ALDS: Official Red Sox v White Sox thread

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 1:31AM

Would love to have a single thread for Red Sox and White Sox fans (if any exist) to observe, discuss, rant about the series. Hopefully others can respect this and it will not get bombed with unwanted and off-topic posts.

Anyways, any thoughts on tonight?

I've got to believe Wells throws a gem and the bats score more than a touchdown. If Wells gets banged around, then he's got to be hurting physically far worse than he's let on, which will not be good...

Olerud ought to be starting at first, lefty-lefty matchup be damned. And as much fun as it would be for the fans to do the down two, win three thing again like Oakland in 03, I don't want to deal with that and don't think the pitching staff could deal with it going into the ALCS, especially if there's a rainout in Boston Friday and the games get pushed that much closer to the start of the next series.

Anyone going to the games this weekend? I'll be there.

Any real White Sox fans out there?

yankeeno7 · October 5, 2005 1:48AM

Wells is definately an experienced and successful big game pitcher. Only question is...is he the same pitcher? I think he is.
I think a lot will depend on the mood of the Red Sox players and if they can keep positive about hitting that great White Sox pitching staff. Im sure they have no lack of confidence though.
Key will be keeping Posednik off the basepaths. Wells doesnt walk many so they will have to get the hits.
If the White Sox knock Wells out of the game early then the Red Sox will be in serious trouble.
Go White Sox!

ctsoxfan · October 5, 2005 2:00AM

I believe Wells will come up big again, and give us 7 strong innings of work tonight. Series will be tied 1-1 going back home.

If there is a game Sunday, I will be there.

jad22 · October 5, 2005 2:03AM

I am glad Wells is on the hill tonight. Somebody who normally has control and throw strikes. Clement was so terrible yesterday. Clement seemed to never hit his target, which he hasn't in a long time.

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 2:17AM

Wells should also not fall apart and start hitting batters because he's so distracted by Posednik...

megatron · October 5, 2005 2:28AM

<< Wells should also not fall apart ... >>

I sure hope not because as each body part hits the ground, the city will experience an earthquake that will make California humble.

megatron · October 5, 2005 2:34AM

BTW, did everyone forget about this guy called Mark Buehrle that will be pitching for the White Sox tonight?

In case the people on the East Coast haven't heard, this guy is a workhorse who is 16-8 with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP this season.

Anyone in Boston or New York heard of this guy?

Just wondering.

Dand52261 · October 5, 2005 2:45AM

We have heard of Buerlhe . He is 0-1 this year with a high era in two starts againsts us. Sox players have hit him hard especially Manny Ramirez

yankeeno7 · October 5, 2005 2:49AM

Buehrle speaks for himself. Even though he has had two rough outings against the Red Sox he is a force. Its not the regular season anymore. All of these guys will be stepping up their game. He's going to be tough on the Red Sox no matter what.
Wells' pitching is the one in question.

Dand52261 · October 5, 2005 2:52AM

I agree Wells is the big question mark. He could come out and shut them down or he could have back spasms and be out in the third. Wells does not walk anybody, so keeping Posednik off the bases is number 1. If Wells is walking people the red sox are in trouble

wick70 · October 5, 2005 3:07AM

I'll be backing my boy Buehrle, tonight. I've got two tickets for tonights game and I'm taking my dad.
White Sox in three games !!!

Wick

Axtell · October 5, 2005 3:12AM

<< Buehrle speaks for himself. Even though he has had two rough outings against the Red Sox he is a force. Its not the regular season anymore. All of these guys will be stepping up their game. He's going to be tough on the Red Sox no matter what.
Wells' pitching is the one in question. >>

Huh?

You say that the regular season doesn't count to say the white sox will be ready (bull, but ok).

But then you say that Wells' pitching is in question?

These white sox have not been to the postseason before, their manager has never managed a postseason team before, and it's going to show.

The Red Sox will win this series.

pandrews · October 5, 2005 3:16AM

idiots..

softparade · October 5, 2005 3:18AM

Ax, did you not say earlier in the season that the Yankees WOULD NOT make the playoffs?

Please stop making believe you are Peter Gammons or anything like a knowledgeable media professional with inside info.

Its just hot STARBUCKS air coming from your trap

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 3:45AM

Step in the right direction.

