Oct
18

ALCS Game 6: Just win, Tampa

By Benjamin Kabak

You know what it is about these Red Sox that really bother me? They shouldn’t be this good. When you look at the lineup for today’s game and compare to the ones the Sox put forward in 2004, that 2004 team would tear apart this 2008 team.

Anyway, you know the drill. Tampa was seven outs away from the World Series with a seven-run lead and couldn’t seal the deal. They better win tonight; I can’t stomach a game seven.

Tampa led the Majors with 57 home wins this year. One more gets them into the Fall Classic.

The game thread is going up early because we’re all out tonight. Feel free to use this as an open thread until the game starts at 8:07 p.m.

Boston Red Sox
1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mark Kotsay, 1B
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Jason Varitek, C

SP — Josh Beckett

Tampa Bay Rays
1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
2. B.J. Upton, CF
3. Carlos Pena, 1B
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Carl Crawford, LF
6. Cliff Floyd, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Gabe Gross, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS

SP: James Shields

Update by Mike (8:30pm): Apparently there’s a power outage at TBS’ headquarters, so the game’s not on TV here. Here’s MLB’s live feed. It’s on TBS now.

Posted on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 at 5:58 pm in Game Threads, Playoffs.

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241 Comments

Troy says:
 
Brian says:

No kidding about the 2004 team. One just needs to look at the degradation of Varitek, Papi, and Timlin alone to see that. Another thing that gets me is that Lowell isn’t even playing and Kotsay’s at first. Give me a break.

 
Jeff says:

Couldn’t you make the same kind of comment about the line-ups, comparing the Yankee teams with Murderer’s Row plus Cano versus the 1996 World Series Yankees?

Steve says:

Sure, and as we all know the muderers row team went nowhere come October.

The more telling comparison for playoff purposes would be to compare the two pitching staffs.

2004 Pedro/Schilling top of rotation with a hot Derek Lowe going into the playoffs. Foulke was the closer in a career year for him.

2008 Beckett and Lester at top with Dice-K as the #3. Paps the closer

Average middle relievers on both teams. Pretty close pitching wise, assuming Beckett is healthy. But most people think he isn’t.

 
 
Steve says:

Hughes got clobbered in the AFL today

2.2 innings, 7 hits, 8 runs, 7 earned, 2 walks, 1 k

Don’t have a link. It all came apart in the 3rd from what my buddy told me. Single, bloop, hit by pitch, sac fly, followed by a HR and a few more hits. Bad outing, no way around it.

Mike A. says:

It happens. Oh well.

 
Stryker says:

can’t save them all, hasselhoff.

Steve says:

If the Sox win tonight, I’ll be just as drunk as he usually is.

 
 
 
Steve says:

Since we didn’t have a Dot-f today, I’ll post this here. BA article about Yankee lefty Michael Dunn

Sorry dude, can’t post subscriber only info. Our lawyers are busy enough with Ambiorix Burgos. DotF will be up after the game.

Steve says:

Wonder if they like him enough to let Marte walk. I hope not.

So many fans are down on Marte, but I hope they keep him. You just can’t find good lefties, the Yanks have searched for years. Pick up the option, and if he sucks just cut him/deal him around mid season. Its not like the 6 mil will kill the Yanks, but not having a solid lefty will.

 
Jack says:

Either that was edited, or you are the biggest tease ever.

Steve says:

Here, click this link

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/.....mp;page=64

Before they edit it as well.

Steve says:

The other site, I mean.

 
 
 
Steve says:

Gotcha. Sorry bout that.

 
 
Mike A. says:

So … where’s the game? Why is TBS showing some crappy bloopers show?

Mike A. says:

What the hell was that all about? Must have been a rain delay in the Trop.

 
Jay says:

Was wondering the same thing… Now it’s the Steve Harvey Show!

How does this happen?

 
 
iYankees says:

TBS can’t get the game to us, due to technical difficulties? How crappy is that? I love Steve Harvey, but come on!

 
iYankees says:

Steve Harvey has the sharpest hairline, ever. It’s mesmerizing.

 
UWS says:

Steve Harvey Show??!!???

??!?

 
Mike A. says:

Coco just bunted for a single to 3B on the first pitch of the game.

UWS says:

Is the game being shown on some other channel? How the hell did they manage to fuck up something like this?

