ALDS GAME 4 LIVE BLOG

In Jon We Trust

Top 1st - Huge game for the Sox tonight. Info and changes coming fast and furious as I settle into the leather chair and get to typing. Lowell is out, disabled for this Series and the next. I'm not surprised and no entirely upset. I love the man for being a gamer and giving it a go, but it has been difficult to watch.
- Ron Darling joins Buck Martinez and Mr. Caray in the booth. How the heck is he going to get a word in edgewise with Martinez in the booth. For all the love I've given Martinez over the course of this Series, the man can talk.
- In the biggest news of the night, Crazy Craig Sager is wearing a pumpkin colored (very seasonal blazer) with tan slacks. Color me disappointed.
- While I type what I'm thinking Lester blows through Figgins, Anderson, and Teixeira. Just Awesome.

Bottom 1st - Sox lineup is basically what Tito lays in bed and dreams about at night. It goes Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Switch, Switch. No matchup advantages there.
- I really like the fact that we have Lester and they have Lackey tonight. Lackey has shown himself to be a mental midget and I believe he'll find a way to crack.
- Pedroia comes to the plate and is quickly out. I can't believe he doesn't have a hit, even if he's hit the ball hard a whole ton.
- Ortiz comes up, i'm calling for a weak grounder here. Wow, ridiculously predictable there Papi...elation turns to annoyance real quick.

Meanwhile, on Monday Night Football, Drew Brees tries to throw a seam route to an open Lance Moore and a Viking defender holds him and then trips him. A long TD drive for the Saints and zero points for Moore. Perfect.

Top 2nd - I talked to Fat Tony tonight and both of us agree that this Red Sox team just isn't that good. Yet, they are playing an elimination game at home against a team that has never proven themselves winners and draw a young group of Rays if they win. I've never seen a baseball team put together with more duct tape and smoke and mirrors. Amazing how a winning culture can make you better than you are just by believing it.
- The TBS guys are talking about Vladdy Daddy putting on a show in BP. I picture him playing in a slow pitch softball league in another ten years and just hitting balls over water towers and playgrounds. The man may have a bad back but he is strong.
- Lester gets two fly balls in succession from Vladdy and Hunter and we hope the Angels continue to swing so quickly at Lester's strikes.
- Fat Catcher comes up and I don't care if he hit two home runs last night or not. He's Fat Catcher and he has a bad beard.
- Lester loses him to a walk...and now a single and there's baserunners.
- The frustration continues for Howie Kendrick and Lester gets out of it.

Bottom 2nd - USE E LESS steps to the plate for the Sox. This lineup really needs someone to put them on their back for a bit with Old Man Lowell out. One thing is for certain, it won't be this fraud. The Greek God of Walks strikes out looking. Irritating.
- Now comes the enigma that is JD Drew. And the enigma singles. Don't forget in June this was the guy who put this team on his back for about three weeks. When he swings like that, I feel all warm inside.
- I'm TOTALLY GAY FOR JASON BAY!!!
- Lackey walks Bay. Scioscia complains to Ed Rapuano.
- Kotsay swings at a first pitch curveball and steam is coming out of my bleeping ears. Lackey is struggling with control, we swing at the first pitch and ground into a doubleplay.

Fantasy Update - Vikings block a Saints kick and run it back for a TD. Extra point Longwell, I lead by 10...extra needles going into my Lance Moore voodoo doll now.

Top 3rd - Lester gets a groundball out from Aybar and now the ever important Chone Figgins comes up for the Angels. He was on base a little bit last night and the Angels offense got going.
- Figgins gets a nice base hit and now the game begins. Fortunately Lester is a lefty with a good move, so he should be able to neutralize that a bit.
- Anderson looks at a nasty curveball by Lester and gets behind 0-1. The crowd is seriously way too quiet. It seems like they are too nervous, they need to be too loud.
- Kotsay makes a nice play and doesn't throw the ball around, he just gets the out. Well done Kotsay. But you still owe me for that first pitch swing.
- I seriously haven't heard Ron Darling in ten minutes. It's possible Buck has him bound and gagged in the press box bathroom.
- Did you know that Varitek doesn't give location away early. Dear God, if I hear that another time, my head may explode.
- Lester walks Teixeira and I'm not entirely upset by that. He was careful and now gets to face Vladdy with forceouts at every base.
- Lester blows a fastball by him and I'm shocked Vladdy didn't fall down there.
- Quickly 0-2. The issue is that Vladdy is nearly impossible to strike out. Wait, that's Ron Darling's voice! How did this happen? Quickly overwhelmed by Buck. That was a close one.
- Kotsay almost destroyed Kerwin Danley on that foul pop and everyone gets their funny ha ha football penalty jokes in.
- Vladdy is continuing to battle here and he is terrifying me. Come on Jonny Boy!
- In Fantasy news, Ryan Longwell drills a 53 yarder and I lead by 10. Nice.
- Wow, Pedroia may not have a hit, but he found a way to save a run with a sprawling flipping play chock full of awesomeness.

