Sox end difficult season, unable to overcome flaws

Ouch. What a way to end one of the more difficult seasons we've seen in a while. As always, it comes down to pitching in the playoffs, and the Chisox were simply better. The Sox were unable to come up with big hits when they really needed them. Give the Chisox credit too, they played really well and also got a few breaks along the way. Let's hope it's their turn to win it all this year (in spite of Guillen)...

Sox managed to get 95 wins, tie the Yanks, and get into the playoffs for a 3rd straight year. That's a good accomplishment in any normal season. But in a season where your staff ace and all-star closer were hurt and sometimes even a liability, it was pretty remarkable. This team was able to overcome a number of obstacles, most of which would have decimated other teams. Remember too, that the bar was set fairly high after last season.

It was a disappointing end, but give them credit for the ride there. Most teams would have crumbled. We've also had the opportunity to see the farm system paying dividends. There is a rising star in Papelbon, who has all the makings of a dominating pitcher. There's probably 4-5 guys who will make an impact next season.

Don't worry Red Sox Nation, things are good. This team is set up to win for a long time to come. Ownership continues to spend money, mangagement has never been better, the farm system is starting to pay off after 3 years and continues to get stronger. So we say congratulations for a successful 2005!

Remember, it wasn't too long ago that it was a big deal just for them to get into the playoffs. Now they're set-up to contend for a while. Things aren't so bad after all. And remember, Keep the Faith baby, Keep the Faith...

Big game slips by Sox and Yanks

For those of you wanting to bash Graffinino, hold your horses. And the Billy Buck references you can stuff up your butt. He didn't allow the winning run to score. Maybe you can pin the 3rd run on him, but a veteran playoff pitcher in Wells made a bad pitch and gave up the go ahead run. The offense was 0 for 7 with RISP after the 4th. Point is, there's plenty of blame to go around. It's self serving columnists (like ESPN's Buster Olney - who used to cover the Yanks) that bring out the reference to make a story more appealing. Also remember he hit a big double in the 9th with one out and no one could get him home...

This team finds itself in an 0-2 hole. Not as daunting a task as last year, but still difficult. If anyone can pull it off, it's this team. Ask Oakland and the Yanks. Last nights game was winnable. All the breaks have gone Chicago's way so far. Now they venture into a hostile environment. If the Sox manage to take the next 2 (which they should) pressure will be back on them. If there is a rainout this weekend, that bodes well for the Sox too. Whoever will start for a potential game 5 (Wells?) gets an extra days rest. Remember, this team doesn't panic or quit. Don't ever write them off. Keep the Faith baby, keep the Faith...


Yanks let a very winnable game slip through their hands. What in the hell was Joe Torre doing in this one? He pulled his Wang in too late, and replaced him with Leiter! Al Leiter!

Is Grady Little in the dugout sitting next to Stottlemeyer? Has he watched this guy pitch at all? How about Embree???

Guarantee Jeter is standing at short shaking his head. Actually, he was probably standing on the mound with every other infieder, the pitching coach, manager, trainer, and the guy with the water bottle. Maddening. Yanks have a must win with Big Unit going on Fri. If they don't, they have very little chance of matching up with Angels pitching rest of the way...

Chisox open up can of whoopass, Yanks solve Colon

Yikes. Can easily say that was Clement's worst performance all year. Gave up a staggering 8 runs in 3 1/3 IP. He just hasn't had it since he was hit back around the All Star break. Let's hope Francona buries him in the pen. Replace him with Arroyo, who has at least had some good starts down the stretch.

Chisox took full advantage of every Clement mistake, which was just about every other pitch. Why was he left in so long?

Pen management was a little sketchy as well. Would love to hear the explanations (Terry-isms) behind the moves...

Sox bats couldn't get anything going against a solid Contreras. He struggled early but never gave up the big inning. And once the Sox were in a hole, it was all over...

