SawxBlog

Wild Things

(AP Photo)

The Boston Red Sox rebounded after a disappointing Saturday loss to the Yankees to claim the the AL Wild Card spot for the third year in a row with a 10-1 win over NY. Any baseball fan can point out many of the flaws that the 2005 Boston Red Sox have, and 90% of those flaws revolve around their pitching staff. However, they still won 95 games, and the slate is clean once again.

There are eight teams now, and everyone's 0-0. 11 wins takes it all, anything less is short of all clubs goal. I'm not trying to over simplify the playoffs but it is rather simple. Win today, and worry about the next day when it arrives. The Sox are a veteran team that is so used to pressure, that has more then enough playoff exposure that that's a non-factor.

If they can get hot, they'll go deep. They're going to be playing a very talented Chicago Wrong Sox team, and their bats are going to have to carry them over the good pitching staff they have over there, but that's a wonderful problem to have. The Red Sox are able to defend their championship. The Red Sox made the playoffs without their ace, without their closer, and with a ton of bumps and bangs along the road.

All eight teams should be proud of themselves for getting here. Tomorrow's a new day, and the Red Sox have as good a shot as anyone in the AL to go back to the World Series. It's ALDS time now, and I can't wait for Tuesday already.

Sox Eight the Big One

(AP Photo)
What do the Boston Red Sox and Thanksgiving have in common?

Seconds...

They control their own fate today as they hope to get Wild once again. Season rests on Schilling now...

Lets Dance!!!

(AP Photo)

''It's going to be three Super Bowl games, two heavyweight fighters. The energy of the city, the fans, and the media is going to be awesome." - Kevin Millar

Oy. So this is what it comes down to. Three games. A season that you follow a team for 160+ games and we're down to a weekend that's for all the marbles. Being a Sox fan I'd feel a little better if we were tied or up by a game but damn...this is fun. I've cursed the schedule the Sox have had pretty much all year long, but even I have to admit this series is pretty awesome to have. It's a mini-ALCS wrapped up in a nice little three game package. And you know what they say comes in small packages. Good things.

How 'bout that game last night? I was at the Baseball Tavern, which is located adjacent to Fenway, last night and my emotions were completely all over the map. The two games that I was scoreboard watching were pretty much the opposite of what I was hoping for, and the Sox game was also going in the wrong direction. Then the Sox pulled some vintage cold weather magic.

Papplebon is bonified now. He held the line for us for almost three innings and was the key to us not losing this game. If we lose last night, the season's pretty much a wash. That's how it is from here on out, for better or worse. Clement was his normal September self and pitched far below his potential. And I want to be angry, mad, and upset with him, but I can't stay that way. That  and the(I hate to use this reference) "Jeter-esque" flip he had to home showed me he was giving it his all, his stuff just wasn't there. If he doesn't make that flip my hangover's a depressed one, not a happy one.

Then we have our 3 and 4. Ortiz and Manny. Possibly the best combination of players the Red Sox have ever had. Manny's bat is scorching right now. That's good, very good. And Ortiz was in a mini "slump" however guess who's clutch again? Senor Octubre must smell October because last night sure felt like it. Game tying HR, followed by a walk off single. Nothing more can be said about him. Time and time again our MVP comes through.

Now it's a three game series against the Yanks. Winner in, loser most likely out. Let the heart palpitations begin...damn this is fun.

Why Big Papi's the MVP

(AP Photo)

Sabermetricians across the country that study baseball statistics are cursing David Ortiz. The reason being is they don’t believe in clutch hitting, they describe it as nothing more than random chance in action. Well if that’s the case David Ortiz sure gets a lot of action, and he’s certainly the “luckiest” hitter in baseball.

This season, and really throughout his whole career in Boston, David Ortiz has helped carry his team to victory time and time again, and yes, the team’s carried by the mighty piece of lumber he wields at the plate. David Ortiz is not a gold glove defensive player, in fact David Ortiz rarely plays a defensive position on the field. What David Ortiz is, is the shining example of what a teammate and leader is supposed to be. A truly valuable baseball player is a player who helps his team win games, and what wins games? Runs scored and outs not made. David Ortiz from a pure statistical standpoint does this to the T.

Thus far this year David Ortiz is leading the league in RBI, HRs, SLG, and is tied for Runs scored. He is also near the top of the league in categories such as OPS & OBP. Looking at these stats Ortiz and A-Rod are the only ballplayers with numbers this impressive on teams in the playoff hunt. So what separates them? A-Rod playing a horrible 3B half the year and a great 3B the second half of the year? I don’t think so. A-Rod is not, and never will be a leader. He’s an amazing baseball player, who puts up amazing numbers, but he’s not the one virtually willing his team to victory.

