Today is a great day. The Red Sox won in nailbiting fashion to keep pace with the Rays in the Wild Card race last night; Oriole killer, Jon Lester, will toe the rubber in the most important game of the season; and I ousted Titanium399 as Mayor of the IRS National Office on FourSquare.* Seriously, how could I be negative on a day like today?
* Word is the Commissioner is refusing to recognize my Mayorship. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when I invade his office and oust him! Tyranny will reign supreme during my regime!
Two weeks ago, I’d made the decision to do an ALDS preview as my Wedneday before the playoffs article. Obviously, that all went out the window this past weekend when the Red Sox relinquished their remaining lead. While I retain hope they’ll reach the postseason, I’m not going to jinx them by posting that article today. As anyone who’s read my Twitter feed over the past couple of days knows, karma is out to get me. I’m not going to tempt fate here.
With little to say about the state of the Wild Card race that hasn’t already been said ad nauseum, I’m going to take the easy way out today. I’m a shell of my former self this morning, and I’m not anticipating I’ll be any better after tonight’s game either. If you guys are anything like me, you’re in the same boat. Honestly, we should be conserving our energy for the hell we’re about to put our minds, hearts, and bodies through the next few days. Rather than give you a long analytical column that you don’t have the attention span to read, I’m going give you a few bite sized observations. Really, I’m doing this for everyone’s benefit. You should thank me. I’m waiting…
- Josh Beckett’s been the staff ace this season, but considering the circumstances; there’s not a pitcher I’d rather have on the mound tonight than Jon Lester. In 17 career starts against the Orioles, Lester is 14-0 with a 2.33 ERA and a 92/36 K/BB ratio in 108-1/3 innings. To say he’s owned the Orioles is a massive understatement. Of course, past performance doesn’t predict future success; especially on the single game level. Still, with a stud like Lester I’ll on the mound, I’ll take my chances.
- Ryan Lavarnway, you are my hero. You picked a hell of a time to hit the first two home runs of your career! Seriously, you couldn’t have timed it better. On behalf of Red Sox Nation, thank you!
- Speaking of Lavarnway… Last night on Twitter, several Red Sox fans questioned why Terry Francona didn’t pinch hit Lavarnway in the seventh inning of Monday night’s game when the struggling Jarrod Saltalamacchia stepped to the plate in a crucial situation. It’s an excellent question, but one we shouldn’t dwell on too much. For starters, there’s no way of knowing how Lavarnway would have performed in that situation. We can speculate all we’d like, but it doesn’t make it true. Secondly, we’re questioning Francona is hindsight. This is not only unfair, but also incredibly easy. We have information (i.e. the result) that Francona didn’t have at the time. Had Salty come through in the clutch, no one would be asking that question now. Furthermore, Tito was sticking with a guy that’d been incredibly productive both at and behind the plate all season. Now, if you want to question why Lavarnway’s only accumulated 11 plate appearances this month (like Brian MacPherson of the Providence Jounal), I’m right there with you.
- The only thing I can compare Alfredo Aceves‘s performance last night to is Tim Wakefield‘s bullpen performance in Game 3 of the ALCS. It was absolutely tremendous. His 3-2/3 innings (36 pitch) performance single-handedly saved an already taxed bullpen. Making his performance even more impressive is this was his third consecutive night pitching. The man clearly has a rubber arm. Considering all of the chatter surrounding the “Aceves to the rotation” campaign, can you imagine the hurt of trouble the Sox would be in now had he been unavailable to pitch?
- I’m saving the best for last. As of last night, I decided to annoint Jacoby Ellsbury as my choice for AL MVP; narrowly edging out Jose Bautista. Believe me, it was a tough decision. This season, Ellsbury’s broken out of his shell to produce a 30/30 season and a .403 wOBA, all while displaying above average defense at a premium position. I certainly had my doubts coming into the season, but I’m proud to say he’s proven me wrong. He’s been an absolute beast all season, and deserves all of the accolades he’s receiving. Hats off to you, Jacoby.
Alright guys! Keep the positive energy flowing, and continue the #keepingthefaith campaign! The Red Sox can still win this thing! Get out and support the team!