With Lowell, it even hurts to watch

I think Lowell hurt us by playing last night. He has to realize he's a liability. In a game that close, we needed every capable bat, and he can't even swing well.

Never mind playing the field, where last night the singles that barely got by him may not have gotten by a healthy fielder.

There's a point where you need to realize that your injury is hurting the team as well as yourself. Playing when you shouldn't isn't a cause for admiration.

WHY IS HE EVEN ON THE FIELD!!!!

HE IS HUUUUURRRRRTTTT!!!!!! He should NOT be playing - god love him.

I am reminded of the time that Bill Bruckner was inserted into the lineup when he should not have been playing in that game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the NY Mets. I hope Francona realizes that he has to make the lineup card with his head and not his heart. Lowell was hitless, hurting and at two plays that he couldn't negotiate in the field would probably have been completed successfully by Youk! Injuries are part of baseball but in critical situations the manager cannot be in denial. We all applaud Lowell's gameness but common sense tells us he is done for this season and the team now has to win without him.

Mike Lowell has been a stud since he arrived but he is hurting the team by even contemplating playing. A healthy Alex Cora at short and Jed Lowrie at 3rd is a better option, as is Youk at 3rd and Kotsay at 1st. I prefer Cora to Kotsay but those are both viable improvements to a virtual cripple.

The Red Sox will be fine and win tonights game 4 5-1

I wonder if this occurred to anyone else: When Figgins whacked that double on Beckett's first pitch of the night, the very first thing that went through my mind was the Sox coming home from Shea in the '86 World Series, having taken Games 1 and 2 on the road against the odds, and Lenny Dykstra whacking Oil Can Boyd's first pitch of Game 3 for a home run to the same part of the park where Figgins's double went. ... The Mets, like the Angels, had been back on their heels, but Game 3 changed everything -- and this is a shorter series. ... I think the Angels feel they tied the series last night and that tonight is Game 5. ... If they get Matsuzaka back in their park with Santana on the mound, they win, and they know it.

I love Mike Lowell. He is such a consummate professional. But he is hurt and he should not play. He is not doing himself any favors. And if he does some permanent damage to himself the Red Sox FO will have no compunction about throwing him away. That's how they are...heartless. He needs to take care of himself. The team can hopefully win without him for now.

It was equally, if for very different reasons, painful to watch Beckett out there. He is just a shell of his former self. Perhaps he came to Spring Training out of shape? H

Mike Lowell should not be in the game...under any circumstance. Sorry Mike, but you are injured. You should have made that play to your left and you should have stopped Hunter's ball down the line...luckily Bay picked you up. I'd actually rather see Cora and Lowrie...yep, seriously, that's how bad Lowell is right now.

Mike is a brave competitor but Tito has to take the decision out of his hands. He's hurting himself and the team right now.

This is ridiculous. They need to sit Lowell before things get worse. He already needs surgery, why risk further damage by putting him out there? Let him rest, have the surgery and heal up for next season. There's no reason to risk his health or the team's prospects by putting him out on the field in this condition.

Sit Lowell, play Drew, don't use Papelbon. And, please Dustin, find that stroke tonight!

Poor Mikey. He just wants to play for his team!!!

What is Tito thinking? He was out coached in Game 3 - totally failed to move runners to 2nd base with no outs. But having Lowell in the line up was his biggest mistake.

Please don't let Mike play. History is a great teacher we just have short memories. Bill Buckner went from favorite to most hated man in all of Boston sports in one play. Mike Lowell please protect the team and take care of yourself.

Dustin Pedroia is 0 for 13 in the series and now has played in 160 games this year, amassing 666 at-bats on a 5-foot-8-inch frame that must have a breaking point.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? what kind of nonsense is that statement

And the Lowell comment too - if he is too hurt to play, they will take him out

Mike Lowell's performance is not a surprise. His performance has been lackluster since the all-star break. Although he has been playing in pain, honestly, how different is this when compared to years past for him - aside from last year and 3 years ago? Despite this, Boston has won with him in the lineup as others have made up for his lack of producion at the plate, but this is the postseason where every game counts way too much. Theo and company need to confront Francona to stop playing his favorites (as well as the fan's favorites), and have him put Youk at third and Sean Casey at first.

