It wasn't the ideal way to get into the postseason: losing 8-7 to the Jays, then waiting 'til 1 AM for the Angels (who will be the Sox' opponents) to do the dirty work by beating Texas. But any Sox fan who complains about this manner of clinching can go fuck themselves, then take a time machine to 15 years ago and talk to Sox fans about "bad ways of making the playoffs." All Yankee fans or other Sox haters who want to make fun can do the same.
The Red Sox won the 2009 Wild Card by winning 91 games, even though they didn't win that 92nd to clinch it on their own. The Sox have the 5th best record in baseball, 7 games ahead of the AL Central leading Tigers, and that's after losing 5 straight and 7 of 9. Mmmmmmmmmm, 7 of 9.
Anyway, winning the Wild Card is something to celebrate. It's the 6th time in 7 years that the Sox have made the playoffs. Before 2003, the Sox needed 23 years to make the playoffs 7 times. And before 1986, they needed 60 years to make the playoffs 6 times. In other words, this is most definitely the best time to be a Sox fan since the end of World War I.
BUT, there are things to worry about. Last night was supposed to be Buchholz's tune-up start for the playoffs. He looked dreadful, and now might start to doubt his performance in the playoffs.
Then again, there was some good injury news yesterday. Lester threw a bullpen session and everything was reported to be fine.
And Beckett will be able to make his next start on Saturday after his back spasms have improved.
Tim Wakefield goes tonight against Roy Halladay.
Sources:
ESPN.com
Hartford Courant
MLB.com
Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Elise Amendola
