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By Zach, 9/19/2007 6:31 am

Red Sox 3
Blue Jays 4

I’ve officially had it with:

• Eric Gagne’s Keith Foulke Impression
• Terry Francona’s blind faith in veterans
• Eric Hinske.
• Red Sox Nation Elections
• Manny’s injury

We can call last night’s edition of the Gagne experiment a huge, steaming pile of failure without a long discourse.  Beyond that, why wasn’t anyone else ready to go?  It was obvious Gagne wasn’t going to get that third out of the inning.  He got two quick ones on Reed Johnson and Alex Rios, two tough hitters, but completely lost control of every pitch after that, missing by four feet at times.  After walking in a run, he barked at Ed Rapuano like a pissy high-school kid.  Dude, its not the Ump’s fault you suck.  It could have been even uglier, the last out came at home plate on a bases loaded double just over J.D. Drew’s glove in right.

This was an important game for the division, but don’t lose sight of what really matters.  I don’t care if this team squeaks in as the wild card or blows everyone out of the water, its all the same come October.  A division win would go a long way to healing the wounded psyche, but I’ll get over it in about 15 seconds if the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the ALCS.  Jon Lester settled down and pitched well after struggling in the first with his control; that’s all I care about right now.  With the rotation struggling, he could be a bigger part of this team in the playoffs than we all realize.

Tonight, Clay Buchholz faces Jesse Litsch (5-9, 4.37, 1.47).  The Sox roster has only faced Litsch 41 times, but is hitting .390/.400/.561.  His last start against the Sox was a short one, 3.1 IP, 7 ER on September 3, but he spread nine hits over 6.2 for 1 ER in July.  Temper your expectations for Clay, if he gives us 6 IP and 3 ER I’ll be happy.  Francona has been quiet regarding how long they’ll leave him out there, citing the usual “A lot depends on how he’s throwing, the score of the game,” but I can’t see him topping 100 pitches under any circumstance.

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By Zach, 9/13/2007 6:32 am

Devil Rays 4
David Ortiz 5

I listened to those who dismissed clutch hitting ability over the last few years.  I even believed it myself.  After David Ortiz put on a show against Fausto Carmona in July 2006, most of us succumbed to the mountain of evidence.  We haven’t heard much in the clutch department from Mr. Ortiz recently and there were whispers of the old “wisdom,” but, like our new BFF J.D. Drew, he’s simply been waiting to strike.

Down 4-3 for most of the game, the offense had numerous opportunities to scratch that tying run across, but rally killer Varitek has been doing his best Kevin Millar impression over the last three weeks. Since August 21 (22 games), El Capitan is hitting .206 with 26 Ks, 3 XHB and 13 BB.  Three true outcomes is cool, if one of those is over the fence.

The American League offers a new wrinkle to the playoff system this year.  The team with the best record is granted home field advantage and the opportunity to choose a first round schedule of seven or eight days.  Ostensibly, a minor change, but the numerous scenarios complicate things.  The longer schedule gives each team in that series the ability to use their top two starters on regular rest, while the seven game series would require the top guys to go on three days.  It seems like an obvious choice, but there are a variety of factors to consider.  How do your top starters compare to your opponent’s?  Who is better on short rest?  Do you have an advantage at third and fourth starter?  Does your opponent have a history of throwing guys on short rest, which would negate the advantage at the end of the rotation?  Its a tough call, and useless to debate until the Sox know who they are playing.   If this new rule offered the choice of opponent, it would be very interesting.

The Red Sox are off today.  I’ll be watching Ian Kennedy take on A.J. Burnett in Toronto.  Kennedy has a nasty 92mph fastball that runs in on righties, but, big surprise, he struggles with his command.

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By Zach, 9/12/2007 8:20 am

Devil Rays 10
Red Sox 16

J.D. Drew has us right where he wants us. He’s been coasting since May, hopped up (or down) on opiates to achieve that sought after “Where am I?” persona he exudes with such…lifelessness. Maybe it took a speedy young call up bent on stealing his postseason starts, but a few more 3-4 games and long homers in October will buy him a get out of the doghouse card for seasons past. Turns out, he was biding his time, waiting to snap and explode for 12 straight homers. You heard it here first. That sly dog had us all fooled.

Another shout out goes to Kevin Cash, who contributed the most unlikely of hits last night. No small feat, considering JD had three. If this is all K-Money does for the rest of the season, we can’t be too unhappy. Doug Mirabelli’s remarkable fragility for his limited action doesn’t sting so much any more. Wait, did it ever sting?