"Red Sox manager Terry Francona today said he would start left-handed hitting John Olerud against the southpaw Mark Buehrle in tonight's Game 2 of the ALDS"

IrishMike · October 5, 2005 3:52AM

So much bad info in this forum its laughable. Ozzie was third base coach for the Marlins, gee have they ever won a world series? He also played on a sox team that played in postseason. To try and predict how good Buerhle or Wells will be tonight is nothing more than a guessing game. The White Sox won 99 games this year by making the starting pitcher work and getting into the other teams bullpen. If they make Wells throw a lot or his control is off then they have a good chance of winning the game.

If Buerhle pitches as he did in August and part of September then the Red Sox could score a ton of runs. All are big ifs. Each teams fans has reasons to be positive and to be worried. Shoulds, woulds, could ofs aside, its simple, the team that executes the best will win. Both teams are capable of winning or losing this game. Bothe Wells and Buerhle are hittable.

All this said, I hope (not predict) the Sox win, white of course.

If you watched the Angels and Yankees play last night then you realized how thin the margin of victory or defeat is. If Garrett Anderson hadn't broken in on Canola's fly ball the yanks wouldn't have scored 3 runs in the first. One little misstep is all it takes.

Skinpinch · October 5, 2005 4:56AM

IrishMike said......"To try and predict how good Buerhle or Wells will be tonight is nothing more than a guessing game. The White Sox won 99 games this year by making the starting pitcher work and getting into the other teams bullpen. If they make Wells throw a lot or his control is off then they have a good chance of winning the game.

If Buerhle pitches as he did in August and part of September then the Red Sox could score a ton of runs. All are big ifs. Each teams fans has reasons to be positive and to be worried. Shoulds, woulds, could ofs aside, its simple, the team that executes the best will win. Both teams are capable of winning or losing this game. Bothe Wells and Buerhle are hittable.

All this said, I hope (not predict) the Sox win, white of course.

If you watched the Angels and Yankees play last night then you realized how thin the margin of victory or defeat is. If Garrett Anderson hadn't broken in on Canola's fly ball the yanks wouldn't have scored 3 runs in the first. One little misstep is all it takes."

Mike, is this the same IrishMike I heard on the SCORE? Anyway, that is one heckuva outsanding post. I especially like how you pointed out the shoulds, woulds, coulds etc.., and how both are capable of winning and losing the game. That is the essence of the playoffs, in one game or seven anything could happen and you just never know. There really isn't any point of over-analyzing it ala NFL Gameday style etc... You simply can't analyze a single game to any degree of certainty. So many things could happen in short series. Baseball only reveals its truths over the long haul.

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 6:10AM

Red Sox win 9-4 tonight. Olerud and Varitek(2) homer.

Gemmy10 · October 5, 2005 10:12AM

<< Red Sox win 9-4 tonight. Olerud and Varitek(2) homer.>>

Okidoke

White Sox 5, Red Sox 4

You already blew it and it is 9:21 PM EST.

yankeeno7 · October 5, 2005 10:55AM

Well, I think Wells pitched really well and certainly did enough to win.
Buerhle wasnt terrible.
BUT....shades of Bill Buckner peered its ugly head on the Red Sox again! Who would have thought that would have been the difference maker in the game?

Southsider · October 5, 2005 11:01AM

Whew! That was a good one. I was a little worried about Jenks there in the 9th. I haven't been able to catch many games over the last month on TV here in DC, so I'm not too sure what to expect from this kid. But, that took some guts to close a 2 inning save. Nice job!

We can't let up now. 9 more to go.

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 11:31AM

While technically it was the difference maker, I don't think they would've had a DP and Wells still would've been stuck in the inning, so who knows. Although it was a pretty pathetic error.

Regardless, any way you look at it, the Red Sox should've scored 15 runs in that game. I hate them having to win 3 in a row. And they'd better start hitting HRs soon. Wakefield and Schilling at home? Can't be worried about that, but it still is annoying to have to do this again.

Apparently they signed Renteria because he is so great at making easy last outs of games.

Gemmy10 · October 5, 2005 11:34AM

<< Wakefield* and Schilling at home? Can't be worried about that, but it still is annoying to have to do this again.>>

*Please see Yankees, Saturday, October 1, 2005

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 11:52AM

But, that took some guts to close a 2 inning save

The 98 MPH heat might've helped a bit too...

wick70 · October 5, 2005 12:26PM

The 98 MPH heat might've helped a bit too...

Saw a couple 98's, a few 97's and the board even showed one pitch hit 100mph.

Great game !!

