October 13, 2008 at 3:22 PM
10/13: Back at Home
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GAME NOTES: Jon Lester, the story of the Boston playoff run thus far, takes the hill and attempts to give the Sox a 2-1 lead. Opposing him is Matt Garza, significantly worse on the road than he is at home. Lots of questions going to be answered in tonight's game, including but not limited to:
- Is it time to bench Ellsbury?
- Is Jon Lester 2008 as sure of a bet as Josh Beckett 2007?
- Will the Rays continue to play well, and win, in Fenway?
- Was game 2 a blip on the radar or a sign of things to come?
Discussion
133 Comments on "10/13: Back at Home"
#2
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 4:42 PM
Damn! Great start for Lester: 4 pitches = three outs!
#3
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 4:54 PM
Damn. Anybody else remember when Papi could hit?
#4
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 5:10 PM
Nice work: walk, bloop single, PB, RBI ground out. Why can't we do that?
#5
Posted by Tom A., October 13, 2008 5:19 PM
Why can't f*cking Varitek do something but look at strike three or wave wildly at pitches anymore...
2nd and 3rd with one out and we can't score...pathetic!
#6
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:21 PM
Tek is pathetic behind the plate and at the plate!
Everyone knew he would strike out. Should of pinch hit for him.
Bench him!
#9
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:24 PM
While we r benching people, put Papi over with Tek.
We r screwed today. Thank you Papi and Tek!
#10
Posted by Sean O, October 13, 2008 5:25 PM
screw it, I'm going to take a bath. good luck to the sox, I just can't watch it.
#12
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:27 PM
I always try my best to be positive but after this start...
Fuck.
#13
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:30 PM
If we can cure the LOBster problem, we'll come right back. Stop dicking around Ortiz and company. Must Bay and Pedroia do everything?
#14
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:31 PM
Yeah we're done. This is either going to turn into a 2007 ALCS or we're going to get killed by Tampa.
If we lose, then Tampa deserved this win.
#15
Posted by NebraskaPatrick, October 13, 2008 5:31 PM
Not the start we need from lester in this IMO a must win game. Fuck this i cant stand even watching this game anymore.
#17
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 5:32 PM
Well, at least we're not losing to the Yankees.
#18
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:33 PM
This is making me sick ... I am completely shocked...
Dig deep guys ... dig very deep ... cuz if we don't at least rally in this one and show some life ... we are screwed...
#19
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:34 PM
Well, we have the goat of the game... And its only the third inning!
#22
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:36 PM
This damn Rays take advantage of every oportunity. Very few LOB.
On the other side, we can always count with Papi and Tek to kill any momentum.
#23
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:38 PM
To answer your questions Evan:
1. Yes
2. Maybe, but not likely seeing this.
3. If the Sox LOBsters multiply, then abso-fucking-lutely.
4. I say a sign of things to come.
However, this could end up being like the 2007 ALCS against Cleveland. We just REALLY NEED TO CUT THE BULLSHIT!!
#24
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:40 PM
Goat is Varitek IMO ... I hate to say it but ... the man has one job to do ... catch the damn ball ... he gave life to their rally ... changed the momentum ... shook up our pitcher and gave theirs confidence ... I love the Captain ... but that changed the course of the game ... inexcusable
#25
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:41 PM
Ellsbury is 0 for last 19. Why is he even batting?
Geez, you think Tito is just happy to be here and doesnt care about winning.
#26
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:43 PM
I don't blame Tito for trusting the guys that got us here ... I blame the guys that got us here for not preforming like they have all year
#27
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:43 PM
Tito cares WAY too much about player sentiments in my honest opinion.
I also noticed something. Since SI featured Ellsbury and Buchholz on their cover with rookies, they've been big time suck. Thank God SI never had Dusty in there since that God-forsaken magazine probably jinxed them.
#28
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:44 PM
Do u get the feeling that he will be stranded again?
Come on Papi!
#29
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:44 PM
Pedroia!
Sadly, we know Papi is going to screw it right now.
Bay should be hitting right now!!!