And finally, we owe you a big one, Joe Maddon and Andrew Friedman, for utilizing and assembling the least effective group of relievers I’ve seen since John Wasdin was in town. Oh, and you ran through six pitchers last night en route to a crushing defeat. Thanks for the alley-oop.

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By Zach, 9/10/2007 2:33 pm

1. Boston Red Sox
Call it homerism, optimism, or insanity — the Red Sox remain in the top spot of our weekly rankings (which need a hipper name than Power Rankings…suggestions welcome) since the week of August 13th. After taking two series from Toronto and Baltimore, I can’t drop them now.

2. New York Yankees
Their only loss last week came against the Mariners on Monday, and Andy Pettitte bounced back from his 120 pitch performance against the Red Sox, although it took him a start to do so. He gave up 11 hits (2 homers) in 6.1 while throwing 119 more against the Devil Rays on September 2nd, but only 2 ER against the Royals Saturday (89 pitches). While A-Rod is their MVP, Pettitte and Wang are a formidable 1-2 in a short series. Knowing Joe Torre, he’ll probably start Clemens and Mussina.

3. Cleveland Indians
They split with the Angels over the weekend, so this should be a tie at third and fourth, but I’m giving the Indians the edge because they fought back to salvage the last two. Fausto and C.C. are still terrifying.

4. Los Angeles Angels
An excellent team, no doubt, but the way the last few weeks are shaping up in the AL, they are my hands-down preference for division series opponent. Everyone is playing well.

5. New York Mets
I guess I have to throw some NL teams in here somewhere. I’d say the Senior Circuit doesn’t have a chance in the World Series, but see Cardinals, 2006, for a reminder that the regular season doesn’t matter. Pedro Martinez’ six shutout innings yesterday are impressive, although I didn’t see any of the game. They’ve won 8 of 9 after being swept by the Phillies to lock down the NL East crown.

6. Arizona Diamonbacks
They beat up on the Padres and Cardinals this week, taking 5 of 6. Jose Valverde has saved four games in a row to bring his league leading season total to 45.

7. Philadelphia Phillies
Giving up 7ER without recording an out is tough on your ERA, just ask J.D. Durbin. The Phils are still in the hunt, two games back of the Padres in the wild card, and a crucial week approaching. They must take three of four from Colorado. I put them ahead of the Padres and Dodgers because they can out slug some of the remaining cupcakes, and now that football season has begun, Phanatics aren’t paying much attention to the Phils.

8. San Diego Padres
Chris Young’s ERA has gone up nearly a run in the last month. Impressive, considering he has 150 innings under his belt and still ranks second in the league behind teammate Peavy. If they hold off the Phillies and Dodgers, and Young figures it out, they’ll be tough to beat.

9. Los Angeles Dodgers
They have the playoffs in their hands this week, just half a game behind the Phillies and hosting the leading Padres beginning Tuesday. If Esteban Loiaza can best Jake Peavy in the opener, look for a very interesting series. Wait, Shea Hillenbrand is on the roster? Nevermind.

10. Detroit Tigers
A dead team walking, or, quivering. They’re four behind the Yankees, and I don’t see them making up even a game of that deficit.

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By Zach, 9/6/2007 8:24 am

Blue Jays 6
Red Sox 4

Kerwin Danley was not in position to make a call when Greg Zaun scored with two out in the top of the fifth.  He was behind Varitek, and the tag occurred on the opposite side of Varitek’s body, on Zaun’s hand.  Was the correct call made?  It’s hard to tell, even from the multitude of replays and angles, but Kerwin coudn’t see it at all.  He saw the throw bounce high, and assumed no tag was made as Zaun went low.  His refusal to ask for help and utter dismissal when it was suggested by Francona are the latest example the sickening bravado of MLB umpires.  Get that chip off your shoulder, blue.

While Jacoby Ellsbury continues to look super-human, Hideki Okajima finally let one go.  Tito’s bullpen usage was apt, there was no reason to trot Schilling back out at 90 pitches, but I’d consider sticking with Brian Corey for the 8th, then MDC for the ninth.  Two of our infallible relievers failed last night, an anomaly that can’t become a trend.

It depends where Buchholz is in relation to his innings max, but only two of three of the Tavarez/Lopez/Buchholz group will make the postseason roster, assuming Ellsbury is in.  He should be a lock, and given some consideration over JD for starts in right, depending how the final few weeks play out.  At some point its about winning games, and that point is rapidly approaching.