This past week was a great microcosm on what David Ortiz does for Boston, and that’s win games, and this week credit Papi with three. A-Rod supporters may cry foul with the Vladimir Guerrero type run at the MVP he’s having this September, but that’s incorrect too. He is hitting well in the right positions to make his team win games, but that’s nothing new for Big Papi, and most definitely not only a September trait of his, it’s simply a trait of his, which makes him valuable. David’s big smile and laugh are valuable. David’s hand clapping and spitting at the plate are valuable. David’s hugs and points to the sky are valuable. You can not watch a Boston Red Sox game and not see how valuable a teammate and player he is. David Ortiz didn’t just have more All Star votes than any ballplayer just because he’s an amazing player, it’s also because he’s likeable, and an asset for the good of the game.

If it were Yankee players taking jabs at Papi in April, I guarantee you that the Sox players wouldn’t let them talk like that about their MVP. That’s part of being an MVP, having the numbers, winning games, and being a leader for your team and franchise, and Papi has all points covered.

Two for Tuesday and Sox Fans I Know

(SawxBlog Collage / AP Photos)

Well, how do I approach yesterday’s doubleheader? First off, I'll say this; it was a great day for baseball. My co-worker had an extra ticket and I was in attendance at the day game, and Fenway is a special place to be right now. There’s a total playoff feel and intensity that is surrounding the park and I’m sure it will be rising with each passing game leading up to this coming Sunday. And instead of the dread that a lot of Sox fans have right now, I’m enjoying this. This week is such a prime example of why the wild card is great, there’s just so much that can happen. This leads me to some things that bother me about my own RSN brothers and sisters.

I feel like there’s a few types of Red Sox fans out there, and you see them all when at Fenway. Here’s an example of who you may be sitting near at the next game, be it at Fenway, your local pub, couch, or what have you.

1. Old School “Son of a Bitch” Guy – This Sox fan is usually over 50 and is fairly quiet for the first few innings. He’ll sit with legs crossed, hand to face, and with his eyes intently on the game. He’ll drink his beer like a port, have a little bit of a gut, and have a Sox T-Shirt on, not a jersey. The only words you’ll hear him mutter is “Son of a bitch…” with a slight head shake every so often. If things go sour Old School “Son of a Bitch” Guy can quickly morph into The “End is Here” Guy.
2. The “End is Here” Guy – This is my least favorite fan, and will focus on the negative aspect of the Sox 10/10 times. This is the guy who’ll, during the course of an entire Red Sox game, say that every player “sucks” and will second guess every move that Tito makes. There’s a good chance this person is drunk.
3. The “Don’t know what I’m talking about” Guy – This person starts getting interested in the Sox around late August and doesn’t really know too much about the team, or baseball in general. I also like to call him faux-fan. He’ll most likely have a brand new Sox hat and will say things like, “We should have kept Derek Lowe” (He doesn’t call him D-Lowe), or “Who’s this Graffanino guy?” etc. etc. etc. This guy will annoy the piss out of you.
4. The “Paraphernalia” Guy – This fan will wear the most hideous Red Sox hats and shirts imaginable. The hat is most likely cocked to one side, the brim isn’t bent or broken in at all, everything is squeaky clean new, and his jersey is most likely three sizes too big on      him. His girlfriend will be trashy hot and most likely from Revere. He doesn’t really pay attention to the game, and if he has his choice of beer, it’d be Heineken.
5. The “Drunk Fake Accent” Guy – This “fan” is most likely a college student and not a Sox fan at all. Their goal is to use Sallie Mae money to buy as many $6.00 beers as possible and scream things like “You suck Edgahhhhhh!”. They won’t have anything Red Sox on their possession and they will swear consistently around young kids and old ladies.
6. The “Manic Sox Fan” Guy – If I had to throw myself in one of these categories I’d have to say this is the one. This person knows their Sox fairly well however they ride emotional highs a little too much. In the span of one game you may hear them utter, “This is it, the Sox just aren’t deep enough this year” then “These guys know how to win, with this line-up there’s no way they’re not making the playoffs!” Manic Sox fan guys night is either made or ruined by the performance of the Sox, and is physically tired after intense games. Yankee series give him   heart palpitations.

 There are many more types of fans, and I’ll revisit this more in the offseason, however I feel like there’s more Old School “Son of a Bitch”, The “End is Here”, “Don’t know what I’m talking about” Guys then I’d like to acknowledge. Boston fans can be so freaking negative. I guess people handle things in different ways, and maybe I’m on a manic upswing right now, but this week is why you’re a fan of sport, because you love intense competitive down to the wire games. Blow outs and mid September clinches just aren’t fun.

