June 25, 2009

G72: Nationals 9, Red Sox 3

Red Sox   - 000 001 002 - 3  8  2
Nationals - 401 002 20x - 9 11 1
The Nats batted around against Smoltz in the first inning, scoring four times on four hits, one walk and one HBP.

Smoltz (5-7-5-1-5, 92) settled down -- he retired Washington in order in the second, fourth and fifth innings -- but the damage was done. His fastball was around 91-93, and while he had trouble all night commanding his slider, he showed flashes of dominance. He struck out the side in the fifth.

Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito each allowed two runs out of the pen. David Ortiz had a sacrifice fly in the sixth and Rocco Baldelli hit a first pitch, two-run homer in the ninth.

***

John Smoltz (2009 debut) / Jordan Zimmermann (5.03, 87 ERA+)

Smoltz, 42, begins "a new chapter" tonight. He last pitched in a major league game on June 2, 2008. Eight days after that, he had right shoulder surgery. This will be his first start since April 27, 2008.

Back in mid-January, when Smoltz signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox, Theo Epstein said:
When I close my eyes and envision it, I see [John Smoltz] starting important games for us late in the season and hopefully into October.
Expectations are high, but how Smoltz will do against major league hitters remains a question mark. He had a 2.63 ERA in six minor league starts, but half of those starts were at A and AA.

Still, as long as his shoulder is healthy, a fair amount of hype is warranted. Look at his ERA+ over the years -- he hasn't really had even an average season since 1994 -- especially the three full seasons after he left the bullpen and became a starter again (at age 38!): 138, 127, 137.

Smoltz:
[C]oming back from surgery, as I've said many times, this is not a half-year job. This is not something I wanted to do just for a half a year. I plan on pitching past this year. ... I enjoy what I'm doing. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get back to this point, and if I were doing it to prove one human being or 10 human beings wrong, I'd be foolish. I'm doing it because I love it. When I came back from the surgery, I knew I could pitch again.
J.D. Drew played with Smoltz in 2004:
He's probably the most competitive player that I've ever played with. Ever. High school, college, anywhere. Just everything he does, he competes at it and he loves it. I think that's exactly what [Red Sox fans] will see.
Chipper Jones:
It's like the Red Sox have made a big trade or signed a blockbuster free agent in the middle of the season.
Ian Browne notes that Smoltz is the only pitcher in history to have at least 200 wins and 150 saves:
Smoltz's entire body of work is fascinating, because it hasn't been replicated to such an extended degree in two different roles. Dennis Eckersley comes the closest, but he wasn't Hall of Fame caliber (149-130, 3.71 ERA) as a starter. The Eck was a first-ballot Hall of Famer because of his dominance (390 saves) as a closer.

As a starter, Smoltz is 206-141 with a 3.33 ERA and 2,731 strikeouts. During his four years in the bullpen (2001-04), Smoltz was about as overpowering (2.41 ERA, .215 opponents batting average) as any closer.
Trivia: The first major league batter to get a hit off Smoltz? Dave Magadan, back on July 23, 1988. Neither man remembers much about the at-bat.

Finally -- months ago, while poking around for Smoltz stuff, I discovered that he isn't too keen on full equality for all people. Back in July 2004, he expressed his disgust for gay marriage:
What's next? Marrying an animal? ... If somebody believes two men should be able to get married, well, I think that's wrong. That's against everything that man is built on.
Smoltz later claimed that "Nowhere in my conversation was I critical of gays". I guess comparing gay marriage to bestiality was supposed to be a compliment. To my knowledge, he has not shed his ignorance (or his support of the FARM Act) in the subsequent five years.

