This is it | SportsFilter

I wish I'd heard something about this game. Is it tonight? Gosh! The playoffs have started already? Who's playing? (I have my own reasons for not going that have nothing to do with not having tickets, but I'm still jealous of goddam for wangling her way into Games 6 and 7. Elvis Christ on a Stick. Get back safe, sweetie.)

Posted by chicobangs at 2004-10-20 06:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

There's another little gem going on in the NL. Bottom 8th 4-3 Cards.

Posted by catfish at 2004-10-20 06:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

You forgot Houston, McBain.

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 06:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

Houston? Are they still in it?

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 06:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why is Jeff Bagwell playing dressed as a coal miner?

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 06:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

It's comments like those that exemplify why I wish both AL teams could lose tonight.

Posted by thewittyname at 2004-10-20 06:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why is there a link to ESPN's home page?

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 06:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

C'mon Beltran.

Posted by catfish at 2004-10-20 06:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

YES BAGWELL!

Posted by catfish at 2004-10-20 06:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

holy shit, Houston tied it

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 06:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

Fucking Astros. They're not allowed to win.

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 06:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Game 7! I want another Game 7, goddamnit!

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 06:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

What rocketman said. Bloody Houston.

Posted by DrJohnEvans at 2004-10-20 06:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

By the way, what's the over/under on the number of comments in this thread once all is said and done?

Posted by DrJohnEvans at 2004-10-20 06:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

Once the Sox/Yankees game is over, we can officially declare sports as finished.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 06:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

Who are these ESPN radio commentators, and why are they mainlining some sort of strange caffeine-Prozac mixture?

Posted by DrJohnEvans at 2004-10-20 06:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Bottom of the 11th coming up. Watch for a 2-out walkoff homer from Larry Walker.

Posted by DrJohnEvans at 2004-10-20 06:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, maybe next time. I'm off to a local establishment. See y'all later.

Posted by DrJohnEvans at 2004-10-20 07:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

EDMONDS!!! Game 7 is on, muthaf*ckas!!!!

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 07:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

That was great. I really like the Cardinals (at least for now. Tomorrow I hope I have to hate them ;))

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 07:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

Damn. Neither the Astros nor the Cardinals look anywhere as near as beat as the Sox and the Yankees. Big trouble for the AL...

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 07:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

Thats probably a bit premature, Joey. Can't tell what Game 7 will be for the NL.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 07:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

I love it when you call me Big Pappi.

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 07:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

man I am glad the Yanks took Kevin brown off the Dodgers hands

Posted by jasonspaceman at 2004-10-20 07:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

David Ortiz is amazing. Kevin Brown is not.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 07:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

Christ- Dale Sveum could blow this for us... but Big Pappi makes it happen! Muthah fuckah!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 07:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

Should be 3-0... but that doesn't bode well for Brown; he's getting lit up, and it'd be 3-0 with 1 out if Sveum doesn't screw that up. Let's see what Mr. Lowe will do to set the tone...

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 07:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

Damn. Dale, keep your head in the game. Fight it. Fight it. Okay. I'm back. And holyjeesusgod, that new guy just got a hit. Here comes Robert! Quick access of mental file on the new guy: He's fast! Yeah, real fast! Okay, run! Run, you fleet-footed bastard! I'm waving my arms like I'm batshit loopers because I want you to RUN!

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 07:56 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe looked composed there- his pitches are snapping, that's a good thing. This is not going to be a slugfest, unless Brown and Lowe tire quickly. On preview: good call, dusted!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey, the spofi-server time is off. Looks like it's 9 minutes fast. Administrator, please hope me!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe is pitching much better than Brown, Sox could pad this quick.

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 08:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

McCarver's off to the races... in the first he said Lowe's pitching instead of Wakefield cuz "Wakefield's thrown 108 pitches the past 3 days, and he's 40." Uh.. Wake was born in '66. That makes him 38. And 108 pitches in three days for a knuckler? Big whoop.

Posted by brewdudepa at 2004-10-20 08:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

Brown done.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 08:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hi. I'm new. With that out of the way - how many runs do you Sox fans want to be up by to feel comfortable? I'm thinking atleast 7. Brown's already out, which is great - let's see if they can capitalize.

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 08:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

They're pulling Brown. I don't know how I feel about Vazquez- we certainly don't need a repeat of game 3!!!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

Welcome, buddha9090!

