tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post6570927932136090787..comments2024-03-15T23:25:52.517-07:00Comments on the joy of sox: Has Anyone Seen Paul Byrd?allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673233312198832937noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-64281870592825025052008-10-13T05:55:00.000-07:002008-10-13T05:55:00.000-07:00And he'd do a better job than any of us. By far. D...<I>And he'd do a better job than any of us. By far. Doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes. And this was a big one, indefensible.</I><BR/><BR/>That's how I look at it. I still love Francona, I'm not calling for his head. But he blew this one. <BR/><BR/>And now on to the next win!laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-61284883549792253482008-10-13T02:11:00.000-07:002008-10-13T02:11:00.000-07:00"I'm sick of second-guessing the manager. He's bee..."I'm sick of second-guessing the manager. He's been at this for so long and knows his players better than any of us do, that's for sure."<BR/><BR/>And he'd do a better job than any of us. By far. Doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes. And this was a big one, indefensible. Not admitting that is putting your head in the sand.<BR/><BR/>Francona's worst post season job by far, but he's human, and he's been doing this for too long not to lay a few eggs. And this was an egg. Rotten.thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12522980957259707292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-60747707437853461772008-10-12T21:54:00.000-07:002008-10-12T21:54:00.000-07:00It's both weird and awful how the past three games...It's both weird and awful how the past three games Beckett has pitched against the Rays have ended up exactly like last nights game: extra inning loss.<BR/><BR/>He'll give up one too many home runs and we can't plate the winning run against their bullpen. The only glaring weakness this exposes is Beckett and that's not news. <BR/><BR/>I also wouldn't mind Ortiz to Ortiz again.<BR/><BR/>Sox in 6!Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04444146300029158202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-9479336235756261012008-10-12T20:57:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:57:00.000-07:00Wheeler for 3.1 was key. Fuck it, get em tomorrow....<I>Wheeler for 3.1 was key. Fuck it, get em tomorrow.</I><BR/><BR/>+8 Internets for you.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809080115678512743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-37120513001886482202008-10-12T20:55:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:55:00.000-07:00Which part the nice or young.....:)Yes.<I>Which part the nice or young.....:)</I><BR/><BR/>Yes.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-5833173413699016902008-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00Maddon managed that game like a pro. Francona, not...Maddon managed that game like a pro. Francona, not so much.<BR/><BR/>Wheeler for 3.1 was key. Fuck it, get em tomorrow.timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12041184236514293677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-86416423772002299672008-10-12T20:43:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:43:00.000-07:00GoBoSo said... because, after all, he had to fini...GoBoSo said... <BR/><BR/> because, after all, he had to finish the 5th to be in a position to earn the win.<BR/><BR/><BR/>In position for a win? <BR/><BR/>My last few posts were gibberish and illconcieved , i will be the first to admit that ...But if in anyway Tito was thinking he should try and get Beckett the win , because he is a nice young man, is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read...Beckett has a job to do and he wasn't doing it anywhere near his ability, he should have been yanked plain and simple, and if Tito ever admittted he left him in there for a win he would be torn apart...<BR/><BR/><BR/> L-girl said... <BR/>Just like Timlin is a nice young man<BR/><BR/>This is not a true statement<BR/><BR/><BR/>Which part the nice or young.....:)9caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14214364466933716867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-69813165300685625202008-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:00Game sure looks different if Beckett pitches a cle...Game sure looks different if Beckett pitches a clean 5th rather than what happened, and it looks better than if Josh was done after 4.<BR/><BR/>He struck out Iwamura to start the 5th, throwing one ball. He then walks Upton on three straight balls, a strike, and ball four. Upton steals second. He goes to 3-2 on Pena, who singles home Upton.<BR/><BR/>The remaining logic to allowing him to pitch to Longoria is a normal managing move: Looking at matchups. Longoria's bats right-handed, with the next three hitters being left-handed (Crawford, Aybar, and Navarro). There was just as good a chance of Longoria grounding into a double play as there was him hitting an RBI double.<BR/><BR/>Then you all know the rest: Francona brings in Lopez, who's been good down the stretch, but gives up an RBI single to Crawford. Francona goes to MDC who ends up pitching very well, retiring Aybar and Navarro, then working a scoreless 6th.<BR/><BR/>I'm sick of second-guessing the manager. He's been at this for so long and knows his players better than any of us do, that's for sure. It's hard to manage a pitcher who had a historic postseason one year ago, and is now struggling with a significant loss in velocity, which affected his other two pitches.