Mediocre Baseball
Let’s be perfectly honest, the Red Sox are not a good ballclub right now. The starting pitching has been mediocre (with the exception of Lester), the offense has left-on-base-itis, and the bullpen is, well, the 2008 Red Sox bullpen. In fact, after watching last night’s game it makes you realize how amazing Lester has been. One night you see Lester man-up with the bases loaded and minimize the damage. Then Dice-K comes along and has a Derek Lowe sized collapse in the 6th the next night. For all the people complaining about Manny, it’s not like you can expect him to get eight runs a night on his own. Sure, The The Angels Angels of Anaheim have the best record in baseball right now, but the Sox had more than enough chances to steal this game back and crumbled each and every time. On a night like this, we should just be glad that the MFYs and Devil Rays also took the L.
Seriously man, even with Ortiz back in the lineup we couldn’t put much of a hurt on the Angles. Even though I like his style, it kills me to see us contribute to F-Rod’s save streak. I say give the ball back to Masterson to start a few more times. He and Lester got some great stuff. I love the blog, keep up the great work.
Comment by David — July 29, 2008 @ 12:49 am
The Sox are uninspired right now. The hitting flat, there is no contagion to the hitters feeling like they are gonna get a hit. Ellsbury has his usual hitting show every night – he was better BEFORE the stupid arm warmer thingy.
At least Papi is slapping his hands twice after he spits before stepping in the box. For the whole first half of the season he’d only slap once; every time I’d be in Fenway close enough I’d be screaming: “You gotta slap twice!” It through him off completely.
Manny is just, well, Manny. His trip off the rails came early this year, and hopefully it is now behind us.
The team is flat; there is no one to pick them up. We saw a moment of the old Sox against the MFY on Sunday, then it faded back into the green paint of Fenway. Pedroia is great this year; but he does not seem able to lift everyone else to his level. NO ONE is stepping up EXPECTING to crush the ball. They’re all in the box expecting the pitchers to cower in fear of the mighty Sox lineup, and then seem confused when the pitchers bring it.
The bullpen are like 80 year old men getting it on with their wives; they get it done eventually, even if not today, and then stand around confused with their you know what in their hands, wondering how it got this way. These are guys who in the ‘old’ pre-expansion days never would have seen a major league inning, except for Paps.
Flat. Flat, Flat. It reminds me ALOT of August 2006 when, in a similar pennant race, the team traveled to KC, and I had really really good seats, and they got swept and you could just tell it was all over.
If the Sox could have played even 500 ball the last 2 weeks since the ASB, they’d be up by at least 4 games . . . and even that does not seem to motivate them. Flat. Over.
Comment by Joe F. — July 29, 2008 @ 4:59 am
Flat is a very good description of their play this week. While I’d love to crucify them even more, the truth is that since the ASB they’ve played the best team in baseball for four games (and lost all four), played a red-hot MFY team (gone 1-2) and swept an inept Mariners team. But you’re right, if they could have played 500 ball vs TTAAoA and the MFY the Sox would be in first place right now. Hopefully the whole team can remember what it’s like to be 20 in the bedroom again.
Comment by Matt — July 29, 2008 @ 10:32 am
I agree with the “flat crowd”, its times like this I really miss guys like millar that were capable of lighting a fire under everybody’s ass (including Manny). We need a lefty in the bullpen b/c okajima just isn’t pulling his weight this year, Fuentes from Colorado maybe? I wish pedroia had the pull in the clubhouse to give everyone a kick in the ass, but I get the feeling his is a lead by example type of player. I think Lowrie has potential at SS and Lugo isn’t worth 9 million. It will be interesting to see what happens with the starting 5 when Colon returns. Yes the Rays are for real, they’re young, but they’re for real. I just hope they continue to suck on the road. Speaking of Ortiz doing the double slap now, wow I thought I was the only one who noticed that.
Comment by Rob — July 29, 2008 @ 11:57 am
We all have seen this before. Our post all star break swoon, Manny trade talks…. doesn’t this happen every year!?! This is where a true team steps up together and gets it done. Were getting healthier and all will be well in Bean Town. remember the quote… Believe!!
Comment by derekjbro — July 29, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
7/29 – should let Lacey get the no-no; if you are gonna lose like that [Lowell’s first error it seemed[ and then one bad pitch, you ought to at least get shut out and no hit.
What is wrong with the bull pen? Just come out and throw strikes until you can tease the corners. This applies to EVERYONE, even paps, who is playing games with the corners and walking guys.
The bull pen needs to have FIVE games without a walk. I’d rather LOSE five games and have the pitchers throwing strikes than walking guys and having the next guy hit a double.
Look, you might have figured out that I know something about bb, not a the major league level certainly, but close enuf, and walks drive the coaches and players absolutely nuts.
Comment by Joe F. — July 30, 2008 @ 8:13 am
The pitchers have Thurs off and they need to spend the whole freaking day in the bullpen. 50 srtrikes – right down the middle. THEN move it around = 20 pitches inside low, inside high, outside low and outside high. I’m sure they are gonna do it – Farrell has to be beside himself . .. .
Comment by Joe F. — July 30, 2008 @ 8:22 am
trade Buchholz
get masterson back in the rotation
and dont even think of getting Burrell for Manny
Comment by Ken G — July 30, 2008 @ 9:15 am