#31
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:45 PM
I think Bay, Pedroia, Youk, and Kotsay should be the only hitters up, just recycle them since they seem to be the only ones doing something.
#32
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:46 PM
Colin, I agree w/you. Too much player sentiment for my liking. Go with the hot players or bench the cold ones. shake it up.
#33
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 5:47 PM
Hey peeps! Native New Hampshireite living in Tampa! Got ejected from Sox game at Trop 3 weeks ago for throwing one of those FN cowbells on the field...ooops! Just stumbled upon Evan's site while checking Wakefield's career stats. Was first checking Varitek's trying to remember who our last catcher was. I think it's time the Captain spend more time on the bench. Is he that good of a catcher for our pitchers that we can afford 1:4 SO/AB ration and no RBI's!!??
#34
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:47 PM
I understand that it's usually strategically unwise to go after the 3-0 pitch, but it frustrates me as to how much of a friggin' meatball the pitch is only to see the batter do nothing.
#36
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:49 PM
Surprising Ortiz lasted so long...still disappointed nonetheless.
#37
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:49 PM
I'm a big fan of Francona's managing style and I'd try to defend him right now ... but um ... this is probably not the smartest time to do so...
#38
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 5:50 PM
He sucks. Either a weak pop up or a K for Papi.
Sit his fat butt down!
#39
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:50 PM
Honestly this could turn into a 2007 scenario where we magically pull our heads out of our collective ass and turn this thing around.
I've seemed to notice that only at the edge of the abyss does Boston seem to gain resolve.
#40
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:50 PM
As expected, Papi blew it...
He is crippling our lineup batting 3rd. And I don't give a damn about his feelings.
#41
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 5:51 PM
I don't see how you can blame Francona for the fact that Ortiz, Ellsbury and Varitek are incapable of hitting. And if you think that Coco Crisp is going to be the difference in this series you need to get your brain checked
#43
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:52 PM
Francona strategy: close your eyes, and hope for the problems to disapear... just don't make any change.
#44
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 5:53 PM
yeah, since he has so many options to fix the problems with...
#45
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:54 PM
Bob.
Put your slumping bats down in the lineup. If you have an automatic out in the 3rd hole, you are going to kill a lot of rallies. As simple as that.
#46
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:55 PM
No what I blame Francona for is not putting Byrd in at Game 2 and Coco just replacing Ellsbury. Jacoby has clearly shown how incapable he is right now and only if a 2007 ALCS scenario comes into fruition will I reverse my judgment.
Then again this is not the 2007 team. I think 2008's team is great and Bay is amazing but the Rays are showing why they won the AL East. Sure those shirts are annoying but take that shit with a grain of salt since they're only ten years old. Should the ALCS go to the Rays, I feel they deserved it. We'll strike back next year.
#47
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 5:56 PM
alright, Ortiz should be dropped, but honestly that doesn't change the fact that Lester allowed 4 runs in the 3rd...
#48
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:57 PM
He has options. Bay is the hottest hitter in the team right now.
#49
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 5:57 PM
And remember guys...anyone who thinks the Red Sox would or will have an easy ALCS doesn't know the Red Sox well. If we succeed, then it will be all the more epic. Should we fail...well there's always next year.
#50
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 5:59 PM
Lester is cooked, great time for him to revert to April form...
#51
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 5:59 PM
Papi hitting #3 has nothing to do with feelings. He hits #3 because he is the best hitter we have. Everyone in Boston knows he is the heart and soul of our offense. So if you out move him out of his spot, every Sox player says, "Shit now even Tito, our most trusting manager, doesn't think we can get out of this hole." IMO the unknown effect that move might have on the offense isn't going to make up for the big negative hit you put on the team's morale. With Papi we can be great, but without him we have no chance.
#52
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 5:59 PM
Lester is another story. Seeing Lester and Beckett convince me we have to go for Sabathia in the offseason.
#53
Posted by NebraskaPatrick, October 13, 2008 6:00 PM
striking back next year could be even harder. The damn rays are still going to be intact and who knows how much money those D bags up north are ganna throw around for key players to make their run
#54
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:02 PM
Papi has not being the best hitter this year. This is not a simple slump. He has being sucking all year.
