The Red Sox and Phillies are playing late games on the West Coast this week. For no reason, I teased Christine last night that Trent wanted to be woken up if Josh Beckett were pitching a no-hitter.
Sure enough, when I flipped on MLB Network to check the score, they did a live cut-in to Anaheim where a story was brewing - Josh Beckett had a no-hitter into the 6th inning. He immediately gave up a little bloop infield hit.
But, no worries, the network quickly switched to San Diego, where Roy Oswalt was working on his own no-hitter. I didn't bother to watch. It was late. I was tired.
Besides, as I told Christine, who was worried about staying up herself, he had thrown nearly 80 pitches and there was no way he would pitch a no-no.
"But there could be a combined no-hitter," she countered.
There wasn't. Oswalt gave up a hit in the 5th and combined with three relievers on the 3-0 shutout. Beckett, who may actually be back this year, gave up two runs in eight innings, but had to settle for a no-decision in the Red Sox 4-2 11-inning win.
Showing posts with label Padres. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Padres. Show all posts
Apr 22, 2011
Oct 3, 2010
Rooting
I didn't think I'd care much about baseball today, but it was nice to see the Red Sox win the final two games against the Yankees, knocking them down to the Wild Card. Congrats to the AL East Champion Rays.
It was also nice rooting for the Phillies as they gave another scare to the Braves, who survived to make the playoffs. Finally, we were rooting for the Padres to win against the Giants and set up a three-way tie in the NL, but that also fell short.
It was also nice rooting for the Phillies as they gave another scare to the Braves, who survived to make the playoffs. Finally, we were rooting for the Padres to win against the Giants and set up a three-way tie in the NL, but that also fell short.
Aug 29, 2010
Crunch time
Today, I concentrated on the Red Sox.
Not my favorite ball team, but my National Multiple Sclerosis Society City to Shore bike-riding team. I've lapsed in my training since Trent arrived, and I set out on a 50-miler today. Trent and Christine are ready for the 75-mile ride, but they're riding in a car and hanging with grandparents as I do the legwork. I don't know how ready I am for my part of the bargain, with just four weeks left.
We'll figure it out.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are responding to crunch time by sweeping the front-running Padres after getting swept by the lowly Astros. The (baseball) Red Sox are still clinging to hope, but they need tonight's game. John Lackey started off well, but the Rays now lead 4-3 in the 7th.
Not my favorite ball team, but my National Multiple Sclerosis Society City to Shore bike-riding team. I've lapsed in my training since Trent arrived, and I set out on a 50-miler today. Trent and Christine are ready for the 75-mile ride, but they're riding in a car and hanging with grandparents as I do the legwork. I don't know how ready I am for my part of the bargain, with just four weeks left.
We'll figure it out.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are responding to crunch time by sweeping the front-running Padres after getting swept by the lowly Astros. The (baseball) Red Sox are still clinging to hope, but they need tonight's game. John Lackey started off well, but the Rays now lead 4-3 in the 7th.
Aug 28, 2010
Trent's big day
Trent made it through the night - the little guy slept from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Then, this afternoon, he had his first large-group gathering and reconnected with the people who formed our family.
Finally, following doctor's instructions, we introduced him tonight to cereal. He didn't like it. I told him that he needs solids to bulk up and that tonight's pitcher, Clay Buchholz, had trouble gaining weight.
Despite this milestone of a day, we also got into the pennant races as both our teams played playoff-quality games against playoff-quality opponents. The Phillies met their challenge, beating the Padres 3-1. The Red Sox did not. In a game that resembled a heavyweight fight, the Rays outlasted the Sox 3-2 in 10 innings. The weight-challenged Buchholz pitched a good game - one earned run and another unearned run in 7 1/3 innings.
The first run was a cluster - Carlos Pena reached third because Buchholz stupidly threw away a pickoff throw that shouldn't have been attempted. Pena scored on a sacrifice when J.D. Drew caught a foul ball instead of letting it drop.
The Tampa announcer said no one in Boston could blame Drew. Perhaps, but Trent and I did.
Hopefully, we'll all get another good night's sleep and get them tomorrow.
Then, this afternoon, he had his first large-group gathering and reconnected with the people who formed our family.
Finally, following doctor's instructions, we introduced him tonight to cereal. He didn't like it. I told him that he needs solids to bulk up and that tonight's pitcher, Clay Buchholz, had trouble gaining weight.
Despite this milestone of a day, we also got into the pennant races as both our teams played playoff-quality games against playoff-quality opponents. The Phillies met their challenge, beating the Padres 3-1. The Red Sox did not. In a game that resembled a heavyweight fight, the Rays outlasted the Sox 3-2 in 10 innings. The weight-challenged Buchholz pitched a good game - one earned run and another unearned run in 7 1/3 innings.
The first run was a cluster - Carlos Pena reached third because Buchholz stupidly threw away a pickoff throw that shouldn't have been attempted. Pena scored on a sacrifice when J.D. Drew caught a foul ball instead of letting it drop.
The Tampa announcer said no one in Boston could blame Drew. Perhaps, but Trent and I did.
Hopefully, we'll all get another good night's sleep and get them tomorrow.
Aug 27, 2010
Do or die
Trent was on the changing table tonight with a particularly ripe diaper. He looked at me and froze. We both knew what had to be done. There was no sense stalling, thinking or worrying. I ripped off the tape and took care of business.
I mention this because the Red Sox, who entered today trailing the Yankees and Rays by 5.5 games, started a three-game set in Tampa that many consider to be their last chance to stay relevant in 2010.
After a season of surviving a spate of injuries, it's amazing they're still alive. But this isn't a time to think about that. It's do or die.
Tonight, they did. Jon Lester held his own in a marquee matchup against David Price, just an unearned run on two hits and five walks with 10 strikeouts over seven innings. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon shut the door in the 3-1 win. With the White Sox winning big over the Yankees, perhaps there's still a chance for the Red Sox to win this whole thing.
Of course, there is a big difference between changing a diaper and performing a big comeback: Trent's diaper didn't just learn that it would be without Dustin Pedroia for the rest of the year.
Phillies: They're playing late in San Diego. In the 5th, it's 1-1.
I mention this because the Red Sox, who entered today trailing the Yankees and Rays by 5.5 games, started a three-game set in Tampa that many consider to be their last chance to stay relevant in 2010.
After a season of surviving a spate of injuries, it's amazing they're still alive. But this isn't a time to think about that. It's do or die.
Tonight, they did. Jon Lester held his own in a marquee matchup against David Price, just an unearned run on two hits and five walks with 10 strikeouts over seven innings. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon shut the door in the 3-1 win. With the White Sox winning big over the Yankees, perhaps there's still a chance for the Red Sox to win this whole thing.
Of course, there is a big difference between changing a diaper and performing a big comeback: Trent's diaper didn't just learn that it would be without Dustin Pedroia for the rest of the year.
