lafko06's Blog

There's a slow roller down first.......and it gets through Buckner.

A moment in Red Sox history that will sting forever. What was the reason this happened? Mcnamara wanted to reward Buckner and have him on the field for the final out in the World Series. His loyalty to a player put a player at less than 100% in a key situation and it cost him. Down the stretch in September he was putting in Stapleton for late inning defense but for some reason in the biggest game of the year he went with Buckner and the rest is history.

Flash forward to last night:

Beckett is clearly struggled and picking up where he left off against the Angels. He was serving up high plumb fastball that were being launched into the cheap seats. His team battles back with 3 Hr's in the 5th inning to get the lead and what does Francona do? Sends out the struggling pitcher for the 6th. That was just the start of the mis-management move. Once he walked Upton the fastest of all the Rays Francona leaves him in again. Once Beckett put the tying run on he should have ben lifted. I'm watching the game and am beside myself as to why Francona is leaving him in. He was obviously not even close to 100% and the Rays confidence was oozing. Francona's loyalty to his once ace pitcher cost him the game.

Francona snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

When your club battles back in the dramatic way the Sox did with the 3 HR's they clearly had the momentum back. The Sox needed to go out and hold the RAYS scoreless and Francona blew it. If Beckett ws telling him one thing and feeling another then he should be ashamed. I'll give Francona the benifit of the doubt with leaving him in but I wish he would have used the pen.

It's now a best of 5 with 3 games at Fenway. The Rays speed will play a huge factor in these games as their runners will be able to go 1st to third on singles allowing them to score on a single to left. A runner on second at Fenway doesn't score on left field singles due to the shallow play of the left fielder. Lester has to yet again pitch his team to a big win and if he doesn't the Sox are in trouble with the old work mule going in game 4. Wakefield in game 4 scares me and that game could be a real burden to the Sox bullpen if he struggles.

Francona please put you're loyalties aside.

Please sacrifice runners when you have first and second with no outs.

Please flip flop Ellsbury and Crisp, the top of the lineup needs a shakeup.

Ellsbury needs a day off and I think Crisp is ready to get on a roll. He is seeing the ball well and putting good swings on something that Ellsbury isn't. Having Ellsbury's speed on the bench will be a big weapon.

The Sox have just enough talent to win this thing but they have to be perfect. Francona has the biggest challenge of his Managerial career ahead of him.

Tonight is the biggest game of the Rays season and guess what is going to happen?

The Florida Gators play a 8:00pm game against LSU at the swamp. This will cut into the Rays home fans and allow more Red Sox fans to filter in. There were many games this season when it was Fenway park South as Sox fans outweighed Rays fans and this could very well be the case tonight. Gators football is a bigger draw than Rays baseball and the true following of fans will be out tonight.

5 Starts in September: Record 2-2

Innings    ERA     ER     HR     BB    K's     HITS

   26           5.19      15      9         15     26        23

Verse Red Sox 2008 4 STARTS: Record 0-2

Innings    ERA     ER     HR      BB   K's     HITS

   18           9.00      18      6          14    14        24

The Red Sox have to wait him out and have him throw strikes. If he struggles early he may give up the big inning as he'll have to throw fat strikes for the Sox bats to feast on. He's basically a 5 inning pitcher so the Rays bullpen could be called on early. He'll have the most pressure on him he's ever had in his young career and is in a must win game. Judging his 5 starts in pressure packed September games he had some problems so his confidence may be shaken. The September 15th game was his worst as the Sox rocked him for 9 runs and 6 HR in 3 innings pitched. He has a young offense that struggled in game 1 and has to face a tried andbattle tested Beckett with a powerful fastball and nasty curve.

If the Sox get a couple in the 1st it could be a long night for the Rays and the cowbell ringing fans.

Then great pitching shuts down a weak offense.

