September 1, 2008
9/1: Playoff push time
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Baltimore Orioles (63-73) @ Boston Red Sox (79-57)
Garrett Olson (8-6, 6.38) @ Paul Byrd (9-11, 4.55) 7:05 PM EDT | Fenway Park (Boston, MA) TV: NESN RADIO: WRKO 680, SBN 1150 |
GAME NOTES: Now it's September and we get to face the surprising Baltimore Orioles. Their record may not be excellent, but they are solid on both sides of the ball. We're trying to stay close to the Rays so we can do damage in the 6 contests we have left with them, but don't forget we've got to hang onto the wild card.
Discussion
20 Comments on "9/1: Playoff push time"
#1
Posted by Gerry, September 1, 2008 6:31 PM
Agreed. We have no choice but to play each game like it counts, because each one does count either for the Pennant or vs. really good wild card competition (WS or Twins). The WS is on the line every single game.
With our stars all coming back rested and hungry; our All-Star rookies Fenway tested and rested and hungry; and as added incentives Youk & Dustin also playing for CO-MVP, and Jacoby heating up for the ROY finale and SB record, this should be one tough, motivated, exciting team through September.
#2
Posted by Gerry, September 1, 2008 6:32 PM
Never saw that before (WS = White Sox, and WS = World Series). Don't like it. CWS from now on.
#3
Posted by Bob, September 1, 2008 6:52 PM
Pedroia has 15 homers and 16 stolen bases on the season, there's an outside chance he could get to 20/20, he's projected at 18 homers and 19 SB currently. Not bad for a tiny guy who was supposed to have no speed and no pop
#5
Posted by Sean O, September 1, 2008 7:01 PM
I love Dustin, but this MVP talk is idiocy. He's the 2nd best 2nd baseman in the AL, and 5th overall. Besides, when there's another MVP candidate to your left, you're not really the most "valuable" player, right?
Give it to Quentin or slappy.
#8
Posted by Steven Roth, September 1, 2008 7:33 PM
Ditto to what Sean O said...Dustin's having a monstrous season for his size but there's no way he's an MVP candidate...He's about 20 homers and 40 RBI's away from being a legit MVP candidate.
We haven't survived the Manny Trade just because of Pedey. It's been a combination of Youk's youk-ness, Lowrie's emergence, Bay's production, Lugo's injury, ect. ect.
#9
Posted by JaredK, September 1, 2008 7:40 PM
Sean, agree to a point... Quentin is the man this year unless he tanks....it is similar but not as absurd as the K-Rod for Cy Young talk...that guy is about the 4th best closer (meaning he is in the 75th percentile of closers) in the American League this year and his record breaking performance is strictly circumstantial. I heard someone (may have been Kruk) mention him as an MVP candidate as well as a Cy Young candidate... that is a joke.
#11
Posted by Steven Roth, September 1, 2008 7:45 PM
Why is it a joke? The man has been saving games at a higher rate than his peers. I won't be quick to say he's the best but really, who's the best in the AL? Nathan's been blowing saves lately, Papelbon has his troubles with men on base, and Putz got knocked out of the running with the injuries.
If you ask me, his ERA is the only thing holding him back but he has an entire month to lower the number.
#12
Posted by Steven Roth, September 1, 2008 7:49 PM
Just so no one gets all confused and lashes out at me for supporting the K-Rod MVP theory, my vote is Doc Halladay for Cy Young.
Say what you want about him, but 8 complete games and an ERA in the 2's is golden. CC for Cy Young in the NL if he had more games in that league.
#13
Posted by Shane, September 1, 2008 7:53 PM
I thought K-Rod was saving games at the same rate as most other closers, but the Angles just play more save situation games.
#15
Posted by Steven Roth, September 1, 2008 8:00 PM
I worded it wrong then...53 saves to 36 is eye-opening, no matter how you look at it. He deserves the talk surrounding the awards, just not the awards itself.
#16
Posted by JaredK, September 1, 2008 8:01 PM
Yeah, I just think if you look at the peripherals you could say Rivera, Nathan, Papelbon, and even Soria have been as dominant or more so then K-Rod this year. Saves are such a circumstantial thing, I think 35 of his saves have been with two or three run leads as well. For the record I think Cliff Lee or Doc Halladay are far superior candidates...I think a closer has to be ridiculously dominant and for there to be no worthy starters for a closer to get the Cy Young.
#18
Posted by Steven Roth, September 1, 2008 8:05 PM
When Gagne won it, Prior had a pretty sick season but I guess you're right. The consecutive streak gave him the award and K-Rod isn't really in the same category.
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