Phillies: They're playing late in San Diego. In the 5th, it's 1-1.
Jun 7, 2010
Not everyone gets dealt a winner
Crazier than a Red Sox fan who was raised a Yankees fan and is now married to a Phillies fan is the fact that we have a friend who is a Nationals fan despite no connections to Montreal or Washington.
This week, as he often claims, is the highlight of his time as a Nats/Expos fan. The Nats drafted Bryce Harper tonight, and tomorrow, their uber draft pick from last year, Stephen Strasburg, makes his much anticipated debut.
When your teams have been as good as the Red Sox and Phillies in recent years, sometimes you forget what it's like to scrap for any sort of moral victory, such as the hope of draft picks or a 4-3 11-inning win over a vaunted division foe. Nick Cafardo reminded us of that in writing about how Sunday's win was so important for the Orioles:
I love that dig at Red Sox fans who act like Yankees fans and expect to go 173-0 every year.
Sometimes, as John Lackey pointed out, the cliche is true: It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it's more important how you play the game:
That's right. Just make sure that one game doesn't become more tonight (joking).
Happy Birthday: Officially sponsored SoxandPhil Heathcliff Slocumb turned 44 today. In honor of the occasion, and because the Red Sox and Phillies square off this weekend, I thought I'd post his numbers as a Phillie against the Red Sox and vice versa, but his Phillies tenure ended two years before interleague play was created in 1997. He was still a Red Sox for half of that season, but did not appear in the inaugural SoxandPhils series.
Tonight's games: The Red Sox lead the Indians 4-1 in the 9th. Has Daisuke Matsuzaka (no runs, four hits, two walks and five strikeouts) turned a corner? ... Cole Hamels took a no-hitter into the 7th, but lost it on back-to-back homers. The Phillies bats wasted his eight-inning, two-run, three-hit, two-walk, six-strikeout performance in the 3-1 loss to the Padres.
This week, as he often claims, is the highlight of his time as a Nats/Expos fan. The Nats drafted Bryce Harper tonight, and tomorrow, their uber draft pick from last year, Stephen Strasburg, makes his much anticipated debut.
When your teams have been as good as the Red Sox and Phillies in recent years, sometimes you forget what it's like to scrap for any sort of moral victory, such as the hope of draft picks or a 4-3 11-inning win over a vaunted division foe. Nick Cafardo reminded us of that in writing about how Sunday's win was so important for the Orioles:
In the grand scheme of things, what did yesterday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles mean to the Red Sox? Nothing more than one loss to a bad team snapping a 10-game losing streak, giving their new manager his first win. It didn't mean a darn thing to the people who follow the Red Sox, except those who feel they should clobber the Orioles every time they play them.
To the Orioles, it was more than that. It was a day when self-respect came back. Maybe it's fleeting because after the Sox left town, the Yankees are paying a visit starting tomorrow.
This was a great snapshot of the psychology of sport. The Orioles are a downtrodden team that had been buried the last two weeks, and been clobbered, 19-2, in the first two games against the Red Sox. They have been made fun of, called horrible things, and ridiculed. But yesterday, under very tough conditions — rain, heat, humidity — Juan Samuel's troops hung in there enough and beat one of the best teams in baseball in 11 innings.
I love that dig at Red Sox fans who act like Yankees fans and expect to go 173-0 every year.
Sometimes, as John Lackey pointed out, the cliche is true: It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it's more important how you play the game:
And yet the Sox couldn't pull it out, ending a seven-game road winning streak. Not that anyone in the visitors' clubhouse was concerned. It was one loss in a long season.
"I don't think it's a big deal," Lackey said. "It's always disappointing to lose a game, but we're playing good baseball and we played good baseball today. Just came up a little bit short."
That's right. Just make sure that one game doesn't become more tonight (joking).
Happy Birthday: Officially sponsored SoxandPhil Heathcliff Slocumb turned 44 today. In honor of the occasion, and because the Red Sox and Phillies square off this weekend, I thought I'd post his numbers as a Phillie against the Red Sox and vice versa, but his Phillies tenure ended two years before interleague play was created in 1997. He was still a Red Sox for half of that season, but did not appear in the inaugural SoxandPhils series.
Tonight's games: The Red Sox lead the Indians 4-1 in the 9th. Has Daisuke Matsuzaka (no runs, four hits, two walks and five strikeouts) turned a corner? ... Cole Hamels took a no-hitter into the 7th, but lost it on back-to-back homers. The Phillies bats wasted his eight-inning, two-run, three-hit, two-walk, six-strikeout performance in the 3-1 loss to the Padres.
Jun 6, 2010
Clear sailing?
I went to sleep last night resigned that the morning would bring thunderstorms that would keep me inside. But when I woke, the skies were clear and I pedaled through the pines. I saw some alpacas.
I also thought the skies had cleared for our hopes of a SoxandPhils World Series.
The Red Sox are back, notes Nick Cafardo:
And while the Phillies are still shaking off the cobwebs from their offensive dead period, they showed signs of life in Saturday's win.
But then something happened. Each team had a game to play on Sunday. Each lost in extra innings.
The goat for the Phillies was Placido Polanco, who made a stupid decision trying to go to third on a one-out hit in the 10th. If he held at second, there's a good chance he would have scored because Ryan Howard followed with a hit. But there was no more scoring as the Padres beat the Phillies 6-5 in 10.
Still, the Phightins scored at least five runs for the second consecutive game. That hasn't happened since May 20-21. The Phillies took a moral victory:
I thought the Red Sox were coasting to a sweep when they scored two in the 2nd today, but John Lackey gave them right back and the game stayed tied until Manny Delcarmen had his second poor outing in a row, giving up a run in the 8th. The Red Sox tied it in the 9th, before Hideki Okajima lost in the 11th.
At least they're fighting.
I still believe both teams are past their worst stretches.
The Flyers, on the other hand: Chicago 4, Philadelphia 2 in the 2nd period of Game 5 of the finals.
I also thought the skies had cleared for our hopes of a SoxandPhils World Series.
The Red Sox are back, notes Nick Cafardo:
After last night's 8-2 win over the Orioles, just think about where this team has come from to pull within 3 1/2 games of the Rays, tied with the Blue Jays for third place with a 33-24 record. Now, the Rays aren't world-beaters; in fact, they have lost two straight to Texas. The Yankees were on a roll, but Toronto has silenced them. The Sox, meanwhile, have taken advantage of playing the worst team in baseball and won the first two games here.
The Sox were 8 1/2 out on May 23, when they actually had begun to pick up their game to go three games over .500. At that time, the Rays were playing lights out at 30-11. But the Sox kept steadily rising, while the Rays kept steadily declining. The Sox went through a key stretch in which they played Detroit, New York, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay, and came out of it 9-4. That proved to the Sox that they belonged in the conversation as a wild-card team, and maybe more.
