Mike Scioscia said the Angels were not getting eliminated tonight; 5 1/2 hours later he was proven right. The Sox would have been lucky to win tonight had they pulled it out. The Angels continued to struggle catching the ball in the outfield, allowing a Jacoby Ellsbury pop up to fall in between Tori Hunter and Howie Kendrick scoring 3 runs on the play.
Josh Beckett struggled to throw strikes tonight in his first post season start. Beckett threw 30 pitches in the first inning and never really located his fastball at any point tonight. Beckett and Varitek had 3 separate meetings at the mound in the 1st inning, once being joined by pitching coach John Farrell. Hard to know what they were talking about but it didn't seem that either of them were on the same page as far as pitch selection. Beckett didn't seem to be affected by his oblique strain at all so it doesn't appear health was an issue; his last start was 13 days ago so we might have seen some rust and perhaps the weather was a factor.
The game remained tied 4-4 from the in the top of the 12 the Angels finally broke the 4-4 tie and the Sox were unable to create any Fenway Magic in the bottom of the inning. The Sox had their chances with the bases loaded in the 11th, but Krod was able to snake out of it.
Game 4 is Monday night, first pitch at 8:37pm, with any luck the game will be over before Midnight. Jon Lester will pitch again for the Sox and John Lackey starts again for the Halos. The Red Sox lead the series 2-1.
ITM notes from the game:
Mike Lowell is getting the job done at third, but just barely. He looks pretty terrible at the plate, I have little confidence in him to drive the ball with his hip injury. Lowell was lifted for a pinch runner in the 11th, I can see him riding the pine tomorrow.
The Sox bullpen pitched 6 scoreless innings, however Javier Lopez relinquished the lead in the 12th. It was encouraging to see Delcarmen, Okajima, Masterson, and Papelbon pitch well. Pap was bringing some serious heat tonight.
JD didn't start tonight because Joe Saunders is a lefty, JD did PH for Tek, however he struck out.
Tito used all the 3 catchers on the roster, pinch hitting for Tek and Cash and bringing in David Ross in the bottom of the 12th.
Dustin Pedroia has yet to get a hit in the series, not sure what's going on with him but the Sox need him to figure it out.
The Sox had won 11 straight playoff games against the Angels before tonight.
Monday, October 6
Saturday, October 4
We're in Their Heads...
"I got your timing down Vaughn"..... There is no better way to spend a hungover Saturday than watching Major League Two when you're feeling great about baseball. In the movie, Jack Parkman had Rick Vaughn's number in their regular season meetings, but when it came down to the playoffs, Vaughn walked the bases loaded to get to Parkman...and took him to school with the old terminator.
Now back to real life, the Red Sox have the Angels number, and I think it is safe to say the Sox are thoroughly in the head of the Halos. With last night's amazing 7-5 victory, the Sox have now won 11 straight playoff games against the team who finished the season with the best record in the AL. Once again, the Sox hit big home runs (JD and Jay Bay) and Pap closed it out to go up 2-0 in a series that now heads back to Boston with some pitcher by the name of Josh Beckett taking the rubber on Sunday night at 7:30. And once again, as Cinco Ocho and Tek congratulated each other after a game ending strikeout, the Angels players and fans looked defeated and emotionally crushed.
The Angels came into this season with a ton of confidence, and they deserved to; a great season, a rested team and facing a injury-plagued Boston team, they should have been confident. But yet again, the Red Sox are showing they've done this before, the know how to win, and they play as a team. The Angels are getting hits (albeit singles) from Vlad "I won't learn English" Guerrero and Tex, but it ends there, Dice-K was typical in giving them chances to cash in, but shut the door before they could scrounge anything up.
Simply put, the Angels have yet to show they have what it takes to win the big games, they lack timely hitting and perhaps the mental focus needed to get them over the top.....and the Red Sox are reminding them of that so far, let's hope Beckett sends them a final reminder tomorrow.
Too bad Major League Three sucked...they had a good thing going there.
Friday, October 3
Game Two Lineup: No Mike Lowell
Dice-K takes the mound for what is, in all intents and purposes, a must win game for the Angels tonight. Two members of the ITM crew will be taking in the game together at a Boston bar while consuming way too many alcoholic beverages...should lead to a few good posts and stories tomorrow....i'd say we'll keep a running diary a la Bill Simmons...but it would be just incoherent blabber by the 4th inning....
Lineup:1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mark Kotsay, 1B
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Alex Cora, SS
Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP
Go Sox
Speaking Openly to Rays Fans before Fear and Hatred Overtake Me
There's really not too much to say.
Evan Longoria homered in his first two postseason at-bats and added an rbi single in the 5th. But you already knew that, likely.