Sox look to bounce back with Wells. Big games always seem to bring out the best in him. Not to mention that the Chisox may have spent all their run production last night. Pressure will build up especially if he keeps them down early. Lack of playoff experience should make them press as the game goes on. Red Sox will be loose and ready to go, returning to Boston tied 1-1...

Yanks get solid pitching from Mussina. He went 5 2/3 IP but threw 100 pitches. Not efficient, but effective. Angels just couldn't get anything going. Yanks on the other hand took advantage of a slow start by Colon and scored all the runs they would need in the 1st. Rivera looked a little shaky in the 9th, giving up a hit, BB, and a run. Angels should gain some confidence after that.

Yanks throw out their Wang again tonight. The rookie showed he was not ready for prime time last week in a big game at Fenway. Very shaky. Not a good sign for a kid that pitched pretty well all season. His knees will be knocking again tonight as the Angels will rebound...

Of Note... Padres ace Jake Peavy pitched with a broken rib vs Cards yesterday. Apparently it was broken in a celebration with teammates on the mound after they clinched a playoff birth. He tried to pitch through it (unknowingly) but was lit up. He's done for the season, and so is his team...

Yanks whimpering about loss of tiebreaker

Wow. Yankee fans have been way too excited about their team's AL East crown. They earned the bid by a tiebreaker. The players were even crying after the game on Sat.

Well, now the Yankees themselves are doing the whining. Texas manager Buck Showalter took out a few of his starters so that he could reward some younger stars who haven't seen much playing time. They were up 4-1 in the 3rd inning. Angels ending up winning and clinching homefield because the Yanks lost. They had identical records but Angels won the tiebreak.



Torre was upset that he took them out too soon. Other guys were griping.

Here's A-Fraud: "There's a code of honor when so much is on the line". Right. This coming from the guy who slapped Arroyo last year & then acted like it was incidental. Can still remember him raising his arms standing on second in disbelief.

Apparently a number of the Yankees have expressed their angst. Too freakin bad. You don't hear the Red Sox complaining. Gee, wonder why no one likes the Yankees? Bunch of entitled babies...

Guess this confirms that "vibe" we were talking about. Don't know why we couldn't put our finger on it before now...

Sox take 2 of 3, AL East won on tiebreak

Sox put an exclamation point on the end of the regular season. Schilling & Sox put together a 10-1 whoopin. Yanks tried to obtain homefield with their everyday lineup out there until about 6-0, when the srubs from both teams came out...


The Nation found out on Sat that the Yanks had clinched the AL East. What? Whatchoo talkin bout Willis? Yanks back into the AL East crown on a tiebreaker. A tiebreaker! Hey Yanks fans, are you really proud? Sad if you are. Actually worked out well for the Sox. Yanks lose homefield with the loss on Sunday, and now fly cross country to face a really good Angels team. Congratulations!!!



What was up with the celebration on Sat? Jeter & Giambi hugging & crying? Crying? Yikes. Very scary. Are they really that emotional about just getting INTO the playoffs?

(Forgot to insert "There's NO crying in baseball!" above. Sorry)


Is it us, or is there just a weird vibe about this team? Can someone please explain the Torre / Johnson lovefest? Wow. Did the exchange go something like; "Oh Randy darling, what do you think our kids would look like?". Very disturbing. It's like driving by a really bad accident, you don't want to look, but you do.


Well we're actually glad both teams are back in. Another ALCS would be fantastic. Just cannot believe that a Monday playoff didn't happen. Tribe gets swept at home vs Chisox bench players. Ouch. Condolences to the Indians fans out there...

Yanks need to play their best baseball to get by the Los Angelanaheim Angels. They put an injured Mussina out there against 20 game winner Colon. This is a gritty and playoff experienced Angels team. Not a good matchup for the Bombers. They will be VERY fortunate to get by them. We don't think they will. Angels in 4...

