I Scored!

October 25, 2007

With The World Series going on at the moment, and this being the second anniversary of the most recent Red Sox championship, I thought this would be a great scorecard to look at today. Hope you agree.

What we have here is the card from Game 2 of the 2007 World Series. The 2007 championship always seems to be the forgotten championship for me. It was the curse breaking 2004 win. It wasn’t the most recent 2013 title that was won with me sitting in Fenway. It’s always been in a non-descript no-man’s land for me. That makes it a little bit more fun for me to give it another look.

And this game certainly deserves another look.

First, we see Curt Schilling is the starting pitcher, and he gave his usual solid performance. He got into a little trouble in the sixth, which required Okajimi to come in to put out the fire. But, if this had been a regular season game, it’s possible Schilling would have stayed in and gotten out of the jam himself. But, Oki did what he had been doing all postseason. Two and a third hitless innings to perfectly bridge the gap to Papelbon. Exactly like they drew it up in the clubhouse.

How about the offense? Well, they only put up two runs. Thankfully that was all they needed. The actually came from behind, which was something new. (They never trailed in the 2004 World Series, nor in Game 1 in 2007) A couple walks came all the way around to score to give the Sox the lead. The one that stands out the most is Lowell’s in the fourth. He went to third on Drew’s single in a video clip I’m sure you’ve all seen of him going full Bobby Orr into third. It was exactly the hustle the Sox needed at exactly the right time.

That move might have been enough to give Lowell the player of the game title right there. But, he also added an RBI double to drive in the other run. When you play a part in both runs in a game, and supply two of the six hits, you’re having yourself a game.

The goat? A few choices for this one, as three players went hitless. But, Varitek was able to still drive in a run, and at least Ortiz walked and scored. Julio Lugo, however, was 0-3 with a sacrifice bunt. If the only thing you did well in a game is make a productive out…that didn’t lead to a run…you’re having a bad game. I know he was at the bottom of the order for a reason, but he still wasn’t any help at all.

But, of course, that didn’t matter. The Sox pitching made the meager offense enough. The Sox took the second game of the series on their way to a four-game sweep.

And the scorecard shows how it happened.

Who You Got?

I realized something watching the World Series last night. 

For the first time in a while, I couldn’t care less who wins.

Oh, sure, only if the Red Sox are playing do I REALLY care who wins. Well, maybe the Red Sox and Yankees. But, usually I at least have some sort of rooting interest in the Series, even if it’s not particularly good. For instance, last year I was hoping for the Royals because I didn’t want the Giants to have that third title this century. I wanted that to be exclusive Red Sox territory. Like I said, it’s not a wonderful reason. It was the same one I had in 2012, when I didn’t want the Giants to win their second in the century to match the Sox. In 2011? I didn’t want the Cardinals to win. No explanation should be necessary.

It even happened in this year’s LCS. I didn’t want Joe Maddon to have a ring. That was a deal-breaker for me. To a lesser degree, I wanted Toronto to win the ALCS. Mostly because, since they’re in the AL EAST, I have a lot more internet interaction with Blue Jays fans. There have been blog cross-overs, and twitter followings. So, I wanted to have their team do well. I’ve also had several Blue Jays fans submit incredible pictures to the blog (Both in, and with Section 36). No Royals fans have. That was enough for me.

But, now, I really don’t have anything. If I had to pick, I’d probably lean towards the Mets. Mostly as a way to screw Yankees fans even more. And, there has been one Mets fan who has sent in a picture to the blog. But, that’s not a reason for me to be on the edge of my seat. Or even really pull one way or another.

So, I actually found myself watching for the game. “Hey, that was a cool inside the park home run.” “Neat, they scored a run on an error.” “Huh, the closer blew a save.” “Interesting.”

It was an incredibly freeing way to watch a game. I could simply root for good baseball, and interesting situations. I’m not saying that I want to turn into a casual fan, or anything. I imagine this gets old after a bit. I assume I’m only going to want to watch the whole games over and over if there’s a reason for me to do so. The break will be over soon.

I guess that settles it.

Let’s Go Mets.

Chasing David Price, and the Playoffs

Can you do both at once?

There has been quite a bit of discussion lately about David Price and his odd lack of success in the playoffs. As soon as Dave Dombrowski took over for the Sox, people were thinking about David Price. After all, he said that he wanted to get an ace, and he had already traded for Price once before. Perhaps it was making too much sense. 

Then, during the playoffs, people started noticing that he wasn’t winning. In fact, he had never won a postseason game he started. Is this the guy you want as the ace of the staff? Someone who dooms your chances in the playoffs?

Which, pretty much broke people into two camps. Those that cared, and those that didn’t.

As a quick side note, this very conversation is one of the reasons I hate allowing playoffs to determine a champion. Why should it take two types of teams? Why should you have to make this choice?

Anyway...

There are a couple different arguments people use when they still want the Red Sox to go after Price. One is that he could always turn it around. After all, Clayton Kershaw was pretty bad in the playoffs until this year. The wonder of small sample size could mean that Price will turn it around in his next start. Of course, that same sample size argument would mean that any ol’ pitcher could pitch well in a playoff game. Look at Lester. People were actually screaming that he wasn’t an ace…until he dominated in a postseason run. Who’s to say Wade Miley can’t dominate in a postseason…if you’re bringing up small sample sizes. Do you really want to chase after a guy and give him big money, and then hope he figures out when to pitch when it counts? 