All I wanted to say, Rays fans, is enjoy it. I'm not saying "Enjoy it," like I'm giving you the eye and saying you better have a good time now 'cause the Sox are gonna bounce you in the next round. I'm saying "Enjoy it" with all the sincerity I can muster and no condescension because many of you are new to the postseason and new to the moment when one of your players suddenly shows a flash of brilliance that makes you think "Holy s**t this feels good." Then you pause, and you look at your roster and you think, "Holy s**t, it might feel like this for a long time."
It's something special when a player shows that he's ready to step up in October. Not many are. So enjoy it. It's the best part of baseball, in my book. And enjoy the idea that there might be a lot of Octobers for Longoria and the Rays to come.
Evan Longoria homered in his first two postseason at-bats and added an rbi single in the 5th. But you already knew that, likely.
All I wanted to say, Rays fans, is enjoy it. I'm not saying "Enjoy it," like I'm giving you the eye and saying you better have a good time now 'cause the Sox are gonna bounce you in the next round. I'm saying "Enjoy it" with all the sincerity I can muster and no condescension because many of you are new to the postseason and new to the moment when one of your players suddenly shows a flash of brilliance that makes you think "Holy s**t this feels good." Then you pause, and you look at your roster and you think, "Holy s**t, it might feel like this for a long time."
It's something special when a player shows that he's ready to step up in October. Not many are. So enjoy it. It's the best part of baseball, in my book. And enjoy the idea that there might be a lot of Octobers for Longoria and the Rays to come.
Thursday, October 2
Sox Take Game 1 and Momentum
A quick recap of the game since its after 1am on the east coast.
Jon Lester pitched around some first inning trouble going 7 innings giving up 1 unearned run and striking out 7. Lester definitely got stronger as the game went on, touching 97 in the 6th and 7th innings. He also struck out the side in the 6th inning, maybe his best inning. Control seemed to be a problem for Lester in the first, but he straightened things out to shut down the Angels the rest of the way.
Both offenses had their chances to break things open, the Angels really only in the bottom of the first. The Red Sox had Jacoby Ellsbury on third base twice early in the night but failed to get him home . After looking terrible in his first two at bats Jason Bay destroyed (seriously it was crushed) a 2 run home run to left putting the Sox up 2-1 in the 6th.
Bottom of the 8th was an exciting inning. Ellsbury made another amazing diving catch for the first out and Youk threw out Vladimir Guerrero trying to go first to third on a flare over first base. Not sure where Vlad was going on that play, but it brought me to my feet, might have been the play of the game. Plays like that are funny, sometimes it sets the tone for the series, I'm reminded of Chuck Knoblock phantom double play in the '99 ALCS, the Sox never recovered from that blown call. (not that the Vlad call was a blown call, just a goofy play that everyone remembers the series for)
Sox added insurance runs on rbi singles by Elssbury and Ortiz in the top of the 9th driving Scot Shields from the game. Angels fans can't be thrilled with their bullpen, as they gave up 2 important runs in the 9th. Ellsbury went 3-4 with two stolen bases, definitely the type of game you want from you're lead off hitter; the Sox offense will go as Ellsbury does.
Papelbon closed out the 9th striking out the side. Pap has yet to give up a run in his postseason career and the Angels are 2-42 off him in October baseball. As the camera pans across the stadium there are a lot of Angels fans with their heads down, I love it. That's also 10 straight playoff wins over the Angels tying a MLB record, tying who you ask? The Oakland A's handed the Sox 10 straight defeats from the 1980's-2003.
Red Sox are up 1-0 in the series. Next game is Friday night, Matsuzaka pitches for the Sox. All of a sudden that 8-1 record the Halos put up against the Sox in the regular season doesn't seem to be holding much water.
ITM notes:
John Lackey didn't pitch bad, but his woes against the Sox continue.
Someone needs to review with these umpires what a check swing is, both teams had some terrible calls go against them.
JD Drew looked okay, didn't really see him do anything to test his back. Mike Lowell made all the plays at third base but he didn't look comfortable at that plate, jogging out a couple weak ground balls. It will be important how these guys bounce back, the day off tomorrow will be key.
Memo to Angel fans: when you're team is in the field and the pitcher has 2 strikes on the batter and there is 2 outs you stand up and cheer, you just do it.
NL Division Series Update:
The Phillies beat the Brewers 3-1 in the afternoon game. Cole Hamels went 8 shut out innings giving up 2 hits. Philly's last postseason win you ask...1993 against the Blue Jays, Curt Schilling was the pitcher of record.
The Dodgers beat up the Cubs 6-2 behind the bat of James Loney. Ryan Dempster didn't help himself walking 7, not a typo he walked 7, thats not how you win ball games. Dempster loaded the bases in the bottom of the 5th before giving up the granny to Loney. Old friends Manny Rameriz and Derek Lowe had nights for themselves, Manny added a home run that he hit off his shoe tops and Lowe got the win.
