SLOWNESS OF GAME EVEN BORES MLB OFFICIALS

One of the biggest knocks people have against baseball is the snail-like speed of the game. Unless you are at the game or it is genuinely exciting, it might be more appealing to take a hammer to your head then sit through an entire game. Apparently, MLB officials seem to agree. I found it really interesting when I found out that Boston Red Sox' closer, Jonathan Papelbon, was fined $5,000 for taking too long to throw his first pitch Friday night.

As goofy as this seemed when I first read the article, I think this is a good idea by MLB. Like the NYC honking law, I doubt this rule has ever been enforced, but I say start hampering down on players! Games last longer than they ever have, and most of the time they are not that fun. A typical Yankees or Red Sox game lasts over four hours! I like that MLB took a stand here. I think there are way too many pitchers that take their sweet time between pitches. Nothing drives me more crazy then when a pitcher shakes off the catcher three times then walks off the mound. Pitchers will say this timing rule will throw off their rhythm, but get used to it! After all, you are professional athletes!

I think if MLB is going to crack down on this rule, then it is only fair to impose fines against other players that take too much time to do something. Right now it appears that only pitchers can be fined, but how about expanding this to hitters as well. They are as much to blame for the length of games these days. A batter should not be allowed to step out of the batters' box after every pitch. Think about how much time would be saved if a batter didn't wonder around doing who knows what between pitches. I have personally perfected the art of running to the kitchen to pour a drink and returning to the TV before the next pitch is thrown. I heard Bud Seliq a couple years ago say there was an understanding between umpires and hitters about stepping out of the box. However, I've never seen an umpire get into it with a player about taking his time. Seliq says a lot of things, but we all know he is a joke of a commissioner.

I normally rip baseball for their decisions, as it is a horribly run league, but I'll give them credit for this. Thanks for finally thinking of the fans who do not want to watch games till all hours of the night. Unfortunately, I doubt any extensive time rules will pass through the Players' Union, and I am sure Papelbon will appeal and get his five grand back. That is how baseball works after all.

Pat Morgan

YANKS DROP TO 0-8 AGAINST THE RED SOX

Though many Yankees and their fans believed that the Yankees would finally beat out the Red Sox, fate decided to make the game go a different way. Sabathia and his wet Yankees slipped up and lost their lead at Fenway park last night, making that eight straight games the Red Sox have beaten the Yankees.

Q: How bad are the Yankees against the Red Sox?
A: So bad that Ortiz can hit homers off them!

Sorry, I had to do that. Anyway, the Yankees are taking a lot of heat about this, which they should be. The Yankees have been playing well and can use their very expensive threats against other teams. However against the Sox, apparently the money just falls flat.

Now, there are a lot of people, including sports writers and anchors who believe that this is just a phenomenon that will go away eventually. Oh the poor Yankees. Many of them will make excuses, such as the first five loses against the Red Sox don't count because A-Rod (now known as Ster-Roid) was out due to recovering from his surgery. Okay, so even if I gave those five games to you saying that was a fluke, what about these past three games? I watched last night when the Red Sox came from behind and then closed out the soggy Yanks with a 1-2-3 top of the ninth with Papelbon. However, I will not allow people, at least those who I have contact with, tell me that the only reason the Yankees lost the first five games was because of A-Rod missing the action. If only one person can make a team win, then I'm putting all my money on the Bills winning the Super Bowl next year.

So the big news is about how the Red Sox haven't made the Yanks run for the hills since 1912, when they won more than 8 in a row against the Yankees (who weren't even called the Yankees back then). Let's hope that the Red Sox can continue their winning streak against the Yankees because there are multiple reasons why the would will become a better place if this happens. One: Red Sox fans will rejoice at beating down their rivals, Two: The Yankees will look ridiculous, not only for not being able to beat their rival, but for spending so much money on failure, and Three: sportswriters and sportscasters (*cough Cough* ESPN) will have to admit that the Yankees are not the best baseball team and actually do make errors, and yes, sometimes suck, at baseball.

See ya!

Jaclyn Kahn

MANNY HAS LOST HIS MIND

When Manny Ramirez was on the Boston Red Sox, I was definitely a fan. He can hit, he can catch (when he wanted), and he sure knew how to taunt the opposing team as he watched home runs or jogged around the bases. But now that he is no longer on the Red Sox, my appreciation for him has definitely faltered. First and foremost, Manny didn't play his best because he didn't want to be in Boston. So now he's not in Boston (which is a whole other story to rant about. Why wouldn't Manny want to be in Boston? His good friend Ortiz was there, he was a huge star, and he definitely saw many playoffs and two World Series).

Last year he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he seemed to single-handedly take the team from last place in their division, to the playoffs, even though they didn't make it very far. Now, he's a free agent and all Manny wants is money. And once you hear what he turned down, you will agree that he has officially lost his mind.

The Dodgers offered (a second offer now) Manny $25 million for one season. ONE SEASON. And he turns them down. I don't know how much he was getting paid in Boston or before on the Dodgers but that is a whole lot of money. You don't even play all year! You play what, 9 months? I'd take it. But Manny lost his mind. Manny isn't very young anymore, and eventually his star status will disappear, giving way for up and coming players to hit the spotlight. I know he's holding out for more money, but how much is going to be the right number? Is he expecting an amount similar to the one paid to A-Rod? Manny needs to take what he can get, because fewer and fewer teams are interested in his baseball abilities, and wary of his antics.

The latest buzz is that the San Francisco Giants are thinking about making Manny an offer. But thinking is not actually offering so right now, Manny doesn't play for anyone. Unless the Giants want a second Barry Bonds right away, they might decide to wait on Manny (that and might need to resupply with their steroids stock). I really think that if Manny holds out too long, he will not be seen playing professional baseball in the US anytime soon.

Jaclyn Kahn

BOSOX POSTSEASON MAGIC CONTINUES

All of the 86 years of bad karma that was thrown Beantown's way has really been reversed over the last five years. Last night, the Boston Red Sox had yet another dramatic, late-inning home run that lifted them to a 2-0 series lead over the 100 win, Los Angeles Angels.

Just 12 months ago people were referring to J.D. Drew as J.D. Poo, and calling him perhaps the worst player per dollar in Major League Baseball. But since his grand slam in Game 6 of the ALCS last year he has become a different player. Sure he missed significant time due to injury this year, but you could make the argument he was the Red Sox best player in the first half. The Red Sox now are what the '96-'01 Yankees were as they always come up with a big hit and prove that no deficit is too large. Drew's bomb off of KRod last night is symbolic of that.

The path is paved for the Sox to win their third title in five years. While Tampa Bay has done a great job all season and an even better job beating up on the White Sox, the question right now is can they beat the Red Sox? I am going to say NO. I realize Tampa will have home field in the ALCS, but beating the experienced Red Sox will take them to a new level. The Rays have overcome every obstacle and every naysayer, but they wouldn't be human if they weren't in awe of the Red Sox next week. I would be absolutely shocked if the Rays beat the Sox. Sports history is flooded with experienced, championship level teams beating young and perhaps even more talented teams. I just can't see the Rays beating the Red Sox. I hope I'm wrong as I'd love to see it happen.

On the flip side, the Red Sox have absolutely no pressure on them this postseason. They are still dealing with many injuries to their most important players, they are of course without Manny Ramirez, and the hated Yankees are out of the postseason. Unless they blow a large series lead, Boston fans will give their team a total pass this year should they lose. This has already been stated by the Bob Ryan's and Dan Shaughnessy's of the world. Therefore as they coast home to a third World Series title, they will simply be adding gravy to their run the last four years.

As far as the Angels are concerned, it is time Mike Scioscia take a hit. He has gotten a pass with every postseason loss since the 2002 World Championship. I agree with most of those passes, and I still consider him the best manager in the game. However, this is his best Angels team and the fact they can't seem to get by the Red Sox is a huge embarrassment. Not counting the 1986 ALCS because you shouldn't, the Angels have lost EIGHT postseason games in a row to the BoSox. In the past, they come into postseasons out of gas, but this year they clearly have something left in the tank as evidenced by their comeback last night. However, they are flushing it down the toliet, and it will be a very tough offseason in Halo land.

Pat Morgan

RED SOX VS ANGELS BREAKDOWN

Many people consider these teams to be the best two in baseball, which makes for an intriguing ALDS, beginning tonight at 10 p.m. est. The Red Sox are dealing with a couple of key injuries (Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett), while the Angels are the best all around team in the American League, and maybe all of baseball. They do everything well and they should be the AL World Series representative come late October. Both managers have postseason experience, but I think Mike Scioscia is going to get the best of Terry Francona this year. With Manny Ramirez now a Dodger, I have a feeling that Jason Bay is going to have a tough time coming through this postseason. He knows that Manny was a stud in the playoffs while he was in Boston, and now he must fill those shoes. He's going to feel the pressure, and I wouldn't be surprised if he struggles against the Angels pitching staff.

This series is bound to be a five-game affair, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim-San Jose-Sacramento taking care of business. The only question mark I have with this team is John Lackey. He has struggled the past couple of starts in September. Maybe it was because the Angels had clinched the division already or maybe it wasn't. If he struggles, momentum could easily turn toward Boston. The other key in this series is K-Rod vs. Papelbon. With the extra days off, both teams can stretch two innings out of their closer, which could be the deciding factor.

ANGELS IN FIVE GAMES

Shawn Marosek

World Series Game 4 Recap; Boston Claims 2nd Title in 4 Years

Boston 4, Colorado 3 (BOS wins 4-0)

Hero: Mike Lowell
Goat: Troy Tulowitzki
Turning Point: Ortiz's 1st inning RBI single to give Sox lead they'd never relinquish















Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox for winning their second World Series in four years. They basically duplicated the script that enabled them to win the title in 2004. They once again swept the World Series following historic ALCS comebacks. Jon Lester was terrific tonight going 5.2 scoreless innings. What a story he is! The bullpen gave up a couple of homers, but buckled down when they really needed to in getting clutch outs. Jonathan Papelbon closed the door with his third save of the World Series, and he easily could have won the series MVP. Jacoby Ellsbury could have won it too hitting .438 in the series, but Mike Lowell took home the honors. Lowell hit .400 in the series with a homerun and a double tonight. He was really the unsung hero for the Red Sox offense all year long. While Big Papi battled knee problems and Manny having a down year, Lowell quietly led the Sox in RBI. He is now a free agent, and we'll see what happens.

Despite being swept in the World Series, the Colorado Rockies had one of the more remarkable finishes to a season you will ever see. They won 14 of their final 15 to make the playoffs, including the best game of October in the play-in game vs. San Diego. The Rockies then went 7-0 in the NL Playoffs to reach the World Series for the first time in their history. Their magic just ran out having to play the steamrolling Red Sox. The Rockies' bats were severly disappointing, and their pitching allowed Boston to take advantage of just about every opportunity. But when the dust settles, they will truely look back with smiles at a remarkable year.

The Red Sox now have two rings in four years. The question asked a lot tonight was which of the two teams was better. Well, I would have to say this one by a tad. The biggest reason is the Sox having a shutdown starting pitcher in Josh Beckett this time around. That was something they did not have in 2004. They also now have a dominant closer in Papelbon. Keith Foulke had a magical postseason, but isn't nearly the pitcher (and celebrator) Papelbon is. The offense was better that year, but not enough to cover the pitching differences. Let the party begin in Beantown!

3 1/2 months til pitchers and catchers!

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 3 Recap; The Rookies Go Bananas

Boston 10, Colorado 5 (BOS leads 3-0)

Heroes: Jacoby Ellsbury & Dustin Pedroia
Goat: Josh Fogg
Turning Point: Ellsbury's RBI double in the top of the 8th that Hawpe almost caught after Colorado narrowed the lead to one

















The rookies, Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia sparked the Boston offense as the Red Sox now own a commanding 3-0 series lead. Ellsbury was 4 for 5, with three doubles and two RBI. Pedroia was 3 for 5, with a double and two RBI as well. They set the table for a huge six run top of the 3rd, which put the Rockies in a deep enough hole. Matsuzaka was very good through five, and would be pulled after allowing two runners on in the sixth. The bullpen was off tonight, allowing the Rockies to score five, and get within a run at 6-5. That is when Ellsbury and Pedroia would strike again. Both doubled in the top of the 8th to turn the momentum back in Boston's favor. Manny DelCarmen and Jon Papelbon were able to shut the door giving the Sox the 10-5 victory. With one more victory the Red Sox will win their second World Championship in four years, and a victory in Game 4 would give them eight straight World Series wins. Josh Fogg was awful and definitely the goat of the game, but Colorado had opportunities to score early in the game to give them a jump on the six run deficit earlier. We'll see what pride this team comes out and plays with tomorrow.

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 2 Recap; Okajima Awesome in Relief

Boston 2, Colorado 1 (BOS leads 2-0)

Hero: Hideki Okajima
Goats: Rockies' Offense
Turning Point: Top 6th/2out-Okajima strikes out Brad Hawpe with runners on 2nd and 3rd



Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon were spectacular in relief, going 3 2/3 innings, striking out six, and only allowing one hit. Again this postseason, Curt Schilling did not have his best stuff, but battled hard going 5.1, one-run, innings. The Rockies' offense spoiled a good outing from Ubaldo Jimenez and just as spectacular relief pitching. The key inning in this game was the top of the 6th when Schilling allowed two baserunners with just one out. Okajima relieved Schilling, and got Garrett Atkins to ground out and then blowing away Brad Hawpe. The Rockies would only get one Matt Holliday single the rest of the game, and he was promptly picked off. Boston's big hit was from Mike Lowell, as he put the Sox ahead for good with a 2-out, RBI double in the 5th. The Rockies will now have to win all three games at home to have a chance to win this series, and that includes beating Josh Beckett in Game 5. Even if they allow the Red Sox to win one at Coors, that would mean the Rockies would have to win both Games 6 & 7 at Fenway. The Rockies won 21 of 22, but if they can win 4 of 5 against Boston that might just be more unlikely. This series is over.

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 1 Recap; The Gagné Save!

Boston 13, Colorado 1 (BOS leads 1-0)

Hero: Josh Beckett
Goats: Jeff Francis & Franklin Morales
Turning Point: Dustin Pedroia's leadoff homerun

















Boston was terrific in all facets of the game. Every Red Sox starter except for Jacoby Ellsbury got a hit in the game tonight. They had eight doubles, which is a World Series record. This game was pretty much over when Dustin Pedroia led off the game with a homerun after Josh Beckett struckout the side in the top half of the first. Beckett ended up getting massive run support, but was fantastic the first four innings when the game was still close. Beckett continues his dominance by improving to 4-0 this postseason by going seven innings with nine strikeouts. Jeff Francis and Franklin Morales were just terrible. Even Ryan Speier walked in three runners after the game was blown wide open. It will be interesting to see how the Rockies respond to the their first loss since September 28th. If it is any solace for the Rockies, the last team to lose Game 1 by double digits went on to win the series (1996 Yankees). I want to propose a new statistic to MLB. How about the Eric Gagné save? The pitcher would earn credit for that if they successfully close out a six-run lead or more.

Pat Morgan

Conspiracy Theory for Red Sox Nation?

Does anyone find it strange that on the day of Game 7 between the Indians and the Red Sox, a report comes out saying that Paul Byrd purchased HGH from 2002-2005? Isn't it also strange that George Mitchell, who is ahead of the steroid investigation, is also a director for the Red Sox? Could it be possible that this was done on purpose to benefit the Red Sox? I would have to say this had some kind of an effect on the Indians, but who knows if we will ever find that out. All I can say is that Mitchell claimed he found out about Byrd the same time the public knew. Doesn't that seem odd coming from someone who is supposedly in charge? They claim they have big names to release once the season is over. It will be interesting to find out who has been cheating us and this great game of baseball for the past several years.

Shawn Marosek

World Series Breakdown/Prediction

103rd World Series
Colorado Rockies vs. Boston Red Sox








Starting Pitching: Red Sox; Jeff Francis has beat Cole Hamels and Brandon Webb in his two Game 1 starts so far this postseason, but if he manages to beat Josh Beckett, this department becomes much more even. Beckett is being compared to Sandy Koufax due to his postseason dominance. The Sox have Curt Schilling in Game 2 who is a postseason great as well. He isn't the same pitcher, but he will still battle and give you all he has. I wonder how Ubaldo Jimenez and Josh Fogg will respond to a much better offense in Boston compared to Arizona. The Rockies do have Aaron Cook back, and could have an advantage in Games 3&4 with DiceK and Lester on the mound. However, Beckett gives the Red Sox a huge advantage in this department.

Relief Pitching: EVEN; I almost picked the Rockies here due to their depth, but the Red Sox have the great closer in Jonathan Papelbon. No other reliever in this series can be considered lockdown. Manny Corpas has been great, but he is capable of blowing a save or two. However, beyond Hideki Okajima, the Red Sox are very thin in the pen. The Rockies can throw out Hawkins, Herges, Affeldt, Fuentes, and Corpas. A perfect line of pitchers to have considering most of the Rockies' starters won't make it past five, six innings.

Offense: Rockies; No one can deny the Red Sox have the two best bats in the series. Manny and Big Papi can dominate these games themselves, but I like the depth of the Rockies' offense much, much better. Matt Holliday is a close third to Papi and Manny, and is right in the middle of Rockies' 2-7 in Matsui, Holliday, Helton, Atkins, Hawpe, and Tulowitzki. That greatly trumps what Boston has. Torrealba in the 8 spot has also made great contributions, such as the huge 3-run homer in Game 3 of the NLCS. The Red Sox will also lose either Ortiz, Lowell, or Youkilis in Games 3-5 at Coors Field. How will they respond to that? Ellsbury does add a bat at the end of the lineup to improve the great Coco, Lugo combination in the lineup. Pedroia is obviously out of his slump as well. You could pick either team here and get away with it, but I love the Rockies' depth.

Bench: Neither; The best bench player on either team is Bobby Kielty. Enough said? The Red Sox will have the advantage at Coors though with Papi, Lowell, or Youkilis riding the pine.

Defense: Rockies; The Rockies' defense has sparkled all postseason long. They would not have gone 7-0 without the great glove play. Those games with Arizona were really much closer than the 4-0 sweep indicated. Troy Tulowitzki is a vacuum cleaner at short. Boston plays good defense too, but Big Papi at first in Games 3-5, with that bad knee, could really hurt them.

Manager: Red Sox; Terry Francona has really become a great manager for Boston. His approach to these games are unheralded. I don't think the Sox would have made their magicial 0-3 comeback in 2004 or the 1-3 comeback they just made without him as manager. I like Hurdle, but Francona is becoming one of the best managers in baseball. He also handles the Boston media with ease. He has come a long way since managing Michael Jordan and the Birmingham Barons.

Pick: Red Sox in 6; Josh Beckett is a huge advantage in this series. If the Rockies can beat him once, this could be a seven game series with the Rockies possibly pulling the upset. However, if they go 0-2 vs. Beckett, I can't see them taking 4 of the other 5 games to win the series. This is the best series, on paper, in my opinion since the 2001 Yankees/Diamondbacks series. I have to go with the AL though, as it has been the best league by far all season long.

Pat Morgan