SoxSport

Someone asked why Lackey is even a consideration to start any of the next games? Good question. But there are good answers: 1) they don't have much of anybody else, and 2)he is making $15 million this year. The latter is more important than some realize.

Gee you're pretty dumb--for claiming to know Francona's inner thoughts--if he has any. Does Gagne or Timlin ring a bell? Be careful, idiot, about calling people dumb for stupid baseball reasons. You don't know who or what the hell you're talking about.

One of the MLB.com announcers tonight made note of the fact Crawford was batting 7th tonite, with Aviles batting 2nd. Questioning Francona's judgement. Tito started the season batting Crawford 2nd behind Ellsbury. We all know Tito's preference for alternating R-L batters in the lineup. Crawford also started the season slowly--with the rest of the team. He was soon dropped to 6th in the batting order, and that has never changed despite some periods where he hit pretty well. Sure, Pedey is an excellent no.2 hitter, but would Crawford's speed be better utilized in the 2-hole? One announcer noted that Crawford has stolen just one base in his last 27 games. I get the impression Crawford is not happy. Not happy with his own performance, but maybe also not happy with the way Francona has used him--buried in the 6-hole on a team that does not stress speed. I suspect he was not happy about being benched the other night for that lefty pitcher--a bit ridiculous benching a $20 million dollar player which was noted here and in the media. He missed the next doubleheader with a "stiff neck", which promptly became unstiffed in just one day. Houston--I think we have a problem. Now, who do you think will survive a conflict between a so-so manager and a $20 million dollar star committed to a long term contract? Epstein must have had some good reasons for signing Crawford. Sayonara, Tito.

It's the pitching, not the hitting. Even with injuries. Right now, their pitching isn't good enough for the playoffs--maybe not good enough to limp into the playoffs.

Tito doesn't like having the fans or the media, or even the players, tell him what to do. He usually ignores sensible things that are suggested. He doesn't like to be shown up. You think he's going to bow to Papi, and start Aceves? Hell, no.

The problem is the pitching is shot to hell. And the management didn't fix it. It's a management problem. They made bad choices.

Let's face it. The Red Sox have the Boston media in their pocket--never a complaint about the management.

yeah--I remember almost busting my tv when that ******* McNamara took Clemens out with a lead in the 86 series against the Mets--with the champagne ready in the clubhouse.

Is it the management--or is it the players? It's ALWAYS the management. They pick the players and set the tone.

Youy give Pap 5 days rest, and he pitches like he was 5 years younger.

Most fans in the know would agree with this. I think the problem with Crawford is Theo put two speedsters (with Ellsbury) in a lineup with a manager who doesn't utilize speed. He is still batting Pedey 2nd. Pedey can bat anywhere. Crawford is buried in the 6-hole, whether he hits or not. Tito has never been able to handle pitching--anywhere. They have made a lot of mistakes. Hank Steinbrenner would have fired the GM and manager by now. They would do the fans a big favor by not making the playoffs--because needed changes might not be made otherwise.

Tito is feeling the heat on his ass.

OK for a catcher who has caught most of the games this year--his first full season. He has exceeded expectations. Don't point any fingers at him, folks.

They're carrying 2 catchers this year. Tek is 39. Salty has had to catch Wake. Or try to. Do you think Salty is a bit tired at this point?

Tito keeps starters in too long because he wastes his bullpen in games when he doesn't need them. For example, when a starter is sharp and cruising, he often takes them out at 100 or so pitches instead of letting them go to 110-120, and an extra inning or so. That taxes the middle relief, so he doesn't have them when he needs them. The other thing he does is change relievers every inning--regardless of how sharp they are. That's another bullpen killer. You often hear complaints about Tito leaving starters in too long, and also about taking starters out too soon. Both are correct. That's because he misuses the bullpen. There is an overreliance on pitch counts for starters, and an overuse of the bullpen that results in underachieving of pitching in Boston.That's probably the reason why Theo has to redo the middle relief every year. Too many one inning appearances, not enough innings/appearance for relievers.

Papi gets a walk. The big guy is still swinging the bat well.

Lars just showed you why you only want to swing at strikes. They are easier to hit.

Hey, I said 20 runs. Couple more, guys. just to be safe.

The hitters are playing scared. They figure they need 20 runs to win.

I wouldn't--not the the way they baby starters. These guys can't go on 3 days rest.

can you imagine how the hitters feel? 12 runs and it's still close.

Musical chairs. Who's up next from the bullpen?

They knew Millwood was better than Wake or Lackey. They also knew Harden was better. So why did they let Millwood go, and back out of the Harden deal? Because they had no intention of replacing Lackey or Wake in the rotation. My guess is there was a split in the FO on this. Probably why they made the Harden deal, then backed out (I don't believe the excuses given about Harden's arm.) I think they let Millwood go for the same reason. Bedard was obtained to replace Buchholz. That was acceptable. Sometimes you have to figure these things out for yourself--because the media isn't going to tell you. The management has f**ked this team up so badly this year, they don't deserve to make the playoffs.:thumbdown

Tito shuffles relievers like a deck of cards. He's trying to find somebody the Orioles can hit.