Mike A. says:

I’ve got Gameday up.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Shields picked him off first.

 
 

This is a fucking joke. TBS should be stripped of their playoff rights forever

UWS says:

No kidding. What a clusterf*k.

 
Mike A. says:

Seriously. I want FOX back.

 
iYankees says:

Seriously, this is terrible.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Pedroia popped out.

Mike A. says:

Ortiz K’ed. Inning over.

 
 

Man, thank god this isn’t the Yanks. I’d be flipping my lid. Red Sawx Nation must be going insane

thank Mo*

My bad.

 
 
JeffG says:

TBS = Total Bullshit Station… where the hell is the game?
If it wasn’t for Family Guy I’d boycott.

 
Bill N says:

This is about regoddamndiculous. TBS really ? Welcome to broadcasting, atleast there is some good college football on

 
UWS says:

Devils’ power play looks like crap.

 
Mike A. says:

I tried calling TBS, can’t get thru. Give it a shot if you want:

404-885-0758

http://support.tbs.com/ics/sup.....eptID=5475

Is it possible that this whole game wouldn’t be shown? I know they’ll probably correct these technical issues, but can you imagine if that happened?

iYankees says:

Haha, I think they’d be pretty funny, actually, as it would punish Sox fans across the nation.

 
 
 
iYankees says:

Apparently, the Red Sox comeback in game 5 was so unbelievable, TBS totally forgot about game 6.

 
Mike A. says:

From PeteAbe:

Game 6 of the ALCS is not on television, apparently because of a power outage at Turner Television headquarters in Atlanta.

No word from MLB when the broadcast will start.

Jay says:

Good to know they didn’t just decide to show The Steve Harvey Show, thinking it would get better ratings…

 
 
Mike Pop says:

This is why you cant trust TBS with this kind of game… Yes should be covering this game

 
Mike A. says:
Mike Pop says:

When trouble is afoot Mike A saves the day

 
 
Lanny says:

This is what happens when you put playoff games on TBS.

 
Steve says:

Plan B anyone? Online radio link?

Who carries the Rays or Red Sox games locally?

 
iYankees says:

BJ UPTON HOMERS!!

 
Mike A. says:

Upton just homered. Again.

 
Steve says:

Tampa just scored. 1-0

Steve says:

Upton HR, what else.

 
 
Ivan says:

Boss Man Jr in da mothafuckin House bitches.

 
UWS says:

On the plus side: no Chip Caray and Buck Martinez.

Or Craig Sager and his fluorescent jackets.

 
Lanny says:

Why can’t they show Frank TV?? They’ve only run 7 million promos for it the past 2 weeks

 
Mike Pop says:

I would expect this if the Yanks were involved but not THE BOSTON COMEBACK KIDS RED SOX !!!

 
Mike Pop says:

How is there a live feed is it only becuz of TBS’s problems or they always have one ?>

 
iYankees says:

Game on… Damn, Upton really regained that power stroke during the playoffs..

 
Mike A. says:
UWS says:
 
 
Steve says:

“You haven’t missed much”

What a douchebag.

 
Mike A. says:

Apparently Upton’s homer went off the catwalk.

 
UWS says:

Hmmm…I have a bad feeling about this game.

 
Steve says:

All of a sudden I miss Steve Harvey.

 
Lanny says:

All the talk about Longoria being the best in the dov soon should stop. Upton is the guy.

Steve says:
 
UWS says:

I’m sure that’ll be a fun argument to have for years to come.

 
Mike Pop says:

Id take either guy but Id rather have Longoria

 
 
Mike A. says:

Jamie Shields is only throwing 89-90. He’ll never be a successful ML pitcher, especially in the AL East.

Ivan says:
Mike Pop says:

Might as well release Kennedy

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Mike A. says:

Sheesh, ground balls are finding the holes, eh?

Steve says:

. . and the fly balls are finding seats.

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Ivan says:

just called that a ball.

 
Mike A. says:

Beckett’s like, 90% off-speed stuff right now.

Steve says:

Even his fastball is off speed. That 2nd pitch to Floyd was 88 MPH.

Francona can tell everyone he’s healthy, nobody’s buying it.

 
Mike Pop says:

He looks better tonight than he has in the past couple games

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Mike Pop says:

Mike, how is Shields so effective with that kind of speed ? Its a serious question. Alot of guys who throw as hard as him arent as effective. Is it because of his changeup/control/movement ?

