ORS

Sanchez left the game early due to arm and shoulder soreness. Link: http://sports.mainetoday.com/seadogs/stories/050829dogs.shtml Keep your finers crossed.

I haven't seen him, but I have heard several comparisons, both in mechanics and stuff, to Andy Pettitte. Same big frame. Similar fluid deliveries. Both throw in the low-to-mid's with a cutter to compliment.

I know Mantei is not on the active roster and that Hansen will be up Sept. 1. I was making referrence to the fact that playoff eligibility is determined by your active roster on Aug. 31 and all players on the DL. Therefore, if Hansen does well after his call up, then they can put him on the playoff roster as a substitute for Mantei. And, yes, I know that means someone would have to be taken off the active roster for that to happen.

There is one common detail to Tek's supporting statements for Bellhorn and Millar. They happened last year.

Mantei is on the 60-day DL and Miller is on the 15-day. I think they may shut Miller down for the year. If they are going to shut him down for the year, then they will put him on the 60-day before September 1. This gives the Sox a chance to replace their playoff eligibility with anyone in the system (as long as they are in the system by August 31). Now, before anyone goes and pencils them in, there are is something to consider. We are in the middle of a tight pennant race, and the WC race is very tight too. Therefore, none of the games are "throw away" games where you can experiment with young talent. Tito has already shown that he doesn't really like to use rookies that much (see Delcarmen throwing very well in his debut, then not getting the ball again for over a week). If Hansen and Delcarmen are given opportunities, and if they perform well, then the Miller and Mantei injuries would allow them to be eligible for the playoffs.

We needed a game like that. Great win. Seven innings from the SP and solid relief. The bats were good the whole game not just one big inning.

Portland vs. New Hampshire 8/28 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K He left the game with a hand/wrist injury. I don't have any other details yet. I'd assume they shut him down for the year and start him off in AA next year with a quick call up to AAA, or they may go ahead and promote him to Pawtuckett to start next year.

Last night: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K in an 8-0 victory over the Fisher Cats.

Tampa Bay comes in after Detroit, and they are just raking the ball right now.

Billy Baseball is having a heck of a game thus far. I doubt they'll make him a long-term offer, but I wouldn't mind seeing him at 3rd a couple more years, with a platoon of Youk/Petagine at 1st. That would allow big money to be spent on pitching........another webgem.

Boomah strikes out the side.

Regardless of who is covering the bag, there is no way Monroe was out with that throw.

Greinke gives up 2 BB, 2 H, 2 R in the 1st...2-0 NY.

Remlinger DFA'd, Alvarez coming up. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/transactions

Tito must really want another lefty in the 'pen. Hansen will be up by Thursday, and Mantei on the 60-day DL will make him eligible for the playoffs if they want him on the roster.

I read in a post over at SoSH that it will be announced that Remlinger has been DFA'd and Alvarez will be called up to join the team for today's game. I can't find it in any online news source, but I hope it is true.

Most teams put a shitload of players on waivers just to see who clears. The Mets are contending. 1.5 out of the WC at the beginnng of play today. So, I doubt they will be dealing their closer. Any help we get will most likely have to be internal. Here are my ideas: 1. Put Papelbon in the rotation not the bullpen. He appears to throw a little harder and have better stuff on more rest. If you are struggling with command (he's missing the corners either way off the plate for balls or right over the middle of it) it is better to have the extra gas. 2. Use Arroyo out of the bullpen. Last year's postseason and several of his starts/relief appearances this year have shown that Bronson is much better the first time through the order. I know this is true for most pitchers, but he just seems to provide a higher percentage of quality appearances when he's pitching middle relief. 3. Call up Hansen. Yesterday. What we have right now bridging to the setup man and closer isn't working. So here's a thought. TRY SOMETHING ELSE. He's not going to save the day, but he can't be any worse. Even if he struggles there is a positive aspect. He'll be cutting his teeth on big league pitchers, not wasting time blowing away minor league talent.

Call up Hansen now. No, he won't be the savior, but he's got to be better than anyone else right now. And even if he isn't, he'll at least cut his teeth on big league talent.

Papelbon is more effective as a starter. Arroyo is more effective first time through the order, i.e. long relief. Hansen has got to be better than any of the has-been's and never-will-be's that currently occupy our bullpen. This pitching staff is like watching a train-wreck in slow motion.

Never had it.

Watching all these pickoff attempts has caused me to realize something, WHAT THE f*** IS MILLAR DOING PLAYING DEFENCE IN THE 8TH INNING OF A CLOSE GAME WHEN YOU HAVE OLERUD!!!

It's kinda depressing to see two players that had such an integral role in last year's championship doing so bad that they won't be back next year. One of them is already gone (Bellhorn), and Millar is playing himself out of town.

C'mon Kevin, prove my doubts wrong!

Lefty on the hill, Tito PH's Millar, they bring in a righty, I say F-you right back to them and bring in Olerud (who will be in for defense anyway).

Millar to pinch-hit.......