ALCS: Indians vs. Boston

[Orange Nation]

Games 1-3 look like this:

Game 1: Sabathia vs. Beckett
Game 2: Carmona vs. Schilling
Game 3: Westbrook vs. Matsuzaka


The Red Sox confirmed that they'll move Curt Schilling ahead of Daisuke Matsuzaka in the ALCS rotation.

It's possible the team's No. 3 starter will only get one start in the series, and they wanted to line Schilling up for two. Dice-K would only pitch once if the Red Sox wanted to line Josh Beckett up to start Games 1, 4 and 7. He's be on three days' rest in Game 4, but if he started then, he would have four days off before his Game 7 start, opening up the possibility. If the Red Sox did try that, they might have Tim Wakefield go in Game 5 and Schilling in Game 6.

[ckg68]

I have to ask myself: What in the hell is Eric Wedge smoking,and can I have some of the tree so I can see things the way he does? Keeping Jake Westbrook in the rotation is just enough of an invitation to the Red Sox to get a W off of him. I'd rather see Paul Byrd take his spot. Game 4 of the ALDS just proves my point.

[BigPapi]

I'm sure byrd will get the nod in game 4. This is going to be a scratch and claw series for both teams.

[Orange Nation]

Bring on the Indians! I would've liked to see them go 5 games and wear out their pitching more, but I think we're ready regardless. We fared better against them in the regular season than we did against the Angels, still, I doubt that we'll sweep them too. They'll probably steal a game or two against Dice-K and Wake. But, the arms of Schill, Beckett, Papelbon, Okajima, et. al, along with the bats of Manny, Papi, Lowell, et. al, will be too much for them.

Let's hope it cools off in Cleveland so the damn bugs don't keep breeding.

I also feel good that Dice-K had a very strong start against them: 8IP, 0ER.

think we should realize how fortunate we are that the chips fell our way the last week of the season. We were able to win the division and secure HFA, and Cleveland was able to pass LAA, thus giving us a matchup against a beat up, injured team that basically had no chance against us. This consequently put the Yanks against a dialed in Cleveland team.

I think even the Yanks would have beat that LAA team, previous mastery notwithstanding. And Cleveland in 5 games for us would have been tough.

It all worked out for the best; the two best records in baseball fighting it out over 7 games, and no Fox B.S. with the Yanks and Sox playing. It's an interesting feeling having advanced PAST the Yankees in the postseason.

My prediction: Sox in six.

[Orange Nation]

A little more in-depth analysis:

First, the pitching matchups favor the Sox. Beckett has good numbers vs. Cleveland this year, meanwhile CC has some bad numbers against a few of the Sox players, namely Manny. Beckett, at home, has to have the edge. I'm on the fence about Schlling vs. Carmona in Game 2. Matsuzaka comes up big on the road vs. Westbrook, followed by Beckett shutting the Tribe down at home, then it's one of those 9-6 games with Wakefield in Game 5, mainly because whoever pitches in that game will be coming off tons of rest. I just feel like Beckett is going to coast through the playoffs and be the stopper the club needs and I reserve the right to not bother to back up this statement, because, well, every sox fan is thinking it too.

Offensively, the Sox absolutely have the Tribe covered. The head-to-head offensive numbers are not good for the Tribe. Only Garko is hitting over .250 with a signigificant number of at bats (.261 to be exact). The majority of the lineup has hit well against the Indians, namely Pedroia, Youkilis, Lowell, and Manny (who is hitting .417 in 7 games this year). The Sox boast a 3.05 ERA this season against the Indians in seven games, whereas the Tribe is at 4.43. Two of the pitchers that the Indians had some success against are no longer with the team (Gabbard, Romero). Oddly enough, Papelbon is one of the guys with "poor" numbers against Clevland this year, of course he only had two innings of work against them, but still.

I think the X-Factors for the Sox are as such...

- Coco has been useless against Cleveland this year, sporting a .525 OPS. If he isn't getting on base, swiping bags, and scoring runs, then how useful is he? getting any offensive contribution from him would be a huge plus. If he struggles in the first few games, do they call Ellsbury's number?

- J.D. Drew was worse, sporting a .095 BA and a .317 OPS, but has been playing a ton better lately. Does he get pushed aside for either Kielty or Ellsbury?

