June 30, 2008
6/30: Battle For First
Boston Red Sox (50-34) @ Tampa Bay Rays (49-32)
Justin Masterson (4-1, 3.43) @ James Shields (5-5, 3.76) 7:05 PM EDT | Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL) TV: NESN RADIO: WRKO 680, SBN 1150 GAME NOTES: With another one run loss to Astros and the Rays winning a close series in Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay has overtaken the Red Sox for first place. Perfect time for the Rays and Sox to meet up in a vital late June-early July series. The Sox have to deal with Tampa's best three starters, beginning tonight with James Shields, who threw a complete game shutout against Boston at the Trop earlier in the year. At 5-5 with a 3.76 ERA, he's slowed down a bit. Another very tough test for the young Justin Masterson tonight.
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Discussion
102 Comments on "6/30: Battle For First"
#1
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 5:43 PM
The Rays are like a bad rash at this point this is twice now that we've swept them and by the next series they were back in first place. Here's hoping we stomp them this time and they don't get back up. It would be nice to hang a shelling on that punk Shields.
#2
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 5:44 PM
Here are today's starting lineups...
Boston Red Sox
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Brandon Moss, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS
Justin Masterson, SP
Tampa Bay Rays
1. B.J. Upton, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Willy Aybar, 2B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Evan Longoria, 3B
6. Eric Hinske, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Gabe Gross, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS
James Shields, SP
#3
Posted by gerry, June 30, 2008 6:51 PM
This is the week to fight back, and I don't mean clearing the benches. The Sox are the Champs and considered the best team in baseball. It's time to act that way, and play to win. If not, by next Monday we could be in 3rd place, looking up, and wondering how we will catch the two teams that just beat us. The Rays and Yankees, at home, will take no prisoners, nor should we. Time for another closed door player meeting, Papi.
#4
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 7:15 PM
3 up, 3 down, 3 groundouts. Way to start things off, offense.
Looks like Masterson will need to be on tonight.
#6
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 7:20 PM
C'mon Justin. Don't let 'em fuck with you and you'll do all right.
I can't believe of all teams the Rays might actually be intimidating. Better than the Yankees I guess...
#7
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 7:31 PM
Shields looks nasty tonight. Hold 'em at one, Justin.
#8
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 7:34 PM
Why do I have this terrible sinking feeling? Masterson sure gives up a lot of homers for a sinkerballer.
#9
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 7:45 PM
The way Shields is throwing, this might be a long night. Or, rather, a short one, because he looks set to throw a no-hitter. That's right, I said it. Now give up a hit, ya bum.
#12
Posted by Tessie's Dad, June 30, 2008 7:59 PM
Well, at least they're starting to get the ball out of the infield...
#16
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:18 PM
I think it might be time to send Masterson down and recall Buchholz
#17
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:19 PM
If for no other reason than he just can't keep the ball in the park
#18
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 8:20 PM
Indeed. Paging Clay Buchholz.
We get one back and give up two. All started with that goddam two out walk to Navarro.
#19
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 8:21 PM
Now the Sox are going to have to triple their efforts to get a winning run.
Here's hoping Shields is still semi-rattled and that the offense has found its groove. Bomb the fucker for God's sake...
#21
Posted by Tessie's Dad, June 30, 2008 8:24 PM
That was Moss getting out of the way of the inevitable Varitek GIDP.
#22
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 8:25 PM
That was Varitek completely missing the ball on a futile hit-and-run attempt. Completely worthless at the plate right now. Kevin Cash could do better.
#23
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:25 PM
I'm not a huge fan of the hit and run, but not a huge hater either. I just hate when you put it on with Tek who doesn't make a ton of contact
#24
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 8:29 PM
There was absolutely no excuse for Tek not making contact with that ball. It was 4 inches inside at his knees; if you can't at least foul that off, you should be riding the pine.
And I agree that that probably wasn't a good time for a hit-and-run. All it did was kill the inning, and I'm not sure I understand the point of playing for one run (staying out of the DP) when you're down two and your pitcher can't keep the ball in the yard.
#25
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:30 PM
on a lighter note that japanese ad on the backstop was intriguing me so I went to the website. It was all in japanese which I don't know how to speak or read, but judging by the pictures it's for weight loss. the site is dandy-house.co.jp if you're bored or interested
#28
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 8:34 PM
Yeah sorry guys I know it's early but unless we got some offensive spark I'm calling this one game, set, and match for the Rays.
