Yankees @ Boston 9/14 8-7 Yanks

Cafe Society
1

It was the second longest game 9th inning game ever. It was dreadful for both teams except one glorious 8th inning for Yankee Fans or the Worst inning of the year for Red Sox fans.

The play was sloppy for both teams. The pitching was bad. So many long counts, both pitchers seemed to be extra slow to the plate. It was slow, it was everything baseball haters complain about the game.

Then the 8th unfolded and here is finally my question:

Did Francona panic and play the game like his was the team behind in the standings?

I ask as that seems to be a common theme on a few sports message boards I saw and Michael Kay last night.

My interpretation was Francona had decided, he just needed one win to put the Yanks behind him and he wanted it last night.

What do you think?

Any other comments on the game?

Jim

2

I wonder if the Yanks have another giant rally in them today.

3

We’re hoping not.

4

Yanks went down with a whimper.

5

Nope.

As a Sox fan that was as satisfying a win as I could hope for after Friday’s fiasco. Tomorrow’s matchup of veteran righthanders who have lost some off their fastballs appears to favor Schilling, and if they win again the Yankees are dead for the division and trying to hold off a resurgent Detroit team for the wild card.

[Why are there so many more college football fans here than baseball fans on the Dope I wonder-c.f. the ND/Michigan thread, 60 posts strong…]

6

I really thought the Yanks needed to sweep to take the division. Win or lose today, I think they are down to holding of the Tigers.

Jim

7

I agree, What Exit?. The loss Saturday cemented Boston’s AL East championship, absent a meltdown beyond any other Bostonian meltdown of the past. We have to keep the Tigers in our rear-view mirror, although I’d prefer if they weren’t tailgating.

8

Last night was less encouraging-good news is that it likely ensures that Jeter and his concrete feet will stay at short for the foreseeable future. If they go 7-5 yeah the Yankees will need another one of their Patented Miracles ™ to tie; good luck.

9

I keep joking with my friends that this is now beyond even a Boston collapse. This is into the territory of a Phillies collapse for Boston to lose the division.

I’ll take the Wild card, hope we avoid* the Angels and take our chances against Cleveland and the Redsox.

Jim

  • I know, I am risking the careful what you look for, but unscientifically, the Angels just have the Yankees number and a better field manager.
10

Big series for the Tigers. Three against the Tribe. That should answer some of your questions about the Wild Card.

11

I am rooting for the Indians to sweep for two reasons. I want them to have a better record than the Angels and I of course want the Tigers to fade away.

12

Of course. That’s completely expected.