#55
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:02 PM
no one thought this would be easy, but honestly before the series I would have pointed to this game and said if we win one this is it, instead we're getting spanked. We were down 3-0 is 2004 and 3-1 in 2007, but this year the opponent is better and the Sox pitching is worse (and we traded the best postseason hitter in baseball), guess I'll just have to pray for another miracle
#56
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:04 PM
Let's hope Lester is settling in to his groove! FYI Sox fans....since we will most likely have a Game 6 in St.Petersburg, friends of mine were getting in for 30-40 bucks for games 1 & 2. We need more Sox fans down here, since many a fairweather Sox fan has converted their allegiance to "their new hometown team". uggh....
#57
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 6:05 PM
Then we are screwed ... I honestly think if Papi is going to be completely absent in this series ... we cannot beat the Rays ... not the way they are playing right now
#58
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:05 PM
And by the way, we can win without Papi. In fact we have been winning without him all year. Pedroia and Youk has been the two pillars of this team.
#59
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:06 PM
anyone else wish we had Manny right now? This is exactly the type of game where he would will Boston to a win
#60
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 6:06 PM
Bob, why is Papi locked in at 3? If he cant hit, well, give Casey a chance.
If Ellsbury cant hit or get on base, give Coco, a chance. The way Peds is banging the ball, we need baserunners in front of him and someone who doesnt strike out or pop up behind him.
#61
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:08 PM
Bob.
The trade for Manny has nothin to do with this dissaster. Without Bay the Angels will be playing today.
#62
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 6:09 PM
Bob...we have Jason Bay. Have you seen how he's done so far? I'm very confident in him and Pedroia. It's just everyone else I'm worried about.
#63
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:09 PM
I'm not saying that Bay hasn't been awesome, he has been the best hitter on the team, this just feels like a manny game to me
#64
Posted by SamR, October 13, 2008 6:10 PM
Oh I know we can win ... I guess I should rephrase myself ... With Papi we can beat anybody in the league at their best ... but without him ... we can't ... as we are seeing right now
Unless the Rays cool down or we heat up ... this is over ... something has to change ... and it's not the lineup ... it's preformance
#65
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:10 PM
Colin....stay positive Bro! The Rays have not "deserved" to win the ALCS, as last I checked it's still tied 1-1...!!! and Bob....I don't know if God can help the Sox this year, as I think he may be a Rays fan with all the miracle wins they've had this year. Grab another Sam Adams and stay positive!!
#66
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 6:11 PM
Maybe, but honestly I don't feel too bad. It sucks to see a team like Tampa do this but better them than the Yankees.
I also just thought to myself. I'm a Boston fan who has seen the Red Sox win two rings in my lifetime. That's more than most could ask for.
Should Tampa win, let them have their moment in the sun. Boston remains eternal regardless.
#67
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:14 PM
Are you kidding Varitek???? Bring in Kevin Cash!! Kevin Cash for President!! Anybody but Varitek!
#68
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:16 PM
There are at least 2 games to go in this series, although I'm not super confident, if the Red Sox win game 4 then everything is even again.By the way I absolutely agree with Sam, the order has less to do with it than the performance. Kotsay is hitting well, I honestly think that him in CF and Casey at 1st should be the way to go for the rest of the series.
#69
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 6:16 PM
Earthman:
I remember 2004 and 2007. I won't give up hope. In fact as I watched this game I recalled the similar scenarios. Almost gave up hope those two years but I kept it alive and was rewarded.
Once again, if the Rays do win the ALCS they get their moment in the sun, but Tampa pales in comparison to the feeling of eternity I get from Boston and Fenway. If anything I just want Bay to get a ring but I feel like he'll get another chance.
#70
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:17 PM
And Jason Varitek should just make it easy for the Red Sox and retire after this season. He is the number one reason that they haven't scored tonight.
