World Series Diary: Game #1

By The Yawkey Way Philosopher

My writings on what will hopefully be an eventual Red Sox World Championship are dedicated the memory of Victoria Snelgrove. She was the young lady killed after the Red Sox defeat of the Yankees in ALCS Game Seven by the Boston PD's excessive use of force combined with the inappropriate actions of some overly zealous fans during the celebration. May her fate remind us of the delicate balance between being fans and being responsible for our actions and their potential effects on those around us.

What a whirlwind game to say the least. Leave it to our beloved Sox to find a way to blow a five-run and a two-run lead, then have Mr. October Jr. ping a baseball off Pesky's Pole to secure the victory in game one. Not the best played game from the Sox standpoint, but if you can have a sub-par performance from Wakefield (to his defense the wind was not conducive to the knuckleball), give up nine runs, commit four errors and still win; you really can't complain.

The Cardinals offense was every bit as good as advertised. Their ability to combine power with small ball was impressive. Still, I'm confident that the Sox can play better and their superior starting pitching should help. In addition, two of the best pitchers in the St. Louis bullpen are unavailable for the duration of the series, so knocking out their starters early will continue to play an important role in the series.

The pre-game introductions did provide a nice bit of irony and possible the ultimate sign of good karma. First off, The Yaz throwing out the first pitch was great, that guy has humongous shoulders! The big karma moment however occurred as the various coaches, assistant and trainers were introduced; the great Johnny Pesky was snuck into the line to add some history to the evening. I remember thinking, "Gee, wouldn't it be ironic if the right field corner played a roll in the outcome of the game?" Sure enough, Pesky's Pole allowed the Ortiz home run to sneak inside and the Bellhorn homer to ping off the webbing. While you can never doubt that talent and solid play contributes to a championship, a little luck along the way never hurt anybody.

Another thought I had during the game was the pure terror the top of the Cardinal lineup can inspire. Is it fair that Larry Walker is batting second? Is it fair that the 2-5 hitters: Walker, Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds; are probably the most ungodly collection of pure hitting talent assembled in one lineup in quite awhile? Not to mention they all have won or are capable of being gold glove winners.

Winning Game One meant a great deal my good, clean readers. If not for injuries to Carpenter and Kline in the St. Louis bullpen, this sucker would be a genuine toss up, without them, the Cardinals pitching staff is at a noted disadvantage. Still, game one would have been the trap game. Coming off a tremendous series against the Enemy, I'm sure it was in the back of everyone's mind that a letdown was certainly possible. It was a great relief to see the Sox play well and if anything, seem a bit over excited and over aggressive.

Three wins to go!

Who's Your Grand-daddy?!

By ThrowsLikeAGirl

Linda and Andy have a very nice pair of seats reserved at Fenway Park for the start of the 2004 World Series on Saturday. They'll be even with first base - just above the Red Sox dugout - literally behind the team they've loyally been behind for decades. Linda says they've emptied the bank account (happily) just to be there and experience this moment in the history of the very deserving, long-suffering throngs of Red Sox Nation. They did have a little pull to get those choice seats, however. Linda is Linda Ruth Tosetti, - granddaughter of, that's right, the Babe himself. And although she could probably have aced herself a couple of nice seats Bronx house that bears the family name, Linda is - and always has been - a diehard Red Sox fan. And let me also say that she and husband Andy are warm, funny, enthusiastic and completely unassuming considering they carrying on a tradition of American royalty.

Linda generously gave me a few moments of her time on the phone from her Connecticut home - just before history was made Wednesday night in Game 7. I could have asked her a million questions - and I'm sure Linda would have indulged me deep into the night, but I wanted to let her settle in with Andy and savor the game on TV, so here are the highlights of our conversation. I'm sure we'll chat again. By the way, Linda is a fan of our site, because she understands that YankeesSuck.com is an irony - and that it's all in good fun.

Linda's mom was Dorothy Ruth (Pirone), Babe's biological daughter. He adopted another daughter, Julia (Stevens) at age 13.

Linda: "My mom was raised on the farm in Sudbury (Mass.) - and, by the way - there's no piano in the pond. That's part of the legend. I hear they're putting the place up for sale. My mom had 6 kids and I'm the baby, which is nice now, of course. I can remind my sisters how much older they are after all the teasing they gave me over the years! We all grew up in Wallingford (Connecticut)."

YS: Where you always a big baseball family?

Linda: "We followed baseball, but none of us really had an appreciation of Babe Ruth or the game, really, until we were older. My mom didn't want to call a lot of attention to who we were. It was the era of the Lindberg kidnapping and Mom worried she didn't have the money to pay a ransom. She was afraid for us - but we all learned more about baseball and our family much later."

"I learn more about my grandfather every day. Different people who knew him or had talked to him will tell me knew things he said all the time. I feel like I know him now. Babe was really ADHD - although they didn't call it that back then - and that definitely runs in the family. One of my brothers used to wake me up in the middle of the night to play with him. I was always exhausted as a kid!"

Linda comments on the "Curse:"

"We have our fun but let me make it clear that THERE IS NO CURSE! My grandfather loved Boston. You know he finished his career there with the Boston Braves. If anything, the bad feelings were brought on by Frazee, who sold him to the Yankees in the first place. But I understand the frustration of Red Sox fans -- all these years. They're feeling pressure but it's not of my grandfather's making. The "curse" is part of baseball lore - and that's fine. That makes the game exciting, and it's fun - but when people start really believing in it, then it's a self-fulfilling prophesy. Think it and it will happen. I didn't appreciate it when Pedro said he'd like to drill my grandfather in the ass. That doesn't show a lot of respect. That kind of disrespect doesn't do anything for the game."

YS: Do you think Babe would have fit in with this rag-tag bunch of self-proclaimed "idiots?"

Linda: "Yeah - well, Boston ball is NOT for the faint-hearted. You never know what this team is going to do. And they're a bunch of characters - all so different. Babe would have liked that. You know, he was a big supporter of the Negro League. There wasn't a prejudice bone in his body, but the owners of the Yankees at the time tried to shut him up, tried to control him."

YS: Do you have a favorite player on the Sox?

Linda: I just like them all. But I would have to say I like Tek - he's a little bit of a rebel, a Thurmon Munson type. I've always like Trot, too. And Damon just has something about him. You see certain pictures of him - his eyes - he's like a caged animal! And Schilling - my husband calls him the "X-factor."

YS: Who do you admire on the Yankees?

Linda: "Well, like everybody else, I guess I have to say that Jeter is something to watch. His hands are everywhere! But I don't like some of the attitudes of the players - I don't like disrespect."

"But there's some miracle baseball being played on both sides of the rivalry. The teams are both titans - there are two dynasties here. It's wonderful to watch - but there are also bad fans on both sides. I say let's just play together nicely. If people would just stop the b.s. ..."

YS: Do you know the words to "Tessie?"

Linda: No! Send them to me so I can sing along! But they had the group (the Dropkick Murphys) at one of the games - and they explained the history of the song and all. This is what I like about John Henry and Tom Werner and all the Red Sox management: they're great, good guys. Really, really nice. Whenever I see them they welcome me with big hugs - because John Henry really respects the history of the game. I knew him before he was owner here in Boston. When he got involved with the team, I knew it would be just a matter of time before it became competitive. And they want to stay at Fenway. They're adding seats, doing what they can - but they want to keep it at Fenway and I respect that."

Thanks Linda - we'll look for you and Andy at Fenway on Saturday. And save a seat for your mom, brothers and grandpa, too. I think they'll enjoy the game!

Pujols: Star on the Rise

By Joe Davis

One of the most under-the-radar hitters in baseball is Albert Pujols. Since his outstanding rookie year in 2001, he continues to get better. His lifetime numbers are as follows

629 Games, 2363 At-bats, 500 runs, 787 hits, 189 doubles, 9 triples, 160 homeruns, 504 RBI, 304 BB, 279 SO, .333 avg, .413 OBP, .624 SLG, 1.037 OPS. These are outstanding numbers for a hitter. What is even more impressive is that he is only 24 years of age.

Jose Alberto Pujols was in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At age 16, Pujols moved to the U.S. and his family settled in the Kansas City area. After graduating high school in Missouri, he made a name for himself in Maple Woods Community College. Pujols earned a baseball scholarship, and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1999 free agent draft.

Pujols got married on New Year's Day in 2000. Because his stepdaughter, Isabella, suffers with Downs Syndrome, Pujols is a supporter for Downs Syndrome research and is involved in the Downs Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and the national society as well.

Even though Pujols is an outstanding player, he is an even greater person. As a Red Sox fan I am rooting for the Red Sox but it will be an honor for the Sox to play against such a good guy.

World Series 2004: Meet St. Louis

By Joe Davis

Fans of the American League may not realize who the 2004 Cardinals are. The best team in baseball with a 105-57 record are dangerous in the batting order from 1-8. Here's an introduction:

1. SS Edgar Renteria - Renteria's numbers have slighty declined from since his best career year in 2003. However, Renteria is a dangerous hitter and fielder. In 2003 he hit .330, drove in 100 runs, and had 13 homeruns. He won his third Silver Slugger award, and was the starting NL shortstop in 2003 All-Star game. He also won his second consecutive Gold Glove at SS. He is a considerable threat and should be kept off the basepaths. A member of the 1997 World Series Champions Florida Marlins, he is accustomed to a playoff atmosphere.

2. RF Larry Walker - The 16-year veteran has done his job for the Cardinals after the deadline. He is a very dangerous hitter and like Renteria has won 7 Gold Gloves. He also was the NL MVP in 1997. He had 49 homeruns, 130 RBI, 33 stolen bases, and a .366 BA. He has a strong arm in right field. He is a an outstanding hitter.

3. 1B Albert Pujols - He was the MVP of the NLCS this year. He had four homeruns and 9 RBIs. In the postseason he is batting .442, 6 homeruns, and 14 RBIs. He is the third player in major league history to drive in 500 runs in his first four seasons, joining Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. He is underrated on defense and the only award he has is the 2001 Rookie of the Year. If you do not know much about Pujols, he will teach you in the World Series. Each season, Pujols is becoming better.

4. 3B Scott Rolen - Another hitter with an outstanding season, Rolen owns a lot of hardware as well: The 1997 Rookie of the Year also earned a 1998 Gold Glove, and Gold Gloves from 2000-2003. He will most likely obtain his 6th this year when he had outstanding play after play throughout the regular season into the post-season. In Rolen's breakout season, Rolen had a .314 BA, 34 homeruns and 124 RBI. A hot glove and a hot bat.

5. CF Jim Edmonds - The team is full of Gold Glovers and Edmonds is another one of them. Another breakout season for a Cardinals player, Edmonds hit .301, with 42 homeruns and 111 RBI. His honors include a 1997 Gold Glove, 1998 Gold Glove, 2000-2003 Gold Glove. Edmonds will be adding another gold glove this year as he had an outstanding defensive year. Just another scary bat in the Cardinals lineup.

6. LF Reggie Sanders - Another veteran, Sanders may be the weakest hitter in the lineup besides the pitcher. He is average defensive left fielder and he only hit 4-21 in the NLCS with no RBIs. A weathered veteran, he brings leadership to the Cardinals.

7. 2B Tony Womack - An interesting story, March 21, 2004, the Boston Red Sox traded Womack to the St. Louis Cardinals for Matt Duff. Womack gives the Cardinals a guy to put at second base. Not a big threat but he can play the game right. He gets on base, steals bases and scores runs (91 in 2004). He can steal many a base with his superior running ability.

8. C Mike Matheny - Another defensize whiz, Matheny won a Gold Glove in 2000 and 2003. He also works well with the pitching staff.

9. DH John Mabry (projected starter) - A left field and right field veteran, he lost his job when Larry Walker joined the team. Mostly used as a pinch hitter for the pitchers since then, he will most likely take up the starting DH role.

Starting Pitchers: RH Woody Williams, RH Jason Marquis, RH Matt Morris, RH Jeff Suppan. The starters are the weakest link for the St. Louis Cardinals, however their records are deceiving because of their staggering run support. The rotation was never the favorite, and the Cardinals were picked to finish 3rd in the NL Central because of it. They get the job done and hand it over to their outstanding bullpen.

Relievers: RH Jason Isringhausen, RH Julian Tavarez, LH Ray King, LH Steve Kline, RH Kiko Calero, RH Dan Haren, RH Cal Eldred. Outstanding.Their ERA was 3.01 which was the best in NL. Isringhausen had a career-best 47 saves in 54 opportunities.

Bench: UT Marlon Anderson, UT John Mabry, OF Roger Cedeno, UT Hector Luna, C Yadier Molina, OF So Taguchi. The Cardinals bench is deep, flexible and effective. Luna has played five positions. John Mabrey plays four positions. Marlon Anderson had NL-leading 17 pinch-hits. Taguchi is a defensive replacement and a outstanding bunter. Their bench is better for situational hitting in the NL, however, they are useless in the AL. Boston uses its bench for defensive replacement and speed improvements. Therefore the bench's effectiveness depends on the park in which the World Series game is being played.

Analysis:

1B- St. Louis has the advantadge. Pujols is too good of a hitter.

2B- Boston has the advantadge. Bellhorn gets on and comes up with clutch hits. Pokey Reese is avalaible for defensive replacement. Tony Womack is mainly a runner, and not much else.

