Playoff Prep Begins for Red Sox

With the Rays winning their game against the Orioles last night, the Red Sox are down to an elimination number of just 1. The next Rays win or Red Sox loss will officially hand the AL East crown to Tampa Bay. The good news is that, with 4 games remaining in the season, the Red Sox do not need to scratch and claw the rest of the way, only to limp into the playoffs worn out and exhausted. Instead, they can calmly and strategically give everyone enough work to keep them sharp, give anyone a rest who could benefit from it, and get some work in for anyone coming off an injury.

That is just what we saw last night. Paul Byrd started and got 5 decent innings in. Probably his last start, but I would not be too surprised if he pitched an inning or two in the final game of the season in preparation for the playoffs. Mike Timlin, David Aardsma, and Manny Delcarmen all pitched in relief, and all three shut down the Indians and allowed the Sox a chance to win the game. Definitely an encouraging outing for all of them. Their success allowed Terry Francona to give Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon the night off.

Who could benefit from rest? Coco Crisp has been dealing with a nagging foot issue, and he got the night off. Jed Lowrie has been experiencing recent struggles at the plate. He also got some rest, but came in late in the game to pinch hit. What about Jason Bay? Don't forget, he and his wife just had a baby LAST WEEK! Any parents out there know what that is like. He is probably feeling stressed, a bit overwhelmed, and not getting much sleep. During Tuesday's game, there were a couple of times he seemed to be in a daze. The fans around me started to get on his case, then I reminded them all that Bay just had a baby, and they all thought about that, and realized that these guys are not robots, they have real lives like all of us, and he probably has a lot going on right now. They instantly got off his back, and giving his a rest last night was a good idea.

JD Drew has made enough progress with the herniated disc in his back that he started the game last night. He only played 3 innings, but it got him out there to get some live work in. He looked understandably rusty, but if he can use these final games to tune up and get back to near 100%, that would be a big boost to the lineup. If JD (and I do mean IF) can get hot in the playoffs and start hitting like he did in June, I'd love to see him batting fifth and creating havoc for opposing pitchers. Think about that. Ellsbury leading off, followed by Pedroia, Papi, and Youk. Pretty goof top four. But then, the pitcher sees Drew, Bay, and Lowell (not necessarily in that order) coming up? I like the sound of that. That also puts Lowrie and Varitek in the 8 and 9 spots, taking pressure off of them. Meanwhile, you still have some weapons coming off the bench in Sean Casey, Crisp, Alex Cora, and Mark Kotsay.

That all sounds like a potential Championship team to me. BUT, it relies on JD Drew and Mike Lowell to get well. not barely well enough to drag themselves out there, go 0-4, and play meekly on defense. It relies on them going out there and playing hot. Lowell is even more pivotal than Drew, because his absence not only collapses the lineup a bit, but it also throws the infield into a spin. Our best backup 3rd baseman also happens to be a gold glove caliber first baseman. Replacing Youk at first with Casey or Kotsay is a downgrade. Plus, Youk is not as sharp at 3rd as he once was. But, if we keep Youk at 1st, now we need to move Lowrie to 3rd and bring in Cora at short.

So, I think if Drew and Lowell can heal and recover in time to play well in the playoffs, the Sox will be very tough to beat, even by LA. If these guys are still hobbling, or have not gotten their timing back yet, then it is going to be a struggle.

Well, hopefully the weather does an about-face tomorrow. I am looking forward to my final regular season game, and a chance to watch a relaxed, meaningless game against the Yankees.

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)

Yankees Defeat Red Sox to Advance in the Playoffs

New York fans everywhere wish the title of this post pertained to the pinstriped debacle that play in the Bronx. While the title of the post is true and accurate, it pertains to last night's AAA playoff game between the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees and the Pawtucket Red Sox. The game was scoreless in the bottom of the 10th inning when Sandy Duncan hit a 2 run walk-off home run to win the game, and the series.

Why is this important here? Two reasons. First, I just hate to miss an opportunity to tease Yankee fans. The news of their major league franchise is not good. The title of the lead article on the Yankee's web site says "Mussina, Yanks endure setback in playoff hunt". Excuse me? A "setback"? They have just lost 2 out of 3 games to the (get this) Seattle Mariners! With the Blue Jays going on a tear and winning 8 straight games, the Yankees are now in 4th place in the AL East and 4th place in the Wild Card. I am afraid there is no playoff hunt for the Yankees this year, therefore, there is really no setback.

Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the real reason the AAA playoff game mentioned above is of interest is that the starter for Pawtucket last night was Bartolo Colon. How did he do, you ask? Well, he simply pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, only needing to throw 84 pitches, struck out 3, allowed only 2 hits and walked nobody. Hmm, I think he's ready. The tentative plan calls for Colon to pitch one of the double header games this Saturday against Toronto. Beyond that, I'm not sure what the Sox will do with him. My guess is they'll try to give most starters an extra day of rest leading up to the playoffs, and will use Colon to help make that happen. If he's hot, he could sneak in to the playoff roster, we'll see.

And speaking of Toronto, their 8 game winning streak included a 3 game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto is truly doing everything they can to help the Sox. Can we call them our "wing men" (get it - Blue Jays, wings?)? This is the Ray's very first taste of the September playoff hunt, and many people have been wondering how they'd hold up. They were terrific in August, and steady all year, but in September they are now 1-5, and find themselves clinging to a 1 1/2 game lead over the Red Sox. And, they kick off a 3 game series tonight in Boston, where they have lost six straight times this season. Yes, their back are against the wall. Time to fight, or take a step back.

The Red Sox, in contrast, are 5-1 in September, and are doing what a playoff contender needs to do. They are winning. Last night's 7-2 victory over the Texas Rangers was their 6th straight series win. That's how you enter the playoff hunt. Paul Byrd has turned out to be a very nice pickup by Theo Epstein. Byrd now has earned 4 straight wins for the Red Sox and has simply been steady and reliable. Big Papi and Jason Bay both provided home runs, and the Sox had an all-around solid night.

Coco Crisp has been getting hot, and if he keeps it up, he'll get more playing time this post-season that he did last year. But, Coco has to remember that Manny Ramirez is no longer in left field. In the 6th inning last night, Joaquin Arias sent a soft line drive to shallow left center field. Both Crisp and Jason Bay took off in hot pursuit. With Manny in left, Coco know he is the only chance the Sox have of getting that out, and that is how he went after that ball. However, Bay actually had a better angle, and a good jump. They both arrived at the same time, and nearly collided, Jason making the catch and tumbling safely away. The look on Crisp's face said, "where'd he come from - oh yeah, that ain't Manny out there any more".

So, tune in tonight when Jon Lester sets the tone for the main event. With the Rays sending Edwin Jackson to the mound, I like the Sox' chances in this one. Tomorrow, Scott Kazmir faces off against Daisuke Matsuzaka. That is a tough match-up, one I'll be watching in person (weather permitting). Then, the two teams wrap it up with Josh Beckett against Andy Sonnanstine. Lester, Dice-K, and Beckett? Well, you can't ask for more than that. This is the time to grab a piece of the lead!

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)

Red Sox Undefeated in September

The playoff race always begins in earnest in September. No matter what happened earlier in the season, you always wait until September to see who is still standing. For example, back in June when the Tampa Bay Rays were in first place, Red Sox fans were heard claiming, "wait until September, they won't last". Well, maybe that's not the best example, since the Rays have more than lasted. How about this one from Yankee fans back in June, "wait until September, the Yankees will be right in the middle of the playoff race". Darn, another bad example.

Well, I think you get the message. The playoff race officially goes into its final phase starting in September, and the Red Sox are definitely in the thick of it. While they are an uncomfortable 5 games behind the Rays, the Division Championship is not out of reach. There are two big reasons for that. First, the Red Sox play 16 of their final 25 games at home, where they are 46-19. The second reason is that they have 6 games remaining against the Rays. The fastest way to catch an opponent is to beat them head to head. I'm not saying it will happen, but I am saying that playing the Rays 6 times in September gives the Sox an opportunity to make quick steps up the ladder.

Unfortunately, this season these two teams have been very territorial against each other. In six games against the Rays in Boston, the Red Sox are undefeated, sweeping both 3 games series. However, the Rays have simply returned the favor when playing in Florida, sweeping the Red Sox in both of the 3 games series played down there. If the same were to take place in September, I don't like the Sox' chances of catching them. Right now, there are 25 games remaining for the Sox. If the Sox and Rays split their remaining 6 games, there is no change in their standings relative to each other. That leaves the Sox 5 games back, with only 19 other games on the schedule. Making up 5 games in a 19 game stretch when you do not face each other is tough. It would require the Sox to go on a bit of a winning streak, which is possible with so many games left at home, and the Rays to get into a bit of a slump, which is not unheard of (just look at the Mets last year). But, the Rays have showed no signs of slowing down, so I think the Sox' real chance at catching them hinges on the head to head meetings, starting next week.

