Back in the Saddle Again

Was anyone else wondering when the Portland Sea Dogs were going to take a seat and the Red Sox were going to come back and whoop some Royal ass? That was getting ri-goddamn-diculous. On the heels of Beckett's interview with WEEI's Alex Speier talking about the attrition that comes with a grueling baseball season he took the hill and was less than dominant but kept the Royals at bay long enough to get his 16^th win.

Two runs over six innings isn't bad, but what is a bit dismaying is the 12 hits in that timespan. It is however something to be said that with 12 hits he only gave up two runs. So his ability to pitch out of jams is still quite remarkable, but for crying out loud it's the Royals. Unfortunately I chose them to win the Central this year based on what I saw of them out of spring training. They were getting timely hits, and really seemed to gel, but once the regular season started they seemed to like the cellar more than the limelight.

The Large Father had himself a game last night with a Home run and driving in 4. I, for one, REALLY want to see him get to that 100 RBI plateau. It not only is a mark that most sluggers want to get to for sheer stats purpose but it shows that you have the capability to alter a game with any swing of your bat. It would be a testament to the hitting prowess of David Ortiz that after his abysmal start he would end up w/ 25+ homers and 100+ RBI's. So what do you say 'top of the lineup' get on base for the guy and let him rake for the next week. I think it's a GREAT thing that we are in New York this weekend especially for David Ortiz being that a strong bunt to the right side may end up over the fence.

I have been pretty critical of Terry Francona's allotment of playing time for Jason Varitek but with the last week of the season looming, and a playoff spot all but assured he finally made the right move letter Victor catch The Ace. At this point in his career and with the steady decline of his bat, he is nothing more (to this team) as a defensive sub. And after the slew (2) of pass balls and inability to throw out runners is that even what you want in a backup catcher? Varitek may have signed the BEST deal of his career with the player option after the season. But if I were him I would contemplate VERY hard on moving to Tahiti with Watney and calling it a career.

All right, I'm about to become a sinner. I am going to lambast the superfluous hitting/baseball knowledge of one, Jim Ed Rice. In a tweet, and on his blog yesterday he made the comment of saying he "wasn't impressed with Zack Greinke." That is ok to say because all though he was in my opinion CARVING up the Red Sox his pitch count was up a bit and could only get through 6. But for him to compare him to Roger Moret, it has more comedic relevance than baseball substance. For those of you who don't know about Roger Moret he was pitched for both the Red Sox and the Rangers in his major league career and one day prior to a game in the clubhouse he was spotted in the clubhouse with his arm outstretched holding a slipper in a catatonic state. Wow, Jim. I find it borderline hilarious that you would compare this pitcher to Greinke who as recent as last year had social anxiety disorder. But, that being said you are so far off base here Jimbo it's not even funny. Every player on the field for the Sox on Tuesday night said how filthy Greinke's stuff was. Just from sitting at home you could see the depth and late movement his slider had. The late movement on his fastball made it all but impossible (Pedroia and Embrague did it) to square up. And his changeup was just as good if not better than the one that Clay Buchholz brings to the table. If this young man doesn't win the Cy Young, it's going to be a travesty, a sham, a mockery; a TRAVESHAMOCKERY.

Ideally we wanted to come in to KC and roll over the Royals but we have a chance to split tonight and with the bleak outlook that yesterday's game had through the early innings I'm OK with where we sit. Let's win this one Clay and head to New York so we can watch the Sox piss all over the Yankee Pitching staff.

Stay Tuned

Ryan