The Red Sox once again are ahead of the Yankees by nine games after surviving a surge by the Bronx Bombers. Yet, the Sox batters’ recent success has been from the role players and not from either Manny Ramirez or David Ortiz. On the contrary, Ramirez and Ortiz have been hurting the offense. They have grounded into a ton of rally killing double plays and do not take pitches like the rest of the team. For instance, in the first inning of the Sox game today, both Julio Lugo and Dustin Pedroia put on very good at bats. They used up a combined 12 pitches form Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ starter Scott Kazmir and ended up both getting singles. Ortiz stepped up to the plate and on the first pitch grounded into a double play. Ramirez followed up with a weak ground out to the pitcher, also on the first pitch. Now the seventh inning is over, and the Sox still have no runs. Ramirez and Ortiz blew the Sox best chance to score. They killed a rally and let Kazmir out of a jam. Continue reading “Red Sox Need Lineup Changes”
Category MLB
Schilling’s Comments Make Sense
Red Sox Pitcher Curt Schilling made a number of remarks to HBO’s Bob Costas about Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Jose Canseco. As you can expect from Schilling, these comments were biased and somewhat ignorant. At the same time, they all made sense and echoed many fans’ opinions. Schilling has said some things that he shouldn’t have in the past, but these comments make sense on multiple levels. First, that the lack of civil suits by Bonds proves that he took steroids. Second, that cheaters should be punished for their actions and their careers wiped clean. Continue reading “Schilling’s Comments Make Sense”
The Yankees Recent Success: A Mirage
If you haven’t looked at the AL Wild Card Standings in a while, than it may surprise you to see that the Yankees are only 4.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians. After a terrible first half of the season, the Yankees have returned to form. Since the All Star break they are 11-3, including their current five game winning streak. Even more impressive is the scores of the games. Their overpriced lineup and $150 million pitching staff both have excelled in recent week. During this stretch, the Yankees have outscored their opponents 108-58. Unfortunately, that is where the good statistics end. The competition has been horrible, as the Yanks have played eight games against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, four against the Toronto Blue Jays, and now two against the Kansas City Royals. The 108-58 advantage on the scoreboard is only, because of two lopsided victories over the Devil Rays (17-5 and 21-4). The scoreboard and record are both deceiving, but that doesn’t mean that the Yankees haven’t improved, right? Continue reading “The Yankees Recent Success: A Mirage”
Danny Vinik 