541 replies to this topic

[BoSoxLady]

It was nice to see the wounded return to work, and the magic return to Fenway.

Keep it going, men!

[guido57]

Yes,let's keep it going!

[the_pun2000]

Put a saddle on that cute little Corgi....lets ride him to a sweep...great I am unoriginal and unfunny. Please put me out of my misery bosox...from a guy who has slept a combined 4 hours in 2 days...(new 10week lab puppy)...let me say...that cute pup you have is magic...well done. You going tonight?

[fubar_2]

I'm back. I kind of got sick from staying up so late everynight during the West Coast trip. Solid win last night by the Sox. Good to see Manny randomly join the team.

[Andrew]

If Julian Tavarez says someone will be here, then, dammit, that person will be here.

This man has one intense stare.

Edited by Andrew, 05 September 2006 - 12:01 AM.

[ScotianSox]

Well here's to the sox starting a 17-7 stretch and the bad sox starting their 11-14 stretch.. oh yea.. and the twinkies starting their 11-15 stretch.. hey it could happen. One game at a time boys. Can Tavarez pitch again?

Edit: With Chi/Minny sweeps (and Baltimore sweeps or course) That is only 6-7 in non baltimore/chisox/minny games and 11-12 and 11-12 in games not against the sox.. if I can add.

Edited by ScotianSox, 05 September 2006 - 12:19 AM.

[WalletTrack]

The local nine made our Labor Day fine
so..
...forget the stats and fans of a lessor stature than I
and let's not get started
about the bandwagon jumping faint-hearted

just get a SOX WIN!

and overtake Ozzie'z crew and the Twins.

Edited by WalletTrack, 05 September 2006 - 07:33 AM.

[DLew On Roids]

Cheri is our General Patton on the long march to the playoffs.

We're going to need a Photoshop here, folks. Thanks in advance.

[sueh1]

If Julian Tavarez says someone will be here, then, dammit, that person will be here.

This man has one intense stare.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, he says Papi will be back tonight.

[DaveHendersonIsGod]

Well, he says Papi will be back tonight.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I say Papi will be back tonight. Win again, M***erf***ers!!

Edited by DaveHendersonIsGod, 05 September 2006 - 08:44 AM.

[twoBshorty]

Theo on WAAF a few minutes ago confirmed that Papi will be back tonight. No news on Papelbon aside from confirming upcoming MRI today. He was very subdued and a little pissy, but also seemed pretty sick, so hopefully there's nothing to read into that.

Also says they're very happy with Manny and aren't shopping him this offseason, FWIW. No qualifiers about not wanting to talk himself into a corner, so maybe they actually mean it this year.

[WalletTrack]

Schill was scheduled to be on EEI this morning.  Anyone have any details?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

on D and C:

He can't all the thru his pitching motion w/o pain.
He's not rushing back(no next start) and risking further injury.
"We're still in this thing" according to him and he plans to contribute.

[ridetheseal]

Really nice to see a win like that last night. I've felt really bad for our boys the way things have unfolded but it was nice to see the returns of Trot, Tek and Manny and also see that they're still having fun and are not giving up. If they're not giving up, then neither am I. Here's to Big Papi's return and HR #48 tonight.

Just have fun...and WIN! B)

[DaveHendersonIsGod]

. He was very subdued and a little pissy, but also seemed pretty sick, so hopefully there's nothing to read into that.

Who was a "little pissy and sick"....Theo or Papelbon?

[Comandante]

Theo on WAAF a few minutes ago confirmed that Papi will be back tonight. No news on Papelbon aside from confirming upcoming MRI today. He was very subdued and a little pissy, but also seemed pretty sick, so hopefully there's nothing to read into that.

Also says they're very happy with Manny and aren't shopping him this offseason, FWIW. No qualifiers about not wanting to talk himself into a corner, so maybe they actually mean it this year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To be fair, theo always sounds a little pissy to me

[Rooster Crows]

It was nice to see the wounded return to work, and the magic return to Fenway.