Sox visit a team that hasn't won a playoff SERIES in over 80 years. Not much playoff experience on this roster either. Although their first game starter does, he has an ERA of around 11 vs the Sox. (Remember Contreras Yanks fans?) If the Sox can pitch reasonably well, they should be able to shut down their offense. They'll find a way to get it done. Sox in 5...

Oh Baby! It's all EVEN!!!

Another classic matchup. Does it get any better than this? Just when you thought this rivalry couldn't come close to the pinnacle of 2004, or a close second 2003 ALCS game 7, a season ending 3 game series becomes epic. Not since 1949 has there been a series this important, or close. After we thought we've seen it all, comes yet another twist. Just astounding. Certainly flies in the face of naysayers earlier in the season... (see Sept 9th Blog in Archives: Sox/Yanks Rivalry: The thrill is gone?)

Sox get a veteran and gutsy outing from Wells. He was able to pitch out of trouble early on and dominate the rest of the way. He just earned his money. The Pen came through once again with the tandem lefty/righty specialists (as they should be & better stay that way). Then a DOMINATING Timlin got the last out in the 8th & finished off the 9th.

Sox climb back into a tie for the AL East. Special thanks to the Indians who decided to drop a game to the AAA Chisox lineup. Must have absolutely killed the Cleveland faithful after 13 innings. ..


Sox put out a red hot Wakefield vs the Big Unit. Yanks are hitting a robust .157 against him this season. Big Unit has a losing record on the road with an ERA approaching 6. Just have a good feeling about this one...

Hopefully both teams are able to get in regardless. A Cleveland stumble not thought to be possible might actually happen. Worst case is if the Sox/Yanks split the next 2 games, combined with 2 Cleveland wins, the Monday playoff loser plays again on Tuesday to get in. Can you picture a third ALCS in a row? Without dominant pitching on either side? It would be like a heavyweight fight between Rocky Balboa & Randall "Tex" Cobb. Never seen a character and a real boxer take that much of a beating & keep coming back. Can't wait...

MV-Papi and momentum carry Sox into Weekend

Unbelieveable. MVP candidate Big Papi, aka MVPapi, not only ties the game with a huge blast in the 8th, but wins it in the 9th. In September. If it is a day later, it would be Big Pap-tober...

(We are going to go on a shooting spree at the Baseball Writers dinner if he doesn't get the MVP.)

Manny comes up big with a 2 run blast to bring the Sox within one. The pen was solid. Rookie Papelbon continues to impress. What a presence on the mound. He's the best pitcher on the staff right now. (Getting a little giddy about him starting next year too...)

Get ready Yankee fans, you're going to be seeing more of the Manny / Papi scenes this weekend. A sweep is likely, and 2 wins are a given...


Playoffs have started. What a weekend this going to be. Getting a little tingly in the shorts just thinking about it. Here's a quick breakdown:

GAME 1:

Wang. Rookie. Bright lights, big city. No playoff experience. Done...
Wells. Loves to pitch in big games. 7-1 at home with ERA under 3.

GAME 2:

Big Eunuch. 5-6 with 5.7+ ERA on the road. He better be spectacular or forget it.
Wake. Yanks hate to face him, only batting .157, and best part, he's on a roll...

GAME 3:

Mussina. Just off DL, couldn't get out of 2nd inning last start. Put a fork in him...
Schilling. Gutting it out at this point. 6+ innings, 3-4 runs avg. Offense should carry this one easily...

Monday:

Fughgetaboutit...

Sox acquire former Yankee, AL East crown all over!

Holy Crap! Mike Stanton! Mike Stanton! The Red Sox lock in on AL East Crown!