More importantly, what's up with Pedroia? He hasn't done anything at the plate vs. the Angels. Has Mark Bellhorn taken over his body? Wait, maybe that's a good thing, and he'll hit a few home runs for lack of Manny.

Flaxhback to the trade deadline - Manny to LA and Torre = LA vs. Boston in World Series if the Red Sox get into the playoffs and past Tampa. LA in 6. No, that's not hindsight or crazy, it's destiny. Manny always has been and always will be the man. Give Ortiz some truth serum, and he'll tell you the same thing. Big Papi's body language has been telling us so since the Red Sox brass declared war on Manny when he sat out against the Yankees who were barely a factor all year. Penny wise, pound foolish management.

As much as I admire Mike and his toughness, he needs to sit. I'm reminded of Joe Thornton in the Montreal series a few years ago. A valiant effort, but not a good idea for the team.

It's comical that Lowell was out there last night. Almost as comical as carrying three catchers and Byrd and Wakefield on the roster. A twelve inning game in which your starter is out after 5, and neither Byrd nor Wakefield pitches? Papelbon out there for 31 pitches with a game less than 24 hours away? All of these moves or lack of moves are examples of absurd, panic managing.

It's not Lowell's fault that he's playing when he's not able to perform. It's Francona's judgment that is in question.

I greatly admire Lowell's grit and determination. He sets an extraordinary example not just for his team, but also for his fans.

But it's time to sit the poor man down. I can't bear to watch him hurt like this.

I too love Mike Lowell, but he needs to realize himself, much like Tim Wakefield did last year, and bowed out of the playoffs for the better of the team. Tim did the right thing. I was watching a replay on NESN of last years playoff victories, specifically the WS, and Mike Timlin, put his arm around Tim and said this WS was for him! Maybe somebody will do that for Mike, if they complete this tonight and beyond to the WS! Sit Mike, play Youk at third (remember that catch the other night, if you want proof who should play 3rd, 1st, whatever, he really might be the MVP!). They have enough young bench guys that can pull this off. Let's hope that they win tonight and not have to go back to LA (I'm not trying to jinx them, really). Go Sox!

Is Sean Casey in the witness protection program?! The guy hit almost .350 this year, albeit in limited playing time. Mark it down: he is good for 2 hits if he plays against Lackey tonight. Youk and 3rd, Casey at first.

Last night's lineup was a surprise, for sure, and definitely not the strongest. Hopefully they can get it together tonight. Pedroia is due, so I look for a big game from him, and Bay. Put Kotsay at first, Yuke at third (they killed us down the 3rd base line last night), Cora at short, Drew in right.

I'm surprised he was even on the roster. Now I see why they carried the 3 catchers. But I would not have hit for Varitek in THAT situation. I would have saved Drew for any RISP opportunity. Plus Varitek appears to be swinging the bat a little better than he was in mid-summer. You can point to alot of things last night .... but 2 for 22 or whatever in the late innings says it all.

Anyone know when Dice-K is ever gonna give the team more than 5 innings? What a piece of 18 win crap he is.

Dear Jim Phillips,

I am hoping that was a typo...it's Bill Buckner not Bruckner.

If the Sox lead by 2 or less in the 9th, definitely use Papelbon. He'll get it done. Game 3 of the World Series in 1986 set the tone for the rest of the series? Did you see game 5? or 6, which SHOULD have ended in a Red Sox victory? Kotsay will be at first, Youkilis at 3rd, Drew in right, and the Sox should win tonight's game. This is a really good team even without Lowell.

We all complained when Manny and Pedro gave themselves questionable injury self-diagnoses to skip playing. Mike Lowell is a warrior who wants to play no matter what his physical condition, but he can only play when Terry Francona writes his name onto the official scorecard. Put the blame for Lowell playing when he hurts the team effort where it is deserved...on Tito!

tito is acting Mcnamaraesqe putting Mikey out there. he is a huge liability right now and it is unfair to put him and the team in that position. one of those hits down the line led to a run and a healthy Mike or Youk most likely make that play. I don't know of anyone iin RSN that doesn't love Lowell but he should be sitting and cheering on his teammates.

