QUOTE (Zupcic Fan @ Aug 12 2009, 10:34 AM)
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Right---then we definitely disagree. I think their offense is significantly better. Our bullpen was clearly better when we were beating them earlier in the year. I don't think it is anymore---some of their pitchers look much better than they did then, especially Hughes, and most of our pen looks worse than they did earlier, especially Ramirez and Delcarmen and even Oki lately, at least to me. In those earlier series, their bullpen couldn't get anyone out. They sure didn't have any trouble getting the Sox out this time.
I don't disagree that Beckett and Lester can hold their own against C.C. and Burnett, but it's close. The starters after that clearly go to them.
But you're missing my point. I'm not arguing how a 7 game series between the Sox and the Yankees would go. the Sox certainly could win such a series.
I am arguing against the possibility of the Yankees blowing a 5 1/2 game lead.
With that offense and those 4 starters and that bullpen, I don't see how they will have much trouble avoiding long losing streaks against the teams they will be playing.
And with our offense and our numbers 3-5 starters, I don't know that we are likely to have the kind of record it would take to catch them.
So I agree with Francesca---if I were a radio talk show guy, I'd declare the division to be over.
But the wildcard continues to look very very doable to me.
And then it's just a crapshoot---although I'd really prefer to start with the Tigers or White Sox then with the Angels, unfortunately.
But I'll certainly be willing to eat crow if I'm wrong. but I won't be.
and to Jimi Hendrix: You're right. It would not shock me to see one or two of those guys stop hitting. But it sure would shock me to see enough of them stop hitting to enable them to blow a 5 1/2 game lead. when Youkilis or Bay and Ortiz stop hitting, we don't have enough left. When Matsui and melki or Posada stop hitting, they have plenty left.
I admire your tenacity, but I don't think I'm missing your point- I know you are talking about the division not a playoff series. I still think the Sox can do it, the whole marathon thing- one game a week(we've already picked up one this week). I don't think starters 3-5 clearly go to the Yanks. Right now, Clay, Tazawa/Wake? and Penny vs Pettitte, Joba/Gaudin, Mitre. I'm not betting my house on it, but I think it's doable.