- Matsuzaka has one strong start against the Indians and one not-so-strong start. He gets one crack at them in the ALCS. Which Dice-K shows up?

- Manny and Papi have carried the offense so far, can the rest of the team pick it up?

- What will all that rest mean for Wakefield or the opposing starter?

I firmly believe the Sox will be World Series bound in six games, but there just a few red flags that could really change this series.

[Orange Nation]

Here are the game times for the first five games of the ALCS.

1 Friday, October 12 Fenway Park 7:10 p.m.
2 Saturday, October 13 Fenway Park 8:21 p.m.
3 Monday, October 15 Jacobs Field 7:10 p.m.
4 Tuesday, October 16 Jacobs Field 8:21 p.m.
*5 Thursday, October 18 Jacobs Field 8:21 p.m.

[BanditsRock11]

Tribe in 7.

[millertime0809]

I hope the Tribe pull this series out.

Oh, here is my tribute to the tribe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu9NVuqMmGs

[BigPapi]

Anyone else think the Sox might have a little advantage scouting wise as our pitching coach john Farrell was the Director of player development for the Indians up until this season and was a main factor in pretty much everyone on the Indians today including Sabathia and Carmona. As little an advantage this may be I'll take it.

[jaymitch84]

Game 1 Pitcher Stats

Josh Beckett
Season Total: 20-7, 3.27 ERA, 194 K, 40 BB, .245 opp BA
Season at Home: 9-5, 4.17 ERA, 112 K, 24 BB, .251 opp BA
Season v. Cle: 15 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 14 K, 1 BB (1-1 record)
ALDS: 9 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 8 K, 0 BB

C.C. Sabathia
Season Total: 19-7, 3.21 ERA, 209 K, 37 BB, .259 opp BA
Season on Road: 8-3, 3.32 ERA, 75 K, 18 BB, .261 opp BA
Season v. Bos: 7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 7 K, 0 BB (0-1 record)
ALDS: 5 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 5 K, 6 BB

[Merk]

Well it looks like I'll be attending the first 2 games of this series


My cousin is a Lawer in the Boston area and got tickets behind home plate about 7 rows up. His brother in law cant go, the Bills are a bye week, so Merk is going to Fenway. I've been before but still cant beat playoff baseball.


So just out of curiosity what are those tickets going for, scalp wise, in Boston these days?

[jaymitch84]

Well it looks like I'll be attending the first 2 games of this series


My cousin is a Lawer in the Boston area and got tickets behind home plate about 7 rows up. His brother in law cant go, the Bills are a bye week, so Merk is going to Fenway. I've been before but still cant beat playoff baseball.


So just out of curiosity what are those tickets going for, scalp wise, in Boston these days?

I haven't been this jealous since I caught my girlfriend making out with JP Losman.

[Merk]

I haven't been this jealous since I caught my girlfriend making out with JP Losman.



Hey its JP Losman, she pretty much had to



lolol



Keep an eye out for the L.Evans Jersey

[Orange Nation]

Here we are! The first game of what promises to be an absolute dog fight of a series. May the best team win. Go Sox - that is all.

Game Info:
Date: Friday, October 11th, 2007
Teams: Cleveland Indians (3-1) @ Boston Red Sox (3-0)
Series: Tied, 0-0
First Pitch: 7:00pm EDT
Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: FOX
Starting Pitchers:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/6603.jpghttp://bellsouthpwp.net/c/h/chinigor/TALKSOX/VS.GIFhttp://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/6403.jpg

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/50x50/cle.gif#52 C.C. Sabathia (19-7, 3.21), (1-0, 5.40)
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/50x50/bos.gif#19 Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27), (1-0, 0.00)

Mojo of the day:
I just thought this was kind of cool. Some Indians fan put this little thing together as an intro to the ALCS. So, I'm using it as mojo.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qt64cpvmhmg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qt64cpvmhmg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

INTRO TO ALCS MOJO!

[BuffaloSoldier2]

The Tribe/ Buffalo Bisons are on the warpath.

Should be a great series. I just hope after a game I don't have to hear an hour and half of speculation on the losing team.

[BigPapi]

C.C looks like it was nerves tonight or maybe the 250+ innings pitched this year so far has your arm a little tired? That was easier than I figured but I am pretty sure with Carmona on the hill that runs will be a lot tougher to come by. GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!

