Good morning Nation ... well not a "good" morning. I still can't believe what I saw last night. Terry is getting blasted in some newspapers as he
should. I haven't even read what The Globe has said. I didn't read what Francona's excuse was either. The NY paper discribed it as his
"loyality" to Beckett ... to hell with loyalty! Not in the playoffs! Remember what happened to the last series where the manager was was too loyal to
Pedro?? I think it's terrific that Francona is a player's manager. They all love him. But he IS the MANAGER. I know we are just all armchair wannabes
but good lord, not a Sox fan on the planet was not screaming to get Beckett out of there when we regained the lead.
Francona's refusal to bunt and move guys around always confused me, because let's face it the Sox DO hit a ton of HR's but how many times is anyone on base when they do? In close games, which all games seem to be lately, you must manufacture a run or two.
But my biggest problem with Francona is the way he manages his pitching staff. Pulling Lester, when he was almost perfect, blowing the lead and almost the win. Taking the win from Lester.
Leaving Dice-K an inning too long and again, almost blowing the game. Since both those games were wins, Tito gets off the hook.
Last night was a no brainer. Beckett didn't have it from the first inning, that was clear. The BP had been doing a fantastic job so why not after gaining the lead for the third time, did he leave him in???? If he had of come out, the BP would have taken care of the rest of the game and we would have never had to see Timlin. I was completely shocked he was back on the roster for this series. At least try Bryd!
Tito will never be called on the carpet for this because he has been at the helm for 2 WS and he has gotten them in position again. Everyone loves Tito. But someone, somewhere has to make him face the reality that if Beckett or any starting pitcher doesn't have it, take action or DOES have it, leave it alone. This is the playoffs. There are no throw away games like the middle of the season. Every game is a MUST win.
Ok ... done the rant. Not going to do any good but I am glad you all are here to listen and understand. Venting is good.
I pray Lester is Lester tomorrow night.
Sharon
Francona's refusal to bunt and move guys around always confused me, because let's face it the Sox DO hit a ton of HR's but how many times is anyone on base when they do? In close games, which all games seem to be lately, you must manufacture a run or two.
But my biggest problem with Francona is the way he manages his pitching staff. Pulling Lester, when he was almost perfect, blowing the lead and almost the win. Taking the win from Lester.
Leaving Dice-K an inning too long and again, almost blowing the game. Since both those games were wins, Tito gets off the hook.
Last night was a no brainer. Beckett didn't have it from the first inning, that was clear. The BP had been doing a fantastic job so why not after gaining the lead for the third time, did he leave him in???? If he had of come out, the BP would have taken care of the rest of the game and we would have never had to see Timlin. I was completely shocked he was back on the roster for this series. At least try Bryd!
Tito will never be called on the carpet for this because he has been at the helm for 2 WS and he has gotten them in position again. Everyone loves Tito. But someone, somewhere has to make him face the reality that if Beckett or any starting pitcher doesn't have it, take action or DOES have it, leave it alone. This is the playoffs. There are no throw away games like the middle of the season. Every game is a MUST win.
Ok ... done the rant. Not going to do any good but I am glad you all are here to listen and understand. Venting is good.
I pray Lester is Lester tomorrow night.
Sharon