Last night, the Sox started September in proper fashion with a nice 7-4 win over Baltimore. I am glad to see that, especially since Baltimore has had a knack for being a thorn in their sides in the 21st century. Paul Byrd is proving his value in adding depth to the rotation, going 3-1 in his four starts for Boston. I think that is a nice fill-in for what the Sox were getting from Clay Buchholz. Jason Varitek and Jeff Bailey hit back to back solo home runs in the second inning to get things started, Dutin Pedroia remained hot driving in 2 runs, and Jed Lowrie doubled in two runs of his own in his bid to hold on to the starting short stop spot for the remainder of the year. for Lowrie, it may work out similarly to Jacoby Ellsbury last year who got extra playing time down the stretch when Coco Crisp was not 100%.

Jon Lester goes for his 13th win tonight against Radhames Liz. I am not too worried about Liz, his control is not great, and the Sox will take advantage of too many walks. The Sox also clobbered Liz earlier this season, running him from the game in the 3rd inning. So, this could be a good day for Lester. The one thing I'm going to keep an eye on with Lester is fatigue. Lester has been a work horse this season, but he is young and this is his first full season in the majors. We've seen with some players (like Buccholz last year) that fatigue can set in around this time of year. If the Sox can afford it as September progresses, it would be nice if Lester could get an extra day of rest in here or there prior to the playoffs starting - provided doing so does not hinder their chances at being in the playoffs at all.

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)

Round Two - Yankees Given A Standing 8 Count

When we looked at this game yesterday, we saw two pitchers that had a good chance to get hit, and would probably not go deep into the game. We expected runs to be scored, but probably remain close. The game would come down to the bullpens, we thought.

We were right! Paul Byrd pitched reasonably well, lasting 6 innings and giving up 2 runs. Both runs involved Alex Rodriguez (he drove in the first and scored the second), who did his best to bounce back from a dismal game the night before. Sidney Ponson did not fare quite as well, lasting only 4 2/3 innings, and surrendering 4 earned runs.

But, a 4-2 score heading into the 7th inning is still close. So, bring on the bullpens. The Sox, thankfully, got a scoreless inning out of Manny Delcarmen in the 7th, and Mike Timlin pitched the final two innings, only allowing one run on a solo homer to Jason Giambi in the 9th. Kudos to the Sox bullpen. The Yankees bullpen? Not so good. It started off well with Edwar Ramirez and Damaso Marte combining to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings to hold the Sox at bay going into the 8th inning. But, in the 8th inning it all fell apart when Jose Veras took the mound. Jose could do nothing right. He gave up a single, triple, back to back walks to load the bases, a sacrifice fly, and an RBI single. His replacement, David Robertson, did not fare much better. Robertson gave up a single, a fatal grand slam to Dustin Pedroia, and a single to Big Papi before finally getting the last two outs. The battle of the bullpens was over.

Last night, I wonder if the Yankees top brass were regretting the trade of Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan Rodriguez. Certainly they needed a catcher to help fill in for Jorge Posada, who was lost to season ending shoulder surgery. But, last night Farnsworth would most likely have been sent in to take the 8th inning, and I'm certain he would have fared better. Meanwhile, I-Rod goes 0-4, and ended rallies in both the 4th and 9th innings. Hmm, tough call to sacrifice good pitching for a 36 year old catcher.

The Red Sox made another move, picking up Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves. Kotsay will provide some depth and insurance with JD Drew and Sean Casey both hurting right now. Kotsay is primarily an outfielder, but he can also help out at first base too. While I think it is a smart move, especially since they traded next to nothing to acquire Kotsay (the Sox sent single A outfielder, Luis Sumoza, to the Braves), I do find it awkward to suddenly be cheering for players you are so used to rooting against.

Mark Kotsay is most know by Red Sox fans for his years with the Oakland A's. We spent many games rooting for Kotsay to strike out, hit into double plays, etc. Paul Byrd, also recently acquired by the Red Sox, was heartily cheered against just last season by Red Sox fans as he battled the Sox in the playoffs while pitching for the Cleveland Indians. To suddenly be cheering them on just feels odd. But, give it some time.

Meanwhile, while the Yankees may be doubting their Farnsworth trade, the Red Sox seem to have made out well in their trade to acquire Jason Bay. Bay has been playing quite well for the Sox, and his stats line up very well with Manny Ramirez' stats since joining their new teams. Craig Hanson was included in that trade, and Hanson has simply fallen on his face. Yesterday, the Pirates announced that Hansen was being demoted to their minor league system. Hansen has talent in that arm, he just has been able to harness it yet. Brandon Moss, who also went to the Pirates in the deal, is having a good time. He has started nearly every game for the Pirates in August, but is only batting .235 for them. But, the extra playing time should help him mature in to a solid every day player.