Tonight, Wakefield returns to begin a four game set in Baltimore.  Reportedly Manny will not make the trip, so we won’t see him until next week at the earliest.  Garrett Olson (7.22 ERA) will make his seventh start of the season for the O’s.

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By Zach, 9/5/2007 8:47 am

Blue Jays 3
Red Sox 5

The duel of gunslingers was an able appetizer for the last summer blockbuster; one that will surely trump Bay, Bourne, and Bart. I’ve got Unforgiven and The Proposition arriving via Netflix in the next few days to psyche myself up; I suggest going out to rent The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly if you’ve got three hours to kill before the western is officially Back. No Country for Old Men (Coen Bros) and There Will Be Blood (P.T. Anderson and ahem…Daniel Day-Lewis) also seek to define “bad-ass.”

The comfort of a healthy division lead offers many benefits. Physical and mental rest for the 25 we’ve leaned on for the last five months remains paramount, but we’re witnessing the spoils of a fruitful farm system. Last night, Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis homered, Jon Papelbon sealed the win, and the return on Hanley Ramirez has proven his immense value. While three of those four are mainstays, the ability to audition Ellsbury and get Manny the rest he needs deserves will be invaluable. The Sox announced that the innings max on Clay Buchholz will be monitored via “structured” bullpen innings. Might we see the Buchholz Boundaries? I hope not. My guess: structured innings means he won’t be called on mid-inning, and will have similar, but less public, guidelines to Joba Chamberlain. Nothing is clinched so winning is important, the W’s with the JV are all the more sweet.

During the game, my father quipped over the phone that he wouldn’t mind seeing the Sox lose these two to the Jays, as long as the Yankees lost as well — a series of events that would have proven very interesting in the wild card race, putting the Jays a mere 3.5 back with ~20 to play. The opposite circumstance occured, effectively ending the Jays season. My fantasy team thanks you for nothing, V-Dub.

Tonight, Curt Schilling faces Shawn Marcum. Schil left the ballpark with a family emergency before the game Tuesday, but as of this morning is still on for tonight. Ramirez has two homers in six at bats against Marcum, but the Herald reports he won’t see action for at least a few more days. Marcum has given up 12 ER in his last 14 IP, but was quite good (3.31 ERA, 7.13 K/9, .681 OPSA) up to that point.

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By Zach, 8/30/2007 7:40 am

Red Sox 3
Yankees 4

This series isn’t about the standings. It’s not about pitching matchups and injuries, or lineups and bullpens. It isn’t about pitch counts, Joba Rules, or squirrels. It’s about going into Yankee Stadium and taking a series in August. Something this franchise, no matter how much better on paper or in the win column they are, is hopelessly unable to do.

Beckett’s problems were the usual, fastball command. He turned to the curve far too ofter in the first three innings, so much so that A-Rod was waiting on the big, meaty helping of hangar steak in the seventh. That turned out to be the game winner, after Youkilis and Lowell got to the toughest nerd of all time, Kyle Farnsworth. Mariano came in for four outs, albeit easy ones, but I’d surmise he’s unavailable tonight. Who’s the closer? Oh god, I hope its Joba Chamberlain and someone takes his slightly curved hat brim to the upper deck. Actually, I hope it doesn’t come to that.

The Red Sox, as usual, are gluttons for punishment. They’ve backed themselves into a corner and must win tonight. You may be saying, “Self, the Sox can do no worse than a five game lead after this series, how is it a must win?” This was their chance to lock a playoff spot in concrete, and if they let it slip I wonder how they’re going to get through September and October. That said, they’ve got a shot to redeem themselves. Curt, this is your time to shine, let’s see if you can do it. I can see the dollar signs in your eyes from 200 miles away.

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By Zach, 8/29/2007 8:42 am

Red Sox 3
Yankees 5

That was adorable. Starry-eyed Billy Joel fans screaming like its the playoffs or a Piano Man encore while their big brother sits back, calm and collected, waiting for Captain Jack. Maybe it’s the booze and the hot dogs, but the atmosphere in Yankee Stadium last night was terrific. There were no angry exchanges — subtle and good-natured jabs were lobbed in both directions with no ill intentions. By far the most fun I’ve had watching a Red Sox loss, or any game in the Bronx.

Damon’s homer was the turning point, but the injury to Manny and subsequent poor excuse for an at bat by the becoming-rapidly-unlovable Eric Hinske and J.D. “Prozac” Drew were the crushing blows. We might as well award Joba the Hutt the ROY, Cy Young, and Gold Glove already; the way he’s revered by the aforementioned starry eyed fans. He is pretty nasty though.