Mike A. says:

He spots it well and mixes in his offspeed stuff nicely. He’s got a Grade A changeup, might be the best in baseball, so that certainly helps.

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Pedro says:

Price warming in the pen.

 
UWS says:
Mike A. says:

That was ol’ unintentional intentional walk to Drew.

 
 
Pedro says:

It would be nice if Shields could throw a strike every now and then.

 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

any of y’all got a sidekick?

Thomas says:

The phone or like Robin compared to Batman? I don’t have either, but I’d like the latter.

Ivan says:

the phone. I don’t have one either and I was considering buying one.

Mike A. says:

Can’t help ya, I’m still rockin’ my three year old RAZR.

Ivan says:

and you have not considered changing it?

Mike A. says:

I have, but I’m thinking iPhone.

 
 
 
UWS says:

I gotz me an ol’ CrackBerry. Don’t need no stinkin’ Sidekicks.

Ivan says:

It seems that Blkberries are for more older/mature people, while SK’s are for younger hip people.

UWS says:

What are you implying?

Ivan says:

Not dissing anybody just saying that almost every person who I saw with a SK’s a little younger and etc and dudes with blkberries I,ve seen is for mature people. Maybe it’s just me.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
UWS says:

If by “younger people” you mean damn high-schoolers, you’re probably right :-P

 
 
 
A.D. says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Wow Beckett is pitching like Greg Maddux.

 
Mike A. says:

The strike zone is slightly amorphous tonight.

 
Mike A. says:

If Dustin Pedroia leaning into a pitch like that and it ould be called gritty. Jason Bartlett … not so much.

 
Mike A. says:

Take Aki, take until he’s got 2 strikes on you. Get Bossman up there with as many runners on as possible.

Ivan says:

True, but to be fair, unless Beckett is a moron, he’s gonna throw a FB right down the pipe in that situation, so if your Aki might as well swing at a FB down the pipe right?

 
 
Steve says:

7 HR’s in his last 28 ABs

So if he can keep this up, he should hit 150 HR’s next year. Can’t wait.

 
Ivan says:

Yo did anybody saw the new Mortal Kombat Vs. DC universe game? I just knew about it today while I was at game stop.

 
Mike A. says:

Wow, Cousins out of the game. Hopefully we get a normal strike zone now.

UWS says:

What happened to him?

Mike A. says:

Took a foul tip off the mask, but he stayed in for the rest of the inning and another half inning. Leaving the game now.

UWS says:

Wow. Can an ump be gritty? Or gutsy?

Mike A. says:

Well, the foul tip came off Varitek’s bat, so maybe it was grit by osmosis?

UWS says:

That’s some painful osmosis.

 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:
Steve says:

I think so, if for no other reason the delay will affect Beckett more, since I think he’s hurt.

 
 
 
MasterShake says:

Breaking news: Upton ties A-rod in career home runs…in the postseason. He is 2 behind A-rod in RBIs. Longoria is in hot pursuit as well.

Therefore if the Rays lose it is Arods fault.

Mike A. says:

Upton’s also already hit the 4th most homeruns in a single postseason in history.

Mike Pop says:

Beltran up there too right ?

Mike A. says:

Yeah.

1. Bonds, 8, 2002
2. Beltran, 8, 2004
3. Glaus, 7, 2002
4. Upton, 7, 2008

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Varitek bat is even killing umpires.

 
UWS says:

Why does it take so long to replace a friggin’ ump? This game sucks.

Mike A. says:

Wonder how the layoff will affect the pitchers. Beckett will probably sit on the bench for a good 30-40 minutes when it’s all said and done.

Steve says:

Wherever his injury is, that cant help it.

 
 
Thomas says:

They’ll probably blame instant replay for the delay.

UWS says:

Come on, we all know it’s ARod’s fault.

Thomas says:

Obviously he is the reason for replay.

 
 
 
 
Steve says:

Brooke Shields is a nice looking babe and all, but these Volkswagen commercials are just hideous.

Mike A. says:

I saw her way back in the day on Broadway in Grease.

For some reason I felt like sharing that.

Steve says:

I guess I’m just partial to the Mercury car commercial babe.

