I’ve been up since 4:30 (what the hell? a day off and I’m up at FOUR-THIRTY? I kill me.) so forgive me if this is rambling.
Thrilled that the Sox swept the DRays. Absolutely thrilled. Last night’s game did wonders for the batting averages of most of the lineup. It was fun to watch (if not a little painful to see the Devil Rays get beat up that way) and it was nice to get a final look at Jacoby Ellsbury before he got sent back down to AAA after the game. Patience, young Jacoby, we’ll see you again soon.
Rumor has it that Craig Breslow will be called up for the Detroit series. Can’t complain about Tito adding another left-hander to the bullpen for these games. The Tigers are tough and the team will need all the bullpen help it can get.
Bronson Arroyo finally notched his first win since May last night. He also got his third career home run. Yay, Bronson!
Mike Timlin pitched two innings last night. I’m enjoying seeing him be able to get this time in. He looks better with each outing. Sure it was a blowout game, but that doesn’t change the fact that his stuff is, obviously improving. In his blog this week, Bob Ryan blithely throws out there that "It’s no secret the Fenway faithful want no more of Mike Timlin." Huh? Admittedly, he is not the Timlin of old, and I’ve read various message boards where fans have discussed wanting him off the team. But it is worth noting that on all of these message boards there are as many fans who are PRO Timlin as there are ANTI Timlin. And, speaking as someone who has spent a lot of time at Fenway this year, every time I’ve seen Timlin come out of the bullpen, the crowd gives him a fabulous ovation. I’ve remarked on it to friends at the games more than once. What most of the "Fenway faithful" want is for Mike to do well. Just another reminder, I suppose, that I shouldn’t be reading Bob Ryan. (Especially given the many digs he throws at Red Sox fans. I apologize for even referencing his blog. I shouldn’t be sending traffic to writers who so openly dislike us.)
In spite of Pat Neshek’s best efforts, Hideki Okajima won the final All Star vote. Kid is more than deserving and I certainly did my part to help him get there. (As an aside, Neshek lost any pity votes I might have thrown his way when he gave up that two-run bomb to Matsui yesterday, ensuring the Yanks a win. The Hideki’s are ruining his life, I tell you!) Fear not, Neshek fans. He intends to continue blogging. (Found this paragraph from the NY Times interesting. As if the person who wrote it has never seen a Major League Baseball pitcher on a mound before:
Neshek, though, is hardly your average pitcher. The difference shows the minute he trots in from the bullpen, wearing his socks high, old-school style. On the mound, he is a bundle of energy, pacing, hoisting his pants, slapping his mitt. He gets the ball and wants to throw it immediately. One of the few directions his coaches give him is to slow down.
Wow. He wears his socks high? WHO does that these days? And he’s a bundle of energy on the mound? Man, no one fits THAT description any more. For crying out loud, this kid is OBVIOUSLY a great pitcher. Why the hyperbole, when just writing about him straight out will do. He isn’t good because he wears his socks high, and he isn’t popular because he punches his mitt. He’s a talented player who keeps fairly regular contact with his fans through his blog. No need to spice that up. (Ron Gardenhire gets it: “He’s quirky, like all relievers. Most relievers have some kind of zany thing.") Aside from that, a nice read on Neshek. An interesting one too. Especially coming from the New York Times.
Three games in Detroit before the all star break. Tavarez, Gabbard and Matsuzaka take us into the three-day black hole. (I hate the all star break) I want a sweep, I’ll settle for a series win. I don’t ask much.
Red Sox Nation is 3 for 3 in "Final" All Star voting. (Damon, Varitek and now Okajima) Way to go, Nation! (Incidentally, could someone tell the idiots on "Baseball Tonight" that "Red Sox Nation" refers to the fans, not the team? Thanks.)
You all knew it was coming. Have to keep with the theme I’ve created, eh? Congratulations, Josh!!!
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