So, yet another interesting pitching match up unfolds this afternoon. Jon Lester will face off against Mike Mussina. Mussina has easy been New York's most reliable starter this year, while Lester has become Boston's most reliable. Both team have seen these pitchers more than once, so there will be plenty of familiarity. The Yankees should be desperate to avoid a sweep, so this one should be a tough battle.

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)

Red Sox Give Blue Jays the Byrd

Actually, wasn't it the Indians who gave the "Byrd" to the Red Sox? Well, so far so good. Paul Byrd has pitched reasonably well in his two outings with the Sox, coming away with his first victory last night in Toronto. Byrd was not overpowering, but he was steady and kept the Sox in the game going 6 complete innings and allowing 4 runs. The runs came on two separate two run homers, and other than those two damaging swings, Byrd pretty much kept the Jays in control.

So, Byrd only lasted 6 innings. Weren't you scared about turning this one over to the bullpen with the score just a little too close, the Sox leading 6-4? Three long, arduous innings. Not only did we have to worry about the 8th inning, but we had to get through the 7th to even get there.

First up was, thankfully, Justin Masterson, rather than David Aardsma or Manny Delcarmen or Mike Timlin. I love those guys, but lately they have been just too scary. Masterson pitched a scoreless inning, but did surrender back to back walks with two outs. He seemed to be going for the strike out by painting the outside corner to bother batters but just could not find it.

Then, for what feels like the first time since last season, the Sox wrapped up the game in classic form. Hideki Okajima pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning and, even though it was not a save situation, Jonathan Papelbon wrapped up the 9th to preserve the much needed victory.

The win simply allowed the Red Sox to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays, who actually helped the Red Sox out in the Wild Card chase by beating the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox and Twins have been playing quite a game of leap frog lately, and today the Twins hold possession of first place, while the White Sox sit a mere 1/2 game behind the Red Sox for the Wild Card. The Yankees also won, but have a ways to go before they are a team to worry about.

Speaking of worry, it appears that JD Drew has a herniated disc in his back. That can be a very delicate situation. He's working through it, but it sure is a rough time of year for all these injury issues.

Mike Lowell - oblique strain
Julio Lugo - quad pull
JD Drew - herniated disc
Tim Wakefield - shoulder stiffness
Josh Beckett - finger numbness

Supposedly, Wake and Beckett may both be back for the upcoming Yankee series, which would be a huge relief. Lugo may not be back at all, which might also be a huge relief. But, these are the issues a team has to fight through, and the Sox have been doing it all season, getting terrific support from their minor league system along the way.

This afternoon, Jon Lester takes the hill against Jesse Litsch. According to what you will read in the pitching match-ups, Litsch showed off his "newly added four seam fastball" in his last outing. What? That can't be right, can it? Doesn't every pitcher throw a four seam fastball? I guess, if you throw it too flat, and with not enough pop (sub-90's), you would have one that you would rarely use. But, that seems like a weird pitch to have "newly added". Most pitchers add a splitter, a forkball or something like that. What Jon Lester is going to add, is another win on his way to a superb 2008 season!

Jays Win the Battle of the Birds

In this case, the Red Sox' bird is spelled with a 'y', as in Paul Byrd. Byrd made his debut for the Red Sox, and certainly did better than Clay Buchholz has been doing lately. While Byrd was no Jon Lester, he looked like a reliable 4th or 5th man in the rotation. His pitching repertoire is not overpowering, rarely touching 90 mph. He does not strike out a lot of batters, instead, he gets them out with ground outs and pop outs, keeping the batter off balance enough to keep balls from being hit too hard. That approach allows him, on good nights, to conserve pitches and go deeper into games.

Last night, Byrd pitched into the 8th inning holding the Blue Jays to 4 runs. Not a bad outing, but Roy Halladay, pitching for Toronto, was in the midst of pitching a shutout. Halladay was on his game, and he is a workhorse. If he is pitching well, you have little hope of getting him out of the game and attacking the opposing team's bullpen. Halladay held on to the 4-0 shutout until the first batter of the 9th inning, Dustin Pedroia, sent the first pitch of the inning up into the Green Monster seats. Halladay managed to get the next three batters out to end the game for a final score of 4-1.

After the offensive barrage the Red Sox put on the Texas Rangers, it was no surprise that they would have an offensive letdown, especially against a "real" pitcher, like Roy Halladay. The loss did not harm the Red Sox in the AL East chase as the Rays also lost last night. The Yankees won, but there are more worrisome teams than the Yankees right now, particularly the White Sox and Twins, both team winning last night, and both of them now 1.5 games behind the Sox in the Wild Card standings.

But, with Josh Beckett taking the mound this afternoon on an extra day of rest, thanks to Friday's rain out, I like their chances to win this one!

(Photos Courtesy of ESPN)