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Yankee Doodle Dandy Line-up's....

The Jon Lester Show......

After watching Jon Lesters first few ptiches, you had to assume that this was going to be a long game. Maybe a shoot-out, one that would lead to a bullpen battle.  However after his shakey first inning, Lester settled down and how.

  Lester decided last night that he could fix the bullpen problem, pitch a five hit complete shutout in Yankee Stadium, and take the bullpen out of the equation.  All night, Lester had filthy nasty stuff, similiar to the night he pitched a no hitter against the Kansas City Royals.  Lester needed only 105 pitches to dispatch of the Yankees, he struck out eight, and only walked those two first inning Yankees.  It was the type of performance we hope to see more of with Jon Lester, especially if the Sox are to make a move in the A.L. East this year.  On the flip side, Andy Pettite looked like he needed some more HGH, as he struggled right out of the gate.  Even with a line-up devoid of Big Papi, the Sox pounded Pettite for five innings.  The Sox tuned up Pettite for nine hits and six runs, they also had two walks.

  Seven of the nine Sox batters were able to get hits against the Yanks last night, Luggo and Brandon Moss were the exceptions.  Even captain Jason Varitek had an r.b.i. single in the 8th inning.  Jacoby Ellsbury continues his slumping ways, as he went 1-5 last night.  Ellsbury's average has slipped to .266 for the season, hardly impressive for a lead-off hitter.  J.D. Drew had two hits to go along with two strike-outs, he also had a great catch at the wall in right last night as well.  Drew's night at the plate allowed him to keep his average above .300 for the season, as he checks in at .304 for the year.

  For the Sox it was a much needed win, as we all know they had dropped the last five contest.  Today the Sox and Yanks play an early day game, a 1:05pm start time.  The Sox will send Josh Beckett to the mound, Beckett is in desperate need of a winning decision, as he is 2-2 in his last seven starts.  The Yankees will counter with Darrell and his other brother Darrell Rasner.  For the season Rasner is 4-6 with an e.r.a. around 4.46, Rasner is also 1-6 in his lat seven starts.

Back to the Bronx..................

The Hugs Express....

Mike Lowell may be giving Craig Hansen a hug now, but a few more performances like last night, and that sentiment may be replaced with a a boot up his !@#$......

Sweep-A-Roo.....

So whats left to say really, I get tired of watching the same pitchers do the same thing.  I am tired of typing it, as you are tired of reading it.  I know that Terry Francona is a good manager (I think), however his actions over the last few games would earn him an F, and if he managed in New York, it would be a ticket back to whatever rock he crawled out from under.

  For the 5th time in a row, the Sox bullpen took a game that was either very close, or that the Sox were winning, and turned the game completely around in favor of the opposing team.  The definition of insanity is to repeat the same actions and expect different results.  So with that being said, I'm not sure why Francona keeps running Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen out to the mound in tight spots.  They have failed more times than they have successful, thats a fact.  Last nights game was just one of those games where the cause and effect could be the Sox alot longer than that one fateful inning that saw a 4-1 lead turn into a 7-4 deficit.  If you did not see it, you missed a meltdown like you rarely see at the big league level.  Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen combined to give up six earned runs, on four hits and two walks, in 0.0 innings pitched.  David Aardsma pitched a third of an inning, and Javier Lopez got the Sox out of the 54 pitched 7th inning.

  The Sox rallied to score in the 8th and 9th inning off the vaunted Ray bullpen, but the hole they were put in by Hansen and Delcarmen was too much to overcome.  On a positive note, Dustin Pedoria was a single short of the cycle, and could have stopped at first to accomplish this feat, however he hustled to second in the 8th inning for his second double of the game and fourth hit.

  For the Sox it is now onto to New York, where they are now in a position where anything short of a series win will be disasterous.  The Rays host the Royals for four games at the Trop, so if the Sox mess around in New York, the divisonal race will be over before the All-Star Break.

  For Theo and Terry Francona it off to Barnes & Noble to see if they still have a copy of bullpens for dummies.  This is Theo's sixth year putting together bullpens for the Sox, and I would have to say that this could be his worst effort yet, however 2006's bullpen deserves an honorable mention.  Make no mistake about it, this is defcon four for the Red Sox right now.  They are in serious jeapordy of letting this season and division slip away.  The Sox are now in a position of weakness when it comes to dealing with other teams as far as trades are concerned.  Needless to say...July will be an interesting month in Red Sox Nation.