Keep it going, men!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Couldn't agree more. I knew we were off to a good start with BSL leading the way. Here's hoping the carry-over momentum from the walk-off, and the energy Papi is sure to pump in, will make Gabbard look like JT - did anyone EVER think they'd say that?

GO SOX - WIN TODAY!

[Teksgrandslam]

Went to the game saturday (grrrr), but missed Sunday and Monday on a fishing trip. Caught nice, fat Cod, but missed Tek. Looking froward to watching the boys make their play starting tonight.

Go RED Sox.

[PlantiersSquat]

I just wanted to say, after last night, that I by no means think Tito is a great manager. Indeed, I find him to be quite average with his major failing to be that he coaches like he's their friend and not their boss. That being said, if you're going to criticize something he does or something he doesn't do, do it at the time of the decision or the time that the decision should be made. Don't walk into a game thread in the 7th inning, after missing the first 6, and instantly criticize Tito without having any sort of frame of reference of what's happened during the game. I'm not saying that everyone did that, just that I didn't see any criticizing of Tito before Tavarez came out in the 7th. There was one post Tavarez recorded an out to Dye, but that was it. Then, once one of the better power hitters in the league homers there's a flood of "Tito is an idiot" posts. You might be right but, for the love of God, criticize him at the time the decision should/should not be made and not after the fact.

[Andrew]

But, PlantiersSquat, if Thome doesn't homer then Tito was a genius!

[DaveHendersonIsGod]

But, PlantiersSquat, if Thome doesn't homer then Tito was a genius!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nah, if Thome doesn't homer, then Thome doesn't homer.

[Walkoff34]

...

There was one post Tavarez recorded an out to Dye, but that was it. Then, once one of the better power hitters in the league homers there's a flood of "Tito is an idiot" posts. You might be right but, for the love of God, criticize him at the time the decision should/should not be made and not after the fact.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow agreed. I count 7 posts before Blockhead's homer that sort of thinly questioned JT still being out, but a tidal wave of "Tito Idiot" posts after.

Before the 7th inning JT struggles, I can't name one RS reliever I would have wanted out there. The only thing I maybe fault Tito on is not having someone warmed up ... but Tito doesn't often do that ... we live with it, but regardless the homer is still hit.

If we would have put a few runs on the board by then, I doubt all this discussion would have happened though.

Wholly fun game though ... and super performances by J "el Loco" T and HOCP.

Win Today Sox!

[StatGeekNY]

The only thing I maybe fault Tito on is not having someone warmed up ... but Tito doesn't often do that ... we live with it, but regardless the homer is still hit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

DelCarmen was warming up in the top of the 6th in case Tavarez got into trouble. Since that inning lasted exactly 3 pitches, he didn't get too many warmup tosses in, and they didn't get him up again right away in the 7th. I questioned sending Tavarez out there again after 74 pitches, but the way he was going, and with who we had available in the bullpen, I wasn't totally against staying with him.

[Andrew]

I created a Wiki page for the Pssssttt... in case anyone is interested in destroying no-hit bids.

Edit: Okay, the forum won't let me link it because it ends with ....

Edit 2: Ah, there we go. I figured out the code.

Edited by Andrew, 05 September 2006 - 12:35 PM.

[PlantiersSquat]

DelCarmen was warming up in the top of the 6th in case Tavarez got into trouble.  Since that inning lasted exactly 3 pitches, he didn't get too many warmup tosses in, and they didn't get him up again right away in the 7th.  I questioned sending Tavarez out there again after 74 pitches, but the way he was going, and with who we had available in the bullpen, I wasn't totally against staying with him.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly. What it boils down to is an inning of Tavarez who has pitched extremely well and may/may not be tired (and remember, he is a sinker ball pitcher so there could be a silver lining to him being tired) on 74 pitches against an inning of Timlin, who would--at least currently--be the worst pitcher we'd see in one of those 3 innings. Now Timlin came out and pitched a scoreless inning in the 10th, but that doesn't change the way I'd think about the situation at the time (just like I still think the decision to send Manny on a 3-2 count to Nixon was a bad decision, despite the fact that it probably saved us the game). The decision was in no way clear cut, as I think the lack of criticism at the time indicates. I was more baffled by the flood of reactionary comments that followed the Thome HR than anything.