It’s cute, watching a team fighting for the wild card give it their all in the first of a three game series. It’s odd, laughing off a late August loss to our heated rivals with a stoic “we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Well, tomorrow has become today, and another old friend welcomes his former pals and the newest gunslinger on the block for game two.

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By Zach, 8/23/2007 10:03 am

Red Sox 1
Devil Rays 2

On a night of offensive fireworks, the Red Sox bats were made silent by the vaunted staff of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Drown your sorrows in a bucket of Bud Light at Ferg’s, traveling Faithful.

It was bad from the pregame show. Manny took a personal day and Eric Hinske got the nod in left. (According to the Pregame NESN crawl, Ortiz AND Hinske were playing left. That would have been interesting.) Hinske, the Unoffical Mayor of Dewey’s House ’08, didn’t register an at bat, but drew two walks and stole a base. He must have switched to Mich Ultra. There were opportunities aplenty, of the fourteen left on base, Alex Cora is enemy number one. The desolate, godforsaken hole in the lineup inhabited by Cora ended three innings, two with RISP. Tito hasn’t lost his marbles, Cora was only in because Pedroia took a 95mph heater off his funny bone. However, Pedroia hitting with one hand is preferable to Cora’s hopeless bumbling with the bat. If DP’s not ready to go tonight, I’m going to turn the game off immediately lest risk damaging my sweet new HDTV.

Diasuke Matsuzaka’s luck varied from horrible to fantastic. He continues to be saddled with tough losses and poor run support, but his stuff last night didn’t scream Pedro. His fastball was 88-93 on the FSN Florida gun, acceptable, but his command of it was lacking. There were several 88 mph flat fastballs at the letters that he got away with and his curve was inconsistent. He never looked comfortable facing Akinori Iwamura. Frankly, I expected the Rays to explode for a crooked number at any moment, two hits and four walks was remarkable.

Edwin Jackson lived closer to 95 than the rumored 98 mph, but he dialed it up on a few occasions. He seems like the kind of thrower Manny dissects and destroys, I would have saved his off day for another time. Jackson’s problem is focus, which will come with experience, the strides he’s made this year are encouraging. It must be frustrating inhabiting the AL East with little hope of contending.

Nine hits, one run, and a loss. I’m the guy in the office chugging water and looking surly today. Got any Advil?

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By Zach, 8/22/2007 8:34 am

Red Sox 8
Devil Rays 6

I wasn’t watching last night’s game close enough to confidently asses the quality of Jon Lester’s performance, beyond “sucky.” But, the Red Sox won. Rejoice.

Tito showed a little due confidence in Manny Delcarmen, bringing him in with the tying run on in the sixth. It was the right move, but only considering the recent collapse of Eric Gagne. I’m not ready to see Gagne in any high leverage innings just yet.

If you needed any evidence that the Red Sox offense struggles against low caliber
opponents in their first meeting, I present to you the following:

Aug 15 @BOS W 6.2 4 3 3 2 3 1
Aug 21 BOS L 5 8 7 7 0 5 0

After registering a quality start (I know, it’s a stupid statistic) against the Sox on August 15, Andy Sonnanstine looked a lot more like a Devil Ray last night.

Some thoughts on the wild card contenders:

• On Monday, Scott Boras was standing in the best seats in LA, during the Angels-Yankees game, talking on a cell phone like he was negotiating world peace. Standing in full view behind home plate like a billboard for Smug. Posterboy superstar agent must be snuffed out.

• Among other things covered by the fine journalists on the YES Network: apparently Joe Torre has been giving strict instructions on usage for Joba Chamberlain, creatively titled the Joba Rules. Would any manager but Torre be handcuffed by such strict and public guidelines? Not exactly a vote of confidence.

• Mike Mussina was embarrased by the Angels. He walked off the mound after 1 2/3 like a lost puppy.

• Watching the Yankees claw back into a game in the second — only to see the Angels put up a five spot in the third, 12-5 — is currently the highlight of my week. It’s only Wednesday.

Tonight, Diasuke Matsuzaka faces Edwin Jackson. The former top prospect’s season numbers are ugly, but over his last four starts he’s sporting a nifty 1.33 ERA. Essentially, he’s been preventing solid contact. 11 walks and 23 hits in 27 IP is nothing to write home about, but his .608 OPSA and 0 HR allowed are pretty awesome. I’m looking forward to it.