BULLPEN-A-PALOOZA......

Once again the Sox were in a close game, and once again, they could not seal the deal.  The Rays got great pitching from starter Matt Graza, however the Sox had several chances to make a game of this one, if player like J.D. Drew and Manny Rameriz could remember how to hit, hell even Mike Lowell got into the act last night, going 0-4.  Again, for the fourth game in a row manager Terry Francona also made a real questionable move with his bullpen, that pretty much ensured the Sox would have no chance to win in the 9th inning.

  Tim Wakefield, had an impressive outing, going seven innings, and allowing only one earned run.  Wake struck out four, and walked three, and allowed five hits.  However he did have two passed balls that lead to both early Ray runs.  These days it seems like the only way Wake can feel safe about winning a decision, is the hold the other team to zero runs.  Wakefield did his job last night, he pitched great, held a good team in check in thier home ballpark, and all he got out of it was a losing decision.

  The Sox bats were absent from last nights game, I mean the bats where there, just not the players to swing them.  The heart of the Red Sox order, Drew,Rameriz, and Lowell combined to go 0-7 with one walk and one sac-fly r.b.i. .  To be sure, not steller numbers at all.  Of course the bottom of the lineup was no better.  Kevin Cash doing his best Doug Mirabelli impression had another 0-ffer night, as well as Jason Varitek, who also went 0-2.

  Terry Francona also got into the act of stinking last night as well, with his bullpen moves.  In the 8th inning Francona brought in Craig Hansen to pitch the inning.  Hansen got the first two batters, but then as is the case with Hansen, he could not finish the inning, and he walked two batters.  Instead of bringing in Jonathan Papelbon, who has not pitched since friday night, Francona brings in Manny Delcarmen.  Essentially this was the game if the Sox were to rally in the 9th, which makes the move that much more puzzling.  Of course with two outs, Delcarmen fails to hold the runners, and he allows a two r.b.i. single, stretching the Rays lead to two runs.  Another quality job by the Boston Red Sox bullpen, another inning where they fail to keep a crooked number off the board.

  The Rays will go for and get the sweep later today, with Red Sox killer Scott Kazmir taking the ball for the Rays.  Even when the Rays stunk this guy always got it done against the Sox.  The Sox will counter with five-inning pitcher Dice-K.  That will leave the bullpen with alot of heavy lifting to do, and I think we know how that will turn out.

Those Pesky Rays...

Baseball is all about timing, the Sox have alot of injuiries and guys slumping, the Rays are hot and healthy.  The Rays had thier pitching lined up for the series, the Sox did not.  The Rays are great at home, the Sox stink on the road.  If I think of anymore excuses I will post them later.  Here are the line-ups.....

 

 

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Brandon Moss, LF
8. Alex Cora, SS
9. Kevin Cash, C
-- Tim Wakefield, SP

Rays

1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. B.J. Upton, CF
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Evan Longoria, 3B
6. Cliff Floyd, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Eric Hinske, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS
-- Matt Garza. SP

 

 

Pride of the Yankees.....

Whats the deal with Jason Gimabi and that stache ?  Is Giambi trying to win the role of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman Two...

Notice how much they look alike....and people say the Yankess are all class........

Base on Balls Expo 2008

Good teams will make you pay for giving them extra at bats.  Thats exactly what the Tampa Rays did last night to the Boston Red Sox.  Given eight free passes last night, the Rays made sure that three of those walks crossed home plate, providing them with the difference to pad thier American League East lead over the Sox.

  Justin Masterson was again just okay last night, going six innings.  However he did little to put to rest the rumor that he struggles with left handed bats.  Masterson's outing, much like his last few, came down to a few ill-timed pitches, and two out baserunners.  Twice with two outs Masterson walked a batter with two outs, and both time that batter touched em all.  For the night, Masterson threw 105 pitches, he allowed only five hits, but walked five, and allowed four runs to score.  Masterson also struck out five Rays as well.  All in all Masterson was not bad, especially considering his first pitch was a homerun to B.J. Upton.

  The Boston bats were again pretty quiet, although that may have had more to do wih the Rays pitching.  Jason Varitek continues to stink on wheat, and several times Tek was in a position to extend innings and drive in runs, however he failed, with one exception, a sac-fly in the 9th.  Manny Rameriz also is bringing his stink on the road as well.  For the second time in three games, Manny failed to get on base in the 9th ahead of the new MR. CLUTCH Mike Lowell (three for four with an r.b.i.).  The Sox did have have a mini-rally in the 9th, where they scored two runs, and left the tying run 90 feet away.