 
 
 
UWS says:

Bold prediction: final score of this game will not be 2-1.

Mike A. says:

I get the feeling that it just might end 2-1. We’ll see…

Steve says:

I know. Beckett should have cracked by now.

Mike A. says:

You know we’re due for a bunch of “Beckett, the greatest postseason pitcher in the history of the universe, really gutted out this game” stories regardless of what happens from here on out.

Scott Kazmir pitched a gem in Game 5 and there was something wrong with him (either mechanical or physical), but nothin’.

UWS says:

Kazmir doesn’t play the game the right way. Duh.

 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Swipe a few bags now, Carl.

 
Pedro says:

Watching the Rays tonight is just like watching the Yankees this season. Pitcher having a hard time, batters having terrible AB’s, balls findind holes through the D, just great.

 
Bill N says:

How was that a strike ?

 
Steve says:

If the Sox do win tonight, does anyone here still like the Rays in tomorrow’s game?

 
Mike Pop says:

UGh this series should be over !!!!

 
Mike A. says:

Damn yo. I went to kitchen to make a sandwich just as Floyd grounded out to end the 4th, and when I just came back the top of the 5th was over already. I guess Shields figured it out.

 
Mike Pop says:

Beckett might just turn back into the best postseason pitcha eva !!1!1!

 
Mike A. says:

Zobrist? Why not Baldelli?

 
Pedro says:

Are the Rays trying to lose?

 
Mike A. says:

Note to every current and future manager: never try to a) steal, or b) hit and run when the catcher is at first.

Mike Pop says:

What you mean the cap’n Tek cant steal bases ?

 
 
Steve says:

WTF Navarro?

That’s just A-Rod-esque trying too hard right there.

 
Ivan says:
 
UWS says:

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

JA-SON BART-LETT clap clap clapclapclap JA-SON BART-LETT clap clap clapclapclap

MVP!!!

 
Ivan says:

TB is winning this game. I mean come on, when Bartlett hits a homer, you gotta win.

 
Mike Pop says:

Man o Man Maddon is fuckin up

 
Bill N says:

Why in the hell was he stealing ? But good stuff on the bomb

Mike A. says:

It was a hit-and-run, Zobrist couldn’t make contact with the high curve that almost hit him in the face.

 
 
UWS says:

Told you it wouldn’t end 2-1.

Fuckin’ Navarro.

Mike A. says:

Anyone wanna put money on it not ending 2-2?

UWS says:

How can you be so sure?

Mike A. says:

I’m using a portion of my cunning. No wait! All my cunning.

 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Hah, the greatest postseason pitcher EVA!!11!! is one away from setting the record for most homers allowed in a single postseason.

Mike Pop says:

Thats cuz hes not afraid to go after pitchers, he is gritty and that means no matter how the game ends he is still a champion

 
UWS says:

Too bad both of tonight’s were solo shots. Grumble.

 
 
UWS says:

“Ben Zobrist remains in the game as right fielder.”

WTF? Zobrist plays the OF?

Mike A. says:

Yeah, just started this year. He was playing center after BJ hurt his shoulder.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

I wish Shields was a Yankee, he fucken hates the red sox

 
Steve says:
 
Jay says:

Another HR by an anti-MVP

 
Mike A. says:

Yeah … so … NO ONE saw Varitek doing that.

Ivan says:

Not even God saw that coming.

UWS says:

…but Mo might’ve.

Mike Pop says:

Mo have mercy let the Rays win this series

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Pedro says:

Varitek…this is impossible.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Honestly I dont want to hear more of PApelbon if the Sox win this game

 
Ivan says:

The two MVP’s of Bartlett and Varitek show up to play today.

 
Mike A. says:

Good, get the lefty in there to face Ortiz and Drew.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Oy vay Bartlett…

 
Mike Pop says:
 
Pedro says:

The Rays looked so good through the first 4 and half games, now they look like the ‘08 Yankees.

Ivan says:

The same team that won 89 games.

 
 
Ivan says:

All of a sudden Ortiz and Varitek wanna show up.

 
UWS says:

My God Mo. They’re purposely trying to lose, aren’t they.

 
Lanny says:

The wheels have come off the Rays bus. The Sox overcome another ALCS deficit. Crazy

 
Mike Pop says:

Who starts game 7 for Rays

Mike A. says:

Garza, if necessary.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Hopefully Francona leaves Beckett in too long again.