[phishhead220]

How about Papi and Manny reaching base 10 of 10 times in the game. That's not supposed to happen in Major League Baseball. Or the fact that Papi's batting .778....f'n rediculous

[BF_in_Indiana]

I expect a closer game tonight. Man that was brutal.

[unklechucky]

Well it looks like I'll be attending the first 2 games of this series


My cousin is a Lawer in the Boston area and got tickets behind home plate about 7 rows up. His brother in law cant go, the Bills are a bye week, so Merk is going to Fenway. I've been before but still cant beat playoff baseball.


So just out of curiosity what are those tickets going for, scalp wise, in Boston these days?

Didnt catch this thread till today.....I'll be looking tonight.

[Orange Nation]

Curt is going to have to battle and assume a little more risk coming inside. They are sitting on the outside pitch and taking it the other way.

[Orange Nation]

Lowell with the clutch 2 RBI hit. The lineup is just working these guys over. His pitch count is around 80.

Fenway Park is Carmona's Haunted House of Horrors

[Orange Nation]

Back to back homeruns by Manny and Lowell!!!!

6-5 sox.

Rafael Perez is rattled, Im loving it! Sox batters have faced 2 pitchers who handled the yankees prior (Carmona, Perez) and have left beating them to a pulp

Now even Drew gets a hit

could the indians really keep there postseason hopes on the back of Jake Westbrook?

[Orange Nation]

Manny just broke the post season HR record of Bern baby Bernie Williams and he did it in about 25 fewer games.

[Orange Nation]

Dice-K vs Westbrook in Game 3
Advantage: Sox

go get 'em!

[Orange Nation]

**** me... Gagne, Lopez and Lester combine to give up 7 runs in 0.2 of an inning

Oh Well, Believe it or not we probably weren't going to win every postseason game.

[BanditsRock11]

7 in the 11th? Whose bullpen sucks more, Boston, or NY?

[Orange Nation]

7 in the 11th? Whose bullpen sucks more, Boston, or NY?

Well considering the Red Sox are still IN the playoffs....

[Orange Nation]

Does anyone else not feel comfortable pitching Wake in Game 4?

I think it makes the most sense go:

Game 4: Beckett
Game 5: Schilling
Game 6: Dice-K
Game 7: Beckett.

[unklechucky]

7 in the 11th? Whose bullpen sucks more, Boston, or NY?

Gagne sucks...not the entire bullpen. I want him hung from his nuts and deported.

[UBER PWNAGE]

Go Tribe!!!

[BigPapi]

Oh Well, Believe it or not we probably weren't going to win every postseason game.

11-0 postseason, yes that would be a stretch. Off to Cleveland now,
GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigPapi]

Dear Theo,

Gange has not worked out, maybe due to injuries.....yeah injuries take him off the roster and bring in Corey or maybe give Clay a call at home.

[BigPapi]

Hey its JP Losman, she pretty much had to



lolol



Keep an eye out for the L.Evans Jersey

by any chance was that a steve tasker jersey I spotted last night?

[unklechucky]

by any chance was that a steve tasker jersey I spotted last night?

I wasnt the only one. I was looking for Evans and kept seeing an 89 jersey.

[ckg68]

Sad,isn't it,that Gagne,just a few years ago,was one of the most feared closers in the game when he was with the Dodgers.

And now it's come to this. Folks,Goggles Pisano....ERRR,Gagne hasn't been effective since he came over to Boston. I don't know if he's trying too hard or what,but he just isn't the same.

[BigPapi]

.

Goggles Pisano

lol, I'm stealing that!!!

[jaymitch84]

11-0 postseason, yes that would be a stretch.

Unless you're the Colorado Rockies apparently.

Damn.

[Merk]

by any chance was that a steve tasker jersey I spotted last night?



Yes it was



and not only that I spotted 6 other Bills jersey's walking around Fenway over both games

[unklechucky]

Nice...then we all did spot you. Now honestly, since I have yet to make my pilgimage to Fenway, you as a Yankee Fan...how was it?

[Merk]

Nice...then we all did spot you. Now honestly, since I have yet to make my pilgimage to Fenway, you as a Yankee Fan...how was it?