Edited by PlantiersSquat, 05 September 2006 - 12:47 PM.

[EP Sox Fan]

Some info on tonight's matchup. J. Vasquez (11-8, 4.98 ERA) v. K. Gabbard (0-3, 6.35 ERA).
The Pale Hose have not faced Gabbard this year. Their line-up, for the most part is mediocre vs. LHP in general. A copule of exceptions: Konerko mashes LHP to the tune of .338 AVG .422OBP .644SLG 1.065OPS and 13HRs, Dye (who is listed as day-to-day) mashes as well .350AVG .435OBP .671SLG 1.107OPS and 13HRs, Crede - .293 .341 .541 .883 and Ozuna .336 .364 .483 .846 have good numbers as well. Struggling vs. LHP are Thome .241 .356 .377 .733, Iguchi -.244 .315 .372 .687; Anderson - .214 .295 .313 .608; Uribe - .242 .262 .398 .659; and Podsednik .223 .287 .292 .579.

The Sox have faced Vasquez once this year. He pitched 1.2 innings in the July 9th marathon giving up 1H, 0R, 2BB, 2K. and getting a ND. As a team, the Sox have done well against Vasquez having the following line .280AVG .326OBP .464SLG .790OPS with 67H, 10HR and 14 2B in 239ABs. Some individual numbers: Adrian Gonzalez - 28ABs .393 .452 .643 1.094, 4 2Bs, 1HR; Loretta - 32 ABs .344 .364 .406 .770, 2 2Bs; Lowell - 37ABs .324 .359 .622 .981, 5 2Bs, 2HRs; Manny - 3-14, 2HRs, Mirabelli - 4-9 1 2B, 2HRs; Tizzle - 4-12, 1HR and 1 2B. Not so good - Lopez (what a suprise) 9-46, 1HR 16Ks and Tek 0-10 5Ks.

Here's to Gabbard picking up his first win in the majors and the Sox with their big bats in the line-up running rampant on Vasquez and the Pale Hose.

WIN.

[5belongstoGeorge]

They are still playing baseball! Who knew?

So if the Sox win out and the MFY play .550 ball...

[Foulkey Reese]

I created a Wiki page for the Pssssttt... in case anyone is interested in destroying no-hit bids.

Edit: Okay, the forum won't let me link it because it ends with ....

Edit 2: Ah, there we go. I figured out the code.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

pretty cool


I need to get off my ass and make a Wiki....I have a few good ideas kicking around.

[Foulkey Reese]

Also.......I can't wait to see Big Papi get a standing O tonight :cool:

[jose melendez]

9/5/06-- A Beautiful Game Goes Better With Lobster

It’s time for Jose Melendez’s KEYS TO THE GAME.
1. For the first time since the season ended for all intents and purposes, Jose went to the ballpark last night to see what was left of these once promising Red Sox. And what awaited him in section 17 was a surprise every bit as shocking Julian Tavarez’s stellar performance or Carlos Pena’s walk off home run—it was fun. It was a lot of fun.

Through the tension and tribulation of the pennant races in each of the last three years, Jose had not been to a single game that did not feel important, that did not feel as though there was something at stake far beyond the evening’s congratulations. Each game was a step towards an ultimate goal, wining the division clinching a wild card, moving towards a championship. Not a single one of those games was just a game, alone in splendid isolation. Rather, each game was part of an operatic saga of a season, a cruel arithmetic progression towards glory or oblivion. Game 151… Game 152… Game 153…

Last night was just a baseball game alone, with no meaning at all for the home town nine. It was but a game of pitch and catch and hit and throw and run and slide. And it was beautiful.

The fans applauded each of their heroes, and chanted their names in shouts and hollers. The pitching was crisp, the hitting timely, the glove work impeccable and the ending dramatic. It was, all by itself, a wonderful evening. Jose went in expecting to hear a dirge and instead heard an aria, light, sweet and utterly without remorse.