And while the Phillies are still shaking off the cobwebs from their offensive dead period, they showed signs of life in Saturday's win.
But then something happened. Each team had a game to play on Sunday. Each lost in extra innings.
The goat for the Phillies was Placido Polanco, who made a stupid decision trying to go to third on a one-out hit in the 10th. If he held at second, there's a good chance he would have scored because Ryan Howard followed with a hit. But there was no more scoring as the Padres beat the Phillies 6-5 in 10.
Still, the Phightins scored at least five runs for the second consecutive game. That hasn't happened since May 20-21. The Phillies took a moral victory:
"Baby steps," first baseman Ryan Howard said.
[...]
"Better than nothing," Polanco said.
But no one will say the Phillies have snapped out of this funk - especially when the middle of the order continues to struggle. Utley was 1 for 5, dropping his batting average to .265. Howard was 2 for 6 with three RBIs but struck out three times. Werth was 0 for 5. Raul Ibanez, now hitting .229, was 0 for 4.
"But we're still getting some good hits," Schneider said. "We worked the counts real well. We got Correia out of there early. We're not just swinging early and giving up.
"Hopefully it's the start of something good again."
I thought the Red Sox were coasting to a sweep when they scored two in the 2nd today, but John Lackey gave them right back and the game stayed tied until Manny Delcarmen had his second poor outing in a row, giving up a run in the 8th. The Red Sox tied it in the 9th, before Hideki Okajima lost in the 11th.
At least they're fighting.
I still believe both teams are past their worst stretches.
The Flyers, on the other hand: Chicago 4, Philadelphia 2 in the 2nd period of Game 5 of the finals.
Jun 5, 2010
Perfect prediction
As I predicted earlier this week, the Phillies won a close game behind Roy Halladay on Friday and then their offense exploded tonight.
OK, I envisioned a little more than six runs, but they did have 10 hits and were starting to take some Phillies-esque swings. As starting pitcher Jamie Moyer said, they're starting to look comfortable. I sense hittin' season is coming real soon.
Speaking of the ancient (former) Mariner, I just noticed that my prediction about him pitching his second complete game of the season was missing from Thursday's post. I bet Christine accidentally deleted it. I called tonight's masterpiece. Really, I did.
Question: Before the season, would Vegas put better odds on Halladay pitching a perfect game or Moyer having two complete games?
The veteran needed just 98 pitches in the 6-2 victory over the Padres. He didn't have a three-ball count until a 9th inning walk. He also scattered seven hits. It was his 100th win as a 40-something and the 264th of his career.
Red Sox: Jon Lester pitched well - no runs in 6.1 innings - but the Red Sox bats didn't give him much breathing room. But now, in the 9th, the Red Sox are scoring again and lead the Orioles 6-0.
OK, I envisioned a little more than six runs, but they did have 10 hits and were starting to take some Phillies-esque swings. As starting pitcher Jamie Moyer said, they're starting to look comfortable. I sense hittin' season is coming real soon.
Speaking of the ancient (former) Mariner, I just noticed that my prediction about him pitching his second complete game of the season was missing from Thursday's post. I bet Christine accidentally deleted it. I called tonight's masterpiece. Really, I did.
Question: Before the season, would Vegas put better odds on Halladay pitching a perfect game or Moyer having two complete games?
The veteran needed just 98 pitches in the 6-2 victory over the Padres. He didn't have a three-ball count until a 9th inning walk. He also scattered seven hits. It was his 100th win as a 40-something and the 264th of his career.
Red Sox: Jon Lester pitched well - no runs in 6.1 innings - but the Red Sox bats didn't give him much breathing room. But now, in the 9th, the Red Sox are scoring again and lead the Orioles 6-0.
Jun 4, 2010
Managing futility
As expected, the Orioles fired manager Dave Trembly and replaced him with Phillies Wall of Famer Juan Samuel. I didn't know that another option for interim Orioles manager was former Red Sox catcher Gary Allenson, but he was promoted to replace Samuel as third base coach. There's a further SoxandPhil connection in that Samuel made his managerial debut tonight against the Red Sox.
The occasion gave Terry Francona a chance to repeat his line about being fired by the Phillies:
That said, we wish Juan Samuel luck - once the Red Sox leave town, but especially against the Rays and Yankees.
So far, so good. Actually, I wish the Sox would have eased up a little bit as they gave Samuel a 11-0 loss in his debut. Clay Buchholz was dominant, pitching a five-hit, one-walk shutout. On MLB Network, Harold Reynolds felt the need to point out how he now has a shutout and a no-hitter against the Orioles. More notable is that the other MLB Network announcer proclaimed him the ace of the Sox, ahead of even Jon Lester. I'm pleased with his progress, but I don't think Buchholz has supplanted Lester.
The Phillies, meanwhile, as I predicted, did not break out of their hitting slump. But they did manage three runs, which was enough for the 3-2 win over the Padres. Roy Halladay pitched a good game for a mortal pitcher, which means he had a so-so start for the Doc. In seven innings, he gave up two runs on 10 hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. Brad Lidge pitched like Brad Lidge circa 2008, picking up his first save since coming back from his second DL stint with two strikeouts in a clean inning.
The Flyers, trying to even up the series, lead the Blackhawks 3-1 in the 3rd period.
The occasion gave Terry Francona a chance to repeat his line about being fired by the Phillies:
"I felt it coming. I knew it was coming," Francona said. "I've always been pretty honest about it. If I was a general manager, I would've fired me also. I think they didn't really have a choice. Saying that, the last however many days that there's speculation, that's the hardest. That's really hard. Now, saying that, I remember thinking, 'OK, when I get fired, it's going to be this huge weight off my shoulders.' And it wasn't. You can't live with people almost 24 hours a day and it just goes away. I thought it would, and it doesn't."
That said, we wish Juan Samuel luck - once the Red Sox leave town, but especially against the Rays and Yankees.
So far, so good. Actually, I wish the Sox would have eased up a little bit as they gave Samuel a 11-0 loss in his debut. Clay Buchholz was dominant, pitching a five-hit, one-walk shutout. On MLB Network, Harold Reynolds felt the need to point out how he now has a shutout and a no-hitter against the Orioles. More notable is that the other MLB Network announcer proclaimed him the ace of the Sox, ahead of even Jon Lester. I'm pleased with his progress, but I don't think Buchholz has supplanted Lester.
The Phillies, meanwhile, as I predicted, did not break out of their hitting slump. But they did manage three runs, which was enough for the 3-2 win over the Padres. Roy Halladay pitched a good game for a mortal pitcher, which means he had a so-so start for the Doc. In seven innings, he gave up two runs on 10 hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. Brad Lidge pitched like Brad Lidge circa 2008, picking up his first save since coming back from his second DL stint with two strikeouts in a clean inning.
