BOS @ OAK - GM 1 - 6:05 a.m.
by Randy Booth
on Mar 25, 2008 4:30 AM EDT
in Open Thread
116 comments
Boston Red Sox @ Oakland Athletics
It's finally here, folks. It's Opening Day and it's time to wake up bright and early to see our Red Sox start the season. I would say there's no more spring training, but that's a lie. And although it may not feel like Opening Day, baseball is back.Real baseball is back. Let's enjoy it.
And more importantly, let's defend our title.
I'm still trying to figure all these "widgets" out, so give me a break while I break in the open threads.
Blanton can only be described as a work horse. He started 34 games last season and and racked up 230 innings, which is extremely impressive for a 26-year-old. The one stat that pops out at me is his 40 walks. For pitching 230 innings, that's pretty solid number. But his 1.21 WHIP shows me he allows quite a few hits as well. That's how the Sox will need to get at him today.
GAME NOTES:
- Ace Josh Beckett is officially on the disabled list, retroactive to March 19 meaning he'll be available April 3.
- Sean Casey is apparently feeling better and has been activated to play in today's opener. In return, Dusty Brown was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. Kevin Cash will be the sole backup behind Jason Varitek.
- According to Terry Francona, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury will hit near the bottom of the lineup to start the season to prevent any sort of overload on the rookie.
- Tim Wakefield and Mike Timlin will be inactive for both games in Japan. Timlin had stitches in his ring finger while Wakefield just pitched in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants.
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Opening day...
HEAR ME ROAR!
Can't wait to follow this one on GameDay.
Off topic: I'm disappointed Dusty Brown isn't going to be the backup this season. Is Cash's defence (and catching of Wake) really worth more than the total package that Brown brings? I don't see Brown developing beyond a solid career major league backup, so I'm not sure his development would be particularly stunted by serving at Varitek's understudy. The Dusty Brown bandwagon just crashed.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 5:38 AM EDT
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DB
I'm not sure how DB made it this far in the first place to tell you the truth. The FO loves him, but he just isn't ready to be an every day ML'er.
What time is it over there, Brit?
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:06 AM EDT
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6
I'm up, I'm up. This is going to be a looong day but it's going to start off so fun...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:00 AM EDT
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I'm always up
The baby woke up at 5:30, and for once I didn't want to go back to sleep. I kind of like baseball in morning.
by Rob Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:10 AM EDT
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Baby
Told ya', should have named him Ripken ... it's a sign.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:11 AM EDT
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Got that beat...
3am first pitch from the West Coast. This day looked like it was going to suck - but thanks to Moss and Manny, I think I can muddle through it. Oh, and with special thanks to the caffeine IV I'll have running wide open all day...
And the best part? I get to do it all over again tomorrow...
"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." - Calvin
by RVachon on
Mar 25, 2008 9:59 AM EDT
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Hopefully we see another win, too :)
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 10:08 AM EDT
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DP
Single for Scrappy. Nice way to kick off the year.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:11 AM EDT
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So it's 3:10 here...
And boy am I all of a sudden not tired! Way to start things off Scrappy.
by B VT on
Mar 25, 2008 6:12 AM EDT
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Time
I kind of wish I'd have to deal with a 3 a.m. start versus a 6 a.m. start. At least w/ 3 a.m. you can stay up and not go to sleep....
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:13 AM EDT
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Well, that's our first.
And actually I went to bed at 10 and got up again. Then the plan is to grab a nap and go into work. Normally I'm a nighttime guy, but this week at work's killer. Oh well, at least I'm listening to the Sox again!
by B VT on
Mar 25, 2008 6:17 AM EDT
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Sox Lineup
2B Pedroia
1B Youkilis
DH Ortiz
LF Ramirez
3B Lowell
RF Moss
C Varitek
CF Ellsbury
SS Lugo
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:13 AM EDT
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Manny
Manny just looks dialed in. He's been like that all ST. I think he's going to have a big year.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:14 AM EDT
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3 Down
No runs, but I think the Sox are making good contact against Blanton. Hopefully it won't be too long before they can tack on a few runs.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:15 AM EDT
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Awesome
Just got the little pop-up saying there was a new comment. Hmm, I'm going to like this new format.
Oh, and is there a low-tech alternative to GameDay? My firewall isn't happy with it.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 6:17 AM EDT
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Pop-up
Yeah, the pop-up is sweet. Definitely informative, neat and handy.
As far as an alternate to GameDay, try Yahoo!
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:19 AM EDT
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Morning All
It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!! Go Sox!!
by MassGal on
Mar 25, 2008 6:24 AM EDT
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Morning
Bring us some good mojo, please.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:25 AM EDT
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new format
I've been away from the board; this new format is nice. A bit of a shock at 6AM but nice...
It's the first game so I'll keep my JD Drew/disappointment comments to myself ( sort of).
Dice K looked shaky but maybe it is nerves.
Remy's comments about someone "warming in the pen" made me laugh. I doubt Dice K would have been pulled in the first inning; the crowd would have gone bonkers.
Off to work...
by MassGal on
Mar 25, 2008 6:41 AM EDT
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Stuff
This new ain't too shabby.
Yeah, and I think Dice-K will probably throw around 250 pitches just to satisfy the crowd :)
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:42 AM EDT
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Dice
He looks way too nervous. He looks like he's trying too hard. Throw your nasty stuff over the plate, Dice K and you'll be fine.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:26 AM EDT
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DP
Double play, please. Please. Please.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:28 AM EDT
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OAK scores
OAK scores, but Dice-K made an awesome play to get the out at first. That's a play that isn't made 9 times out of 10 by a pitcher...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:30 AM EDT
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1st Inning
That could have been much, much worse. After all that, I'll take just a 2-0 game. Dice-K can still redeem himself with some quick innings.
Woo, single for Lowell. MVP!
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:35 AM EDT
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NOTE:
If the post keeps changing a lot, it's because I'm playing around with the "widgets." Still trying to figure them out...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:48 AM EDT
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Yeah!
Shout out to the Green Mountain State! Now if only Dice K would settle down a little bit.
by B VT on
Mar 25, 2008 6:54 AM EDT
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UMP
Wow, this ump has called exactly ONE pitch a called strike...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 6:57 AM EDT
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Ump
And, of course, he calls another to get Dice-K out of the inning. Then, to shove it in my face, a third strike to Jacoby. It really does seem like Dice-K is getting squeezed out there. Don't get me wrong -- he is wild -- but a few pitches have been close and he's not getting the calls.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:05 AM EDT
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MLB Gameday
Keeping track of the game at the office via MLB.com's Gameday
by DJDP23 on
Mar 25, 2008 7:10 AM EDT
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Office? Work? Hmm. You should be playing hooky today...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:11 AM EDT
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If I weren't at work
...I'd be playing the Dice-BB drinking game.
by DJDP23 on
Mar 25, 2008 7:18 AM EDT
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Yoooooouk. Beats it out. 2 on, 2 out with Sir Papi up to the plate.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:07 AM EDT
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Make me happy, Papi
I need a reason to avoid my work.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 7:10 AM EDT
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Nay.
This game is still not out of our hands, though. We can hit Blanton for sure.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:10 AM EDT
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Lugo
What a snag by Lugo. Stellar catch and potentially saved a lot of pitches for Dice-K.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:19 AM EDT
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1-2-4 inning for Dice-K
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on
Mar 25, 2008 7:19 AM EDT
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Welcome back, DD. Been a long off-season...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 7:20 AM EDT
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Thanks
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on
Mar 25, 2008 7:25 AM EDT
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Finally
A 1-2-3 inning for Dice-K. C'mon Sox, score a few before I go to work!
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on
Mar 25, 2008 7:31 AM EDT
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The season is on
Manny!
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 7:59 AM EDT
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Moss def!
Oh how sweet. Dice K could get the win yet.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 8:04 AM EDT
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Kyle Snyder
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 8:47 AM EDT
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This game is ridiculous. Huge props to Brandon Moss for being "that guy."
However, I was not around OTM to say it earlier, but when I saw Kyle Snyder come in I scratched my head. I thought to myself I'd rather see a guy like Bryan Corey come in and pitch, then work to Manny D, Oki and Paps ... then about a minute later the ding-dong lost the lead for the Sox.
That's why long relievers should do the mop-up work only.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:05 AM EDT
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walk and a flyout...one out from extra innings
by jamesvw on
Mar 25, 2008 9:12 AM EDT
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Extras...
This has been a very hard fought game. You can tell the Sox really want to win this game.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:15 AM EDT
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Ahh Moss...
I really like him, but where could he go? Unless Manny goes, the Outfield's filled...
by LuXu on
Mar 25, 2008 9:17 AM EDT
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He's a good 4th OF option. He's done great today, but I'm not sure if he's ready right now for a starting job in the bigs.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:18 AM EDT
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ok, but in a couple years when he's ready, there still wouldn't be room.
And don't you think he'd be better in AAA playing everyday rather than on the bench as a 4th OF?
by LuXu on
Mar 25, 2008 9:31 AM EDT
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Honestly
he's a good young player, but if he's one of our starting three OFs for the season, we're in trouble.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 9:18 AM EDT
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My crystal ball
says Kyle Snyder joins the Washington Nationals very, very soon.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 9:17 AM EDT
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He can join Mr. Pena. Pena can hit 45 home runs while Snyder will win 17 games. Typical, you know?
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:18 AM EDT
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Umm, Street is wild ... when intentionally walking Ortiz? The guy has fried nerves.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:24 AM EDT
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Bad
Very bad
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 9:29 AM EDT
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when will people learn? Intentionally walking Ortiz to face Manny...they are going to get burned
by jamesvw on
Mar 25, 2008 9:30 AM EDT
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MANNY! HELL MF-YES!
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Julius Erving is a doctor?"
by Allen Chace on
Mar 25, 2008 9:30 AM EDT
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Manny is locked in and focused. He's going to have a great year.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:30 AM EDT
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Make em pay Moss
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 9:33 AM EDT
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Let's end this, Paps. Let's put a nice bow on this opening day :)
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:34 AM EDT
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I've been missing it -- what's Paps hitting on the gun?
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:42 AM EDT
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And THAT'S why Brown was a Royal...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:45 AM EDT
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Reading on Gameday
...it looks like the entire infield was in on that play. What happened?
by DJDP23 on
Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM EDT
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Cust
with another K. Is that a golden sombrero for him?
by sdkramer.otm on
Mar 25, 2008 9:45 AM EDT
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Yup. I think he'll do that quite a bit this season.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:46 AM EDT
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Just give us one more out
okay paps?
by sdkramer.otm on
Mar 25, 2008 9:46 AM EDT
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easy now, you're starting to sound like my great grandad.
by sdkramer.otm on
Mar 25, 2008 9:49 AM EDT
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For cryin' out loud
NAIL THIS SHUT. I need to work.
by sdkramer.otm on
Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM EDT
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Paps' performance was NOT very pretty, but thank the Baseball Gods for Manny and Moss today. Oh, and Brown as well. He did let us win this thing.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:50 AM EDT
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No, but Dice-K did a helluva job after his first two innings. Guy deserves a standing O for keeping the game close.
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:52 AM EDT
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Waking up at 5:45 was totally worth it...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:55 AM EDT
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Yeah, well
those of us with young children don't have much say in the matter...
Good win in the end. Excellent stuff from Moss and Manny, good recovery from Dice K, and crap from Varitek and Snyder.
1-0.
Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.
by britsoxfan on
Mar 25, 2008 9:59 AM EDT
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Excellent game
And a very exciting finish. Kudos to the Sox for fighting to the end (and winning)!
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
by SoxDevil on
Mar 25, 2008 12:24 PM EDT
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Great
Now the O's are already .5 games out.
Seriously, good luck with getting Beckett healthy. He's one of those guys I hate 'cause he's on the other team, but secretly I'd love to have in my own team's rotation.
"Do we get some sort of prize?"
by duck on
Mar 25, 2008 1:45 PM EDT
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Thanks duck.
They've been doing and saying all the right things in terms of Beckett, though you never know about a pitcher's back and whether it ever gets fully healthy.
And definitely have to like what the O's have done. I read some article where a scout was quoted as, I think, "horrified" with Tejada's defense in ST. It didn't look like that great a trade at the time, but if the scout is right and if his offensive game continues to decline, it was at least a stellar move to get rid of him before he lost all value.
Oh, and are you guys ever going to trade Brian Roberts to the Cubs? I'm tired of him stealing 3B.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Julius Erving is a doctor?"
by Allen Chace on
Mar 25, 2008 2:27 PM EDT
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A few answers...
1) For the O's to get ANYTHING for Miggy was huge. Especially since they traded him the day before the Mitchell Report dropped. Albers may make the rotation, and Luke Scott may start in LF and Dennis Sarfate will make the 'pen. Michael Costanzo just MIGHT make the clubb, and Troy Patton will be a big plus next year. That's 3 guys helping this year, and 2 more maybe for next year.
2) Don't hold your breath on the Roberts deal. MacPhail will wait, wait, wait until the best deal. Look at the Bedard-M's trade. We get our CF for the next 10 years and our closer for this year PLUS a few others; they get Bedard for 2 years max.
3) Miggy's defense has been horrendous for a few years, it's just his offensive numbers blinded many who didn't follow the O's. His range is Jeter bad at this point, if not worse.
"Do we get some sort of prize?"
by duck on
Mar 26, 2008 11:58 AM EDT
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I'm sure...
You all at CC have already thought about this, but how likely is it you guys unload George Sherrill to a contender with bullpen issues (coughTigerscough) at the deadline? I mean, he's not young enough to keep around until Wieters is ready to be the franchise, is he? Surely some team that will be desperate for bullpen help (coughTigerscough) will overpay for him.
And I knew Tejada had been "not good" for awhile, just had never heard him described as horrific on defense before.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Julius Erving is a doctor?"
by Allen Chace on
Mar 26, 2008 2:41 PM EDT
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Manny!
Just finished the game. I love Manny. He might have a monster year, now if we can only get him to hustle into 2B .....
First Place. MFY are tied for last. Things could be worse.
KFC
by KFC on
Mar 25, 2008 2:05 PM EDT
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Can the Yankees get worse? Hmm...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 2:44 PM EDT
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Mas (or Moss) de Manny!
Sox offense looks great. I'm still not a big Snyder fan. Gives up the dingers way too often. With a 1 run lead, I would prefer to see Corey, MDC, HO and then Paps. Save Snyder for when we are down 3-5 runs.
by MatthewRI on
Mar 25, 2008 2:45 PM EDT
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Bullpen
Is there any official word on whether Clay B. can pitch in these games, as a long reliever or just to get his pitches in?
Also, did Manny Del Carmen pitch in the exhibition games? Maybe this is why he wasn't used today because all I've heard from 'camp' is that he had an incredible spring.
If Oki-Doki can pitch most 7/8 innings and Paps in the 9th, this could be an incredible year for the 'pen.
KFC
"It's not like the end of the world or something. Why should we panic?"
-- Manny being Manny
by KFC on
Mar 25, 2008 7:25 PM EDT
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Buch
I think Buch will sit out tomorrow's game because he pitched in one of the exhibition games against a Japanese team. The specifics are slipping my mind, though. But, of course, if it goes 15 I could see him coming out to pitch.
I'd expect to see Manny D tomorrow...
by Randy Booth on
Mar 25, 2008 9:32 PM EDT
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