Jose loves the Red Sox because they are the closest thing he has to ecstatic religion. He goes to games to share the delusion, the madness, with his fellow Bostonians, to revel in the senseless but innocent. But last night what caused Jose to rejoice was not the Red Sox, for ecstasy is impossible without anxiety and thus cannot come from a meaningless game, rather it was the simple pleasure of watching a well-played baseball game. No, it was not ecstatic, but it was a joy Jose had forgotten in the madness of the past three years.

Simple joys. Simple joys.

2. At the game last night there were two Chinese couples from Chicago sitting in front of Jose and the Melendezette and, get this, they snuck food into the ballpark. Really.

Can you believe it?

Now, Jose is sure that you are thinking that this is no big deal, that slipping in the occasional package of gummi bears or Good ‘n’ Plenty is a venial sin at worst. After all the Melendezette does it all the time. (Note: God bless her. As a man, Jose can’t get away with bringing a pack of gum into the park, but a pretty lady could probably sneak in a whole side of beef.) But these were not your normal candy smugglers. No, no! These four desperadoes had snuck in what appeared to be an entire clambake.

First, Jose noticed they were munching on lobster tails. While this is not standard ballpark fare, Jose would buy the notion that it is always time for lobster. But then they brought out the claws… in the shells. Jose didn’t see a cracker, so how they removed the sweet flesh is a mystery to him. Very curious. After the lobster was done, they each brought out an ear of mouthwatering corn on the cob and began to crunch away.

At this point, the Melendeztte turned to Jose and said “If they bring out steamers next, I’m asking for some.”

They didn’t, their dinner stopped with two courses, but Jose half expected to see them dig a hole in the aisles and fill it with hot coals to steam the clams.

Anyway, while the bad news is that bringing in outside candy or cola is still forbidden, the good news is that Red Sox fans are now allowed to bring in a bottle of water and a crustacean or mollusk of their choice, which is great The next time Jose goes to Fenway, he’s definitely bringing a conch.


3. Last week, Jose wrote a KEYS condemning Red Sox management for selling tickets when the prices were high, even as the bottom was about to fall out of the ticket market. As it turns out, Jose is a total hypocrite. Big surprise.

Shortly before the market collapsed, Jose unload four tickets for September games on his brother for a tidy… well… revenue neutral sum. This makes Jose just as much of a scam artist or arbitrager or something as the folks running the team. In light of this cognitive dissonance, Jose has decided to reverse his position. It turns out there is nothing wrong with dumping tickets to meaningless games on an unsuspecting public. After all, how could Jose know the entire team would fall apart?

Better yet, Jose had a plausible rationale for his otherwise puzzling sale. He is leaving the country for the better part of September. That’s right, Jose was so tuned in to the limits of this team that he planned to miss pretty much all of the meaningless last season of the month. (Note: Though he will be back for the playoffs. You know, just in case.)

So as Jose leaves you to watch guys named Gabbard and Jarvis and who knows what else start games, he offers you a teaser of what awaits you upon his return.

Ready? Okay. It’s a nickname for Red Sox media flack Dr. Charles Steinberg.

If that doesn’t make you want to tune at the end of the month, Jose doesn’t know what will.

I’m Jose Melendez, and those are my KEYS TO THE GAME.

[the_pun2000]

For what its worth...I don't think I have ever actually got in line to kiss Jose's ass before (when it was trendy)...now that fall is here...I definitly have to pucker up and say...thanks for always writing a nice column/post for games...I almost always find your writing to be entertaining and humerous...and today is no exception...great stuff...and I can't wait to a) cook steamers on the warning track B) hear your nickname for the good doctor...( I came up with my own.. Chuck..not too original or funny I know..see...yet again proof that you are a true trained professional)...Have a great trip Jose...and I am looking foward to the end of the month!

[Titans Bastard]

What are the chances of tonight's game not getting rained out?