Thats all for tonight, goodnight.
Jon Lester pitched around some first inning trouble going 7 innings giving up 1 unearned run and striking out 7. Lester definitely got stronger as the game went on, touching 97 in the 6th and 7th innings. He also struck out the side in the 6th inning, maybe his best inning. Control seemed to be a problem for Lester in the first, but he straightened things out to shut down the Angels the rest of the way.
Both offenses had their chances to break things open, the Angels really only in the bottom of the first. The Red Sox had Jacoby Ellsbury on third base twice early in the night but failed to get him home . After looking terrible in his first two at bats Jason Bay destroyed (seriously it was crushed) a 2 run home run to left putting the Sox up 2-1 in the 6th.
Bottom of the 8th was an exciting inning. Ellsbury made another amazing diving catch for the first out and Youk threw out Vladimir Guerrero trying to go first to third on a flare over first base. Not sure where Vlad was going on that play, but it brought me to my feet, might have been the play of the game. Plays like that are funny, sometimes it sets the tone for the series, I'm reminded of Chuck Knoblock phantom double play in the '99 ALCS, the Sox never recovered from that blown call. (not that the Vlad call was a blown call, just a goofy play that everyone remembers the series for)
Sox added insurance runs on rbi singles by Elssbury and Ortiz in the top of the 9th driving Scot Shields from the game. Angels fans can't be thrilled with their bullpen, as they gave up 2 important runs in the 9th. Ellsbury went 3-4 with two stolen bases, definitely the type of game you want from you're lead off hitter; the Sox offense will go as Ellsbury does.
Papelbon closed out the 9th striking out the side. Pap has yet to give up a run in his postseason career and the Angels are 2-42 off him in October baseball. As the camera pans across the stadium there are a lot of Angels fans with their heads down, I love it. That's also 10 straight playoff wins over the Angels tying a MLB record, tying who you ask? The Oakland A's handed the Sox 10 straight defeats from the 1980's-2003.
Red Sox are up 1-0 in the series. Next game is Friday night, Matsuzaka pitches for the Sox. All of a sudden that 8-1 record the Halos put up against the Sox in the regular season doesn't seem to be holding much water.
ITM notes:
John Lackey didn't pitch bad, but his woes against the Sox continue.
Someone needs to review with these umpires what a check swing is, both teams had some terrible calls go against them.
JD Drew looked okay, didn't really see him do anything to test his back. Mike Lowell made all the plays at third base but he didn't look comfortable at that plate, jogging out a couple weak ground balls. It will be important how these guys bounce back, the day off tomorrow will be key.
Memo to Angel fans: when you're team is in the field and the pitcher has 2 strikes on the batter and there is 2 outs you stand up and cheer, you just do it.
NL Division Series Update:
The Phillies beat the Brewers 3-1 in the afternoon game. Cole Hamels went 8 shut out innings giving up 2 hits. Philly's last postseason win you ask...1993 against the Blue Jays, Curt Schilling was the pitcher of record.
The Dodgers beat up the Cubs 6-2 behind the bat of James Loney. Ryan Dempster didn't help himself walking 7, not a typo he walked 7, thats not how you win ball games. Dempster loaded the bases in the bottom of the 5th before giving up the granny to Loney. Old friends Manny Rameriz and Derek Lowe had nights for themselves, Manny added a home run that he hit off his shoe tops and Lowe got the win.
Thats all for tonight, goodnight.
Wednesday, October 1
ITM Playoff Predictions:
With the Playoffs about to begin...it's about time to take a look at all three ITM contributor's playoff predictions. This post will definitely be referenced in the future as it will hold bragging rights for the person who has the most accurate predictions.....D. Vicino:
AL:
Red Sox over Angels in 4....It appears the Sox will have reasonable health for the series, if Beckett goes in game three, we've got it in 4.
Red Sox over Angels in 4....It appears the Sox will have reasonable health for the series, if Beckett goes in game three, we've got it in 4.
Tampa over Chicago in 4....I hate Ozzie, and I think his team/pitching is simply gassed. Tampa's young confidence will pass another test.
NL:
Cubs over the Dodgers in 5 ..... as good as Manny has been, Boston West won't get past a very good Cubs team. Plus I'll be in Chi-town next week, so they better win. (The Cubs may be the most AL-like NL team in a while)
Brewers over the Phillies in 5.....I'm riding the wave here....Brew-crew bats have been hot and CC is a huge horse (that's what she said).
ALCS:
Sox over Tampa in 6...young confidence finally meets its end as Beckett gets us two Ws.
Sox over Tampa in 6...young confidence finally meets its end as Beckett gets us two Ws.
NLCS:
Cubs over Brewers in 5....the wave ends here....CC is spent and the Cubs finally get back to the Show.