The other point people try to make is that you can’t sign guys for the postseason. The theory is that the Sox did exactly that when they signed Pablo Sandoval. He was known for his clutch performances as his teams won three rings. Teaming him up with David Ortiz in a postseason series was going to be something special. Until the Sox didn’t even make the postseason. What a waste. They signed a guy to help them win in the postseason, and then didn’t even make the postseason. But, I could argue, isn’t that exactly what the Sox did in 2004? They reached the ALCS with, basically, just Pedro. That wasn’t enough. They needed another starter. They needed a reliever who could pitch multiple innings when needed to close out games. So, they got Schilling and Foulke. That had already made the playoffs without either of them. So, they were only really needed once the Sox got there. That worked out pretty well. But, I’ve always said that the postseason is a roll of the dice. So, you do need to sign guys that will get you to the postseason, and then see what happens. I can at least understand this theory. The key is getting there. Then figure it out from there.

The question I have with that approach is, how will you “figure it out” when you get there? Put yourself in next October. David Price has led your staff to the playoffs, and now you need a game one starter. Are you “figuring it out” by starting him in game one? Even when all history says he’s going to crap his pants? Do you feel good about that? Do you bench him in the playoffs like the Yankees just did to Jacoby Ellsbury? Not exactly the best use of your so-called ace. What exactly is your option when you “figure it out?” That’s not a plan.

For the record, I do think the Sox should go after Price. No, I don’t think they should open the checkbook for him. I do think he should be punished financially for his postseason woes. If he’s not the type of pitcher who can win in both the regular and post season, he’s less valuable to your team. If I had a player who could only perform well in day games, or against lefties, I’d pay him less for that fault as well. Same idea. The reverse would be true the other way as well, by the way. If the guy could only hit in the playoffs, but struggled in the regular season, that would be held against him as well.

If you want all the money, you need all the skills.

Happy Birthday to the #BYBHub

What an accomplishment.

You may remember it was just over a year ago that Robert Casey approached me with an idea. He was going to create a master list, a Hub if you will, of baseball blogs. It would be a place that would serve several purposes. For readers, it would allow people who love baseball to head to a single place to find a ton of quality baseball writing from several different viewpoints. Sure, the “Y” in “BYB” stands for exactly what you think (or fear?) it does. But, there would bloggers on the Hub covering other teams as well. It would make it easy to see those other points of view. For bloggers, it would give some lesser known or less established bloggers the exposure they need to have their voices heard. It would also be a ton of fun for everyone. 

He was right. 

Oh sure. At first, as I mentioned, I was a tad bit apprehensive when a Yankees blog approached me about a project. Was I going to be the butt of their jokes? Was I going to have to plaster pinstripes all over Section 36? Of course neither of those were the case. After all, not all Yankees fans are dingbats. And, even if the audience of the BYBHub slants slightly to the Bronx, I’m happy to provide the voice of reason. Tomorrow the Hub reaches its first birthday, and I’m pleased to report that I’m glad I joined. In fact, I regret not being even more involved.

That is definitely something that will be improved going forward, especially on my end. I need to (and intend to) use the BYBHub as more of a resource myself. If the Red Sox have a story that involves a team covered by the Hub, I need to do a better job reaching out. If the Sox trade for Sonny Gray, of course I’ll need to get some comments from Jen at “Bullpen, Baseball, and Sock Talk.” When the Red Sox sweep the Yankees in a series, I’ll be sure to get some reactions from some of the Yankees BYBHub bloggers, and at least provide links to what they have to say. 

There’s also been talk about some Hub-wide events. Chances to have all the blogs discuss the same topics at once. Being able to easily see different viewpoints on the same subject will be a great opportunity for readers to expand their thoughts, and the BYBHub will provide that central location. A must-visit launching pad for basebally goodness.

So if you haven’t done so already, go over and click the BYBHub logo on the sidebar. It’s a great way to find other wonderful things to read at any time. (Once you’ve finished reading everything at Section 36, of course!) Keep doing it. There’s always something new. You’re not going to want to miss any of it. If you’re a baseball blogger, head over to the BYBHub to find out how to get your blog added to the roster. The more the merrier and the better for everyone!

Happy Birthday BYBHub!

The Yankees Gift that Keeps on Giving

Just over eleven years ago, the Yankees gave Red Sox fans a great gift. Actually, it was eleven years ago just last night. Or, was it this morning? Hard to keep track of these things. But, the Yankees gave the gift of choking away a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. It was a wonderful gesture. They twice had leads with their closer on the mound in a clinching game. They twice saw that closer blow a save to let the Sox back into the series. 

It was wonderful.

It was, of course, one step towards the World Series championship that would change Red Sox baseball. Even if that was all, it was a great gift.

But, that epic collapse is really the gift that keeps on giving. Even before the World Series that year, we sensed it. After all, the Yankees were the first team to blow such a lead. It made sense to think it wouldn't happen again anytime soon. And, the next time a team went up 3-0, people would have to say, "Don't be cocky. The Yankees once blew a 3-0 lead!" And so it's been. Year after year after year.

Like this one.

Just last night, the Mets took a 3-0 Series lead against the Cubs. Almost immediately you saw graphics listing them as the only team to ever blow a 3-0 lead. Even Theo alluded to it. It's just glorious.

It doesn't end there, either. After all, once the Sox won game four, the Yankees led the series 3-1. Just like the Royals do in the ALCS this year. Once again, lists are made of teams to have blown 3-1 series leads. Yup. There are the Yankees again, big as life. (Right next to the Indians from when THEY blew a 3-1 series lead to the Sox.)

Sure, there's isn't a 3-1 or 3-0 lead in every series. It might not even happen every year. But, when it does, it's a wonderful reminder of everything the Red Sox accomplished those 11 years ago. It's a chance to see that clip of that final out over and over. Rather than broadcasts constantly showing a ball going between someone's legs, they show a clip of a ball being thrown to first. That's much better, in my opinion. 

So, thank you to the 2004 Yankees, the biggest chokers in the history of baseball, for this amazing gift. 

It's something to savor every October.