Cap'n Clutch

you know what i am loving about this year's version of Sox? the ability to come from behind & win. because last year, that seemed to be a problem. that & i have noticed an even further progression toward playing more small ball & relying less on the long ball. it's exciting. the only thing that seems to be lacking, at the moment, is reliability from the pen. even Papi is finding his bat again. only one hit last night but instead of maddening double plays & striking out, he's giving that ball a ride. another month & some warmer night air and those hits will be outta here.

last year, i would have been sad when Tek was called in to pinch hit in the late innings of a Wakefield start. sad because he would have made an out. sad because it is not in my genetic composition to actually be angry with the Captain.

(Yahoo! Sports)
but this year? bring Tek off the bench in a tie game, bottom of the ninth? kiss that ball goodbye, baby. which, by the way, was his third home run of the season. =) (stop. don't even talk to me about "contract year" -- the C on his shirt & what he does behind that plate should ensure him a job in Boston. period.)

JFL didn't disappoint. and by that, i mean that he did exactly what i expect him to: things like hit into a double play with bases loaded in a tie game. that's fine with me though, because ya know what? Jed Lowrie picked up 3 RBI in his major league debut. a few more appearances of that nature and we'll really be off in the right direction. with Alex Cora heading to the DL, hopefully there will be a few more opportunities for Lowrie to shine.

Sox arrive in the Bronx for a two-game series starting tonight. poor Clay draws Wang again. that just doesn't seem fair... so here's to a couple mistakes from Wang, an equally strong outing as the last one for Clay, bats that stay alive, and Lowrie being Ellsbury Version 2008. Lowrie for SS! Clay for the win!