Before I go into my “woe is me” mode for yesterday, let me just say that there was some incredible defense on both sides of the Sox-Angels game. Although I was furious as the game concluded, I can’t say it wasn’t a fun game to watch. Whether it was Nick Green cleanly fielding a bunted ball, or Jason Bay diving for a fly in left, the Sox made it clear (at least defensively) that they wanted to win yesterday’s ballgame. And how about that play by JD Drew to keep the game scoreless in the 8th? What a play.
Also, as awful as it was to watch it, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the catch that Hunter made against Pedroia yesterday. That was one heck of a play. Sure I was angry in the 10th, but that was one of the best catches I’ve seen. It wasn’t a diving catch, but it was a great one. Props to you, Hunter.
Okay, now it’s time to be depressed. If there was ever a bad day to be a Boston sports fan, yesterday was it. As if it wasn’t frustrating enough to watch the Sox lose (after loading the bases with only one out in the top of the 12th), then we had to watch the Bruins lose in overtime. I’m not going to go into a big thing about the Bruins because I don’t know nearly as much about hockey as I do about baseball. But I will say that they put up one heck of a fight last night. Great season, B’s, can’t wait to watch you next year!
Yes, I was depressed about both the Sox and Bruins last night. Although I am not a Celtics fan, I flipped to their game a couple times during commercials for the Bruins and saw that there was yet a third Boston sports team that was not going to get a W. What a day to be a Bostonian.
But let’s get back to the Sox…
There are a couple more points I want to make: 1) I think the best thing for Francona to do with the whole David Ortiz situation is to let him have a couple games off. It’s what he did with Varitek and with Lugo in the past and I don’t know why he doesn’t do it with Papi. He’s clearly slumping, but at the same time it’s not like he’s always swinging and missing. He’s been giving the ball a ride and usually when he does this it goes right at the outfielders. Also it’s obvious his confidence isn’t all there with the amount of check swing’s he has had. I say give him tonight and tomorrow off and then put him back in the 3 spot on Sunday.
2) I think the Red Sox bullpen got way overlooked as a result from the extra innings as well as all the great defense from yesterday’s game. Okajima, Ramirez, and Papelbon combined for 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball, while only allowing 2 hits and a walk. They also recorded two strikeouts. It’s a shame with all the great pitching and solid defense that the offense couldn’t pull through.
But tonight’s a new ballgame and a new series. Let’s hope Lester can get back to his winning ways.
Keep the Faith.