***

With Smoltz joining the pitching staff, Dusty Brown is headed back to Pawtucket after four days in the bigs:
It was everything I expected it to be. It was great and it couldn't have come at a better time. ... It was awesome and everyone was great to me. You get a taste of it now. When I go back I know what I'm playing for and where I want to be.
Jason Varitek (who has caught 53 of the Sox's 71 games) says he has had a sore neck since June 12.
I don't know how I did it. I don't know if it was from whiplash from a foul ball or what. ... We've been treating it and we're staying on top of it and hope it goes away.
The Globe notes:
Sixty percent of Varitek's hits (26 for 43) have been for extra bases, the second-highest ratio in the majors behind Rays first baseman Carlos Pena, whose at 64 percent. Nine of Varitek's last 12 hits (six doubles, three homers) have gone for extra bases.
Since June 6, Ortiz is batting .357/.480/.833.

224 comments:

1 – 200 of 224   Newer›   Newest»
Danie said...

*sigh* Well, crap. I was very excited about his start until I read about his opinion on equality... ah well, guess he goes in the file with Schilling and some other sports stars, I may have to root for 'em, but I don't have to like them....

Benjamin said...

Sixty percent of Varitek’s hits (26 for 43) have been for extra bases, the second-highest ratio in the majors behind Rays first baseman Carlos Pena, whose at 64 percent.

I know the Globe is having cutbacks, but did they have to fire all their editors?

laura k said...

"ah well, guess he goes in the file with Schilling and some other sports stars, I may have to root for 'em, but I don't have to like them...."

Yes. Bigotry abounds. I hope he does well, and I hope he opens his mind.

laura k said...

"whose at 64 percent.

I know the Globe is having cutbacks, but did they have to fire all their editors?"

ARGH. Soon editor's wont no the diffrence anyway. Its just to much to bare.

Jon said...

Wow, no clue Smoltz had some issues like that. Kind of sad but I guess at some point you have to separate the player from the man.

B.R. said...

Wow, Smoltz is a real class act...that's odd, I have never seen anything written about him that would focus on his ignorance so this does come as a shock. Now onto baseball...what do the Sox do if Smoltz shows his age, do they try and reinsert DiceK into the rotation, or do they bring up Clay...I'm curious because Smoltz is very old.

BklynSoxFan said...

Smoltz is also an ordained Lutheran minister. Thought you'd like to know.

Rob said...

Luckily I don't have a strong opinion on the issue so his stance does not bother me. I think it's interesting, however, that he would be so public about it. This falls under the category of shut-up-and-play-baseball. I don't care what your opinions are on gay marriage or the military or the war in Iraq or what's happening in Iran or health care or Bush or the infidelity of a Governor.

You're a baseball player. Play baseball.

Benjamin said...

Smoltz also apparently recorded some campaign phone calls for Ralph Reed in 2006, so I guess he's a fan of casino gambling corruption and Jack Abramoff.

allan said...

what do the Sox do if Smoltz shows his age, do they try and reinsert DiceK into the rotation, or do they bring up Clay

I don't see age as the issue with Smoltz. As I noted, he's been great for most of his entire career, even as he aged -- and began starting again!

Obviously, there is a question about coming back from shoulder surgery at 42.

The next option has to be Buchholz. ... Masterson would be the next option, I think.

The Sox are being both quiet about how they will handle Dice, but I'm sure they also do not know exactly what will happen.

I could see them working with him all summer, maybe have him make a September start or two (after rosters expand), then shut him down for the winter and plan for 2010.

***

So, no one has any thoughts about the FARM Act?

:<(

allan said...

... I don't have a strong opinion on the issue ...

You should.

Benjamin said...

I think it's interesting, however, that he would be so public about it. This falls under the category of shut-up-and-play-baseball.

He was being interviewed for an AP story on homophobia in baseball. His responses could be summarized as I'm a homophobe, in baseball.

Benjamin said...

So, no one has any thoughts about the FARM Act?

I don't believe it would make it out of the Senate Committee of Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

allan said...

During the Yankees' big run last century, fans were very creative with signs to tape up after strikeouts.

Maybe someone can go to DC tonight with some pictures of box turtles.

allan said...

SCANF?

Benjamin said...