The Flyers, trying to even up the series, lead the Blackhawks 3-1 in the 3rd period.
Jun 4, 2009
Pitchers' Civil War may be ending
This morning I read a note in David Murphy's blog about how well the Phillies starters have been doing since Chan Ho Park has been banished to the bullpen:
Actually, that start was May 17. The next day, I took a look at how much better both of our teams' bullpens were than the starting rotations. Things have improved since then:
BOS starters
May 18: 5.76 (28th)
Today: 5.05 (26th)
PHI starters
May 18: 6.35 (30th)
Today: 5.58 (29th)
BOS relievers
May 18: 3.02 (3rd)
Today: 2.86 (1st)
PHI relievers
May 18: 3.97 (12th)
Today: 3.72 (9th)
BOS total
May 18: 4.77 (21st)
Today: 3.31 (14th)
PHI total
May 18: 5.59 (27th)
Today: 4.88 (27th)
Although both teams' starting staffs still have poor overall numbers, things are moving in the right direction - enough so that the members of both teams vaunted bullpen can put their muskets down for the time being.
Speaking of pitching, interesting report the other day on Junichi Tazawa, who seems to be the anti-Daisuke Matsuzaka in that he is pitching well - and efficiently. The Red Sox put their AA pitchers on 85-pitch limits. That would barely get Dice-K through the lineup once. Tazawa pitched into the 7th inning last time out on that limit.
Phillies: J.A. Happ finished off the sweep of the Padres last night, pitching seven scoreless innings in the 5-1 win. J.C. Romero gave up an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings - his 2009 debut. Ryan Howard hit another home run, but much of the ink went to Greg Dobbs, who got a rare start in right field, because of a running catch he made to end the 2nd inning with the bases loaded. It was a win-win for me because it was a solid drive by Padres pitcher Chris Young, right after Chris Wheeler said he looked futile at the plate. So, Wheels looked dumb without the Phillies getting hurt.
The Phils return to Los Angeles tonight for the first time since beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Red Sox: They also completed a sweep when Tim Wakefield got his seventh win this afternoon against the Tigers, 6-3. For the second straight game, Kevin Youkilis was removed with injury. David Ortiz did not make an out today. He was riding the pine. But he made news by saying he's going to try to end his slump with an eye exam - or maybe just being happier. I hope something works.
Don't look now, but Phillies starters have recorded a victory in each of these six straight wins. Since a win over Washington on May 18th when Chan Ho Park allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings and lost his spot in the rotation, Phillies starters have an ERA just over 4.00, which is nearly two and a half runs better than the 6.35 ERA they posted in the first 36 games of the season.
Actually, that start was May 17. The next day, I took a look at how much better both of our teams' bullpens were than the starting rotations. Things have improved since then:
BOS starters
May 18: 5.76 (28th)
Today: 5.05 (26th)
PHI starters
May 18: 6.35 (30th)
Today: 5.58 (29th)
BOS relievers
May 18: 3.02 (3rd)
Today: 2.86 (1st)
PHI relievers
May 18: 3.97 (12th)
Today: 3.72 (9th)
BOS total
May 18: 4.77 (21st)
Today: 3.31 (14th)
PHI total
May 18: 5.59 (27th)
Today: 4.88 (27th)
Although both teams' starting staffs still have poor overall numbers, things are moving in the right direction - enough so that the members of both teams vaunted bullpen can put their muskets down for the time being.
Speaking of pitching, interesting report the other day on Junichi Tazawa, who seems to be the anti-Daisuke Matsuzaka in that he is pitching well - and efficiently. The Red Sox put their AA pitchers on 85-pitch limits. That would barely get Dice-K through the lineup once. Tazawa pitched into the 7th inning last time out on that limit.
Phillies: J.A. Happ finished off the sweep of the Padres last night, pitching seven scoreless innings in the 5-1 win. J.C. Romero gave up an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings - his 2009 debut. Ryan Howard hit another home run, but much of the ink went to Greg Dobbs, who got a rare start in right field, because of a running catch he made to end the 2nd inning with the bases loaded. It was a win-win for me because it was a solid drive by Padres pitcher Chris Young, right after Chris Wheeler said he looked futile at the plate. So, Wheels looked dumb without the Phillies getting hurt.
The Phils return to Los Angeles tonight for the first time since beating the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Red Sox: They also completed a sweep when Tim Wakefield got his seventh win this afternoon against the Tigers, 6-3. For the second straight game, Kevin Youkilis was removed with injury. David Ortiz did not make an out today. He was riding the pine. But he made news by saying he's going to try to end his slump with an eye exam - or maybe just being happier. I hope something works.
Jun 3, 2009
Birthdays and milestones
Back in April, I forgot to wish Terry Francona a happy 50th birthday; I'll tip my hat - not a Scratch-n-Sniff watermelon one blech - the day after he won his 500th game as manager of the Red Sox. (The score remained 5-1 over the Tigers despite Papelbon giving up three hits in a non-save situation. He did have three strikeouts.)
I won't forget to wish Raul Ibanez a happy birthday (last night). He celebrated with his 200th career home run in a 10-5 win over the Padres, highlighted by a great debut for Antonio Bastardo - one earned on four hits and a walk over six innings with five strikeouts. That's much better than the numbers for Jake Peavy - four runs in one inning - who left the game because of illness. (Christine insists it's swine flu.)
His relief, like Ibanez, was also a birthday boy, notes Andy Martino:
--Fun fact: Raul Ibanez hit his 200th home run on his 37th birthday. The pitcher who allowed the shot, Josh Geer, also was celebrating a birthday, at least until he faced Ibanez. It was Geer’s 26th.
Neither Martino nor Ibanez knew whether the Phillies Ponce de Leon ever homered on his birthday before.
I checked: He hit one on his 34th birthday in 2006. For his career, he's now 7-25 (.280) on his birthdays.
Misc.: Scott Eyre thinks he will retire after this season.
Tonight: J.A. Happ goes for the Phils late in San Diego; Josh Beckett nearly threw a no-hitter tonight. We got home in the 5th inning, and I saw a full inning before he gave up a hit with two outs in the 7th. I thought he had it, too. He looked so calm and under control. I felt like I was watching the 2007 playoffs. It was a close game until the Red Sox put up six runs in the 8th. They're ahead of the Tigers 10-1 in the 8th.
I won't forget to wish Raul Ibanez a happy birthday (last night). He celebrated with his 200th career home run in a 10-5 win over the Padres, highlighted by a great debut for Antonio Bastardo - one earned on four hits and a walk over six innings with five strikeouts. That's much better than the numbers for Jake Peavy - four runs in one inning - who left the game because of illness. (Christine insists it's swine flu.)
