Vulnerability apparent

When a starting pitchers pulls up injured, when you lose the #5 hitter and your #3 is dealing with a bad wrist that's just a bit much to overcome, no? You also omit the fact that the poster boy for pink hat nation cannot hit or get on base and it's killing the line up. He killed three innings on Saturday that could have produced runs for the Sox. Shame on the front office for not doing more to upgrade the offense. They knew Ortiz wasn't right. Bay has been great but when you have Tek, Ellsbury, and Ortiz unable to put the ball in play outside of weakly hit balls then you don't have a WS team. But, please be willing to acknowledge that a healthy Red Sox team beats the Rays.

Beckett pitched fat and over the middle Saturday night, Lester was fat and over the middle with the two rocket launches today, Ellsbury looks likes like he's in little league (his balance is awful - he needs to learn how to swing THROUGH the ball, and shift his weight THROUGH the ball), Tek would benefit with the use of a batting tee, Ortiz is a shadow of his former self, and Francona completely blew Saturday's game. Gawd, they look awful.

We cannot go forward in '09 with Lugo, Varitek, Wakefield, and Timlin. Theo has to pull several rabbits out of his hat to get this squad back to a comfort zone the Nation deserves.

Good points Tony. Wonder how Shaughnessy was so blind to all these problems when he had already penciled in the Sox after Game 1. This is a story worth reading, however negative and eyeopening it may be.

Go Red Sox!

Mass - World champs have both good pitching and good lineups, right now this team has problems with both, the bad starts by Lester and Beckett don't mean we can just let the weak lineup off the hook - the 2004 red sox beat the cardinals in a shootout in a game in which wakefield got lit up. Varitek should either not be resigned or should not catch more than 100 games next year with his future replacement getting 80 games. Ortiz can DH but he is no longer the force he was and needs to be supplemented with production at other spots. Everywhere else they have to live with what they have due to contracts, etc., so have to hope for more cfonsitency out of Ellsbury and more health out of Lowell.

Absolutly correct. I said at the beginning of September that the Sox will go as far as their starting pitching will take them. They're lucky to be in the position they are...which magnifys blunders like the managing of Game 2 even more.....and without the Zen of Manny ("No big deal") or the magic of Beckett to fall back on?

That said, I think they have a good chance to win tomorrow.

this guy is unbelievable. Tony, let me guess you never played baseball, let alone a sport right (one look at your picture on the top right of the page tells me the answer to that one)? If you did, you would know, sometimes your #1's get hit, and hit hard. It's part of the game. The great thing about baseball is, we get a shot again tomorrow, and Wake is capable of shutting them down. You sound like a typical pre-2004 Sox fan. Have a little faith in a TEAM that has proven the doubters wrong before, doubters like you. Just days ago you are praising Lester, now your are throwing in the towel on him and the Sox. The fact that this team won 95 games this year with a guy named Cora at SS, missing Papi for 70 games, Lowell playing with half a hip, Beckett pitching through a year of injuries, and more bumps and bruises along the way. If this team had the health it had last year, we would have won 115 games, I'd bet my life on it. This may not be the same team as 04 & 07, but the nucleolus is still there. NEVER count out a team that has come back from 0-3 and a 1-3 deficit. Regardless of what you say, this team STILL has the capabilities to get hot fast.

Stop crying that they don't have Manny.
Where have you been throughout the post season?
Jason Bay is having as good a post season as Manny ever had.
If you want to say Lowell is out, that's another matter.
Where have Ellsbury, Tek and Papi been against the Rays?
Throw in Lowrie and Cora, and it's silent movies. Drew had a couple of big hits against the Angels, and nothing against the Rays.
Bay, Pedroia and Youk have held up their end of the offense.

Just like in your in game chat!
"Bay isn't Manny". What is your problem with Jason Bay?
You want him out of town for Matt Holliday.
You sound like a jilted lover, with your obsession with all things Manny.
Totally absurd!
Get over it!