Mike Lowell is a great baseball player! His contributions to last year's World Series were huge! Francona needs to sit him down as he is obviously not 100%. However, you guys should not bash him for playing as hard as he can every game, healthy or not.

You people are all ridiculous. Yes, Lowell should sit. End of story. One loss and we've got people chastising Francona, comparing Lowell to Bill Buckner? Comparing the Angels win to the Sox in 1986? Backing up and saying we shouldn't have traded Manny? Ripping Dice-K?

I'm sorry, but did Papelbon give up a HR to someone with a two-strike count? DId Lowell's fielding cost them the game? That would be a No. They didn't hit last night. That's what cost them. Beckett wasn't sharp, but he didn't cost them the win. We were lucky it was tied to begin with or does everyone forget Ellsbury's 3-run "single" should've been caught. As for the Manny comparisons, the man quit on his team to get out of a contract he signed. Yes, he makes a lineup better, but then again maybe we don't make the playoffs if he stayed and became even more of an issue. It's debatable!

Two nights ago, everyone's saying Francona is the best Red Sox manager ever, now he gets ripped. Amazing. That's not informative Red Sox fans, that's just your typical Sox pessimist waiting for their "I Told You So" moment.

Give it up folks. We're up 2-1 with Lester going tonight against a team heavily favored to beat us. I'll take those chances any day.

Does a baseball season overall just have too many games? Both the Sox and other teams are loaded with injured. Workouts and games 6 days a week 6 months?? Maybe it'll be OK if we don't play team X 20 times a season and let these guys rest rather than driving them into the ground every year...

We don'w know what transpired between Lowell and management so its difficult to point fingers. Regardless of that Lowell was very obviously hurting and could not even make lateral fielding plays last night, let alone swing the bat. He needs to sit! Playing Kotsay is a huge mistake with the consistent year that Casey has had. He belongs at first, Youkilis at third. Both Lowrie and Pedroia are hurting at the plate. You have to hang in there with Pedroia but I'll take my chances with Cora at short in this do-or-die situation. Assuming Drew is also benched, the outfield needs to be Bay-Crisp-Ellsbury. Keep Kotsay out!

Do I have to say it?

OK ... Bill Buckner, 1986. Tell Terry to go watch the replay. If a starter is hurt that badly DO NOT put him in on defense.

Is this 1986 and Billy Buck all over again? Remember? Everyone wanted him out because he was playing hurt but McNamara was stubborn. Lowell could cost the Sox in a close situation.

Oh....the anxiety.

CD

Does anyone remember Butch Hobson? Here we go again.

I like the sox chances to win one out of the next two games.

It wasn't like the Angels beat up on the sox, who are beat up at the moment.

No need to panic, relax and enjoy the game.

Why didn't Casey DH for Lowell last night? I also didn't understand Francona's pinch running strategy?

If I could be Tito for a day (today):

Lineup
1. Ellsbury (CF)
2. Pedroia (2B)
3. Ortiz (DH)
4. Youkilis (3B)
5. Drew (RF)
6. Bay (LF)
7. Casey (1B)
8. Lowrie (SS)
9. Varitek (C)

I would save Kotsay for later in the game, if necessary. With his versatility, it opens up a lot more options based on how the game progresses.

Casey ended the season 11-50, .220, and although he batted .322 for the year, it was with almost no production.....17 rbi, 14 runs scored in 199 at bats....pitiful numbers actually. He's a nice guy and good in the clubhouse. But why all the love and demanding for him to be in the lineup?
I, as most fans do, have opinions on strategy. But I think Terry Francona has done a remarkable job in his time in Boston. He did not "lose" the game last night. He did not overslide a base. He did leave anyone on base. The Angels won on a grounder, a bunt, and a crap bloop.
I have faith in Lester tonight. And feel that Youk needs to play third with Kotsay at first.

