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Don't think for one second because the bullpen is as bad as 2004 and they won that year it's a good thing. That pen was outstanding the playoffs. But with the upgrades to the Rays, and Jays, and always tough Yanks we'll be lucky to see the post season to prove anyone wrong....
Now onto my thoughts on yesterdays game,
Ladies and Gentlemen your Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series Champions......
There I said it, now lets have a does of reality. The pitching thus far has has been less than advertised. It's not the starters that concern me. I think even the young kids in Jon and Clay will give you ample to opportunities to win on the days they take the ball. But lets get that bullpen straightened out can we. Manny Delcarmen, Brian Corey, Kyle Snyder, David Aardsma, and Javier Lopez haven't done anything to instill confidence in Red Sox Nation thus far. With inflated Era's and the uncanny ability to fgve up timely hits with runners on they look more like Arsonists than Firemen. Last years pen had Papelbon and Okajima, but it also had the ability to get to the 7th and 8th with tie games and leads still intact. This years group looks more they are ready to start the next Chicago Fire than shut down opposing batters.
Although it only cost them 1 run today, the errors are a concern. They not only appeared like a plague from over the sea, they look here to stay. Not even Youkilis could save the routine plays that Lugo made look difficult.
Granted there is more than pitching and defensive reasons Sox got swept in Toronto, David Ortiz opening the season with an average of .115 is a pretty strong indicator of where the offensive slump starts. That being said, I more faith that Papi will find his swing any day now, and this slump will be a thing of the past.
On a positive note Beckett looked good today, not great but good. He was looking somewhat cautious, but that is a potent Toronto line up, and he managed to battle his way through a difficult lineup with what looked to be not his usual A++ stuff. Although responsible for 5 earned. Three of those scoring on a meatball from Delcarmen to a still very potent and effective Frank Thomas.
On another positive note, JD Drew seems to be seeing the ball well at the plate and carrying over what was a great playoffs into his sophmore effort with the Red Sox.
Unlike last year where the Red Sox seemed to open like a well oiled machine, it seems that Tito is going to have to do a little work under the hood on this one. The mistakes seems to hurt more and more in the games lately. Casey couldn't come with a ball yestereday afternoon with with the bases loaded that turned into two runs, but more importantly part of a momentum builder that was a catalyst in a break out inning for the Jays. Today in a tied game Delcarmen's first pitched wiped away all the good will that Varitek's home run had built.
Luckily, the way Lugo played today makes me think we might just get a chance to see one Jed Lowrie. A kid that is patient, works pitchers well, has extra base power and great speed on the base path as well as an exhausting work ethic. He only has average range, but a strong arm. Although maybe in need of a little more defensive work, Lugo's three errors today beg the question how bad could he be?
Plus the infusion of youth and excitement along with a Veteran presense like Sean Casey could be exactly what the Red Sox need. We've seen it time and time again, it's hard to stay hungry enough to repeat in any sport. A Veteran playing for what maybe he his best last chance with a great on base percentage, and the excitement of a kid around the ball park might be just what the Red Sox need to kick start a team that already seems to be showing some of the effects of being out of sync after a long and what I feel was unnecessary trip to Japan. Hopefully an off day and there own bed will remedy some of this situation and quickly.
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