Nigh impossible to differ from the main thrust of Mazz's argument. As Bob Ryan had suggested at the weekend, Lester was indeed (over)due for a Fenway clunker, yet he should have entered that fateful third inning with the score either tied or a lead. The Sox should have plated Pedroia in the first and at least one run in the second after Varitek's unexpected defensive miscues (a dropped foul tip on a third strike to Longoria leading to a walk and the passed ball on the first pitch of the Navarro at bat) contributed hugely to the end of Lester's post-season scoreless streak at 12.
As for Byrd, on the basis of the evidence from last night he really should not be starting Game 6 - if we get that far.

Bay's bat has met or exceeded expectations since his arrival at the very start of August, but he is ultimately no substitute for a motivated Manny at the plate. Still, not even Manny appears capable of saving the Dodgers' hopes when their starting rotation and mediocre pen are against a line-up with the Phillies' firepower.

Sadly, Ortiz's glory days now seem distant and while the Ramirez departure may be a factor, we are all too probably witnessing the physical breakdown of a big slugger, which for some reason seems all too common at a certain stage over the age of 30.

Here's hoping that he proves me wrong tonight and that Wakefield displays the form he has so often showed against previous Tampa Bay line-ups against a much tougher order than they have ever previously displayed.

Bottom line, FranCOMA's debacle on Saturday night pumped up the Rays and put an enormous amount of pressure on Lester because he knew he had to win his 2 games. If we can't pull this off, MLB and Fox are going to love a Tampa/Philly World Series - hope Fox bought ratings insurance...

Insightful commentary, as always, Tony. Although there has been much discussion as to Tito's managerial ineptitude in game two, there is only the probability that the Red Sox would have realized a different outcome had Francona not sent out Beckett for that last and fateful inning. I say probable because it does not recognize the opportunistic Tampa Bay Rays. They knew that game two at the Trop was critical, and given their talent level, they may have well answered the bell and delivered a death blow to whatever relief specialist was carted out to the mound. Let's be real - we are playing a superior team as currently constituted. They are better on the mound, in the field, and at the plate than we are. Enough said. are.arestanstanding for eit Perhaps,we can match

Thank goodness the Globe has finally acquired Massarotti! Leave it to the Herald guy to tell The Truth about this team. It's great to see a column that is honest, to the point ,and written clearly, without an ego or an agenda! Fantastic! Let's hope Mazz brings some credibility back to the Globe Sports section.

Is this what Red Sox Nation needs to start cheering on their team, again? Where were the "real" Red Sox fans at yesterday's game? Yes, the ptching wasn't there, and the bats were basically silent, but there was no fan support from the beginning of the game! This did not seem like Fenway Park to me. If the Sox don't get on base or any hits from the beginning of the game, then it is over and done quickly after a great first game win! I'm hoping that this loss will be what the Sox need to get it in gear. I'm hoping that Wakefield can pitch a decent game. Let's hope that the bats come alive tonight. The Sox need this win, more than yesterday's at this point! Go Red Sox!

Is David Ortiz on the playoff roster? I haven't seen him yet...

One correction that demonstrates how clueless you are is when you said Ortiz hasn't been himself for the better part of 2 seasons. That is simply wrong. His homers were down, but he had the second best OPS in the AL and the best of his career. Overall, this was a good analysis, but you weakened it bu stating facts that simply are not correct.

Great piece, Tony. The starters "spit up on themselves." Love it.

It's getting brutal watching this more-balanced, youthful Tampa Bay team showing the Sox where their weaknesses lie. I thought the Sox and Angels were fairly evenly matched, at least in terms of ability. With Tampa Bay, I think the Sox will have stolen the series if they somehow manage to win 3 of the next 5.

Maz - I quibble with the mention that "David Ortiz really has not been himself for the better part of the last two seasons." Okay, I'll give you this season, bust last year he hit .332/.445/.624 with a 171OPS+ and 156 runs created, the highest of his career.