I know Mike L is one of the all time greats!!!! But he is HURT TO BADLY to be playing!!!!! He like anyone else who has a serious injury should not be playing. I am a Firefighter who is hurt in the line of duty, and not able to work. The last thing I want to do is admit how bad I'm hurt but at some point we have to admit we are a liability not an asset and not play (work). I had to be told I could not work because I would have tried, and Mike needs to be TOLD HE IS NOT PLAYING!!!! He will not like it any better than I do BUT IT IS THE RIGHT THING FOR THE TEAM, and the team is what its all about!!!!!! GO SOX!!!!!! and Never forget 9-11

Dom,

It's not "ridiculous" to question and discuss things. No one is saying Francona should be fired or isn't a good manager, we're just pointing out that there were some very unusual moves made and not made in last night's game. It didn't cost the sox the game, but the fact is that there should be some discussion about:

The best relievers on the team were overused.

Lowell clearly did not appear to be healthy enough to start and play as many innings as he did.

The pinch running was bizarre.

If Casey doesn't PH last night at some point and neither Wakefield nor Byrd pitched, then when can we expect to see them used? Are they both being held back in case of an early exit by Lester tonight???

Etc., etc.

DOM, I'm with you. I've got to stop reading these blog comments...they are SO negative and SO inflammatory! I now understand what Rick Pitino meant by his comments about Boston sports radio callers - and years later, it now applies to blog commenters! Reality check #1: The Sox are still up, 2 - 1, vs. the best team in baseball in '08! Oh, and they still have another home game tonight to close it out. So, STOP IT! Reality check #2: Francona still has won more WS than any other Sox manager, has the team in the playoffs more often than any other Sox manager, AND has the highest playoff winning percentage of ANY manager! So, STOP IT! Is Mikey Lowell a liability in the field and at the plate now - YES! Should he be commended for his valiant efforts - YES! So, STOP bashing him, give him the credit he's due, and let's sit him out for Youk @ 3rd tonight! Also, Pap WILL go tonight - because he's a gamer, just like Mikey! Look either you're a Sox fan, or a whining, bandwagon jumping poseur - and there sure seem to be a lot of those on this blog! There seem to be a lot of "idiots" left over from '04 - and I'm not talking about Sox players! ;^) Trust me: Last time I read or respond to this blog - I'm just sick of it!

Mike, we love ya and all, but we'll see you in Ft. Myers.

Mike, we love ya and all, but we'll see you in Ft. Myers.

Before the series I stated that I thought the Sox were wasting a playoff spot with Lowell. Mike's a great player with a big heart, but Tito should have left him off the roster.

Wow it must be a doom & gloomers holiday today...1 tough loss and you guys leap out of your hiding places...Jeez...The Angels almost gave this one away, all four of our runs were scored because of thier inaility to catch the ball. That we were even in it late in the game was fortunate. Now that is not to suggest that we didn't have our chances, because we did. Everyone take a deep breath and repeat after me...These ain't your fathers Sox teams. We have already exorcised the deamons of years past. All of that was swept away in 2004....Tom Yawkey's dead...long live King Henry!

I think it will be better for Mike to join Sean Casey on the bench and to become the loud cheerleaders for the team, I lean towards Youk on third and Kotsay on first, my concern being would we be sacrificing a small ball game by sitting Cora out and does Lowrie have it in him to hit off Lackey? I am vaguely anticipating a kind of long night and am thinking that we are pretty darn good at the small ball game too (and why we would be driving the White Sox nuts or having a 7 game series with the Rays, and honestly, the Rays and the Angels? That would be over in a sweep starting at the Trop) where Cora could bunt. I also kept wondering last night why he, Coco or Jacoby didn't do the same in the late innings. I think I might have been alone when I wasn't cheered by Ortiz, Youk and Bay being up at the bottom of the 12th because we weren't hitting any real long ball last night and that is kind of what those three are there for (so, yes, I was kind of wishing we were Cora, Ross, Lowrie because they might have kept it tied and that would have broken the Angels spirits and then Crisp, Ellsbury, and Pedoria (I hope he is mad by tonight and not guilt ridden anymore) would have taken it home.

