9/26: Big money pitchers

GAME NOTES: A huge test on if Dice can be trusted ... ok, he can't ever be trusted this season, so let me modify... A huge test on if Dice can be somewhat trusted in the playoffs will come with his performance against the Yankees. If the dam breaks, it won't be pretty. On the other side, we have to deal with their big dog, CC Sabathia.

Stick a fork in Jason Varitek

If Friday night's game didn't convince you that Jason Varitek's time as a starting catcher has passed him by, I've got a fantastic house with a view of the ocean for you in Wyoming.

On the year, Varitek's given up 107 stolen bases while catching only 15, for a god-awful 12% success rate. The last time hitters stole more than 81 stolen bases off of Varitek was in 1999-2000, in full swing of the anti-stretch policy that Joe Kerrigan endorsed. But back then, he was able to catch runners 27 and 25 percent of the time, respectively. Huge difference.

Varitek's arm has simply abandoned him. The game should bring clarity to the fact that 'Tek can't gun them out anymore.

9/25: Lester in New York

GAME NOTES: Jon Lester, the probable ace in October, duels against Joba Chamberlain who is fighting for his rotation spot (versus Chad Gaudin).

Should Jon Lester start Game 1 or 2?

Today, Rob Neyer talked about the news that Jon Lester was going to be the No. 1 starter for the Sox in the ALDS. While he concedes that on some ends it makes sense, he gave more face time to making the case for Lester starting Game 2. I'm here to disagree.

Neyer's two points: One, the Angels are predominantly right-handed. Two, by starting Lester in Game 1 (and theoretically game 2) you lose the chance to have Lester starting in Yankee Stadium twice.

In a response to both points: Lester is starting against the Angels no matter what. Whether that's Game 1 or Game 2, so this point is really only valid for Game 5... if it's even played.

If it is, Lester has been far and away the Sox's best pitcher this year. Boston has to start him in Game 5 -- it's a do-or-die game and you have to have your best pitcher on the mound.

If there is no Game 5 and the Sox advance, Lester will be slated to start Games 2 and 6 (maybe even Game 1 if the Sox sweep) at Yankee Stadium.

So we either get Lester starting Games 2 and 6, or starting a do-or-die game where you need your best pitcher. Seems like sound logic to me.

9/24: Buch-wild

GAME NOTES: Sorry for the late game thread, fellas... but boy, what a job this Clay is doing, eh?

Red Sox represented in All-Decade honors

The Sporting News released their All-Decade honors today. The Red Sox were well-represented with David Ortiz winning DH of the…

9/23: Beckett + KC lineup = Bloodbath

GAME NOTES: Josh Beckett looks to grab his 16th win and continue his exit from the doldrums. Boston will face Luke Hochevar, who recently learned that he was tipping his pitches and thinks it's part of his struggles since entering the majors. He shut out the White Sox his last turn out, so maybe there's something to his claims. We'll see. All I know is that it took outsiders to let Hochevar know he's been doing it for years. Ah, the Royals...

POLL: 3rd catcher in playoffs?

New Poll Question: Should the Sox carry a third catcher in the postseason?

• Yes, at the expense of a 11th pitcher
• Yes, at the expense of a 5th OF
• Yes, at the expense of Kotchman
• No
  

Should Manny Delcarmen make the playoff roster?

Delcarmen looked to be an amazing relief pitcher prior to the All-Star game. He's been a completely different player since, and it's gotten to the point where there is a serious question towards if he should be pitching in October.

9/22: Byrd tries to defeat Greinke

GAME NOTES: The former Royal, Paul Byrd, will take on the likely Cy Young winner. Zach Grienke is basically the only good thing the Royals have going for them at the moment. x