From that article: "In addition to Smoltz's comments against gay marriage, he predicted that it was only a matter of time before an openly gay player is among the MLB ranks. Despite his religious beliefs, Smoltz was reported to say he wouldn't have a problem having a gay teammate 'unless it compromised the team.'"

So I guess he left some room for not being a complete asshole in 2004, and it's always possible he's moderated in the intervening five years.

CometandLuna said...

Can't wait to see how well he does tonight. Good luck to Smoltz!

Hope Papi continue the ball-whoopin'.

Unknown said...

I remember back when he said this. I remember him backing off his comments somewhat, but I've always kind of held this against him.

Still, he's probably a hall of famer, and it's awesome to see hall of famers in Sox unis.

laura k said...

One day those "what's next" comments will take their proper place in history, right next to "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever".

Until then (and after then), go Sox!

allan said...

I don't think there's any doubt he's a HoFer.

Unknown said...

"Go Red Sox today, Go Red Sox tomorrow, Go Red Sox forever!"

Probably not a cheer we want to take up.

I'm going to a minor league game on Staten Island tonight; the first baseball game I've been too all year. I'm incredibly pumped.

allan said...

1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. J.D. Drew, RF
3. Jason Bay, LF
4. David Ortiz, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
8. Nick Green, SS
9. John Smoltz, P

1. Cristian Guzman, SS
2. Nick Johnson, 1B
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam Dunn, LF
5. Josh Willingham, RF
6. Josh Bard, C
7. Willie Harris, CF
8. Anderson Hernandez, 2B
9. Jordan Zimmerman, P

allan said...

Flo cleaning up!

tim said...

I'm pumped for this! I wish I could watch it but tonight is my annual Propagandhi show. Dammit.

9casey said...

Is everyone mad at the fact he doesn't agree with gay marriage or the animal comment?

The animal comment is stupid and immature, but if he believes gays shouldn't be married, I have no problem with his opinion, or his ability to speak on a issuse when asked .....but to say you don't "like" the man because he has different views then you is a little shortsighted....Everyone wants everybody to be so tolerant and support the the things they support and when they don't they shouldn't automatically become bigots and the scurge of JOS society...

laura k said...

9C, many people believe that opposing equal marriage for all people is bigotry.

I believe that, and it's extremely difficult to like or respect anyone I consider a bigot.

However, I'm sure no one here is making Smoltz a scourge. I see no comments hinting at that.

laura k said...

"....Everyone wants everybody to be so tolerant and support the the things they support"

Also, this is a misreading of what most people here are saying about this issue.

I'm not concerned with Smoltz "supporting the things I support". I want equality for every person. People who oppose same-sex marriage do not.

I think you're trivializing it.

laura k said...

I should qualify that. The person may not be a bigot overall. But they have at least a prejudice, a blind spot, to address.

OK, sorry I couldn't get these all in one comment, over and out.

9casey said...

L-girl said...


I think you're trivializing it.


That maybe true, in the fact , that I don't really care how Smoltz or any athlete thinks or what he believes in....His opinion means nothing to me....His thoughts don't affect my life, and I bet most gays as well, he is unimportant voice in the fight for gays to have marriage rights....

Pepe Lepew said...

9C, many people believe that opposing equal marriage for all people is bigotry.

I believe that, and it's extremely difficult to like or respect anyone I consider a bigot.


I agree. It's bad enough to say "I oppose gay marriage," but Smoltz's comments came off especially bigoted and ignorant, comparing homosexuality to bestiality.

I guess I have torn feelings about the whole thing. On the one hand, I'm not bothered at all by Steve Nash or Carlos Delgado taking political stands or making political statements ... because, to be honest, I agree with them. In order to be fair, guys like Smoltz and Schilling have a right to their opinions, even odious opinions, and I have to separate that from them as players.
That being said, what Smoltz said was *really* bigoted. I hope he's mellowed his attitude over the past five years (A lot of people have been, I think.) I honestly think a lot of people who have issues with gays or gay marriage legitimately have a hard time seeing their "issues" as bigotry. I take solace in that they're becoming fewer, and more and more people just don't have a problem with gay marriage or see what the big fuss is about. I think ultimately the good guys are going to win that battle.

laura k said...