[Return of the Dewey]

According to weather.com, it looks like rain not coming until around 10 PM. I would venture to guess that they're going to try to get this game in tonight.

http://www.weather.c...byhour/USMA0046

Also, this statement released by the Red Sox:

The Red Sox released the following statement regarding tonight's game:

The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for intermittent showers during the late afternoon hours and for light to moderate rain this evening.

The Fenway Park gates will open at the regularly scheduled time of 5:05 p.m., and the Red Sox will make every effort to play tonight’s game with the Chicago White Sox. However, the Red Sox want to alert our fans to the current forecast for the Fenway area later this evening.

This forecast is of course subject to change as the day progresses.

http://www.boston.co...as/extra_bases/

Edited by Return of the Dewey, 05 September 2006 - 02:35 PM.

[Kramerica Industries]

When the Phillies traded Lidle and ABreu alot of people said they had given up on the season thus being done and the same was said about the Red Sox when they traded David Wells.Now look at what spot in the standings they are in now!Could the same be said about the 2006 Red Sox?i hope so.This homer by Pena may resemble or signify the same as the Homerun in Phili back in 2003 at the VET by Nixon!

[DaveHendersonIsGod]

This homer by Pena may resemble or signify the same as the Homerun in Phili back in 2003 at the VET by Nixon!

That was actually a Grand Slam, and I was there to see it. Let's hope you're right, but they weren't nine games out at the time.

[RedSoxBills07]

Grand Slam and HR is the same thing. Its just the amount of guys on base when the HR is hit.

[Pumpsie]

You might be right but, for the love of God, criticize him at the time the decision should/should not be made and not after the fact.

You may want to go back and check the thread, because MANY posters did call Tito out before JT even started the inning. And since everyone isn't that concerned with posterity, many others thought so and didn't feel the need to post what others were already posting. In other words, spare us the self-righteous BS.

[Foulkey Reese]

Grand Slam and HR is the same thing. Its just the amount of guys on base when the HR is hit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

baseball is a funny game like that

[DaveHendersonIsGod]

Grand Slam and HR is the same thing. Its just the amount of guys on base when the HR is hit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No fuck, Chuck. Just clarifying, in case he didn't remember.

[lonborgski]

No fuck, Chuck.  Just clarifying, in case he didn't remember.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Jose,
DHisG-d didn't just give away the nickname did he?

[Jonathan]

Win it for Lester!

[Kramerica Industries]

No fuck, Chuck.  Just clarifying, in case he didn't remember.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did remember i was just saying that the homerun last night might be and hopefully will have as much meaning to this season as Nixon's did in 03

[jose melendez]

Jose,
DHisG-d didn't just give away the nickname did he?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Not even close. Jose's is much more revolutionary.

[Andrew]

Now I'm intrigued.

[Bucket1923]

Win another one for the crocodile hunter...damn Stingray Barbs

[PlantiersSquat]

You may want to go back and check the thread, because MANY posters did call Tito out before JT even started the inning.  And since everyone isn't that concerned with posterity, many others thought so and didn't feel the need to post what others were already posting.  In other words, spare us the self-righteous BS.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, I DID go back and check the gamethread before posting. I will now quote for you the two posts regarding JT that were posted before the 7th inning:

"This is going to be a tough inning. A tiring Tavarez vs. Dye, Thome, Konerko. Please pull through JT." (greekgodofwebgems)

and


"Tavarez going into the 7th facing Dye Thome and Konerko, but I guess we don't really have any better options coming out of the pen for 3 innings, Delcarmen warming." (SWelker58)

I suppose the first could be construed as questioning Tito (?), but the second clearly gives him the benefit of the doubt. I suppose, in your world, that one = "many" even though that one isn't even outright critical of Tito?

Now AFTER the Thome HR:

"FUCK, pushed our luck with Tavarez, and there it is, 2-0 meatball over the monster seats."

"Ah huh. Hmm. Gee whiz."

"Snake eyes. One roll too many, Tito."

"how predictable was that? Tto is an idiot."

"I have a really hard time believing that this front office is happy with Tito this year."

