- What is up with the bullpen? In game one, Chris Smith surrenders the go ahead run in the seventh. In game two, Craig Hansen does the same in the eight. But the bullpen saved its best for game three, where Delcarmen and Hansen combined to give up six earned runs without recording an out in the seventh. It was a masterful collapse, a meltdown for the ages, the Sistine Chapel of Turdblossoms.
- What is wrong with Jason Veritek? For his third straight game in a row, the stalwart captain comes to the plate in the ninth with someone on base and he makes an out. And could someone please explain to me how forcing Tek to try the hit and run when he is in a slump is a good thing? Remy kept going on about how Francona is trying to do anything to help "get him started", but surely trying to make contact on a hit and run has to be one of the more difficult plays in baseball, let alone when your batting average is imploding faster than Amy Winehouse.
- Beyond that, what is wrong with the offense? Manny was 1-11 in the series. Lowell was 1-12. The Sox were a combined 3-14 with RISP. Julio Lugo continues to earn his keep as "Señor Automatic Out." The Rays have a good pitching staff sure, but the Sox could sure use some Papi.
- And finally, what is up with Tropicana Field? Is this a baseball stadium or a Disney theme park? Baseball wasn't meant to be played with aquatic animals swimming nearby. Fly balls are not supposed to ricochet off catwalks. Right field lines are not supposed to border standing room party pens filed with rotund middle aged frat boys. Baseball should not be played in air conditioning. Managers should not resemble famous architects. And your team logo should not look like a giant flying vajayjay.
You can boast now Tampa Bay. You can play "Sweet Caroline" after last night's sweep. But at some point (and please G-d make it some point soon), you are destined to regress to the mean. End rant...
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