db41

SS, I agree. That is, however, their philosophy. They look at everyone in ST and run a split squad out there most of the time. Players don't know each other yet and Tito treats everyone with kid gloves. I can't say I've ever seen him put the pedal to the metal and ask players to do more, work harder, or get in anyone's face-- it's not who he is. However, you've gotta admit that our pitching was pretty bad.

I can't tell you how happy I am that the Yankees are out of the playoffs. The two-faced "classy" organization that insists on buying the top free agents every year got their ass handed to them. It's pure joy. Now, they're stuck with fading talent, huge contracts, and age... Unfortunate that they'll land Cliff Lee, but it sure is nice right now to see those smarmy hypocrites at home watching the WS on tv.

They can keep the exact same lineup and win 100 games with a real bullpen. We've needed to fix the bullpen for three years now. Enough stupidity already.

Stupid. I believe it's a ploy to make us think that the season isn't over and they really are trying... honest.

Back home and after much traveling, much thought, and some new experiences, I just wanted to note that upon much reflection I hate the f***in' Yankees as much as I ever have. Cheers, db

Let's not fall in love with the Twins here. The Sox and Twins have identical records and we play a much tougher schedule.

How's that "list" going Jim Ed. The 8th inning should have given you tons of material for your notebook.

It's getting testy in here. Mostly because it seems as if we care more than the team does. It's time to draw the line. Every game matters. Every inning. Every pitch. Lost in all of this are Hermida's disgustingly pathetic at bats. What a waste of space.

Some interesting thoughts here Ed. You're right, the Yankees are in. I think straight up, when healthy, Boston is better than the Rays. All beat up with no offense and no bullpen, the Sox lost three games by a total of four runs. Mostly healthy, the Sox swept them easily. My concern really is not the Rays in particular, nor is it the injuries--it's the inattention to detail night after night and the consistent trance-like state our manager and coaches fall into. Ortiz getting picked off third last night was only the latest in unforgivable mental errors. We lack situational awareness beyond what is acceptable from many High School teams. There is no getting around a lack of urgency and baseball IQ. The second point working against us is that Maddon is a better game manager than Tito. If it is a close race, we're screwed. I think our only hope is that we get healthy quick, the starters get hot and hand the ball to Bard and Papelbon, and our offense continues to overachieve. Our talent will have to be three games better than the Rays to make up for our team's lack of baseball acumen.

I take neither of these guys unless they can pitch, and they can't. I feel like calling Theo and saying, "It's the bullpen stupid."

Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. All Blacks vs. the Wallabies. Drunken mayhem. How's this for a pregame challenge?

I agree. Sometimes the "business" part of this industry is frustrating. We remove a talented ballplayer for one we've made a mistake on in the hopes we'll get out money's worth. In other words, we're making our team worse.

To make room for 3.3 million dollar bust Jeremy Hermida. Brilliant. At least we'll be consistent: he can't run, play defense or hit.

Gotta go guys. Enjoy the game. Cheers.

I love two out walks to a guy with 30 steals...

The ball doesn't carry well at night in Oakland-- seen it a million times. Fog rolls in on little cat feet... Last inning for me MSU. Hopefully, Ramirez will get really lucky and pitch well.

Maybe I should stop pumping Youk up. He's got the Hat Trick tonight. You rarely see him go out of the strikezone.

How's the strikezone tonight? Tight or okay?

Suzuki's a Hawaii boy.

Mentioned it on radio too. Except, they didn't say "holy crap," though I was they would sometimes.

Got it. MSU Bulldogs.