<< <i>I think Chokajima needs some time on the DL. Another horrible outing last night: 5 batters, four hits, one walk. Something is up with him. >>
IIRC a lot of it was bad luck -- 2 of those hits were bloops where he jammed the hitter, and another was a seeing-eye single. Not like he was giving up tape measure homers like Beckett!
Lots of missed opportunities for sure. Perk is right, Lester is the Ace. I hope Beckett gets whatever ails him fixed soon. In other news Brad Penny pitched 8 shutout innings for the Giants against the Phillies. Are you kidding me?
<< <i>Lots of missed opportunities for sure. Perk is right, Lester is the Ace. I hope Beckett gets whatever ails him fixed soon. In other news Brad Penny pitched 8 shutout innings for the Giants against the Phillies. Are you kidding me? >>
Smoltz and Penny couldn't succeed in the AL, yet they are having success in the NL. Hmmmm.
<< <i>Like I said Im just hoping we can get the wildcard spot. >>
I remember getting whipped by Bosox fans cuz I said I would love to see the Yanks/Bosox in the playoffs against each other. They didnt want the Yanks in it AT ALL. I have to say, now that the shoe is on the other foot, I am hoping to see the Bosox not even make the playoffs! Oh sweet justice
But in reality, I dont think the Rangers will be able to hang on and the Rays wont be able to make the comeback. That is if the Sox dont completely fall apart which I dont see happening.
Barry, I dont want anything to do with the Yankees at this point- especially meeting up in the playoffs. We are not playing good baseball right now and being escorted out of the playoffs by NY would put the icing on the cake to top of a miserable end of our season... Hate to sound negative but it is what it is.
Why would you not want a Sox/Yanks matchup? I mean if it was the NCAA Tournament, I sure think to advance against one of your rivals (Loserville, Duke, Indiana, etc) makes it all the more sweeter.
Then again, my wife's the BoSox fan, not me. I probably don't belong here... *runs off*
<< <i>Why would you not want a Sox/Yanks matchup? >>
I can only speak for myself, but I don't want to see that matchup because the Yankees are currently a much better team than the Red Sox and if the Red Sox have to get bounced from the playoffs there are 28 other teams I would choose to have do it to the Sox before I'd choose the Yankees.
A Look Ahead The work the Red Sox have done the past five months earned them a 2 ½-game lead in the American League wild card race. But their most significant advantage may lie in the future -- starting tonight in the first of a two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway -- and not the past.
The Red Sox have 25 games remaining over eight series -- against the Orioles, Rays, Angels, the Orioles again, Royals, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Indians.
That’s six games against baseball’s best, and 19 games against the American League’s true dregs. The average winning percentage of their remaining opponents is .466; on average, that equates to the Sox playing a 75-win team based on 162 games) 25 times.
The schedule may even be easier than that. The Blue Jays are 34-62 since May 19. The Rays unloaded Scott Kazmir and lost Carlos Pena for the season. The Orioles traded Aubrey Huff and George Sherrill. The Royals are a special kind of mess.
The Rangers, meanwhile, face a much more challenging schedule. They get to play the Indians three times, including twice today, and the Athletics three times. But they have to play the Angels seven times and the Mariners six times. The average winning percentage of their remaining opponents is .510; on average; the Rangers will play an 83-win team 26 times.
By losing of three of four against the reeling White Sox this weekend in Chicago, the Red Sox proved how they play will matter more than who they play. But with less than a month left and the Sox still vying with the Rangers, they have an easier path to the playoffs than their main competition.
Just using simple math, baseball-reference.com, and a check of the schedule.
Boston's combined record against the teams they have left: 45-28, a .617 winning percentage - nice. Texas's combined record against the teams they have left: 33-16 (including 9-3 against LAA), a .674 winning percentage - better.
I realize the writer's point teams like Seattle, LAA are better than KC and Toronto, but the teams we have left we have a good degree of success against. I realize that past performance isn't always indicitive of future results, but I hope in this case it is.
There are other factors to take into as well; 15 of your remaining games are at home, 10 on the road, ours shakes at 12 and 14. Michael Young and Josh Hamilton are still banged up. Your pitching has been less than stellar the past series (and really away from Fenway since the break). But just going off what the Boston Globe articles says I wouldn't say that's a decided advantage.