  The bullpen, again was horrible, again pitching very little, but allowing runs to get pushed across the plate.  The last few days the Sox opposing batters have been a flame, and the Red Sox bullpen has been gas.  If you are keeping track, the billpen has pitched six innings the last three games, and given up a total of seven runs.  All three games were one run games.  Last night it was Chris Smith's turn to be inept.  He pitched 1/3 of an inning, retired one batter, and walked three.  That of course lead to the Rays tacking on a run with a groundout to Julio Luggo, against pitcher Javier Lopez.  Lopez did his job last night, pitching an inning and 2/3's, giving up no earned runs.

  The Sox will try again tonight to cut into the Rays lead with Tim Wakefield on the mound.  Wake will be opposed by red hot Matt Garza, who threw a one hitter his last time out against the Marlins.

Round Ten.....

 Game one of a bigtime week for the Red Sox.  The Sox are trying to avoid a three game losing streak.  Here are the line-ups.....

 

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Brandon Moss, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Justin Masterson, SP

Rays

1. B.J. Upton, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Willy Aybar, 2B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Evan Longoria, 3B
6. Eric Hinske, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Gabe Gross, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS

James Shields, SP

As Manny Turns....

From the Pro-Jo .......

 

HOUSTON -- Maybe it's something in the water in Houston.

Days after Houston Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon tackled general manger Ed Wade in the home clubhouse at Minute Maid Park, the visitors clubhouse was the scene of another player-club employee altercation Saturday afternoon.

Manny Ramirez shoved Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick to the ground in an argument over Ramirez' ticket allotment. Several onlookers moved quickly to separate the two.

Ramirez had asked McCormick for 16 tickets for Saturday night's Red Sox-Astros game, an unusually high number for day-of-game. In addition to handling all travel details for clubs, traveling secretaries also take player ticket requests for both home and away games.

When McCormick cautioned Ramirez that he might not be able to fulfill his request, Ramirez responded by shouting: "Just do your job!"

An argument insued and Ramirez pushed McCormick, sending him to the ground.

Later, the two met behind closed doors and Ramirez apologized to McCormick, who accepted the gesture. No further disciplinary action is expected against Ramirez.

Asked on Sunday to comment on the altercation, Ramirez responded: "That's over. We're fine now."

"Sometimes things happen," said Terry Francona, "and when they do, we choose to handle them internally. I'm satisfied with how we handled this."

Added McCormick: "It was an unfortunate misunderstanding and it's over with as far as I'm concerned."

Half Over...Half Empty...Halfway Point...

Well with the Sox moving past the 81 games mark of the season, it is time to figure out just where the Sox stand.  Right now, it appears the Sox are a second place team in A.L. East, a 1/2 game behind the Tampa Bay Rays.  I thought the Rays were supposed to have fallen out of it by now. When you have a bullpen like the Sox have, and a 19-24 road record, it does not matter who the opponent is, you are not going to run away and hide with any divisional lead.

  Piching has been very inconsistant this year, starting pitching and especially the bullpen.  The Sox have been very lucky with the results they have gotten from Bartolo Colon and Justin Masterson, because if not for those two, the Sox could be well off the pace for the divisional lead.  Clay Buchholtz was supposed to have a break out year, however he was very ineffective early on, and now he is in Pawtucket trying to find himself.  Dice-K is a little better than last year at this time, however handing him the ball is always an adventure.  Jon Lester was coming off a hot pitching streak, before getting bombed in Houston, so who knows, overall he has given the Sox as much as they had hoped for.  Josh Beckett, has been no Curt Schilling this year thats for sure.  Beckett was supposed to be the man, the ace this year.  However when his team has needed him to step it up, he has been less than stellar.  In the past the Sox had Curt Schilling to end rough spots in the schedule, they have had no such luxuries like that this season.  Tim Wakefield, after a rough start to the season, has found himself, and he seems to be pitching well of late.  However you never know when the knuckleball will go south on him.

