First off, let me say that I have nothing against any of these guys (although Lopez makes me nervous). I just thought up of the three people I yelled at most while watching NESN, and what do you know? I got myself a catchy title.
Now that I have your attention, it's time to vent (without the Coors Light, thank you). I'm expecting great things from Jon Lester this season. I know last night was not the pitcher we are going to see a month from now - heck, even a start from now. If you look at the Yankees right now you'd see that their starting pitching isn't anything to scream about either. But we all know that it's not going to stay like this. However, it doesn't make it any easier to put a smile on your face after a double play couldn't get Lester out of the 5th with a close game.
Luckily, the Sox got the bases loaded in the 8th and started to make a threat. Thanks to Jason Bay, the Sox already had another run that inning and had the tying run at the plate. Lowrie, however, couldn't get the job done. I know I'm not the only fan who threw something across the room after Lowrie struck out swinging.
Now I normally don't do this, but I'm gonna point a finger at the ump for that at bat. He called a strike that must have been a foot off the plate on Balfour's second pitch. I'm sorry, but that's totally going to screw up your at bat. The next pitch could have been in the dirt and Lowrie might have gone after it. Bad umpiring is part of the game, but boy does it mess you up. Oh, and Lowrie could have easily hit that ball - I know it wasn't in the dirt.
If there were any fans left at point, most of them headed for the gates shortly after. Javier Lopez showed some of his 2008 self by giving up another run, while leaving two more on base that could have also scored. I understand Francona and the Sox have confidence in Lopez, but I honestly can't say that I want him here for the whole season if he's not going to show any improvements. Don't be surprised of Epstein and the upper level guys start looking for another lefty.
And now we're just an hour away from Game 3. It's a beautiful day for a ball game and Dice-K's on the mound. Let's see what our boys can do.
Now if you'll excuse me...my break is over. Back to work. GO SOX!
