Yesterday's win was without a doubt a catalyst of the effort made by Eric Hinske throughout the game. The most obvious example of this was in the bottom of the sixth inning when Hinske bowled over Yankee catcher Jorge Posada. (Every single replay was an absolute treat to watch) It was a clean, be it very hard, play and it seemed to inspire the rest of the Red Sox (even though he was out) as they went on to score three more runs in the inning en route to a 10-1 blow out. For those of us who've been watching the Red Sox all year this is yet another example of how it seems as if every guy who wears a uniform knows their role within the club and relishes the moments they have to be part of the team and prove themselves on the field. Be it Eric Hinske, Alex Cora, or whoever else. They're professional ballplayers who want to impact the game as much as they can when given the opportunity. Hinske didn't just level Posada, he also had a solo jack and moved over from LF to 1B and played a great first base in replacement of Youk. An honorable job and day for the role player.
Aside from the inspired play of Hinske there are two other stories of importance here. The next being Cy Young front runner (along with C.C. Sabathia) Josh Beckett. Beckett proved to be the better pitcher between Wang and himself yesterday as he only allowed 3 hits from the potent Yankee lineup and improved his record against teams with winning records to 11-2. He also became the first player in MLB with 19 wins and is having just a career year. Beckett has proven it over and over again, but it really showed yesterday. He's the man. He's our Ace. He's our Number One. His enthusiasm and competitiveness is eaten up here in Boston, and he's developed into a player the fans trust, count on, and really enjoy rooting for. I hope that Beckett get the Cy nod this year, it's tough competition with C.C., however he for sure knocked Wang out of that discussion.
The other player that I just can't seem to get enough is is Jacoby Ellsbury. This kid is taking over Boston and Fenway by storm. EVERYBODY loves this kid. From his blazing speed, clutch hitting, superb defense, enthusiasm, and yes guys, the chicks are certainly digging on him. J.D. Boo, although he had a decent game, has to be looking over his shoulder at this kid. He didn't even start the game, however when called upon after Youk's injury he came in and went 2/2, with 2 runs, and 3 RBI. It's unbelievable the impact he's making on every game he's in, and there hasn't been this much buzz about a September call up since Nomah. I knew he was special when earlier in the year he scored from second on a past ball. Now that's some crazy Ty Cobb sh!t.
Looking at the good young players the Red Sox have now is really, really good to see. Between 2007 Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelban, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Manny Delcarmen, Brandon Moss, and Jacoby Ellsbury the Red Sox front office has shown that they're not only creating a World Series contender today, but they're also making sure we'll be in contention down the road. And that's an impressive difficult thing to do.
The AL East is all but a lock now with the Magic Number now in single digits and with limited games left. Honestly the Yankees and national media should be a lot more worried about the Wild Card then the AL East, as the Tigers seem to finally have their heads out of their...ah...tails.
Tonight should be fun as Rocket takes on the Big Schill. I hope Roger gets a warm reception, even though he is mercenary who ended up going to the highest bidder. My remote is sure to be in overdrive as I switch between the Sox and Pats with a ferocity. A great day for sports.
















Great night for sports for Sure!! Too bad the games are at the same time!! I agree with the warm recept for Clem but then I'd like to see the Sox knock him outta the game by the 2nd... Lock it up SoX!!!
Posted by: RHODY MATTt | September 16, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Yeah, I think you gotta show the Rocket some respect, however he is on the other side of the mound tonight so I hope we run him out in the first inning, send him and his cortozone packing.
Posted by: Derek Hixon | September 16, 2007 at 04:47 PM
That hit on Jorge was as clean as Jeters bomb off Schill tonight ;) Good series!
Posted by: erik johnson | September 17, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Very good series, a fun one to watch, should be interesting come playoff time!
Posted by: Derek Hixon | September 17, 2007 at 08:47 AM