in Tex

Obviously the Rangers won't need it.

To start off, I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer and I am sorry for my absence. Moving on... I realize that many Yankee fans who post here consider me some sort of jinx for the Sox and gem for New York. So to change things up, before each Red Sox series I will list my reasons why Boston will fall short in the upcoming series (all in hopes of continuing the Sox run towards an AL East title). Most of this maybe comical, but I am just trying to have some fun, and see what happens. Over the past three seasons, the four games series' following the All-Star break have not been kind to the Sox -- including losing 3 of 4 to the Yankees in 2005. Now, our boys face a fired up team in the Oakland Athletics. The A's have lost 4 of the last 5 games entering the break, including 3 of 4 to the in-state rivaled Angels. Let us not forget that many of the same players remember Lowe's fist pump after Game 5 of the ALDS three years ago and know the dominance the Sox have had in recent years. Who are we to expect ROOKIE Jon Lester to keep pitching the way he has? Lester gets shelled in game one, including taking a line drive off his left hand, ending his season and career at age 22. Game two features Josh Beckett. A miserable 7.50 ERA in his last seven starts and a 5+ ERA over the last two months? Guaranteed loss. Furthermore, our players may still be fatigued from Sunday's 19 inning faulter and the previous 10 game road trip. Offensively, we will see Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz struggle from the plate, going 5-for-32 and being shut down by Oakland pitching. Manny and Ortiz should see plenty of relief pitcher Justin Duchscherer, who has held Ramirez to 0-for-4 with 2 Ks and held Papi to 1-for-10 in his career. When it comes down to it, the A's know how to win the big games during the regular season when fighting for the Division. I expect to see a sea of Athletic green at Fenway, and the White Elephants leaving town on a high note after Ken Macha accuses Red Sox management of stealing the "Moneyball" way of playing the game and states that his time in Pawtucket was never really that great.

For some reason, I really got into the World Cup this year. It's a shame that our guys were so outplayed AND OUTCOACHED. The effort that was shown by the players was disgusting, but the system they were in wasn't helping.

It's just Julian Tavarez being Mariano Rivera against the Twins, I guess. Seriously though, this guy has received several chances to get his act together. DFA, please!

Not much else to do when your 14-41, and 21.5 games back, huh? I suppose you could watch your town's other big time teams like the Kansas City Explorers (pro tennis) and the Kansas City Wizards (MLS).

I know the article is a few days old, and many of you prefer the Globe to the Herald, but I thought this was a good read. It is about "bandwagon fans" in Red Sox Nation since the 2004 World Series: http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=141843&format=&page=1 Enjoy.

I don't know why I do this to myself. I was just curious to see what the call on WEEI sounded like of Melky robbing Ramirez so I decided to listen to it online. As if watching it on NESN and hopping off my couch as the ball was hit wasn't enough. What a tough evening.

With all that Nixon has done for our squad, if we trade him, it better be a very good player that we are getting in return. I was watching the game from 2000 today on ESPN Classic where Trot hit the monter ninth inning shot off Clemens at Yankee Stadium. He still is a good player. I don't think anyone outside Ramirez and Ortiz were hitting today. It's not all on Trot.

Pedro Martinez (5-1, 2.50 ERA) and the Mets will be up against Dodgers starter Derek Lowe (4-3, 2.68 ERA) tonight in Los Angeles. It's too bad that the game won't be nationally televised (although I'll watch it on MLB Extra Innings after the Sox game). Any predictions on the game featuring two key players from our 2004 World Series squad?

WEEI is reporting that Foulke may go on the DL and the Sox could make a roster change before tonights game.

Well, Wake continues to go deep into games (most IP among our starting pitchers), giving us a chance to win every game. Schil's 73/9 K/BB ratio is amazing, though. Hopefully Beckett will regain his stuff sometime soon.

Being in second place for 90% of the season, I think it is safe to say we should keep the name.

It's called a slump

Double f^ckin' play and Gonzalez does nothing.

Pinstripe_Pride: Why will you be in Boston starting this fall? College, I presume?

13-3! Why not see if we can tack on a few more.

YAY! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-Rod!

As a pitcher, you have to continue to pitch like it is a one-run game, but no need to be a jackass and argue with an umpire up by 11.

Hang in there, man. There is no excuse for being destroyed like we are, but if you get it too bad tomorrow just remind Yankee fans that: A.) It is only one game. B.) There were a couple of 17-1 routes that Boston handed New York in recent years (Were both in '05 or split between '05 and '04?). C.) We took 2 out of 3 last time in New York. Who says we can't split the series or even take it? I am sure Connecticut can be harsh at times.

You guys are not the Texas Rangers. You are not going to blow a lead like 13-2.

Well that is motivation to keep watching the game/listening on EEI: Riske is warming up!

Everyone has the right ot their own opinion, but he is only 26. So think about all that he has accomplished in his career already. Also: 10-2. Thanks umpires.

HOORAY Youk! http://www-tech.mit.edu/V123/N49/00redsoxthirsty_bri.jpg

IT'S TIME FOR A MAJOR RALLY, BOYS! http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a202/tx_soxfan11/moosehunting.jpg

Welcome!