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By Zach, 8/19/2007 8:17 pm

1.) Boston Red Sox
Valium should be a part of the pre-game ritual on Monday, ’cause the Wakefield rollercoaster has returned: Kevin Cash will be behind the plate. The scouting report on Cash is all-glove-no-hit, which is preferable to upside at the moment. If the Sox’ injury concerns are limited to Doug Mirabelli, extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to whoever sacrificed a virgin.

2.) New York Yankees
The Bill O’Reilly of Baseball Tonight, Steve Phillips, recently filibustered a broadcast with his “case” for the Yankees missing the playoffs. Said “evidence” was limited to their offensive explosion, which couldn’t possibly keep up this pace and would “even out.” Well, Steve, isn’t this showcase merely balancing the first half of ineptitude? It looks to me like things have already evened, and little is going to change. Wild card, lock.

3.) Arizona Diamondbacks
The Babe is back, and his name is — Micah. Micah Owings, that is. The burly 24 year-old righthander launched two long homers while tossing seven innings of three-hit ball on Saturday for the Pythagorean-deficient Diamondbacks. According to our favorite Midwestern baseball nerd, they are actually 60-64. Silly us, thinking they had won 71. Must be a scoring error.

4.) New York Mets
Carlos Beltran has eight XBH, including five homers, since his return from the disabled list August 10. He hasn’t had the offensive season expected, but he’s capable of carrying a team and his timing is ideal.

5.) Cleveland Indians
Over his last five starts, Jake Westbrook has a 2.06 ERA, a .186 BAA and .516 OPSA. He and Paul Byrd complement C.C. and Fausto well. If they get Pronk healthy and on track they could go deep into the postseason, but they’ve gotta hold off the Tigers first.

6.) Seattle Mariners
Since losing seven in a row ending July 26, the M’s are 15-6. It’s still going to be tough for them to get into the playoffs, but they’re making Mike Hargrove regret his premature resignation. George Sherrill and J.J. Putz have been fantastic, and Brandon Morrow should get more credit, despite usurping Keith Foulke as the ugliest-named-reliever.

7.) LA Angels
The performance of John Lackey on Friday is cause for concern, as well as the next few series for the Angels: NYY, TOR, @SEA. They can’t expect much, if anything, from the $16 million man, Bartolo Colon.

8.) Detroit Tigers
After losing four of five to the Indians and Yankees, this week the Tigers face the…Indians and Yankees. Jim Leyland is shaking his cane at the schedule makers.

9.) Chicago Cubs
As I write this, Carlos Zambrano is celebrating his big payday by mowing down the suddenly contending Cardinals. It’s a well timed winning streak that happens to coincide with eight losses in ten games by the Cubbies.

10.) St. Louis Cardinals
If they can squeeze out a split Sunday and Monday to cut the lead to two, things are going to be very interesting. They square off for four more in Busch September 14-16, including a double header.

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By Zach, 8/15/2007 10:52 am

The following study, conducting by the University of Texas, contends that umpires call more strikes for pitchers of their own race.  While I don’t dispute that, I wonder what the result would be when the race of an umpire and hitter are compared.  It’s shortsighted to eliminate the hitter from the equation.
Batter Out: Umpires Likely to Favor Pitchers of the Same Race or Ethnicity;
Game Attendance and Electronic Monitoring Mitigate Behavior

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By Zach,

7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

W, 5 G

Forced to choose between these two sets of characters in a vacuum, I’d be tempted to take the latter — a five game divisional lead.  In context, the clear choice is an excellent performance from a 23 year old lefty in his emotional home debut.  There are certain games every season that catalyze a team, be it a brawl or an August sweep at home by a rival, I’m just glad I was lucky enough to see Tuesday’s contest.

I really have no idea how good Jon Lester is.  Examining his 2006 and 2007 game logs, his inconsistency is apparent.  That inconsistency isn’t indicative of future performance in any way, its very possible that he figured out what was plaguing him and has worked to correct it.  At least he hasn’t regressed.  I’m sure cancer and its treatment effects a body in innumerable ways, but he has returned to where he once was, capable of shutting down a major league offense for 7 innings.  The important thing to take away from last night’s game is that Lester is no worse than the pitcher he was last year.

The Best Bullpen in Baseball (BBB) almost blew another one.  It was important to win in regulation and save Okajima for another day.   Eric Gagne looked a little more comfortable in his new role.  I still like the deal.  Oh, and Kason Gabbard left his start in the second on Monday with stiffness in his forearm.  Don’t come cryin’ Texas.