I hope this season is a fluke, but it's likely that we are seeing a decline. I imagine that next year he'll perform better because he will be healed, but he'll never be back to the Papi of '03 - '07.

unfortunately Ortiz is Mo Vaughn reincarnated. He was great, and a hero, but his time has passed. but remember how awful Sox bates looked in 2004 in the first 3 games. winter meetings should be interesting ths year...

I don't get it, Mazz. Last night you were all over us during the in-game chat for focusing on the lack of offense, and now here's your article about how the tanking starting pitching makes it obvious it is that we have no offense.

And to your point the other day, I would be fine with Lester starting Game 6 (which there will be a Game 6!). I think last night was an aberration. He's not hurt and doesn't have any of the Beckett excuses.

THIS SERIES IS OVER. BLOW UP THE TEAM. TRADE ORTIZ (BAD WRIST + NO MANNY = ZERO PRODUCTION) FRANCONA - WORST MANAGING I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS

Another ignorant piece of journalism. Mazz, find me a team who can win in the playoffs after getting dogsquat performances like we've seen the last two games from their #1 and #2 starters. Go ahead and find one instead of falling back on your mantra "The sox don't hit good pitching". In terms of priority of the blame, I put offensive woes third behind, starting pitching failures and managerial stubbornness from JimyGrady Francona and his set batting order and refusal to pull starters.

By day, Tony Massarotti is a mild mannered reported for the Boston Globe. By night, he is Captain Obvious.

Big Papi = Big Poopi.

The same Ortiz that can not hit a lick psycho analyzes the Rays and gives them bulletin board material. The line up is terrible with inept players sandwiching the hot ones (Pedroia, Youk, and Bay). Opposing pitchers know that they just need to pitch around these three and the rest of the six spots are weaker than a minor league team. We need to have the three of them bunched (or at least 3 of 4) and this requires a shaking of the line up such as Crisp, Pedroia, Drew, Youk, Bay, Ortiz, Lowrie, Varitek, and Ellsbury. But will Francona do it. He worries more about the feelings of the individual players than winning the game. Witness game 2 when Francona badly wanted to get a win for Beckett at the detriment of the team when he had 3 chances in the fifth inning to remove him and failed to do so.

The Manny apologists don't see their hand in front of their face.
Just what is is Jason Bay has to do? His numbers in this post season are almost the same as Manny's.
Manny would not have scored that winning run against the Angels. Manny is a lousy outfielder, and a poor baserunner.
Manny is also going to be sitting at home watching the World Series.
He's a quitter. Jason Bay isn't. Bay has respect for the game and plays it as it was meant to be played. Manny is a disgrace to the uniform.

Fatigue may be a factor. Lester pitched a ton this year, and he looked flat yesterday. Beckett came to camp out of shape and as a consequence has been beset by physical problems throughout the season. Only Daisuke appears to be fresh—probably because he rarely pitched more than 5-6 innings in the regular season. Wakefield? Who the hell knows.

Where is Ellsbury? Unbelievable that he hasn't simply bunted for a hit. Just get on base, young man.

One thing driving me nuts. They keep shifting on Ortiz. He is not hitting anything anyway. Why does he not send it down the third base line and take the free hit. In a earlier game Pedroia gets a hit and is on first with one out. Instead of taking the free hit and having first and second , 1 out, Ortiz strikes out. Then someone hits a ground rule double that would have scored Pedroia if he was on second, but he gets sent back to third. No run. Can we really afford not to take runs at this point??

word, gain some respect for Mazz. He hit it on the head.

Hey Maz I told you that the Red Sox would not be able to compete with the Rays. Lester had 2 good starts and all of the sudden he is being crowned the best pitcher in baseball? I mean come on give me a break. We will destroy Wakefield tonight and after that this series is over. Sox had a decent run but the Rays are just too good for them.

