“Losing streaks are funny. If you lose at the beginning, you got off to a bad start. If you lose in the middle of the season, you’re in a slump. If you lose at the end, you’re choking” – Gene Mauch
If I came to you on April 1, and said that after 12 games, the Sox would be 8-4 against the Yankees, would you like that? How about if I said that after 110 games, the Sox would be pace for 91 wins? Not too bad. I would have taken both those scenarios, and I still would. So, what’s the problem?
The Sox looked pretty bad the last few games. That happens. The offense couldn’t find a hit with a map and a compass. When they finally did, the bullpen decided to break down in front of our eyes. But, there was still a lot of good to come out of the weekend in the Bronx.
The pitching was really pretty good…if not very good. Smoltz got his hat handed to him, sure. But, he’s apparently not on the team anymore. Beckett pitched like an ace on Friday, and the bullpen followed up his seven scoreless innings with seven of their own. Masterson pitched very well in a big spot. Lester continued to show that he gets “it” now, and is evolving into an ace right before our eyes. That’s not bad news going forward.
The offense couldn’t get out of its own way. I could give credit to the Yankees pitchers, but why would I do that? Frankly, the way the Sox have owned Sabathia in the past, I’m reluctant to give him much credit for getting outs. It just seems that every other hitter in the line-up is struggling…not matter what the line-up is. Pedroia has looked bad for a while. He’s making some poor outs in key spots. Not exactly what you hope for from the reigning AL MVP. Bay has been in and out with injuries, and slumping pretty good before that. But, the line-up was still able to knock around Joba Chamberlain, who Adam still claims has great stuff. Victor Martinez is proving to be a great pick-up as well. The guy can just hit. It’ll be great to see him fill some holes in the games to come.
Papi apparently didn’t do steroids, so that’s a good sign. Believe him or not, maybe he can get his head back into the games now.
Am I happy to be 6.5 games behind the Yankees? No. Would I prefer to not be tied in the Wild Card? Of course I’d rather have a nice lead. Am I scared? Not yet. They just need to figure some things out.
That’s what Francona’s for.
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"Masterson did well in a big spot." You must be feeling post gettingthumpedbytheyankees syndrome. It's OK, many a Boston blogger are having the same problem this week. Beckett-Lester-Penny-Clay-Tazawa. That sounds like the ace staff the Yanks were trying to sell to us before they imploded and did not make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteMy bad. Clearly, I meant Buchholz, not Masterson. That's the problem with having a farm system chock full of ace pitchers. It's hard to keep track of them sometimes.
ReplyDelete