"two batters too late francoma...great job Tavarez, can't ask for much more than that."

"Will Francona EVER learn from his mistakes? How many times has he pulled this crap since 2004?"

"Is it me or does Tito have as slow a hook as Grady sometimes....?"

And this continues on for another few pages...
But sorry for "self-righteous BS" I suppose you'll either put me on ignore now or announce to everyone that that's exactly what you're going to do because I'm a lowly lurker and not worth your time. Maybe from now on, though, people like you who are "not concerned with posterity" (So unconcerned that you post in hindsight to avoid scrutiny) can call out Tito at decision time. Since you were so confident in Tito's impending failure, call him out before. Look, I'm not saying that people didn't believe that it was a stupid move at the time, but there's a clear disparity between the questioning of Tito before the 7th and after and that seems to be a trend. If you're not going to post that JT should be taken out at the time you think he should be taken out, then why post it at all? Not concerned with posterity? Hmmm...

(Really odd/incorrect usage of the word BTW...but I guess I see what you're trying to say)

Oh, and it was you, IIRC, who claimed that Tito not pulling Tavarez was the equivalent of Grady not pulling Pedro in '03. I'm giving you the opportunity now to publicly back that statement up. Let me guess, I'm not worth your time?


Edit- After Dye was ahead 3-0 there were two posts that questioned JT being out there:

"Ummmm.........aren't we pushing it with Tavarez? Christ Terry, be happy you got what you got, cash out."

and

"Tito is stretching his luck"

I suppose I can give you those, but where were they before the inning started since the move was so obvious and since that's what you pointed out? I'm not saying that an argument couldn't be made to bring in the immortal Javier Lopez (I suppose he's the Alan Embree '03 equivalent) for Thome, but say something when it matters.

Edited by PlantiersSquat, 05 September 2006 - 04:36 PM.

[El Tiantes Huevos]

When the Phillies traded Lidle and ABreu alot of people said they had given up on the season thus being done and the same was said about the Red Sox when they traded David Wells.Now look at what spot in the standings they are in now!Could the same be said about the 2006 Red Sox?i hope so.This homer by Pena may resemble or signify the same as the Homerun in Phili back in 2003 at the VET by Nixon!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The only difference is that 2 teams have to choke a 5.5 and 6 game lead down the stretch and the Sox have to play out of their minds. Could it happen? Yup. Will it? I'm not holding my breath.

I'll be happy with the Sox playing solid baseball from here on out and whatever will be, will be.

Edited by El Tiantes Huevos, 05 September 2006 - 04:34 PM.

[Pumpsie]

Oh, and it was you, IIRC, who claimed that Tito not pulling Tavarez was the equivalent of Grady not pulling Pedro in '03. I'm giving you the opportunity now to publicly back that statement up. Let me guess, I'm not worth your time?

You most certainly am not.

However, the word "equivalence" is yours. I was responding to someone else in the thread who thought they had no similarity because Pedro was at 110 pitches when he was left in while JT was at 80. But, 80 pitches by JT yesterday was certainly equivalent to Pedro's 110 in 2003. When was the last time JT has thrown 80 pitches in one game?

I was also raising the point, initially, that the front office can't be liking that move yesterday because it wasn't going with the percentages, but more based on a hunch JT would be fine. This front office fired Gump because he went with hunches way too often instead of the percentages.

Let's keep things in some context. This was a game thread, btw.

[Teksgrandslam]

Win today and the division is ours for the taking.

Yes, my eternal optimism drives my wife nuts too.

[redinchicago]

Just heard on WSCR (Chicago), Bobby Jenks was sent back to Chicago to get his hip checked and they called up Dustin Hermanson. Guess Mike MacDougal will be the closer (if needed).

[Kramerica Industries]

Just heard on WSCR (Chicago), Bobby Jenks was sent back to Chicago to get his hip checked and they called up Dustin Hermanson.  Guess Mike MacDougal will be the closer (if needed).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe the odds for the Sox are turning! SWEEP! Take out the brooms