Bottom 3rd -I totally have nothing to say about that portion of the game except to say, we better do something offensively at some point. Three up, three down...back to you Jonny

Top 4th - In Fantasy Land, Chester Taylor tosses a TD to Vincente Shiancoe and I get the Extra Point to lead by 14.
- Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Torii Hunter faces Jon Lester. Lester needs a strong, efficient inning here. That strikeout against Hunter will help that along.
- I've said it once, please allow me to harp on it, John Farrell needs to be a manager in the Big Leagues and in a hurry. If you're a team looking, specifically a team with underachieving pitching, go get him.
- Fat Catcher is up. Please don't pitch around him again.
- Lester misses a broken bat by about two feet and gets Napoli. I heard Joe Castiglione say last night on the radio that he is terrified of a bat injuring someone and/or causing an issue in a major game during an important spot. Now tonight it becomes a subject du jour for these guys. Martinez talks about the olden days having heavier bats. I know from personal experience that isn't the case now. 34 inch, 32 ounces is about standard in the big leagues. At least it was in 2001.
- Sox get a bit of luck, Rivera doesn't hustle and Lester is through 4 with 67 pitches. Useful stuff, that.

Bottom 4th - If the Sox are going to get going, its going to have to be with Pedroia making plays. He hits another ball fairly hard, but gets out. Now its Papi who will weakly pop out or ground out into the shift. He so needs his off season wrist surgery.
- I love it when Ortiz proves me wrong with a laser to center.
- So now we've learned that both teams are going to have their entire bullpens available. In an elimination game. NO WAAAAAAAAY!
- Lackey is laboring a bit and goes to 3-0 on Youkilis. I'm pretty sure I'd go green light here. Fastball down the middle and Youkilis watches it go. If he sees one of those again, he better yank it to Lowell.
- On a hard hit ball, Figgins makes a bad throw and Kendrick continues his miserable series with a drop. First and second, only one out.
- Enigma, copyright Chad Finn, steps to the plate. Give us one of those sweet swings JD.
- He just misses a breaking ball and it's 2-2. Buck says his bringing the breaking ball is a luxury...it hasn't looked that good to me. 3-2 the count and the crowd finally wakes up. Come on Lackey...full meltdown here!
- Drew tags one to center, but the ball is just not carrying tonight. Ortiz to 3rd. It's time for the Bay State.
- Breaking ball for a strike, I thought that missed. You know he's going outside curve to Bay all at bat here.
- Fat Catcher fats the ball back into play, no run can score.
- He hangs one, but Lackey gets out of it. 57 pitches for him through 4.

Top 5th -Helpful Howie Kendrick out on one pitch.
- Okay, seeing the tie and pocket square on Craig Sager has me far less disappointed. Hearing him talk about forensic tests has just confused me though. The only forensic test Craig Sager knows about are rape kits.
- Lester gets behind Aybar and then gives up a single. That is not a good idea. Now Figgins has his shot to get a mini-rally going for the Angels.
- Ron Darling again, that's three times already this game. And he got a devilish cackle out of Buck.
- Damn Damn Damn. Chone Figgins singles and now its nail-biting time.
- Anderson grounds out to short and now its 1st and 3rd with Teixeira up.
- WHERE THE HELL WAS THAT PITCH????? At 9:59 p.m., I am officially irritated. That was a filthy pitch on the black.
- 2-2, same pitch and Lester gets his ass. 83 pitches through 5.

Bottom 5th - Single for Kotsay to open the inning and we're officially even.
- Will Francona try to manufacture here?
- The answer apparently is no, but maybe a little hit and run action.
- Lowrie gets a ball on the outer half, and hits a weak fly to center....grrr, I'm pretty sure a bunt was in order there.
- Don't ground into a double play here Tek...please, give Ellsbury a shot with a runner on.
- Remember what I said about hit and run? Tek works a full count and blasts one past Teixeira while Kotsay is running and we're in business.
- The best part is Ellsbury is almost impossible to double off.
- Ellsbury just misses on a fastball away.
- A bleeder to second Kendrick bobbles and freaks out...Ellsbury out at first, a run scores. WOOOOOO!
- Get your tickets to the LASER SHOW!
- And Dusty's first hit gives the Red Sox the lead....awesome. 2-0 Sox.
- Ortiz hit one right at Lackey and he makes a nice play. 2 runs for the Sox and you know Lester has to be feeling good about that.