Wick

zef204 · October 5, 2005 1:28PM

Damn it! I hate the White Sox fans as their true goal in life is to bad mouth Cubs fans, which I know is often easy to do. But I love the city and I respect the team and I am going to have to root for them because of all you idiots on here who think that there is one thing west of Boston, and that's New York. My grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew I actually wanted the Sox(and yes in Chicago these guy are also known as that) to win. I guess I just want them to outlast the Yanks and the BoSox. If it is them and the Cards in the series though, that is a cold day in hell for Cubs fans.

softparade · October 5, 2005 1:45PM

<< Damn it! I hate the White Sox fans as their true goal in life is to bad mouth Cubs fans, which I know is often easy to do. But I love the city and I respect the team and I am going to have to root for them because of all you idiots on here who think that there is one thing west of Boston, and that's New York. My grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew I actually wanted the Sox(and yes in Chicago these guy are also known as that) to win. I guess I just want them to outlast the Yanks and the BoSox. If it is them and the Cards in the series though, that is a cold day in hell for Cubs fans. >>

Now there is a REAL reason to root against the Yanks!

Post more zef! This cesspool of a forum needs more like yourself!

IrishMike · October 5, 2005 8:17PM

More shoulda, woulda, couldas.

Buerhle is not a power pitcher, he has to hit his spots. The first 3 innings he didn't, the rest of the game he got better at it. That's baseball, throw it where it most likely result in an out. Buerhle may only be the 5th best pitcher on the Sox starting staff when it comes to "stuff". To say that the RedSox should have scored 15 runs is silly.

Best pitche for the Sox all year in big games is Garcia, I'd much rather have him going for me then Wakefield or Shilling. If he gets throw the first 2 innings with little damage, the Red Sox are in deep doo doo.

Cubfan · October 5, 2005 8:57PM

I posted this in another thread, but did you notice how when the ball went through Graffanino's legs, Chris Berman let out a very loud "OH NOOOOOOOOOO".

What kind of partial broadcasting was that? It was obvious he was rooting for the Red Sox. I really dont care about that, but if you are a national broadcaster trying to broadcast a game with no apparent bias, you dont do something like that. He didnt yell OH NOOOO when Crede let one go through him and probably would not have for any other playoff team.

Very unprofessional.

dgbaseball · October 5, 2005 10:48PM

I really don't think Berman was rooting for either Sox. He's just too fat and stupid to know the difference between broadcasting a baseball game and the HR Derby. Painful. Broadcasting games really is a talent that we take for granted sometimes.

And IrishMike, talk about silly.

Best pitcher for the Sox all year in big games is Garcia, I'd much rather have him going for me then Wakefield or Shilling

To say you'd much rather have ANYONE in baseball going instead of Schilling in a post season game is rather silly, even with his struggles this season. Of course, they need to get through game 3 first. Game 4 is looking more and more like Sunday with the weather forecast Saturday in Boston, which, although it will screw up the Red Sox rotation for the ALCS, will allow Wells to come back rested and pitch game 5 on Monday to clinch it...

yankeeno7 · October 5, 2005 10:54PM

At least Berman has some style to him. Listening to Joe Morgan is absolute agony. Says the same thing 3 times 3 different ways, screws up his facts, and just comes up with the most rediculous commentary about plays on the field. Which really surprises me as a HOF second basemen. Lord knows I used to enjoy watching him play...but I cringe listening to him announce.
Oh, and according to Morgan, Yankees have a two hundred THOUSAND dollar payroll LMAO.

megatron · October 5, 2005 10:54PM

Given the way that Rick Sutcliffe spoke of David Wells during the game.....you would think that he was his secret gay lover. It got pretty irritating at times. Can the guy keep his biased opinions to himself?

IrishMike · October 5, 2005 11:01PM

<< I really don't think Berman was rooting for either Sox. He's just too fat and stupid to know the difference between broadcasting a baseball game and the HR Derby. Painful. Broadcasting games really is a talent that we take for granted sometimes.

And IrishMike, talk about silly.

Best pitcher for the Sox all year in big games is Garcia, I'd much rather have him going for me then Wakefield or Shilling

To say you'd much rather have ANYONE in baseball going instead of Schilling in a post season game is rather silly, even with his struggles this season. Of course, they need to get through game 3 first. Game 4 is looking more and more like Sunday with the weather forecast Saturday in Boston, which, although it will screw up the Red Sox rotation for the ALCS, will allow Wells to come back rested and pitch game 5 on Monday to clinch it... >>

What is silly is that you twisted what I said, where did I say anyone in baseball. He's been the best big game pitcher for the Chisox. Read and comprehend before you write.

