Sox fans probably shouldn’t have expected much from the Olde Towne Team this past weekend, so it may just be best to forgive and forget as we wish them bon voyage on their way to Anaheim.
While the Sox celebrated Jonathan Van Every's walk-off single late Sunday night, there was little else to smile about after three games with the Yankees. (AP).
Still, there were a couple disconcerting developments from the weekend series with the Yankees.
- Mike Lowell’s injury on Friday night. It can’t be overstated what his presence in the Sox’ lineup means. Having that right hip injury flare up again, especially in a short series against the powerful Angels, is a bit frightening.
- Another shaky outing out of Jonathan Papelbon. Granted, he had four very good appearances prior to Sunday afternoon’s debacle. But that’s now three outings in September where he was knocked around pretty badly, and there were several others where he escaped jams by the skin of his teeth.
- For that matter, the questions are back about some of the bullpen. Granted, most of the guys who got shelled on Friday night won’t even sniff the postseason roster (hello, Devern Hansack and Chris Smith!). But in all likelihood, either David Aardsma or Mike Timlin will be, and this weekend won’t ease any fears. Especially Aardsma’s suckfest on Friday (0.2 IP, 5 ER) was followed up by nearly matching it on Sunday (1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB).
- And possibly most importantly, the news that Josh Beckett has a strained oblique and will be pushed back to Game 3. The optimist in WMYM hopes that the injury is no more severe than Terry Francona painted it to be on Sunday night. The cynic in us says that it may be more severe, leading to the frightening prospect of having to start Paul Byrd AND Tim Wakefield against that Angels lineup. Mercy me.
Still, let’s remember a few things. Seeing J.D. Drew back in action on Sunday (and watching him make a nice sliding grab on a sinking liner) is at the very least reassuring. And that Angels ace John Lackey had a sweet outing in his final postseason prep, to the tune of 10 earned runs and 12 hits in 2.2 IP. Plus, we DO all remember what happened the last time the Sox lost 19-8 to the Yankees, don’t we?
So WMYM is approaching the Angels series with cautious optimism. Also, it’s always nice when some guy named Gil can get their first major league hit!
Check back soon for a preview of the Angels series. Also, thanks to Cameron for having me aboard, and for that wonderful introduction.
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