"His thoughts don't affect my life, and I bet most gays as well, he is unimportant voice in the fight for gays to have marriage rights...."

That's true to an extent. But in some sense public statements by prominent individuals do affect all movements.

If, for example, a prominent athlete was to voice support for equal marriage, it would mean a lot. Likewise, public statements equating gay people with people who have sex with animals helps legitimize those ideas - it partly makes it ok to hold those views.

As for what affects our own lives, when you're involved in social issues like this, everything affects your life. :)

But I have no problem separating this from the Red Sox. I will be rooting for Smoltz every pitch of every game as long as he wears that uni. It's a fair bet everyone else who commented on this feels the same way.

laura k said...

"I think ultimately the good guys are going to win that battle."

I'm certain of it.

Amy said...

Wow, a pre-game political thread.

Although I believe everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, that does not mean that I cannot find that opinion repulsive, upsetting, morally wrong, etc. I feel very strongly that treating people differently because of their sexual orientation (or color or religion or national origin or sex, etc.) is just morally wrong. Equal rights to marry, adopt, own property, practice your religion, etc.---to me, those are basic human rights that no one, especially not the state, should deny to anyone. So yeah, I hate to hear that Smoltz may be that closed minded.

OTOH, that was several years ago, and many many people have changed their views on same sex marriage. Perhaps Smoltz has as well.

I will likely be late, at best, tonight for the game. But despite whatever I think of Smoltz and his opinions, I still hope he lives up to the hype. I have my concerns that he will, but I am still hoping.

Rob said...

My saying I do not have a strong opinion means if someone asked for my vote for gay marriage I'd say yes but that's as far as my involvement would go. I don't feel like it's my fight.

To sum it up in a very quick way on how I feel... Do gay couples deserve 100% equal rights as heterosexual, married couples? 100% yes. Should it be called marriage? I'm on the fence. Part of me feels that hey, why not? It's just a word, right? Another part of me feels there should be some distinction between the two. But how can there be different words for the two and still have a feeling of equality?

In the end if it's called marriage or something else, as long as they have equal rights and benefits as married couples if they make a same commitment to each other as married couples, I'm fine with it.

I feel like this needs to come to a conclusion soon, though. I don't like how the laws are being decided and laws are written then repealed then re-written and challenged, etc etc etc. Feels like a battle without a conclusion.

***

Just saw on the news that Michael Jackson has died.

allan said...

I'm not bothered at all by Steve Nash or Carlos Delgado taking political stands or making political statements ... because, to be honest, I agree with them. In order to be fair, guys like Smoltz and Schilling have a right to their opinions, even odious opinions

Absolutely. I cannot remember if I mentioned Delgado when he made his anti-Iraq invasion comments (he has also spoken out on other topics).

But players can say whatever they want -- and I'll either say I agree with them or disagree with them, or I'll ignore it.

a lot of people who have issues with gays or gay marriage legitimately have a hard time seeing their "issues" as bigotry

Most people will not freely admit "Yep, I'm a bigot" or "You better believe I'm a racist!"

***

Smoltz later said that the animal comment was tossed off as a joke at the end of the interview -- and he was not seriously equating the two. But the comment had to come from *somewhere* inside him -- a person does not make that type of remark out of a clear blue sky. Why would you make that "joke" in the first place?

allan said...

And I'll be rooting for him to throw up something like a 6-4-1-2-5 line tonight.

***

MJ! Holy shit!

laura k said...

"Just saw on the news that Michael Jackson has died."

Wow. Allan just came upstairs to tell me this. What shocking news.

Better turn off all TV, radio and internet. It will be all Jacko all the time.

laura k said...

Re Smoltz's "joke", since there are people who say that in all seriousness, and he said he opposes equal marriage, it would seem an odd choice of joke.