OK. Not really. At least we're a little more excited than Yanks fans when they signed Embree. Stanton has actually pitched well since his cast-off:

30 appearances, 2-1, 27+ IP, 3.58ERA. Not bad. Better than most of the staff. This is scary, but who knows. Here's how the Pen ranks:

Tops:
1) Timlin - closer
2) Papelbon - bridge
3) Stanton - set up
4) Myers - gutsy vet, best vs lefties

Others:
Hansen - still a ?, but better than most
Anyone not named "Chad"




Lets hope the starters carry the burden. It all comes down to Sox vets vs Yankee journeymen. Only 1 starter (Big Eunuch) has any Big Game or Playoff experience. See you on Sunday...

Yanks take lead, Sox can't solve Lilly

You could feel it coming. The Ted Lilly experience. We hate this freakin guy. He has an ERA approaching 6, but always finds a way to pitch well against the Sox. Just Maddening. His last outing was against - guess who - and he didn't make it out of the first inning...

Arroyo, who had been 4-0 in Sept, decided to leave a few breaking balls over the plate. The 3 gopher balls did him in. Let's hope he can bounce back because we'll need him Sun or Mon. The lineup continued their struggles against Lilly and only went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The only one hitting right now, Renteria, is the guy who hasn't hit much all year...

There were a couple of "light" moments last night. A group of four late 20-somethings were sitting near us in full Sox garb. They spoke Japanese and very little English. It was refreshing to see people so excited just to be at a ball game. When they got on the big screen between innings, they almost jumped out of their shoes. Just screaming something in Japanese. Thought they hit the lottery. Hilarious. Funniest part? When Gabe Gross came to the plate, and they broke out into Beavus & Butthead laughter about "GROSS". Almost spit out my beer...

Yanks get another good outing from Chacon. Just unbelievable. Yanks were able to throw enough money at the starting rotation and plug the holes. Give Cashman credit, but... Nice when you have an ADDITIONAL payroll equivalent to 3 Oaklands and a Tampa Bay. The MVP race will ultimately go to A-Rod. Even the Boston writers that have a vote are biased against the DH. What a joke. Some of the Yanks players say it should be Rivera (that's a slam on A-Rod by the way). But if you consider who is more VALUABLE, you need to consider Small & Chacon. They are a combined 16-3. Yanks are VERY fortunate they came along. Thats why they're in first. Small goes again tonight...

Big BIG weekend coming up. There's no way the Yanks win two at Fenway. So it really comes down to tonights game, or Monday. Small goes against the always tough Bedard (3.60 ERA). Sox will pull it out tonight, as the bats have been quiet for too long. The wildcard is still up for grabs, as Cleveland has now dropped 2 straight. Looks like Chisox will hold on...

Can you believe the Padres clinched the division with a .500 record? They also get homefield for the first series. How is this right? The good thing? Bonds goes home early. The Babe will be safe for another season...

Sox unable to double up, Yanks get Spanked

The Sox had a very winnable game but were unable to break it open. It was the perfect chance to gain ground on everyone. The bats were going early, but no one could come up with a big hit late. Looks like Schilling is a 6+ inning 3-4 run type pitcher at this point. He's not going to be able to be his old self until his injury heals completely. Even with an extra days rest, he pitched just OK. Lets hope he can pull a couple of starts out of nowhere, like Aaron Small has all year.

Sox pen is still shaky. With one of their best 2 relievers unavailable thanks to Mother Nature, options were limited in game 2. Chad "Horrible" Harville should only come in for mop ups. The other Chad (Bradford) should only be a righty specialist. Where the hell is Manny Delcarmen? He throws in the high 90's. Can he be worse than these other guys? At least Francona is giving Hansen a shot at making the postseason roster.

Yanks get lit up like a christmas tree. Mussina could only go 5 outs while giving up 5 runs. Not a good sign for those of you thinking he was back. One time wonder Leiter maintained his form. Sheffield made it interesting, but they surrendered 17 runs to a team with one foot out the door. And yes, you should be scared. Other than big Mo at the end of the pen, they're in the same boat as the Sox. With Wright & Mussina struggling, that leaves you with Johnson, Chacon, Wang, & Small.


