“The first celebration should be subdued, and the fourth one should be crazy.” - Theo Epstein
So the Sox beat the Yankees in a 10-1 blowout that was more than just the wild-card clincher. Sweet as that was already, the Indians had already lost by that point. But this was also the win that ensured the Yankees would go on the road against the Angels.
So Manny is only the greatest right-handed hitter in the game, and proved as much today - if not for David Ortiz, he would have a pretty damn good claim on MVP himself. Sweet throw out of Jeter. Hands up anyone who thought Manny would lead the AL in outfield assists, I need lottery numbers. It’s because of that quick release, I think: people run on him because they don’t think much of the power of his arm, but he gets the ball out of his hands really quickly, and when you’re playing the Monster, that’s a pretty useful skill to have.
So Ortiz ended the season as a .2995008 hitter, which means in the record books he’s a .300 hitter - just about made it there.
So it was a tough ride, especially with those late season doldrums. All is forgiven. Tabula rasa. All is right with the universe. Tat Tvam Asi. I feel sorry for Cleveland, well about as sorry I can feel for a team with a Native American logo/name, but them’s the breaks.
So the Sox go up against the other Sox (whose own post-Black Sox scandal ill fate has long been obscured) on Tuesday (Division Series schedule), and Contreras, former gimp of the Sox (although today it was Jeter that “was a little bit gimpy”), is scheduled to take the mound. Schilling coming up strong, which is a good sign. Will Kevin Millar be the ‘05 Derek Lowe? He’s got the shot at redemption.
So, the Sox go On the Road, and tonight the stars’ll be out, and don’t you know that God is Pooh Bear?