But as others have said here, perhaps his mind has opened more in the intervening five years. Many people have been educated and he may be among them.

laura k said...

Ish, from what you've written here, it sounds like you are on a good track. I think you'll soon realize that marriage can't be called one thing for one person and another for another person.

Of course, if you come to a different conclusion, that's your right too.

But the fight is not going to end any time soon. It will eventually, but only when every single American has the same rights.

Pepe Lepew said...

Just saw on the news that Michael Jackson has died.

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on the same day, wow!
And Shaq traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Unbelievable about Michael Jackson. I'm getting my news from this group now, I guess. I'm lurking for the thread, trying to get work done. Good luck, Smoltzy!

Rob said...

In other news, I tried wine and feel it's better than beer.

Rob said...

Heidi interviewing Sexy Lips.

Heidi: What do you miss most about Boston?

Lips: Fans. The fans. The fans are the best in Boston.

On asking about the differences to him about Boston and Washington...

"There are differences. With the Red Sox you go to Fort Myers and you know you'll be in the postseason. With the Nationals it's a young team and you just gotta go out there and do your thing and stay healthy."

He also said he texted Manny when Manny went 0-for-2 in his first rehab start and said "They're gonna send you to A ball now."

Rob said...

He also said he was surprised with Manny's suspension, but referenced how hard he works. When the interview was over, Lips said, "And I just want to say thank you to the fans of Boston for your support in the last 2 and a half years. You're gonna go all the way. I was hoping you were gonna go all the way last year. You're gonna go all the way this year. Thank you fans."

Rob said...

I thought that was a great interview.

allan said...

Good ol' Yo-Yo!

laura k said...

"Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on the same day, wow!"

But Farrah Fawcett's death was expected for a long time. Jackson, not so much!

****

I'll be in the thread later. Watching but not threading for the first few innings.

GO SOX!

allan said...

dlowe vs the chokers in atlanta

allan said...

radio with the tv tonight

rob dribble doing the nats -- isn't that illegal under the 8th amendment?

allan said...

temp

masn says 82
castig says 88

Zenslinger said...

Pettite up for NYY.

I saw some rumor that Michael had been taken to the hospital, and simultaneously shrugged off the possibility that he might die and asked myself if it would upset me. I didn't think so. There has just been so much garbage under the bridge since he meant anything to me. All I could think of is people settling bets as to whether or not he would actually do those London concerts.

But when I saw the headline that he was actually gone, I did feel my heart sink down in my chest a little. Incredible talent, very sad life, and some of the best dance/pop music ever came from him. I never considered myself specifically a fan of his, but I did not believe the stories of his having sex with children either (which is to say I feel it's very, very unlikely he did).

allan said...

masn has that ball 2 at 93

s1c said...

Good luck John!!!

re - gay marriage - am for it until one of the gay family members pisses me off, then against it for the day. (so, I guess you could say it depends on what day).

allan said...

was the nats 3b coach waving johnson in???!?!?!?

johnson stopped

Benjamin said...

Smoltz was more fun a few minutes ago.

allan said...

dp pls

Patrick said...

any score yet?

allan said...

no
nats loaded, 1 out

Benjamin said...

Shit.

Rob said...

1-0 Washington... Smoltz is headed for a W.

Benjamin said...

Bleh.

allan said...

another fb up -- hammer into right

...

how's clay doing? :>)

s1c said...

Was that a curve?

Fragging not the way I wanted to see this game start.

9casey said...

Being 36 , he was the biggest thing on the planet when I was in High School, my sister was a huge fan posters everywhere, wore one glove, we practiced his dance moves in the mirror for hours( I can still a few,ladies). For a moment during his height from the Motown Show, the videos from Thiller to Beat it and Bad, the world watched his every move I have never seen a person with as much star power and talent to captivate people in my life, and I most likely won't ever again...Here in America we tend to try and take those down who are great at what they do......But I will always say there was never a performer like him...Tragic and Sad, some may disagree , but I really don't care...2 pop culture icons taken on the same day....

allan said...