I wasnt the one wearing the Tasker Jersey.



I've been to Fenway to see a game before, its a good place to catch a game

[Orange Nation]

Let's make this simple.

Hit the ball better than they do.
Pitch better than they do.
Field better than they do.
WIN THE GAME.

[jaymitch84]

Westbrook this year vs. Boston:

6 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 1 K, 4 BB, .417 BA against.

Let's hope for THAT Jake tonight!

[Orange Nation]

So they can get sabathia and carmona to both be at 60+ pitches after 3 innings. But Westbrook is at an economical 35 pitches?

[Merk]

Nice...then we all did spot you. Now honestly, since I have yet to make my pilgimage to Fenway, you as a Yankee Fan...how was it?

I wasnt the one wearing the Tasker Jersey.



I've been to Fenway to see a game before, its a good place to catch a game



Just to expand on this a little since I was in a time crunch my first post

Fenway rivals any place to see a baseball game. New Stadiums are nice and everything but old school ball parks like Yankee stadium, Fenway, and Wrigley have this charm to them because of the history around them.

When you do go(I got the impression that you havent ever been there or maybe you meant havent been there this year) I would go early so you can walk around the place along w/ the streets that the park is on.


As far as the games went I had great time at both I had a Yankee long sleeve on under my Jersey and I talked baseball w/ this old couple in there 70's that have had there season tickets since they were 20. Plus I indulged in enough Fenway Franks and Clam Chowder to last me till April


I still prefer Yankee Stadium but thats not to hard to figure out why ;-)

[Merk]

On the series



Its still far from over but if I'm a RS fan right now I'd be a little nervous


Cleveland just real loose to me right now and the RS look to be tightening up a bit

[BigPapi]

I figured the series would go 7 so both teams lose 3 times. Tonight I expect Wake to pitch well and the Sox win 6-3.

[BigPapi]

I thinks it's time to put Ellsbury in the lineup as Drew and Crisp haven't done much other than be automatic outs.

[Orange Nation]

On the series



Its still far from over but if I'm a RS fan right now I'd be a little nervous


Cleveland just real loose to me right now and the RS look to be tightening up a bit

You're not a fan if you're NOT nervous.

But, I'm excited. Basically, if the Sox do what I think they need to to win this series, they will lay a pounding on the Indians tonight. So I'm pumped to see some life out of the lineup, with the knowledge that if Boston loses, they are basically what I thought they were and the Indians are better than I thought they were.

Beyond that, I want a good game. I already know it's going to be long..... I have an early class in the morning.

[Orange Nation]

http://cache.boston.com/images/bostondirtdogs//BDD_FG_behind_10.16.07.jpg

[Callaway]

Dice-K vs Westbrook in Game 3
Advantage: Sox

go get 'em!



Good Call. Reality finally starting to sink in on Dicek??

[Orange Nation]

I say this game is over, but dammit if this series isn't. We're use to coming back and taking it, circa 2004. We're not out yet. We can take the next three games. I just wish Jacoby would come in for Coco, and not have Tito so stubborn to put the young guys in and let Beckett pitch. Schilling fared well but the bullpen gave it up for him. We can do this.

We need Ellsbury in the lineup. Period. Him and Buchholz were the spark this team needed in September. We'll, we need another spark. Time to go to our future CF. Seems like a good time Francoma.

Beckett wins on Thursday and we return to Fenway and anything can happen.

[Orange Nation]

I'm so over the following things:

1. "Cleveland Rocks"
2. Tim McCarver
3. That ****ing idiot in the outfield beating on that damn drum.
4. Fox
5. Bored yankee fans
6. Paul Byrd
7. Homers that come a little too late.
8. Coco Crisp
9. JD Drew

[Orange Nation]

Wedge has a quick hook. I would have liked to see Byrd stay out there a little longer, at least get men on base for a pitching change. Now it's time to wear out their pen, long counts, swing at strikes.

Jensen Lewis can be hit.
They hit Perez in Game 2.

The only guy in the Indians pen I truly don't think they can score off of is Betancourt.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Sabathia will redeem himself and end Boston's season in Game 5. No way he pitches like crap for the third straight game.

[Orange Nation]

Don't forget Beckett is pitching for the Sox.