This was the case at the Trop last night. Dice-K was on his game and the Rays didn't know what he would throw. Eckersely said it best on the postgame show and he loved it. Ioved seeing that full smile and laugh while talking about the dominate Dice-K and the off kilter Rays hitters. The Sox have just enough big bats in their lineup to get you 2-4 runs a game and if Francona plays some small ball and sacrifices when they have 1st and 2nd with no outs they could put up another 1 or 2 runs. If the Sox get 4-6 runs I don't see a way they lose.

Beckett pitches tonight and we all hope to see the dominate October pitcher the Sox signed for $10 million a year. Lester throws game 3 and he is only the best pitcher left throwing in the playoffs. Wakefield can dominate a desperate young Rays team in game 4 if the Sox can go up 3-0 in games. I see the Sox bats coming alive tonight against Kasmir. His last start against the Sox wasn't productive at the Trop as he lasted less than 3 innings and gave up about 6 runs.

Cool thing: Look at the next three pitchers:

Beckett = Becket a small community in the Berkshires.

Lester = Leicester a Central Massachusetts Town.

Wakefield = Wakefield Nuf' said.

Add to that:

The Sox have a Lowell on the shelf. A Francona's Notch running the team.  A Crisp fall air to play in.  A 3rd baseman with so many big hits the opposing teams say You Kill Us. A left fielder that is the nickname for our Bay State. A backup 1st baseman that has the same name as the character in the Mudville 9 which was written in Holliston Mass: Shawn Casey at the bat. A long reliever with the same name as a certain Celtic that brought Promenence back to the Celtics in the 80's.

It's kismit with all the similarities this team has to Masschusetts and New England. Not to mention the ghost of Ted Williams and the hitters hall of fame in the left field corner at the Trop.

I sat at the edge of my recliner for the whole game and would appreciate a blow out tonight. I playing a tough and demanding Cyprian Keys golf course Sunday and would like some extra rest and sleep.

A Sox blowout would do that for all of Red Sox nation.

So Dodger faithful how 'd you like the Non-Hustle by Manny on the double? It's classic Manny putting himself above the team. If he had hustled down the line and ran until the ball hit the wall he could have been on third instead of second. He is a microcosim of what is wrong with paying a player the huge money he gets and that player does whatever he wants because of it.

I had Manny on my team before the trade and now that I'm on the other end watching this clown I can't believe what I'm watching. I watched it all the time: Manny posing, not hustling and laughing about it when he gets on base. Good luck giving this guy 17 million a year for 5 years, you may get two good years and then all ths B-S that goes along with Manny.

I'm a Red Sox fan and had up close viewing of the Great Manny. I miss him as a Red Sox but with the production of Jason Bay it has lessend the blow a little. I was a fan of the Manny antics (water bottle in his back pocket in left field etc.) but I don't miss his prima-donna attitude. You in Dodger Land haven't witnessed it yet but it lurking very close to the top. The Pose at a home run Manny. The I don't have to run hard down to first on a grounder Manny. The I don't want to pinch hit if I'm I have the day off Manny. He is a freak to baseball as Randy Moss is to football. Players with so much talent that they take some plays off from time to time.

Manny is playing for another $20 million contract and once he gets it from whoever the prima-donna underbellie of Manny won't soon be far behind.

Beware this freak of Baseball he is not what you think he is.

Lets see whats on the docket for Sunday:

8:30AM GOLF TOURNAMENT.

EARLY NFL GAMES THAT HOPEFULLY FALL THE PATRIOTS WAY.

4:15PM PATRIOTS GAME.

7:00PM RED SOX GAME.

IT'S A SUNNY SATURDAY MORNING AS I GET OUR 6 YEAR OLD READY FOR HER 9:00  AM SOCCER GAME. OUR 5 YEAR OLD HAS BALLET AND THEN WE'LL LOAD UP THE FAMILY MINIVAN FOR A PUMPKIN PICKING TRIP. AFTER OUR FULL DAY I'M COOKING A ROAST PORK ON THE GRILLE TONIGHT WHICH I MASTER. WHAT A GREAT SATURDAY WITH A EVEN BETTER SUNDAY WAITING IN THE WINGS.