OF!

allan said...

L was saying it's a shame his weirdness so overshadowed his talent

Zenslinger said...

Here in America we tend to try and take those down who are great at what they do

Unlike other countries?

Benjamin said...

Well shit.

s1c said...

Warming someone up

allan said...

bard up

could ya get the pitcher out????

s1c said...

I always saw him as the musical Howard Hughes. Brillant then went off the rocker.

Zenslinger said...

There is a four-run first inning bug going around (CIN 4 - TOR 0, PHI 4 - TB 0).

laura k said...

Geez. AFT.

allan said...

dice could of done that.

s1c said...

I expect there will be a few broken cooles in the dugout.

Rob said...

Not surprised by the rust. He's still got good stuff. Improve location, keep the ball down and he's going to be great.

Tonight might not be very good but I'm feeling great about Smoltz from what I'm seeing. I know he can get the command back when it really counts.

Benjamin said...

Smoltz is pitching like a homophobe.

laura k said...

Jackson was incredibly talented. But he took himself down. America just went along for the ride.

Rob said...

Johnson's leg was swelling up almost as much as the score was.

laura k said...

Howard Hughes is a good analogy. There have been so many like that.

allan said...

definitely not having a gay old time.

Benjamin said...

Not going to get to much Nats bullpen at this rate.

allan said...

NATSTOWN!

Rob said...

Infield bloop single! Don't see that everyday.

allan said...

mfy get two in top of 1st

Benjamin said...

This Smoltz is better than the other one we saw.

Benjamin said...

Atlanta got one back in the bottom.

Patrick said...

I wish Joe and Dave would STFU about Elijah Dukes 'troubles'. He's not some evil charicature.

allan said...

L thought Joe saying "well-chronicled" was a way of telling Dave to shut up/no need to explain.

Zenslinger said...

OTT...can I uncover my eyes now?

accudart said...

well that was better! Maybe he goes yard now....

Benjamin said...

Well at least someone knows how to drive up Zimmermann's pitch count.

allan said...

like last night, a lame first time through.

now we attack.

laura k said...

Hey Ray

laura k said...

Ray, we still have one ticket available for the game on 7/28...

allan said...

is o'b sterlinging this game? the strike "right down the middle" to drew was easily inside.

Rob said...

Obie does like to beat things to death. He loves controversy. It's the ESPN thing.

Zenslinger said...

Tampa Bay's evened it up at 4...why can't we?

Rob said...

Adam Dunn is a very large man.

allan said...

wow -- vets on the jumbotron!!!!!!!!

what an honour!

Benjamin said...

Maybe Smoltz is a grieving Michael Jackson fan.

Rob said...

Doubtful.

Benjamin said...

Why? Michael Jackson was a firm proponent of man on woman marriage.

Bleh.

Rob said...

Pedroia with the heads up play!

s1c said...

FY Heads up!!!

Benjamin said...

This is starting to look like the making of a MASN moment.

Rob said...

Look what I found!

allan said...

masn stayed with the behind the plate camera - good angle

Rob said...

Don: The bunt bid...

Drink!

allan said...

error for tiz taken away, now a single

laura k said...

WTF and when Lowell retires can we get you at 3b?

s1c said...

L-girl, am pretty sure they signed him to a 5 or 6 year contract, which means would have to be a trade.

laura k said...

MASN just showed some clips of Willie Harris w/ the Paw Sox, had FY talking about him.

laura k said...

s1c, just wishing

Benjamin said...

5 years/$45M (2009-13)

9casey said...

Benjamin said...
5 years/$45M (2009-13)



Lugo money, they are compareable.

Benjamin said...

Too bad about that first inning, eh.

allan said...

KKK

is he a racist too?

s1c said...

After seeing this photo all I can think about is how this article is even more appropriate.

KKK for an OTT, oh yeah. Rough first inning but I see potential.

Benjamin said...

Lugo only got four years, though.

9casey said...

