Disappointing, But Not Disastrous

Well, we are not off to a good start. But we aren't off to a terrible start, either. Three games with the Evil Empire, and all were very close. All of them could have easily gone the other way, too.

I'm sure there is much hate for J Papelbon at the moment, especially since his last outing for 2009 resulted in the end of the season for the Sox. I'll not join that camp just yet, just as I'm not hating on Okajima for walking in the winning run Tuesday night. After all, it was Marco Scutaro's botched throw before that that even caused him to have to pitch to that batter.

Kevin Youkillis is very wise. His response to all of that was to say that no single event or play in the game caused the loss. It is a group effort. If they had scored more runs, they wouldn't have been in that situation. That's why it's a "team."

Anyway...so we're 1-2. And, thanks to the Rangers, the Sox are now behind the Blue Jays, too. Sigh. The Rangers are experiencing bullpen troubles, as well, and their closer blew their game today. Franky Francisco entered the game in the 9th, with the Rangers ahead 1-0, and lost it. However...just like the Sox, the Rangers couldn't score any runs. They went 0-10 with runners in scoring position, and the great Vlad Guerrero was responsible for 3 of their 5 hits. The only run was unearned, scored on one of 4 wild pitches by Toronto pitchers.

The Rangers are looking like the Rangers of old, and Ron Washington is probably on the bubble, due to his drug issues, which may or may not be over. Who knows?

The Sox, on the other hand, have looked pretty good for the first three games. I think they have the looks of a solid team this year. I AM concerned about Papi. I love Papi. But he just doesn't seem to have the magic any more. I hope I'm wrong and he pulls out of this.

That's my nickel's worth for today.

TTFN, y'all!