There are, currently, two players who you’ll never read me being critical of here on the blog. Jon Lester is one. I’ve mentioned this before. After meeting him and his parents, he stopped being a player on the team and became someone who could be the child of friends of mine. (Hell, I’m "technically" old enough to be his mother!) So the kid could give up 27 runs in the first inning of his first game back and I’m not coming on here and bitching about him. Just so we’re clear.
The second player is one obvious to many who know me and those who read this blog on a fairly regular basis. Mike Timlin. I maintain a fan website dedicated to him. I’ve met him and we have a mutual friend. I think he’s a kind, good man who has brought a lot of talent to the Red Sox bullpen. And while I know he has struggled, I want to see him on the team until he decides he isn’t playing any longer. This isn’t up for debate. I’m not getting into any arguments with those who want to send him packing. Write what you will in the comments and I’m not taking bait. Again, just so we’re clear.
The Sox lost the game today because their bats went dead and Matsuzaka walked two men too many. Mike made an agonizing error that ended up letting two runs score in the 8th…but the D’Backs were already winning the game by that time. I’m not making excuses for Mike but, unlike NESN, I refuse to blame him for the loss (NESN called that errant thrown the "Play of the Game". Normally they choose the play that won it or lost it for the Sox. I call bullshit on their choice tonight.).
I just checked out one of my favorite blogs to comment on and, predictably, folks are calling for Timlin’s head. It’s tiring really, but something I’ve learned to deal with. Timlin might not be the strongest arm in that bullpen, but one appearance, and one ERROR not having ANYTHING to do with his pitching, is not convincing me he can’t be effective for this team.
Again, write what you want in the comments, I won’t be responding. I’m not debating how you all feel about him. I’m not throwing him under the bus. I think the fact that I choose a player of the week not based on performance but based on who needs the most support should pretty much tell folks where I stand here.
They just showed Mike in the clubhouse. He seems to be holding it together pretty well. Says he felt good and it was just a bad throw to first. Pretty much sums it up. It sucked, but there isn’t anything you can do about it now.
Sox are still in first place with a good lead. Rockies and Giants come to town. Home cooking should do some good for the team.
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