It is illogical to compare the Red Sox (or Rangers) past performance against teams remaining to play to discern any probability of success or failure. To clearly see this fallacy, the Red Sox were 8-0 against the Yankees earlier in the season...we know what happened since then. One game has nothing to do with the next game, they are mutually exclusive.
It is logical as the Von points out to utilize current team opponent performance against current Red Sox performance and to then observe the remaining games against those teams to get a general idea as to who has or does not have the apparent advantage.
I think our pop in Ranger friend is in a bit of desperation to crunch numbers that would somehow favor his team. As the Rangers are winning their first game against the Indians, the Red Sox will probably drop to 2 up...unless the Indians rally, with each to play a game tonight. I think when the lights go out, the Red Sox will be 3 up, or at worst reamin at 2...the Orioles are just terrible.
Then again, we could lose 26-0, that's what makes the game so exciting. It's the box of chocolates thing as clearly stated by Forrest Gump.
I will agree with you that the Orioles are God-awful (that's why losing 2 out of 3 this weekend was so disheartning) and that we are currently winning the game against the Indians.
Games are mutually exclusive, you're right, which is I didn't cite one particular game that you lost against each team remaining on your schedule and then post 'you won't win a game the rest of the way.' I referenced 73 games for the Red Sox in my previous post. For the Rangers I cited 49 games. That seems to indicate more of a trend than a flash in the pan.
We are 9-3 against the Angels, with 7 left is out of the realm of possibility to think we won't go 5-2 in that stretch? We're also 9-4 against Seattle. We've been consistent against them all year. I still think we are going to play the games, the Angels and Mariners aren't going to forfiet. But if we have won 75% of the time against the Angels over the course of a season I don't get a)how I am skewing numbers to somehow favor the Rangers, b)why it wouldn't continue? We have a tough road to hoe to get into a playoff spot. I don't think I've ever stated otherwise.
All I stated here were facts and if they played out as before then we'd have a tie. I doubt they will, baseball never does. But we can project out can't we?
Nice win last night...where was all this when we had bases loaded in other games, with the sames guys coming to bat? Must be that special air in Fenway. I still think we're in good shape and will go even further to go waaaaaaay out on a limb and predict a WC win by 2-3+ games when the dust settles. The remaining schedule simply favors us IMO.
I'm leaving Monday AM for a 2 week vacation to the Canadian Rockies, will be back just barely in time for the last 6 games, which include the Yankee's series. Any "pit bull" needs will have to be either put on hold or temporarily passed on to Bottom9th (Bob) for resolution. I will intentionally not check on any sports results for those 2 weeks, and will hopefully have a nice surprise around the 25th of the month.
I havnt had much to say lately about the Sox, Im actually very aggrevated with them. We had a chance to at least put the Rangers away as far as the wildcard goes and we get smoked , I love them but Im just annoyed at them right now, they are not showing me that they are a club capable of winning it this year- the thing that enrages me is that they have the talent but just like vintage Red Sox lore they will bring it right down to the wire and IF they get in they will fall short like last year because the didnt make a MAJOR move when they had the chance. Sure they club 6 HRs last night against the O's but cant beat down the ChiSox? I dont know, maybe Im just being too critical like Barndog....
Anyways, as ALWAYS- GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Al you have a nice two weeks away my friend! ( Bob will stand in just fine )
I'll be here till Sunday night...I expect by this time next week I'll be tempted to try to find an internet connection, but I think the thrill of not knowing for two weeks will be kinda cool...or stupid.
perk, if critical is based in reality, it's constructive. Reality is, your post was dead on. If the Sox have to play the Rangers in a one game playoff for the wildcard and Lester is not pitching, I am worried.
<< <i>perk, if critical is based in reality, it's constructive. Reality is, your post was dead on. If the Sox have to play the Rangers in a one game playoff for the wildcard and Lester is not pitching, I am worried. >>
I hate to pile on, but you both are 100% right. It's all good though....lots of teams don't have a chance right now. We are getting nice and spoiled.
