'Just Win, Baby!' Rays-Sox Gamer V

It's another night where the less being said, the better. So, while not altogether eager to tie our beloved BoSox to Al Davis, the quote seems appropriate.

Just win.

No other choice.

Let's go.

Comments

[attackgerbil]

Just for fun, check out this image. Nifty.

[YF]

was going to post on that very image gerb. it's great, isn't it. gives such an interesting perspective, and shows just how short a distance it is out to the Mass Pike. Begs a question: what's the longest ball ever hit out of Fenway?

[YF]

Lineups, via Lohud.

RAYS
Iwamura 2B
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Crawford LF
Floyd DH
Navarro C
Gross RF
Bartlett SS
Kazmir LHP
RED SOX
Crisp CF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 3B
Bay LF
Drew RF
Lowrie SS
Varitek C
Kotsay 1B
Matsuzaka RHP

[SoxFan]

Quoting the tracksuit-wearing Al Davis for inspiration?

I don't have a good feeling about this.

[rootbeerfloat]

so the rays just have their way with all of our pitchers

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Finally figued it out: Evan Longoria looks like a right-handed Will Clark.
Still crawling through the memory for BJ Upton. Part of me says Strawberry, but that's not right.

[Atheose]

I know I'm late, but for mojo's sake... God Bless Coco!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Got it. Upton: Fred McGriff.

[SF]

"Another player the Sox hope can get hot tonight: Jason Varitek" sayeth Chip Caray.

Tek going 1 for 5 would be him getting hot. Or getting hit by a pitch. Caray is a moron.

[SF]

18 LOB tonight! Do it!!!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

"Caray is a moron."

The sky is blue, the sun comes up every morning and we pay taxes.

[SF]

Yay, more men left on base! I feel like it is mid-August again!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Wow, cynicism abounds.
SF, I'm supposed to be the one who complains about LOBs.

Dale Arnold now suggesting that Dice-K should throw behind someone. Like Upton.

[SF]

There's a photographer named Olivio Barbieri that takes shots like the one linked, Gerb. He does it with tilt-shift lens but now everyone can make similar shots artifically via Photoshop.

http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=1760

[SF]

Not really cynicism, IBM, but rather resignation. If the Sox win I will be pleasantly surprised, actually quite pleasantly surprised. With all the injuries (call it excuse-making, whatever) they are just not as strong a team as the Rays. The Rays, right now, are a fantastic team, and deserve their successes. Losing to the Rays with them playing the way they are is nothing to be ashamed of. They deserve a ton of credit.

[SF]

Whoops! 4-0.

Thank you Sox for exceeding my expectations this year. But it's not our year, alas. Can't be greedy - the Sox will be strong again next year, I am sure. What a deep division we have, eh?

[I'mBillMcNeal]

WHY THE FUCK WONT OUR PITCHERS MAKE THEM MORE UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE BOX???
FUCKING DAMN IT!!!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

FUCKING SHIT!

[SoxFan]

Well, it's been a good season.

Only 4 months before pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

[SF]

http://recedinghairline.co.uk/tutorials/fakemodel/

This is the link to the Photoshop tilt-shift trick.

5-0, Longoria. Man, this team is HOT. Like Josh Hamilton in the HRD, hopefully they can keep it up and trash the Phillies, keep the trophy in the AL.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Don't the Celtics have a fucking preseason game tonight?

[dc]

good play....that kotsay has really made a nice transition to 1b, but he's no gary sheffield...

[SF]

IBM: it's not the "comfort level" that's doing this - it's the shit pitching and hot hitting. I don't think a brushback pitch would do a damn thing, but embarrass the Sox.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

COULD THESE ASSHOLES THROW MORE GODDAM PITCHES DOWN THE FUCKING MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING PLATE?

[Sam-YF]

Longoria has really been unbelievable. Im not looking forward to facing this guy 19 times a year for the foreseeable future.

[SF]

I meant that, unlike Hamilton, they can keep it going one more round. Not well typed, there.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

I'm sorry. I just hate season the season end without so much as a whimper.

To continue on a post from game 4, since the game 1 shutout, the Rays have scored in 17 of 32 innings, and put up a crooked number in 12 of those 17 innings.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

And its too late to brush anyone back now, anyway.
I might check in later, but I think my son's 1st grade homework will be more entertaining right now.

[SF]

I am guessing we will hear boos tonight, and I for one think that they will be magnified by the silence of the majority of the other fans in the house. That being said, who the hell boos a team that made it to the ALCS, and has a number of important players playing on fumes? The people who boo should be exiled.

As frustrating as watching some of the guys can be (Tek, Wake, etc.), there's no reason to boo this squad, particulary not when they made it three games from the Series. It's been a good year, if not an ultimately successful one by hardware measurements. And of course, the game isn't technically over.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

"I'm sorry. I just hate season the season end without so much as a whimper."

This is how pissed off I am. I can't even type now.
It should read, "I just hate to see the season ..."

[SF]

With you, IBM - need some time with the spouse, it's far more important. Back later. Perhaps. If not, thanks to all the SFs who have been frequenting the game threads, should this be the last one. We'll have more action again in March! And, there's always the hot stove - lots of action in the offseason, without a doubt.