SS- Boston has the advantage. Edgar Renteria's numbers have dropped down since last year and was only hitting 2 for 24 in the NLCS. Orlando Cabrera batted .379 in the ALCS with 5 RBIs.

3B- Cardinals have the advantage. Rolen is outstanding with the glove and bat. After going 0-12 in the NLDS, he hit .310 with three homers and six RBIs in the NLCS. Defensively, he is outstanding. Bill Mueller can hit and will hit. He comes up with clutch-hits and is a different player than Rolen. In Game 4 of the ALCS, Mueller hit the game-tying single off Mariano Rivera.

C-Boston has the edge. Mike Matheny is very good at defense and works well with the staff. However, Jason Varitek means more to the Red Sox. He is the leader, is a switch-hitter, has power, is a solid defensive player and is a clutch player. He hit the game-tying sacrifice fly in Game 5 of the ALCS against Mariano Rivera.

LF- Boston's edge again. Reggie Sanders is an average defender and is weak with the bat compared to Manny Ramirez. Ramirez is an MVP candidate and led the league in homeruns with 43. His slugging percentage: (.613). He batted .385 with one homerun and 7 RBIs in the first round and went 9 for 30 in the ALCS without an RBI. He is criticized for his defense, but he is an above average fielder although gets wacky sometimes.

CF- Even but favoring the Cardinals. Jim Edmonds and Johnny Damon are completely different players. Edmonds is a power hitter and a defensive gem. While Damon is a speedy leadoff hitter who has had an outstanding season. He finally broke out of his slump on Wednesday when he hit a grand slam and a 2-run homerun. To be effective, Damon will need to get on base and be able to use his speed.

RF- Cardinals have the edge. Larry Walker is a three-time NL batting champion and a former gold glove winner. He hit .241 with two homers and five RBIs in the NLCS and is batting .273 in the postseason with four homers and 8 RBIS. Even though a former gold glover, he has slowed down since being on the DL for the majority of the first half of the season. Nixon has the edge playing in Fenway, because he knows how to play angles. Nixon has made several fantastic plays in the ALCS and has the edge defensively . Walker has the edge offensively. However, I believe
offense will be more important in this series and the Cardinals will
need him.

DH- David Ortiz gets the edge handed to him. No explanation needed.

SP- Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe gain the advantadge for the Red Sox. The Cardinals starting pitching is nothing compared to the big game pitcher Schilling is. Tim Wakefield was the likely candidate to be the ALCS MVP in 2003, however we know what happened and he did not win it. The homerun overshadowed his performance. Lowe has continued to prove he is a big game pitcher. He pitched outstanding in Game 4 and Game 7 in the ALCS and outstanding in the ALDS in 2003.

RP-Another even. The Red Sox have an outstanding bullpen with RH Keith Foulke, RH Mike Timlin, LH Alan Embree, RH Derek Lowe, LH Mike Myers, RH Curtis Leskanic. And as mentioned before, the Cardinals had the best bullpen in the NL.

Steinbrenner's To Do List

By SuckyDent

Top 10 things George Steinbrenner needs to do this morning:

10. Avoid getting tears on final paychecks while signing.

9. Break Kevin Brown's other hand.

8. Change name of TV network to "No."

7. Begin eating heart out.

6. Steal and hide all of neighbors' newspapers.

5. Finally come out.

4. Order A-Rod more Vagisil.

3. Assign blame (stay away from all mirrors).

2. Pack bag for Florida.

1. Meet with Devil. Plead for one more year on Earth.

Just Fantastic

By Alex Sherman

What can be said that hasn't already been said? I won't bore you with the obvious, but some thoughts while watching the greatest sports playoff series in history:

1) In recent memory, I can't think of a more astonishing sight than the
back-to-back-to-back camera shots of Brian Cashman, Billy Crystal and Alex Rodriguez. First, the sickening look on Cashman's face as he realized his team. and possibly his job, just went down the drain. Then, a forlorn Crystal watching, stunned, from his standard perch in Yankee Stadium. I've never seen an actor that real, that upset, in a candid moment on national television before. It was shocking to the system for a comedian, of all people, to be absolutely crushed. And finally, the death stare by A Rod. He went to the wrong team.

Incidentally, A Rod was a complete nothing in the series, as was Manny. Two non-factors. You would have thought they made the least money on the team. Except, that is, for Tony Clark.

2) We all know Tony very well. Any Red Sox fan watched him play many games in a Red Sox uniform. We should know this first hand--he's a great guy. And he's a terrible baseball player. In fact, I honestly can't remember a weaker player ever starting a playoff game. And the Yankees have a payroll of 190 million dollars. Tony Clark...190 million dollars. Something is very very wrong here. Torre made a huge mistake when he decided to go with Clark over Giambi on the playoff roster. Giambi commands respect and fear. He may have struck out most at bats, but he would have drawn some walks too...he's got a good eye and he still commands fear. You never know if he's suddenly going to find his old form. Tony Clark is about the least fearsome player I've ever watched play a baseball game. Nice guy, but he never should have appeared on the roster, let alone been a guy at bat in huge situations. I blame Torre for playing him and not pinch hitting Kenny Lofton or moving Miguel Cairo to first and playing Pedro-killer Enrique Wilson in Game Five.

3) How much would you pay to see a Clemens vs. Red Sox Game Seven at Fenway? The 1999 Pedro vs. Clemens ALCS game, the best sporting event I've ever been to and may ever go to, would look like a Devil Rays regular season game in comparison.

4) Finally, did you notice Johnny Damon's reaction when he cleared the bases with grand slam? Did you notice his reaction when he ran the bases after his second homer? I bet you didn't...that's because he had no reaction. Biggest hit in his life...one of the biggest in Red Sox history...and no reaction. You've gotta love a player like that. All business. The best reaction is no reaction. Act like it's no big deal...like you knew it would happen all along. Just fantastic.

A New History

By John Hatcher

To really sum up how amazing the last week has been, here is an excerpt from "The Bronx Zoo", a book by Sparky Lyle that covers the New York championship season of 1978:

Sunday, September 10 Boston

It's very hard to believe what's going on. For the fourth game in a row, we came out and started kicking ass and scored runs and hit the ball like I couldn't believe. Today we had 18 hits. We were ahead 5 to 0 in the second inning, and there was no way they were going to beat Figgie, and Goose, who pitched the last three innings. To sit there and watch it was really something. For five years I played with the Red Sox, and I've never seen a team come in and do that to the Sox. I think we even surprised ourselves. I mean, we came into Boston loaded for bear. We'd been hoping to win three out of four, and we got 67 hits and 42 runs, and they started making errors, and our pitching was solid, and after it was over, we were almost feeling sorry for them. Almost. Before we got here their momentum had been taken away, and we completely destroyed them. In every game by the time we scored the third or fourth run, they'd be standing around in the field with their gloves off, their heads down, as if to say, "Oh, Goddamn, I hope we get a little luck and get out of this inning giving them only five runs."

What took place in the ALCS was not on par with the Boston Massacre of '78, but it was just as good, if not better, from the perspective of a Sox fan. You can draw a lot of parallels between this excerpt and Game 7. You could see Jeter begging Vasquez for an out. You could see the Yankees gasping with all the trips to the mound. You saw Damon, with no BP, still hit two homers. It was a beautiful thing.

Everyone in New England can't help but be proud of this team. They proved me wrong by beating back adversity and showing enough character to be the first team to come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a best-of-seven. Nobody wanted to miss Game 7 because we've all in some way been waiting our whole lives for it. Now if they can only make history one more time.

Pinstripe Pride: Reaction From A Yankee Fan

By John Bonini

As Red Sox Nation flooded Yawkey Way in celebration, it would have been easy for a Yankees fan such as myself to shout profanities at the television, break something in frustration, or unleash anger toward the Red Sox, but instead by emotions were that of pride.

Sure, the Yankees lost the American League Championship Series and our shot at the Fall Classic, and yes we blew a 3-0 series lead to our arch nemesis, but the bigger picture shows that the Bronx Bomber along with their fans have nothing to hang their heads about. The Yankees won their 7th straight division titles this year, they also caused just about everyone in Las Vegas to have heart attacks on the betting tables by going up 3-0 against the Sox. But we couldn't expect it to be that easy, not with this much at stake.

Even as a die-hard Yankee fan, at times you must tip your cap to your opponent, and while I will never root for the Red Sox a day in my life, winning four straight games against any team in the playoffs is quite a feat. The Yankees simply let this one get away, and while anger may be the most prominent emotion among Yankee players and fans, I see some good coming from this.

This series loss will make the Yankees a better team in the long run, having experienced such a tough loss such as this, they will remember the tastes in their mouths. It also takes a load of pressure off of the Yankees in the future, no longer do they feel they have to beat the Sox because we've never lost to them before. That is no longer the case, and now the Yankees can simply worry about baseball and winning. Some may think this rivalry may die out a bit because Red Sox will have nothing more to wish for, or complain about, but I feel this will make it stronger now that both teams have beaten each other and have experienced both sides of the table.

So as I embark on a day in which I'm sure comments will fly my way like debris on the field in game 6, I wear my Yankees cap with pride. On the same day the Yankees will be clearing out the locker and heading south for the winter, I am more proud than ever to be a Yankees fan. Sure the weather is not always nice outside, but I go out in the rain as well as the sun. It's how you react as a fan and a player in these situations that reveal your character and loyalty to a team, I think the Yankees handled it well last night, and so have I. So the champagne will have to stay on ice until next year, but there's plenty to walk tall about, and I'll do it with my pinstripes on.

Euphoria...But Still Work to be Done

By Cromwell Sox Fan

Like everyone else in America (besides Yankees fans) I am basking in the aftermath of Red Sox 10, Yankees 3 in Game 7 of a historical AL Championship Series. The best response I have to the Yankees situation: Couldn't have happened to a better group of guys. They deserve all the torment they get because now they know what it feels like to be losers. But the job is far from finished for Boston.

There are still more ghosts to exorcise this Halloween season. Boston's World Series opponent is the St. Louis Cardinals. They are also part of the so-called "Curse," beating the Red Sox in Game 7 of the World Series in 1946 and 1967. It's eerie in some ways that St. Louis is the opponent as it gives Boston a chance to slay another demon, though one not nearly as big as the Yankees. Red Sox fans across America are extremely excited about the colossal victory over the Yankees because it erases the Curse of the Bambino. Yankee fans can now put away the Babe Ruth signs forever after the choke job by the A-Rod led Yankees. But that win does not erase the Red Sox World Series "curse." In order for that to happen, Boston must win the World Series. It's ironic that they get to do it against an opponent that has had their number in the World Series in the past. Also, the Cards are the team with the second most World Championships after the Yankees with nine. The Red Sox were able to disgrace the "Evil Empire" in all its glory. Now its time for them to conquer the Empire's little cousin, though the Cards aren't nearly as evil. Red Sox Nation must pull together for one more series to make it happen. Until the World Series is won by Boston, baseball fans everywhere will continue to believe there is a curse on the Red Sox franchise. The only way to put the "1918" chants to bed forever is to win and win now. Just ask the New York Rangers of the NHL. They finally won their first Stanley cup in 54 years in 1994 and the "1940" chant disappeared from the sports vernacular forever. If only the Red Sox can win and join the Rangers in experiencing that feeling of relief of being just another baseball team trying to win. The time is now Idiots. JUST WIN and don't be satisfied with slaying the Yankee beast. Somehow, with Curt Schilling leading this rag-tag bunch I don't think they are satisfied. An entire Red Sox Nation can only hope so.

Fashion Posing As A Fan

By The Yawkey Way Philosopher

I'm not typically one to become easily agitated about trivial things. Life is simply to short to mire oneself in the day-to-day semantics that trivializes our affairs. That said, my defenses can be broken, and in honor of the gargantuan choking sound that the city of New York is making today, it is time to unleash my forked tongue upon the most hated of quasi-Americana traditions: the Yankee Hat. A quick precursor to the coming barrage, this argument can be applied to most teams, including by beloved Sox, however, in case your coma just wore off, the Yankees just choked bigger than any baseball team in history.

Ah,the Yankee Hat. To a true Yankee fan, it is a classy and effective way to simultaneously shield your eyes from the evil rays of the sun and show your allegiance to the Bronx Bombers. This is not for you. There is an epidemic across our great land and it is the Yankee Hat. Far too many dim witted dullards dawn their New Era Officials or their pink low top variety Yankee cap not because they are fans, but because they are sheep. Sure, most can tell you that the crossed N&Y on their hat is the symbol of the Enemy, but to them it's a fashion statement or a trendy thing to do. Much like the LiveStrong Yellow Bracelets, the Yankee hat is worn by those who are trying to gain some kind of social acceptance or to prove to others that they are with the in crowd and aware of the latest and greatest trend. Phooey. Call me old school, but if you want to wear the logo and colors of a team, you damn well better have a clue about that team. I cannot tell you the number of times I've heckled a Yankee Hat wearer or chanted "Let's go Red Sox" to a Sox hat wearer, only to have the person look at me like a deer in the headlights. Get with it people! Your representing a team and a rivalry, so you'd better prepares to suffer the consequences of crossing paths with a friend or foe.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an epidemic of epidemic proportion! Something must be done to stop these people from causing an unnecessary amount of Yankee support from encompassing our land in a darkness that may never purged! Stop the madness, we must take the streets and rise against the Evil Empire - and their hats.