Great column - but you left out one thing: Lowell had been hurting the team for months already. He should have been on the DL back in July when he first injured his hip, but he stayed in and hit .187 for 22 games after the break, then missed 19 games on the DL - basically "shutting it down" on and off the field for a quarter of the season - while being praised by his manager, fans, and the media. The Nation are suckers for guys who play hurt, but most often it's worse for the team: lousy production, aggravated injuries, and ultimately more time off to recover. Manny took endless crap for resting his sore knees and hammys, but in the end he played 153 games and was arguably the best player in the majors, and is his usual dominant self in the postseason. Who's the real team player? I love Mike Lowell - and Francona - but keeping Lowell in was a big mistake this year.

To post #31, Dom..... Amen! And ditto to you Dave in post #40.
We most likely have seen the last of Lowell this year. I don't think Tito will start him again, he's a stand-up guy, but he's not blind. Lowell is hobbled in the field, and crippled at the plate. Last night was "it" for courageous Mike.
As far as the Casey vs Kotsay choice at 1st ( if Youk moves cross corner) I would indeed start Kotsay over Casey. Kotsay is better defensively, MUCH faster on the bases, and more versatile ( RF, CF). I would save Casey for his bat off the bench if needed, then play 1st, with Kotsay either sliding in for JD, Coco.... depends on the pitching and the score, and if anyone in the OF gets banged up ( JD?).
You have to like the Sox' chances tonight with Lester on the hill. I expect nothing more than his usually dependable 7-8 innings.

I am just about disgusted with 2 things on this forum:
1.) the amount of pessimism and negative comments just because the Sox lost ONE playoff game against a team that was supposed to win it all. Wake up you fools! Are you all forgetting 2004 and 2007? What the hell is wrong with you?
2.) the bad mouthing going Mike Lowell's way just because he was brave enough to play injured. Do any of you think for one moment that Manny would have done the same? Manny with all the "patella tendonitis" my &^%$!!!!! Why don't you all get off Lowell's back and give him some praise and support for being the ultimate team guy?

Does anybody on this forum know what dedication and team sports are all about? Obviously not, because you would have all hung Manny out to dry long ago: instead some of you just sit and moan about "If Manny were still here...." ad
nauseum. Recognize the true leaders and the true frauds; Lowell is the former and Manny is the latter. Mike Lowell never quit on his team and his fans. Mike Lowell never threw his manager under the bus. Mike Lowell is a bigger man than 90% of the idiots who call themselves professional athletes.

Get well, Mike. The Sox will win it for ya!

In sox we trust!

Look here, fanboys. It's nothing personal against Lowell, it's just a fact that the lineup is weaker offensively and defensively with him in there. Period.

Thank you, Sofachi! Mike Lowell is an AMAZING individual both on and off the field. You cannot blame a guy for always trying his best to contribute to the team he loves. How do we know that he HASN'T said, "put someone else in, I'm just not 100%"? Oh yeah, WE DON'T. Think of it this way - you're sick and your boss and coworkers are counting on you to deliver what could be the 'deal of the year' (or performance of the year, etc...), what would you say, oh - i'm too sick, or oh, my hip hurts? No. I know I wouldn't. I'd rather let me team down by working my hardest than by not being there for them at all. It's called heart. And if there is one man that has heart on that team - it's Mike Lowell.

Lowell is a true professional..that is why he is not in the line up tonight. He has the heart of a champion and this is why he led the Sox to a WS trophy last year ! Get well soon, Slugger !

Do not question ML. The reason he wants to play is why we all love him. Ya'll are vultures.

Mike Lowell is a great player and a true "DIRT DOG". Manny would have been watching the game on a plasma screen tv in his Ritz Carlton Penthouse, if he was half as hurt (and still with the sox)

It is time to rest Lowell up, hope for the best in the off season, and thank him for being such a selfless guy.

Thanks Mike
Bring on TAMPABAY!!!

Kevin