Top 6th -In Fantasy Land, Ed Hochuli just pissed off the entire city of New Orleans on a fumble replay and Minnesota keeps the ball...driving towards a Field Goal are we Vikes?
- It feels like Vladdy has been up eight times already tonight, but it appears its only his 3rd at bat...Phenomenal diving play by Kotsay as he gets to play a bit of Center Field at 1st Base. Well done.
- Lester is up to 87 pitches. If you're a Sox fan, you're hoping he can get you at least two more. He quickly gets Hunter to 0-2. Here's a spot where you just need to get outs.
- Darling is actually contributing nicely to this broadcast.
- Youkilis reminds everyone he could be a Gold Glove 3rd Baseman with a beautiful barehanded play. Well done. Defense and Pitching as Donnie Young likes to say.
- Fat Catcher is up. Lester to 91 pitches. NASTY curveball again from Lester. Fenway is starting to get into this game as they rise as one. 1-2 count. Great pitch on the outside corner but just a bit outside.
- Great stat from Darling - Lester is 16-1 when he's given a two run lead this year.
- Fat Catcher is battling and Lester's pitch count is rising. A punchout is needed here.
- Jason Bay just looked like Rickey Henderson as he nonchalantly reached to the top of the scoreboard and takes in that fly ball. Six innings are in the books, Sox 2 - Angels 0.

Fantasy Update - Saints implode all over the field in the first half, Longwell gets me 2 field goals and 2 extra points. The Romosexuals lead Brimley's Bro-skies 142-126.

Bottom 6th - Youkilis grounds out quickly. I was really looking for the Sox to be patient and grind some at bats here against Lackey, but Drew follows with a 2 pitch ground out. It's like the Sox want Lester back out on the mound immediately.
- If you had the Bottom of the 6th inning in the When will the TBS crew spend 5 minutes talking about Manny Ramirez, you are a winner. Also, for all of you playing a drinking game to this blog at home - Totally Gay for Jason Bay!
- Aybar misplays a Bay grounder and the Sox have a baserunner for Kotsay.
- Kotsay rolls out to first, might as well get Lester back on the hill for what will surely be his last inning.

Top 7th - Rivera is kind enough to first pitch swing and he pops out to Pedroia. One away.
- So important that Lester gets these guys at the bottom of the order, you don't want to face any of 2,3,4 with runners on.
- Lester has pounded the strike zone tonight and he gets up 0-2 on Kendrick here.
- Kotsay has had two opportunities to play center field at first base tonight. Great job by Kotsay. Center Fielders everywhere! Super cool that he's the only Major League player to ever hit on Courtney Reynolds as well.
- Lester has to go after Aybar here. He gets him early enough and he may see some of the 8th inning.
- Aybar flies out. Lester = Awesome. Lets give him another one Tito.

Bottom 7th - Man, the ball is just not carrying tonight at all to centerfield.
- Wow, a Hendu highlight. We've owned the Halos ever since. To catch up, Lowrie had a nice at bat and a long single off the wall and then Tek hit a ball real hard but it was an out as it stopped carrying.
- Ellsbury is quickly in an 0-2 hole here. Good chance for the Sox to get something going. Wow...a super nice play by Aybar on a chopper right over the bag results in a double play.
- Will Lester come out for the 8th?

Top 8th - The answer to that question is no as Okajima comes out of the bullpen. I hate to second guess Tito because he has been phenomenal for the last four years, but I think I'd have brought Lester out with double barrell bullpen action here. I hope that I'm wrong.
- As Travis Bogan says, Okajima is Japanese for one year wonder.
- Picture me with my eyes covered right now.
- A generous strike helps. 1-2. Don't let Figgins get on here Okaji.
- Figgins is battling and seriously, I don't like this at all. I know the point is for him to get Figgins and then go against Anderson who he kind of owns.
- Pedroia handles a grounder and the Sox are 5 outs away.
- Anderson is due, but I'm pretty sure his numbers against Okajima are terrible. At least when he's Pink Eye Anderson they are.
- Pedroia is steady at 2nd and there is 2 away. You have to love getting to Teixeira with nobody on base. If he wants to be Wade Boggs here and single, that is just fine by me.
- Now after attacking the first 2 hitters, Okajima is nibbling and goes to 3-0 on Teixeira. Quick walk and now we have to cover our eyes as Vladdy Daddy comes to the plate. I think it might be time for the Master Lock.
- Tito takes the long walk to the mound. Master Lock will need to take down another legend for the Sox to move on.
- Huge quick two strikes from the Legend Killer. Fenway rises as one...desperate to get out of this inning.
- Nasty high fastball 96 mph but a little too high even for Vladdy to swing at it.
- Another high fastball at 95. Guerrero just holds on to check the swing.
- Grrrrrr, growl, rumble, swear. He walks Guerrero without throwing a strike. Two runners on. Torii Hunter hearing the Torii chants from the crowd. Again 0-2. Slide piece?
- Oh man. Varitek got crossed up by Master Lock and almost had his head taken off. That is inexcusable. The runners advance to second and third.
- Thought he had him with the slider but didn't. The Torii serenades continue. To be completely honest, the crowd has been below average tonight.
- A little gamesmanship from Hunter as he ties and reties his shoe. Master Lock misses again.
- Basehit to right and Hunter gets the job done. I hate to say that was predictable, but my God that was predictable.
- Fenway is DEAD SILENT right now. And now the most important thing is that Master Lock gets out of the inning without more runs.
- Man, do not want to see Fat Catcher right now. If he hits one here, I'm going to throw up all over myself.
- 0-2 again and Masterson is trying to be too cute with 2 strikes. Pound the strike zone rookie.
- He can't seem to finish anyone right now and Napoli is plugging along, waiting for a pitch to drive.
- Napoli mercifully flies to right and the Angels get back in it with one hit. Worst case scenario for a bullpen. Two walks, one hit, one wild pitch, two runs.