His relief, like Ibanez, was also a birthday boy, notes Andy Martino:
--Fun fact: Raul Ibanez hit his 200th home run on his 37th birthday. The pitcher who allowed the shot, Josh Geer, also was celebrating a birthday, at least until he faced Ibanez. It was Geer’s 26th.
Neither Martino nor Ibanez knew whether the Phillies Ponce de Leon ever homered on his birthday before.
I checked: He hit one on his 34th birthday in 2006. For his career, he's now 7-25 (.280) on his birthdays.
Misc.: Scott Eyre thinks he will retire after this season.
Tonight: J.A. Happ goes for the Phils late in San Diego; Josh Beckett nearly threw a no-hitter tonight. We got home in the 5th inning, and I saw a full inning before he gave up a hit with two outs in the 7th. I thought he had it, too. He looked so calm and under control. I felt like I was watching the 2007 playoffs. It was a close game until the Red Sox put up six runs in the 8th. They're ahead of the Tigers 10-1 in the 8th.
Jun 2, 2009
Late night with the Phils
It's Christine's favorite time of the year - a West Coast swing. {Boo!}
Last night, I conked out shortly after 11 with the Phillies up 4-1; Christine made it through a few more innings before dozing off.
But the first thing I saw when I turned on the TV this morning was the MLB ticker saying that Brad Lidge got his 13th save of the year. Nice start to the day.
Looking at the box score - Lidge needed just three pitches and two batters to finish off the 5-3 win over the Padres. (Raul Ibanez threw out a runner Lidge inherited.) Just now, Christine reluctantly proclaimed the former perfect closer "back."
Joe Blanton pitched well - three earned on six hits and a walk in seven innings. Every starter (including Blanton) reached base. Even Greg Dobbs had a pinch-hit double (I guess he was allowed to actually hit for a change). Chase Utley and Ryan Howard homered. I was awake for those - Howard's was a bomb to deep center.
Tonight's middle-of-the-night affair pits new Phillie Antonio Bastardo against possible future Phillie Jake Peavy. Christine doesn't want Peavy traded to the Phillies.
Red Sox: Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis continue to lead the All-Star voting, which reminds me I haven't voted yet.
Tonight, they got their first crack at Detroit's 20-year-old wonderkid Rick Porcello, a Morristown native. Things started off well - Dustin Pedroia led off (again) and had a double, scoring on a hit by J.D. Drew. Daisuke Matsuzaka hung on for five innings, and the Sox lead 5-1 in the 8th.
Christine is usually bored by the Red Sox, but I think she'd like this game because it involves a squirrel on the field.
Last night, I conked out shortly after 11 with the Phillies up 4-1; Christine made it through a few more innings before dozing off.
But the first thing I saw when I turned on the TV this morning was the MLB ticker saying that Brad Lidge got his 13th save of the year. Nice start to the day.
Looking at the box score - Lidge needed just three pitches and two batters to finish off the 5-3 win over the Padres. (Raul Ibanez threw out a runner Lidge inherited.) Just now, Christine reluctantly proclaimed the former perfect closer "back."
Joe Blanton pitched well - three earned on six hits and a walk in seven innings. Every starter (including Blanton) reached base. Even Greg Dobbs had a pinch-hit double (I guess he was allowed to actually hit for a change). Chase Utley and Ryan Howard homered. I was awake for those - Howard's was a bomb to deep center.
Tonight's middle-of-the-night affair pits new Phillie Antonio Bastardo against possible future Phillie Jake Peavy. Christine doesn't want Peavy traded to the Phillies.
Red Sox: Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis continue to lead the All-Star voting, which reminds me I haven't voted yet.
Tonight, they got their first crack at Detroit's 20-year-old wonderkid Rick Porcello, a Morristown native. Things started off well - Dustin Pedroia led off (again) and had a double, scoring on a hit by J.D. Drew. Daisuke Matsuzaka hung on for five innings, and the Sox lead 5-1 in the 8th.
Christine is usually bored by the Red Sox, but I think she'd like this game because it involves a squirrel on the field.
Jun 1, 2009
SoxandPhils should have been in the bibliography
I read a couple more chapters today of The Rocket that Fell to Earth. It was the part that describes how Roger Clemens made the leap from an awful human being to a cheating drugged-up loser in the mid-1990s, thanks to some help from Jose Canseco.As he looked around the clubhouse, Clemens surely noticed that he was surrounded by aging and adequate players. What he also noticed was that one older player who seemed to be getting bigger, stronger and better was Jose Canseco.
The book describes how Canseco tried hard to become a B-list celebrity with a fling with Madonna, a 1-900 line and mansions on each coast.
It also noted the 1995 Red Sox yearbook, whose juiced-up contents was duly noted on this blog a year ago. Here's what Jeff Pearlman wrote:
On the cover of the 1995 Red Sox Yearbook, Canseco posed in a black tank top, arms folded, biceps popping (wrote Mark Newman in the Sporting News, "It looks less like a team yearbook than, say, the latest issue of Playgirl").
OK, Newman beat us by more than a decade, but we were the first with the steroid link. And, unfortunately, this is not the cover shot, but one from inside the yearbook. But I think you still get the picture of what he was talking about.
Today's news: Red Sox are off; Phillies play late in San Diego. ... Gannett's furloughs don't exempt sports baseball beat writers. ... Jerry Remy sounds good in an audio Tweet released today. ... Todd Zolecki, not furloughed, reports: Raul Ibanez is now second in All-Star voting; Ryan Howard was co-player of the week; Kyle Drabek was promoted to Double-A Reading; and you shouldn't trust a Tweet from a Phillie other than Chad Durbin or Jamie Moyer.
Apr 20, 2009
Apple Pie, Mom and a Patriots' Day blowout
I like Patriots' Day. It's not like I get to see the game or anything, but there's just something appealing about checking the score on my lunch break and seeing the Red Sox are halfway to a win.
Today must have been cathartic for the Sox, who have now won five straight after stumbling a bit out of the gate. Justin Masterson, making his first start of the season, pitched into the 6th inning on 84 pitches - one earned, four hits, two walks and three strikeouts.
And the bats gave him plenty of support in the 12-1 win over the Orioles. Half the lineup had a multi-hit game, and every starter except Rocco Baldelli (who left with an injury) and Nick Green had a hit. Several Sox had big games: slumping David Ortiz (2-4 with a stand-up triple!), Jason Varitek (2-5 with a home run), and Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia set the table, going 7-13 with six runs. And there was even a little cherry on top: Hunter Jones, who took Daisuke Matsuzaka's spot on the roster, made his major league debut with an efficient 9th inning, allowing only one man to reach base via error.
Injuries: It wasn't all good news today. As I mentioned, Baldelli left the game with a mild hamstring sprain. Doesn't sound bad, but they're talking about the DL. And I've neglected to mention that we've been without our shortstop for more than a week, and now it's looking like Jed Lowrie is heading for surgery, but may be back midseason. I'm doubtful on that one.