If it comes down to a one game-series, I think Lester has to start no matter what. If it even looks like a remote possibility, Francoma needs to starting screwing with the rotation a little bit so that he can start Lester either on regular rest for that playoff game or something close to it . . . basically, they need to do with Lester what the Brewers did with CC last year and just ride our horse as much as we can down the stretch.
I am really liking Wagner as a 7th or 8th inning guy. That being said I am with perk. I am getting annoyed with everything . I hate the thought of making it and having to face the Yankees in a short series.
Comments
This is not good....
What I'm selling
Building Sets, Collecting Texas Rangers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders
I figure we are going to have to at least 20-10 in that stretch
Have you taken a good look at the Rangers remaining schedule? Maybe another peek is in order.
irrational exuberance !!
<< <i>I think Chokajima needs some time on the DL. Another horrible outing last night: 5 batters, four hits, one walk. Something is up with him. >>
IIRC a lot of it was bad luck -- 2 of those hits were bloops where he jammed the hitter, and another was a seeing-eye single. Not like he was giving up tape measure homers like Beckett!
In other news Brad Penny pitched 8 shutout innings for the Giants against the Phillies. Are you
<< <i>Lots of missed opportunities for sure. Perk is right, Lester is the Ace. I hope Beckett gets whatever ails him fixed soon.
In other news Brad Penny pitched 8 shutout innings for the Giants against the Phillies. Are you
Smoltz and Penny couldn't succeed in the AL, yet they are having success in the NL. Hmmmm.
<< <i>Nice outing by Bucky...geez, I guess I'm gonna have to change my mind about him. >>
he finally picked up a W against someone other than Toronto!
<< <i>Smoltz and Penny couldn't succeed in the AL, yet they are having success in the NL. Hmmmm. >>
Make you wonder about John Farell . . . . . . . is Beckett tipping his pitches too?
<< <i>what a stupid non-move by Francoma. Ramirez sits on the bench for half an hour and then starts the eighth. Duh. >>
Yeah, way to waste a nice comeback. Not pinch-hitting Lowell for Gonzo was questionable as well -- he probably had his head in the bubble gum bucket.
Gotta hope Wake can go at least 6, could be a deep bullpen day.
thing!
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
<< <i>Like I said Im just hoping we can get the wildcard spot.
I remember getting whipped by Bosox fans cuz I said I would love to see the Yanks/Bosox in the playoffs against each other. They didnt want the Yanks in it AT ALL. I have to say, now that the shoe is on the other foot, I am hoping to see the Bosox not even make the playoffs! Oh sweet justice
But in reality, I dont think the Rangers will be able to hang on and the Rays wont be able to make the comeback. That is if the Sox dont completely fall apart which I dont see happening.
Anyways, beating the old drum- "GO SOX"
Bosox1976
It sure helps that the Rangers and Rays both lost too!
Rangers against Cleveland, who is putting up Carrasco, 0-1 ERA 18 against McCarthy 6-2 with an ERA of 4.61. Oh well, we can always hope.
Keep da faith oh ye of Red Sox Nation, we're in good shape.
Then again, my wife's the BoSox fan, not me. I probably don't belong here... *runs off*
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Kotsay all of a sudden is a Red Sox killer. Penny continues to roll in SF.
<< <i>Why would you not want a Sox/Yanks matchup? >>
I can only speak for myself, but I don't want to see that matchup because the Yankees are currently a much better team than the Red Sox and if the Red Sox have to get bounced from the playoffs there are 28 other teams I would choose to have do it to the Sox before I'd choose the Yankees.
A Look Ahead
The work the Red Sox have done the past five months earned them a 2 ½-game lead in the American League wild card race. But their most significant advantage may lie in the future -- starting tonight in the first of a two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway -- and not the past.
The Red Sox have 25 games remaining over eight series -- against the Orioles, Rays, Angels, the Orioles again, Royals, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Indians.
That’s six games against baseball’s best, and 19 games against the American League’s true dregs. The average winning percentage of their remaining opponents is .466; on average, that equates to the Sox playing a 75-win team based on 162 games) 25 times.