I know you paid a lot for those seats and you’d like to get your money’s worth, what are you waiting for?  STAND UP.  The game is on the line.  I haven’t been to Fenway in a while, but is this what it’s come to?

1:05 EDT: Diasuke Masuzaka faces Andy Sonnanstine (1-8, 6.35, 1.40) for the sweep.  Watch out for Clay Buchholz on Friday.

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By Zach, 8/9/2007 12:32 pm

Like the tides and O.J. Simpson, the much publicized spat between Dan Shaughnessy and Curt Schilling is back, with a new wrinkle. In his game recap today, the usually steady Gordon Edes peppered his bleary-eyed effort with a quip regarding the latest Celtics news.

“They’d better have four balls,” Francona said, marveling at Reggie’s famous demolition of the Knicks at the feet of Spike Lee. Jerry Remy suggested that the Cooz was still available.

In my journey through the morning sports pages, I also stumbled across this jab at Ainge and the C’s:

First Tom Brady gets named best-dressed man in the world – an unspeakable shot at Bill Belichick, Larry Bird, and yours truly. Then we find out the Celtics are going after Reggie Miller as part of their back-to-the-future archaeological dig. Really now. Reggie Miller? The guy is almost 42. He’s a television analyst. Why not just see if Cooz wants to lace ‘em up one more time?

Shaughnessy managed to yet again work himself into a column, and was unknowingly called out by his fellow Globe writer for stealing a joke from Remy. Coincidence? I doubt it. If we can get Bill Simmons and Chuck Klosterman involved, this debate could rival stem-cell research, Lincoln-Douglas, and gay marriage combined.  I wonder which side Schilling takes; “no comment” isn’t in his vocabulary.

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By Zach, 8/8/2007 8:57 am

Sadly, August 7th will no longer be remembered as the day of my birth, and I will forever be linked to a record no one east of Sacramento wanted to see broken.  I hate Barry Bonds, but not because of his alleged cheating, because of this.  For those too lazy to click through, I’ll sum up the only relevant point in my own words:

1. Barry signs $43MM deal
2. Barry divorces his wife and is and ordered to pay child support
3. MLBPA strikes in 1994
4. Barry’s support payments are slashed due to his lack of income
5. During hearing, Judge asks Barry to sign a baseball, Barry complies

Pure class, all around.

This also calls the curious case of Alex Rodriguez to the forefront. While it’s early to crown him, he needs about 29 home runs per year until he’s 40 to get to 756.  With every bomb Barry hits A-Rod’s chances decline, but I think 800 is only achievable by our friend from Da Bronx.  He’s slightly less hate-able, and anything that ends Barry’s tenure is favorable.  I guess that means I’m rooting for A-Rod?  Quite the moral quandary.

Oh, there were actual games yesterday as well.

There was a time when I would have preferred the late start.  That time ended with a kegger, some cardboard hats and silly polyester gowns.  This old man can’t waste his precious sleep on regular season losses.

A few egregious errors in judgment cost the Red Sox this game.  Dustin Pedroia should have gone to first on a groundball in the bottom of the fifth instead of attempting to get the runner at home.  This is a play you only attempt if you’ve got the runner without a doubt.  If its a close play, even if you get him, its smarter to take the sure thing.

With no outs in the top of the sixth, Joe Saunders on the ropes and no one ready in Angels’ pen, you can’t make an out at home.  And if you’re going to push the envelope, you’d better slide.  Lowell is safe on that play if he goes hard with an early slide instead of his half-assed attempt at knocking the ball loose.  Game over.

Late tonight, Jon Lester takes on Dustin Moseley.  No one on the Sox has faced Moseley more than once.  I’ll be watching Yovani Gallardo take on Jeff Francis in Colorado at much more reasonable 3:05 EDT.

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By Zach, 8/6/2007 12:19 pm

1.) Boston Red Sox
Be afraid, be very afraid.

2.) Arizona Diamondbacks
The Snakes have torn through the class of the NL, taking thirteen of fifteen against solid competition including the Cubs, Braves, Padres and Dodgers to vault into a tie for first place. They’ve got Pittsburgh and the Nats coming to the steamy southwest this week, look for them to build a lead.

3.) New York Yankees
A remarkable resurgence is nearly complete. They’ve been fueled by an unrelenting run scoring machine, and stand a mere half-game back in the wild card, with Minnesota in their wake and sights trained on Seattle and Detroit. Ah, the unfamiliar tranquility of a seven game lead in August.