[BigPapi]

Hopefully now Tito has seen enough of Crisp and or Drew and will plug in Ellsbury at the top of the lineup and put Youk in the 7 hole and see what happens.

[BF_in_Indiana]

JD is a waste of talent. If any of you guys want an idea about his character just read "3 Nights in August". You will find out all you need to know about Mr. Drew.

Epstein should have checked it out before he signed him to that ridiculous contract.

[Merk]

Sabathia will redeem himself and end Boston's season in Game 5. No way he pitches like crap for the third straight game.



It will be interesting to see what he does b/c I think this time around I think there going to tell CC to go right after the RS hitters like Byrd and JW did by throwing first pitch strikes and not try to get them to chase

Game one I thought he tried to work the corners to much

[BF_in_Indiana]

I will make this prediction though. If the Indians lose Game 5 they will lose the Series.

[Yankeez]

The Sox suck

[jaymitch84]

JD is a waste of talent. If any of you guys want an idea about his character just read "3 Nights in August". You will find out all you need to know about Mr. Drew.

Epstein should have checked it out before he signed him to that ridiculous contract.

No shit.

I have been pissed about the JD Drew signing since the second I heard about it.

[jaymitch84]

Hey, in 1999 the Red Sox were down 2-0 to the Indians in the ALDS before coming back and winning 3 in a row.

Hey, in 2004 the Red Sox were down 3-0 to the Yankees in the ALCS before coming back and winning 4 in a row.

So you know what isn't over it? This series.

[Orange Nation]

Ever since the "Bloody Sock" game, "in Schilling I trust". If Beckett stays away from the long ball and walks no more than 2 batters the series should go back to Boston where "In Schilling I Trust" for game 6. Game 7 is anybody's guess.

[Orange Nation]

Good Call. Reality finally starting to sink in on Dicek??

Loved this move and still do. One of the best days ever honestly when I found out we won the bidding and then later when he signed the contract. The cost was "only" money, no draft picks or prospects and we landed a 26 year old with great stuff. He was probaly hyped a bit too much. Ace? eh idk, its possible but I think realistically he is a #2 or #3 which I have no problems with considering we have Josh Beckett and even Clay Buchholz in the same rotation. I'm hoping for some big strides next year, realistically I think he is a 200+ inning, 3.70 ERA, 8.3 K/9 and hopefully get his BB/9 into the 2.50-3.00 range which I think is definetly a possibility. People talk about the 100 mil comittment, but I believe all of the 50+ mil owed to the Lions is already paid off, so we owe him 48 mil or so over the next 5 years, love it.

[Merk]

I will make this prediction though. If the Indians lose Game 5 they will lose the Series.

Depends on how they win



If the RS just go out an Hammer them 15-5 then I still think the Indians take it game 6


If the RS have a come from behind win and take the momentum back then I think they could real off 3 in a row


It will be tough though b/c these games are won in the 6th,7th,8th and the Indians middle relief is better than the RS middle relief

[BigPapi]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_FG_behind_10.16.07.jpg

[Orange Nation]

Alright, enough is a ****in' enough. Play the game like we all know you guys can. There have been bigger deficits that have been overcome, obviously, and this team can do it. Win tonight, take the series back to the Fens, and go from there. One game at a time. Beckett's on the mound against the heavily-recently-struggling C.C. Sabathia. Let's do it.

Game Info:
Date: Thursday, October 18th, 2007
Teams: Cleveland Indians (6-2) @ Boston Red Sox (4-3)
Series: Indians, 3-1
First Pitch: 8:00pm EDT
Venue: Jacobs Field, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: FOX
Starting Pitchers:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/6403.jpghttp://bellsouthpwp.net/c/h/chinigor/TALKSOX/VS.GIFhttp://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/6603.jpg

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/50x50/bos.gif#19 Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27), (2-0, 1.20)
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/50x50/cle.gif#52 C.C. Sabathia (19-7, 3.21), (1-1, 10.61)

Mojo of the day:
2004 ALCS. We sparked a come back. Do it again - this deficit isn't even as big.

[BigPapi]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_soxemergency_10.18.07_SN.jpg

[BF_in_Indiana]

No shit.

I have been pissed about the JD Drew signing since the second I heard about it.