[Sam-YF]

For the record, Ortiz was just booed there by the Fenway faithful. Please remember this next time A-Rod hears boos.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

And now these jackasses are booing Ortiz. All he's done the last 5 years and now he's playing hurta nd can't get a hit and he gets booed.
Fuck those spoiled asshole pinkhats.
I just turned off the game.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

"For the record, Ortiz was just booed there by the Fenway faithful. Please remember this next time A-Rod hears boos."

No shit, Sam.
Too many spoiled fans.
In fact, this booing is more troublesome than than what Arod gets at Steinie Stadium. Papi has done a hell of a lot more in the postseason than Arod. How quickly they want to forget.

[SF]

See above re: boos. It's pathetic.

[dc]

i can't believe my ears...the 'nation' booing big papi, and booing tek the 'c' the other night...i thought only the classless yankee fans booed their [underachieving] heroes...call me an a**, but certain soxfans deserve that shot...

on a serious note, i just gained even more respect for pedroia...i'm not sure i've ever seen a player run out a ground ball as hard with 5 run and 3-1 games deficits...i like that guy...to the point where i wish he was on my team...

by the way

[I'mBillMcNeal]

I don't remember which one of you YFs said that the Baseball Gods are in our corner again this year, but I feel comfortable saying that you're wrong.

I don't know if I'll check back or not. Thanks for all the fun this season, SFs and YFs. I think it's still warm enough to get in a round of golf.

[SF]

Sorry, I should also add thanks to the YFs who frequent these parts too - sincerely appreciate the smart commentary from our regulars!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

My 6 year old is crying about this. He's already developed our senses of entitlement.

Hey YFs, does this mean we're kindred spirits now, even if just for a night?

[dc]

hey before you all go, i give credit to you soxfans who did hang in here during this difficult series...some of your gang [like ours, i should say] only come out when the sun is shining, their new pink hats sparkling brilliantly in the bright of day...you know who you are without me calling you out...but if the sox pull it out, you'll be pushing and shoving to get on the bandwagon, or is that duck-boat?

[Sam-YF]

"Hey YFs, does this mean we're kindred spirits now, even if just for a night?"

Bill. No. If the score holds tonight is a happy night for us. Just like when we were officially out was a happy night for you...

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Sam, to be honest, I wasn't all that giddy when you guys were eliminated. I was more lost. It felt really weird.

But you're right. You guys have had time to get over it. We've just started.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Should we do this on election night?

[SF]

Sure, Bill, and I hope it's as lopsided towards the team in blue as these last few days have been.

As for me, I am over this already. Don't mean to sound so nonchalant about it, but I think after game 2 and that missed opportunity (thanks, Tito!) I sort of had a bad feeling. Beckett wasn't going to do anything if he pitched again, Papi is clearly hurt, Lowell out, Tek cooked, etc. etc. I thought the Sox blew the series in innings 3-4-5 of game two, and I haven't really had many expectations since then. So I am not broken up about this - championships are so hard to accomplish, it's unrealistic to expect them every year. They are still a dream.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

SF, I just hate the last day of the season. Been a Red Sox fan since 1972 and all but two of them have ended badly. You never get used to the end of the season.

Also, on the radio tonight, Dale Arnold, sitting in for Obie, has been btchng about the lack of pitching inside to the Rays. on his show with Michael Holley yesterday, he was chastizing callers for suggesting that the Red Sox pitchers should be helping the Rays batters be a bit less uncomfortable in the box.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Red and blue states. Despite years in the news business, I've never been able to keep track of which is which.

[dc]

"...championships are so hard to accomplish, it's unrealistic to expect them every year. They are still a dream...."

all the more amazing that the yanks won 3 in a row [4 of 5] in the late 90's +2000, huh sf?...

[dc]

maybe i'm confused about the rules, but are beanballs almost the same as walks?...except walking guys don't get you tossed?...

[Atheose]

I've been absent all night watching the game in the other room, but I'm glad to see Paps coming in here. Finally a good call by Tito.

[BillsBurgSF]

You and me both ath, decided that watching and posting would hurt twice as much

[Atheose]

Yeah, my apartment is set up with out giant big-screen TV in the living room, so I've been watching most post-season games in there for good luck (it worked last season--I was virtually non-existent in the postseason last year. Hasn't worked so far tonight.

Come on bats? I have to wake up in 6 hours, so please get 3+ runs this inning? I'll hang in if we score 2 or 3 here.

[Atheose]

Holy crap, a double!

[Atheose]

Anyone here, or are we all drowning our sorrows with $5.99-per-handle vodka? (God bless Military Special from the Package store!)

[Atheose]

GOD BLESS COCO! Single keeps the inning going. My faith ain't depleted yet.

[BillsBurgSF]

I'm here Ath, just wallowing in misery. Though I do echo SF's comments, it was unexpected for the sox to get to this point. If they work to get within three wins of the WS, with everyone healthy next year (hopefully all will be going in) they have very good chances.