The Phillies and Padres were rained out, and now it's really coming down here. Our movie was also postponed, but because of a scheduling mistake; we'll be attending tomorrow instead.
Today must have been cathartic for the Sox, who have now won five straight after stumbling a bit out of the gate. Justin Masterson, making his first start of the season, pitched into the 6th inning on 84 pitches - one earned, four hits, two walks and three strikeouts.
And the bats gave him plenty of support in the 12-1 win over the Orioles. Half the lineup had a multi-hit game, and every starter except Rocco Baldelli (who left with an injury) and Nick Green had a hit. Several Sox had big games: slumping David Ortiz (2-4 with a stand-up triple!), Jason Varitek (2-5 with a home run), and Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia set the table, going 7-13 with six runs. And there was even a little cherry on top: Hunter Jones, who took Daisuke Matsuzaka's spot on the roster, made his major league debut with an efficient 9th inning, allowing only one man to reach base via error.
Injuries: It wasn't all good news today. As I mentioned, Baldelli left the game with a mild hamstring sprain. Doesn't sound bad, but they're talking about the DL. And I've neglected to mention that we've been without our shortstop for more than a week, and now it's looking like Jed Lowrie is heading for surgery, but may be back midseason. I'm doubtful on that one.
The Phillies and Padres were rained out, and now it's really coming down here. Our movie was also postponed, but because of a scheduling mistake; we'll be attending tomorrow instead.
Apr 19, 2009
A little better
Today, the Phillies were the Phillies again and Jon Lester was Jon Lester again. For one day anyway. Hope both teams can build off it.
We watched bits and pieces of the Phillies game as we visited Christine's Mom. Christine was resigned to another loss before Jimmy Rollins (until today, 1-13 for his career as a pinch hitter) came off the bench to hit a home run, making it a one run game. With the Padres B closer on the mound, the Phillies best hitter, Rual Ibanez, hit a game-winning, two-run home run. A magical ending to a day in which the Phillies celebrated the Phanatic's birthday with a magician.
Clay Condrey got the win - he now leads the staff with two W's. And, Christine is reluctantly warming to Ibanez. She thinks he seems to get a hit whenever she's watching, almost as if he's trying to win her allegiance from Pat Burrell.
Red Sox: They mustered only two runs today, but when Jon Lester pitches like Jon Lester circa 2008, that's plenty. He shut down the Orioles for seven innings, giving up just four hits and two runs with nine strikeouts.
That's four in a row for the .500 Red Sox. It won't be long before their poor start is forgotten.
Little SoxandPhils nugget: Like in Philadelphia, Adam Eaton is proving to Orioles fans that he can't pitch. His first two starts: 10 earned runs, 17 hits and four walks in eight innings after winning a spot in the rotation with a stellar spring: 7.29 ERA, 1.95 WHIP in 21 innings.
He's so bad that even his opposing starting pitcher wanted to take some hacks at him on Saturday:
Although Beckett has homered against the Phillies (we witnessed the blast off Brett Myers in 2006), none of his Eaton hits came in SoxandPhils competitions.
We watched bits and pieces of the Phillies game as we visited Christine's Mom. Christine was resigned to another loss before Jimmy Rollins (until today, 1-13 for his career as a pinch hitter) came off the bench to hit a home run, making it a one run game. With the Padres B closer on the mound, the Phillies best hitter, Rual Ibanez, hit a game-winning, two-run home run. A magical ending to a day in which the Phillies celebrated the Phanatic's birthday with a magician.
Clay Condrey got the win - he now leads the staff with two W's. And, Christine is reluctantly warming to Ibanez. She thinks he seems to get a hit whenever she's watching, almost as if he's trying to win her allegiance from Pat Burrell.
Red Sox: They mustered only two runs today, but when Jon Lester pitches like Jon Lester circa 2008, that's plenty. He shut down the Orioles for seven innings, giving up just four hits and two runs with nine strikeouts.
That's four in a row for the .500 Red Sox. It won't be long before their poor start is forgotten.
Little SoxandPhils nugget: Like in Philadelphia, Adam Eaton is proving to Orioles fans that he can't pitch. His first two starts: 10 earned runs, 17 hits and four walks in eight innings after winning a spot in the rotation with a stellar spring: 7.29 ERA, 1.95 WHIP in 21 innings.
He's so bad that even his opposing starting pitcher wanted to take some hacks at him on Saturday:
Josh Beckett wanted in as a hitter last night because he's 4 for 8 with three doubles against Adam Eaton, the Orioles' starter. With the way David Ortiz has been going, would Francona consider it? "No," said the manager.
Although Beckett has homered against the Phillies (we witnessed the blast off Brett Myers in 2006), none of his Eaton hits came in SoxandPhils competitions.
Apr 18, 2009
Beautiful day, ugly night
I've waited all winter for this day. The cold was finally replaced by a sunny day in the mid 70s.
I took my first bike ride of the season. I cut the grass and did other spring cleaning around the yard. Christine and I took a walk preparing for next week's charity walk. Then we grilled up a nice summery meal as the Phillies came on.
We didn't go to Harry Kalas' services, mistakenly figuring the place would be jam-packed. Christine watched bits and pieces on TV, and I listened on the radio while putting up some stone edging around one of our flower beds.
Earlier in the day, I heard WIP's Anthony Gargano, while reminiscing about Harry and Richie Asburn, use the old cliche that baseball is life's soundtrack. He said you could walk in South Philly and listen to their broadcast from front porch to front porch, or at the shore from blanket to blanket. I got that vibe for some reason as I listened to speeches from Jamie Moyer, Mike Schmidt and assorted politicians float from my garage to the front of the yard where I hammered bricks into the ground.
Now, I'll probably always associate Harry with that flower bed.
Later, watching the Chase Utley hit in the 1st inning, I thought I should add a standing feature to the blog called "We miss Harry." Today's moment would be when Tom McCarthy felt the need to explain that they give out Silver Sluggers at the end of the year to the best hitter at each position - even the mound. I miss Harry.
Today's games: Not quite a beautiful day for SoxandPhils closers. Brad Lidge's save streak is over. Christine predicted it when he gave up the leadoff double. You know Harry would have sounded pained calling the Padres' four-run 9th inning off the formerly perfect Phillies closer. That's two consecutive awful losses for the defending world champions.
The Red Sox scored six runs off former Phil Adam Eaton in four innings, thanks to a big night by my MVP pick, Kevin Youkilis (4-5, four RBI, two runs, two doubles and a home run). Jonathan Papelbon came close to joining Lidge on the blown saves list, but he ended the 6-4 game with the potential tying run on first.
And congratulations to the Cleveland Indians for setting a record for the most runs (14) in a 2nd inning today in their 22-4 win.