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 08:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

That may not have been the best pitching decision ever.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

buddha9090- welcome! Personally, I don't start to relax until we have more runs up than outs left. Call me paranoid. :) On Preview: HOLY FUCK!!!!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

JESUS!

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

OH MY GOD!

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

HOLY SHIT!!!

Posted by rocketman at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

That's a good way to break out of a slump.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

With that out of the way - how many runs do you Sox fans want to be up by to feel comfortable? that many!!!!

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

YES!!!!

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

HOLY FUCKING CHRIST YES!

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 08:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

"that many" was not supposed to be itals. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 08:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

So any ideas on how the Red Sox are gonna fuck this up?

Posted by gyc at 2004-10-20 08:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

*faints*

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 08:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

Y'know, a little voice in my head was saying 'grand slam' when Damon stepped up to the plate... How are the Sox gonna fuck this up? I dunno, but it'll involve Ruben Sierra. Or something. how many runs do you Sox fans want to be up by to feel comfortable? that many!!!! ...where 'that many' = 40. Actually, make it 50.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 08:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Until I see a 10 run lead with one inning to go, I'm not comfortable with anything. They scored the runs too early. :)

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 08:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

Damon is fully redeemed now. That was f-ing awesome. I'd feel comfortable with ten runs up. Six is still too few, though at least it's better than five, which is what the yankees caught up by in game 7 last year to take it to extra innings.

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 08:31 PM | Reply | Flag:

Where are the Yankees fans in this thread? We need their mojo, they've been MVPs of this series! :) Damn, I did it again. [chalkboard] I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. I will not tempt fate. [/chalkboard] I'm with grum- that long inning makes me worried- does Lowe benefit from a little longer between innings, or does that decrease his effectiveness?

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:31 PM | Reply | Flag:

Every pitcher is available except for Schilling. 6 is not many, but I like the chances for now.

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 08:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

Also new, and gulp. I won't feel comfortable until we're up by double digits.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 08:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

Damn, we're gaining Red Sox fans at the rate of one per minute!

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 08:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

The only way this could get more surreal would be if Derek Lowe threw a *mufflemuffle*. For the record, I'm only a Red Sox fan because it's the Yankees and it's the chance for history. I hate the Red Sox and Yankees with an almost equal passion. Let's go Blue Jays! *clap clap clapclapclap*

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 08:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

Would you really do that if you had a private island?

Posted by jacknose at 2004-10-20 08:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

I'm only rooting for the Red Sox because the Tigers make me cry.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 08:39 PM | Reply | Flag:

jacknose: no, I wouldn't. I'd make an imprint of my bloody hand on a volleyball.

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 08:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

I've never yelled MOTHERFUCKER! so loud as I did just then. What the HELL? Did the Yankees just use up all their runs in game three?!

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 08:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

i think the Sox will get comfortable once they make it to 19 runs. or maybe 18.

Posted by gspm at 2004-10-20 08:45 PM | Reply | Flag:

did any of you see the superstition about game three? the score was 19-8 .... turn the dash up to get 1918 ... what that actually means, I have no idea.

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 08:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

I really don't think that hit him!

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 08:50 PM | Reply | Flag:

Doesn't mean a damned thing, Flunked. Means the pitching was bad and the Yankees had good bats.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 08:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ugh- I don't need the waterseal to break here... a run here, a run there...

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

Thanks for the welcomes. Here come the Yankees - dammit. DP A-rod, DP.

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 08:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

If Lowe can get through six and not give up another run, I will fellate him madly!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 08:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Man, here's what I hate about Fox. Mueller makes a heck of a play and they can't be bothered to do a replay, because they might lose a commercial because of it. Bastards.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 08:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

3 innings of Lowe 3 innings of Wakefield 1 inning of Myers/Leskanic 2 innings of Pedro Fast Knuckler Junk/Curves Fast That's not a bad plan. Man, here's what I hate about Fox. Mueller makes a heck of a play and they can't be bothered to do a replay, because they might lose a commercial because of it. Bastards. And in the hurry to ge the commercials, they'll STILL miss the windup of the first pitch.

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 08:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh, goodbye ball.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 09:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

INCREDIBLE!

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 09:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

FUCK YES!!! DOUBLE REDEMPTION!!

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 09:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Johnny "Regression to the Mean" Damon does it again!!!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Captain CAAAAAAVEMAAAAANNNNN!

