I didn't want to write this article. In fact, it still hurts with every gentle push of the fingers on the keyboard.
I predicted Tim Wakefield would be strong in Game Four tonight...I am now helping myself to a large plate of crow.
I thought the Red Sox would get after Andy Sonnanstine...Sure, just keep piling the crow on.
This night was supposed to be the night that the Red Sox proved they were the Red Sox of old, the team that could be backed into a corner and still thrive. Instead, Game Four turned into an abject embarrassment before the third inning was even over.
The pitching staff was really bad, led by Wakefield and Manny Delcarmen, but once again, it was the offense that left most Red Sox fans ripping their game programs up by the fifth inning.
I understand that even if the Red Sox were able to score runs, they still probably wouldn't have won the game, but that doesn't prevent the newfound ineptitude of a once-proficient offense from leaving a bad taste in people's mouths.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The team with the offense built for the postseason walked just three times and collected just seven hits, yet they still managed to leave 11 runners on base, keeping their streak of double-digit runners stranded alive.
Coco Crisp was supposed to offer fresh offense out of center field, instead he walked twice and stranded two runners.
J.D. Drew was supposed to replace Jacoby Ellsbury at the top of the batting order, get on base, and ignite the stagnant offense. Instead he finished 0-for-5 and stranded two runners of his own.
Of course, in the end, the pitching should shoulder most of the blame for this loss. Wakefield gave up three home runs in just 2.2 innings.
Then, Justin Masterson, a rookie who is perfectly capable of pitching more than the 2.1 innings that he pitched tonight, was shuffled off the mound only to be replaced by Delcarmen, who got just one out and gave up five runs.
Just another example of a desperate manager trying to do anything to snap his team out of the doldrums.
The series could have been tied, now anyone would be hard pressed to find a baseball fan who thinks the Red Sox have any chance at reclaiming this series.
Maybe if this was 2007 all over again, and the Red Sox potent offense featured Mike Lowell, Manny Ramirez, and a healthy Ortiz and Drew.
Maybe if Josh Beckett was still pitching like he was possessed.
Instead, I will probably commit the ultimate act of treason if the Red Sox fall behind early on Thursday.
Instead of believing in the mystical aura that has saved the Red Sox from countless postseason debacles, I will probably just watch the "Law and Order" mini-marathon on TNT.
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