10/03/04 at Orioles L 3-2

The last game of the regular season was completely meaningless from the Sox perspective. Wild card wrapped up, finally beat the Orioles in a series this season. What was left to be accomplished? How about we try to get Dave McCarty a Win? That's right, first baseman Dave McCarty pitched two scoreless frames, and had a chance to notch the win had the Sox scored a couple more runs after the 5th inning.

I have to say that I am not thrilled with the prospect of playing the first series against the Angels. I would have much preferred we draw either of the limping teams (A's and Twins). The Twins shot themselves in the foot in their series with the Yankees earlier this week. Ron Gardenhire managed the games like they were playing out the string, and it cost them home field for the first round of the playoffs. I am also not so thrilled at the idea that the teams with the best records don't get the home field advantage. If you're going to assert the idea that the Wild Card winner should not start in their own division, then why not award them home field if they have the second best record in the League? I'll start my letter to Bud right away...

I think we have an excellent chance to come out of Anaheim 1-1, 2-0 if Playoff Pedro shows up. Looking at Schill's post season numbers (5-1 1.66 in 11 starts), I'm pretty happy with that, if we don't win game one tomorrow, it will most likely not be his fault. If we can pull off two wins in Anaheim, I think a sweep will be more than a possibility. My prediction for the 2004 post-season: Bronson Arroyo becomes a household name outside of New England. This guy has been throwing the heck out of the ball since the All-Star break. His overall numbers may not reflect it, but throw out just four poor starts over that three month period, and his numbers reveal a dominant pitcher (7-2 2.25 65K 11BB .896 WHIP), only one of the starts did he fail to go six innings: October 2.

Our bullpen for this first series: Foulke, Timlin, Embree, Letspanic, Myers, Adams, Lowe, and Williamson. After working out Willie in the last two games, I think they probably wanted to see how he would react to pitching on back-to-back days. He looked good to me, and I don't see how you can leave someone with his experience and talent behind. If I'm Francona, my relievers are Timlin/Embree depending on a lefty or righty hitter for the seventh, Willie for the eighth, and Foulke in the ninth. Save situation or not, regardless of the lead, if you can sweep the Angels or even win the series 3-1, they'll have time to rest up for the next round.

One last thing... Note to Terry Francona: I don't care how well the starter is pitching - seven innings is the limit! I don't give a crap if Schilling is throwing a no-hitter - bring in relief for the eighth.