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 09:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

UNREAL!

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 09:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

We are watching history boys...

Posted by sexymofo at 2004-10-20 09:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

You can hear a "Let's go Red Sox" chant on the radio broadcast!

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 09:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

REDEMPTION OF THE BASEBALL JESUS!

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 09:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

OK. Damon just made up for leaving all those runners on base during game 7 last year. :-)

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 09:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, all right. Even after the amazing comeback to 3-3, I'd given up all hope after game 3. Hell if I don't believe again.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 09:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yankee Stadium: silent, except for the Red Sox fans chanting "MVP!" for David Ortiz. But there are six innings left, which is an awfully long time.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 09:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Okay, THAT was the loudest I've ever yelled MOTHERFUCKER. I guess now I know how all you Sox fans have felt since, well, since always. Well, at least I can always count on booze to never let me down. Maybe I'll sober up by spring training.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 09:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

The Passion of the Damon.

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 09:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Still five innings left, Jugwine.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 09:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

Jugwine: thanks for understanding. Seriously, you look at some of the teenagers and 20-somethings in Yankee Stadium with sour faces, and wonder exactly what they've not got from their team this past decade... I'm still preparing myself for that 9th-inning 13-run rally.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 09:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

I'm new to the thread too - have been wanting to join in these discussions but haven't been able to. While I'm a Blue Jays fan firstly (and how hard is it to watch all the ex-1992/93 era Jays playing?) I also love the Red Sox so this has been great. I've never watched baseball so compulsively; I even had class tonight, but made my husband pick me up the minute was over so I could come home and watch, and participate here for a change. Er, after all that - yes! Bases loaded!!

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 09:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

Glad Johnny Damon finally got to play in this series...don't know what the Sox woulda done without him... Also...what snickerdoodle said about the Tigers...

Posted by MeatSaber at 2004-10-20 09:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

I promise to stop mocking Damon's hair if the Sox pull this out.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 09:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

[off topic, sort of] What amazed me is how fast they interviewed Edmonds after he hit the walk-off homer. It had to be less than 30 seconds after he touched the plate. When are they going to allow an interview while the guy is running the bases?

Posted by sexymofo at 2004-10-20 09:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

Seriously, you look at some of the teenagers and 20-somethings in Yankee Stadium with sour faces, and wonder exactly what they've not got from their team this past decade... See, here's the thing. The Yankees under Joe Torre have become a machine that eats money and craps championships. When the machine breaks down, it just doesn't make sense. It's like when you pay for a bag of potato chips or something out of a vending machine and it gets stuck up in there. You put in your seventy-five cents and dammit you want your snack, even though you just ate lunch.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 09:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

Welcome, to all the newcomers! Fair warning, though; most threads aren't quite THIS boisterous!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

#spofi is up and running on irc.metafilter.com.

Posted by Prince Valium at 2004-10-20 09:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Actually, jugwine, it's more like when you buy a super-expensive car, like a Bentley or a Rolls. You don't expect it to break down, ever, and if it does- well, you don't know what to do. You expect someone will just come and fix it, and it's as shocking to you as the sun not rising.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Prince Valium: is there a web-based IRC client I can hit in a hurry? Not gonna go install and configure an IRC client during the game. :)

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

When are they going to allow an interview while the guy is running the bases? Ultimately, I think tv coverage of MLB changed in 1974 when Hammerin' Hank hit 715. I think the network wags saw those two frizzy haired, corduory wearing dudes chase Henry as he rounded the bases, and thought that they had a new idea for sports coverage. It hasn't "officially" happened yet, but it will.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 09:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Holy cow! That just doesn't HAPPEN for the Sox! I'm in the Bizarro universe now! Sports Guy must be peeing himself... why oh why doesn't he have an online chat going?!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:31 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe's pitch count is still only 49; he's averaging 12 per inning. At that rate, he can probably go 7 or even 8 unless he becomes ineffective. It's way too early to start counting outs, but... I'm letting myself relax, a little...

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

Thanks, Hal. I actually lurk on SpoFi all the time but have never really had time to join in. I thought this might be a good place to start. :) Argh that they couldn't score any more runs there...I don't think we can write off the Yanks yet...