I tried my best last night to watch the whole game but just fell short. I made it until the 8th inning and when the clock was reading 12:55pm I was out for the count. I got up this morning to check the score and just laughed. This Red Sox club is starting to show that never say die playof mentality that they found when they swept the Yankees after being down 3-0 in the series and the rest is history. Winning is contagious and with a win like the one I didn't see last night it goes a long way to their confidence level. Thank you J.D. DREW

Here is the best part: The Sox have their numbers 1 and 1A starters at home for the next two games. Beckett at 7:07pm Sunday and then Lester if needed in game 4. How do you think the mighty Angels of Aneiheim are feeling this morning as they prepare to fly cross country with a snowballs chance in you know where of winning the series.

Heres the best part #2: Paplebon only threw 21 pitches and now has 2 days rest to be ready Sunday night. He is quickly returning to that dominate closer the team had the last two years.

I'm looking forward to a earlier start time Sunday night so I can watch the whole game. Fenway will be rocking and if Beckett has a clean 1st and the Sox can put up a crooked number the Angels will fold quickly.

This Sox team has another gear in the playoffs and this could be a very special month in the Boston sports scene.

Man Charged With Passing Gas at Cop AP posted: 2 HOURS 44 MINUTES AGO comments: 555 filed under: Crime News, National News, Weird News PrintShare Text SizeAAA Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority

Jose A. Cruz poses for a booking photo. He has denied aiming at an officer when he passed gas during an arrest Tuesday.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Sept. 25) -- A West Virginia man who police said passed gas and fanned it toward a patrolman has been charged with battery on a police officer. Jose A. Cruz, 34, of Clarksburg, was pulled over early Tuesday for driving without headlights, police said. According to the criminal complaint, Cruz smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and failed three field sobriety tests before he was handcuffed and taken to a police station for a breathalyzer test. As Patrolman T.E. Parsons prepared the machine, Cruz scooted his chair toward Parsons, lifted his leg and "passed gas loudly," the complaint said. Cruz, according to complaint, then fanned the gas toward the officer. "The gas was very odorous and created contact of an insulting or provoking nature with Patrolman Parsons," the complaint alleged. He was also charged with driving under the influence, driving without headlights and two counts of obstruction. Cruz acknowledged passing gas, but said he didn't move his chair toward the officer nor aim gas at the patrolman. He said he had an upset stomach at the time, but police denied his request to go to the bathroom when he first arrived at the station. "I couldn't hold it no more," he said. He also denied being drunk and uncooperative as the police complaint alleged. He added he was upset at being prepared for a breathalyzer test while having an asthma attack. The police statement said he later resisted being secured for a trip to a hospital that he requested for asthma treatment. Cruz said the officers thought the gas incident was funny when it happened and laughed about it with him. "This is ridiculous," he said. "I could be facing time." Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. 2008-09-24 20:24:44

THANK YOU FOR BEING A GREAT PATRIOT. YOU ARE ONE OF THE CLASSIEST ATHLETE'S THAT HAVE CALLED THE BOSTON SPORTS SCENE HOME.

GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER YOU DO IN YOU'RE POST PLAYING LIFE.

My heart goes out to that poor Lexington Family that suffered their tragic loss. It's reported that the fire was started by a dryer hose. The lint that builds up is a major risk of fire and this Family was struck by one. I clean our vent outside the house at least every other month but I haven't checked the actual hose from the dryer. The lint that comes off the screen is just a small amount and there is a lot left in the slot that holds the screen. It scares the daylights out of me that this tragedy could happen to my family or any other person. It's such a neccessity to have the dryer but it does p[ose a potential risk.

Take a few minutes today and check the vent and dryer hose in you're home. If for nothing else do it in memory of this poor Mother who lost her life and the family she left behind.

On the ground through the air how he does it I don't care, as the Patriots go rolling along.

He is not Brady, in his field artillery, I wish the cheerleaders had thongs, For if they go to the Superbowl, then Matt Cassel goes rolling along.