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809080115678512743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-57922075254912976682008-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:00Just like Timlin is a nice young manThis is not a ...<I>Just like Timlin is a nice young man</I><BR/><BR/>This is not a true statement.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-42350977865141733842008-10-12T20:19:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:19:00.000-07:00The truth is, the Sox are getting soft.Evidence, p...<I>The truth is, the Sox are getting soft.</I><BR/><BR/>Evidence, please. If it's "a true statement," you should have no trouble backing it up.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-79309390597470206252008-10-12T20:15:00.001-07:002008-10-12T20:15:00.001-07:00At times, late in recent games, I get the impressi...At times, late in recent games, I get the impression that winning doesn't matter as much as something else. I just can't figure out what that something else is. <BR/><BR/>Last night, when Francona let Becket take the mound to start the 5th, I was thining that Beckett's two run lead was more important than the ultimate result, because, after all, he had to finish the 5th to be in a position to earn the win. So, so what if he'd given up three home runs in four innings? Let him have a chance. He's a nice young man. Well deserving of a win. Just like Timlin is a nice young man, and deserves a roster spot. Why get him upset all over again, after all.<BR/><BR/>And why is Masterson a one inning set up guy rather than the former starter he is, strong enough to pitch three innings in a pinch. <BR/><BR/>The truth is, the Sox are getting soft. Especially Terry. Being a good guy is more important than winning the game. A true statement..https://www.blogger.com/profile/03359625448680226264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-35709748290825836152008-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00Luckily we have the right man for the job.Amen, br...<I>Luckily we have the right man for the job.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>Amen, brother, amen.SoSockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15982944966573089279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-10813195169345228632008-10-12T20:02:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:02:00.000-07:00All in all I didn't feel too bad about the loss la...All in all I didn't feel too bad about the loss last night. It does make Game 3 a rather critical game though.<BR/><BR/>Win the game, you're up 2-1 with Wakefield on Tuesday night. Flip a coin on Wakefield and you're either up 3-1 or tied 2-2 with Dice on Thursday.<BR/><BR/>Lose the game, however, and you're down 2-1, and on Tuesday night you'll be clinching your ass, on the edge of your seat because you can flip a coin and either be tied or down 3-1.<BR/><BR/>Don't assume a W for Beckett anymore in this postseason because it could go either way (as we saw in both games he pitched - kept the Sox in the game, went to extras, and Boston lost)...<BR/><BR/>Makes it close to a must-win tomorrow night. Luckily we have the right man for the job.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809080115678512743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-70723476969348044152008-10-12T19:54:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:54:00.000-07:00I watched Tito's press conference around 4:00 this...I watched Tito's press conference around 4:00 this afternoon. He said he thought Beckett's pitches were inconsistent and he was constantly trying to work things out. But he wanted to throw him out there for one more inning, hoping he'd simply be able to give him one more.<BR/><BR/>He also didn't want Timlin to be the last guy in the bullpen, if something happened and you'd need to hand the ball to him for an extended period. These situations require guys to do things they don't normally do, but you wouldn't have anyone behind Timlin. The Rays handed the ball to David Price and said it's your game now. Go out and put up some bagels.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, he also said he thinks he'll play Cora at shortstop tomorrow night. Drew will be back in right, Lyndon back in center.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809080115678512743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-20752449276664245622008-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:00Bot should have come back instead of either Byrd o...Bot should have come back instead of either Byrd or Timlin, but I understand the concern for his health, if that was the case. He could have thrown one more inning, and has - especially with the off day.<BR/><BR/>Once you get past Bot, I did agree with Timlin for an inning and then let Byrd go. The Rays had the upper hand anyway with three gutsy innings by Wheeler then the young flamethrower Price. Against Timlin and/or Byrd. Chances weren't too good either way for Boston. Umpires squeezing was a legitimate argument but bottom line is there was no right answer. You throw one of those guys out there and hope to get through the inning. Keyword hope.