Don't Blame the Starting Pitchers and Don't Blame Francona!

Here we are again, on the wrong end of a series swept away like sand tracked in from the beach.  It would be easy to pin yesterday's loss on Josh Beckett (who officially got the loss) or today on Tim Wakefield (also the statistical loser).  But these two losses occurred not because the starters broke down, but because Terry Francona has no one he trusts in the bullpen more than a tired starter.

Josh Beckett gave up four runs on four hits yesterday in the 7th inning.  Most managers would be racing to the mound to get him out and bring in relief.  But we are back to the age old question (at least of this season). who do you go to?  The guy who can't get anyone out?  The guy who allows inherited runners to score?  Can Jonathan Papelbon pitch for three innings every night?

Justin Masterson is on his way to try to help this bullpen find their way to getting outs.  And while the debate today was whether Francona should have left Beckett in yesterday or not, it's hard to argue with him after seeing Delcarmen give up the winning runs tonight.

Let's face it Red Sox Nation: if the bullpen doesn't get it together, and get it together soon, this team will not be going far in October.  The trading deadline is not the answer; the answer lies within.  It's just a matter of finding it.

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Please, for the love of God, Jon Miller and Joe Morgan need to retire before the next Sunday Night Baseball game.  Best quote from Morgan on a replay of a Manny Ramirez at bat:  "Manny knew he was going to get a fastball there, and he hit the slider for a base hit."  Really?  Knew he was getting a fastball so he hit the slider? 

And if Miller referred one more time to the fact the Red Sox struggle on the road, I might have had to jump through the television.  He mentioned it at least once per inning, and I think even more.  It was as if when he had nothing else to say, or he didn't understand what was going on out on the field, he brought up the Sox road record.  But his best quote of the night though?  In the top of the 9th inning:  "If Casey had gotten on base, Ellsbury would represent the tying run."  You're kidding?  Really?  Wow...that must be new Math right there!

Gentlemen, please, retire before next week's Sox/Yankees Sunday Night Game.  I might have to buy tickets on eBay just so I don't have to listen to them!  (For those of you wondering, my season ticket package is only for Monday-Friday games.)