Right now, as I type, my beloved Red Sox are getting absolutely demolished by none other than the Tampa Bay Rays. By losing this game, they will go down 3 games to 1 in the ALCS. As you might imagine, I am pretty upset. The Sox were in this exact situation last year. They were down 3 games to 1 against the Cleveland Indians. Facing elimination, game 5 was do or die for the Sox, just like it is going into Thursday's matchup in St. Petersburg. The difference between last year and this year though, is big. Last year the Sox had the postseason immortal Josh Beckett going to the mound for game 5. This year, Josh Beckett is not looking so immortal and the usually explosive offense is looking like a bunch of little leaguers.
Aside from the lackluster pitching and complete lack of offense, injuries are playing a big part in Boston's struggles. Now I'm not usually one to make excuses but, honestly, I don't think the Sox would be in this situation with a completely healthy Big Papi, Josh Beckett, and Mike Lowell. Papi's wrist has been bothering him since a torn tendon sheath earlier in the season. Word just came out today that Lowell will have major surgery on monday, and even though Beckett says he's fine, everyone with a brain in their head knows that either his elbow or strained oblique is still bothering him.
As bad as everything is looking right now, I can't bring myself to lose my faith that they could make a comeback. They've done it twice before in recent memory. They did it last year, and who can forget the mind-blowing turn of events in 2004's ALCS? With all of the great players they've got, they still have a shot, even though it might be a long one.
No comments:
Post a Comment