When we traded him to Atlanta a few years ago I think he had a career year. That was also a contract year for him I believe. He was healthy all year and his like 31 homers or something like that. He ended up in LA and was hurt for most of 2005. Then his contract year was last year and he puts up 100 RBI's, 20 homers, and a .283 average. So he gets the big bucks this year and his average was down 13 points, his RBI's were down by 36 and he only had 11 homers in roughly the same ammount of games.

The guy doesn't work hard and only cares about himself. Very bad signing.

[Orange Nation]

Beckett has seen this situation before.

Marlins won the first game at home in 03 and then lost 3 in a row to the Cubbies.

Beckett comes in game 5 and goes 9 IP, 2 H, 11 K CG Shutout. Wow!

[Carl J. Ironsides]

If I'm a Red Sox fan with photoshop skills right now, I am putting Beckett's face on a $100 bill and using it as my sig. The guy is money, plain and simple.

[BF_in_Indiana]

I'm glad to see Boston make a series of it. The playoffs have been very dull and one sided this year. I want to see a Game 7!

[Orange Nation]

Is there a more sure thing in sports than Josh Beckett toeing the rubber in a playoff game at this point?

God I hate Cleveland. Having Beckett's ex sing the national anthem was garbage, their towels are garbage, the fact they need the stadium PA to get amped is garbage. I loved the looks on their faces at the end of the game, like someone ran over their dog or something. **** you, Cleveland. You don't know what suffering is. No wonder LeBron won't cheer for your ****ing team.

Second, when does the discussion start for Josh Beckett being the greatest postseason pitcher ever? What more does he have to do? I know he needs more longevity, but what he has done in the postseason is absolutely atrocious.

His stats read:

9 Games, 5-0 Record, 1.79 ERA, 73 K, 13 BB, 0.54 WHIP

I loved the fact he yelled "POPUP" after Lofton's at bat. He's a rare breed, one that excels in the postseason.

Lastly, I find it interesting that in 2003 and 2004, we were facing 3-2 deficits. We face a 3-2 deficit now. The difference is we're going home where we a better offensive team. Each time previous, we won game 6. Luckily for us, the guy who won Game 6 in '04 is starting Saturday night.

By the way, Ellsbury better be starting Saturday!

Let me leave you with this....don't make plans for Sunday night.

[Orange Nation]

If I'm a Red Sox fan with photoshop skills right now, I am putting Beckett's face on a $100 bill and using it as my sig. The guy is money, plain and simple.

The best I could do:

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3413/gdjbon5.jpg

[Carl J. Ironsides]

The best I could do:

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3413/gdjbon5.jpg

Pretty much. Even I, a die-hard Yankee fan/Red Sox hater, have to bow to Beckett's greatness. Him pitching a playoff game is like Tiger Woods leading a major entering the final round. The opposition might as well not even show up; it's a done deal, a foregone conclusion.

[BigPapi]

Is it possible to pitch on 1 days rest?

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/18/1192765314_8575.jpg

[unklechucky]

How much more lights out can a man get? BTW....whats the history with him and Lofton?

[Orange Nation]

After the game, Lofton said it goes back to 2005 and Beckett doesn't like the way Lofton flips his bat after a walk or something...probably runs deeper than that though.

[Orange Nation]

Fact is, I think all of the pressure lies on Cleveland now. FOX was saying how before the game there were Indians players quoted saying "We don't want to go back to Boston."

In all honesty, we're down 3-2 but it could very easily be the other way around. This series has been unbelievably close and I expect Game 6 to be just like that.

I have Lester at the ready if Schilling falters. Look, I don't usually buy into the "We've been there" approach, but this team has the experience. The Indians do not.

[unklechucky]

I was saying the same thing to my wife this morning. The tribe had a chance to finish ys off, now it goes back to Boston....look out!!

[BF_in_Indiana]

I'm sticking with my prediction that I made before Game 5. The Sox won Game 5 and I said if they did that they would win in 7.

The Indians are done.

[Orange Nation]

LOL @ Garko

"The champagne tastes just as good on the road as it does at home.."

http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/10/19/scott-petrak-relax-this-tribe-team-wont-fail/

Funny, Mr. Garko, because I remember Willie Randolph made similar comments about how good Champagne tastes...

