if they don't stop with the implosion, the bullpen may be forced to walk the plank

how about some random thoughts from yesterday's game? (no? too bad. that's all i've got.)

1:36pm - Justin Masterson's first pitch was a strike. also? he wears his socks properly. =)

(Boston Globe)

2:22pm - wow! nice sliding catch by Ellsbury for the 3rd out. he & Coco came screaming at each other toward the ball. that's a scary thought. kinda like two meteors hurtling at each other. i cringed just waiting for the collision.

2:34pm - sinkerball pitch, ground ball to Lowrie, toss across to Youk. repeat. repeat. repeat. he's recorded 6 of 11 outs that way so far.

2:43pm - RBI ground rule double for Coco, Youk home! and then Coco steals 3B. Remy: "guess that hamstring's feeling all right."

2:55pm - could just be beginner's luck but Masterson is pitching better than what we see from Lestah most starts.

3:08pm - Matsuzaka is staying in Boston for the Tampa trip so he can keep his germies to himself. i think they should bring him & have him cough in Kazmir's glove.

3:11pm - nice. they show action in the pen (Lopez & MDC) and Lopez is caught on mic hacking away. enough with the sickies!!

3:24pm - DUDE. standing O for Masterson. ends the 6th with a K. fantastic first start, Kid!

3:30pm - Coco just stole 3B for the 2nd time today. he is either making a bid to play more or get traded. (more likely the former, since Kielty just had hand surgery that will keep him out four to six weeks.)

3:34pm - Lopez in. hope he doesn't blow Masterson's potential W.

3:47pm - walk & a single to start the 7th. ::gives Javier A Look:: MDC coming in. i sure hope he's healthy enough for this...

3:51pm - Timlin & Aardsmer warming now. even though someone was talking loudly by me & i couldn't hear Don, i can tell by their socks. ;-)

3:54pm - 6 pitches & MDC has yet to throw a single strike. have i mentioned they're loaded? and no outs?

3:57pm - ARG! still loaded, no one out & a run scored. Tito gives him the hook. Jeemer coming into a sticky situation.

4:01pm - Jeemer gives up a single. game tied at 3. still loaded. still no outs.

4:04pm - single scores 2 more & Matthews takes 2B on a bobble by Coco. 2 in scoring position with no outs. 5-3 Angels.

4:07pm - IBB for Vlad & we're loaded again. i know it's to set up a double play but can this be a good plan given what's happened so far this inning?

4:09pm - Youk just crashed into the rolled tarp with both knees & his left shoulder trying to catch a foul ball. he went down for a bit but stays in.

4:13pm - finally. back to back Ks for Jeemer. two down. one more to go before the nightmare 7th can end.

4:16pm - 30+ pitches for Okajima & the 7th finally ends. 5-3 Angels.

(left work here so i didn't see the end of the game.)

suffice to say, no comeback from the 7th inning from hell, even with a two-run homer from Papi in the 9th. no mark in the win column for Masterson even though he had a *great* debut. hopefully we'll right the ship tonight with Wake who happens to be 9-1 at The Trop. i will be saying a silent prayer that he doesn't end up hurt like he has the last couple of outings on the unforgiving artificial surface...