Fantasy Update - The clock seems to be taking forever to run down in this game. Still holding strong, need another field goal to feel better though.

Bottom 8th - Pedroia leads off the eighth against Shields. Put us on your back Pedderass.
- If you're Pedroia here you have to get on base to make them pitch to Papi.
- Pedroia doesn't of course and now they will be very careful with the Big Dominican.
- Shields is a nasty reliever and the Sox can't seem to do anything against him. He quickly gets Papi to 0-2, but Papi is 4 of his last 6 against him.
- Papi is certainly battling right now. He hasn't seemed to have been able to hit a good curveball all series and that continues now. Probably due to the wrist, Ron Darling agrees.
- Wicked curve gets Ortiz and we're in trouble here folks.
- Do you ever get the feeling that this team just doesn't have enough firepower to get us to the promised land? I certainly do and right now I'm feeling it more than ever.
- USE E LESS to the plate, warning track power expected.
- I just flashed to Dice K starting a huge Game 5 for us in Anaheim...dear Lord, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
- Shields gets USE E LESS....Fenway is a morgue.

Top 9th - Masterson comes back out for the 9th and Manny Meltdown is getting ready as well. On entirely a sidenote Reggie Bush looks like a video game player on punt returns right now.
- Kendry Morales is a fastball, dead red, Trot Nixon type hitter and we give him a fastball to hit off the wall. Yuck.
- Mark it down, the Sox are losing this one and we're going back to Anaheim.
- Kendrick finally does something right and bunts the pinch runner Willits to third.
- Here comes Manny Meltdown, why doesn't this make me feel better?
- Aybar to the plate and of course Manny leads him off with two balls. Seriously, are we going to lose on a game winning hit by Aybar again.
- I DONT BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!!!!
- Aybar misses the squeeze bunt, Varitek makes a ridiculous rundown tag on Willits...Tek is a monster...
- And Scioscia's aggressiveness gets the best of him, great play by the Captain.
- Manny gets it to 2-2...must get the out here and he does on a slow roller to first. Sox Survive!

Bottom 9th - The Enigma takes to the plate versus Scot Shields. Shields is so good I'd rather have K Rod pitching at this point. I would love to spend five minutes with Buck Martinez so he could teach me what quiet means at the plate...cause JD Drew is soooooo quiet at the plate.
- Filthy pitch by Shields, one away.
- Bay State Fireworks here? You just know he's going to see a steady diet of offspeed stuff.
- The Angels just got wonderfully lucky there as Bay hits a ball that gets by Willits and it ends up in the stands. If it doesn't, Bay is coming all the way around for an inside the park homer.
- Runner on second and one out, time to manufacture here boys. Kotsay to the plate as a guy who is good against Shields.
- Remember when I said that Reggie Bush looked like a video game on his punt returns, he just returned his second for a touchdown. Unreal.
- Teixeira is very good. Kotsay drilled a ball and Teixeira made an unreal play.
- THE ROOKIE SHALL LEAD THEM!!! FIRST PITCH SINGLE BY LOWRIE AND I LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER IS PLAYING OVER THE LOUDSPEAKERS AT FENWAY. SOX/RAYS, ALCS ON TBS!!!
- At different points in this series, every single guy who stepped onto the field for the Sox contributed. Now they advance to the American League Championship Series to play the Rays. As KG says, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLLLEEEE. They are the defending World Champions. You just never know.
- Awesome slide by Jason Bay! He looked like the Old Spice commercial where the guy is sliding all the way from third base.
- This is officially the Bay State! I'm Totally Gay for Jason Bay!
- The two newcomers are the run producers in the 9th.
- I'll say this, I've talked a lot about Craig Sager and his suits. There is no one better at a post game interview than that man. He asks thoughtful, pointed questions, just phenomenal.
- The goggles are on in the clubhouse and the Sox are going to do a little partying again.
- The sign says it all - I LIKE BASEBALL!
- You're Next Rays!!!