[BigPapi]

LOL @ Garko

"The champagne tastes just as good on the road as it does at home.."

http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/10/19/scott-petrak-relax-this-tribe-team-wont-fail/

Funny, Mr. Garko, because I remember Willie Randolph made similar comments about how good Champagne tastes...

Cocky Bastards but that is some good material for the Sox (as if they need it)

Scott Petrak: Relax, this Tribe team won’t fail

Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram

CLEVELAND — Take a deep breath and relax.
Yes, the Indians lost Game 5 7-1 Thursday night.
Yes, the ALCS is headed back to Boston.
Yes, the Indians failed to clinch at home.
Yes, ace C.C. Sabathia fell to 0-2 in the series.
No, it’s not time to panic.
No, this won’t be a repeat of 2004 when the Red Sox became the only team in postseason history to rally from a 3-0 deficit to oust the Yankees and win their first World Series since 1918.
No, Northeast Ohio won’t add The Collapse to The Drive, The Fumble and The Shot.
This Indians team is better than the Red Sox and will prove it once and for all in cramped Fenway Park. Sure, a home-field celebration would’ve been nice, but silencing Red Sox Nation in its house will be just as sweet.
“The champagne tastes just as good on the road as it does at home,” first baseman Ryan Garko said.

[BigPapi]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_sox-indians-FG_10-19-07.jpg

[BigPapi]

If there was one person that wanted it to end last night it was Carmona, I think he wants no piece of Boston especially in Fenway which has become his own house of horror ( 3 apperances 2 blown saves and last weeks loss).

[BigPapi]

In the spirit of the Papelbon YMCA in the bullpen last night I figured why not watch this one more time in the hopes we'll see it again sunday.


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[BF_in_Indiana]

I remember Willie Randolph made similar comments about how good Champagne tastes...

That must have been before my main man Yadier Molina burnt Shea to the ground right?

One year ago tonight (well yesterday now).

A great moment.

[Orange Nation]

It has been confirmed by WEEI. Coco Crisp has indeed been benched in favor of the sexy man named Jacoby Ellsbury. He will bat 8th.

Thank You, god.

[phishhead220]

It has been confirmed by WEEI. Coco Crisp has indeed been benched in favor of the sexy man named Jacoby Ellsbury. He will bat 8th.

Thank You, god.

This is the best news ever. So predictions...where will coco play next year?

Kansas City?

[phishhead220]

Also what's the over-under on times Joe Buck brings up the Bloody sock?

60?

[Orange Nation]

This is the best news ever. So predictions...where will coco play next year?

Kansas City?

Atlanta

[Orange Nation]

**** yes jd drew...welcome to boston.
more emotion there then ive seen all season...love it.

fausto just got carmOWNED

[Orange Nation]

Josh Beckett will make himself available out of the pen should the Red Sox force a Game 7 on Sunday.

The Red Sox are planning to start Daisuke Matsuzaka, but they'll have a very quick hook with Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield and maybe Beckett also available. "Obviously, I'm preparing myself for them to ask me that, and as of right now, yeah, I think that would be something I could do," Beckett said.

[BF_in_Indiana]

I told you all it was over if the Red Sox won Game 5. And like I've said a few times already. It's over.

Cleveland is D-O-N-E DONE!

The only thing I was surprised by was JD Drew actually registering as having a heartbeat.

[Orange Nation]

I hope, for Garko's sake, the champagne tastes just as good when he's sipping a bottle on his couch while he's watching the World Series.

[Orange Nation]

The only thing I was surprised by was JD Drew actually registering as having a heartbeat.

It's what I love about baseball. The guy had a bad year -- he certainly didn't earn the $14 million that the Red Sox paid him, whether there's a good excuse for it or not... but it's the playoffs, and you can change that perception with one great month, one great series, one great game... or in this case, one great swing. Good for JD Drew... I couldn't be happier for the man, and for the time being, with a game seven looming ahead, I couldn't be happier for the team.

[Orange Nation]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/20/1192929494_2204.jpg

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/20/1192929106_0847.jpg

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/20/1192930825_9242.jpg

[BigPapi]

Last night was great no doubt about it, I almost gave my mother in law a heart attack as she fell asleep on the love seat when Drew hit that slam and I screamed out like a crazy person! It's going to be a long wait till 8:23 I just hope it's worth it. GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!

[phishhead220]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/21/MNN6SSC8F.DTL&tsp=1

Paul Byrd took HGH

[Carl J. Ironsides]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/21/MNN6SSC8F.DTL&tsp=1

Paul Byrd took HGH

That's hilarious. Good luck pitching Game 7 with that distraction going on, Byrd. Just another reason to stick a fork in the Indians.

[unklechucky]

Just caught the Byrd story on ESPN, nice distraction at the worst possible moment...GO SOX!!!!!!

[BigPapi]

I don't think it will be that much of a distraction for them. If it does have a negative effect than I over estimated the coaching skills of Wedge.

[BigPapi]

Dice-K has a chance to shut everyone up tonight. I'll be happy if he can give us 5 or 6 innings

[Orange Nation]

From the articles I've read it sounds like he wasn't doing it to cheat. It appears he has medical tests and doctors prescriptions and an actual problem for which he needs to take them. The timing of this whole thing is what's most unfortunate. One more hurdle they need to get past.

[BigPapi]

Two of Byrd's prescriptions for growth hormones were not written by a physician, according to a law enforcement source. Instead, the prescriptions were written by a Florida dentist, said the source, who asked not to be quoted by name because he was not authorized to comment. The dentist's license was suspended in 2003 for fraud and incompetence, state records show.

[BigPapi]

The Red Sox lineup is out, and it's exactly the same as yesterday's, with Jacoby Ellsbury still in the No. 8 slot instead of Coco Crisp.

Red Sox

1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Manny Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
9. Julio Lugo, SS

SP - Daisuke Matsuzaka

[BigPapi]

Call me crazy, last time I posted this we did all right. Here's to good karma!!

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_sox-indians-FG_10-19-07.jpg

[BF_in_Indiana]

Byrd isn't pitching tonight though is he? Wedstbrook is pitching right? The Byrd story shouldn't factor into this game very much at all.

That said I once again will state that this series is over and Boston is going to the World Series.

[BF_in_Indiana]

I hate to toot my own horn but I called it days ago.

It was just the 1996 NLCS all over. Go check out that series and you will see why I made that comparison.

[BigPapi]

Now after Cleveland talking all that smack they can now use all those towels to soak up thier tears!!!! I'm sure they'll bounce back next year congrats to them on a hell of a series. GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigPapi]

I hate to toot my own horn but I called it days ago.

It was just the 1996 NLCS all over. Go check out that series and you will see why I made that comparison.

You sure as hell did!!!

[BF_in_Indiana]

I will tell ya why I said that several days ago.

I saw a ton of similarities between the 1996 NLCS and this years ALCS. Here is a refresher.

In 1996 St. Louis swept the Pads in the first round and came into the LCS against the defending World Champion Braves. The Braves won the first game. The Cardinals came back in Game two with a grand slam from Gary Gaetti or however you spell his last name. They went to St. Louis and the Cardinals won some well played games in Games 3 and 4 to go up 3 games to 1. Something seemed wrong about their demeanor though and I noticed the same sort of thing with Cleveland.

The Cardinals lost game 5 at home in a big blowout. They played the Braves close in Game 6 and got blown out again in Game 7. As with the Indians the '96 Cardinals just lacked the experience in this situation to close it out. And making it worse for Cleveland was the fact that Boston has been here before (or at least the core guys have). The biggest hurdle was Game 5. Once they got the road game out of the way it was over.

[BigPapi]

At the end of game 5 the tribe had that deer in the headlights look.

[phishhead220]

This Red Sox team is incredible. Gotta love Youk's shot off the coke bottles.

[Orange Nation]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/22/1193028748_3735.jpg

[BigPapi]

http://www.cleveland.com/cgi-bin/prxy/photogalleries/nph-cache.cgi/cache=3000;/cleve/images/7385/22K0.jpg

[unklechucky]

Props to my boys, bring on the Rockies...got to know though...who's the hottie Papi is posing with?

[Orange Nation]

his wife

[unklechucky]

his wife

Really?? I just became an even bigger fan.

[BigPapi]

AssDribble!! There I said it. He's a hell of a second baseman and made some incredible plays but that name, I just couldn't help it, sorry.

[Sabres Cutie]

Ugh, I hate the Sux... I mean Sox.

[Orange Nation]

that's nice.