What has Schilling done for you lately? Pitched well has he? It's all talk anyway, who ever pitches the best will win.

dgbaseball · October 6, 2005 12:31AM

ditto reading, comprehending etc

I meant preferring anyone other than Schilling, for instance, Freddy Garcia, is nuts.

If the Red Sox lose tomorrow and Schilling doesn't pitch a game in the series, I wonder how much heat that will bring on Francona. There were suggestions that he should've held Schilling from the last start against NY, with the theory that 1. if Indians lost, they get in anyways, 2. if they both lost, they'd certainly need him for the playoff game the next day, and 3. Exactly what is happening in the White Sox series.

Hard to take advantage of a big game pitcher when he's scheduled to pitch in game 4 of a 5 game series.

yankeeno7 · October 6, 2005 12:55AM

Will the Red Sox fire Francona if they get swept?

dgbaseball · October 6, 2005 1:24AM

Obviously hard to fire the guy who managed the WS champs just a year ago. But God I hope so. Believe me, I'm not just saying this now... I have never been a fan of his and think they win despite his horrible managing (although I admittedly haven't liked any manager in Boston since Joe Morgan, except maybe Kevin Kennedy). Francona is very personable, and by all accounts handles the players and issues well in the clubhouse, good with the media etc.. But as a field manager, he is very suspect. Pitching decisions, lineup changes, giving guys days off etc.

If they go three and out and Schilling didn't pitch once, I think that will rightfully be a big deal. Macha's available, and a big favorite of many of the Sox players who knew him.. Although I guess he and Francona are best friends, so I can't see him taking his job. Plus, as Francona goes, so does Schilling. Francona was only brought in in the first place to lure Schilling, and I'm sure Curt wouldn't stand for it.

But anyways, enough hypotheticals. Red Sox in 5!

yankeeno7 · October 6, 2005 1:38AM

But isn't Theo the one who decides who pitches everyday?

ctsoxfan · October 6, 2005 2:37AM

Francona isn't going anywhere, regardless of the outcome of this series (which, is far from over). I do agree that he will take some heat if Schilling doesn't make a start, but what could you do - the rotation wasn't set up for him to do so (Schilling pitched a game Sunday that they needed to win). Some people are wondering why he didn't start Arroyo in Game 1, but I don't think you could not start Clement given how well he pitched most of the season.

I don't think you could take a chance and not have pitched Schilling Sunday, by the way. There was no way to know the Yanks were going to phone the game in - and why risk having to play a Monday playoff (with no day off before the ALDS) if you don't need to?

IrishMike · October 6, 2005 6:16AM

Why would Francona's job be in danger? What did he have to do with Schilling's injury, Lowe and Pedro leaving and a thin bullpen? I think they have had a remarkable season considering the aforementioned, a so-so defense and they are still in the mix.

Skinpinch · October 6, 2005 7:37AM

Hey IrishMike, I like your style. You earned yourself a Guiness.

dgbaseball · October 6, 2005 10:58PM

His job isn't realistically in danger, nor did he have anything to do with any of those things. Day to day mgmt of the team, rotation, lineup etc, and in-game decision making has been suspect at best since he got here. And they've done quite well, despite that.

Watching the weather channel this morning. Apparently after about 8:00 tonight in Boston, the forecast for the next nine days is constant heavy rain. They ought to be playing two today. Going to be a sloppy game 4...

yankeeno7 · October 7, 2005 8:40AM

Renteria does it again...last out for the Cards last season and last out for the Red Sox season!
Squeeze play in the 9th...BRILLIANT!

Brian48 · October 7, 2005 8:43AM

"Rent-a-Wreck" was the biggest flop the Sox made this year. He is a complete jinx. He was Clemens' 4000K victim, he was the last out last year, and now he has repeated the feat.

Gemmy10 · October 7, 2005 9:02AM

They were better off with Cabrera. Cabrera is better in the clutch.

megatron · October 7, 2005 10:23AM

<< 

<< Buehrle speaks for himself. Even though he has had two rough outings against the Red Sox he is a force. Its not the regular season anymore. All of these guys will be stepping up their game. He's going to be tough on the Red Sox no matter what.
Wells' pitching is the one in question. >>

Huh?

You say that the regular season doesn't count to say the white sox will be ready (bull, but ok).

But then you say that Wells' pitching is in question?

These white sox have not been to the postseason before, their manager has never managed a postseason team before, and it's going to show.

The Red Sox will win this series. >>

Sure, whatever you say Mr. Know It All. I guess you predicted the Mariners would do much better in the AL West than worse, too. Very good predictions.

ALDS: Official Red Sox v White Sox thread

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