World Series:
Sox over the Cubs in 7....call me a homer, but I really think this will be an all time great series, with two great teams. I give the edge to the Sox with their three stud starters.
Tim Murhpy:
AL:
Sox over Angels 4, Lester wins two games, Beckett pitches game 3. Angels still can't beat the Sox when it counts, at least they don't get swept though.
Rays over White Sox in 4, people have been waiting for them to fail under pressure all year long, hasn't happened yet.
NL:
Cubs over Dodgers in 4, too much talent for the Dodgers, too much pitching.
Phillies over Brewers in 5. Sabathia can't pitch every game for the Brew Crew.
ALCS:
Sox over Rays in 7. I'm looking for a great championship series here, should test the limits of each club. Pap on the hill to close it out in Tampa in game 7.
NLCS:
Cubs over Phillies in 6.... Phillies don't have the pitching to win a 7 game series.
Cubs over Phillies in 6.... Phillies don't have the pitching to win a 7 game series.
World Series:
Sox over Cubs in 6 to Win World Series. the curse of the billy goat continues...sox too much as the American league remains superior. Pedroia is your series MVP. Mark it zero next frame.
Joe Murph:
AL:
Sox over Angels in 4. Beckett doesn't pitch, but Lester comes through twice and Wakefield wins Game 3.
Rays in 3. I think it'll take three games before it even sinks in that they're in the playoffs.
NL:
Dodgers in 4 over the Cubs. Manny goes 17 for 16 in the series.That's right, 17 for 16. I don't know how, but mark it now.
Brewers over Phillies in 5. I just can't get excited about Philly, but I'm very excited about the Brewers.
ALCS:
Sox in 6. Rays have an early case of nerves, then come back strong, but it's too late. I have absolutely no reason to think they'll be nervous. Hasn't happened all season, but maybe that just means they're due.
ALCS:
Sox in 6. Rays have an early case of nerves, then come back strong, but it's too late. I have absolutely no reason to think they'll be nervous. Hasn't happened all season, but maybe that just means they're due.
NLCS:
Brewers in 7. Sabathia pitches 23 innings.
Brewers in 7. Sabathia pitches 23 innings.
World Series:
Sox over Brewers in 6.
TIME WILL TELL....GAME ON.
Fighting Phills take on the Brew Crew
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers haven't won a playoff game in a combined 41 years, and as they say, somethings gotta give.
The Brewcrew send Yovani Gallardo to the mound in game 1 and the Phillies counter with their ace Cole Hamels. Gallarado is only making his second start since tearing ligaments in his knee, he went 4 innings in his last start giving up 1 run. CC Sabathia is going to start game 2 and 5 (if there is one). Brewers manager Dalve Sveum toyed with the idea of starting Sabathia in every game of the series however he was talked down off that ledge by the GM. The Brewers have to be hoping that Sabbathia can win his two starts and they can somehow squeak another win out in this best of 5 series. I don't know how effective Ben Sheets will be battling an elbow injury and the Phillies will be sending Jamie Moyer out to pitch at some point, he is 72 years old.
Each team has the ability to score a lot of runs. The Phillis line up boasts Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard; it is worth noting that Pat Burrell left after BP yesterday with an injury, I haven't seen a lineup for todays game, no word on if he's playing. The Brewers will look to Prince Fielder (vegetairan?) and Ryan Braun to carry the load.
If the Phillies have the lead late they have one of baseballs best closers in Brad Lidge. Given that he won't have to face Albert Pujoles in this series he should be ok in a save opportunity.
Game 1 is today at 3:05pm at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philly, PA.
The Brewcrew send Yovani Gallardo to the mound in game 1 and the Phillies counter with their ace Cole Hamels. Gallarado is only making his second start since tearing ligaments in his knee, he went 4 innings in his last start giving up 1 run. CC Sabathia is going to start game 2 and 5 (if there is one). Brewers manager Dalve Sveum toyed with the idea of starting Sabathia in every game of the series however he was talked down off that ledge by the GM. The Brewers have to be hoping that Sabbathia can win his two starts and they can somehow squeak another win out in this best of 5 series. I don't know how effective Ben Sheets will be battling an elbow injury and the Phillies will be sending Jamie Moyer out to pitch at some point, he is 72 years old.
Each team has the ability to score a lot of runs. The Phillis line up boasts Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard; it is worth noting that Pat Burrell left after BP yesterday with an injury, I haven't seen a lineup for todays game, no word on if he's playing. The Brewers will look to Prince Fielder (vegetairan?) and Ryan Braun to carry the load.
If the Phillies have the lead late they have one of baseballs best closers in Brad Lidge. Given that he won't have to face Albert Pujoles in this series he should be ok in a save opportunity.
Game 1 is today at 3:05pm at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philly, PA.
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