Is that it is over

The first game of the series was 0-0 in the 9th and Game 2 saw us trailing by 1 run after the 7th inning, yet neither of our 2 best late inning relievers saw any action.

I’m going to argue that if our Shields pitches the 9th on Friday we go extra innings and get away from TB’s Shields, giving ourselves a chance to win. Why bring in Speier in a high pressure situation like that when you’ve got 2 of the best, fresh in the pen? Neither Shields or Frankie had thrown a pitch since Tuesday!

If there is one complaint that should be made about Sosh, it’s that he’s too stuck on specific “roles” for players, especially relievers. I know the bats were ice cold, but IMO mismanagement of the bullpen lost this series.

But at least it’s early May and not early September.

Today was a prime example of typical “baseball-guy” managing gone wrong. For some reason, managers have this stupid idea that there are certain innings during which certain pitchers should take to the mound. Ignoring that he should’ve let Santana get the last out, Scioscia, as good a manager as he is, fails to understand that you should never be saving your best relievers for later situations. You use your best relievers when you most need outs, and we needed an out today, and he brought in Speier. After the double, I would’ve had Shiedlsy in there. I would’ve had Shieldsy in there to begin with, but that double should have been a clear sign to Butcher and Scioscia that Speier had nothing.

When John Lackey returns I’m throwing a party. Anybody in Boston is invited. Hell, you’re all invited, but it’s probably a long walk for most of you.

Vlad is slowly looking better. His double today was a typical Vlad double, and it was nice to see.

I freaking love Torii Hunter.

The 14 pitch, 7 minute Reggie AB vs. Percy was the highlight of the game, in my mind. That’s one of those things that players on elite teams do, and we had a little midget of a guy doing it to one of the best closers in the game. We string together one or two of those at-bats a game and starters won’t be able to throw 8 innings against us.

And the Lakers lost. Great day in sports.

That we got the Shaft by the Umpiring crew Once Again.
We get out of the first inning with only 1 run scored, IF the ump makes the correct call on CC at second. (Mathis had him Gunned)
and then,,,,,,,,,,, Vladdy was called out at home plate in the 5th, He was clearly Safe!
Two crucial calls that possibly cost us the game.
Aside from that,
I never really question Sosh, but this series, i have a ton of Why’s?

I Miss Percy

I couldn’t point out St. Pete Florida on a map. Just embarassing.

The GMJ-at-leadoff shtick is not cast in stone. Reggie Willits only managed a leadoff walk, but the bigger picture is clear: Scioscia doesn’t feel he has to start GMJ with his depth so sorely tested and a surplus of usable outfielders (at the moment).

I hope (and believe we will) see GMJ playing for the balance of his career. It’s not clear what he brings to the table, besides acting as a blocker for better and noticeably cheaper players.