I watched the first inning here, did Smoltz really shake off Tek alot.......Roberts just mentioned that last inning....

s1c said...

Ok, I am really getting tired of the dueling Fios and Comcast commercials.

9casey said...

s1c said...
Ok, I am really getting tired of the dueling Fios and Comcast commercials.



I never understood why they could do that, chevy does it alot when they compare themselves with honda. I always thought there were rules against mentioning another brand.....

Amy said...

I arrive, and the Sox get two on base.

So I take it Smoltz blew it in the first inning?

Amy said...

9C, there is no problem mentioning another brand as long as you do not lie about the brand or pass yourself off as the one selling that brand.

s1c said...

I never understood why they could do that, chevy does it alot when they compare themselves with honda. I always thought there were rules against mentioning another brand.....

Nope, the only rules is the truth in advertising act.

Runs please!!!

s1c said...

That's one run, now get greedy

Benjamin said...

There's one, at least.

s1c said...

Amy - yep, 9 men batted in the 1st.

laura k said...

boy is he annoyingly good

allan said...

Nats 1st:

3U
HBP
double
walk
single 1-0
single 2-0
L9
single 4-0
K

35 pitches

Amy said...

Thanks for the recap, Allan. It seems he settled down after that. I guess we can feel he had nerves in the first, but still has his stuff?

Amy said...

Oy.

Benjamin said...

Fucksticks.

Benjamin said...

Pretty embarrassing evening so far.

laura k said...

I'm not enjoying this game very much.

Amy said...

Oh, man, this one is sure getting away from us.

I have yet to be impressed with Bard.

Amy said...

I guess I am glad I missed the first four innings.

laura k said...

Dave O'B STFU about Elijah Dukes's father.

Benjamin said...

I have yet to be impressed with Bard.

Sure hasn't shaped up to be a suitable Paps heir in the early running.

Benjamin said...

Atlanta picks up three runs in the bottom of the fourth with one out. 8-4 MFYs.

Amy said...

Yeah, I was wondering if it was only me being unduly judgmental about Bard. Others seem to expect him to be the next best thing. He sure isn't yet.

laura k said...

Or as some would have it, a Paps replacement b/c you know Papelbon has lost it.

laura k said...

It's very early. Very small sample size.

s1c said...

Or as some would have it, a Paps replacement b/c you know Papelbon has lost it.

Well its about time you noticed that hes lost it(snark)

s1c said...

Small sample size, not very many stress situations, and actually they do look at him as a possible Bot replacement in the future, especially if Bot tries to get 15 mil a year.

allan said...

i think bard has done quite well. he's a rookie for pete's sake, of course he's gonna get hit hard.

i still have high hopes for HH and look at the shit he's gone through.

Amy said...

Like I said, I may be too quick to judge. I just remember being so impressed with Pap and Lester right off the bat (no pun intended).

laura k said...

"actually they do look at him as a possible Bot replacement in the future, especially if Bot tries to get 15 mil a year."

Yes, but I was referring to some comments (not by anyone here - I don't remember who) declaring that Bot was done and Bard was being called up for that purpose - now.

allan said...

lester was decidedly umimpressive for 2 years, wasn't he?

the original 100 pitches in 5 innings houdini man

Benjamin said...

Escobar hits a 2-run single. 8-6 MFYs.

laura k said...

"I just remember being so impressed with Pap and Lester right off the bat (no pun intended)."

But then there are people who are so impressive right away and don't pan out in the long run. You have to give it time.

Amy said...

OK, I am too quick too judge AND I cannot remember shit.

But I have other positive attributes, I am sure. :)

Benjamin said...

Pettitte leaves in the bottom of the 4th. Aceves in.

s1c said...

The Sox are on quite a roll with the young pitchers, bowden, masterson, papelbon, lester (the daisuke before daisuke), hh and bard.

Amy said...

Bowden? Is my memory really that bad? Who was/is Bowden?

laura k said...

