WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 2:27 AM EDT in Game Stories Comment 35 comments

This taco is brought to you courtesy of Jacoby Ellsbury.

Oh hell yeah. Taco Bell knows what it is doing. Namely, creating a folk-hero out of Jacoby Ellsbury. Everyone in America gets for free what some wouldn't even consider paying for. Outstanding. Me? I let someone borrow my ID so they could get two. Did it work?

Also, baseball was played. Schilling was solid, Oki and Paps were phenomenal at the end.

Oki and Paps: 3 2/3, 1 H, 6 Ks. That's how you dominate the end of ballgames. Oki looked as good as he did at any point in the season.

[Censored] that Mike Lowell. Love ya buddy, but I was sure YOU were the right choice if we decided to sit anyone for two games. I was wrong, and now the choice that isn't even mine is made a lot tougher for me.

So, we did the same thing to Ubaldo Jimenez that we did to Fausto Carmona in Game 2 of the ALCS. Exploited his weaknesses until he was no longer a factor in the game. (Well, y'know, aside from taking the loss) You see his stuff and it's easy to tell how good he'll be when he learns some control. Let's hope for the sake of Rockies' fans that he has a bit more maturity than, say, Daniel Cabrera in that sense.

Side note: I am looking at a table lamp that has more maturity than Daniel Cabrera which = good news for the Rockies.

Brian Fuentes was impressive in his 2 innings of work.

Who had a perfect night at the plate? David Jonathan Drew: 2-2, BB, HBP. This guy is going to be a factor, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing him leadoff or 2nd if Youks sits any of the next three. Bash me on that one in the comments.

Game III in Colorado. Dice-BB vs. The Velvet Dragon Slayer at Mile High Stadium (y'know, if you listen to McCarver*.

* Maybe this means that he'll go to where it used to be rather than Coors Field on Saturday. Optimistic?

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Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

My word, that was a thrilling game. Glad to see the kind of pitching we had almost all season long rear its head tonight. Having Okie in early season form is so ridiculously key. The final score didn't reflect it, but the Sox also had a good night at the plate.

Great game, and a terrific contrast to the blowout of game 1.

"Don't girl me with your girl stuff... guys don't have feelings." - Fry, Futurama

by Rox n Sox on Oct 26, 2007 2:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

I hope they learn from this with Oki, and don't lean on him so heavily early in the season next year.

Of course, my plan of Craig Hansen and E-Mart striking out 13 straight apiece in ST to knock out any veteran re-treads they might bring in aside from Timlin could still work to make that a non-issue.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

That would be good, although putting too much stock in Hansen at this point may not be wise. Didn't the Sox shift their pitcher development philosophy at least in part due to the experience that Hansen's development has brought them?

"Don't girl me with your girl stuff... guys don't have feelings." - Fry, Futurama

by Rox n Sox on Oct 26, 2007 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

Did I say 'plan' up there? I meant 'dream'.

But seriously, and I'm not jumping the gun on this, Paps, Oki, MDC, then who in the 'pen next season? I have to think they might leave one spot up for grabs with guys like Hansen, E-Mart, and Breslow around.

And again, maybe I'm just hoping that's the case.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

Oh, no doubt. At least one of Hansen/Breslow/E-Mart should be able to be in the pen next year.

I'd toy around with the idea of bringing Gagne back if he's willing to take an incentive laden contract. His still good peripherals and past performance suggest that he's a lot better than his time with us. Of course, even with the second half he has had, he'll probably command a big multi year contract on the open market.

All I know is that I hope next year we finally put to rest the Loogy role. Eh, plenty of time to discuss bullpen construction during the hot stove season. I've been told there's still some baseball left to be played...

"Don't girl me with your girl stuff... guys don't have feelings." - Fry, Futurama

by Rox n Sox on Oct 26, 2007 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

E-Mart isn't viable. He posted a WHIP of around 1.4 in Pawtucket. As did Breslow, actually, but I've got faith that he's ready for the show.

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 3:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

I still am holding out hope for E-Mart, if only because of the catcher turned pitcher thing. I made an opposite move in little league after I moved states (I mowed em down in Fairhaven, MA, but was not as good in Franklin, TN).