The schedule may even be easier than that. The Blue Jays are 34-62 since May 19. The Rays unloaded Scott Kazmir and lost Carlos Pena for the season. The Orioles traded Aubrey Huff and George Sherrill. The Royals are a special kind of mess.
The Rangers, meanwhile, face a much more challenging schedule. They get to play the Indians three times, including twice today, and the Athletics three times. But they have to play the Angels seven times and the Mariners six times. The average winning percentage of their remaining opponents is .510; on average; the Rangers will play an 83-win team 26 times.
By losing of three of four against the reeling White Sox this weekend in Chicago, the Red Sox proved how they play will matter more than who they play. But with less than a month left and the Sox still vying with the Rangers, they have an easier path to the playoffs than their main competition.
Boston's combined record against the teams they have left: 45-28, a .617 winning percentage - nice.
Texas's combined record against the teams they have left: 33-16 (including 9-3 against LAA), a .674 winning percentage - better.
I realize the writer's point teams like Seattle, LAA are better than KC and Toronto, but the teams we have left we have a good degree of success against. I realize that past performance isn't always indicitive of future results, but I hope in this case it is.
There are other factors to take into as well; 15 of your remaining games are at home, 10 on the road, ours shakes at 12 and 14. Michael Young and Josh Hamilton are still banged up. Your pitching has been less than stellar the past series (and really away from Fenway since the break). But just going off what the Boston Globe articles says I wouldn't say that's a decided advantage.
What I'm selling
Building Sets, Collecting Texas Rangers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders
One game playoff here we come....
What I'm selling
Building Sets, Collecting Texas Rangers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders
It is logical as the Von points out to utilize current team opponent performance against current Red Sox performance and to then observe the remaining games against those teams to get a general idea as to who has or does not have the apparent advantage.
I think our pop in Ranger friend is in a bit of desperation to crunch numbers that would somehow favor his team. As the Rangers are winning their first game against the Indians, the Red Sox will probably drop to 2 up...unless the Indians rally, with each to play a game tonight. I think when the lights go out, the Red Sox will be 3 up, or at worst reamin at 2...the Orioles are just terrible.
Then again, we could lose 26-0, that's what makes the game so exciting. It's the box of chocolates thing as clearly stated by Forrest Gump.
Games are mutually exclusive, you're right, which is I didn't cite one particular game that you lost against each team remaining on your schedule and then post 'you won't win a game the rest of the way.' I referenced 73 games for the Red Sox in my previous post. For the Rangers I cited 49 games. That seems to indicate more of a trend than a flash in the pan.
We are 9-3 against the Angels, with 7 left is out of the realm of possibility to think we won't go 5-2 in that stretch? We're also 9-4 against Seattle. We've been consistent against them all year. I still think we are going to play the games, the Angels and Mariners aren't going to forfiet. But if we have won 75% of the time against the Angels over the course of a season I don't get a)how I am skewing numbers to somehow favor the Rangers, b)why it wouldn't continue? We have a tough road to hoe to get into a playoff spot. I don't think I've ever stated otherwise.
All I stated here were facts and if they played out as before then we'd have a tie. I doubt they will, baseball never does. But we can project out can't we?
What I'm selling
Building Sets, Collecting Texas Rangers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders
I'm leaving Monday AM for a 2 week vacation to the Canadian Rockies, will be back just barely in time for the last 6 games, which include the Yankee's series. Any "pit bull" needs will have to be either put on hold or temporarily passed on to Bottom9th (Bob) for resolution.
Keep the faith!!!
Anyways, as ALWAYS- GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Al you have a nice two weeks away my friend! ( Bob will stand in just fine
I'll be here till Sunday night...I expect by this time next week I'll be tempted to try to find an internet connection, but I think the thrill of not knowing for two weeks will be kinda cool...or stupid.
GO RED SOX!!!!!!!!
<< <i>perk, if critical is based in reality, it's constructive. Reality is, your post was dead on. If the Sox have to play the Rangers in a one game playoff for the wildcard and Lester is not pitching, I am worried. >>
I hate to pile on, but you both are 100% right. It's all good though....lots of teams don't have a chance right now. We are getting nice and spoiled.
I am getting annoyed with everything . I hate the thought of making it and having to face the
Yankees in a short series.
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658