Amy ha ha :)

You will be sorry to hear we had a JoS cancellation today. Tim found out he has school and an important exam that week. He was one of the first people to say yes and pay, he's very disappointed.

He knows people who want his tickets, his uncle & aunt.

allan said...

lester was the source of an incredible amount of frustration -- why does he nibble all the time, why not trust his stuff, working really fucking slow, etc. it was maddening.

laura k said...

Sox are on quite a roll with the young everybody! FY, LBJ, Lowrie, etc.

Amy said...

Oh, that is too bad about Tim. Damn, that school thing is really taking over his life. I would have loved to have met him.

allan said...

Amy:

Bowden

Should get a Sept callup

Amy said...

BTW, I got a real kick out of Benjamin's comment about the Globe's misuse of whose/who's. It reminded me of my first time commenting on JOS when the Herald had that headline First Thing's First.

Nostalgic feelings...

allan said...

we were talking about that Herald page with laura's mom yesterday in the larger context of misplaced apostrophes.

laura k said...

Yeah, we haven't met Tim either, and he lives not far from us. I'm really sorry he can't come.

Only one ticket available now.

Amy said...

Thanks for the Bowden link, Allan. I generally do not keep up with the up and coming players. I figure when they get here, I will have time enough to figure out who they are. But good to know we have a 22 year old in the system.

laura k said...

this is annoying

Amy said...

One ticket may be hard to sell. Maybe Maddy can find a friend who's (not whose) interested, if all else fails, although her friends may not want to spend $75, and I can't see us sponsoring her friend.

Damn, we are sure losing this game. At least we did better against this team than the Yankees.

allan said...

not our night.

Amy said...

than the Yankees did.

Zenslinger said...

Not our fuckin' day.

allan said...

6 outs to go
top of the order against the nats pen

who knows?

laura k said...

Allan can post the ticket on Sam Horn. Someone will buy it. Worst case, we sell it for face value at the park. But I don't think it will come to that.

laura k said...

No one knows, but we'd all be pretty fucking surprised.

Amy said...

At least it would be a pleasant surprise.

laura k said...

It would be a comeback of historic proportions.

s1c said...

What we need to do is some reverse, maybe if we all start giving up on this game the Sox will actually do something with their bats.

s1c said...

Is Sexy Lips playing with a cocanut in the pen?

laura k said...

OK, I'm game. Oh the Sox suck, I give up.

Ah-ha! Kotsay w/ a double.

allan said...

ALIVE!

Amy said...

Yeah, how did they ever get into first base with this lineup? They can't even beat the Nationals.

Amy said...

Well, that didn't work.

Do there seem to be more overhead shots in these games?

allan said...

tito the idiot refuses to play lugo again. how long will this bald moron have a job?

allan said...

the nesn camera is way up on the top of the stadium.

s1c said...

Just not the Sox night, which means tomorrow I'll have to here the moaning from the co workers about how they have to do something, which will be followed by me banging my head against the wall saying "best fragging record in AL, winners of fragging 12 of last 16 games, best bull pen in the game...."

s1c said...

oops that is "hear" not "here"

allan said...

LUGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Benjamin said...

Fucking Lugo.

laura k said...

That didn't take long! Put Lugo in, Lugo makes E.

Amy said...

Lugo proving why he should not be playing SS.

Rob said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

laura k said...

Oh are we all doing the opposite? Yay Lugo, we love you!

s1c said...

Has Tito lost confidence in Ram Ram?

allan said...

too funny for lugo.

first time in the field in like 2 weeks, first batter ----

doink

E!

Amy said...

I like the overhead shots. It's neat to see where the players are placed and how far they are running. Harder to tell that with the typical camera angles.

Benjamin said...

McCann's singlehandedly squandering the game for the Braves.

Benjamin said...

Rocco doing something.

s1c said...

It starts!!!

Rob said...

Rico Baldy!!! Woooot

Amy said...

We have two more outs to score six runs!!

laura k said...

BALDY DONG

cool!

plus secret weapon strikes again

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