Don't Panic

Douglas Adams writes sound advice in his novel (and handbook), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: "Don't Panic."

Was last night's game against the Tampa Bay (don't call me devil) Rays annoying?  Yes!  Was it frustrating?  Yes!  Am I more annoyed and frustrated because I sat at Fenway Park until after midnight to see a 14th inning loss?  You bet I am!

But here's why I'm not particularly worried today:  With the exception of the home run given up by Mike Timlin, the bullpen pitched very, very well last night.  Now I realize that might be the same as asking, "Other than that interruption Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"  But truly, they pitched well.  They got into jams and got out them; they went after hitters and didn't throw around them.  It was a fine effort from the pen, the one we have been waiting to see for weeks now.

The defense was as good as always.  Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Elsbury made some phenomenal catches to save runs during the extra innings. 

And they were hitting the ball...yes, too many chances and runners left on base (in scoring position) during the final five innings, but the outs were hard hit outs, and that encourages me. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still stinging from the organ music at the end of the game instead of the usual "Dirty Water" winning anthem.  I also will finally admit, the Rays will most likely make the playoffs, although I still don't think they have what it takes to win the division or go beyond the first round of the playoffs.

It may all be semantics, but the Rays did not win last night's game, the Red Sox lost it.  Tuesday night, the Rays beat the Sox fair and square, and last night, the Red Sox did themselves in by not getting the big (or even small) hit when they needed it.  And if that's the greatest worry from this series, well, history has shown not to worry about that when the playoffs begin.

* * *

Maybe there is a great reason for this, but I have no idea why Jason Veritek was pinch run for in the 7th inning, and first back-up catcher Kevin Cash was pinch hit for the next time the spot came up in the order (in the 9th inning).  Tek is not the fastest guy on the team, but to pull him for a pinch runner while he was on first base and when there are already two outs seemed odd.  It also meant Coco Crisp was never put in a position to hit last night; after pinch running, Kevin Cash came into the game, and after Chis Carter pinch hit for him, we were left with David Ross (second back-up catcher?) hitting for all the extra innings. 

No news today about Tek being tired, hurt or otherwise in need of being taken out.  I know his average is down this year, but given the alternatives, I would have liked to have seen him hitting in the late innings.  I would have liked to have seen Crisp have a chance at the plate, especially with his ability to hit the ball lately. 

Monday morning (or Thursday morning) quarterbacking is always easier than making the calls during the game.  And for the record, I was asking these questions in the 8th, 9th and 11th innings.  There may have been a good reason Terry Francona made the moves he made, but I just don't see it.