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Yesterday I said I wasn’t concerned. Now yesterday seems so far away and yes, I do need a place to hide away. But I don’t believe that yesterday or today, or any of the days since April 1, are indicative of what this team is capable of. Which makes this losing streak all the more baffling. Fausto Carmona was battered by the Pale Hose for 10 runs over three innings just last week. Today he two-hit what was supposed to be one of the most potent lineups in the league. The Red Sox were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Jon Lester turned in the starting rotation’s only quality start of the season thus far: 7 innings pitched, 3 hits, 3 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Behind Lester’s stellar start were a number of dazzling defensive gems. To start the fourth inning Adrian Gonzalez tumbled after a grounder off the bat of Shin-Soo Choo and fired to first from his knee, expertly leading Lester to the first base bag with his underhanded toss. Carlos Santana reached on a base on balls right after but was erased by Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s timely throw. Dustin Pedroia had to pick the throw out of the...
Game 158: September 24, 2008 Indians 4 L: Rafael Perez (4-4) 79-79, 2 game losing streak Red Sox 5 W: David Aardsma (4-2)S: Manny Delcarmen (2) 93-65, 2 game winning streak Highlights: J.D. Drew returned to action for the first time since August 17. He went 1-for-2; he grounded into a fielder’s choice and led off the third with an infield single. The epidural did its work as the left fielder looked sharp at the plate and smooth running the bases. Before the game I was talking to a friend who was worried that Paul Byrd was facing his former teammates. Familiarity breeds contempt, and possibly also insight into how best to hit Byrd’s predictable offerings.I wasn’t as concerned. I pointed out that he didn’t hear that he was tipping his pitches from guys in his clubhouse or even from an Indians coach but rather from someone from an opposing team.The lack of data about on one’s own players stunned me. I recall that Jerry Remy mentioned that the Rays have a staff member who scouts their own team. This scout observes the team as a competitor would and points out Tampa Bay players’ weaknesses and proclivities. I wonder...
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Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library’s Sports Temples of Boston.