Lowery, Pedroia, Youk, Papi, Jacoby, Lester, Paps, Delcarman, and others can form the core of this team, a few other pieces, maybe a catcher (sorry Captain), and they will more than compete next year.

[BillsBurgSF]

Should have been "are able to work this year to get..."

[BillsBurgSF]

Hey lookie here, at least it won't end in a shutout!!

[BillsBurgSF]

BIG SHOT PAPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Atheose]

LASER SHOW! 7-1! Keep it going Papi!

I agree Bill, we've got a great young core. We'll be good for a while, just maybe not great.

OH MY FGUCKING TOM CRTUISE HOME RUN PAPIU!

[Atheose]

Fuck you Grant Balfour. Couldn't have happened to a bigger ass.

[BillsBurgSF]

Ath - was that just bad typing or too much cheap vodka???

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Those assholes still booing Papi?

[BillsBurgSF]

IBM, far too many 'entitled' fans there these days.

[Atheose]

I was at opening day this year, and the "Let's go Red SOx" cheer never got started. It made me sick to see people that comfortable.

Go Youk!

[SoxFan]

This game is still going on?

And the Sox have climbed back into it at 7-4?

Dare we dream the impossible dream?

[Atheose]

Both, IBM. Both. Military special Vodka is seriously 5.99 a handle--cheaper than a combo meal at Burger King.

Woah now, fastball at Youk's head. Let's see the tempers flare.

[BillsBurgSF]

Whoa, just a bit inside there Wheeler?

[Atheose]

For those interested, I was clutching my Ortiz voodoo doll during that homer.

Full count to Youk. Announcer accidentally calls him Pedroia.

[BillsBurgSF]

Ath - I'll stick to my top or next to top shelve booze, tend to feel a bit better the next day, but at 38, that's getting tougher and tougher to do with each passing year.

[BillsBurgSF]

That's cause these announcers suck.

[Atheose]

Im still young so I can still handle the cheap crap. Though to balance it out my girlfriend and I are going to a wine-tasting festival on Saturday to celebrate our 3-year anniversary.

3 run deficit? Doesn't look too small now, not with Ortiz set to probably bat in the 9th.

[BillsBurgSF]

So does Paps go all three?

[dc]

welcome back sox fans....i took a break for awhile 'cause i thought i was all alone...papi, hurt wrist and all, may make me look quite prophetic...and tito's move to pap may be genius before the night's over...

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Another thing that really sucks about this postseason is that every freakin' one of our games was called by Chip Caray.

[BillsBurgSF]

NASTY with the HEAT

[Atheose]

Paps' pitch count is at 36 right now, probably more than he's thrown all season. I say send Masterson out there for the 9th, unless Paps feels really good.

[BillsBurgSF]

PAPS IS THE MAN

[Atheose]

Holy shit, Paps looking REALLY good.

I agree Bill, I never thought I'd miss McCarver/Buck. Fox suddenly doesn't seem too bad.

[Atheose]

Fan with a sign: "Manny is playing golf right now... this is better."

Anyone else really miss Manny?

[BillsBurgSF]

Are the Rays looking a bit worried?

[Atheose]

OH MY GOD DREW! 7-6!

[BillsBurgSF]

I don't, though I was going to jump into the posting tonight with a "So we're paying Manny's salary so maybe he can moonlight for us tonight"

DREW!!!!DREW!!!!!DREW!!!!!DREW!!!!

[BillsBurgSF]

Just when we though we were out, they pull us back in...

[dc]

WOW!!

so much for nancy being hurt...that was a blast

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Holy shit.

[YF]

Not going quietly into this good night.

[SoxFan]

OMG. Drew homers!!!

Right before his at-bat, I had a feeling that he would homer. This is no lie.

I'll also predict that the Red Sox will come back and win the game 8-7.

[BillsBurgSF]

So we need to tie this up, so Pedoria can walk in the bottom of the ninth, Jacoby can run for him, steal second, then Papi can drive him in for the winner, sound familiar???

[I'mBillMcNeal]

I can't turn the game back on.
Don't wanna jinx anything.
It's you guys and gameday.

[Atheose]

God I want to go to sleep. We need to win now, cause I have to wake up in 5 hours.

Rays pitchers obviously flustered.

[I'mBillMcNeal]

And Neil Young. I'm listening to Neil Young.

[BillsBurgSF]

I'm off tomorrow Ath, your young, and it's Friday, nothing gets done on a Friday anyway.

[BillsBurgSF]

Ath, any chance for rain in Va beach tonight you can go out in? Maybe get your girl to point a hose in the air and you can run under it??

[Atheose]

KOTSAY DOUBLES! OH MY TOM CRUISE!

[SoxFan]

Kotsay homer here would be nice.

[BillsBurgSF]

I've got to say, they need to find a place on the bench next year for Kotsay!

[I'mBillMcNeal]

Holy shit.

[Atheose]

Dunno Bill, it's supposed to rain tomorrow and Saturday here. Though we usually do bad when we have tropical storms here.

[YF]

when does maddon go to the next option? not so good.

[SoxFan]

It's time for a God Bless Coco moment.