  The bullpen has been a complete and total trainwreck so far this year.  Another steller creation by Theo & Co.  Other than Jonathan Papelbon, there is NO ONE that can be counted on to get an out, when an out is needed.  Manny Delcarmen is a complete and utter failure, and at some point you have to hope that it becomes obvious to Red Sox brass this kid is never going to make it in Boston.  Craig Hansen has showed flashes of becoming the reliever the Sox had hoped, but he is still very much a work in progress.  It is what it is for David Aardsma, he is a back of the bullpen kinda-off guy, who has exceeded that role for the Sox.  Hideki Okajima has been a complete disaster this year, and has completely forgotten how to pitch with a runner on base, leading all of MLB with the fewest holds.  Okajima has also forgotten to pitch without giving up a run as well.  It appears that Okajima may have been a one year wonder for the Sox.  All in all, the bullpen could be the leak that sinks the ship this season.  There is no one that can protect a really close lead, and the Sox will have to make trades if they expect to contend in October.

  Hitting has also been helter skelter this year as well.  Before he got hurt, Papi had one of the worst slumps a player of his caliber had ever endured.  Manny Rameriz was supposed to have been in super shape, and ready for a "Manny type" of year.  However at this point in the season, Manny is just on pace for around 30 homer, and maybe a 100 r.b.i's, good numbers, but not Manny numbers, certainly not worthy of another 20 million bucks.  The Sox will have a tough decision to make as far as Manny is concerned.  At his age it is hard to ignore that his numbers have slipped every year since 2005, and he always misses a month or so of games.

  J.D. Drew has been better this year than last, he surely could not have been any worse right.  However Drew has benifited bigtime from hitting in front of Manny, and it will be intersting to see how he does back in the #6 spot.  Jason Varitek is another sore spot in the line-up, and appears Tek's better days are long long gone.  Tek goes long stretches without being relavent, and his lack of speed on the bases makes him a total liability when he gets on base.  I know Tek is supposed to be a zen master with the pitchers, but of that is true, why do the Sox have such problems with the bullpen guys. 

  The young guys, Ellsbury,Pedoria, and Youkilis have been as good as the Sox could have hoped for.  Ellsbury is a demon on the basepaths, although he is still having growing pains at the plate.  All in all those guys are getting it done for the Sox offense.

  Coaching has been an F this season for Terry Francona. There have been several games this year where you can circle a decision that Francona has made that has cost the Sox the game.  You can certainly  question two he made over this last weekend.  Francona is loyal to his players and pitchers, which is good, but like Theo Epstein, pitching has NEVER been Francona's bag.

  Overall the Sox have a good team, and they overcome alot of adversity to make it this far with the 50 wins they have.  With that being said, they play in a tough divsion, and the Yankees and Jays may not win it, but they will have a say in who does. The Rays are for real, they have speed, power, and pitching, and thats all it takes to win. Could be a fight to the finish, but if thats to happen the Sox will need to re-learn on how to win on the road, and how to pitch out of the bullpen.

Christmas Come Early............

Well the Red Sox will go to Tampa Bay as the second place team.  For the second game in a row, the Red Sox gift wrap a game and give it away to the home team Houston Astros.  The Red Sox pounded out nine hits, but only got two stinking runs to show for it.  The Sox left 15 runners on bases, an unreal number, but more so because it was a one run game.

  Josh Beckett was as good as he could be, going seven innings, giving up only two runs on eight hits.  For Beckett, it is the second time in two starts that he has lowered his e.r.a., and come up empty.  This week Josh Beckett pitched 14 innings, gave up four total runs, and has 0-1 record to show for his efforts.

  Once again manager Terry Francona made some REALLY QUESTIONABLE decisions with the bullpen.  With one out in the 8th in the eighth inning, Francona lifted David Aardsma, who had only faced two batters, giving up a single to Migual Tejada.  You may ask who Francona tapped to close out the 8th, none other than Hideki Okajima, who for the season has allowed 12 of 15 runners to score.  Of course Okajima allowe that to happen.  Okajima threw a very poor ball in the dirt that got away and allowed Tejada to get into scoring position.  Of course Okajima allowed a two out single to Mark Loretta.  Thats it and thats all, 1-2-3-4 9th inning for Jose Valverde, and another series on the road given away.

Home-Cooking................

Josh Beckett will be pitching in front of a lot of homtwon friends and family this afternoon.  Lets hope that is motivation for him, Beckett has not exactly been a stopper for the Sox after a tough loss this season.  Here are the sox starting nine...............

 

 

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Julio Lugo, SS

Josh Beckett, SP

Bad Guys..11..Good Guys...10