Until next time, "Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language." - Ludwig Wittgenstein

The Home Field Controversy

By Erik Haan

Major League Baseball may be on the brink of another controversy.

While a scintillating postseason has put on the back burner talk of steroid use among baseball's elite, people may soon be discussing again the significance of the All-Star Game deciding home field advantage in
the World Series.

The problem arises if the St. Louis Cardinals win Thursday's Game 7 of the NLCS. They were owners of baseball's best overall record (105-57) and third-best home mark (53-28). They finished behind only the New
York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in that category. Should the Cards make it, it would mark the first time the team with the best record in baseball did not have a home field advantage in the World Series.

Some say home field advantage is overrated. After all, the Red Sox just clinched the American League pennant after taking two straight at Yankee Stadium. And the Cardinals were far from being slouches away from home, as they did almost as well on the road (52-29) as they did at Busch Stadium.

But the unfairness may arise with the Red Sox being granted a home field advantage after finishing with seven fewer wins and having a much worse road record (43-38) than home mark (55-26).

Finishing a season with a league's best record has only limited advantages now. While it provides the best of each league home field advantage through the League Championship Series, home field is now
determined by other players playing on other teams, many of whom know the outcome of the All-Star Game may have no bearing on their own team because many teams are already out of the race by the season's midpoint.

The Cardinals, should they win the NL pennant, would certainly be the beneficiaries of a home field advantage. Coming home to Busch sure must have been nice after losing three straight to the Astros at Minute Maid Park. And the Cardinals earned that right through amazing regular season play. They deserved the right to have the final two games of any series at their place.

Allowing an exhibition game, which is not managed like a playoff game, to determine who will have an advantage in the World Series is ridiculous.

Why play that hard for a full season? The current All-Star Game format, while good for TV ratings, creates an air of underachievement.

Playing 162 games is a grind. Winning 100 of those is even harder and deserves its rewards.

But tell me...Why would a team want to fight and scratch and claw to make that mark if it does not provide ANY advantage when the chips are down?

Sources: Information from MLB.com was used in this column

Bruise On The Big Apple

By Erik Haan

MANHATTAN – The City that Never Sleeps became the City That Couldn’t Speak.

Leaving New York last night, my feet 10 feet off the ground after the improbable happened, I realized I could hear a pin drop. While the occasional screaming from isolated Red Sox fans echoed through the cavernous city, there was something just a little bit eerie about the scene.

After all, there was an air of invincibility about this town. Boston fans have always had a complex with New York. The dominance of the Pinstripers is not solely responsible. New York dwarfs Beantown. The lights are brighter. The buildings are taller. And there’s something a little bit intimidating about all of that.

Leaving the Manhattan bar where I took in the game, my first instinct was to yell into the darkness, as loud as I could. And I did. Frequently. I had to. I hated the Yankees. I had suffered long enough in my 25 years. I wanted to stick it to this town and this was my opportunity. I represented all of Red Sox Nation and this was the time.

As if with blinders on, I found every Red Sox fan on my sidewalk and exchanged handshakes, and congratulations, a grin permanently affixed to my face. We did it. We finally did it.

I chose to watch the game in New York this year because I made the unfortunate decision to take in last season’s Game 7 at a Boston bar. We all know how we felt after that, but the scene in the Beantown streets was exactly how I imagined Hell. Tortured souls in the middle of dark streets, just screaming and cursing at no one in particular. Yick! I don’t think I could go through that again. And I figured that even if the Yankees won while I was in hostile territory, at least I wouldn’t have my sorrows doubled by seeing other Fenway Faithful in pain. I could just go back to my girlfriend’s Hoboken apartment and just go to bed.

About half way back to my car, I passed one of many Yankees fans along the way. He was a shop owner, and was standing on the sidewalk to take in the scene. You could tell he had been through a hard day at work, his apron and clothes covered in stains. He proudly wore his Yankees cap, the only clean article he adorned.

I didn’t say anything as I approached him. Despite my inward inclination to shove it to every New Yorker, it has become somewhat of a habit to avoid certain hard-looking characters. Let’s just say he qualified.

I must have given myself away, though. Whether it was the smile on my face or the spring in my step I don’t know, but he definitely noticed it. Neither I or my girlfriend were wearing Red Sox paraphernalia.

"I guess you finally got us", he said.

"What’s that?" I asked, surprised by his tolerable demeanor.

"I guess you finally got us", he repeated, turning and shuffling back into his shop.

"That’s right", I said to myself. "We got you. You’re done. This city has been leveled."

But as I looked around after thinking that, it really occurred to me that there were a lot more fans like that guy. People wearing their Yankees shirts and hats, but walking around in stunned silence. Despite my own frequent obnoxiousness, no one got in my face. They didn’t glare at me as I passed them. They put their heads down.

They were defeated, and something was a little bit sad about that.

No one was in the streets crying foul about the series. There was no controversy. No umpire ruling that should have gone the other way. No dirty tactics.

The Red Sox just won this one. It was unthinkable that their proud Yankees could lose to Boston in such a profound manner. They should have won. They always win. Even we knew that!

But they didn’t this time, and they knew they had to accept it. It was clear that they finally got a little taste of what it was like to be a Red Sox fan. To come so close and to have just everything go wrong.

"Why did Tony Clark’s hit have to bounce into the stands?", their looks seemed to say. "Why didn’t the Yankees bunt against Curt Schilling?"

These were not the New York fans I had come to know. Or hate. What happened to the guy in the Yankee Stadium bleachers who threatened to bludgeon me with a metal cane if the Red Sox won Game 1 of the 1999 ALCS? Where was the promise to go home in a body bag? Or to get my face rearranged for showing my Red Sox pride?

Part of me just wanted to go up to one of these deflated fans and just give ‘em a light tap on the shoulder and say "Come on, the Yankees suck. Now you go. Say ‘1918’ or something. Come on."

While I was too excited to actually do something like that, part of me really missed hearing "Who’s Your Daddy?" belted out by 55,000 people.

After all, wasn’t part of the excitement of finally beating the Yankees the thrill of the chase? Didn’t we secretly enjoy the Yankees dominance because we knew it would make it that much sweeter when we finally DID beat them?

Be honest with yourself. The Yankees success and their subsequent obnoxious fans made this rivalry. It wouldn’t be anything special to beat the Yankees when they were a terrible team. It would be like the Patriots winning their first Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals.

No, these were not the same Yankees fans. They weren’t extra obnoxious. They were more like, well…us. Their team was human and so were they.

For now, the Red Sox move on. Sox Nation has a lot to look forward to, and one last demon to exorcise. We have to get our vocal cords ready for the most excitement the Old Towne Team has seen in 18 years. We’ve got to finish the job.

But to the Yankees fans: Get ready for next year. You know George is going to go ballistic and heads will roll. You know you’ll get Carlos Beltran and maybe even our own Pedro Martinez. You’ll be reloaded, for sure.

And while the amount of money the Yankees can spend is obnoxious, and while I know their fans will be back to berating us with obscenities, part of me really looks forward to it.

So rest up this offseason, Yankees fans. We got you this year. The tables were turned for once.

But let’s make it another Game 7 next year. What do you say?

Go Boston!

By Joe Davis

Go Red Sox 2004! KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!

Babe Loves Boston!

By lefty

Red Sox 10 Yankees 3 — Final

Boston Loves "The Babe," and the Babe loves Boston. He must be a happy man today.

Lucky Sevens

By The Yawkey Way Philosopher

I woke up this morning in a cold sweat and the dreadful feeling of déjà vu. I sat up in bed and tried to wrap my mind around what I was feeling. Then it clicked. A year ago I was tensed up like a long unmassaged muscle. I couldn't sleep or eat; it was all too much to take. Just outs away from breaking the curse and defeating the Enemy in the ALCS, the wheels fell off. We all know the story so there is no need to reiterate, but I imagine there isn't a Red Sox fan on the planet not thinking about the last game seven as we await tonight's opus. It‚s hard not to be content with being the first team to force a game seven after going down three games to none. Any other group of fans would be ecstatic —but not the members of Red Sox Nation.

We've been here before and it feels like absolute hell. We can see the promised land just beyond the open door and we can also see an ugly, hairy little gnome
dressed in pinstripes just itching to slam the doorright in our face. Last year the gnome was named Boone and this year it's yet to take a name. Three days ago
it we thought it might be named Matsui or Rivera, now it is starting to look like a Latin midget wearing a Pedro jersey smiling happily and beckoning us to run
through the door —or maybe I just REALLY need to sleep.

There really isn't much more to say. Game seven, Red Sox v. Yankees. We've come this far; we've battled back from the brink. Why not us? Is this the year? I
BELIEVE!

A-Rod - the Real Idiot

By Joe Davis

In the 8th inning of Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, A-Rod pulled a dirty trick. After Derek Jeter singled home Miguel Cairo to make the score 4-2 Red Sox, A-Rod hit a nubber down the right field baseline.

Bronson Arroyo came to field it and Doug Mientkiewicz went to cover the bag, blocking the view of first base umpire Randy Marsh. Arroyo fielded the ball cleanly and put the ball in his glove and made an attempt to tag A-Rod.

Arroyo, while applying the tag, suddenly saw the ball bloop out of his glove.

A-Rod raised his left hand and slapped the glove of Bronson Arroyo. Thus, causing the ball to come out of his glove. The ball went down the right field line as A-Rod clapped his hands all the way to second. Jeter scored making it 4-3.

Wait a minute, A-Rod SLAPPED THE GLOVE? INTERFERENCE!!!!!

After a 20 minute delay, in which Torre, A-Rod and Jeter complained like little girls, the classy Yankee fans threw balls and debris on the field. Francona pulled his players off the field for fear of his players being hit by a projectile of some sort.

The MLB representative called in New York finest's dressed in riot gear.

Good job fans, you just humiliated the whole city of New York on a correct call.

When the game resumed, A-Rod was called out, Jeter went back to first and the run was taken away.

Player reactions:

``I know that line belongs to me and he was coming at me,'' A-Rod said. ``Once I reached out and tried to knock the ball, the call went against me. I should have just run over him.''

``That's against the rules,'' Kevin Millar said. ``If you want to play football, strap on some pads and go play for the Green Bay Packers.''

“"What A-Rod did was extremely unprofessional... no class... it was the most unprofessional thing I've ever seen done on a baseball field... Derek Jeter would have never done that. he's too much of a professional, A-Rod's not a real Yankee anyway, he's an idiot like Barry Bonds."
-Sox warrior Curt Schilling on Jim Rome (paraphrased)

Is new Yankee Website a sign?

By lefty

Check out this brand new website. Is it a sign? YanksRule.com

Signs signs, everywhere a sign… it seems everyone is talking about signs that this is the year.

Also, today is Mickey Mantle's birthday he would have been 73 today. What does that mean? Is that a sign? He was born on October 20, 1931 and died August 13, 1995. Some fans are making a big deal out of this but what does it mean?

Here's a more ominous sign. When was the last time we had an influenza pandemic? 1918. A coincidence? I think not.

So go get your flu shot. Oops, you can't. Is that a sign?

Who else was born on October 20? How about Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Dr. Joyce Brothers. What could this mean?

GAME 7!

By Joe Davis

The Red Sox won 4-2 today as Curt Schilling pitched 7 outstanding innings. The win forces a Game 7 for the second year in a row for Boston and New York.

This is the first time a team has come back down 3 games to 0 to even up the series. Therefore, this is the first time the team had a chance to play in a Game 7.

"Why Not Us?" — Curt Schilling

Final - Boston 4 Yankees 2

By lefty

History is made!

Zen & the Art of Bullpen Maintenance

By The Yawkey Way Philosopher

I'm not a betting man. I work hard for the money I make and I derive no joy from giving it away to a corporation that makes games for me to play with odds
rigged in their favor. If I was a betting man though, I'd be the type to study the numbers and try to make bets based on the best possible information available.
Having watched baseball and playoff baseball since I developed the cognizance to understand what exactly I was watching, I've believed in one key factor that
inevitably determined the outcome of many a series: the bullpen. Not really the bullpen itself though, the true science is in the maintenance of your bullpen.

Any stooge with a clipboard and a laptop can manage their way through an 162 game season properly assigning starting pitchers in to an effective rotation and utilizing the proper relief pitchers in the correct situations, that is not impressive.

The true art of bullpen maintenance comes through in October. Managers earn their merits finding a way to get maximum efficiency out of the exhausted and
overworked warriors that reside behind the outfield fence. Many a manager has failed the test of the postseason and been left with the stinging memory of a
singular moment when they left a pitcher in one pitch or one inning too long.

Never more important is the art of bullpen maintenance than in tonight's Game Six between the Sox and The Enemy. Three games in Boston left both teams at the brink of collapse after two extra inning marathons and one of the longest nine inning games in playoff history. There is no fresh body at either's team disposal, but proper decisions by a manager and a little bit of sac from a pitcher will make all the difference in tonight's game.

So who has the advantage? Well on pure managerial skills you've got to give the nod to Joe Torre, but last night's box score holds a nifty little bit of information. Torre took a tremendous risk and threw his ace closer Rivera for two full innings of work. He played the cards correctly, hoping Rivera could finish off the Sox. The risk failed as Rivera blew his second save on the way to the Red Sox win in Game Five. The somewhat maligned Terry Francona on the other hand did an apparent marvelous job of not overextending any one pitcher and hopefully leaving something in the gas tank for the final two games of the season. Call me
nuts, but if tonight's grudge match comes down to the wire, it's all about which Zen manager mastered the art of bullpen maintenance.

Pedro Spits The Bit

By Cromwell Sox Fan

I don't know if the Red Sox can come all the way back in this series against the Yankees and reverse 86 years of frustration, but I do know one thing: and that is that lost in all the revelry of this potential Red Sox comeback is the fact that one Pedro Martinez is no longer a dominant pitcher.

Once again last night Pedro came up short when it mattered most. For the fourth straight postseason start vs. the Yankees Pedro failed to win. As far as I'm concerned Pedro can take his outrageous contract demands and leave after the season. If the Red Sox pay him the $17 Million per season he feels he deserves they are truly nuts. Let him go to the Yankees. It's been nice knowing ya. Spend the money paid to Pedro on guys like Matt Morris and Carl Pavano. Let Pedro be another in a long line of Yankee hired guns who join the Evil Empire because they can't beat them. After last night, I've seen enough. Giving up a three run triple to Derek Jeter in a 2-1 game when you say you are the ace is inexcusable. And Red Sox fans have seen that act too many times. I've had enough. Pedro tries really hard but he isn't a dominant pitcher anymore, merely a good one. But good isn't worth $17 million a year. Pedro, you've given us some great memories over the years in The Hub. We fans will never forget what you did for us vs. the Indians in '99 with your arm falling off. But the bottom line is, it's over. You aren't the difference maker when you face the Yankees and that's what it all comes down to right now. Dominant pitchers pitch 7 or 8 innings of 3 runs or less baseball in the playoffs. Even in game 2 when you did that it still wasn't vintage Pedro. You can't do it anymore and its time for both parties to move on. Thanks for the memories but these days your mouth seems bigger than your arm.

SOX FANS ARE MADE, NOT JUST BOURNE

By Chuck Bourne

I moved to Boston in the fall of 2001. Having lived in Somerville during the summer of 2000, I knew exactly what to expect in this city. That year the Red Sox went 85-77. Walking up to the Fenway ticket office and grabbing tickets for any remaining games between the middle of June and the time I had to return to school wasn’t even an issue. Having grown up attending San Francisco Giants games at the stadium near the park that may nor may not still be called Candlestick Point; I grew accustomed to this aspect of ticket purchasing. I had been to Fenway before, but this summer I was older and able to appreciate the subtle intricacies of baseball more.

In August of 2001 a friend and I packed up his Honda Civic and headed to Boston. After three weeks of living like Gypsies and criss-crossing this great nation, we arrive in Boston. The second night here we headed down to a Bar near Faneuil Hall. After a few beers I looked around and knew I had made the right decision for this portion of my life.

That season the Sox finished 82-79, missing the playoffs once again. I only caught the tail end of that season, but fondly remember the disasters that were Darren Oliver and Frank Castillo. I had the pleasure of seeing Rickey Henderson playing left field in 45 degree rainy weather wearing a full body thermal suit and looking like he didn’t even know where he was. That night sticks out in my mind since the Bruins lost their first round series to the Habs and crushed the hopes of hockey fans all over the Northeast. Yet sitting there in Fenway, shivering and probably contracting pneumonia I truly enjoyed myself. Granted, the field level seats helped, but I knew I would be back.

Last season was a roller coaster ride that ended in heartbreak. Considering the way things are going through Monday afternoon, I don’t want to revisit that ALCS. Let’s just say that at some point during that season the Sox got to me. I can’t pinpoint the day, the play but I was hooked. I would watch nearly every game each night. My roommate Steve seemed to be in the same boat. We would watch the games in our lavish Brighton apartment, mock players on other teams and marvel in the unbiased fashion in which Remy and Orsillo would call every game
from above home plate.

I don’t recall the day tickets went on sale this year, but the following Monday I had a doctor’s appointment in the morning. This forced me to take the 57 bus to Kenmore and hop on the Green Line headed towards downtown. The appointment was uncharacteristically quick, which left me time to check out and see what tickets were still on sale. As I arrive at Fenway there were about 50 people in line
already. It was maybe 40, slightly drizzly and just cold. I had no gloves, no hat and a thin old fleece on. Going on to work at that point was not an option. I ended up with tickets against the Yankees in April, a Saturday day game against the Dodgers and game in July against the A’s. The A’s tickets were piggy backed, since I couldn’t even get two together. I lucked out with some good games but was so panicked that tickets would sell out while I was deliberating that I didn’t even know what games I had until I got to my office.

Regardless of how things go tonight and in the rest of the games of the ALCS, it was a great season. I have never seen a team that had such character, individuality and a feeling of togetherness at the same time. I can’t really say why I decided to write this. I think it came about as I was sitting at my desk around 11 this morning. I feel like a character played by Dave Chappelle in his brilliant sketch comedy show.

The last two and a half days are like a blur and my body can’t fully deal with it. I watched the game on Saturday night in a Philadelphia sports bar. Although the city is known as the city of Brotherly Love, I ended up in a heated verbal exchange with another patron simply because he walked by and made a side comment about the Red Sox always losing. This gentleman ended up asking both my friend and I outside, which we both politely declined in a most sophisticated manner. I felt as if he were personally attacking me with his casual comment. I
couldn’t just sit by idly and let it slide. So here I am. I have already read Bill Simmons’ latest column and even read most of his chat until the overlords at ESPN switched so only "Insiders" can read the transcript. Three hours to go and I honestly have no idea what to expect. I don’t want Tony Clark, John Olerud and Ruben Sierra celebrating in this city. These players should all be bench coaches
somewhere or playing golf right now. Instead they have each had enormous impacts on various games this October. This needs to stop.

I can’t wait until tickets go on sale next year.

P.S. Spellcheck attempts to change Olerud to "overdue." Overdue is defined as "Coming or arriving after the scheduled or expected time." Coincidence? I doubt it.

Red Sox 6 Yankees 4

By lefty

The Boston Red Sox, led by a 12th inning home run by David Ortiz, avoid the embarrassment of a sweep and will go on to play later today when Pedro Martinez gets a chance to face his Daddy again. Pedro will face off against Mike Mussina.

Dominated

By lefty

"Revolting," "embarrassing," "humiliating," "goofy," and "nightmare," were only some of the words uttered by the broadcasters of the Red Sox third game loss to the New York Yankees in the ALCS by a score of 19-8. From the first inning on, this night belonged to the Yankees. And now I’m beginning to believe, Babe Ruth.

The Bambino’s Curse. A silly myth? A ridiculous superstition? I’m not so sure anymore. Even if the Sox had scored 10 more runs, they still would have lost, but by a far more respectable score of 19-18. Is this a sign?

Sixty-one times in Major League Baseballs long history a team has lost the first three games of seven game playoff series. No team has ever come back from that deficit.

SEASON ON LINE FOR SOX TONIGHT

By Steve Marsi

No more margin for error.

The 2004 campaign that began with Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run last October has reached its first do-or-die moment. Originally scheduled for Friday, Game Three of the A.L. Championship Series at Fenway Park is now set for Saturday evening. Depending on who you ask, Friday night’s rainstorms either gave the Red Sox an extra day to recuperate, or a stay of execution. Trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series after two tough setbacks in the House that Ruth Built, a loss Saturday would put Boston in an essentially insurmountable 3-0 hole.

Despite entering the ALCS rematch as the Wild Card winner, the Red Sox were regarded as the favorite by many observers. They enjoyed a stronger second half of the regular season, cutting a 10.5-game lead down to two at several junctures in the A.L. East race. The Sox registered an easier Division Series victory than their New York adversaries, vanquishing Anaheim in three-game sweep while the Yankees needed a pair of impressive comebacks to oust Minnesota in four. The Yankees’ starting pitching was considered shaky at best, whereas Boston’s depth and fearsome lineup had media and fans from both cities believing that, at the very least, the 26-time World Series champs would have their work cut out this time.

How quickly things have changed since Tuesday. Mike Mussina dominated the Red Sox through almost seven innings as the Yankees jumped out to an 8-0 lead in Game One. A pride-saving rally followed, but Mariano Rivera slammed the door and preserved a 10-7 win. The following night in Game Two, the guys in pinstripes took the lead before Boston recorded a single out and rode a stellar outing by Jon Lieber to a 3-1 triumph. Just like that. A couple of supposedly promising matchups turned into relatively easy defeats in the span of 48 hours. Both contests were technically close, with the tying run at the plate in save situations, but there is no question as to which team is superior, at least so far. Nobody was robbed here.

To say things look bleak would be an understatement. Consider the following facts:

- In the first six innings of the two games combined, the Red Sox are hitting .027.
- The team is hitting .224 overall, with just one hit from Johnny Damon and Mark Bellhorn combined. That won’t lead to a lot of RBI chances for Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
- Boston has never led in the series, and has only been tied in the top of the first inning of each contest.
- Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez, the pitching staff’s 1-2 punch, lost successive games for the first time this season. Schilling’s season is in doubt due to a dislocated right ankle tendon.

That’s a lot to stomach, enough for many to write this team off. Clearly, Boston’s back is against the proverbial wall. But the Red Sox are by no means out of this series.

Terry Francona’s squad beat Joe Torre’s in 11 of the teams’ 19 meetings this year, and won a couple of series against the Yankees since the All-Star break. Boston rallied from 2-0 deficits to win the 1999 Division Series against Cleveland and last year’s opening round battle with Oakland. They have three games coming up at Fenway Park, where they hit .304 as a team this year. The rain delay will give the Sox an extra day of rest, and allow them to start Martinez in Game Five (if necessary) in the Fens rather than in the Bronx, where he has been owned.

As we have seen so many times in baseball postseason history, one win can change the entire complexion of a series. A victory in Game Three will rejuvenate a team and bring it back from the brink. The roving gang of hooligans that comprises the 2004 Red Sox roster is not the type of group to be intimidated or distraught by the present situation. If anything, you can bet they are looking forward to the challenge.

Perhaps the torrential rains currently drenching New England will take on baptismal qualities for the Sox. Maybe there is one last magical run in store. As my friend Lucas said earlier today, if any team is capable of beating the Yankees three straight times at home, it’s this one. Lucas added as a side note, however, that he is no longer hoping for a Boston comeback, but praying.

They say that momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. Never have those words rang more true. Bronson Arroyo takes the hill in Game Three against Kevin Brown. Tim Wakefield will start Sunday in Game Four for Boston, as the Yankees counter with Orlando Hernandez. What happens after that is anyone’s guess.

Will Boston survive the next three games at Fenway and travel back to the Big Apple on the Fung Wah bus for Game Six? No. The Sox travel in slightly better style than the $20-round-trip Chinatown enterprise.

Where Have All The Good Times Gone?

By John Hatcher

Here we are again. After a surprising sweep of the Angels (I picked Anaheim in four), the Sox have now dug themselves into a crater size hole against the defending AL Champs. Now, to top it off, they have lost Schilling for possibly the series.

I think the thing that bothers me most are the excuses. There was zero when Schilling pitched Game 1 in the Anaheim series. There wasn’t any talk of how serious it was then. But after he threw BP to the Yankees on Tuesday, out came all the expert medical opinions and the worry. Would things of been different had he won and still been hurting? I think so.

My point is this. If a team has a goal of winning a championship, and they are focused, nothing will stand in their way. I once again use the Pats to illustrate. They have a serious focus.

Take Rodney Harrison for example. He spent some time playing for a terrible football organization, the San Diego Chargers. He got his chance to play for the Pats last year and took it. He played great all year. But I think the thing that stands out the most is the Super Bowl. Many people are aware that he broke his forearm during the game. What impresses me is that he stayed in for a couple of plays after he broke it. He proved to everyone on the team how bad he wanted it. Both Eugene Wilson and himself ended up hurt and that is how Carolina made it close. The Pats ended up winning, but I’m willing to bet that there would have been no excuses if they hadn’t. Not from anybody. You win as a team and you lose as one. Tedy Bruschi pointed out that they don’t make plays as individuals for highlights. Instead they make plays as a team to win games. 19 in a row and counting.

The whole Yankee and Red Sox thing makes for good drama. Adding the Schilling injury and Pedro under the mango tree makes it even better. But in the end, all that is left for us is a winter full of debate. 86 years and counting.

A SOX FAN SUFFERS THROUGH GAME TWO

By Steve Marsi

7:51 - I enjoy a late dinner with the Lovely Liz (referred to as "LL" from this point forward). A devoted fan, she relays the news that Curt Schilling may be shut down for the remainder of the playoffs due to the torn sheath around his ankle tendons. The imagery of tendons grinding against bone, and the impact of these particular ones on Boston's championship aspirations, cause us to utter a
collective "ouch."

8:15 - Joe Buck, the FOX play-by-play announcer, declares that the Yankee Stadium crowd will be "really excited" for Game 2. Not as excited as the man
standing immediately to his left, Tim McCarver.

8:24 - Jon Lieber sets the Red Sox down in order in the first inning. My predictions of a fast Boston start are put on hold, at least for now.

8:28 - While keeping one eye on the game, LL begins reading the news online. She informs me that Britney Spears will take fiancé Kevin Federline's last name
once the two are married. What a tramp.

8:30 - Amid the expected chants inquiring about the identity of his daddy, Pedro Martinez begins the bottom of the first by walking Derek Jeter and grazing Alex Rodriguez's hand with a slider.