#71
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 6:19 PM
Maybe we need a little more youth? Timlin has 4 rings, that should be enough. Tek has two but declines in offense. Youth has helped us out so far...so maybe this might be a slight purge year.
#72
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 6:19 PM
Papi ought to learn to at least bunt the ball like Pena and advance the runner.
#73
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:21 PM
Good point Colin on the rings! I still feel for all those old school Sox fans who passed away without ever seeing a championship team, including the Man...
Teddy Ballgame!
#75
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:23 PM
Oh I think that Tek is gone, I can't see any reason to keep him around the intangibles are vastly overrated. Timlin is done too. This team will be better next year with a healthy Papi and the young guys with another year of experience, that said the starting pitching needs an upgrade. The team will be at least 2 wins better with anyone but Varitek hitting
#76
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:28 PM
Tek is gonne for certain. Theo is not known for signing the old and the declined. I believe we will go strong after one of the kids of Texas. My personal preference will be Teagarden, but Saltalamacchia is more probable, i think.
#77
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:28 PM
Nice hustle on that catch JB!!! Manny would have F'd that up...guaranteed! I'm sure you guys heard Manny said that bench clear he started last night was "all an act...", and he never had any intention of starting a brawl. Phils will make sure his scene hits the cutting room floor in Hollywood!!
#79
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 6:31 PM
Ah. The trolls are out. I guess they have nothing better to do, what with the Yankees nowhere to be seen...
#81
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:34 PM
why Ellsbury is batting so many flyouts?! He should be trying to hit lines...
#84
Posted by Luke, October 13, 2008 6:35 PM
I can see the Rays of light just illuminating the future WS champions.
#87
Posted by Luke, October 13, 2008 6:36 PM
Without manny papi is no longer feared. Sox should look into re-signing manny again next year.
#88
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:37 PM
Uggghh....these pop-ups are absolutely horrible!! Garza's pitching a great game here....but the pop-ups!!
#89
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:38 PM
"Theo is not known for signing the old and the declined." Well except Mike Lowell...
#90
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 6:38 PM
Papi should go up right-handed next time. Couldn't turn out any worse...
#91
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:40 PM
Luke, you should look into calling Jack Kevorkian and calling it a career! Or come down to St.Pete to watch the Sox win the ALCS in person, then you can go to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, only about 5 miles away and do a Triple Lindy! Make Rodney Dangerfield proud.
#92
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:41 PM
Papi has been sucking since before we trade Manny. I don't want Manny back, in any way.
#93
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:42 PM
ummmm , M.A.G. he got hurt.... I don't care about Papi hitting third, the thing that really bothers me is that Cora is playing for apparently no reason
#94
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:43 PM
the other thing that is really killing me is if not for two swings in the 3rd this would be a completely different game
#95
Posted by Sean O, October 13, 2008 6:43 PM
Lets go Philly! They're officially my team. As long as anyone but the Rays win this year.
#96
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:45 PM
Fox executives are shuddering at the thought of a Rays-Phillies World Series, with the economy like it is they cant afford it... maybe someone will put the fix in
#97
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:45 PM
Bob.
I really hope you are right, and this year is an aberration for Papi. But, in any case, The absence of Manny is not an excuse for his actual problems.
#98
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:45 PM
ugh Byrd is in now, here come another 2 runs for the rays
#99
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 6:46 PM
Nice to see Byrd, but we can't afford "a lot of baserunners..", the Rays seem to get those guys across the plate.
#100
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 6:47 PM
Oh I'm not blaming the loss of Manny, there clearly is something wrong with Ortiz physically, I'm not convinced that his wrist is healed, he's starting his bat way too early to hit anything the opposite way
#102
Posted by M.A.G, October 13, 2008 6:52 PM
What worries me, about the wrist injury is the fact that type of injury generally afects power, but Papi has been having problems with AVG as well. Let's hope he is just trying too much...