4.) New York Mets
Watching Oliver Perez makes me yearn for what might have been. Kudos to Omar Minaya on this one, a buy-low young lefty with mechanics issues was a reasonable gamble, but Rick Peterson pulled him aside and turned him back into a young Barry Zito. The success of El Duque, John Maine, and Perez make Omar look good, especially considering they were had for Jorge Julio, Kris Benson and Xavier Nady. For more on his record as a GM, check this out.

Another milestone has come and gone, thankfully. Congrats to Billerica’s own Tommy Glavine, but these annual events have lost much of their luster.

5.) San Diego Padres
At a critical juncture in the NL West, the Padres need to keep pace with the Diamondbacks this week against the Cardinals and Reds. My guess: whoever emerges this week will take the division, but the Wild Card will come from the East.

6.) Chicago Cubs
The Cubs were poised to overtake the Brewers without looking back, until news that Alfonso Soriano will miss up to a month with a hamstring injury. It’s nice to see Kerry Wood throwing again, and the support Chicago fans have shown him is fantastic. He should provide a boost their pen and some motivation to the perennially shaky Ryan Dempster.

7.) Milwaukee Brewers
If, and only if, Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow figure out their latest bouts of ineffectiveness, which conveniently happened at the same time, the Brewers have a shot at holding onto the Central.

8.) Los Angeles Angels
It’s a bit premature for a team with a 3.5 game lead to begin coasting to the playoffs, but the competition in the West appears ready to roll over like Michael Vick’s posse when the heat’s on. The Angels are .500 since the break.

9.) Cleveland Indians
They’ve got the kind of starting pitching that wins a short series, but in best-of-seven they have little hope. The offense, once bordering on prolific, has deserted them – C.C. and Fausto must bear a heavy burden with no sign of respite.

10.) Detroit Tigers
Detroit, we have a problem. The Tigers have lost nine of ten, including a recent sweep at home by superstar manager Ozzie Guillen and his fundamentally flawed White Sox. Jubilation over the return of Fernando Rodney is tempered by Sheff’s sore wing, he’s listed as day-to-day but hasn’t played in nearly a week. I should’ve dropped them out of the top ten, but felt their poor performance needed to be recognized.

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By Zach, 8/1/2007 6:33 am

Baltimore Orioles 5
Boston Red Sox 3

Last night, Eric Bedard continued his quest to become Andy Pettitte.  The Red Sox (save David Ortiz) resembled Neifi Perez-lite.  Ortiz’s rumored injury concerns and power outtage were laid to rest, at least for this week, as he collected three hits, two of them right field bombs.  Other than Papi’s offensive explosion, the Sox managed only one hit, a single by Covelli Loyce Crisp.

After a mid-game sparring match with a water cooler that looked at him the wrong way, Josh Beckett got it together and gutted out eight innings.  He didn’t have his best command, but went to the curveball well time and time again.  Our AL East mole laid a crushing two-out blow in the top of the third; if Kevin Millar really wants to help this team he has to cut out this clutch hitting charade.

Bedard made some big pitches, notably to Julio Lugo with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, although the strike three call was questionable.  Kevin Youkilis looked foolish on two swinging strikeouts; what happened to the Youkilis that didn’t swing at balls?  You’re batting fifth, kid, but don’t alter your approach.  We love you for your plate discipline.

The good news comes from the farm.  Curt Schilling threw seven scoreless innings, giving up a mere four hits without walking a batter.  He struck out four.  All signs point to his readiness, but a cautious approach is prudent.  Shoulder injuries are no small concern for any pitcher, much less one of his…wisdom.  On the heels of the Gagne deal comes news that Brendan Donnelly’s season is over.  Neither the timing nor content of that announcement are a surprise.

Tonight, Julian Tavarez opposes Steve Trachsel.  A matchup for the ages.  Tavarez is keeping this slot warm for Schilling, who will return August 5th.

In other news, I’m totally on the Celtics’ bandwagon.

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By Zach, 7/31/2007 2:46 pm

As reported by Dan Lefort on Boston.com, the Red Sox have acquired Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and Engel Beltre minutes before today’s 4PM deadline.

Gagne dominated the National League from 2002-2004, saving 152 games, highlighted by a 1.20 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in 2003. In 2007 he has rebounded from the elbow problems that have plagued him since, posting a 2.16 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 33.1 IP.

