tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14383626.post803186921176185519..comments2024-01-14T23:07:20.775-06:00Comments on dcat: Friday Sox Report: Opening Day Editiondcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09921385244556780254noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14383626.post-88392450671603288532011-04-21T15:01:14.885-05:002011-04-21T15:01:14.885-05:00argh... beisbol es aburrido.argh... beisbol es aburrido.Chester Cheetahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14383626.post-73871524318514127282011-04-03T21:42:37.437-05:002011-04-03T21:42:37.437-05:00Well, 159-3 ain't too shabby. New England fan...Well, 159-3 ain't too shabby. New England fans should remember a certain Pats team not too long ago that started the season 0-2 which included a 31-0 opening day pasting by the Bills. 14 regular season wins later and an epic run through the playoffs that ended with the Lombardi Trophy in Foxboro and those early season bumps were a distant memory.<br /><br />It's remarkable that with the injuries the Sox had last year that they most likely would have been a playoff team if Lackey (yes, Lackey) had a solid year as opposed to sub-par. Given the extent of the team's injuries, playing the AL East no less, it's almost not believable. I was as impressed with Francona's managing job as any year since he's been with the team. With all of the different personnel, he essentially managed two different major league teams and 3 AAA teams.<br /><br />So here we are. If I'm a betting man, I say that the fire in Beckett gets him back somewhat close to where he was when he was at his unstoppable, playoff form, and that coupled with a healthy lineup is enough to win the AL East. I also think we're going to see Dice-K oscillate from decent to awful to forgettable and be traded close to the deadline for some middle relief support and a couple of young prospects. in short, I just think he is a major puss. If I'm wrong and he's not only healthy but reaches the potential everyone thought he once had, coupled with a healthy Beckett, the Sox could win the division by 10 games. The bats are going to be fun to watch. But, it's October pitching that wins championships. Lester is a stud, and I can see him being the next October Pettite, being lights out in those critical game 3's when the series is tied and turning the tide of an entire series.<br /><br />I'll save my comments on the Yanks for another day. I find it borderline ridiculous that one solid inning by Joba on opening day has people proclaiming that the middle relief has no holes whatsoever. Great start for Texeira, which just means his 3-68 streak will be in May instead of April.<br /><br />It's a long, long season, my friend. I'm hopeful that many more BBQ sauces will be sent to NC from TX than vice versa!Rich Holmeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05148345832095334490noreply@blogger.com