The Red Sox just beat the Yankees, 7-3, in a game most probably wrote off as a Yankees win. I know I did.
What can you say about Julian Tavarez (did you know he is 2-0 vs. Yankees in ’07) and the bullpen? Tavarez is obsessed with holding onto that role and right now it’s his. And the bullpen, while it had a couple of sloppy moments, was nearly lights out again.
Before I say anything else, I will have more on the Celtics disaster in Secaucus, N.J. tomorrow morning.
Here are some responses to your comments (some edited):
It’s not too early to write off the Yanks. In year’s past, we have almost grown accustomed to the Sox jumping out to an early divisional lead before bowing out in August and September and taking a wild card berth.
In those seasons, the Yankees were able to outlast the Red Sox because the Yankees had the better pitching staff. This year, that is not the case.
Mike
Mike, I agree with most of what you are implying. But it is too early because too much can happen, especially with injuries. If everything remains equal, I agree, I don’t think the Yankees will catch the Red Sox. Starting pitching, bullpen and the Sox lineup is too good.
I am amused by the back and forth bantering on this subject. The fact is that NOBODY knows what the rest of this year will bring. The Sox could go on to great things; the Sox could suffer more injuries than the Yankees have already; the Bronx Bombers could suddenly start clicking offensively and on the mound; well, you get my point. It is too early to assume we’ve got the division wrapped up, but the odds are certainly in our favor. Let’s just feel good and hope the joyride continues into October! Leave the fortune-telling to the gypsies!
Bob
Bob, I couldn’t have said it any better. We have had these discussions before. I remember thinking the Yankees wouldn’t be able to rebound last year after the slow start. My problem was falling for the Red Sox, who weren’t as good as they appeared. But, as you said, it looks good right now.
Bill, I find it amusing about the amount of negativity the Red Sox are receiving on the sports talk shows and on the Internet. Fans are critical of JD Drew, Julio Lugo, and the bullpen minus names Okajima and Papelbon. They are in first place! Relax, Red Sox Nation. No jumping off the Tobin until 2nd place could be looming after a 3-game series. But until then, enjoy the baseball season.
Mort
Mort, another great post. I believe it is in the blood of most New Englanders to dwell on the negative. Because a few guys are struggling (see J.D. Drew), a lot of fans are wary of the current success. Perfection ain’t happening, but these Red Sox are close. As Jim Leyland told me last week, what impressed him most about the Sox is that they can win in so many ways and have as diverse a starting staff as you will see.
Long, long before Aaron Boone took the Sox out of the 2003 playoffs with his devastating season-ending homer off Wakefield, I couldn’t stomach watching this bozo pitch for us. I understand his dedication and loyalty to the team, but every time he takes the ball I have heart palpitations and scramble for the remote. (Think John Wasdin.) When Jon Lester returns I strongly suggest the Sox keep Tavarez in the rotation and allow Lester to take Wakefield’s place. He (Wakefield) probably deserves a job in the Sox organization but it is probably working in community relations or some other PR function. Just keep him out of uniform.
Ted
Ted, I disagree. He is not pitching well of late (11 runs and four HRs in last 12 innings), but he is a great change of pace and appears to be as solid as they come. If the Sox were reyling on him to halt a losing streak, he would not be my first choice. But he continues to confound Father Time. As for Jon Lester, don’t worry about him until he’s ready.
With 119 games left in the season it is way too early to write off the spankees, but it sure is nice to be up by 10. As for sweeps, isn’t going to happen. I think that Schilling will be on the mound trying to prevent the sweep by the Spankees.
SLC
Forget about writing off the Yankees (though isn’t the question I asked?). How about: Can the Sox sustain this for four more months? I may ask that question later this week.
We need to take two of three here at least and keep the spikes on their throats. The last thing we need is to allow them to get some momentum with a series win or a series sweep (heaven forbid). I know we could very well get those games back this weekend with the Yankees facing the Halos and us in Texas, but in all honesty, even a ten game lead doesn’t make me relaxed at all. These are the Yankees, and they have too many players well below their career norms to think that they will stay down and nearly out.
Dan
Dan, I forgot about the Yankees schedule after the Red Sox. They have 16 straight games with the Angels (3 games), Blue Jays (3), Red Sox (3 at Fenway) and White Sox (4). If the Yankees survive the next three weeks and can cut the lead to 8 games, they will probably be on the Sox heels the rest of the way. But I’m not sure they can.
I think the Red Sox have a pretty good lead but it is too early to write anyone off. That’s why we play the games. I know it is unlikely but with a lot of luck the Orioles or the Devil Rays could win the division.
John
Luck? The Devil Rays and Orioles? Not even luck would help those two teams out. The Devil Rays, specifically, have been disappointing, especially starter Scott Kazmir.