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14809080115678512743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-2184679227048248182008-10-12T19:44:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:44:00.000-07:00Rarely do I ever yell at my television while watch...Rarely do I ever yell at my television while watching a game, but last night was one of those times. I have always felt confident with Franconan's decisions, but last night was horrible. Given the loses the Sox had all season to these a-holes he should be playing a tighter game than he did. Oh well, lesson learned. Time to kick their Florida ass in Boston!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-31188170019333121852008-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:00Well, I've been pulling for Manny and the Dodgers,...Well, I've been pulling for Manny and the Dodgers, but my son has informed me I should be pulling for Philly because he's now in the lottery (twice) for seats there if they make it. He's working there for the next 3-4 weeks apparently.<BR/>I don't know, though. Going to a W-S game would be an incredible experience, but pull for the Phillys?<BR/>Maybe I'll just go neutral.SoSockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15982944966573089279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-31281786670386652692008-10-12T19:29:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:29:00.000-07:00Should have said in the 7th. Phillies threatening....Should have said in the 7th. Phillies threatening.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-56404322465241721052008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:007-2 Dodgers now after 7.7-2 Dodgers now after 7.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-28414136948153414012008-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:00.But isn't really just the lesser of 2 evils.....N...<I>.But isn't really just the lesser of 2 evils.....</I><BR/><BR/>NO. There is no one in the pen worse than Timlin, period.laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524593142290489958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-49821723917269339322008-10-12T18:55:00.000-07:002008-10-12T18:55:00.000-07:00He has given up like 26 runs in 48 innings for the...<I>He has given up like 26 runs in 48 innings for the Sox</I><BR/><BR/>Right, 26 in 49. 4.78 ERA.<BR/>Timlin allowed 32 runs in 49.1 innings: 5.66.<BR/><BR/>Wakefield is starting on Tuesday, so he was not an option.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the report on the pen, unit.allanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04673233312198832937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-49832982092594313452008-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:002008-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:00I was sitting next to the pen last night and Byrd ...I was sitting next to the pen last night and Byrd was warming going into the 10th with Timlin. They had Ross standing at the bullpen plate and he was making comments to Byrd during the warm up. That seemed kind of weird to me. The Sox fans around me made a collective sigh when they saw Timlin, and not Byrd, go in to throw the 11th.Unitsmokehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130658010186877952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-8064056860917383472008-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:002008-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00I know there was a lot of people calling for Byrd....I know there was a lot of people calling for Byrd......But isn't really just the lesser of 2 evils.....He has given up like 26 runs in 48 innings for the Sox.....I think the better call might have been Wakefield or like Redsock mentioned stay with the Bot....I think Tito just thought it was game 2 and not game 7..9caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14214364466933716867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-56533584215776783412008-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:002008-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:00PHI: 0LAD: 5!PHI: 0<BR/>LAD: 5<BR/><BR/>!allanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04673233312198832937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5730822.post-1829568535645137432008-10-12T17:56:00.000-07:002008-10-12T17:56:00.000-07:00WLWWLW is kinda what I had figured :)Either way - ...WLWWLW is kinda what I had figured :)<BR/>Either way - Sox in six, I still say.<BR/>I'm hoping Tito just ate some of the brown acid or something last night (they SAID don't eat that you know). He most certainly was NOT the Tito I've come to expect at postseason time. I was dozing in and out by the last inning, but when the White Flag IBB'ed He-wanna-mora, I thought "OK, he hasn't QUITE lost the game yet. I hope Byrd can clean up his shit"<BR/>WTF?<BR/>Of course, like everyone else I thought he should have been in before Timlin, but if not, why not there?! <BR/>Tito may say he's thinking he'll need him for long relief when Wake pitches, but you know what? You can't play for tomorrow in the postseason. You shouldn't in the regular season, but definitely not in the playoffs. That's been my own achilles heel most of my coaching career. But I'm just a damn LL coach, and even I recognize that flaw. If you're a pro you should recognize it, and FIX it.<BR/>Timlin hadn't pitched since 9-28 and Byrd not since 9-24. That's an issue too. Byrd should have been getting at least some token work that last week or 2.<BR/>OK, through ranting, I won't even mention the pricks announcing the games.<BR/>All is calm.<BR/>Sox in six.<BR/>I hope your cat is OK Nix, animals are pretty much family to a lot of us, myself included.SoSockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15982944966573089279noreply@blogger.com