8:32 - Jeter scores the first run of the game on a single by Gary Sheffield. After an unnecessary slide to the plate, Jeter hops up and pumps his fist in decidedly metrosexual fashion.

8:35 - LL informs me that a third Paris Hilton video is now circulating. What a tramp.

8:44 - Pedro escapes the first inning by striking out Hideki Matsui and Bernie Williams, then inducing a groundout from Jorge Posada. He looked good doing it.
Hopefully this will turn into one of those nights when his early nightmares quickly give way to mastery.

8:49 - Lieber, wearing #22, takes the mound to begin the second frame. Apparently it didn‚t take the Yankees long to give Roger Clemens‚ number away. The Red Sox get their first baserunner as David Ortiz walks, but the next three hitters go in order. I am just waiting for Buck to inform me that Lieber has a
no-hitter going.

9:05 - Martinez labors through the bottom half of the second. He surrenders a walk and a hit while running his pitch count to 46 (21 balls), but strikes out
Rodriguez to end the inning and keep the score 1-0. Whew.

9:09 - As if on cue, Buck announces that Lieber has not allowed a hit yet.

9:09 - Orlando Cabrera singles to left on the next pitch. Unfortunately, that‚s all Boston gets.

9:16 - Sheffield leads off for New York. Manny Ramirez nearly takes out Cabrera while chasing a pop-up in shallow left. O.C. manages to snare it in spite of the distraction, and Pedro gets Matsui and Williams to ground out for his first easy inning of work tonight.

9:24 - Ortiz comes to the plate with his .533 (!) postseason average. Surely he will either walk, or tie the contest with a titanic blast, I say. He pops out. Kevin Millar follows with a beautiful check-swing bunt right back to the pitcher.

9:27 - Finally, the first advertisement of the night for the upcoming FOX medical drama "House" appears. Each year during the baseball playoffs, the network
seizes the opportunity to hype a new show beyond belief, with no shortage of memorable, overdramatic punch lines in its trailers. The strategy worked well
for „24,‰ then failed with „Skin.‰ Who knows which category "House" will fall into. One thing‚s for sure, though - disease is not an illness, but a crime
waiting to be solved!

9:34 - Yankee fans continue to ask Pedro about his father‚s identity. Martinez issues another leadoff walk, then sets his adversaries down handily. After
four innings it‚s still 1-0, New York.

9:37 - I flip over to the presidential debate. While John Kerry talks about healthcare, George W. Bush smiles and blinks rapidly. Either the President is trying to send a message someone via morse code, or he is a cyborg. Not really sure which.

9:40 - McCarver says, for the third time tonight, that it‚s very rare to see a good starting pitcher work slowly. Never mind that Martinez and Lieber are dueling it out in a 1-0 game, or that postseason contests are notoriously slow. I need a drink.

9:42 - Viewers are treated to a nice interview with Lieber‚s dad, who traveled from Iowa to watch his son pitch. He‚s even wearing the Superman t-shirt that
has become his good luck charm. As the younger Lieber completes another perfect inning and heads toward the dugout, Fox pumps out „Kryptonite‰ by Three Doors Down. This does not quite measure up to Game One, in which a strange remake of Blue Oyster Cult‚s "Godzilla" was played during a Matsui highlight montage. Let me reiterate that. Not just Blue Oyster Cult, but a bizarre cover of that legendary ensemble. You have to hand it to the FOX staff for its ability to summon mainstream and obscure rock hits at the push
of a button.

9:44 - Jack Nicholson, a New Jersey native best known for his devout support of the Los Angeles Lakers (and his acting), is shown sporting a Yankees cap.
Evidently, Jack only cheers for franchises that have won several dozen championships. Must be nice!

9:48 - Rodriguez reaches on an infield single with one out. Sheffield fouls a ball off his leg and into fair territory, but Varitek - unaware that the ball hit Sheffield and the play is dead - picks it up and nearly decapitates Martinez in his attempt to gun down Rodriguez to second base. Pedro eventually strikes Sheff out with a nasty heater.

9:53 - Does A-Rod know exactly when a camera is on him at all times? Rather than looking intense, he appears like he is trying to look intense. I don‚t know.
Maybe the pressure is just getting to me. After a nine-pitch at bat and 35 close-ups of A-Rod‚s face, Matsui strikes out to end the inning.

9:56 - After concisely telling America that „Kerry‚s rhetoric does not reflect his record,‰ Bush cannot help himself from beaming. Pulling off an alliterative tongue-twister like that is no small feat.

9:59 - The rock gurus are at it again. What track are we subjected to while the cameras pan and show an assortment of pro-Yankees and anti-Sox signs held up
by fans in the crowd? "Signs" by Tesla. Somebody kill me now.

10:10 - Johnny Damon flies out to center after an epic 16-pitch battle with Lieber. What looked like a potential turning point died in Bernie Williams‚ glove. Mark Bellhorn whiffs (shockingly) and the Boston half of the sixth ends with no baserunners. Through the first six innings of Games One and Two combined, the Sox have mustered just one hit and one walk against New York‚s supposedly shaky starters.

10:17 - Pedro walks Jorge Posada and gives up a line-drive home run to John Olerud. Are you kidding me? Only the Yankees could pay $125 million for a
starting first baseman whose season has been crippled by parasites, then pick up a fossil like Olerud and watch him come up big in the postseason. Just like that, it‚s 3-0. At least the fans have opted for some variation, and are now chanting "Pe-dro!"

10:20 - A strange, androgynous human body diagram, sponsored by WebMD, appears on the screen with one leg highlighted. Beneath it says "Curt Schilling -
Dislocated Right Ankle Tendon." Thank you, WebMD, for this groundbreaking insight. I am told by LL that WebMD is actually a good website. For the first time, I rest my head in my hands.

10:22 - Sinking spirits and frustration with FOX leave me tempted to mute the television and listen to the game on Red Sox radio, an idea given to me by good
friend Chuck Bourne. I cannot get up do this, however, since LL is resting her feet on me.

10:30 - Ortiz singles with one out, but Millar grounds into a double play. Things are looking pretty grim. LL‚s brother sends an instant message from Connecticut. "They‚re not even trying," he says. Oye.

10:32 - At other parks, the seventh inning stretch is just that. At YankeeStadium, fans are subjected to an over-the-top rendition of God Bless America. Every
game. I budget 10 minutes for this nonsense and change the channel.

10:40 - What do you think Kerry and Bush, along with their families, say to one another when forced to shake hands and make small talk for the cameras after
the debates? The should make the players and their family members do this after the ALCS - it would surely be more entertaining than tonight‚s game.

10:45 - I decide to call up the Bourne and commiserate. He is making good on his threat to listen to the game on WEEI with the television on mute, and can‚t say enough good things about it. Bourne informs me that there is a second verse of the Foxwoods theme song when it plays on the radio. Those who have somehow missed this delightful ad campaign can consider themselves lucky. The abridged,televised Foxwoods ad alone could be used by the CIA in its terrorist interrogations - I can only imagine what a full second verse would induce. In spite of the fact that he has its audio off, Bourne goes on to rip FOX for its strange "newspaper headlines" from the previous inning, then rips the Sox for failing to get a hit off a pitcher who looks to have a trace of down
syndrome. I determine that it‚s time to go.

10:49 - Nixon leads off with a single, prompting Joe Torre to pull Lieber in favor of Tom Gordon. This guy looks like he should be in "X-Men" - his hat is so low
that it casts an intimidating shadow over his eyes. Maybe he‚s blind and pitches only by feel.

10:55 - Varitek mashes a double into the gap in right. Third base coach Dave Sveum mercifully holds Trot at third. Two men in scoring position and nobody out. Finally, we have something going. Perhaps more of last night‚s late-inning magic is in store.

10:58 - O.C. grounds out to short, scoring Nixon. Not the emphatic RBI we were hoping for, but we‚re on the board. It‚s now 3-1, bad guys.

11:01 - Mueller grounds out to second, Varitek advances to third. Mariano Rivera jogs in from the bullpen to raucous applause. For the first time, I imagine the scenario in which the boys return home to Fenway trailing 2-0 in the series. I don‚t consider the Sox out of it, by any means, but it‚s still disheartening.

11:02 - FOX promotes a new reality series, "My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss." My boss is neither fat nor obnxious. Worse - he‚s a Yankees fan.

11:04 - As much as I consider the new "diamond cam," which points up at the batter from somewhere near home plate, completely worthless, I must admit that it‚s pretty cool to watch Johnny Damon‚s bat shatter from that angle.

11:08 - Damon takes strike three. End of threat.

11:12 - I decide to call my former roommate and Yankee-loving friend who is attending the game, hoping he will provide me with some funny anecdotes from the dark side. As the phone rings, I wonder why exactly I am doing this. I don‚t want to hear what he has to say right now. He answers amid major crowd noise, and I promptly hang up. That‚ll show him! Sucker.

11:15 - Keith Foulke enters game and beans Miguel Cairo. Lofton walks, as does Jeter, and the bases are loaded. A-Rod steps to the plate. LL has seen enough
and calls it a night.

11:17 - Foulke falls behind in the count, 3-1, but retires the reigning A.L. MVP on a fly to right-center. Inning over. The Red Sox are on life support, but still breathing.

11:20 - It occurs to me that this is probably the most boring baseball game in recent memory. What a great night to keep a running diary.

11:25 - Top of the ninth. Bellhorn grounds out weakly to first. As much success as Boston enjoyed against Rivera in the regular season, you get the impression
that he is truly in his element come October. Scary.

11:28 - Manny launches a 2-2 pitch into the gap in left. The tying run comes to the plate, in the form of the Dominican Destroyer. One swing can still tie
this thing. Unfortunately, David can‚t pull off a miracle in any of his three swings - one foul ball, two whiffs. Two down.

11:30 - Unfazed by Millar‚s Amish-like appearance, Rivera climbs the ladder on him and records the game-ending strikeout. The Sox are officially in a
2-0 hole. Depression is setting in.

11:46 - An old friend from New York State calls. I do not answer. The ensuing voicemail entails him yelling "Who's your dad-dy" repeatedly, among other
obscenities. I make a mental note to pour sugar in his gas tank the next time I see him.

11:58 - Pedro offers the following wisdom at the postgame press conference: "Everybody is going to say, 'Pedro lost.' Pedro won, actually. I had an opportunity to show everybody that I believe in God. The chant about 'Who's your daddy?' - my biggest daddy is the one that brought me over from the mango trees to the biggest stage in the world."

Wow.

Time for bed.

This Week's Top Ten

By Boog'sBBQ

Steinbrenner's Top Ten Most Disturbing Postseason Words Of Encouragement

10. Gimme five, Mr. Brown! (Robert McGilvray)

9. Are we there yet? (sabra11996)

8. Win and get more steroids, lose and find another team. (Mitcp1)

7. If you don't win, I'm selling the team to Wayne Huizenga. (coldsanitarium)

6. I don't believe in winning at all costs -- I draw the line at $200 million. (RubenSierraOnRye)

5. Either you win or I'll buy myself the Red Sox. (stifler_ferny2007)

4. It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game. But seriously, you'd better win. (EddieD)

3. Let's just say if you mess this up, my pen has run out of ink. (7mdaly)

2. If you win, I'll let half of you come back next year. (MrAcadoodie)

1. Win and I'll buy Kevin a new hand. (didymus7)

Winner's e-mail: didymus7@hotmail.com

Next week's topic: Top Ten Signs Your Financial Adviser Is A Yankees Fan

So enter your entry into the box on the right, or email TopTen@YankeesSuck.com

oh no, Godzilla!

By lefty

The opening game of the ALCS coincidentally was between the greatest rivalry in all of sports.And these two teams lived up to their legacy in Tuesday’s game — hopefully the rest of this series can be just as exciting.

Mike Mussina pitched brilliantly today, bringing a perfect game into the seventh. However, the no hitter was broken up by Mark Bellhorn in the seventh inning. That was the beginnings of a five run rally, including Ortiz, Millar, Nixon, and Variteck. Tom Gordon pitched the eighth despite being hit in the eye with a champagne cork on Saturday. (!) He gave up three hits in 0.2 innings, most noticeably a two-out, two-run triple via David Ortiz. This brought the score to 8-7 Yankees, in the eighth. In the ninth inning, it was Mariano Rivera who had just returned to NY from a tragic family funeral in Panama. No matter what turmoil he felt, he pitched 1.1 innings, gave up two hits and received yet another post-season save.

Curt Schilling, who in the pregame show said that he couldn’t think of a better situation than shutting up 50,000 New Yorkers. I doubt that anybody could. But either way, it didn’t happen as Schilling went 3.0 innings and gave up 6 hits, 6 runs, and 2 base on balls. This has been attributed to a sore right ankle. Leskanic and Mendoza pitched the fourth and fifth, giving up zero runs. Tim Wakefield pitched the sixth inning, and gave up 2 runs; a solo home-run hit by Kenny Lofton and a Hideki Matsui RBI single, scoring Gary Sheffield. In the eighth inning Bernie Williams doubled to left field off of Mike Timlin to score A-rod and Gary Sheffield.

The Yankees won the game 10-7. Mussina earned the win, Schilling got the loss, and Rivera received the save. Jason Variteck's homerun was his first hit this year in 36 at bats in Yankee Stadium. Also all of the Red Sox’s runs were scored with two outs. Will this game make a difference in the series outcome? Will the Red Sox win the series and break the curse in the World Series? All of these are things to ponder — and baseball fans are in for a good show this week.

Sources- www.yankees.com
www.mlb.com
FOX Network

RIP Ken Caminiti

By Joe Davis

The 1996 National League MVP, who admitted a few years ago that he had used steroids during his Major League career, died Sunday. Ken Caminiti was 41.

Ken Caminiti died of an apparent heart attack but an autopsy will be performed.

"In May 2002, Caminiti told Sports Illustrated that he used steroids during his MVP season, when he hit a career-high .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBI. He estimated half the players in the big leagues were also using them."-ESPN.

Caminiti is a reminder of what drugs can do to one's body. Just last week, Caminiti admitted in court that he violated probation. He tested positive for cocaine just one month ago.

He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but the State District Judge intervened and said that he already served his time in jail and in a treatment facility for 189 days.

ESPN says that Caminiti hoped to get back into the game, possibly in a position that would allow him to mentor younger players about avoiding the mistakes he had made.

This should serve as a lesson for the young and old. Caminiti had a disease. It was drug addiction. As much as he tried to fight it, he could not hold it back, and the results are tragic.

The use and abuse of steroids is being linked to more medical problems each day. It is a serious problem and it needs to stop. More and more young athletes are following the lead of prominent professional athletes and taking them to be the best they can possibly be. Except when you are taking drugs, it takes away from yourself. Be careful of the road you take toward accomplishing your dreams. In the end, it might end up hurting rather than helping you.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN was used in this report.

BRING IT

By Ian Haan

Okay. So I didn’t get the outcome I was looking for (a Twins win and a game 5) tonight, but there is always a bright side to things. When has the Yankees winning ever been a good thing? Now. For the first time ever, and for the most important reason: payback.

This coming Tuesday night at 8, get ready. Take last year. Remember "Cowboy up"? Remember how excited you were when it came down to game seven at Yankees stadium? Remember the shaved heads, and how you knew that that was the year?

Take all of that excitement, drama, and hype, and multiply it by 10; and it equals how electric this upcoming ALCS will be against the Evil Empire.

I’ve never, in my lifetime as a Red Sox fan, had as much faith as I do in this team. I love expecting to win. I almost know what it feels like to be a Yankees fan this year. Curt Schilling versus Mike Mussina, Tuesday night at 8. It can’t get any better than that. The Sox number one ace, going head to head against the Yank’s best man.

I hope I got you all excited for this coming ALCS, it should be a good one. So let me be the first to say "Cowboy up", may the best team win, and GO SOX!

It's Never This Easy

By Cromwell Sox Fan

For the Boston Red Sox, it's one playoff series down and two to go. A 3-0 series sweep of the Anaheim Angels in the American League Division Series was a piece of cake for the Sox despite some tense moments in Game 3. My Question is "What's going on here?" It's not supposed to be like this for Boston.

Even when they have success in the postseason they always have to do it the hard way and come from behind in a series. Examples? 3-1 down in the '86 ALCS to these same Angels, they come back and win as the Dave Henderson home run off Donnie Moore propels them. 2-0 down vs the Indians in the '99 ALDS before Pedro comes in to rescue the Sox, sore arm and all, with 6 brilliant innings of shutout relief in Game 5. 2-0 down last year to Oakland in the ALDS, The A's bail the Sox out with atrocious base running and Trot Nixon provides dramatics with a walk-off home run in Game 3 to get Boston started on their way. It's just never easy for this team.
That's why yesterday's 8-6 series clinching win was so impressive. Except for one bad pitch from Mike Timlin, Boston dominated the series. And, as I said above, that never happens. It's nice to have this team finally be able to set up its pitching for the ALCS. It truly is uncharted territory. I know Yankee fans are as smug as ever these days (although as I write this it's 5-1 Twins in the 6th inning of ALDS Game 4) but if I'm them or the Twins or anybody I don't want any part of this team. They seem to have taken on the personality of their leader Curt Schilling and look to be on a mission. Even their manager, Terry Francona, who I have criticized in this space before and still makes me nervous, performed well vs the Angels). It's going to be an interesting couple of weeks in Red Sox Nation if the Sox can continue to play well.

Some more words for FOX

By Mr Opposite

The people at FOX really need to look into getting some new commentators.

Their blatantly bias commentary has made baseball almost un watchable. Muting the TV when Derek Jeter steps up to the plate is a must, it is the only way to get away from it. But even when Jeter has nothing to do with what is happening on the field, they can't help but talk him up.

It really makes me sick. I never thought I would say this, but bring on Joe Buck, he isn't anywhere near pro-Yankee as all the other suck-up commentators.

On another note, it being "Lima Time" has stuffed me up again. Had the Cards swept the Dodgers, I would be watching the Astros vs Braves game live, instead I have to wait for a 17 odd hour delay. Where'd the offense go?

And The Sox will be meeting The Stros in the Series.

The Table is Set

By Joe Davis

The Yankees pulled off another come-from-behind win today as they won it in the 11th.

An interesting play happened early in the game when Derek Jeter phantom tagged Jacque Jones on a strike-em-out throw-em-out play. Replays showed that the umpire missed a call in which Jeter was two feet away from tagging him. Jacque Jones got up from the slide yelling, "He didn't touch me! He didn't touch me!"

Down by 4 in the 8th, Bernie Williams singled to bring the deficit to 3. But the damage wasn't done.

Ruben Sierra stepped up with two men on. He rocketed a pitch from Juan Rincon into right field. It was a new ball game. The Yankees had tied.

Joe Nathan came in to hold the Yankees for the next 1 and 2/3 innings.

Joe Nathan came in to hold the Yankees for the next 1 and 2/3 innings.

Alex Rodríguez then doubled down the left field line. He then proceeded to third on a stolen base. Then a few pitches later, Kyle Lohse threw a past ball to Pat Borders. It scored A-Rod and the Yankees took the lead.

It was lights out after that as Mariano Rivera stepped on the mound. He closed out the game in his usual manner.

The New York Yankees will play in Yankee Stadium on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox.

Scheduled starters: Curt Schilling vs Mike Mussina

FORGET REVENGE - PLAY TO WIN

By Joe Davis

Friday's Boston Herald featured a headline, "Let's go Yankees!"

In The Boston Globe Dan Shaughnessy wrote, "I say bring on the Yankees. Boston-New York, Game 1 in the Bronx Tuesday night. Make room for 'Who's Your Daddy.' "

What is going on in Red Sox Nation?

Sure, every New Englander wants revenge on the Evil Empire for Aaron Bleeping Boone. But why must the Red Sox beat the Yankees?

The New York Yankees are built every year to win the World Series. Last year, the Red Sox were five outs from being a World Series team. This year, Theo Epstein reloaded and as Kevin Millar says, "We have 5 more outs than last year."

Theo realized he needs to have the George Steinbrenner mentality. "Win the World Series or you are a failure." Curt Schilling realized that when he came to Boston.

The situation is quite a paradox. It is a seeming contradiction but in the end it has some logic to it.

The contradiction? The Red Sox want to win the World Series, yet their fans want to beat the Yankees first.

The logic? The Yankees beat the Red Sox last year in Game 7 of the ALCS, although it looked like the game was in the bag with Pedro Martinez on the mound. The fans want revenge!

But, do the Yankees care who they beat in the playoffs of the years when they won their 26 championships? No, beating the Red Sox was their job. However, it was just a small part of the job. For the Red Sox and their fans it seems like it always comes back to beating the Yankees. However, you don't see the Yankees complaining that they didn't beat the Red Sox.

In the New Englander's minds, it doesn't feel right to win the World Series without beating the Yankees. It's time to stop being obsessed with the Yankees and just go with the hand you are dealt. If you get the Minnesota Twins, beat the Twins. If you get the Yankees, edge out the dealer with a Game 7 win. It's that simple.

Boston Fans Seek Revenge

By Ian Haan

LET’S GO YANKEES!

*Coughs* Wait a minute. Did I just say that? As a member of the Red Sox Nation, I have to admit, I’m stoked about last night’s huge win against the Angels; sweeping them out of town and giving them one long flight home. But what does this mean for us? Need I remind you of the dramatic seven game ALCS last year against the Bronx Bombers? Of course, it was devastating to see the ball leave the bat of Aaron Boone and land in the Yankee Stadium seats, but it only makes the 2004 playoffs that much more exciting. Let’s go Yankees. I want revenge.

Just think. If the Twins take the series against the Yankees, and the Red Sox face them in the ALCS and go on to win the World Series, would you be completely satisfied? No. This wouldn’t be the year without going through the Yankees first, and hopefully pushing the Sox 6-5 loss on October 16th of last year right in the faces of Steinbrunner’s $184 million team!

In a sense, I’d like to see the Twins win this afternoon. I want to see a long, tiring series for the Yankees. I want Mariano Rivera to be so worn out and overused in this ALDS, that the Yankees pitching staff has to work extra hard. Still, seeing a Yankees win of this Divisional Series would be more interesting for the Sox, but I want the Twins to give it their best effort, and extend the series to the fifth game.

So with all of that in mind, I’ll be at home today watching the Yankees-Twins game, and I’ll be hoping for a win by Johan Santana and the Twins. I’d like nothing more than to see the series carry on to the fifth game, with the Yankees coming out on top at the end. Another plus to this would be giving the Bo Sox the three R’s: rest, recuperation, and revenge.

Sources:
www.mlb.com
www.slam.conoe.ca

WHAT GAME FOUR?

By Steve Marsi

My good friend Lucas Dwyer is lucky enough to hold great season tickets in Fenway Park’s bleachers. The cost of the two seats Lucas shares with three fellow fans is considerable, but entirely worthwhile, especially come October. So imagine my surprise when all three of his cohorts announced they were leaving town for Columbus Day weekend, prompting Lucas to invite yours truly to attend Game Four of the best-of-five American League Division Series on Saturday. I was thankful for the generous offer, but respectfully informed him before the series began that I was hesitant to rearrange my schedule for a game that isn’t even going to be played. Not to mention that my future wife, with whom I had planned a weekend getaway, would kill me - but no matter. I was nonetheless confident of Boston sweeping Anaheim in the ALDS, and the first two games have done nothing to diminish that bravado.

The Red Sox took command of the series with a 9-3 victory in Game One Tuesday, then followed it up with a 8-3 win late Wednesday night to seize a 2-0 lead. The Angels are being crushed like Kevin Brown’s non-pitching hand against a cinderblock wall, and now find themselves with their backs against the proverbial wall as they travel to Fenway for Game Three this afternoon. Once again, the teams will be playing at 4 p.m. instead of the primetime slot occupied by the New York/Minnesota series, a fact that could work in the visitors’ favor. If Anaheim’s travel agents play their cards right, they can get the Angels back to California on a red-eye flight to begin their offseason with a nice round of golf in Palm Springs tomorrow morning.

Boston fans have made no small number of complaints regarding the 4 p.m., 10 p.m. and 4 p.m. starts of the series’ first three games, but so far the schedule makers have been vindicated. The Yankees and Twins have treated us to two thrillers (each team winning one), while the Boston series is a mismatch. The A.L. West champion Angels deserve credit for battling back to win their division in the last days of the regular season, but injuries, fatigue and a superior Boston unit are proving too much for them. Postseason success traditionally stems from strong starting pitching, good defense and timely hitting. Boston has prominently displayed these attributes in the first two games, while Anaheim has struggled with each.

Curt Schilling (6 2/3 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 4 K) and Pedro Martinez (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 6 K) were not dominant in winning Games One and Two, respectively, but they were solid. With the potent batting order the Red Sox enjoy, such outings will usually get the job done. Schilling looked the part of the Game One starter, while Martinez put to rest any doubts about his physical and mental state with his best start in a month. Fans from Woonsocket to Wiscasset rejoiced when Pedro’s fastball reached the mid-90s and his command once again baffled hitters. He is no longer the Pedro of ’99 by any means, but it’s nice to see that the ’04 version still has a lot left in the tank.

Meanwhile, the Angels countered with Jarrod Washburn, whose most intimidating trait may be his physical resemblance to Kiefer Sutherland of the Fox hit series "24." For Washburn (3 1/3 IP, 5 H, 7R), Tuesday was just one of those days. Game Two saw Anaheim’s "ace," Bartolo Colon, take the hill hoping to right the ship. Colon performed serviceably in allowing three runs over six innings of work, yet prompted many Sox fans to wonder how good the Angels pitching staff can be if its ace hasn’t eaten a salad since 2002. As a friend of mine’s father put it, "I think his signing bonus must have included marshmallows." Today Anaheim will send hard-throwing righty Kelvim Escobar (11-12, 3.93 ERA) to the mound against Bronson Arroyo (10-9, 4.03 ERA). The Angels’ bats are due for a breakout, and the Boston righthander is certainly no Martinez or Schilling. Arroyo has turned in a strong second half in becoming the consensus #3 starter, however, and the Red Sox hitters fare better in their home park. The edge goes to the good guys.

Anaheim hasn’t done itself any favors defensively either. An error and another questionable play by third baseman Chone Figgins* contributed to a seven-run Boston fourth inning that put Game One out of reach at 8-0. The Angels’ outfield resembles an ICU, with standouts Vladimir Guerrero and Garrett Anderson noticeably hampered by injuries. On Wednesday Guerrero failed to track down a foul ball that even my softball team’s hard-hitting, slow-footed right fielder, Peter Walters, may have corralled. Anderson appears to be in pain whenever he moves. It’s unfortunate that these two elite performers are playing below full strength, and that petulant left fielder Jose Guillen left the team no choice but to indefinitely suspend him two weeks ago. As valiantly as the Angels battle, they may have too much to overcome. Boston’s much-improved defense has been less than stellar at times, but has avoided being hurt by its mistakes.

In going 42-18 since the trade deadline, Boston’s hitting has been clutch to the point where fans expect every hitter in the lineup to come through when it counts most. The two contests against Anaheim have been no exception. After Figgins’ error kept the fourth inning of Game One alive, a three-run bomb by Ramirez gave Boston a huge cushion. Anaheim took a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning of Game Two courtesy of a two-run single by Guerrero, but Jason Varitek answered with a two-run shot to pull Boston even. Two innings later, a wild pitch by Francisco Rodriguez allowed Johnny Damon to take third base and eventually score the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Ramirez. A bases-clearing double by The O.C. – shortstop Orlando Cabrera – in the ninth provided the Sox with ample insurance. If Boston can continue its prolific hitting at key moments, there is no telling how far it can advance.

Finally, we will witness a sweep today because it seems unthinkable for the Red Sox to make things so easy on themselves, or their fans. This is exactly why it will happen. These are not your older brother’s Red Sox. Or your father’s, or your grandfather’s. This is a balanced, talented and fearless squad that believes in itself and is poised to make a deep postseason run. Throw conventional wisdom out the window and get the brooms ready. The next Fenway home game will take place next Friday, October 15, when the Sox battle the Minnesota Twins** in Game Three of the A.L. Championship Series.

* - Still no word on what exactly a "Chone" is, or how it can possibly be pronounced "Shawn."

** - Or Yankees.

SAD STORY FROM THE BIG CITY

By John Hatcher

Now that October has begun and the playoffs abound, I can’t help but think about one of the sadest things I’ve ever seen. It would be natural to some assume I’m writing in regards to the 1986 World Series. Even though that does qualify, I’m actually speaking of the career of one Dwight "Doc" Gooden.

Anyone who saw this guy pitch before he could legally drink knows what I’m talking about. He was the best pitcher in baseball. The Mets selected him 5th overall in the 1982 draft. He pitched in 1983 in Class A Lynchburg. In 1984 he went straight to the Mets staff at 19 years old. He became the youngest All-Star and R.O.Y in history that year. He followed that in ’85 by winning both the Cy Young and the pitcher’s Triple Crown: led the NL in wins, K’s, and ERA. By the time he went 17-6 in 1986, he was clearly the best pitcher in the game.

Gooden was only 21 in 1986. While most 21-year-olds were still learning what good beer is, Gooden averaged the following in his first 3 seasons: 19 wins, 248 K, 2.28 ERA. He had a ML record of 58-19 at the end of ‘86. It took Clemens until he was 25 to win 58 games.Gooden had 100 wins at 25 and a shot at not only 300 wins, but 400. So what happened?

As I mentioned before, Gooden was only 21 years old by the time all this happened. The Mets tried some things to change his delivery — to have him pitch more and throw less, to "save" his arm. What good is a strikeout pitcher that doesn’t throw heat? He also played in a party town with guys that liked to party. In many ways his immaturity got the best of him. He developed a cocaine problem that led him to test positive and got him a trip to rehab in 1987. He still continued to pitch well, until he hurt his shoulder in 1989. After that he was very average. Gooden tested positive again in 1994 which led to a suspension for the rest of the 1994 season and all of 1995. He later admitted that he even considered suicide.

After that he kicked around the majors. He played for the Yankees, Cleveland, Houston, Tampa, and back to the Yankees. His lone highlight being a no-hitter with the Yankees in 1996. He retired with a lifetime record of 194-112. Gooden turned 40 this year.

Even with all the knocks regarding his performance in A.S. games and the postseason, Gooden was definitely once a great pitcher. And when Clemens finally retires and goes to Cooperstown on the first ballot, I won’t be able to help but think that he shouldn’t be alone.

Sources:
Baseballlibrary.com
Clearing The Bases

Go Yankees!!

By lefty

Wednesday night was my first experience as a Yankee fan. It was tons of fun. I watched the game believing that no matter what the score, or the situation, my team, the Yankees, would win in the end. And — they did! After falling behind, in the top of the 12th they came back and won for the 659th time this year. And I was happy. I could get used to being a Yankee fan. It’s easy.

Well today at the plant, I had a conversation with a real Yankee fan. A co-worker who often makes the New York cop character from “Die Hard” — John McClane — look like a weak-willed wimpy wuss.

Here’s our conversation:
Me: Wasn’t it great how the Yankees came back again last night to win?
Die Hard Yankee Fan: Yeah, but they’re playing terrible.
Me: What do you mean, they came back again to win for what must be the 659th time of the season?
DHYF: Yeah, but they're just not that good this year.
Me: Are you serious? They won 101 games and had the second best record in the majors. They beat the Sox by 3 games.
DHYF: Yeah, but they're not that good this year. They’re not good by Yankee standards. Why are you rooting for the Yankees?
Me: Because I want Boston to play them. I want Boston to have to go through New York on the way to the World Series, and putting that silly curse concept to rest.
DHYF: Not me. If the Yankees are going to loose, I want them to loose to the Twins in this series. I don’t want them to lose to the Red Sox.
Me: Are you kidding me? Why?
DHYF: Just to deny Red Sox fans the satisfaction.

Ah, at that moment I remembered why the Yankees Suck.

A Long Night & A Test of Stamina

By Geoff Marks

The Twins brought a one-game advantage into the second day of the battle for the ALDS on Wednesday. Starting for New York was Jon Lieber who seems to like "home cooking." He has been doing exceptionally well during starts in New York. Pitching for Minnesota was Brad Radke who has been reliable all season long. This game was evenly matched the entire way, and ended up lasting a grueling 12 innings.

The Twins started it off with a first-inning surge as Justin Morneau doubled to right, driving in Tori Hunter to get a one run lead. In the second, Michael Cuddyer and Henry Blanco each had RBI’s to give the Twins a 3-1 lead. In the ninth the Twins rallied up a comeback to tie the game 5-5. Jon Lieber was taken out after 6.2 innings pitched, 7 hits, 3 runs, 1 BB, and 4 strikeouts. His replacement, Flash Gordon, struck out Jacque Jones, but Jacque made it to first on the passed ball. Jones then scored on a Justin Morneau single. Then Cory Koskie ground-rule doubled off of Mariano Rivera, knocking in Tori Hunter, and tying the game at five. In the top of the twelfth Tori Hunter hit a game winning two out homerun off of Tanyon Sturtz. That put the score at 6-5, Twins lead.

For the Yankees, Derek Jeter lit up the scoreboard with a lead-off homerun to deep center. The ball landed in the black seats, which is an incredible feat. Gary Sheffield went yard in the third inning, and A-rod did it in the fifth, and he also had an RBI single in the 7th. Radke was taken out after going 6.1 innings, and giving up 8 hits, 5 runs, and 3 BB. Grant Balfour and Juan Rincon pitched perfectly in relief. Joe Nathan was in position to get the win in the twelfth, but Alex Rodriguez hit a game-tying RBI ground-rule double. Hideki Matsui finished things with a game winning RBI sac-fly to score Derek Jeter on a close play at home.

Above all, this game was really a test of stamina. In the end the Yankees were able to pull yet another classic comeback victory to beat the Twins 7-6 in twelve innings. Joe Nathan was given the loss, Quantrill was awarded the win, and Nathan and Mariano Rivera both received blown saves. This was only Mariano Rivera’s 3rd post season blown save in over sixty appearances. The Yankees were able to take the win that they needed to tie the series at one, leaving what will happen in the rest of the ALDS open to speculation.

Sources- www.yankees.com
www.mlb.com
ESPN Network

Yankees Lose First Game of Playoffs

By Geoff Marks

The opening ALDS game between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins was a real nail-biter all the way to the end. Mike Mussina, who in the regular season went 12 and 9, started on the mound for the Yankees. For the Twins it was potential CY Young award winner Johan Santana. With starters like these it was certain that a good game would ensue.

Shannon Stewart drew first blood in the third inning for Minnesota with an RBI single to left field. The bleeding continued in the sixth inning when Jacque Jones cranked an opposite-field solo shot to left field, bringing the score to 2-0 Twins. Mussina was taken out after pitching 7.0 innings of good work; only giving up 7 hits, 2 runs, and striking out seven. Unfortunately for Mike, his legacy of receiving low run support stayed true. Flash Gordon and Mariano Rivera were flawless in relief for the Yankees.

Johan Santana’s pitching was like a bowling ball rolling down a hill. It started out okay, but it just got going faster and better as the game progressed. Along with the pitching, the defense also stood out for Minnesota. In the second inning Tori Hunter turned two by throwing a bullet to Blanco at home to tag out Jorge Posada. That was just one of five double plays in the game which breaks the previous ALDS record of four. In the seventh inning Ruben Sierra hit a perceived solo homerun to left field, but after a huddle by the umpires the call was overturned and it was ruled a foul ball. Santana pitched 7.0 innings, gave up 9 hits, 0 runs, and struck out 5. The two Minnesota relievers, Rincon and Nathan pitched well, giving up zero hits.

In summary, the Yankees lost the first game of the ALDS 2-0. But the Yankees do have a vivid history of losing the first game, of the series and coming back to win it. Santana took the win, Nathan was awarded the save, and Mussina was given a loss. Whether this game will make a difference in the series outcome is yet to be determined, but as of now it puts them one back of the Red Sox this year in the playoff record.

Sources- www.yankees.com
www.MLB.com
FOX Network

THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

By Steve Marsi

A year ago, I was invited via e-mail to my friend Eric Lessard’s Brookline residence to watch the Red Sox take on Oakland in the American League Division Series. "The Red Sox are in the playoffs," his message said, "I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life!" Lessard, a 24-year old die-hard Sox fan and native of Wiscasset, Maine – the self-proclaimed prettiest village in the Pine Tree State – had obviously not been waiting that long for a Boston playoff appearance, with the Red Sox winning the A.L. East in 1995 and Wild Card spots in 1998 and 1999. But his words rang true nonetheless, touching on an underlying theme of Red Sox fanhood. From spring training to the last out of the year, each Red Sox season is a lifetime in and of itself. The 2004 campaign has epitomized this feeling.

While the season officially commenced with a Sunday night loss at Baltimore, it really began the day after Aaron Boone’s home run ended Game 7 of the A.L. Championship Series last fall. The 354 days since then have included epic victories and devastating defeats, personnel changes and personal transformations. A lifetime’s worth of drama, with only one chapter left unwritten. Here’s a look back at what we’ve seen since that fateful night in October.

The Fall Guy. Last October, we witnessed a manager transform from a likeable, down-home guy who his players loved to the regional pariah on the basis of one questionable decision. Despite winning 188 games over two seasons and taking the team to the brink of the Fall Classic, the 54-year old Grady Little now ranks among the memorable Red Sox scapegoats of the last century. He has since drifted into total obscurity. Probably living near Bill Buckner somewhere.

The Winter Saga. Never has a courtship of a player on another team dominated the winter months like this. After determining that it could not re-sign its own shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, beyond the 2004 season, Boston’s management publicly targeted Alex Rodriguez, the game’s best and highest paid player. Rodriguez had seven years remaining on his contract with Texas, but the owners of both teams, along with the reigning MVP and even the commissioner himself, were determined to get a deal done. Months of public speculation climaxed when the Red Sox appeared ready to deal outfielder Manny Ramirez for A-Rod while simultaneously trading Garciaparra to the White Sox, but the players’ union swooped in to block the deal. Rodriguez was willing to shed up to $52 million over the duration of his contact to move to Boston, but the union wouldn’t allow him to reduce his income to a level that Boston could afford. End of story. No A-Rod, just a public relations disaster and a lot of hard feelings. Boston retained its three- and four-hitters, but neither would ever be the same.

Boone, Reloaded. In an excruciating twist of irony, Aaron Boone took himself out of the Yankees’ lineup before spring training by blowing out his knee in a basketball game. The starting third baseman, whose walk-off home run clinched the 2003 ALCS, left New York with a hole at the hot corner. Naturally, it was filled by Rodriguez, who agreed to switch positions if he could arrange a trade to the Bronx. The Yankees, who promptly traded Alfonso Soriano to Texas for A-Rod, had never considered the idea until Boone’s injury left them in need of a third baseman. Not since 1978 has a mediocre player drawn the extreme level of scorn as Aaron [bleeping] Boone, who will go down in Red Sox lore as the Bucky [bleeping] Dent of the 21st century.

No More Nomar. In addition to his prominently displayed resentment of the team’s pursuit of Rodriguez, Garciaparra drew criticism for the mysterious Achilles injury that kept him out until June. Accusations that he exaggerated the extent or cause of the injury due to his bitterness toward the organization further agitated and alienated the star shortstop. Convinced that Garciaparra would depart unceremoniously when his contact expired at the end of 2004, Boston traded him to the Chicago Cubs in a four-team deal that landed Minnesota first baseman Doug Mientkewicz and Montreal shortstop Orlando Cabrera in return. Assigning blame to the player or the team exclusively is impossible, given the unusual nature of events and the complexity of Nomar’s rage against the machine. But it’s tragic that the most popular Red Sox player in a generation, a man who many assumed would have his #5 retired at Fenway one day, had to leave under such circumstances.