Both the Sox & Yanks will find a way to get in. Expect Johnson vs Wakefield to be the only pitching duel. Looks like the AL Champ will be the first to slug their way into the Series...

Sox impressive in front end of Doubleheader

The Sox put an impressive W in the first of 2 today. Wakefield pitched another gem. He's on quite a roll and could be a major force (#1 starter?) in the playoffs. He worked quickly and gave up only an unearned run with 3H over 7 strong innings. Rookie Papelbon was impressive in the 8th. After getting in a jam, he showed veteran poise, settled down, and blew away the last batter. Absolutely HUGE for a rookie in such a big game. Great sign for the pen. Papelbon in the 8th and Timlin in the 9th.

Things couldn't have worked out much better. The pen wasn't used much, and the game time was only 2 1/2 hours. Let's hope Monther Nature didn't affect things tonight.

Schilling gets the ball in the biggest spot he's been in all year. That is usually a good thing for a big game specialist. He was also given an extra days rest. Another good factor is that they should have an extra zing in their step after a big win early in the day. We guarantee Toronto is not fired up to play tonight...

Movin on up baby!!!

Best part is that pressure has been put back on the Yanks and Cleveland. Chisox must be crapping themselves...

Yanks pick up half game, Mother Nature ruins Schill & Unit matchup

Yanks were able to blow out the listless O's. They get another solid outing by the Big Unit, and another homer from Giambi, aka HGH. Yanks should be able to dominate the series vs an O's team who already has their golf bags out. They put Mussina back on the mound for his second start coming off the DL. He might be the difference maker if he is able to pitch well. Based on the way the season has gone, don't count on it. The other big question is why Torre has put his best pitcher, Small, back in the pen. This could come back to haunt them...


It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature...

Although she's the one fooling with the Sox. The rains forced the Sox into a doubleheader today, which will be tough to pull off. This also throws off an epic matchup between Schilling & Johnson. That would have been another classic. Imagine if that were the game to decide the AL East. Well, now we'll never know. Let's just hope Mother Nature stays out of it...


Sox face a scrappy Blue Jays team that has given them trouble all season. Key to these games is to get up early and keep the pressure on. They only have so much resolve at this time of year. Good thing is that the Sox had a day of rest. This group is still banged up and every day counts. Sox have been in similar spots before, and the pressure won't effect them. In some cases, it will make them play better and more focused. First test is a doubleheader. Let's hope Wake rolls on and Schilling is his old self. Stay out of the pen boys...

Jeter, other athletes become racial targets

Hey, where the white women at?

Today's "PC society" would never allow a film like Blazing Saddles to be made. While we may have become overly "PC", you would hope that similar strides would have been made in terms of racism. Unfortunately there are still some groups out there that continue to believe in and try to spread hate. On the flip side, it's been great to see outpouring of support for everyone, regardless of race, during Katrina and now Rita.

While we poke fun at the Yankees (can't help it) we do it in jest. They have outstanding players both on and off the field. Jeter exemplifies what a professional should be both on and off the field. He is the last person that should be vilified. Who cares who he is dating?

What athletes do on their own time shouldn't be public knowledge. Even if it were a scumbag such as Bonds, he wouldn't deserve it either.

Over the past few years, about 60 similar letters have been sent to professional athletes and other well-known black men across the nation, including civic and business leaders. Even two Catholic High Schools in Cleveland received letters. The FBI thinks it is the same writer.

Groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas will even protest at veterans funerals to get their point across about gays in the military. Just makes you want to puke.

How can we end it? Good question. We say education & information. So spread the word, we still have a ways to go...

Yanks can't get it Wright, Sox pull even

Poor Jaret Wright. Every time he gets on the mound, he seems to get pelted with something. This time it was a line drive & the Jays bats. Yanks unable to overcome another poor start. Only able to hold onto first for another one day stint. Fortunate to hang on yesterday with a Cano blast in the 7th. Yanks hit the road for last 7...

Sox pull off an impressive sweep and finally had some help from "Renta-ribby". He was known as being clutch in the NL and finally showed it over the weekend. Hopefully the "Renta-wreck" version has disappeared. Great to see Manny swinging the bat well again, hitting 5HR's in last 5 games. Got some good pitching performances from Arroyo, Clement, & Wells. Although Clement gutted out a tough one. Nice to have veteran starting pitching this time of year. Let's hope phenom Hansen can find his offspeed pitches before next weekend. Sox come home to increase best home record in majors. Sure felt like home games with all the Sox fans at Camden...

Cleveland helped the cause of both teams by finally losing one. That's only their 3rd loss in the last 20 games and amazingly came against KC. Chisox manage to increase their lead back to 2 1/2.

Well folks, here it is, the homestretch. This should be a fun week, culminating with another showdown at the Fens. It's all tied up! Let's hope it stays that way so the team to win 2 out of 3 wins it. Should be another classic. Stay tuned!!!

Old Fashioned Showdown coming to the Fens

Yanks continue to play well taking 10 of last 11, with 7 of them by only 1 run. Mo Rivera is clearly the MVP of this team, not A-Rod. Sturtze & Gordon are seriously overworked at this point and they still manage to hold on at the end with Mo. Mussina comes back and has a solid outing. Small is an inconceivable 9-0. Everything is going right for them at the moment, yet they are only up 1 game.

Sox finally get a day of much needed rest after 30 straight games without a day off. Hopefully rest is just what the doctor ordered. They need to play some good baseball to keep pace. Good news? They only have 3 left on the road, and look to extend the best record in majors at home.

What it really comes down to is the final weekend of baseball. Is there a more fitting end to the regular season? Each team has been sent packing after consecutive ALCS game 7's. We think they'll be tied coming in, and whoever wins 2 takes it. Another showdown in the ALCS would be amazing. You know there would be another game 7. Any way you look at it, it will be an exciting finish. You couldn't ask for much more...

Sox implosion, Yanks take over 1st with Unit

Don't get too comfy Yankee fans. They'll be tied or up a game tomorrow. The AL East still goes thru Boston. We all know it will come down to the last 3 games at the Fens. So keep your thumbs in your pockets...

Sox pen implodes and couldn't hold onto another great outing by Wake. At least he's on a roll. Game ended a stretch of 30 straight games without a day off. They'll be rejuvinated and ready to on Fri. Remember that they've made it this far with only 2 games from Schill. If he stays hot, they're good to go.

Yanks get another gem from Big Unit. Guess he owed it to them after his last panic attack. Got to give Yanks some credit, playing like they finally want it. Yanks hit the road for most of their final games. And oh yeah, the team with the best record at home in the majors (you know) has most of theirs at the confines of Fenway...

Sox bats explode, Yanks Small now 9-0

Big Papi continues to put up monster numbers and taking the lead in MVP considerations. Rest of the Sox lineup finally got the bats going, including a slumping Varitek & Nixon. Batters 3 through 6 went an amazing 15 for 16.

Sox didn't need such an explosive night with an effective Schilling on the mound. He went a strong 7IP with 7K's and 2 runs. His control improved as the night went on which is an encouraging sign. He's got a couple more starts before the postseason to see if he can get back his true form.

Yanks get another win for Small who is 9-0 due to the offense and not stellar pitching. He gave up 10 hits and 4 runs over 5IP. Yanks pitching barely held onto this one after a huge lead early on. O's had 18 hits in this one. They did manage to keep pace in AL East race and gained a game in the wildcard. They keep finding a way to win which is what you need in September. Problem is that their pitching staff is well over a half run per game WORSE than the Sox. Only 3 teams have a bigger ERA in Sept. Thats bad news in Oct...



