Slugfest '08?

I don't mean the video game. I mean the show the Red Sox have put on offensively the past three games. I want to jump for joy and believe that this is what we've been waiting for - all the bats to get hot at the same time as we approach the most important part of the regular season. I can't think that though. Not yet. I need the team to prove to me that they weren't just taking batting practice off the worst pitching in the American League. Halladay is pitching for the Blue Jays tonight. If the Sox can put up 5+ runs on the guy, I'm going to feel highly optimistic. Until then, I'm going to be an old school Sox fan and continue to worry and doubt until I'm proven wrong... or right. (Remember those days, pre 2004. Aw man, how I slightly miss them.)

Right quick, whatup Jeff Bailey! He came in and did something productive, just like I hoped he would. (Check yesterday's blog. He made the good news section.) I enjoy it far too much when a prospect comes up and does what they're supposed to. Jeff Bailey, if you Google yourself in the near future and come across this, I personally congratulate you.

Raise your hand if you've got some mixed emotions about Paul Byrd starting tonight. I'd be raising both if I wasn't typing. Yes, he has a 1.24 ERA with a 4-0 record since the All Star break. Fantastic. He's still an aged pitcher who hasn't experienced the Boston atmosphere, and not to mention, can still suck. Plus, I know that Sox fans have been on their last straw with Buchholz during at least his last one to three starts, but he is replacing a guy in the rotation that most fans still love greatly because of his momentum changing no hitter last year. I'd love for Byrd to come out and throw 7 shut out innings, but I cannot say that my faith is entirely in him. Quick thought: what happens to Paul Byrd when Bartolo Colon or Tim Wakefield come back from the DL, assuming Paul Byrd continues this post all star game hot streak? You're never supposed to lose your starting position to injury. Just something to think about/pay attention to as that comes along.

Riddle me this, Batman. Pushing Clay Buchholz's next start back two days accomplishes what? The Red Sox are having him start Sunday's game against the same Blue Jays he'd be pitching against tonight. The organization has faith in him, which they are obliged to seeing that they could have traded him for a Mr. Johan Santana. I respect that. However, I would also respect not having an automatic loss in the pitching rotation. Let him go down to triple A and figure his life out. We're kind of in the middle of what one may call a pennant race? Clay himself is quoted saying, "I don't want to be the link weak." Great.

A note of compassion - The Jimmyfund telethon started yesterday. Please call and donate. I'll be doing the same myself sometime today. The number is 1-877-738-1234. Toll free and for a good cause. Step up and do it. You know you want to.

All you facebookers. Check out the One Million Red Sox Fans group. I'm one of our nine lovely administrators. We're good for any kind of conversation, especially baseball. We update multiple times per day, and almost always have an intelligent baseball discussion going on. Plus they read my blog and I want to give them some love<3. The link if you're interested, and you should be. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2266008615

Peace!