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 09:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ooh, that was too good an opportunity to let slip away; Ramirez is just terrible this whole Series. He should have worked the count! Take the first pitch, work the count looking for a walk or a hitter's count for a fastball.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

All these mistakes (Damon getting thrown out at home, Bellhorn not able to hit the sacfly this inning) and still, a seven run lead... Is it at all possible that Game Seven of this series gets by without any late inning drama?

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 09:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

Holy crap, Lowe looks like he's going to personally run up to home plate and tear out spleens if anyone gets a hit.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 09:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

I won't rest until I see Ruben Sierra pitching the ninth.

Posted by Prince Valium at 2004-10-20 09:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

McCarver needs to SHUT THE FUCK UP RIGHT NOW about potential starters for the World Series.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 09:40 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe got the strike out and I almost started crying. He's really rising to the occasion. As long as I don't hear the phrase "five outs from the world series," I will be all right.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 09:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

They are looking awful against Lowe- first pitch swinging at-bats don't help, Yankees. Lowe's on cruise control now, and he gets dominating when he doesn't get his confidence shaken.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

All these mistakes (Damon getting thrown out at home... Don't second guess before it's time to. Besides, Damon was being aggressive. He set the tone for the game by going for it. It's something that previous Red Sox teams have lacked. Look, I have lived in enemy (Yankees) territory for 2/3 of my life. Lesson learned: just be confident. The Sox own this game. We'll hold it. ... but don't tempt the focking fates.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 09:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Shut yo' mouth Joey Michaels! Even thinking it is verboten!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh yes, etagloh! I'm knocking wood 'til my knuckles are raw here to try to mitigate all the damn jinxing that's going on! *is very, very superstitious about jinxing*

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 09:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

I bet the entire city of Boston feels like it's on Whippets right now. What's the over/under of Boston spontaenous combustions?

Posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 2004-10-20 09:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why is Martinez up in the pen?

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 09:45 PM | Reply | Flag:

McCarver and Buck are living examples of the phrase "A thin line between love and hate." They've gone from Jeter-fellating Yankee fans to just tearing them down bit by bit as this game goes on. The comment about "$25million in pitching giving up 8 runs" was the most spiteful thing I've heard them say about the Yankees in years. I'm half-expecting them to mock Jeter and his "lack of clutch" sometime in the 8th inning...

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 09:45 PM | Reply | Flag:

It's Pedro's normal day to throw apparently.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 09:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

"A thin line between love and hate" is too kind. They're like weather vanes, they switch sides when the wind blows.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 09:48 PM | Reply | Flag:

I think Fracona should hop out and pitch the ninth.

Posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 2004-10-20 09:48 PM | Reply | Flag:

You can mock Jeetah for a bunch of things, but not for his lack of clutch (even last night). I hate Jeter as much as anyone, but he's tough and he has heart. Now, A-Rod... that guy is contemptible. Jeter grounds out to short... man, Cabrera is so nifty with the leather.... I don't miss Nomar at all.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 09:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

I also think Pedro throwing may have been a bit of mind games too, like when Schilling went out to the pen in Game 5.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 09:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

Be careful, those mind games could distract Lowe.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 09:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

Although he looks locked in.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 09:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Man, there ain't enough booze in the world. Nor enough pie. The plus side is that it will be fun to watch Steinbrenner flip out if the Yankees don't come back. What's the over/under on front office firings?

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 09:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hasn't through 6! But I can see where that helps- Martinez gets his off-day throwing in, and god forbid, if it should happen... well, he'll be loose if this becomes a close game. Too many Sox teams have been burnt by not taking every precaution. Myers was up just in case Matsui appeared, because at that point Matsui would represent a 3rd or 4th run. [mindfucking the fates] The sox are going to blow this, they're gonna let the Yankees back in, and it'll be horrible. [/mindfucking the fates] Why on earth would Lowe not go another inning?! He's pitched 6 beautiful innings, and the Yankees haven't touched them?! Jeezus, that's inSANE!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

I do not like putting Pedro in. If that's what Francona has in mind. Doesn't make sense with this kind of lead.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ok, I'm literally throwing tofu in the microwave and eating that for dinner. And drinking orange juice straight out of the container. Damn this game.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 09:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe's got at least another 2 in him, if not a CG. No way he comes out.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:01 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe didn't look done to me. Would putting Pedro in be some sort of redemption thing?

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 10:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe pitched two days ago, and it would he hugely impolite to make him blow out his arm. I'm OK with bringing Lowe out. Just I dunno about putting Pedro in.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 10:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Doesn't matter what Francona does now. Torre put Heredia in.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 10:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

Argh again! I really, really want a few more runs! I can't decide about the pitching change.