Bonds hits home run #706. The man chasing Babe Ruth (the last "white" guy on the list) has hit his 3rd HR since returning. "Tiny" decided to make a statement regarding Congress follow up on Palmeiro. "There are more important things out there other than steroids". He thinks Congress is wasting its time and should focus on other issues. Gee, there's a shocker Barry. Go pull a hammy or something...

Terror at the Trop!

Well, not really. Scariest part was Wells lack of control. Sox unable to overcome second day of horrible starting pitching. Great to see phenom Hansen come out and blow away the side. Big Papi had another hurculean effort, but his 4 RBI's couldn't carry them last night.

Yanks pull out another squeeeeeeeeeeeeeaker. Pull to within 1/2 game in AL East.

Worst part? Here come the Yankee Bloggers!!! Just remember kids, you're still trailing. In years past this might have spelled doom. Those days are gone. So are the Sox & Yankee teams you remember. Second place is still second place. All we can say is you better have a lead coming into Fenway.

Might not matter for either team, as Chisox get beat again. They'll be looking up at the wildcard standings soon enough. Does anyone want to play Cleveland right now? Yikes...

Stalemate in AL East, Wildcard now at 1 1/2...

Neither team could gain ground on the other, but Yanks slip to 1 1/2 back in wildcard. Look out for Cleveland, winning 12 of last 13, and play Chisox head to head 6 times. Sox & Yanks might both get in, with Chisox playing golf in Fla...

Yanks couldn't capitalize on A's blowout. Jeter struck out looking with a runner on second in the 9th, which is the 8th time he's choked with the potential tying run on base this year. Eight times. Not the Jeter of old...

Wright 2.1IP, 5H, 4R, 1BB before he got hit by the broken bat. Do you think he's going to pitch well again this season? He might not make his next start. That's the second time he's been hit since his return from DL. Talk about bad luck. It's followed the pitching staff all season...




Matt Clement looked horrible on Sun. He pitched probably the worst outing a Sox starter has had all season. His last two outings have been shaky. Let's hope his late season reputation doesn't follow him here...

Big Papi had another huge homer over the weekend, followed up by Manny finally doing the same. The bats have been fairly quiet. They are reaching the end of their 30 game stretch without a day off. Damon is playing hurt. Varitek is struggling. The other regulars are exhausted. Everyone is banged up. Wouldn't be a big deal early in the season or before the all-star break, but these guys really need a day off. If they take 2 of 3 from D-Rays, they'll be in good shape. The day off on Thursday will give them the boost they need down the stretch...


Some #'s to make you feel better:

Sox scenario #1: They go 7-6 the rest of the way, Yanks must go 9-5 just to tie

Sox scenario #2: They go 8-5, Yanks need 10-6 to tie

Sox scenario #3: They go 9-4, Yanks need 11-5 to tie

etc...

Big Unit pulls a Mike Tyson

In one of the shortest outings of his career, the Big Unit argued balls and strikes in both the first & second innings. After giving up 3 runs, 2BB, and a HBP, in less than 2 IP he decided he had enough.

Why? He didn't have his stuff. He was either injured from his last outing (knee or back?) or afraid to pitch and lose. A veteran pitcher knows that swearing and arguing balls & strikes with the homeplate ump will get you tossed. He did it in back to back innings. He did it on PURPOSE!


Why did Mike Tyson bite Holyfield? He was afraid of losing. He was AFRAID... He knew he didn't have it any longer. How's he done since then?









Remember "Days of Thunder" when Tom Cruise's character blows the engine? The tachometer was redlined on purpose. When Robert Duvall's character clicks on the tach to reveal the redline, he knew. We felt the same way when we saw the Big Unit highlight.




It's bad news for Yanks fans any way you look at it. If he's hurt and can't pitch effectively, forget it. But if he's scared, or can't control his emotions during the most CRITICAL stretch of the season, you're still screwed. He is supposed to be a VETERAN, one of the guys leading his team down the stretch. The writing was on the wall when he attacked the cameraman. Or was it his refusal to pitch to Posada? Good luck, you can keep him...