Hello, Red Sox

After starting the season 19-20 (.487), the Red Sox have won 24 of their last 32 games (.750), and have just completed an impressive 8-1 homestand. They've risen from 4th place into a tie for 2nd, only 1 game behind the Yankees. This also makes them tied for the 2nd best record in all of baseball.

Who do we have to thank for this turnabout? Clay Buchholz for one. Last night he gutted through his 10th win of the season, struggling early, but working through it, settling down, and getting the ball to Bard-Papelbon.

The resurgence of Dustin Pedroia is also a key reason behind the recent success. He was 3/4 last night with a triple, a run, and some heads-up baserunning. The Laser Show is back on as he's gone 23 for his last 64 (.359), and 20 for his last 40 (.500).

There's been the steady offensive performance of Marco Scutaro, filling in for Ellsbury atop the Sox lineup. There's been the surprising contributions of Daniel Nava, who's 10 for 27 since being called up.

In short, everything's going right for the Sox. In those first 40 games, they found ways to lose. Now they're finding ways to win.

But as I said, the Sox started 19-20, and are 24-8 since then. Reality lies somewhere in between. The Sox are not a below .500 team. Nor are they a .750 team. I'll be the wet blanket and try to temper some exuberance. The Sox have had a juicy schedule to feast on the last few weeks.

Not only do the Diamondbacks suck, they were cold when they came to Fenway. They'd lost 16 of 20. The Dodgers are your token NL "contender." And the Phillies are in the midst of an 11-19 stretch.

So while the Red Sox have gotten hot and soared up the standings again, let's not lose our minds here. Daniel Nava is not going to finish the season with a .370 average.

Then again, it's still enjoyable to watch the overrated Rays (I'll admit to overrating them myself) fall to Earth. But this season looks like it will be a turbulent roller coaster ride, and not for the faint of heart. And whoever's on their way up come October will get the jewelry.

Sox go to Denver to play the Rockies. Lester vs. Jhoulys Chacin Tuesday night.

-The Commodore

"I'm Backkkkk"

Manny Ram returns to the Dodgers.

"I didn't kill nobody, I didn't rape nobody, so that's it, I'm just going to come and play the game," Ramirez said

He's the man

-Beerman Posts

CC Sabathia Wants To Be A Dodger

I think it is pretty obvious that CC Sabathia doesn't want to play in the AL and especially not for the Yankees. After that "great" meeting Sabathia had with the Yankees this story broke on ESPN. Apparently, CC wants to be closer to where he grew up in California and if he went to the Dodgers he would get his wish. I think once CC decides to go wherever he wants to go a lot of the free agents will drop like flies. Still, I think the Sox should have made a harder push for CC, as I think he would look good in a Sox uniform.

Phillies NL Champs

Last night was one of the happiest nights of my life. Oh thats sad? Go fuck yourself. I have been waiting for this since i was 7 years old. And the last time the Phillies went to the big show i was too young to realize the significance. Well last night they reminded me by easily handling the LA Dodgers.

The only run that was given up was a shot by Manny off Hamels, and you know what...I'm ok with that.


Manny was probably so pissed last night, his teammates couldnt get on base to save their lives, and Manny would have done what he does best, produce if they had been--he was on base 3 times.

As for the World Series, I know what most people think--the AL is so much better than the NL. Ok, i can understand your argument, I see where you can think that. But this WS isn't 1 league vs. another, its one team vs another. I am frightful that the Phillies wont be able to play AL ball as well as the AL team will be able to play NL ball, but honestly...I'm not too nervous right now. A best of 7 series is just that, and anything can happen. Some of the top performers on the Phils haven't been playing that well lately either--Jimmy had a lead off home run last night but has struggled in the NLCS, and Howard hasn't gone deep in something like 33 AB (he averaged 1 every 13 AB during the season). So i feel like once the WS comes around, everyone will be ready and the power will be balanced...Plus Matt Stairs will probably hit DH and I gotta feel good about this guy gettin 4-5 AB a game.


thats what a man looks like.


Whoever they face in the AL, they will do their thing. I said it once I'll say it again.

Phillies in 6.



Holla

Phillies up 3-1

Game 4 last night was the best game so far of the NLCS. Both teams were hitting the ball well and were backed up by a pretty solid bullpen, however it was Philly's that outlasted the Dodgers going up 3 games to 1 and breaking the home team win streak of this series. I was happy to see that tempers had cooled since game 3 and they just went out and played the game. The big blows came from Shane Victorino who seems to be in the middle of all the action this post season and then a huge 2 run pinch hit home run by non other than Matt Stairs.

LA is in a must win situation now for the rest of the series to keep their season alive. The squads get a rest today and then tomorrow Cole Hamels takes the hill and there isnt anything more comforting to a Phillies fan.

Dodgers take Game 3

Everyone knew neither series would be a sweep, and the Dodgers confirmed this by taking game 3 last night. Phillies starter Jamie Moyer was lifted after and inning and a third giving up 5 runs. Jamie has gotten shelled each of his post season starts which finally proves that he might actually be 45 years old.

The game got a little heated when Russel Martin was dinked and then Shane Victorino got some high head head level. After he had some words with Russel Martin and the pitcher, he grounded out to first and still had some things to say. The benches cleared and both sides were warned. I dont have a problem with this kind of stuff, and there really isnt any blame on either side, its part of the game. After this incident the game continued with no other issue...although Martin was hit again by a chad durbin changeup.

So far all year the home team has won in this matchup, and it simply cant go on like this. Next up Joe Blanton faces Lowe on short rest. This will be a very telling game for both squads.

Phillies Take Game 1

The Phils took game 1 of the NLCS last night in quite dramatic fashion. I was all pumped to watch every second of the game, and the first inning almost ruined my buzz. Fucking Manny was a foot short of going yard in his first at bat. Son of a bitch i thought, this is gonna be a long series. LA went up quickly 1-0 in that inning and we were off.
The phils struggled offensively for the first 5+ innings, hitting into about 11 ground outs, courtesy of Lowe's sinking pitches. But after Shane Victorino reached second on a throwing error by the recently returned Furcal, my boy Chase Motherfuckin Utley went yard to tie the game. Shortly thereafter Pat the Bat (featured above) hit a solo shot that would eventually win the game for them.
The Phillies make me nervous for one reason, they only do their scoring in one inning a game. They didnt leave alot of men on base this game, but they didnt geta lot on. So hopefully as the series goes on, they can get some baserunners on and do what they do best, steal bases even if the situation at hand doesnt call for it at all. Manny and Andre are pretty big threats on the Dodgers squad. But then again, they can both sit on it.