Shame on you (previous post) for suggesting Jason Bay's numbers in the postseason mimic those of Manny. Bay has played ... what? .... 7 postseason games. Chill out. No one is saying Manny needs apologizing, but can anyone deny that Manny is an utter beast with a bat? Jason Bay is doing a fine job. None of this mess of the last two games falls on Bay. Big Papi has become Big Poopi ... and it's infectious!

Fenway fans are spoiled! So much for home field advantage. A little pressure on the opposing team by the Fenway faithful would be nice. Maybe next time?

Unless David and Jacoby start getting on base and getting some key hits on a consistent basis our team is on its way out of the show in two shakes of a monkey's tail. Of course, this is all prerequisite to Wakefield going out there today and not pitching glorified batting practice as our previous two pitchers have done. The Rays are determined to win this thing and it is high time the Red Sox get straight and take it to these upstarts. It would also be a good idea for Manager Terry Francona to start doing his job in the dugout. Between failure to get his pitchers out of there in time and his stubborn refusal to try a little small ball once in awhile he has put our team between a rock and hard place---a very hard place.

The Rays are more confident right now because they're winning, not the other way around. Though you're definitely right that the only way the Sox are going to win this series is with (much) better pitching than what we've been seeing.

Rob from comment #1 is correct in saying a healthy Sox team will beat the Rays. Our offense can handle their pitching. Last night was disconcerting, but unlike a lot of the people here, I'm not worried about the offense. Our pitching *should* be able to handle the Rays' offense, but that's the part that we're not seeing right now. If our starters can shut down their good but not great offense, we can survive on 3-4 runs per game and make it out of the series.

It's not over people.....this is a team that excels when it's back is against the wall. Keep the hope up this team will rebound......all they need is to have Wakefield keep them n the game and the Sox's bats will come alive......don't give up on them.....we need to pull together as fans and support our team not dispose of them just because they are behind in the series

C'mon Tony, Lester is human? Did he win all of his starts this season? No.
The guy had a bad outing yesterday, that's all it was. The biggest problem right now is Ellsbury and Varitek. it's time to give Coco some consistent playing time. as for Tek, I've been his biggest fan for the longest time, but I'd be happy if he would just bunt with men on base from now on.
I have to adgree with other bloggers who say game 2 was a killer because of Tito's refusal to remove Beckett earlier. The Bullpen proved it's worth, but were asked to late in the game to preserve a win.
Now it's time for this team to go to work.

Hey Redsox fans,

Forget about this year. It´s done. You have gone too far already with the players in the team. No hitting and no good pitching, besides Dice-K. And the most amazing thing, is that the fact the Red Sox will be beaten by a team that its payroll is one third of the Red Sox. Money can´t buy good hitters and pitchers, i guess.
Just food for the thought, Manny Ramirez is 8 FOR 9 WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION. It´s more than the ENTIRE RED SOX team in the playoffs.
Great article, Mazz as usual. Just wonder the look on the face of the other infamous writer, Dan Jealousshay or whatever his last name.

Jacoby is key, when hes getting on and causing havoc on the basepaths we are a totally different team and a very dynamic offense. Watching papi hit lately is very depressing, hes trying to hit a homer on every pitch, instead of driving that outside pitch the opposite way. People complaining about vteks hitting havent been paying attention (HELLO HE HIT .224 DURING THE REG SEASON). I watch the sox in these playoffs and they dont seem to be that patient, wait for your pitch type team that we are accustomed to seeing.
Im looking at it like this, we are freerolling. Angels were the best team all year and we somehow got past them, so what ever happens now happens. We maybe better than the rays but i dont think anyone could say with a straight face we were better than the angels. We are beat up, are ace and most dominant hitter are both hurt and a shell of themselves. We are lucky to be in this. AND WE STILL CAN WIN, ITS ONLY 2-1 WE WERE DOWN 0-3 AND 1-3 TO YANKEES AND CLEVELAND LAST YEAR. WAKE IS GONNA BRING IT TONIGHT, I JUST HOPE THE OFFENSE DOES TOO.