UWS says:

Not this time. Sigh.

 
 
Mike A. says:

YouK!!! UUUUUUUGE strikeout by Howell.

Upton, Pena, Longoria due up, time to do some damage.

Mike Pop says:

3 runs right here

 
 
UWS says:

12 outs to score 2+ runs. Difficult, but not impossible. They only need to look at Sox in Game 5…

 
Ivan says:

iight maybe the TB rays win by beating Papelbon no?

 
Mike A. says:
UWS says:

Wow. What a moron.

 
Ivan says:

Great. the day keeps gettin better. Joba gets arrested, Hughes gets rocked and now the rays are losing. Fantastic.

 
Ivan says:

So that mean we might have to take it easy with the Buchholz jokes?

 
Mike A. says:

Yes, definitely. Buchholz just stole a bunch of computers. Joba could have killed someone, himself most likely.

What a fucking moron.

Mike Pop says:

Sox fans are gonna eat him alive at Fenway and in general

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

This upsets me alot

 
 
Ivan says:

Wow where was that.

 
Reggie C. says:

Longoria. A clutch homer would be nice.

 
Pedro says:

Is there any chance Lester doesn’t throw 8 innings of 1-run ball tomorrow to win the ALCS?

Mike A. says:

Game’s not over, chill out.

Lanny says:

This game was over as soon as Drew got that hit 2 nights ago.

 
Pedro says:

I know, I’m just saying, in case there’s a game 7.

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Ya but Garza throws a no no

 
Dimaggio5 says:
 
 
Ivan says:

Balfour betta do a much better job.

 
Mike Pop says:

God Joba getting arrested just killed the decent mood i was in

 
Mike A. says:

Balfour should be able to blow Varitek away. No excuses.

 
Jay says:

Who is this “David ORR-tise” character Buck Martinez keeps referring to?

 
Ivan says:

I still can’t believe Varitek hit a homer.

UWS says:

Mystique and Aura helped out, dontcha know.

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Mike Pop says:

This game is a hit away from being tied.. ITS NOT OVER

Mike A. says:

Word. This game will not end 4-2.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Lanny says:

Lester will be in 2 hit shutout mode tomorrow.

Maybe the Phils can actually slay them. Someone has to.

Mike A. says:

TBS = Tampa blowing series

Mike Pop says:

Everything just seems to go the red sox way

 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

Rays looking like the magic is gone. Hughes and Joba get bombed. Knicks suck. When do the G-men play??

 
Mike R. says:

The suspense is officially over. I just heard this quote from an ESPN analyst.

“First they (The Red Sox) come back from a 7-0 deficit and now they’re winning today. That’s it! They’re winning the world series. There is no doubt.”

Kirk Herbstreit during the Texas vs Mizzou telecast.

Mike A. says:

I like Herby, he usually has his head on straight and is very fair when talking college football. Red Sox though … not so much.

Mike R. says:

I agree. My problem is this. Why even mention it? You don’t here Chip Caray saying that the national champoinship will run through Texas. Stick to what they pay you for.

Mike Pop says:

Next he will mention Joba

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Well Kirk does know everything…except his picks for the top 10 in the 2008 nfl draft

 
 
Mike A. says:

Big DP. Chad Bradford’s money in the postseason.

 
ESSRO says:

Longroias such a stud over there at third

 
Mike Pop says:

Could we give the Twins X and say Kennedy for one of their young pitchers ? Would they go for that or is too much ? X and a B prospect ?

Mike A. says:

Nah, thay have plenty of OFers and need a 3B. I don’t think X could play there anymore, and even if he could I doubt the Twins would want a guy making that much money and only a yr away from free agency.

Mike Pop says:

OO okaay cuz i was just reading MLBTR and I figured they needed offense so i was thinking it.. I would like to get something for X tho and bring Bobby back

 
 
 
Brian says:

stipe sucks. come on rays.

 
Mike A. says:

Big HBP by Bartlett. Tying run to the plate with the meat of the order coming up.

 
Mike Pop says:

Ugh that K was huge. Is Masterson really this good

 
Mike Pop says:

BJ trying too hard looks like

 
Mike A. says:

This thread’s slowing down for some people, I started a new one here:

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/.....read-5243/

 

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