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 10:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey, maybe I should insult the rest of the Yankee bullpen -- that didn't turn out nearly as bad as I thought it would.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 10:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hmm..... I've got a bad feeeling about this. Yankees seem to be ready to go nuts.

Posted by Stan Chin at 2004-10-20 10:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Makes no sense at all- if anyone should be warming, it would be Wakefield; he gives the Yankees fits, and I find it hard to believe he wouldn't be able to give 2 innings if Lowe goes 7. And there's no reason Lowe doesn't go 7 unless he said to Francona, "I'm gassed". Especially now that the Sox are up 8-1 with two on and the lineup turning over. If Lowe went to him and said "I'm gassed" isn't Wakefield the guy you bring in? If Pedro isn't sitting soon... oh fuck. What is Francona doing? Does he realize this isn't the World Series?

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

God, I fucking hate Captain JugEars.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wakefield pitched a lot and you want him to be able to start if you make the World Series. The right move here is probably either Mendoza or Leskanic. Timlin and Embree get you through the rest of it. Pedro is available in case of serious trouble.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 10:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

Have I mentioned that I'm sick of "God Bless America?"

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 10:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh damn! It is Pedro.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Pedro's in. Here comes the drama...

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Lowe pitches 6, 1 H, 1 ER. Comes out. Wha???

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

I think I shall have a pre-emptive Pepto-Bismol now. I'm going to just fucking die if this happens.... Fan-fucking-tastic Francona. Fan-fucking-tastic. What is it with Red Sox managers and pitching Pedro?!

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

You can mock Jeetah for a bunch of things, but not for his lack of clutch (even last night). Yes, I can. In his entire post-season career, a total of 99 games [up to and including 2003 post season] spread over eight seasons, Derek Jeter is a .210/.355/.306 hitter with runners in scoring position and a .245/.345/.329 hitter with men on base. That ain't "clutch".

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 10:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh my god. My stomach just dropped three feet.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 10:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

What the fuck.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 10:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Tonight I will mainly be drinking Sam Adams Octoberfest... but Pedro? Tempting fucking fate, Terry.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

What the fuck are they fucking thinking? It's like they are inviting fate to beat them down.

Posted by McBain at 2004-10-20 10:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

Heeeere we go.

Posted by Stan Chin at 2004-10-20 10:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

pull him NOW!

Posted by oicnub4 at 2004-10-20 10:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

Do they want him to shrug off the "Who's your daddy?" stuff? BECAUSE IT ISN'T FUCKING WORKING!

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 10:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh bloody hell. This series wil give me ulcers yet. I think it's time for a beer - 11pm be damned.

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 10:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, so much for Pedro's infinite ERA for this game. I was kind of hoping that would be my consolation prize.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 10:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

He wants to make sure that they aren't his daddy.

Posted by Prince Valium at 2004-10-20 10:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

WHAT. THE. FUCK. FRANCONA.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 10:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

They say you have to be stupid to take the job of Red Sox manager - guess they're right. Wtf?

Posted by kokaku at 2004-10-20 10:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

NO REALLY, WHAT THE FUCK.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 10:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

If this goes south... If this turns into a Boston nightmare... Francona better find out where Steve Bartman's hiding, because he'll be the most hunted man in New England...

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 10:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

Francona signing up for the Grady Little retirement program

Posted by kokaku at 2004-10-20 10:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

Whatever about Pedro and this whole "daddy" business. Why do you bring a starter in to pitch late relief, ever? Is everyone in the bullpen out of gas? I'm pretty sure Pedro will settle down and the Sox will win, but I don't remember when this kind of move has ever resulted in a positive result (when it didn't involve Randy Johnson).

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

Shorter Francona: 'You know, I really need to wake up this crowd and make the game competitive again.' WHAT THE FUCK?

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

FWIW, Yankees fans now back in the game.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

jinx

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yes. The Yankees are his daddy. We have confirmed it by paternity and DNA tests. TAKE HIM OUT NOW.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 10:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, at least it's gotten interesting again. Can't really cement that "best series" ever thing without a riveting game 7.