Rob is correct. A healthly sox team would be up 2-1, at least. But, we have to play with what we are dealt. Considering the injuries and the grueling road trips I am proud of my team. Francona blew game 2 with his poor judgement. Francona likes to give veterans the benefit of the doubt. In game 3, Francona was smart to have Byrd pitch out the game, as he probably sensed this game was a lost cause. The SOX fans (if they really were) at the game yesterday should be ashamed of themselves. This was a playoff game and not a July game and the fans were awfully quiet. The Sox players feed off the crowd, and the crowd failed the team with their support. Booing a team is despicable (check the spelling), especially of one who has produced so many great playoff memories in recent years. I wish I was there as I would have screamed by voice off until hoarse. DO NOT COUNT THE TEAM OUT JUST YET - we have the homeruns guys in Pedroia, YOUKKKKKKKKKKKK, Bay and Drew. Francona should play Casey instead of Kotsay - I am tired of players like Lowrie, Tek, Cora and Kotsay trying to hit homeruns, when they know they really cannot - these players should just concentrate on hitting the ball up the gaps. Tek needs to study tape of his hitting as he has lost his balance on his swing, thus always grounded the ball. This series will test the player's mettle and by the end of it we will know just how badly this year's SOX team wants to win. PEDEY AND YOUK cannot simply win the series on their own as everyone needs to be held accountable.

I think people need to get off Francona's back for Game 2 - he was trying to get as many innings out of Beckett as possible before going to our (sometimes shaky) bullpen - plus not burn the bullpen for the next game - we had our chances to win, but it was over once Mike "Firestarter" Timlin came in the 11th!

Hopefully, Wake comes up big tonight & our offense wakes up with him (this would be anybody not named Pedroia, Youk, Bay or (last night) Kotsay)!

In no particular order, but some comments on yesterday's game.

Tek might call a great game (debatable) but his handling pitches (vs. pitchers) is questionable. Too many balls getting by him, one of which led to the first run yesterday. And, I think, made Lester think he had to aim pitches to avoid problems. That's deadly.

And deadlier still is the Sox utter failure to score runners and move them over. In this lineup, there is no way Papi should be hitting 3rd. Go Ellsbury, Pedroia, JD Drew, Bay or Youk, Papi, Youk or Bay, Kotsay, Cora or Lowrie, and Tek 9th. Or, as someone else suggesterd, have Papi start placing balls down the 3b line when they put the shift on.

Anyone else wondering why the hell Cora was not on 2d Base in the 8th last night? Even having stopped after his hit, he should have advanced on the bad throw, and then advanced to 3d on the sac fly. Then, no double play. Not that it mattered, but who knows what would have happened if he had been out of a DP situation.

Need a great outing for Wake tonight - and some offense.

If there is a Game 6, go with Lester if down 3-2, Byrd if up 3-2. Beckett is done, I think. For Game 7, either Byrd or Lester (whichever did not start Game 6) and then all hands on deck - scary thought.

I still feel that if Byrd had come in for the bottom of the 5th in Game 2, Sox are up at least 2-1 at this point (assuming the same outcome for last night's game).

By the way, start acknowledging that TB is a very good team - and stop acting like the World Series is the Sox's birthright. It ain't. They are hurt and depleted and still play too much station-to-station offense.

GO SOX!

Hey, KY, post no. 37.

Of what team are you a fan? The Sox have no pitching and no hitting? But are still in the ALCS? Be real.

Look, they've lost two games, but won one. This series isn't over (ask 2003 A's, 2004 Yankees and 2007 Indians). When teams split the first two games, someone's going to be down 2-1 after three games.

Sox may well lose, maybe even in 5 games. Hats off to TB either way. But get a hold of yourself.

And what Manny is doing is irrelevant - he's gone, and had made it clear before he left that he would NOT be doing that for the Red Sox. In fact, his performance since the trade just proves that he was lying about being hurt and is a sh!tbag who happens to be an amazing hitter.