BSN07

I really hate it when race makes it's way into everything. Why can't it just be, the best players are playing, no because fo their race. I gurantee you if the was some Black or Latin SS is our system that was better, don't you think he would be playing? This article is absurd and honestly, I really enjoyed reading Ken Rosenthaul articles, but I have really soured on him. And this is coming from my rational side, not My Red Sox fan side.

Doesn't matter. Dice-K has to win game 5. Tito can announce Santa Claus is pitching game 6, Dice-K has to win game 5(not get the win himself but set the Sox up for a win). No one should be concerned with a game that isn't guranteed to be taking place yet.

Papi is one of my all time favorites, but the history of big men's longevity in baseball isn't exactly great. He is passed his prime and on the backside of his career. A healthy Ortiz will probably produce a line of .20 25-30HR and 100RBI. This isn't bad, but he's not going to be the hitter he was in 04 ever again. In all honesty he could go either way, he might be able to sustain good numbers for the remainder of his contract, or he could go ala Mo Vaughn/Many other big men. Only time will tell. How much longer is he under contract? I would be surprised when it's done if the Sox go seperate ways if hes a health risk or his production is down. I beleieve this off season or one soon, the Sox will be looking to find a new power hitter. Not sure who or what position, but Papi isn't going to be around for ever and this lineup is going to need a serious threat at the plate.

May I remind everyone that during both Sox title runs, they've never won a game 3 in the ALCS. Beckett being hurt sucks. Papi isn't the Papi of old and Manny isn't hitting behind him. Tek has been awful with the bat all season, why would this change now? Ellsbury has been up and down all season long, Maybe Coco sees more playing time, but he is not the savior. Maybe a lineup shuffle is do. But to stat Masterson needs to start shows you know absolutely nothing about how this games played and how pitchers are worked. This isn't sandlot where anyone can jump there and pitch long into games after being a reliever for the better part of a season.

Even tho I doubt there will be any major changes, I was trying to think of a better way the Sox could set their lineup. I know Tito loves the LH/RH/LH way of going about the line up, but lets think for a second. How can they Make Papi more useful. If the Rays aren't going to pitch to him, then why not use him as a decoy for someone else. What about putting Bay in the 3rd spot. Hes been the most consistant pwer threat recently. If Papi id behind him then maybe it will have a Manny type effect for Bay that Papi used to have. Ellsbury Pedroia Bay Papi Youkillis The rest of the lineup could change do to whoever is in the line up. Bay is the hot bat, and I think they should give him a shot. He has dealt with everything so far. Thoughts?

I'd go Wake over Byrd. Although it be nice if Wake could throw in Tampa, where he has had good outings.

Beckett pitched with no pain which is a plus. He had the look of someone who hasn't pitched in a serious outing in 2 weeks. Honestly, if he had pitched good it would have been a big accomplishment. Guys who miss a start or on 15 DL are rusty when they come back. He pitched ok. He wasn't what we are used to watching. But he's human. Lester right now might have to be the Post Season stud of this team. He has been the most consistant pitcher in the rotation all season, and can be out right dominate. He is capable of this. If Matsuzaka can figure out he isn't gonna be allowed 140 pitches and make it past the fifth. The Sox still have a good chance in this post season.

No....... Beckett being off shouldn't be a huge surprise. Lester is going game 4 at Home. I like the Sox chances.

Wow jacko admitting Wang isn't a #1 LOL

Gets me everytime too.

Is it me, or does Wheeler look like hes throwing up inside his mouth? Hes throwing well, but he looks terrible in the face, he has " Craig Hansen" eyes.

Pedroia had to make adjustments as well. The fact that he made them prooves hes a good hitter. Jacoby seems like he is coming along nicely. Hes starting to show some of his pop and drive the ball. These 2 are going to be a big time 1,2 punch for a long time.

Isn't it great:D Cheers to the loopholes Weed provides:thumbsup:

Good read, Simons usually is tho:D

I agree with what your saying. I don't really thin the Sox go after Peavy for the reasons you stated. It was more of just saying Beckett would still be the topped paid pitcher on the staff. I also agree with you that the Sox have shown they will let a player go even if the fans love them. But I believe Beckett is different. He is a bonified Ace. Not too many of those around. Out of any players, i think they might pony up for him.

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Nice to see Jacoby playing up to potential.

yup:D Sorry for not being clear, sometimes my I finish my thoughts in my head and don't type them out correctly.LOL I'm basically saying that a pitchers contract worth shouldn't detour the Sox from checking on the availability of the player. Reason being, I think Beckett is due a big pay day anyways and its coming soon.

No thanks to Sheets. Giving this guy anything long term is risky at this point. I think he has something serious, if it was nagging or small he would have tried to throw threw it, especialy in his FA year. By him saying hes done, he is costing himself huuuuuge money. Thats the biggest red flag I have ever seen..... Burnett is also risky, but not as much. He has put together a good healthy run. It was thought some of his injuries where " in his head"(I really wish I knew where the article for this was, its been awhile), it was him over worrying his repaired elbow. Since the doc told him that he has been strong. Worrying about Beckett $ vs Peavy $ is nothing really. The Sox know Beckett's pay day is coming. He's done everything asked of him and never once has complained about the realitively cheap deal of his. If he pitches well this post season, I say the Sox Re-up his deal this off season or early next season like they did the last time. I think this has played a part in the Sox not dealing any young pitching. They know without Beckett, there is no Championship in 07. He is the type of guy you want to lead a staff. And he loves playing in Boston. So they are going to pay him what he wants, I think 4/5 years 75-85M. With that in mind, it would be smart to keep all the good young/CHEAP pitching to fill out the Staff. Matsuzaka has got to be signed to one of the best deals in Baseball. Lester is still cheap(although I could see him and Papelbon getting new deals with in the next year or so.)

Just heard on Mike and Mike, Buster Olney reporting San Diego is making Star SP Jake Peavy available. He is signed threw 2012. Who will pony up 6+ prospects for him?(Haren brought in 6). With Theo and Towers relationship, I would imagine the tires would get kicked on this, but not sure if anything happens. Now lets hear what the Yanks will do to try and bring in CC and Peavy LOL

This is a big chance for Lester. With the No-Hitter and the season he has had, a dominate PO run would solidify him as one of the top LHP in the game. My guess is he does this in game 1. LAA stunned by this performance, struggle in game 2 against an effectively wild Dice-K.... Red Sox 2-0 heading back to Boston. The best thing about this prediction is if it happens I can bang on my chest and pat myself on the back. If it doesn't, I can just say I was hi:thumbsup:

LAD is a team that thinks they are better then they are and has no pressure. CHC has all the pressure. If they don't win game 1 watch out. You will have the wildly emotional Zambrano pitching a huge game 2 that will have a ton riding on it. Emotions will be hi and Big Z is known for cracking under the pressure then handling it. LAD also has Lowe, an experienced SP in the post season( 18 app. winning record). Either and others are going to have to step up tho. Because I say Manny see absolutely nothing to hit in this series. The winner of the NL comes from this series I think. The other teams lack pitching depth. Philly and Milwaukee's lineups are good, but we all know, good pitching beats good hitting. TB probably has an advanyage against whoever they play. With Crawford looking as tho he might be able to play, the only thing that could hinder them is how they react to the pressure. BOs and LAA is problematic. LAA has been coasting for a month, and may have trouble kicking it back in gear. The Sox are not sure about Beckett, this series could really go both ways. Either way, the PlayOffs look good this season :thumbsup: