Indians top Sox; no clinch yet

by Randy Booth on Sep 23, 2008 12:08 PM EDT in News

And we wait.

At this point it kind of seems like all we can do is hurry up and wait. After the Sox fell again, this time to the Indians 4-3, the playoffs technically still aren't there ... yet. It looks like the AL East is a distant dream but, of course, the wild card is still alive and all it will take to grab it is one dominant offensive game.

Josh Beckett wasn't even that bad last night and he is still dealt the loss. Beckett's season numbers? Not too great: 12-10 with a 4.03 ERA. Those wins/losses should be a little different, though. He's been getting very unfortunate when it comes to run support this season. In his last three games, the Sox offense has combined for six runs when he's on the mound.

The great thing about Beckett, though, is that it is almost playoff time. What do you think, is he going to carry this into the post-season? Not a chance. He is the greatest post-season pitcher in baseball today and we should see that come October.

The offense wasn't anything to rave about last night. Kevin Youkilis had three hits and David Ortiz hit his 23rd home run of the season. Not bad, but not good enough to walk away with the victory.

Tonight it's Cliff Lee vs. Tim Wakefield. It will be a tough, tough game.

All we need: one more win.

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Ellsbury back in form

He had two hits and scored two of the three Bosox runs. I believe that’s 18 hits in his last 10 games. He’s back where he belongs, in the leadoff spot. Great to see Ortiz rounding back into form, too.

Agree with you on Beckett. Too bad Schilling isn’t here because those two guys are about as good as it gets, come playoff time. Beckett and a maturing Jon Lester and improving Dice-K give us hope we can knock off the favored Angels. Now, if we could just get some production out of hitters 6-9! By the way, latest word this morning is that Drew is done for the year but Lowell will be back. I hope that’s not true with J.D. I’d sure rather have him in the lineup than Kotsay.

Tonight’s matchup obviously favors the Indians but being up six games with six to go ain’t a bad position to be in! A pennant would have been nice, but I’m happy to have the playoff spot. As Big Papi said recently, “Hey, if you’re in; your’e in. That’s all that counts.”

Even if we slip for a few days, “Doc” should beat the Yankees later this week, which would clinch it for us.

by ccthemovieman on Sep 23, 2008 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

There is a second subplot tonight, at least for me!

Wakefield has melted down and not made it past the 3rd inning in 2 of his 3 last starts. He has looked like a little league pitcher who was in way over his head, and this is untenable,especially going into post season play (HOPEFULLY)! If it happens again tonight, a winning team fan must demand his retirement NOW!! Like I said, this is my little subplot, but if Red Sox management is not on my page, they are not very competent if winning is their objective!

by NG on Sep 23, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

im actualy starting to get nervous. We have to win 1 of 3 from the indians. but tonight is cliff lee, if that goes as expected then we have to win 1 of 2. if for some reason we lose the last two, and the yankees get lucky against toronto, the yankees suddenly have control of their destiny again.

by spinz on Sep 23, 2008 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

Good, you should be nervous given the current state of affairs

and with Wakefield on the mound. Errrrrr.

by NG on Sep 23, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

This is you NG:

Remember when we were kids and we mixed sodas together and called them "suicides"? It was OK though, because Dr. Pepper was always there.

by bdalebs on Sep 23, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

A win by the Sox, or a loss by the MFY

And we’ll get the WC. And the MFY have to deal with Doc and Burnett.

Mother---- him and John Wayne!

by MerryGoByeBye on Sep 23, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

Please, please, please…

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Sep 23, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Relax, boys

It’s in the bag!!

I like Thursday’s matchup: Lester vs. some guy with a 4-8 record and a high E.R.A..
I would fitting to have Lester get the clinching win, since he got most of the important victories this year.

by ccthemovieman on Sep 23, 2008 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Sep 23, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey guys

i’ll be zoning in and out, as I am supposed to be doing a report on the one child policy and communism. Go Sox!

My last sig was too long, so my new one is: He who hesitates is a mediocre ambidextrious stupid person who thinks the Rays suck and stole Joe Maddon's shoes while thinking he was at a baseball game but was at church.

by BoSox415 on Sep 23, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

I don't blame Wakefield for the 4 runs in the top of the fifth!

I blame Crisp! Shitty fielding from someone who is suppose to be a good fielder, but a poor hitter. If he can’t field, he does not offer too much good for the team, IMO! If Ellsbury had been in center, the Indians would have score zip!

by NG on Sep 23, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Crisp should have had both of the balls hit to him that inning, and Casey should have had the ball that went through him. In fairness to Crisp, he has a foot injury that seems to be limiting his mobility. Ellsbury would have made both plays.

On another subject, Jed Lowrie seems to be lost at the plate these days.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Sep 23, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions