Black Betsy

Sox Sweep, and Other Thoughts

I've done a bit of writing on the Sox e-mail list this weekend, and it's just as easy to cut and paste and post here. Content is king. I'll post them separately

First, though, some of my thoughts on the game yesterday (not that you care, but this blog is as much a diary of a Sox fan as anything).

• Podsednik's two-out double was a tremendous boost to my confidence in the Sox's chances. Garcia looked shaky and needed a lead. Then the Gooch came through with another clutch single to turn it into a two-run lead. Those were huge two-out knocks.

• Podsednik quietly hit well in the series, even though it looks like his running days are over. He was out easily on his steal attempt against Wakefield, and it looked like he just wasn't as fast. I doubt he is 100%.

• I remember thinking before Ortiz and Manny got up in the 4th that "this game could be tied in the first two batters." As Hawk might say, "it will." Thankfully, they were solos. I also thought those two runs were all the Sox would get.
• Paul Konerko only had three hits in the series. Amazing, isn't it? The last one really counted.
• I thought Crede and Uribe did a great job at working the count against Papelbon in the 6th. I thought for sure each of them would draw a walk or get on after fighting off some nasty stuff on 2-2 and 3-2 counts. I also thought that Francona blew it by using up Bradford and Myers so early in the game, and essentially running through his effective relievers in the 6th. I thought they'd have to bring in a stiff to throw the 8th inning at least, or have Timlin throw two innings. Papelbon really impressed me by cruising through the 7th and 8th. That said, had Boston tied the game in the 9th, the Red Sox bullpen was cooked.
• Just before Garcia went out to pitch the 6th, the ESPN announcers said that Guillen had had a "perfect series." Then he leaves Garcia out to face Manny, throws a couple of 90 mph fastballs, the second of which Manny destroyed. Argh.
• To make matters worse, Guillen brings in Marte, who not only is not getting anyone out, but has turned into a total head case, who then loaded the bases with nobody out. I'm not sure why Marte insists on throwing 80% breaking balls. The guy has a 95 mph fastball. As it turns out, those are real hard to hit, especially for lefties given his arm angle. He should be 80% fastballs, which he still seems to be able to locate. After he loaded the bases, I sent an e-mail to the White Sox list declaring my intention to kill Marte before he could kill me. I still think he's out to get me.
• When El Duque came in, I immediately thought, "this is the right man for the job." Earlier in the season, I had noted - it must have just been in my head because I can't seem to find a previous post here or on the e-mail list - that El Duque does not seem bothered by people on base. And three outs later, El Duque will never have to buy a drink on the South Side again.
• The game was over at that point. I think I knew it, but did not want to get my hopes up. I even had a little disbelief as Renteria bounded the ball past Jenks - that ball seemed destined for center field for sure, meaning that Jenks (or hopefully Cotts) would have to face Ortiz as the tying run. But the Gooch was there, the game was ended, and my own personal celebration began (that is, jumping up and down, screaming, and then ordering Buffalo Wings. Sad, isn't it).