The Joy Of Small Ball. As sad as Garciaparra’s departure was to witness, it can be argued that the team used it to turn a proverbial page mentally. More importantly, acquiring the new personnel forced a change in the team’s baseball philosophy. Boston found a winning formula with a renewed commitment to speed and defense. The newcomers’ gloves proved vital as the Sox began pulling out close games they had been losing for months, while the entire squad attacked the base paths and rediscovered how to manufacture runs. Combining this mentality with consistently strong pitching and power numbers sparked a compelling turnaround for a team that played .500 baseball for over two months and appeared to be on the brink of turmoil. The Red Sox finished the season 42-18 after the trade deadline, turning a once-tight Wild Card race into a joke and closely pursuing the Yankees, who once led by as many as 10.5 games in the A.L. East, until the final days of the season. Boston’s final win total of 98 ranks as the franchise’s second highest since 1978.

Manny Happy Returns. While Garciaparra never recovered from his indirect involvement in the A-Rod trade fiasco, Ramirez reinvigorated himself. The Red Sox tried to part ways with his aloofness and mammoth salary twice last winter – placing him on waivers before the A-Rod talks even began – but he nevertheless came back twice the player he was a year ago. This rebirth goes well beyond his batting stats (.308, 43 HR, 130 RBI), which are consistent with his career numbers. Ramirez enjoys the game again, and for the first time seems to genuinely like playing in Boston. Rarely do you not see him smile frequently before, during and after a game. Flashes of his out-to-lunch nature still manifest from time to time, but Ramirez is clearly a changed person. Always making himself available to reporters and being a great teammate instead of an individual star seemed unthinkable a year ago, but that’s the Manny of today. Having the affable David Ortiz (.301, 41 HR, 139 RBI) backing him up in the batting order and as a friend in the clubhouse can’t hurt either.

Pedro Who? For the first time in seven seasons, Pedro Martinez (16-9, 3.78 ERA) is no longer the staff pitching ace. It’s plain as day that Curt Schilling (21-6, 3.26 ERA) has assumed that role, with his performances on and off the mound. As beloved as Martinez has been throughout his time in Boston for his dominance, his perceived arrogance and tumultuous relationship with local media have left him somewhat distant. Schilling has supplanted him with superior pitching and a personality that Red Sox Nation has wholeheartedly embraced. The effect of this on Martinez’s psyche remains the subject of debate. Is there too much on his mind, or has he just lost several steps physically? The facts are that he has pitched poorly in his last four starts (losing all of them), he will be starting Game 2 of the ALDS against Anaheim (not Game 1), and his contract is set to expire after these playoffs. Will he be back next year? At what cost? Does he even want to be? On a related note, the yearlong implosion of Derek Lowe (14-12, 5.42 ERA), another free agent after this year, prompts another set of unanswered questions. A Cy Young candidate in 2002, Lowe’s stock has plummeted so far that his may not start a game in this year’s playoffs.

The Rivalry. Picking up where they left off last October, the Yankees and Red Sox provided some legendary regular season contests that further cemented their rivalry as the best in sports. The teams’ first regular season meeting, on April 16, was played before a raucous Fenway crowd and highlighted tremendous, minute-long standing boo for Rodriguez, the new face of the Evil Empire. On July 1, the Red Sox suffered a crushing extra-inning loss in Yankee Stadium that few fans will forget. Derek Jeter dove face-first into the stands to make a gave-saving catch, while Garciaparra sat in the dugout alone (his teammates all standing and leaning over the railing), providing some of the season’s enduring images. Several weeks later, the teams clashed at Fenway in a game that helped turn Boston’s season around. After a bench-clearing brawl instigated by Jason Varitek and Rodriguez, the Red Sox rallied for an 11-10 victory as Bill Mueller homered off Mariano Rivera in the ninth.

And so much more.

We’ve seen the emergence of the walking statistical anomaly, Mark Bellhorn (.264, .373 OBP, 17 HR, 81 RBI, 177K).

We’ve seen Pokey Reese, a light-hitting infielder known for his dazzling glove work, attain fan support rarely enjoyed by a defensive fill-in.

We’ve seen Johnny Damon’s hair, and subsequent popularity, grow with each passing week.

We’ve seen 81 home sellouts for the first time in Fenway Park history.

We’ve seen the "Reverse Curve" sign above Storrow Drive cleaned in preparation for the Democratic National Convention, then thankfully returned to its "Reverse the Curse" glory thanks to some dedicated graffiti artists. And cleaned, then tagged again.

All of which leads to this afternoon at 4:05 EDT, when Schilling takes the hill in Game 1 of the ALDS at Anaheim.

How will this drama end? No one knows. But if the past 11 months are any indication, it will sure be entertaining to watch.

Final Exam Time

By Cromwell Sox Fan

OK, Red Sox. This is it. Final exam time. This is what you've waited for all year. Theo Epstein, this is why you built your team the way you did. You said two big horses on the pitching staff wins championships (See Diamondbacks, Arizona 2001). Now it's time to put up or shut up.

No more excuses. The Red Sox must reach the World Series this year. Anything less is unacceptable. (Although with the current manager, I have my apprehensions). This franchise has put all its eggs in the 2004 playoff basket and they must come through. Because beyond the end of this October, there are no guarantees. Pedro could leave. Varitek could leave. Nomar is already gone. After this October, the Red Sox as we currently know them will probably be dead. If these players truly are the gutsy winners they say they are they must win the World Series. No more meltdowns of any kind in Game 6 or 7. In fact, they need to suck it up and shorten these series so they aren't put in a Game 6 or 7 predicament. They have the horses to shorten any series. I'm quite sure Curt Schilling will do his part. This is why he came to Boston. As far as Pedro Martinez? It's time for him to pitch the big game in October. He really hasn't pitched one since the '99 wildcard series vs Cleveland when he came out of the bullpen with a sore arm and overpowered the Indians for 6 innings to lead the Sox to the ALCS. That Pedro obviously no longer exists, but it's still time for him to pitch some big games in the playoffs. He did his job last year in the ALCS Game 7 for seven innings until the Grady Little incident, but the fact of the matter is if he won game 3 at Fenway instead of throwing at Karim Garcia, there wouldn't have been a Game 7. Memo to Pedro: Shut up and pitch and give Schilling the support he needs. There is no other choice. The Red Sox must get to the World Series (and win it too) in 2004. If they don't, they roll a snake eyes and Red Sox Nation will never forgive this team.

Dead And Buried... Or Not!

By Mr Opposite

Yes, the inevitable, me bragging about about the amazing finish to an amazing season for the Astros.

Out of it? I think not.

It seems that a bit over a month ago, no one believed. Even I had my doubts. But after a loss to the Cubs on August 26th, I said that they would have to beat the Cubs in the rest of the 4 game series. They have lost only seven games since then.

Getting up at 4 in the morning to "watch" this game on MLB Gameday, I was worried when I saw that Clemens wasn't starting, even though I know Backe has been great (despite what his stats say). The last couple of nights had been sleepless for more, wondering if the Astros were going to pull off an unbelievable feat. Turns out I had nothing to worry about, I kept trying to tell my self the same thing.

My playoff bracket picks will come later, but for now, I can tell you I do expect a big series win against the Braves, when you have Oswalt and Clemens going, you kinda do expect big things.

And on another note, how fitting is it that the season end with Brad Lidge striking out the side? Poetic.

Opening Round Is Set

By Joe Davis

The Twins will face the Yankees in New York.

The Red Sox will face the Angels in Anaheim.

The Astros will face the Braves in Atlanta.

The Dodgers will face The Cardinals in St. Louis.

Let the playoffs begin!

Click Read More for the ALDS schedule!

Schedules for the American and National League Division Series. All times listed below are for the first pitch, and are ET.

Tuesday, October 5, 2004
1:09 p.m.: NLDS Game 1, Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals, ESPN
4:09 p.m.: ALDS Game 1, Boston Red Sox at Anaheim Angels, ESPN
8:19 p.m.: ALDS Game 1, Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees, FOX

Wednesday, October 6, 2004
4:09 p.m.: NLDS Game 1, Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves, ESPN
7:09 p.m.: ALDS Game 2, Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees, ESPN
10:09 p.m.: ALDS Game 2, Boston Red Sox at Anaheim Angels, ESPN

Thursday, October 7, 2004
4:09 p.m.: NLDS Game 2, Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves, ESPN
8:19 p.m.: NLDS Game 2, Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals, FOX

Friday, October 8, 2004
4:09 p.m.: ALDS Game 3, Anaheim Angels at Boston Red Sox, ESPN
8:09 p.m.: ALDS Game 3, New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins, ESPN

Saturday, October 9, 2004
Time TBA: ALDS Game 4, New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins*
Time TBA: ALDS Game 4, Anaheim Angels at Boston Red Sox*
Time TBA: NLDS Game 3, St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Time TBA: NLDS Game 3, Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros

Sunday, October 10, 2004
Time TBA: ALDS Game 5, Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees*
Time TBA: ALDS Game 5, Boston Red Sox at Anaheim Angels*
Time TBA: NLDS Game 4, St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers*
Time TBA: NLDS Game 4, Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros*

Monday, October 11, 2004
Time TBA: NLDS Game 5, Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals*
Time TBA: NLDS Game 5, Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves*

* - if necessary

game Chat

By lefty

Once again, we are testing out a new CHAT ROOM for our faithful fans. To join the pre-playoffs chat room, CLICK HERE

The New York Yankees wrap up the season today with a 1:05pm game in Toronto. Brad Halsey will make his seventh start for the Yankees against Josh Towers who has lost his last four decisions for the Blue Jays. He's pitching on 2 days rest after only lasting two innings against the Orioles and giving up four runs and six hits. Halsey, (1-3, 7.33 ERA) was ejected from last Sundays Red Sox game for throwing at Dave Roberts.

The Boston Red Sox close their regular season with a chance to finish just 1 game back of the Yankees. Irrelevant though that may seem, it would end this controversial and tumultuous season on a positive note for the Sox. Derek Lowe, (14-12, 5.43 ERA) goes up against Rick Bauer, (2-1, 4.71 ERA) whose loss was against these same Red Sox on September 22.

Season Ends With Tight Races

By ThrowsLikeAGirl

Today is the last game of the regular season for both the Yankees and the Red Sox — and what a season it’s been! The Sox meet the Orioles in the last game of their 4-game series this afternoon – and they’re finishing up looking healthy and strong. Manny Ramirez’s prediction – way back in April – that "This Is The Year" has been well-fufilled thus far, and the Red Sox own the Wild Card. Yes, Boston fans – been there, done that: it’s time to get the shirt — and keep on keeping that faith.

The Yankees have the Division title – again. But they’re hurtin’ coming into the stretch and it’s been a tough season for many of their individual stars. However – Gary Sheffield has emerged as a gritty leader for the team. He has to be admired for the way he plays through the pain of his injuries – and digs in for the big hits when they’re needed the most. He takes winning very, very seriously – and his teammates are following his lead.

His MVP rival, Manny Ramirez, seems to be projecting the opposite attitude – but it works for him, and his power hits (and a few surprising moments in the field as well) have kept the Sox right on the Yankees’ bumper all summer. They’ve become annoying – and sometimes dangerously close tailgaters. And when the Yanks glance at the rear-view, the faces they see are the big goofy grins (and wild hairstyles) of Manny and his wild bunch. Crazy drivers. Hell-bent.

The baseball news should be a fun roller-coaster ride in the next few days. MVP voting ends today. The Cy Young award is a real horse race between Santana and Schilling. The pennant races are coming down to the wire, too. We may find out more about the new team in Washington DC. And the playoffs begin…

Lefty has set up an open game chat room and there’s a lot to talk about. So keep it clean – and enjoy.

Ellis Burks 2,000th game

By Joe Davis

Ellis Burks played in the first game of the double-header on Saturday. It was his 2,000th career game in 18 seasons. Some accomplishments are All-Star appearances in 1990 and 1996 and a Gold Glove in 1990. He's a lifetime .291 hitter. He has 352 career homeruns. He currently has 2,107 hits.

His best year was in 1996 when he finished 3rd in the MVP voting. His numbers with Colorado that year: .344, 40 HR, 128 RBI, 32 SB, 8 3B, 45 2B, 211 hits, .408 OBP, .639 SLG , and 1.047 OPS. Burks started his career in and will end his career in Boston. Burks played for Boston, Chicago (AL), Colorado, San Francisco, and Clevelend. Here's to one of classiest men in baseball!

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Sox Talent Will Carry Pedro

By Alex Sherman

There are rumors that Pedro is merely getting ready to pack his bags to join the Yankees, perhaps subscribing to the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" theory. (Incidentally, if the Yankees are Pedro's daddy, and Pedro joins the Yankees, how does that relationship work? I don't even want to think about that...).

Of course, these rumors are absurd. Pedro wants to beat the Yankees more than anyone. He's struggling right now, playing his worst baseball as a Red Sox. But he's a gamer...and for once, the Red Sox have the talent to carry him. The key to the Red Sox playoff hopes will NOT be Pedro. It will be the No. 3 guy...who will step up? Arroyo, Lowe or Wakefield? All three are question marks...but one has to pitch lights out. If one of the trio does, the Red Sox should break the curse.

Sox fans, root for Oakland this week...it'll make the ride a lot less bumpy.