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

And man is that taco gonna be tasty

"Don't girl me with your girl stuff... guys don't have feelings." - Fry, Futurama

by Rox n Sox on Oct 26, 2007 3:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

Per B Cap in the game thread, Jacoby is now Tacoby.

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 3:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

As it is written (by brit) so shall it be.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 4:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

Or, y'know, B Cap, as I screw up the credit.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've just wasted five minutes

and I can report that Tacoby Ellsbury is the only Mexican food pun possible from our roster.

Apart from Hideki Quesadilla.

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 5:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I've just wasted five minutes

...something something chimichangeup.

I should really step away from this thread.

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 5:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I've just wasted five minutes

Tacoby Shellsbury? Tacoby Bellsbury? Takin' it too far?

by sdkramer.otm on Oct 26, 2007 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I've just wasted five minutes

Tacoby--Hilarious! That gets my vote!

You can take the boy outta Boston, but you can't take the Boston outta the boy.

by B Cap on Oct 26, 2007 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I've just wasted five minutes

huh? I thought you invented it in the game thread...

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I've just wasted five minutes

My first stab was "Taco Boy"...but I like mashing it together to mimic his name "JacOby" -- "TacOby" , which I hadn't thought of...

You can take the boy outta Boston, but you can't take the Boston outta the boy.

by B Cap on Oct 26, 2007 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

That ortiz situation sure is tough, glad i dont have to decide. It may even be for the best to use ortiz as a pinch hitter and just keep lowell/youk since theyv been such good hitters and playing solid defense. But i wouldnt want to be the manager to sit the sox's most clutch bat, and do it during the world series.

by spinz on Oct 26, 2007 3:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

The upside is that no matter who sits in any given game, our bench suddenly becomes vastly improved.

"Don't girl me with your girl stuff... guys don't have feelings." - Fry, Futurama

by Rox n Sox on Oct 26, 2007 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Guess

Ortiz's knee is a major factor in which player sits.

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

by Drugs Delaney on Oct 26, 2007 7:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: My Guess

If I recall correctly, during the regular season, when Ortiz was out for a while, the Sox did just fine, winning the majority of their games ... however, when Youkilis was out for a stretch near the end of the season, we didn't do so well ... though my memory may not be accurate.

I say keep Ortiz on the bench, we need Youk and Lowell for defense.

by dave in CT on Oct 26, 2007 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: My Guess

I completely agree with keeping Lowell in for Defense here due to the massive outfield to be patrolled by "Being"...not good.

You can take the boy outta Boston, but you can't take the Boston outta the boy.

by B Cap on Oct 26, 2007 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

I like the fear factor having Papi on the bench. He could pinch hit at any time. Hmm... bases loaded with Lugo up...

Tougher to manage the Rox Bullpen.

For a week in Oct. 2004 I did not sleep.

by narbaysox on Oct 26, 2007 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shellsbury

Bottom 9th B:1 S:0 O:0 With Bill Mueller batting, Dave Roberts steals (1) 2nd base.

by britsoxfan on Oct 26, 2007 9:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mile High Stadium...

Ummmm, Mile High Stadium is a parking lot. There's this place called Coors Field, the Rockies have been playing their for quite a few years now. Better let the Red Sox bus driver know that. :)
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 26, 2007 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Mile High Stadium...

The Red Sox know that.

Tim McCarver, apparently doesn't, as he committed that faux pas on the air last night.

by Allen Chace on Oct 26, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Commentary

I couldn't hear the commentary at the bar last night. Much more enjoyable I must say.

by 3000miles on Oct 26, 2007 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dug out chatter from Game #1

I had to laugh during a "sounds of the game clip" when I forget who was pumping up Jacoby and telling him all of AMerica was waiting for him to win them a nite of free tacos"

That in it self was way funny,

too bad that deal will not work in Canada

oh well

by dumhic on Oct 26, 2007 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lugo-Ortiz-Youk rant. Beware for your health!

Managerial decisions have meaning in two important areas. First they directly impact the caliber of player on the field, and second, they effect morale and motivation, which may be more important this time of year especially for a team like Boston and especially in the post-season.

