Why, Schedulers, Why?: Sox-Angels Gamer

Honestly.

It's bad enough that the All-Star Break now runs four days long for most teams, but this is just cruel: A late-night game for the first game back? Not funny, baseball schedulers, not funny.

To make matters worse, the pitching matchup is Clay Buchholz against John Lackey. Buchholz has had his adjustment problems, namely command. That didn't improve too much last time out: five walks, though amazingly only one of them scored (the others were all on the old-fashioned hit method). Still, it was a better start than the two that forced him down to Pawtucket.

Lackey, meanwhile, is pretty much the only 2007 Cy Young candidate other than Josh Beckett still pitching in the American League. He had been doing the same old Lackey stuff -- 1.44 ERA through his first nine starts -- until June 23. He gave up five earned runs to the Nationals in six innings, then followed that up by allowing 15 hits in less than six innings to the Rangers. The Angels won that game. I had to look, and that's the most hits given up by any starter in baseball this season in such a short outing -- or any outing, for that matter. (The Red Sox' highest is the 11 given up by Beckett in May).

So I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Lackey will probably rebound in his home park, requiring Clay Buchholz to be really good. Like, no-hit good. Sure would be nice to extend the lead in the East, but I'm not sure this is the day it'll happen.

Comment away!

Comments

[Micah-SF]

I'm not feeling great about tonight, but maybe this is the night Clay figures out the whole 'throw strikes' thing.

I do, however, have a ticket to tomorrow's game, so hopefully I'll get a nice view of Beckett shutting down the Angels.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Sometimes the ball bounces your way, and sometimes it doesn't. A very unlikely DP there for the OC.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Clay's not finding the zone.

The Dark Knight was tremendous. Before tonight I hated people saying "They should give Ledger an award!", but after seeing the movie he deserves an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He stole the show, and his performance was a masterpiece.

[Atheose]

Me.

[SF]

When did the Sox trade for Phil Hughes?

[Atheose]

Well at least Manny singles, and didn't get thrown out stretching it into a double.

And all things considered, I'm glad they were held to 3 runs in the 1st.

[Atheose]

YOUUUUUUUUUUUUK! 3-2!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

I always forget that the Red Sox pretty much own Lackey.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

The scheduling has been awful this year. This is already the third trip to the West Coast, although the last.

[Atheose]

Wily Mo Pena put back on the DL. That makes me sad.

[Atheose]

Whaddaya know, a 1-2-3 inning! And only 11 pitches used!

[Atheose]

PEDROIA DOUBLES! A shame Ellsbury GIDP.

[Atheose]

Great hustle by Ellsbury, and Vlad is doubled-off 1st base!

[Paul SF]

Manny, obviously still pouting because of that "six-digit" fine, hits a solo shot to tie the game.

[Atheose]

Angels announcer: "Anderson homers! This already feels like a playoff game!"

A homerun in the 4th inning in the first game after the all star break... and it feels like a playoff game? Sad, so sad.

[Pat (SF)]

Epstine watching the game down with the peons behind home plate.

Keeping a close eye on Buchholz, I assume.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Looks like Bucky's settling in.

[rootbeerfloat]

Settling on to the bench.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

No shit. I go outside for a beer and ... now i'm going to bed.

[rootbeerfloat]

I think the All Star Game ruined JD's swing

[A YF]

Serious question: why would the Sox start Bucky first game after the break? They didn't have any better options and against a good team?