In the day In the night the Pats are ready for a fight, see Matt Cassel go rolling along. Defensive front defensive rear they will put you on your ear and those Patriots go rolling along.

He is not Brady in his field artillery, I wish the cheerleaders had thongs, for if they go to the Superbowl then Matt Cassel goes rolling along.

Was it high? Was it low? The opposing QB's know that the defense will make it go wrong. Run it left throw it right bring home a win tonight as the Patriots go rolling along.

He is not Brady in his field artllery, let's all get behind this song, for if they go to the Superbowl then Matt Cassel goes rolling along, Then the defense goes rolling along, Then the Patriots go rolling along.

I heard part of the Cassell interview Monday Morning on WEEI'. This is where Cassell will have trouble. He is not Tom Brady and he shouldn't be treated like him in regard to the Monday morning interviews and the post game stuff. Just let him play. When Brady came on the scene his job was simplified so much that he was criticized later in his career as a "System" QB. He finally broke that mold 2 years ago. Cassell is in for a whole new world we all know that and if we want him at his best then his priorities should be:

1-Game plan for next opponent.

2-Practice, Practice and more Practice.

3-Rest and treatment for aches and pains

4-Win Games.

5-Post game podium interview and then nothing more until the next post game interview.

6-Practice the KISS method: Keep It Simple Stupid.

This kid has the ability and smarts to do the job but he needs to be at 100%. He can't be worrying about making sure he puts enough time aside for interviews etc, he will run the risk of spreading himself to thin. Brady is a master at his craft off the field and he has done it for years...successfully. I remember many interview's of Brady on Monday mornings when I could just hear how tired this poor all pro QB was. Cassell has a full season ahead of him(hopefully) and we just need to let him be Matt Cassell and play to the best of his ability. I'm afraid he will tire  around the 11th or 12th game if he has to do it all.

It is unfair that he has to maintain the level of Brady when he isn't that guy.

The hit on Brady was completey illegal. The safety did blitz and was picked up by Morris who knocked him to the ground. The Chief player didn't just crawl on the turf to get to Brady he crawled and then got to his knees and lunged. The view form above and not the field view shows this perfectly. QB's are not supposed to be hit in the head and below the knee's.

Where was this hit?

When I saw it I was screaming for a flag. Along with the non call was a turn over so it should have been Pats ball and 15 yards. Instead it was Chiefs ball. The Ref really screwed this one up.

Fast forward to the game last night with the Chosen one Peyton getting the call on Urlacher for roughing the QB. Urlacher was simply rushing with his arms up and brushed by Manning after the pass. The Ref flagged Urlacher for roughing. I could read Urlacher's lips telling Manning "I never hit your head".  My buddy and I both said that if the Brady incident was Manning or Favre their would have been flags from all parts of the field.

I think the Pats and Cassell will do fine. There won't be any blowouts but the defense should play well enough to let the game hang in the balance toward the end and hopefully the Pats will be leading.

Good Luck to Brady in his long recovery.

This season will be very interesting. I have a few question marks to go along with my still existing Super Bowl depression.

Can the Defensive line actually control the game? They will need to if they want to hold oppenents uner 21 points. The LB's are old and can be exploited. The 2 rookies are what they are. Unproven and will probably tire come December like so many other rookies do. The only problem is that's the biggest part of the season and the playoff's are right around the corner. If the DL can't control the line and get pressure on the QB then the DB's will have their hands full. Harrison has benn injury ridden and I can't count on him playing the full schedule. They are young at the corners and that's not a easy thing for a rookie. The DL must play at the top of their game all season.

The offense was exploited in the Super Bowl. Take Moss out of the game and control the underneath stuff. Moss doesn't want to catch underneath stuff and Maroney doesn't want to run up the middle. Morris should get the bulk of the snaps. Maroney should be the new 3rd down back coming out of the backfield catching swing passes and using his speed in the open field. Ben Watson has to have a Pro Bowl year and starting the 1st game on the injury list as doubtful doesn't bode well for that. Last year proved all the points scored and touchdowns made mean nothing if you come up short in February.