Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 2, 2003 The following are rantings of a tired and pissed off Red Sox fan, so take them for what they're worth. Now I recognize that the Red Sox got outplayed by the A's in extra innings last night. They couldn't hit to save their life, Chavez made an amazing play (That wouldn't have mattered if Manny hadn't hesitated at second, but I digress...) and I garauntee no Sox player would have had the balls to lay down that bunt w/ 2 outs. BUT. The game should have never got that far. The Sox had a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning. They had 2 outs. And their closer was on the mound. So what does Grady Little do? Remove the former All-Star, former World Series winning closer for Alan Embree. Alan Embree who, at no stretch during the season could be described as "reliable". Embree promptly gives up the tying run. Unless Kim was injured (which it doesn't appear he was) why in the world would you take him out? I realize Embree is supposed to be the "left handed specialist", but he has been anything but Special this year. This move not only hurt them last night, but probably down the road, as Kim's confidence can't be flying too high right now. I mean the guy gave up game tying/winning HR's in back-to-back games in 2001 and the Diamond Backs STILL trusted him to pitch the rest of the way. One guy on second and Little replaces him. So, assuming the Sox fail to come back (and as a Red Sox fan I am indeed pessimistic enough to practically declare the series dead right now) I'd be perfectly happy if Little's contract wasn't renewed for next year. That was undoubtedly the worst move he's made all year. (side note: If the Red Sox DO come back, I reserve the right to declare Little worthy of a 5 year extension and manager of the year award. Damn Sox.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2003 The curse is still active? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EL DANDY~! 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2003 I didn't see that part because I was out on the town with the LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADIES, but I do know that they got outplayed in the extra innings, and I know that Chavez made the play of the playoffs, even moreso than Shannon Stewart, IMO, because without that play, the A's would have been down at least a run, and I think that even if Manny was going with the hit...he still wouldn't have made it, he's not THAT fast... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 2, 2003 The Sox definitely got outplayed in Extras, but they shouldn't have been there to begin with. Oh, and some stats that Grady might have considered when playing his "screw the closer- its a lefty-lefty match-up" card... Lefty's BA against Kim: .221 Lefty's BA against Embree: .263 Durazo (batter at the time)'s average against righty's: .243 Durazo's average against lefty's: .283 Ya, brilliant strategy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldSchoolWrestling 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2003 A's fan here. Kim was throwing heat, and his pitches in the low corner were unhittable. He was losing control but I think they shouldn't have taken him out. He's toast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted October 2, 2003 There's one problem? The Red Sox don't have good pitching beyond Pedro. They won't go anywhere without pitching, sad but true. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BobbyWhioux Report post Posted October 2, 2003 I was somewhat surprised too. I figured it was a general lack of faith in Kim (which left me wondering why they would've gone to him in the first place). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ghettoman Report post Posted October 3, 2003 This is the Sox year!!! I can feel it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HarleyQuinn 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2003 Here's hoping Lowe does well at Fenway and Lilly gives up a lot of hits off the Green Monster Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 3, 2003 I think (hope?) the Sox should take Game 3. Back home, their #2 pitcher going against Oakland's #4. Ortiz, Millar and especially Manny are better at home. My consolation is that the last time Oakland was up 2-0 they got swept out (2001 against the team that shall not be named) and last time the Sox were down 0-2 they came back to sweep. (1999 against the Indians.) Time to cowboy up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2003 Ya the last time the A's went up 2-0, they fell victim to a BULLSHIT call by the home plate umpire, just to appease the "yankees greatness" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldSchoolWrestling 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2003 Ya the last time the A's went up 2-0, they fell victim to a BULLSHIT call by the home plate umpire, just to appease the "yankees greatness" Is that the play where the fat bastard didn't slide? Man, I still hate him for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2003 I've never seen a replay where Giambi was safe. Of course, I don't think sliding would have necessarily made him safe either. And I'm surprised no one brings up the last time the Red Sox were down 2-0 in a division series. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 3, 2003 uh...I did. They swept the Indians in the "Pedro out of the Bullpen" game. Last great thing the Sox did. Oh..and talking to Red Sox fans about calls the Yankees got that they shouldn't is never wise. Most recent case being the ALCS that followed said sweep. Knoblauch NEVER touched second base..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2003 Giambi was out but just barely. I don't see the A's having a repeat of the type of heartbreaking loss in Game 3. The A's were basically done after that as they came out completely flat in Game 4 the next day and then of course lost Game 5. Difference this time its their opponent that has had the heart breaking loss and the Red Sox looked pretty flat yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted October 5, 2003 I don't see the A's having a repeat of the type of heartbreaking loss in Game 3. I was wrong...I'm sick... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 5, 2003 Alright. 2-1. Not Dead yet. Trot Cowboy'd up, and the Sox win an absolutely UGLY game. Not too confidnet about Burkett going tomorrow against Hudson, but if they can avoid Burkett's "inning of doom" we should be set for game 5. Hope remains in New England. For Now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToddRoyal Report post Posted October 5, 2003 And the A's choke again. We go back to Oakland with Pedro at full rest against Zito on 3 days? I can almost feel comfortable with that situation. If Pedro pitches like Pedro, Timlin and Williamson have been absolutely lights out from the bullpen. All the Sox need are some runs, and hopefully Ortiz and Manny are back. The Sox sure don't make it easy, but sometimes its fun to watch, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
