Dice-k Looks to be an X-Factor for the Sox in the coming weeks. (AP Photo)The biggest question coming out of last nights 6-2 win over the Cleveland Indians is the status of Alex Gonzalez's hand. Gonzo was hit on the hand by a Kerry Wood fastball and after taking X-Rays last night they were, according to Terry Francona, “a little bit inconclusive.’’ Uh-Oh, that's not good, and much like the Lester scare in the Bronx, this could be a worse case scenario for the Red Sox. Is this just going to be another strange and twisted chapter in the "The Curse of Nomar Garciaparra" book?
Gonzo has been a rock for the Sox at shortstop since rejoining the club, and of any position on the team, this is the one that was most volatile heading into the playoffs - and the one we least likely could afford an injury in. If the worst case scenario comes true today, your starting shortstop and number nine hitter is going to be Chris Woodward in the playoffs which - no offense to Woodward - is a dramatic drop-off in absolutely every feasible category except for youth. Woodward has played in only 33 MLB games this year and has accumulated an unimpressive .215 batting average and has a disparaging 7 walks to his 19 strikeouts. Cross your fingers Sox fans, we should no more later today, however if Gonzo's out, this is a huge hit.
Random Musings
Speaking of curses, I'd like to personally thank the editors of Sports Illustrated for placing Mariano Rivera on their cover heading into the playoffs. Sports Illustrated cover jinx, commence! (Props to my Dad who's visiting for pointing this out to me.
The latest stories that are out now involving Ted Williams are a complete shame. Lets just say they involve a hammer, a tuna can, and his head. Such a shame that this mans legacy has been tarnished by his off-balanced children. If he had a grave, he'd be rolling around in it.
Not worried about that cover.
Posted by: Erik | October 05, 2009 at 07:52 AM