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FAILURE TO LAUNCH
September 11, 2008
Alright. You guys all know that I'm not a complainer. I'm a "glass is half full" type of guy. I'm just going to be real with you. The last two games, AWEFUL! Lester DID pitch a gem on Monday, no doubt about that. He's our real deal and by far the most consistent pitcher we've had all season. Followed VERY closely by a Mr. Tim Wakefield. About last night's game though. We can't point the finger of blame solely on Mike Timlin. Our offense had walk-off opportunities in the ninth, tenth, 11th and 12th innings. We left 16 runners stranded in THE biggest series of the season. Of course we can't forget the 14th inning with bases loaded, no outs to fly out three times in a row. Timlin gave Pena his wish though. Took a pitch the other way sending it sailing over the Monster. We were robbed far too many times today. First of all, the idiot fan who robbed us of, at the very least, a stand-up double. Countless terrible calls made by the umps throughout the entire game. Masterson, Manny and Javy looked great. I just wish that our offense had done more with so many windows open.
Anyway, Peds looked hot yet again tonight. Bay didn't have his best game, but it wasn't due to lack of effort. We have 17 games left in the season and I know we're not down and out. We still have, what, a five game lead over the Twins for the wild card spot? Sweeping the Rays definately would've made things much easier on us. We face them again on Monday at Tropicana Field. We NEED to beat them there. The regular season is almost over, guys. Every loss hurts and every win is huge. First things first though, we have to get through the Jays in this next series. They're doing great right now and we need to be the team to stop their momentum. This four-game series will be tough. No doubt about it. Wake is on the hill tomorrow. I'm feeling pretty confident. We do our best after coming out of a heart-breaking loss. It's what we're known for, right?
I haven't blogged in awhile so I have so many opinions to share with everybody. I never thought that there was such thing as being TOO loyal until I got use to Tito's style of managing. He pitched Paps three games in a row this close to the playoffs. I can see MAYBE two games in a row, MAYBE. But three when we're this close?! I just don't get it. Paps is the best, but he IS a human being. Country is looking a bit shaky. His fastballs were picking up speed as the game progressed though. He lacked command over his change-up tonight. Usually it's his curve that lacks luster, but tonight the roles were reversed. His curveball looked decent but his change-up just didn't quite have what we're use to seeing from him. I also like Kotsay. He's been doing okay and playing some decent baseball. Jacoby went something like 5 for 22 last month if I remember correctly. I hope he picks up the pace for the next 17 games. We need everybody to be on top of their game. Especially for this upcoming series. This one will either make or break us. We've come too far and hung in there for too long. We can and will do it.
Today is September 11th. Please take a moment to say a prayer. If you're not a prayer, just take a moment to think about those lost.
God bless America!
Go Sox!
RSM-FLR-RSN-14/09
-BoSox Hooligan - RSM™
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