 

Oh yeah, there was a double header yesterday. Sox won one, they lost one. They missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the Wild Card and division. I blame Schilling not Tito. That’s just me, but we’re still fighting and we’re still in it. Wakefield is a stud. Lil’ Pappy is growing up fast. Hansen’s not ready. And these guys know how to win, with this line-up there’s no way they’re not making the playoffs! Hah ha, hope you’re having as much fun as I.

Rain-Out Haiku

(AP Photo)

Schill to pitch Sunday
AL East fate days away
A doubleheader

Fall Cleaning - Sox Sweep Up

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"Home, home again
I like to be here when I can
When I come home cold and tired
It's good to warm my bones beside the fire
Far away across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spells"

- Pink Floyd

The Boston Red Sawx played their last “road” game of the year yesterday as they went on to sweep the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway South. The Sox and Yankees remained tied for first in the AL East and gained a game on the Indians for the Wild Card spot, and are now only half a game out. This is becoming very exciting to watch, and with seven games to play the best is yet to come.

David Wells pitched an inspired game on Sunday as he pitched through pain in his right knee. Boomer acknowledged the contingent of Red Sox Nation that was in attendance at Camden Yards; "It seemed like we were home today and this whole series, it's a great feeling. To get a sweep here is a big boost for us. Now we have to go home and keep it up."

And go home they will. With the Red Sox in a dead heat with the Yankees I have to like our chances over these final seven games. We have a MLB best record at home at 50-24, while the Yankees are only 38-36 on the road. Both teams are playing like it's their last day though so anything can happen. Schilling takes the hill for the Sox tonight as they go for their fourth win in a row. Lets hope Manny keeps being the Manny we like as he continues to scorch the ball.

So this is where we're at RSN. One week to play, and in a sprint to the finish with the MFY. Lets be the 10th man we've been so many times in the past and root our boys’ home through the tape. Lets Go Red Sox!

First things First, Sox Win Tied for First

(AP Photo)
The Boston Red Sox outlasted the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 Saturday night and are now all knotted up with the New York Yankees atop the AL East. This game was a huge gut check of a win for the Sox, and although it wasn't there best played game, they never gave up. Unlike last night the game started off great for the Sox with them taking two early runs off of Erik Bedard. It felt like they may be in line for an easy win however Berdard settled down well and held the Red Sox scoreless for the next 5 innings.

Matt Clement had a strange outing tonight while holding the Orioles scoreless he walked six and got in a lot of tight spots. That being said I think Matt showed the most guts of any Red Sox. This whole game was about guts and our team left all on the field. Clement was impressive when the chips were on the table and back to the wall, and he "gutted" out a lot of tight situations. Our infield defense was solid too and they made some great plays with 'Nino back at second. The strike-em out throw-em out play tgo end the 8th was beyond money.

Kevin Millar also impressed me today. On his 34th birthday he left it all on the field and was diving and hustling on every play, and that's all you can ask for. Even Manny seemed to be giving everything out there, and the team really seems to be have a playoff intensity out there.

It was unfortunate what happened to Craig Hansen out there tonight, but the kid's in a tight position, and you can't really get too mad at him. The Sox look to keep the train rolling as they go for the series sweep in Baltimore.

Tejada they are, Tejada they Fall

(AP Photo)
The Sox won last night 6-3 in part to a Miguel Tejada error in the 5th inning. We'll just chalk this up to Miggy having a bad day. Earlier in the day "teammate" Raphael Palmero* pointed his fingers at Tejada saying that he received his steroids from him. All I'm saying is that Canseco's book gets more and more credible the more time passes. We're in a division race right now though, and there'll be a time and place to talk about this later.

The night started off on a bad foot when I saw on ESPN the Yankees were already up 4-0 before the first pitch was thrown in Baltimore. There's going to be a lot of scoreboard watching now, and it's an exciting time to be a baseball fan. Between channel flipping between UPN and ESPN the baseball night looked not so good. Bronson Arroyo ended up settling down after a shaky beginning and pitched another strong game for us. Bronson has been one of our most consistent starters this year and it's been good to see him continue his success in Boston.

Manny Ramirez also had another good game and is getting hot at the exact right time. It's nice to see him help carry the team a bit, esp. since Papi's been carrying so much of the weight recently. The other bats need to pickup now (Nixon, V-Tek) and we just need the starting pitchers to keep our offense in the games. Place your trays at the upright position, nine games left.

Go For It...

(SawxBlog Illustration)

Rocky: I can't do it.
Adrian: What?
Rocky: I can't beat him.
Adrian: Apollo?
Rocky: Yeah. I been out there walkin' around, thinkin'. I mean, who am I kiddin'? I ain't even in the guy's league.
Adrian: What are we gonna do?
Rocky: I don't know.
Adrian: You worked so hard.
Rocky: Yeah, that don't matter. 'Cause I was nobody before.
Adrian: Don't say that.
Rocky: Ah come on, Adrian, it's true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.