Sigh. A loss hurts, but somehow you knew it was going to come against one of the weak sisters of the American League. For some reason, the Sox can go on fire against the very best, but every now and then run into some undistinguished pitcher pitching the game of his life: first Ted Lilly, then Chris Young, now Bobby Madritsch. (Young and Madritsch are in their rookie seasons, admittedly, so it’s easier for them to pitch the game of their lives, but still…) What is it? Do the Sox need copious amounts of video to truly study a pitcher’s tendencies? Is it just a case of the Reverse Lock theory in action? Or do the laws of baseball gravity mean there has to be a comedown sometimes? Just glad we avoided the shutout, and, more than that, staged a semblance of a rally in the 9th. It’s like the Bellhorn slam in the 8-6 loss to the Rangers: sure, it’s a loss, but at least we came back - hope it carries over into the next game.
Is it just me, or does anyone else worry more in these games with the weak AL teams than the possible (fingers crossed!) ALDS matchups with the As, Angels, or Twins? Fortunately, Curt Schilling steps up to the mound tomorrow. Screw the Franklins - I’d rather have Schillings.
Random thoughts during the game: what does the half-Sioux Madritsch think about having to pitch against the Indians? That logo alone must be galling… did Jolbert tip his brother Orlando off for the homer? heh - purely invented conspiracy theory… I think Ichiro will hit 257, but not .400… the D-Rays may have keeled over for the Yankees, but at least the Yankees had to use Halsey-Sturtze today, so their rotation is really looking iffy…