Posted by Stan Chin at 2004-10-20 10:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

On the other hand, he's throwing 97 MPH fastballs, and he hasn't done that for years. So I think I'm just kind of nervously weirded out.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 10:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

Maybe they're grooming Pedro for a closer role later in his career, la Dennis Eckersley. I'm in favor of that, but WHY NOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT MARCH to do it?

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

Apparently, Francona wants a new job.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 10:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

Dear Terry, borrowing a page from the Pats? Can't make it easy on us? Jackass!

Posted by kokaku at 2004-10-20 10:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

MOTHERFUCKER.

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 10:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

Can't really cement that "best series" ever thing without a riveting game 7. Sod that. Give me a blowout. And sit Pedro down in the dugout.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

BTW, I hate this commercial. This 40 yo dude has a hot wife and STILL can't get it up. I think maybe he needs some help that Viagra can't provide. Get those arteries checked, buddy, could be something else!

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

I am baffled and incensed. People are probably gathering pitchforks and torches in Beantown right now.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

No, for real, WTF Francona. Lowe still had the stuff.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 10:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

ok, jeesus, as mind-blowingly stupid as that was, they came out with limited damage. but if he pitches in the eigth I will shoot myself on the spot.

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 10:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

At least we can use the commercial break to test out that at-home defibrillator.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 10:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

5 runs is nothing. The Sox better put at least two on the board and make this a big lead- nothing would make me feel comfortable. Holy fuck. I don't care if Lowe was tired- Schilling just pitched with his fucking tendon stapled to his ankle; Lowe can tough out another inning, and couldn't look any worse than that. Fuckin' a.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

In the days since I became a "Red Sox fan" (by default), I wondered if I could possibly build up the defeatist-pessimistic attitude that they seem to have. I think I'm getting the hang of it because, as God as my witness, I thought for SURE that Cairo fly ball was going to go over the wall. *faints*

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 10:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

GONE Maffakas! Got one back!

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

A few more runs against Gordon would make me feel a lot better. On preview - YES BELLHORN!

Posted by buddha9090 at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

THANK YOU GOD.

Posted by FlunkedFlank at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

OH THANK YOU.

Posted by jerseygirl at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

YAY!!!!

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

There is a defense of taking Lowe out, I should say- if he'd fallen apart, he would have fallen fast, and it would have put huge pressure on the reliever coming in mid-inning to put out the flames; never be playing defensively in a situation like that. But that still reinforces the "Why not Leskanic" or Wakefield, or... fuckin' a. I mean... fuck.

Posted by Hal Incandenza at 2004-10-20 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ding-dong Bellhorn! That's what Francona was doing. Get them excited, then knock them down again. (Yeah, right.)

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Aw, shucks. Gordon doesn't have much left in that tank of his... No. No, I can't do that; I love Tom Gordon more than I thought I was capable of loving anyone who used to play for the Sox and now plays for the Yankees. So I won't mock him. But really, he should have signed with a team that wouldn't misuse him.

Posted by Bryant at 2004-10-20 10:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, there you go.

Posted by dusted at 2004-10-20 10:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Please give me two more runs so I can leave the room and go to the bathroom without fear.

Posted by Joey Michaels at 2004-10-20 10:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

Man, the foul pole just couldn't move a few inches to the left, could it? Is that too much to ask?

Posted by Jugwine at 2004-10-20 10:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hal's right: when Lowe tires, he leaves the ball up, and anything well hit is leaving the park tonight. But it was so not Pedro time.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

So Jeter caught the damn ball. Just make out already.

Posted by snickernoodle at 2004-10-20 10:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Questions for Yankee fans who need some distraction: Has Derek Jeter ever done anything as bush league as A-Rod's ball-slap in game 6? Would he? A-Rod's fiddling with his nostrils a lot lately. Cold or coke?

Posted by rcade at 2004-10-20 10:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Joey - was just thinking the same sort of thing... Loved the sound that hr made when it went down the pole, btw. Too cool.

Posted by livii at 2004-10-20 10:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

So Jeter caught the damn ball. Just make out already. Actually, that's a pretty good catch. I did that once in softball. And then fell to the ground in agony as I pull/strained my back leaning like that (and twisting). I was laid up for two days and taking muscle-relaxants the size of cellphones.

Posted by grum@work at 2004-10-20 10:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

Timlin in. Feeling better.

Posted by psmealey at 2004-10-20 10:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

Mike Timlin: we couldn't give a shit who his daddy is.

Posted by etagloh at 2004-10-20 10:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

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