Is there any doubt that David Ortiz is not only the Most Valuable Player, but the clutchest hitter in baseball? No, there isn't. Last night's win was a demonstration of this team's ability to fight back when they're up against the wall. The win also saw David Ortiz and Johnny Damon break out of their slumps. When these guys are hitting, our offense is incredibly good. When they aren't, we can't score runs unless a few guys in the bottom of the order are hot.
We take some emotional momentum into The Big Series with New York. Here are the pitching matchups:
Game 1: Wang (8-4, 4.02) vs. Wells (14-7, 4.42)
Game 2: Johnson (16-8, 3.79) vs. Wakefield (16-11, 3.96)
Game 3: Mussina (13-8, 4.41) vs. TBA
The best matchup is Game 2, Johnson has pitched well against us beating us 4 times this season, Wakefield has been on one of his tears the past month or so.
We need to win 2 of 3 to tie the division and force a playoff, which would be played at Yankee Stadium. A sweep wins us the division. Meanwhile, we're still tied with Cleveland for the Wild Card and they play the White Sox who just clinched the Central but are still vying for home field advantage. If we tie with Cleveland, the tie-breaker will be at Fenway. If all three tie, we play the Yankees in New York for the division and the loser plays Cleveland for the Wild Card.
I think we can sweep if we win the first game. That will be the toughest to win. Wang has pitched well and we haven't seen too much of him. Wells, on the other hand, has been hurt lately and the Yankees know him inside and out.
freaking love this man. this city of champions best of boston sports dvd has so much good play on big papi. loved every minute of the dvd. if you haven't seen it, get it immediately. immediately.
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DAVID ORTIZ IS THE TENTH MAN ON A TEAM IN A SPORT THAT TRADITIONALLY REQUIRES ONLY NINE. HIS ROLE IS THAT OF A PART TIME PLAYER AT BEST. HOW PROUD HE MUST FEEL AS HE WATCHES GAME AFTER GAME FROM HIS RESERVED SEAT IN THE DUGOUT. HE SHOULD BE MADE TO SIT IN THE STANDS WITH ALL THE OTHER WOULD BE BALLPLAYERS WHO BRING THEIR GLOVES FROM HOME IN THE HOPE OF CATCHING A FOUL BALL. ANY BASEBALL FAN WHO CAUGHT A FOUL BALL SOUVENIER THIS SEASON HAS MORE PUTOUTS THAN THE SUPPOSED RED SOX MVP. LETS JUST THINK ABOUT THAT A MINUTE.
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