The only thing better than actually making the playoffs is SPOILING the division title for the Yankees. And we did. So good, so good, so good. It is also worth noting that we took 4 out of the last 6 against them without Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Youk–and with a team of a lot of minor-leaguers and some old-timers. I’m very proud of our boys, but it does make me sad to think where we COULD be, had we had better health this season. To next year boys, and cheers! I’ll be holding onto this until March.
By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Red Sox fans, but I think you already know what I’m about to say.
The Boston Red Sox are not going to make the playoffs.
This is usually the time to start pointing fingers at reasons why the Sox fell short this year.
Obviously, injuries were the key reason. When the team loses its two best players, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, it doesn’t have much of a shot to compete with the two best teams in baseball.
One could also point out Boston’s shaky starting pitching, which was supposed to be the team’s strong suit in 2010. John Lackey (12-9, 4.48 ERA) has been inconsistent all year, Josh Beckett (4-4, 6.21 ERA) has been ridden with injuries and Jon Lester (15-8, 3.27 ERA), who was arguably the AL’s best pitcher halfway through the season, is just 4-5 with a 4.34 ERA since the All-Star break.
But that’s enough whining. There are still four weeks left in the regular season, and even though the Red Sox have no chance — I repeat, no chance — of playing postseason ball, there are still some important players to watch in the final month.
So [...]
By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
It was the one that got away.
In a Red Sox season filled with ups and downs, a depleted roster that takes up an entire hospital wing and gutsy performances from the most unlikely suspects, the entire thing could come down to one horrible inning.
Carrying a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning in Toronto on Thursday, Boston was set to sweep the Blue Jays and head into its tough series in Texas just three games behind the Rays in the wild card and four and a half back of the Yankees in the division.
Instead, Jonathan Papelbon decided to employ his Jekyll and Hyde act again — something Red Sox fans have seen far too often in 2010 — and the Sox ended up losing on a walk-off sacrifice fly, 6-5.
The Red Sox gave up a full game in the race, something they can’t afford to do when they’re chasing the two best teams in baseball.
As for the Rays, who lead Boston by a comfortable four games in the wild card race — they got to look forward to a nice three-game set at home over the weekend against the last-place Orioles. And while [...]
By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor
At Thursday nights Red Sox game, I was reminded why I love this city and its fans.
The Sox were down 6-0 by the end of the first, 7-0 by the end of the second. Man, when Wakefield’s off, he might as well just start throwing underhand.
It seemed like it was going to be a long night. But then, enter wasted, stereotypical Red Sox fan. I love it.
This guy made it his sole mission of the night to start the wave. Now, from left field, this is a difficult task, because you somehow have to get the people on the Monster to participate. (see picture. he’s not happy with them). I don’t know why they think they’re too good for the wave, but it seems to be the case.
There is no possible way he had a voice the next day because he didn’t give up. “1, 2, 3, WOOOO! AGAIN. 1, 2, 3 WOOOO! THE WAVE GUYS! 1…” He even tried the reverse wave, which I don’t think has ever been done before, and was even less successful. Now, the eighty year old lady behind me plugging her ears did not enjoy this, but I think she [...]
By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
The Red Sox and Phillies are definitely not the biggest rivalry in baseball.
Since interleague play started in 1997, the two clubs get together to play a three-game series once, maybe twice a year. The stadiums are always packed, but in the end, it’s just like any other series between two competitive ball clubs.
But as the Sox get ready to welcome the Phils’ to Fenway for a three-game set this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice the recent cosmic connection between these two historic franchises.
In 2004, Boston welcomed a new manager to town by the name of Terry Francona.
Tito, a moniker that Francona assumed long before arriving in Beantown, had only managed for one other big league team before the Red Sox. That team was the Phillies, and he led them to a lackluster 285-363 record from 1997 to 2000. (Take a look at the picture above. Weird right? And Francona looks SO YOUNG!)
Before the “bloody sock” became part of Boston sports folklore, Curt Schilling made a name for himself in the City of Brotherly Love.
In 1993, the 27-year-old Schilling pitched a five-hit shutout in Game 5 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
In [...]
By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor
Boston went into the 2010 playoffs with little hope. Both the Bruins and the Celtics entered the first round off of pretty disappointing seasons. The Celtics were burnt out, the Bruins couldn’t seem to score or defend. All eyes started to focus on the Red Sox, as our only hope for 2010.
But then things changed.
The Red Sox had their worst start since before anyone alive could remember. Our three aces that were supposed to be the best starting rotation in the MLB failed us. Our newly molded run prevention defense couldn’t even stop the Orioles. And our offense…well, what offense?
Then, the Bruins and the Celtics, made it past the first round. The eyebrows of Boston raised, but only slightly.
Ahead, the Celtics faced the challenge of playing the best player in the NBA, and a team that was on the shortlist for possible 2010 Champions. Miami and Dwayne Wade was one thing, but beating the Cavs and LeBron James seemed unlikely. The Bruins on the other hand, got a luckier draw. The Philadelphia Flyers were doable, but then the Bruins made them look like the turkey post-Thanksgiving dinner. Taking a quick 3-0 lead, the path to the [...]
After being outright embarrassed and swept by the Orioles, the Sox completed a four game sweep of the LA Angels. Over four games they scored an amazing 36 runs to the Angels’16. The last time the team’s met, the Angles swept the Sox out of the ALDS at home. With a little revenge, all finally feels right at Fenway Park. Not to mention, it’s a good wave to be riding heading into the Yankees series.
In honor of the sweep, a few Red Sox fans serenaded anyone who was listening, to make a pretty big statement about how the Red Sox are finally back.
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