Youk is playing great and is an important morale booster for the team. Taking him out, unless he really requested it, is insulting to him, insulting to the team, and WILL hurt emotion. Meanwhile it is also insulting leaving a sub-pro like Julio Lugo in the line-up where he does not belong. Francona could flex for once in his life and try to have both of these above factors working for the team as pluses! When in the national league sphere, PUT MIKE LOWELL AT SHORT, YOUK AT THIRD, AND ORTIZ AT FIRST! That is how I think this critical delemma should be handled because it keeps rewarding good play, keeps morale high, AND SITS LOGO DOWN!

by NG on Oct 27, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zero

How many games have Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis played at SS in their respective careers?

SS is harder than it looks. And getting a double play in a key situation as often just as important as getting a key hit. Julio has been a clutch fielder throughout the post-season, flashing both the leather and the arm (of course, watch me jinx him here...). I like having him at SS.

And who knows, with him hitting in front of Dice K, maybe he'll get on base a few times.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 27, 2007 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Lugo-Ortiz-Youk rant. Beware for your health!

Sitting Youk, IMO the hitter who can get his swing back the easiest, is the best decision.

Youk is a pure Tony Gwynn/Jon Olerud type of hitter which means to me, he can adjust the quickest. Plus Papi is not a guy we can afford sitting and getting on a cold streak.

Let Papi get his 2-3 at bats and let Papi, Manny, Lowell and Drew take their shots at Fogg and his weak stuff, then switch in Youk for defense.

At least that is my opinion of what Francona is thinking.

by SoxAcumen on Oct 27, 2007 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: WS Game II Story: Red Sox. Delicious.

Tommy,

These are major leaguers, except maybe for Lugo, and 4,5,6 positions are not that different, IMO!They can play these positions.

Still, my main point is the insult to Youk and what effect that has on team morale for those that are really producing. With an American league DH, Lugo's inept offensive play is blunted somewhat, but with the pitcher also an automatic out, I believe this removal of Youk in favor of Lugo is a drastic mistake, and one that no amount of cognac consumption by me will change! Also any downturn in emotion may be irreversible (remember 2004). I can do my part only so far, but the manager must do his!

by NG on Oct 27, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

There is a world of difference between SS and 3b. Two main differences jump out at me - range and footwork. As a 3b, Lowell is relatively stationary. And he basically has two moves (warning: oversimplification) - he either reacts with a dive to his left or right or he charges the ball. A SS needs to move laterally in two directions, needs to be smooth around 2nd base to turn the double play.

There is a reason that old 3b don't move to SS. It is hard work.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Oct 27, 2007 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Francona has chosen offensive

play potential as more important already, and rightfully so, IMO.

When he benches Youk for Ortiz playing first, what is he actually saying. He is either saying that Youk is not good enough to play but Lugo is (MISTAKE), or he is saying Ortiz is a better fielder than Youk. I just think Youk is both a better first baseman now by far than Ortiz, and also now as good a hitter. So make some sense for me about this Francona decision because in my book it does not add up and is a morale and offensive blunder. Also, Lugo is bad news, and his defensive play leaves a lot to be desired, especially his judgemnts which are poor on both offense and defense! You don't think Lowell can drop polp-ups??

by NG on Oct 27, 2007 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: But Francona has chosen offensive

Again, just my opinion but Lugo, Lowell, Ellsbury, Pedroia are always going to be in the lineup. Up the middle defense is a priority and add Lowell bc of how good a 3rd baseman he is.

Papi will get balls at first if its a bunt or if Dice-k pitches inside to left handers like Helton and Hawpe.

Losing Papi, guy along with Manny who is gonna just murder Fogg and make him pay for his weak C- stuff, is not smart.

Youk has been playing great, but Papi is Papi, the other team fears him and they will try and be too fine with the zone and give Papi at least one 3-1 count which is worth his below average defense.

Also, I do not think Youk takes this as an insult, he is a team guy. They just want to win. This is the best lineup they can put out there without the DH.

Remember, if this goes to game #5 Youk will play most of the game since Francis is a lefty. I am sure Francona is thinking ahead.

by SoxAcumen on Oct 27, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs