Time for a short break

Parting words before a one week hiatus …

Hart Brachen (site author):
Kind of had to figure that things would go down as they did last night. The fates tend to be stingy with the heroics instilled upon one man.

 

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Hart Brachen (site author):
So in trying to get the taste of last night's sour debacle out of my mouth, I tune over to ESPN 2 to watch a tape delay game of the US women's national softball team facing Canada. I'm thinking the US hasn't lost an international game in 5 years, so I'll just sit back and watch them kick ass.

 

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Hart Brachen (site author):
Well, that didn't flippin' work out. Jeez. Guess I picked a good week to go on vacation after all. (But I don't begrude Francona for sending Schilling in. Life's a gamble.)

 

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Hart Brachen (site author):
See you back here no later than the 25th.

 

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Comments

[BigBri's Conscience]

Hey guys:

Bri here again. Look, I am sorry for all the shit I have put you through. I've had a really hard life and ... well, I guess evil just got the best of me. Anyway, the URL I've posted is where I'll be spending my time when I want to "let off some steam." But do me a favor and don't link to it at work because I don't want you to get into trouble with your boss, K?

What the world needs now is love, sweet love.

Hugs and Kisses,
Bri's conscience.

[Devine]

Is anyone else drooling at the prospect of a .263 lifetime hitter at second base (Graffanino...more of a utility infielder, really) who's hitting .298 this year? Look, I know Bellhorn was the very symbol of resurrection in last year's postseason, but he's also a lifetime .238 hitter hitting .216 this year! I'm sure they won't get rid of Bellhorn, but my goodness, I'd like to see Graffanino out there.

To be fair, Bellhorn's lifetime OBP is .015 higher than Graffanino's and Bellhorn's slugging percentage is a bit better, too. I've just been so frustrated with Bellhorn all year. So many strikeouts. So many rallies killed. So many 2-out walks that merely led to an out on the next at-bat. I think I'll take a little more hitting and a little less walking.

Anyone else been thinking about this?

[scott12xu]

Boy, h.b. goes away for a week and all hell breaks loose....

[Kaz]

Graffanino is a great pickup to help fill infield gaps and handle situations like the other night (can't pinch hit for Bellhorn, cuz we don't have anyone on the bench for 2B). I don't know what's happened to Bellhorn's plate discipline, but without it he's sub-par. It's what worked for him last year (walk or get a prime pitch to hit hard) and he's abandoned it in favor of swinging at almost anything.

I'd also be happy to see an Arroyo-Burnett swap as long as we don't also sell the farm to get it.

Welcome back to Hyzdu as well, although unless we're going to flip him again, I don't know why we'll carry both Hyzdu and Kapler.

[SawxSince67]

"So many strikeouts. So many rallies killed."

There it is...hitting is not what the team requires as much as TIMELY hitting. Seen too many K's with guys on base from Bell. He has looked absolutely baffled lately.

I understand that the dust has yet to settle, but:

Hyzdu and Stern and Kapler (when ready for the Fens)...

Cora and Graffanino--same guy, no?

Youks back down...now, they're making a mockery of his career...

Alan Embree...Death Machine Playoff numbers...I think he's just worn down. They tried. So, now all of the Lefty/Long Guy eggs are in the Jeremi Gonzalez basket? Halama's the blowout guy.

Perhaps these mysteries will soon reveal themselves.

7-0 Sox, Top 4

[AJM]

Yep, I agree that we can't get h.b. back from vacation fast enough. I think LilBri just blew a gasket with that last response. Speaking of blowing gaskets, I assume Piniella's gonna erupt soon with the Sox up 7-1 if he hasn't already.

Graffanino is a nice pickup for the bench, but for all the well-documented frustrations about Bellhorn's K's, he's still the more productive player. We have more urgent holes to fill in the bullpen.

[NV in SD]

What of the buzz around Mueller for JC Romero? I would HATE to see Billy go, esp for anything less than an absolute sure thing. It would give Youk his well deserved spot on the roster, but that's happening next year anyways.

As far as Bellhorn on the DL- it was about this time last year that he went on the DL and came back with a bat that he kept up with through the postseason. That, plus the competition at his position, might just give him the kick in the ass he desperately needs. Wishful thinking.

My favorite rumor surrounds Billy Wagner. Likely? Probably not, considering what I'm sure they're asking for in return.

[NV in SD]

Sorry- It's been a while since I've posted and have a few more thngs I forgot to mention.

Embree was having a horrendous season, but wasn't just starting to show signs of turning it around? His release, in addition to the fact that the bullpen is the part of the team in most dire need of improvement, makes me think that Theo's got something up his sleeve.

If they were going to release anyone, it should have been "BP" Halama. I hate that fucking guy- he's like the new Frank Castillo. Ah well- thanks for everything Alan. Your contribution to the '03 and '04 postseasons will be remembered fondly.

Now that they picked up Graffanino, Hyzdu and Kap, this is what I picture happening. Bring up a minor leaguer as a stopgap (Lester, Paplebon, Declarmen?) and pick up a Williamson-style late innings guy (aforementioned Wagner fits this perfectly) and give Schill a few more weeks to get stretched out. That way by the time Foulke is ready to come back, we can send the one guy back to the minors, stick Schill right where he should be at the front of the rotation, and have another solid bullpen guy who can close out games when needed. Just an idea.

9-1 with some sloppy fielding. Think the D-Rays pitchers start getting a little too inside yet?

[SawxSince67]

Chadford 1-2-3!

I think Delcarmen.

Wagner's got a phat contract--Theo's would loathe assuming big $$$ AND trading prospects.

Dewey Brazleton HBP's Graf, but Graf found the Monstah for a RBI 2B in his next AB. No idea of other "aggressive" pitching by the DRays...

JC Romero Rumor: "Crazy"

[da kine]

Oh his website, BigBri has "Apologies to my loyal readers". Seriously, dude,what kind of traffic are you pulling in? It looks like the only people who are reading your shit are Soxaholix folks that want to laugh at it. C'mon, BigBri...there's no reason to lie to the internet. There's nobody coming over here that will be fooled by your lie, what with nobody reading your drivel to begin with. A-Rod slaps balls!

PS: Congrats to Yankees fans (AKA The Fairweather Frenzy) for getting Giambi back on the juice. He's hitting much better since he decided to flush away his health and testicles in exchange for homeruns.

[Tessie]

'The Yankees had spent the last 10 years or so enjoying amazing success - many times at the expense of the SAWX. They never 'crowed'. Yankee fans never spent their time sticking it to SAWX fans. There are TONS of Yankee fan blogs, but they spend their time lovin' the Yanks, not hating the SAWX.'

I love this quote. I want to read it 1918 times!

[RonF]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; don't feed the trolls. All it does is encourage them to keep posting and posting and clog up what would otherwise be a useful thread.

[NV in SD]

Amen Ron. I'm sure Bribri is getting enough shit from his mom for not getting out of her basement.

[NV in SD]

Here's an interesting perspective on the season from the Boston Sports Guy-

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050721&num=0

I'd have to say I'm in Group #2. #1 is just too leniant and #3 neglects the past.

[SawxSince67]

Group #2. That's me.

Yes, I have lost my mind a few times over some of the shittier efforts this year--but, I have been loyal. Well, OK, Bellhorn...

Re BSG's take on Cora -- "leading to the inevitable rally-killing 5-2-3 double play"

As we all saw, Cora was safe @ first...

Let's see what the Pale Hose bring to the table...

[GaryGeiger]

As much as I've riffed on Sheffield, I failed to remember we had a much less talented version of him here for a few years...his name was Carl Everett

[d56]

Simmons' column today is totally ridiculous . . . visit BPro (linked in url!), honestly, home boy - he even pimped them in his column!

Dave Roberts is a pretty useless major-league starter - better than bernie, but not a worldbeater, and def not someone who would be riding the pine happily . . . and Cabrera has been USELESS this season (and hurt to boot).

Although his categorizations are perfection . . . I love BSimmons, but sometimes his self-loathing stereotypical BoSox fan thing gets out of control.

First place. Rounding into form. Improving bullpen performance. And the weak parts of the lineup have been improved.

Life could be way worse. Put me in category 1.

[pawsoxpop]

Hey everybody, I thought we were on vacation!!! Oh well, I guess while HB may be able to moderate, the rest of the Soxaholix Anonymous cannot go on the wagon.

As long as everybody's here, what do you think of this suggestion for improving the team without giving up Bronson (good young pitcher, reasonable salary, considerable upside) for AJ Burnett (good old pitcher, big salary, free agency looming, chained to Giambi-esque Lowell). Anyway, here's the idea:

Make Tony Graffanino the starting second baseman and make Mark Bellhorn the third-base coach. Seriously, this would improve the team immensely. What do you think?

[NV in SD]

Holy shit- it's GENIUS! There is absolutely no way that he could strike out from the coaches box!

With the combo of Graff (starter) and Cora (defensive replacement) I'm thinking we might've seen the last of Mr. Gloomy-'burns.

Arroyo for Burnett- leaning towards yes, but NOT with Lowell. Especially not if we have to part with Mueller/Youk to do it.

[pawsoxpop]

Okay I have to correct one part of my post. Burnett and Arroyo are the same age, both born in 1977. But the rest of my post stands, especially the part about Bellhorn as third-base coach. He would be a HUGE upgrade there, and as NVinSD pointed out, he would not strike out so much.

[SawxSince67]

WE all LOVE Papi, but the fucking repeated brain-freezes on the base paths are just crazy.

Ok, Sox up, 5-4 Bottom 7. Timlin on the hill.

[Devine]

Jesus, Manny hit the fuck out of that one! I've been celebrating the past few minutes! Just hope they can get the last 3 outs.

[Kaz]

Nice win and Schilling looked like a champ in the 9th. But is it me or have our pitchers really given up a ton of gopher balls in the past 4 series?

[Devine]

Vlad's grand slam saves the day for the Angels...this time (remembers ALDS G3). Sweet, a whole damn game and a half, right? Clearly, the race for the division is over. Just ask Shaughnessy.

The White Sox game was a very satisfying win, coming against a very good pitcher. It was nice to see Clement just really bear down after those three homers, especially in the sixth considering Renteria's non-tag (the only thing that REALLY made me mad in that game). What's really satisfying about that is that the last time he gave up runs early, Clement just went into meltdown (against the Yankees). This time, he held his ground.

On top of that, the offense charges nicely a couple of times (still some nasty baserunning gaffes, though) for a come-from-behind win. Just really gutsy and clawing in every sense, including Schilling. Nice to see Schilling improve in his 2nd inning, and hold that lead after coughing it up before.

To me, it feels more like 1.4 wins or so.

[SawxSince67]

I went to bed after Schill...uhmm...had problems, 'cause I got grumpy and yeah; work tomorrow.

But I got a call (Vollie FD--flooded basement, sexy right?) and when I returned home I had to check the score. Good news, yo.

Devine says it all....really nice to see Matty bear down and a very satisfying win.

I hope Wakey baffles those Comiskey MoFos.

Vlad the Impaler!

[Follower of Tito]

"Hi, I'm Follower of Tito and I'm a soxaholic."

Room responses: "Hi, Follower of Tito"

"It's been 4 days since I've posted."

Anyways, about that article by Simmons, anyone who is over 30 is going to be a #2 fan (me, my dad, etc).

Schill keeps looking better and better as a closer (even if he blew a save against a damn good team). He showed the mental toughness that I think Foulke has been lacking. Added bonus, he could easily go 3 or 4 innings in a pressure situation.

On the fence about Arroyo for Burnett. Bronson is going to be good for a long while and we have him for chicken feed right now. We can use the cash elsewhere.

As for K-horn, Hasta, man, sorry about the thumb. Don't forget to take Sveum with you. We have some lovely parting gifts for you both.

Last night may have been one of those turning points (a la Tek mixing it up with A-Fraud last July) that will only be recognized in retrospect. We beat the team everybody else has been talking about, Stinkees lose a tough one to Anahiem, Manny provides 9th inning heroics, Schill comes back.....we'll see

[SawxSince67]

Hmmm…AJ Burnett…wicked nasty stuff, killer attitude…8K per game…

This year, he’s having problems v. Right-handed batting--.776 OPS, has really only pitched ONE complete season as a starter (2002)…about a 4 ERA…take NL Batting, Pro Player dimensions (BOTTOM 5 Park Factor—ask Pavano) into consideration…

The equation: AJ as upgrade over Bronson + salary (3.65mm this year) + player/prospects traded = Hmmm….

I know; what are the better options? But, it’s not quite a “no-brainer”…

[RonF]

Out here in Chicago I watched the game and listened to Ken Harrelson do commentary. As soon as Crede flubbed the popup, Hawk was all over him. He accused him of nonchalanting the play, and said twice "You can't give a hitter like Martinez an extra swing." As soon as Martinez hit the pitch, he said "6-5". A co-worker was there and told me it was obvious as soon as it was hit. That pitch was crushed.

Great to see the Red Sox win, and there was plenty of support for them in the Chicago stands. But the White Sox won't give you 3 unearned runs every night, so we'll need to do better tonight.

[RonF]

I hope this thing with Schilling is a stop-gap, or just to get him in shape to start. I want him in the rotation. That's where we need him. And he's pitching relief like a starter, anyway. Please tell me that we're going to get some bullpen help and put Schilling where he belongs.

[RonF]

Oh, yeah, and I have a question; why the f**k didn't Renteria throw the ball to 1st instead of trying to run down the runner? My daughter's softball team runs that play better.

[Aaron]

Holy shit! 80 comments and counting on week-old post! Come back soon, HB; your fans and trolls alike are going into withdrawals.

Last night's win was a big one. I can't remember a game in which they made that many brain farts and still managed to pull it out. That it happened on the road, against the best team in baseball, while the Yankees were simultaneously coughing a three run lead in Anaheim, just made it sweeter.

Any more news on the Burnett deal? I read that the reason the O's pulled out is because the Marlins insisted on including Mike Lowell in the deal. Burnett's good, but is he so good as to justify taking on another non-hitting infielder with a big contract?