I took my first bike ride of the season. I cut the grass and did other spring cleaning around the yard. Christine and I took a walk preparing for next week's charity walk. Then we grilled up a nice summery meal as the Phillies came on.
We didn't go to Harry Kalas' services, mistakenly figuring the place would be jam-packed. Christine watched bits and pieces on TV, and I listened on the radio while putting up some stone edging around one of our flower beds.
Earlier in the day, I heard WIP's Anthony Gargano, while reminiscing about Harry and Richie Asburn, use the old cliche that baseball is life's soundtrack. He said you could walk in South Philly and listen to their broadcast from front porch to front porch, or at the shore from blanket to blanket. I got that vibe for some reason as I listened to speeches from Jamie Moyer, Mike Schmidt and assorted politicians float from my garage to the front of the yard where I hammered bricks into the ground.
Now, I'll probably always associate Harry with that flower bed.
Later, watching the Chase Utley hit in the 1st inning, I thought I should add a standing feature to the blog called "We miss Harry." Today's moment would be when Tom McCarthy felt the need to explain that they give out Silver Sluggers at the end of the year to the best hitter at each position - even the mound. I miss Harry.
Today's games: Not quite a beautiful day for SoxandPhils closers. Brad Lidge's save streak is over. Christine predicted it when he gave up the leadoff double. You know Harry would have sounded pained calling the Padres' four-run 9th inning off the formerly perfect Phillies closer. That's two consecutive awful losses for the defending world champions.
The Red Sox scored six runs off former Phil Adam Eaton in four innings, thanks to a big night by my MVP pick, Kevin Youkilis (4-5, four RBI, two runs, two doubles and a home run). Jonathan Papelbon came close to joining Lidge on the blown saves list, but he ended the 6-4 game with the potential tying run on first.
And congratulations to the Cleveland Indians for setting a record for the most runs (14) in a 2nd inning today in their 22-4 win.
Apr 17, 2009
All in all, we've had worse days
Despite the Phillies' worst loss of the season, a Brad Penny implosion and the Harry Kalas ceremony getting pre-empted for the Flyers game, it was still a pretty good day at SoxandPhils.
With the Phillies booted to Comcast Network (unavailable on Verizon FIOS), I called a sports bar Thursday to make sure it would be playing the game because Christine was upset about having to miss the pregame memorial for Harry. A convenient coincidence with my work schedule allowed me to get my normal Friday errands done in the morning and us seated in the bar by game time.
Unfortunately, there were just a few TVs showing the Phillies - I guess Flyers playoffs are more important than Harry - but we did get to see his sons throw the first pitches to Michael Jack Schmidt, John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins. Then, Harry's son Kane sang the national anthem. I got chills watching some of the players, such as Jamie Moyer, break up during the ceremonies.
The bar had sound for the Flyers game only, so we couldn't get the full effect of the Phillies' half-inning silent broadcast.
We had a nice meal and headed home to "watch" the game on the radio. Larry Andersen explained at length about the ugly tie he wore (Christine picked up on L.A.'s odd look when the TV broadcast showed him). In a nutshell, it was one of Harry's ties, and Andersen has a connection to his paisley ties.
As we listened at home, the Padres slowly chipped away at Cole Hamels and the Phils' 7-1 lead and wound up winning 8-7. Christine was a little vocal during the game. However, the Red Sox did the reverse to the Orioles. Brad Penny was awful tonight and put the Sox down by seven runs after two innings. But the Sox struck back and won 10-8.
Another game Christine won't see: Monday. That's because I won another prize from the Inquirer. It's not the tickets for suites at the 76ers or Flyers playoff games we'd been hoping for, or the Daily News Home Run Payoff, but something Christine has wanted: tickets to an advance screening of Earth.
It's not all-you-can eat wings and beer, but I'll take a free show featuring bears.
With the Phillies booted to Comcast Network (unavailable on Verizon FIOS), I called a sports bar Thursday to make sure it would be playing the game because Christine was upset about having to miss the pregame memorial for Harry. A convenient coincidence with my work schedule allowed me to get my normal Friday errands done in the morning and us seated in the bar by game time.
Unfortunately, there were just a few TVs showing the Phillies - I guess Flyers playoffs are more important than Harry - but we did get to see his sons throw the first pitches to Michael Jack Schmidt, John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins. Then, Harry's son Kane sang the national anthem. I got chills watching some of the players, such as Jamie Moyer, break up during the ceremonies.
The bar had sound for the Flyers game only, so we couldn't get the full effect of the Phillies' half-inning silent broadcast.
We had a nice meal and headed home to "watch" the game on the radio. Larry Andersen explained at length about the ugly tie he wore (Christine picked up on L.A.'s odd look when the TV broadcast showed him). In a nutshell, it was one of Harry's ties, and Andersen has a connection to his paisley ties.
As we listened at home, the Padres slowly chipped away at Cole Hamels and the Phils' 7-1 lead and wound up winning 8-7. Christine was a little vocal during the game. However, the Red Sox did the reverse to the Orioles. Brad Penny was awful tonight and put the Sox down by seven runs after two innings. But the Sox struck back and won 10-8.
Another game Christine won't see: Monday. That's because I won another prize from the Inquirer. It's not the tickets for suites at the 76ers or Flyers playoff games we'd been hoping for, or the Daily News Home Run Payoff, but something Christine has wanted: tickets to an advance screening of Earth.
It's not all-you-can eat wings and beer, but I'll take a free show featuring bears.
Dec 9, 2008
These better be just rumors
Not a good day for SoxandPhils fans if the daily rumors become reality.
The Sox have been talking again to A.J. Burnett. This doesn't make sense. A pitcher with a history of injuries is exactly the long-term commitment the Sox have avoided.
Even worse is that they've now been linked to Carl Pavano. I know it would probably be a low-risk, Bartolo Colon-type deal. But c'mon. The guy was a laughingstock in New York. Just honor his place in Red Sox lore (as trade bait for Pedro Martinez and the embarrassment he caused the Yankees) and let it be.
Incidentally, that Nick Cafardo report may clarify Derek Lowe's standing with the Phillies: The team denies making an offer, but the player is said to want to go there. Maybe the Phillie denials are true, but D-Lowe doesn't want them to be.
Phillies: My alarm kicked on this morning midway through Rhea Hughes' report of some trade that could involve J.A. Happ, the Padres and Chris Coste. I know that Jake Peavy wouldn't go to Philadelphia, so I wondered what it was all about. I was less than enthralled when I found out the deal would send Peavy to the Cubs and bring Mark DeRosa to the Phillies for Happ.
{Update: The deal could involve Kyle Kendrick, not Happ.}
Complicated deals like this tend to fall apart. Let's hope so. DeRosa doesn't thrill me, and he's no Pat Burrell.