#103
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 7:01 PM
Bay, Dustin and Kotsay are the only guys with hits tonight...
next inning: Tek, Cora (Lowrie??), Ellsbury, we're getting shut out tonight
#104
Posted by Bob, October 13, 2008 7:07 PM
yeah, Paul Byrd, the answer to all our prayers... I'm going to dinner and proceed to get drunk off my ass and embarass everyone I know, have fun with the rest of this game
#107
Posted by Mostly Running., October 13, 2008 7:21 PM
Scoring some runs would really contribute to winning this game. The Rays have done that pretty well, maybe the Sox can give it a go now too.
#109
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 7:25 PM
Alright!!!! We scored! Two unlikely suspects manufacturing a run! Oh, then there's the rally-killing DP!!
#110
Posted by Mostly Running., October 13, 2008 7:25 PM
At least it doesn't count as an at-bat and brings home a run.
And....you're kidding me.
#113
Posted by Mostly Running., October 13, 2008 7:29 PM
TD- I'm assuming since you haven't corrected me I got the last trivia question right? Did someone kidnap you?
#114
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 7:32 PM
MR - I thought you got it. No confirmation from Evan? Hmmm. Be right back...
#115
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 7:34 PM
Awesome play by D-Ped and Tek!!! Crawford should get ejected for that armbar to the neck!! Or maybe the Pats should try to sign him to our secondary...God knows it sucks!!
#116
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 7:37 PM
Fuck!!! Fuck!!! Figures that the
Woonsocket Rocket would put the nail in the coffin....good for him though with all he's been through! Fuck!!
#117
Posted by Earthman, October 13, 2008 7:42 PM
How about that football game tonight!!?? Hope the Giants get wrecked!
#118
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 7:45 PM
How does everyone feel about Tim pitching tomorrow? I'm pretty worried.
#119
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 7:48 PM
Considering how Sonnanstine owns the Red Sox and Wakefield is an over-the-hill POS who can only be relied upon to give up leads immediately and lose big games, no, I'm not worried at all: tomorrow is a guaranteed loss.
Go Phillies.
#126
Posted by Tessie's Dad, October 13, 2008 8:07 PM
Well, that was a disaster. Let's get 'em on Thursday! (Tomorrow's a write-off too, I'm afraid.)
#127
Posted by Mostly Running., October 13, 2008 8:12 PM
Oi. I'm putting money on tomorrow. Wake's the shit and not always shitty.
#128
Posted by Colin, October 13, 2008 8:18 PM
We've got some serious analysis for this game. I mean this was pitiful.
Then again...the Yanks aren't in this so the feelings aren't nearly as bad.
#129
Posted by Evan Brunell, October 13, 2008 8:36 PM
Yeah MR, you're right.
2-1 isn't 3-1 or 3-0 as far as I can tell...
#130
Posted by jimc, October 13, 2008 9:01 PM
Cash for Tek. CC for JE. Move Papi to 6th or better yet, on the bench.I love Papi but hate to see him embarass himself at the plate. Let Kotsay DH and play Casey at 1st. With Tim pitching, we are gonna need the offense to produce tomorrow.
#131
Posted by Luke, October 13, 2008 9:19 PM
a red soxs loss is a good as a yankees win. Even if the yanks aren't in it we can enjoy watching the sox lose.
#132
Posted by Troy, October 13, 2008 11:49 PM
Well EARTHMAN you got your wish. Browns 34 Giants 14. Happy now.
#133
Posted by Gerry, October 13, 2008 11:58 PM
Hey, Luke, we know exactly how you feel, as we really enjoyed watching the Junkees lose . . . this entire century. Sorry, dude, but you keep asking for it.
I imagine you are feeling our pain, but squared, as Joe Torre keeps winning in the postseason, and looks to be headed to the WS. Could 2008 have been different if Hank had been a standup guy?
What's wrong with the Sox is that this team made it to the ALCS with an injured Beckett, Wake, Lowell, Papi, Drew, Schilling, Lugo, Colon, Manny, etc. But we made it. And, with this same team healthy, it will be far easier for the Sox to get to the ALCS yet again in 2009 than it will be for NYY, a team needing a total rebuild. Oh, I know, Hank will probably double the payroll to buy up all the best talent, but will that be the real Yankees????
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