Bullpen Aces aka The Lone Rangers
Red Sox 4
Braves 0
“What more could you expect from that at-bat?” And truer words have never been spoken. Josh Beckett drove in and scored a run, while pitching effectively for six innings. He fell short of domination, but a highlight reel catch by every one’s new best friend didn’t hurt.
While I am a proud member of the Josh Beckett fan club, I have yet to partake in the Coco Kool-Aid. I’m hoping he’s turned the offense around, but I am holding out until July 1 to make my decision. As telling as his 2004 and 2005 seasons may be, the last 200ABs must carry a little weight as well. What’s better: a chronic slow starter, or Mike Lowell? We’ll see how fast Coco’s second half is.
Thinking about Julio Lugo gives me great pain. Typing that sentence induced a 30 second migraine.
The Francona Factor contributed a minor blunder, but Terry had little influence on the outcome of this game. Alex Cora’s sacrifice fly to tack on a run in the sixth made Tito’s job far simpler. He avoided the tough choice of pinch hitting for Beckett in the sixth with the bases loaded and one out if they walked Cora, but the fourth run was comforting. Of course, Beckett didn’t come back after a 48 minute delay to start the 7th, but I wonder why Snyder was allowed to let a runner reach in the 8th if Terry was willing to go to both Okajima and Papelbon. Yes, with a four run lead it’s probably wise to save the closer, but putting Okajima in a far worse situation (1 on, none out instead of opening the inning) is unfair. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I’d guess facing the top of the order in the eighth with a runner on was the higher leverage situation.
In 2007, Okajima has been more valuable than Papelbon. If you’re unconvinced by the visual evidence, let me show you some numbers: 24.1 IP, 0.99 WHIP, versus 34.2 IP, 0.81 WHIP is like choosing between a Maserati and a Ferrari, but I know which I would pick. Furthermore, our Ferrari has been pitching with a trunk full of cement, entering 10 games with a runner on base and 19 times with the score within 2. Papelbon has inherited runners only twice, and made 12 appearances with the team within 2 runs. No complaints can be made with results, but it’s clear who has been a larger part of this season’s success.
How much do I love Baseball-Reference? It took me about 12 seconds to find exactly the numbers I wanted in the last paragraph. There are a few baseball sites I couldn’t live without (http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/, http://www.soxprospects.com/) but B-R is at the top of the list.
Tonight: Julian Tavarez (4-4, 4.97, 1.42) at Buddy Carlyle (1-1, 4.44, 1.19)
The 29-year-old Carlyle is making his fifth start of the year. His three June appearances have been solid, which means he’s due for a little regression. Of course, the same can be said for Mr. Tavarez. I smell a barn burner.
When I say “higher leverage situation” I mean compared to the opening the ninth. I should have been clearer.
Should have, could have, would have.
Smells like shit to me.
Wow, first time I’ve ever been here, and last. Papelbon is more valuable because of when he comes into the game. It’s different pitching the 7th or 8th than coming in with the crowd going crazy.
Stats only get you so far. Good luck with the blog. You’re gonna need it.
Right, Schilling will be back because of his “heart” or whatever, and Papelbon needs to come in only in the 9th. I think WEEI missing a caller.
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