The only good rumbling of the day comes from bits I picked up from WFAN. Apparently, there's word that the Red Sox meeting with CC Sabathia wasn't exactly to lure him to Boston but to remind him how awful it would be playing for the Yankees. If true, I can't exactly be thrilled with the tact.
I am enjoying how the Yankee fans are growing frustrated that the big guy hasn't accepted the Yankees offer. Gee, maybe he wants to see if a championship-caliber team makes him an offer.
Game day: The Phillies held off the Nationals today ... oh wait. We already recapped this one. As I was watching the replay of the NL East clincher, Comcast SportsNet broke in with some real news. I was nervous as Neil Hartman started talking, given all the crazy rumors that are swirling. But he was just reporting the good news that Charlie Manuel will be the Phillies manager through 2011. Good for him - he deserves it.
The Sox have been talking again to A.J. Burnett. This doesn't make sense. A pitcher with a history of injuries is exactly the long-term commitment the Sox have avoided.
Even worse is that they've now been linked to Carl Pavano. I know it would probably be a low-risk, Bartolo Colon-type deal. But c'mon. The guy was a laughingstock in New York. Just honor his place in Red Sox lore (as trade bait for Pedro Martinez and the embarrassment he caused the Yankees) and let it be.
Incidentally, that Nick Cafardo report may clarify Derek Lowe's standing with the Phillies: The team denies making an offer, but the player is said to want to go there. Maybe the Phillie denials are true, but D-Lowe doesn't want them to be.
Phillies: My alarm kicked on this morning midway through Rhea Hughes' report of some trade that could involve J.A. Happ, the Padres and Chris Coste. I know that Jake Peavy wouldn't go to Philadelphia, so I wondered what it was all about. I was less than enthralled when I found out the deal would send Peavy to the Cubs and bring Mark DeRosa to the Phillies for Happ.
{Update: The deal could involve Kyle Kendrick, not Happ.}
Complicated deals like this tend to fall apart. Let's hope so. DeRosa doesn't thrill me, and he's no Pat Burrell.
The only good rumbling of the day comes from bits I picked up from WFAN. Apparently, there's word that the Red Sox meeting with CC Sabathia wasn't exactly to lure him to Boston but to remind him how awful it would be playing for the Yankees. If true, I can't exactly be thrilled with the tact.
I am enjoying how the Yankee fans are growing frustrated that the big guy hasn't accepted the Yankees offer. Gee, maybe he wants to see if a championship-caliber team makes him an offer.
Game day: The Phillies held off the Nationals today ... oh wait. We already recapped this one. As I was watching the replay of the NL East clincher, Comcast SportsNet broke in with some real news. I was nervous as Neil Hartman started talking, given all the crazy rumors that are swirling. But he was just reporting the good news that Charlie Manuel will be the Phillies manager through 2011. Good for him - he deserves it.
Aug 17, 2008
One ace down, one up
I thought the Red Sox had been scuffling until I saw a list of the hottest teams in August. Coming into today, they were second in the league at 10-4 for the month. Unfortunately, the Rays were first at 11-4. I guess that explains why I have felt worse about their performance than it really is.
But then we get a game like today. Ace Josh Beckett should have shut down the Blue Jays like their ace did to us last night. Nope. He's gone in the 3rd inning, and the Sox are embarrassed 15-4. At least Shawn Marcum got the win for my fantasy team.
The loss drops the Sox 4.5 behind the Rays, who won again tonight. There's a race again for the Wild Card, as the White Sox and Twins (each won today and they're tied for the division) are just a half game behind.
Phillies: They still can't hit. Although they hit .193 tonight, a slight improvement on the .190 they posted for the first six games of the road trip. But they gave Cole Hamels just enough to beat the Padres 2-1.
Good game for young Cole - one earned, seven hits, no walks and three strikeouts in eight innings. He's finally won his 10th game; he's been trying since July 3 but has been largely stymied by his own hitters. The Phils have an off day tomorrow to shake off this funk. Don't forget to show your support for Jimmy Rollins on Tuesday.
The Mets and Marlins won, so Phils are still two out.
But then we get a game like today. Ace Josh Beckett should have shut down the Blue Jays like their ace did to us last night. Nope. He's gone in the 3rd inning, and the Sox are embarrassed 15-4. At least Shawn Marcum got the win for my fantasy team.
The loss drops the Sox 4.5 behind the Rays, who won again tonight. There's a race again for the Wild Card, as the White Sox and Twins (each won today and they're tied for the division) are just a half game behind.
Phillies: They still can't hit. Although they hit .193 tonight, a slight improvement on the .190 they posted for the first six games of the road trip. But they gave Cole Hamels just enough to beat the Padres 2-1.
Good game for young Cole - one earned, seven hits, no walks and three strikeouts in eight innings. He's finally won his 10th game; he's been trying since July 3 but has been largely stymied by his own hitters. The Phils have an off day tomorrow to shake off this funk. Don't forget to show your support for Jimmy Rollins on Tuesday.
The Mets and Marlins won, so Phils are still two out.
Aug 16, 2008
Druggie debuts ...
... and loses.
Roy Halladay once again demonstrated his mastery of major league hitters, tossing a 4-1 complete game win over the Red Sox.
Paul Byrd, pitched decently in his Sox debut against the Blue Jays but not good enough against Halladay. He went 7 1/3 innings, giving up four earned on 10 hits. No walks, nor strikeouts. This was the first of three consecutive starts Bryd is slated to make against the Blue Jays. The Globe reported that would be the first time since 1958 a pitcher has made three starts in a row against the same team.
Competitors: The Twins and White Sox won; the Rays are losing.
Phillies: They're playing late again. I feel asleep before the conclusion of last night's game (Christine was dozing but woke up for the bottom of the 9th). The Phillies actually won a game, 1-0 over the Padres. I'm glad the game lived up to the stature of the two starters, Jamie Moyer and Greg Maddux.
Tonight, they're leading 2-0 in the 2nd.
Mets won again.
Roy Halladay once again demonstrated his mastery of major league hitters, tossing a 4-1 complete game win over the Red Sox.
Paul Byrd, pitched decently in his Sox debut against the Blue Jays but not good enough against Halladay. He went 7 1/3 innings, giving up four earned on 10 hits. No walks, nor strikeouts. This was the first of three consecutive starts Bryd is slated to make against the Blue Jays. The Globe reported that would be the first time since 1958 a pitcher has made three starts in a row against the same team.
Competitors: The Twins and White Sox won; the Rays are losing.
Phillies: They're playing late again. I feel asleep before the conclusion of last night's game (Christine was dozing but woke up for the bottom of the 9th). The Phillies actually won a game, 1-0 over the Padres. I'm glad the game lived up to the stature of the two starters, Jamie Moyer and Greg Maddux.
Tonight, they're leading 2-0 in the 2nd.
Mets won again.
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