This deal can only be described as “masterful.” The three players swapped for Gagne are, repectively, a fourth starter, fourth outfielder, and a seventeen-year-old. Beltre (.728 OPS in GCL) certainly has the most potential, but a lot can happen before he’s ready in five years. Clearly, Sox GM Theo Epstein was able to read the market for Gagne and wait until the Rangers were ready to come to terms.

The depth in the starting rotation for 2007 has narrowed, but the health of Jon Lester and Curt Schilling was the tipping point for this team before Gabbard enters the picture. With a playoff appearance all but guaranteed, the postseason innings Gagne pitches will get the Sox closer to the Ultimate Goal than some August garbage innings by Gabbard.

The Red Sox pen has morphed from a weakness in the spring to a strength at the break – and now appears to be a dominant force. Teams brag about shortening games to eight innings with a good closer, now Sox opponents will have 21 outs before the big boys at the end of the pen. Wise words are often repeated – there is no such thing as too much pitching.

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By Zach, 7/26/2007 7:49 am

Red Sox 0
Indians 1

A pair of excellent games against the Indians are more than we could ask for. These contests were a pleasure to watch, one win is a bonus. Last night may have been given away, but back-to-back 1-0 games are the epitome of pitching prowess and baseball joy. If lightning strikes a third time tonight, Kason Gabbard will have earned his stripes.

The top of the eighth contained numerous mental errors. Alex Cora missed a sign on a hit-and-run with Jason Varitek at first, but eventually reached on an infield single. Lugo pinch ran as the lineup turned over, and Coco worked the count to 3-1 as Rafael Betancourt warmed in the bullpen. Lugo takes off?! The attempted steal in that situation is a bad play. Carmona was tired, Betancourt pitched two innings yesterday. Just get to Betancourt with the big boys coming up.

Maybe if that was the first caught stealing of the evening – or the inning. Maybe if Coco wasn’t thrown out at home in the sixth – after slowing down between third and home. Maybe if Eric Hinske and Alex Cora aren’t in the same starting lineup. That was frustrating.

Tonight, Gabbard faces lefty Cliff Lee. As my colleague Jimmy pointed out in the comments below, J.D. should sit tonight, replaced by Wily Mo (2 HR, 7 ABs versus Lee) in right.

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By Zach, 7/25/2007 6:55 am

Red Sox 1
Indians 0

Daisuke Matsuzaka wiggled his way out of three jams and the Sox offense squeaked one out against The Tower of Power, C.C. Sabathia, for a nice, crisp win.  Not to jump the proverbial gun, but the Sox looked more like the championship team I believe they are last night.  The competition was world-class, the bullpens did their job, and the defense was inspired, if not perfect, on each side.

The lone run was a product of two failed diving catches in the Indians outfield, you can’t fault them for their efforts, but Ben Francisco was most certainly playing too deep in left against Mike Lowell on the winning blast – er, bloop. We saw a new lineup, with Coco batting fifth against the tough lefty and J.D. Drew relegated to eighth.  By the way, J.D., you’re starting to piss me off.

The Indians left the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, at least Daisuke got his usual inning of wildness out of the way early.  He was helped by a baserunning gaff by Tom Sizemore’s illegitimate son, Grady.  In the bottom of the fourth, Matsuzaka escaped a lead off double by Ryan Garko and a walk to Trot Nixon by striking out Francisco and Josh Barfield.  His cause was helped again by heads-up play by Kevin Youkilis in the seventh – he gunned down Francisco at second on a failed sacrifice bunt by Barfield.  From there, it was up to the bullpen.  Hideki Okajima wasn’t quite ready to go when he entered in the top of the ninth, but a gift call on 3-0 from Joe West kept that all-important lead-off man off the bases.  The tone of the inning is a lot different with the go-ahead run at the plate in the form of Travis Hafner.  Okajima settled down and emerged unscathed.  Yadda yadda yadda, Papelbon slams the door for save number twenty-three.

Predictably, the Royals rolled over for the Yankees last night.  The lead remains 7.5.

Tonight, Josh Beckett opposes Fausto Carmona.  If you haven’t heard of Carmona, crawl out from under the rock.  He’s 12-4 with a 3.52 ERA, last time out he held the Rangers to 3 hits and no runs over 8 IP, but doesn’t like pitching at home (4.70 ERA).  Of course, nearly a year ago he was victimized by some late inning heroics by David Ortiz, who may be back in the lineup tonight.  If that’s the case, I think J.D. needs to grab some pine for a week or so.