#29
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:38 PM
I for one will be keeping the faith until we're down by 7, however I'm kinda afraid that Masterson will give up two more homers before this is over.
P.S. Jacoby, you can't beat out a grounder to 2nd
#31
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 8:53 PM
Oh fuck...not a two out walk followed by a hit. C'mon Justin just get the next guy out.
#32
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 8:57 PM
Is that 3 straight inning with a two out walk followed by a hit followed by an out?
#33
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 8:58 PM
Two out walks are a recipe for disaster. Masterson just looks like he starts aiming the ball for some reason, like he's afraid to pitch to contact with two outs. Makes no sense to me, but it's killing us here. Thankfully, Upton didn't drive in another.
#35
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 9:01 PM
I'm still banking on some late inning offensive heroics to carry us through this game. Not to discredit Masterson, but he was a little shaky with the Rays and the bullpen I'm just terrified of. After those two Houston games I can't really put a ton of faith in them most of the time.
#36
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:06 PM
no more Shields? Sweet...
Agree with you totally Dan. I think that he needs to go to Triple-A and work on his command, he's aiming and either missing or leaving pitches fat, he also needs to work on pitching to lefties. I think now would be a good time to send him down, Buchholz looks like he's back on track while Masterson looks to be fading, nothing's been terrible, but the cracks are appearing and I for one don't want to see him get shelled next time out.
#37
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:07 PM
Excellent work, Moss. Way to win the battle.
Varitek, I swear, if you ground into a double play...
#38
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:09 PM
A little pessimism...
Balfour's numbers this year: 14.2IP, 5H, 6BB, 22K
#39
Posted by Tessie's Dad, June 30, 2008 9:10 PM
DR, if Varitek doesn't GIDP, I'll bet he walks so Lugo can GIDP...
#41
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:10 PM
That wasn't a DP, but it was ... about as good as a DP with Lugo coming up.
#43
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:14 PM
Vartiek and Lugo are like a pair of cement shoes on this offense, guaranteed to sink any rally. Can't we find whatever juice Giambi has been using and give it to Varitek
#44
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:15 PM
Awesome...UGGGGGGGGH
Top of the order next inning...including Pedroia and Drew. Maybe we still have a chance. Nah, we're screwed.
That said, hold the line, Smith.
#45
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:16 PM
And a leadoff four-pitch walk to a speedster is precisely how you do that...
#46
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:17 PM
Is this really a situation for Chris Smith? As I think that he walks Carl Crawford on 4 pitches
#49
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:23 PM
I prefer the walk to what the previous pitch almost was. If it were 2-3mph faster, Pena might've hit it through the roof.
#50
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:25 PM
I think he's found every single possible way to miss by 3 inches. And he's using every single one of them.
Double play, PULLLLLEEEEASE.
#51
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:25 PM
Here comes Lopez whose biggest weakness is.... wait for it.... walks, fuck me
#52
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:27 PM
It's either that or a ground ball. Put it in the zone and make Hinske beat you.
*crosses fingers*
4-6-3, por favor.
#53
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:28 PM
Or, rather, make Jonny "Suckerpunch" Gomes beat you. 6-4-3, in that case.
#55
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:30 PM
That was supposed to be a 6-4-3. Grounder to short, almost tailor-made. Just a little too far to the left.
#56
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:30 PM
I use Johnny "the meathead" Gomes as a nickname only because I thought of that before this year, but I'll admit that suckerpunch is better, this is really pissing me off
#57
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:32 PM
All things considered, Lopez did a pretty decent job there. A foot closer to Lugo, and that would've been a scoreless inning.
Top of the order...get it done.
#58
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:32 PM
I can't help but feel that if Papi was playing we'd be the ones up 3 runs. I miss him so much, this team isn't the same without him.
#59
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:33 PM
Entirely possible. Or if Varitek weren't essentially a scarecrow with a broomstick at the plate these days.
#60
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 9:37 PM
This might be a little rash, but does anyone else think we ought to consider batting Pedroia-Youk at the top of the order until Ellsbury snaps out of his .276 OBP funk in June?
#61
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:39 PM
I'm still holding out for some magic, but not so optimistic at this point. Tommorow might be the best chance for the Sox to win with Varitek out of the lineup and Garza being the weakest pitcher they face in this series, it certainly won't be easy against Kazmir.
#62
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:41 PM
I don't think Tito would go for it simply because it might hurt Ellsbury's confidence. That said Ellsbury might add some juice to the bottom of the order. Meanwhile who the fuck is Gabe Gross and why is he wrecking Sox pitching?