[NV in SD]

Ron- who is this Martinez who was batting for the RED Sox last night? New guy from AAA?

Sorry- just fuckin' with ya.

FoT- I like the "turning point" idea. Manny's 4th out HR not only one the game, but definitely picked Schill up. He was fired up- big time.

Last night's game coupled with the losangelesangelsofanaheimcaliforniaamericatheworld late inning fireworks vs the bad guys made for one tasty night of baseball. Tom Gordon was pissed (and I'm sure the big eunuch was too- lying on his back in the trainer's room)

[NV in SD]

yeah- they "one" the game all right...

idiot.

must. not. type. before. coffee.

[pawsoxpop]

Let's hope Wake can knuckle down and beat Garland tonight while the Balco Bombers do some more California Screamin' ... and let's hope Theo doesn't land AJ Burnett deal just like he failed to reel in that other great Florida Marlin, Carl Pavano.

[SawxSince67]

"...just like he failed to reel in that other great Florida Marlin, Carl Pavano."

When Theo writes his book, I believe he will disclose that HE pushed up the Market Value, tempted the NYY re Pavano, Contreras and duped them into assuming the crazy contracts...

OK, maybe he really wanted Slappy? Gag...ack.

But, yeah Slappy is mad talented, yo.

[scott12xu]

You notice how much more pleasant it is to read these posts when the-NY-creep-who-shall-not-be-named doesn't post?

Probably too busy beating off to his internet porn lately to post...

[Follower of Tito]

If my team was 1 game behind the Twinkies for the AL wild card, I won't be posting the other teams' fans' websites either. I certainly prefer the view looking in the rearview mirror versus the alternative.

BTW, I think Hazel Mae could be monitoring this blog. Ever since we have commented on her naturally gifted assets and her possible use of performance enhancing undergarments, she has been keeping the girls under cover. C'mon, Hazel, cut the 18-45 male demographic a break.

Let's go Timmay, let the butterflies float!

[Professor Frink]

"she has been keeping the girls under cover"

This is a most unfortunate bit of news...

With the glistening and jiggling and the glaven...

[NV in SD]

Free the Mae Two!
Free the Mae Two!
Free the Mae Two!

[pawsoxpop]

White Sox put Frank Thomas on the D.L. today, but I checked the schedule and he'll be back in time to feast on the MFY pitching.

I was hoping for a split with the White Sox but now that we've beaten their best starter, I'm hoping we can take 3 of 4. If Wakefield is on tonight, we have an excellent chance. Then it's on to Tampa Bay, while Vladdy Guerrero and Co. hopefully keep doing their part to push the MFYs down into their parents' basement with their No. 1 fan. At this rate, the Mets will own the best record in the Big Apple before August.

[scott12xu]

I can see Hazel Mae completely losing it one live broadcast...

"We checked in with Johnny Damon and he told NESN... aw fuck it, the only reason you perverted shitheads watch my newcast is to see my tits, right?? RIGHT??? Well, FINE!!! (unbuttons jacket and blouse) You'll see my tits!! (rips off bra) THERE!!! LIKE 'EM?? HUH?? (shakes breasts) WANNA SEE 'EM JIGGLE? HERE. (holds up breasts) C'MON AND SUCK 'EM BABY!! (turns around, bends over) I DON'T WEAR ANY PANTIES EITHER!!! LIKE MY ASS?? HUH??? CHECK OUT HAZEL'S ASS!!! THAT'S ALL YOU WANNA SEE, RIGHT??? FUCK MY JOURNALISM CREDENTIALS, I'M JUST ANOTHER HOT ASIAN BABE FOR YOU ALL TO BEAT OFF TO!!!!" (quickly cut to commercial)

I still think the "Naked NESN" is a good idea... :)

[Devine]

Heck, the Chicago commentators are giving Manny a little lovefest. One of the best that ever lived, enjoys himself, really one of the great baseball minds, etc. I mean, I agree. I just think it's interesting how much the opposing announcers are going off on him.

[NYSoxfan]

Yikes, poor Hazel now seems like an innocent babe who stumbled into a pack of wolves. Sorry Hazel, but you're not in Canada anymore... now then, here's hoping we see Bronson snap that nasty curve today while Contreras pitches like he did as a MFY. Taking 3 of 4 from the Black Sox would speak volumes... looking for Big Papi to be the man today.

[AJM]

Okay, it's the 25th...

Donde esta h.b.?

[Follower of Tito]

Dude, I've got the shakes...I think it's withdrawl..next thing you know I'll be seeing AJ Burnett in a Red Sox uni and the kid down from St. John's in the pen at Fenway with 3 or 4 saves under his belt by mid-September. G'mon, man, I need a fix baaaad. If I don't get one soon, I might start actually believe that the Hazel Mae scenario Scott12xu wrote COULD happen. It could, right?