#63
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 9:43 PM
Guys...I don't know about this. I know the Sox have done some wonderful things but with our bullpen the way it is it just keeps getting harder for them.
Perhaps tomorrow will bring some sunshine to our gray team.
#64
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:47 PM
meh I'm not overly concerned with this team, losing streaks happen. I don't think that Tampa will sweep them, and the record looks fine.
#66
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 9:50 PM
manny's not right, when he's locked in the 1-0 pitch would have been long gone
#67
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 9:52 PM
The minute I heard the NESN guys saying that things rarely if ever get on his nerves and now talking about how people are getting on his nerves, that makes me very nervous.
Damn Manny...anticlimactic K.
#75
Posted by Mostly Running., June 30, 2008 10:00 PM
I hate the Rays announcers. "Sox caught a break there." Fuck you, it's your park, your dome, your cables and speakers and shit. Yes, it was a break, but it was a break y'all made happen.
#76
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 10:00 PM
maybe Lugo gets to hit since they're bringing in the lefty
#78
Posted by Mostly Running., June 30, 2008 10:02 PM
Pretty pretty Percival. By buddy. Throw him to the ground.
#83
Posted by Mostly Running., June 30, 2008 10:06 PM
We're better off going for a straight steal of home than having lugo take the bat off his shoulder.
#84
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 10:07 PM
He either fucks up or walks for Mr. Ellsbury who scares me almost as much.
#87
Posted by Mostly Running., June 30, 2008 10:07 PM
Hate to be the guy bob, because I've been doing it all night, but we really need to watch our language.
#88
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 10:08 PM
what a frustrating game, if not for the two out walks we win easily
#89
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 10:08 PM
Just couldn't quite finish the rally. Darn.
Win tomorrow.
#91
Posted by Mostly Running., June 30, 2008 10:10 PM
I meant luck fugo, the next t-shirt I'm printing up. The "I'm a pedroia-phile" shirts aren't selling real well.
#92
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 10:12 PM
point taken, I will keep my potty mouth under control, The Rays just bring out the worst in me
#94
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 10:14 PM
Only Julio Lugo can hit a liner which off the bat makes my heart jump, only to have the camera man cut to it as it softly lands in an infielders glove, he brings me a special kind of pain
#95
Posted by Bob, June 30, 2008 10:18 PM
In retrospect, it might have been better had Percival not gotten hurt, he clearly didn't have his A stuff since Tek actually hit something hard, also then we might have seen Casey who is actually capable of getting a hit.
#97
Posted by NEsoxFan, June 30, 2008 10:45 PM
Its ganna be a great day in my house when lugo is no longer in a sox uni
#98
Posted by Colin, June 30, 2008 10:50 PM
I still propose that idea radiohix had of tricking Lugo into his Tunisia hotel and have him take a "prolonged vacation."
#99
Posted by Daniel Rathman, June 30, 2008 10:58 PM
Speaking of Mr. Buchholz:
5IP, 4H, 0R, 1BB, 3K -- 60 pitches, 37 strikes for Pawtucket today.
I'd say it's time to make the switch. Timlin also tossed a clean inning on 6 pitches, all of them strikes , for what that's worth.
#100
Posted by Evan Brunell, June 30, 2008 11:10 PM
Holy cow, I'm comment No. 100. Wow... this game thread got more comments than any Yankee game.
#101
Posted by Anonymous, June 30, 2008 11:49 PM
Here's No.101, but both my dogs are mutts. Masterson will be a star. Coming straight from AA, he's already exceeded Hughes & Kennedy expections. But he needs AAA the way Buchholz did, and for the same reason, to develop his skills. Another game like that will ruin him. Buchholz has been pitching like the Pawtucket stud. He is more prepared for this than Justin. Why not bring him on for the Yankees. If he still isn't ready, bring up Charlie Zinc, and mystify the Yanks two days in a row, which might be fun to watch.
The last few series shows it really is time time for a few minor changes. I agree with Daniel that moving Jacoby out of the leadoff spot for awhile might give him a chance to get things together. Alot of his games have been 1 for 5 or 1 for 6, which hurts his average and confidence.
And it's time to trade for a good-gagne now, and bring up Lowrie. They will not only combine for a dozen wins more than what Julio and this pen will deliver, but we will be able to celebrate 1st place by this 4th of July; and stay there.
#102
Posted by gerry, July 1, 2008 12:46 AM
sorry, anonymous was me, but you can probably tell by the length of it anyway.
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