12/22/24
April 23, 2007
A Toss of the Dice, and History at Fenway. . . : Red Sox go back-to-back-to-back-to-back, setting a club record and tying a MLB record with four consecutive homers off Chase Wright to help a shaky Daisuke Matsuzaka complete a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees.
posted by The_Black_Hand to baseball at 06:28 AM - 39 comments
Even though it was a three-game sweep, the games were pretty evenly played. Friday's game, with Rivera imploding, could have easily gone to the Yanks, and on Sunday they looked good against Dice-Clay (kidding). Early on, I was getting so sick of Jon Miller doing his stupid sayings in Japanese I almost turned the game off. The four-straight taters, I have to admit, were exciting and the electricity had to get any baseball fan charged up (Manny's was a freakin' BOMB!). I am impessed with J.D. Drew so far, though. He's always been a great talent, obviously, but he looks pretty comfortable in Boston. The Yankees need to get their pitching together, and hopefully Wang returning Tuesday will be a good start.
posted by dyams at 07:25 AM on April 23, 2007
Yeah, that shot from Manny was prodigious, to say the least. As far as J.D., I plan to be completely unfair to him this season. I'll enjoy his contributions right up until he gets hurt, then bitch about the fact that they brought him in at all. All told, a heck of a start to the season series that the rest of the world loves to hate.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 07:46 AM on April 23, 2007
Great games. With my Sox hat on (not pink!) I admit to being a little worried- given the state of their pitching staff, these games should not have been that close. The Sox need to sweep again next weekend to give some breathing room ahead of the inevitable late-season Yankee charge.
posted by tieguy at 08:16 AM on April 23, 2007
(Oh, and WTF? Baltimore second in the AL East? Is this bizarro world?)
posted by tieguy at 08:16 AM on April 23, 2007
1. Milwaukee Braves v. Cincinnati, June 8, 1961, 7th inning. (Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron, Joe Adcock, Frank Thomas) 2. Cleveland Indians v. L.A. Angels, July 31, 1963, 2nd game, 6th inning. (Woody Held, Pedro Ramos, Tito Francona, Larry Brown) 3. Minnesota Twins v. Kansas City Royals, May 2, 1964, 11th inning. (Tony Oliva, Bob Allison, Jimmie Hall, Harmon Killebrew) 4. LA Dodgers v. San Diego Padres, September 18, 2006, 9th inning (Jeff Kent, J.D. Drew, Russell Martin, Marlon Anderson) 5. Boston Red Sox v. New York Yankees, April 23, 2007 (Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek)
posted by holden at 08:18 AM on April 23, 2007
Good work JD Drew.
posted by jerseygirl at 08:32 AM on April 23, 2007
Early on, I was getting so sick of Jon Miller doing his stupid sayings in Japanese I almost turned the game off. Yet somehow you survived Joe Morgan for the remainder?
posted by YukonGold at 08:46 AM on April 23, 2007
I don't know who I can't stand more -- Morgan or McCarver.
posted by jerseygirl at 08:56 AM on April 23, 2007
Joe Buck and McCarver are much, MUCH worse. The two most completely ignorant comments were, "There's been a lot of noise from the boston fans to replace Veritek and give Mirabelli a chance." and "Boston is probably excited about the opportunity of stealing A-rod from the Yankees this off season." I get so worked up I can't even focus on the game, I have to turn the TV off and listen to it on the radio. I wonder if this happens because it is national coverage and they are trying to entertain the casual fan, or if it's just because they both contain high levels of douche. In my house, the world stops when it's the 9th and Papelbon comes out to close. My newborn even stops crying for those three outs. Is this what Rivera is to NY or is it at a whole other level here?
posted by kire at 09:13 AM on April 23, 2007
McCarver also said something like "Red Sox fans are going to have to see a lot more of Okajima this year!" Yeah? He's on our team, why wouldn't we see him?
posted by jerseygirl at 09:23 AM on April 23, 2007
Yet somehow you survived Joe Morgan for the remainder? I can honestly say Joe Morgan doesn't even rate an opinion from me. Things he says just don't even register. To me, it's almost like he's not even talking because he's so dull. Miller just bugged me because he had to add (ridiculously) to the Japanese overload we're having shoved down our throats regarding Dice-K. Someone needs to fill him in that there's quite a few Japanese players in the majors now, so it's not that rare.
posted by dyams at 09:51 AM on April 23, 2007
1. Milwaukee Braves v. Cincinnati, June 8, 1961, 7th inning. (Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron, Joe Adcock, Frank Thomas) Wait, that can't be right- Frank Thomas? Not even born yet...
posted by MKUltra at 10:03 AM on April 23, 2007
I think more than one person is allowed to have the same name, MK. Or we'd run out. A quick Google brings up this fine looking fella.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 10:29 AM on April 23, 2007
Wait, that can't be right- Frank Thomas? Not even born yet... Another candidate for "Best First Comment" award. I think more than one person is allowed to have the same name, MK. Or we'd run out. Classic.
posted by dyams at 11:04 AM on April 23, 2007
Wait, that can't be right- Frank Thomas? Not even born yet... In the baseball world, he's known as "The Less Talented Frank Thomas"
posted by grum@work at 11:41 AM on April 23, 2007
Or "The Old Hurt". (And I admit that when they mentioned Frank Thomas in the telecast, my immediate response was the same as MKUltra's.)
posted by tieguy at 11:51 AM on April 23, 2007
So, how many more games am I going to be ignoring in this series? Having been raised on the west coast, I just never can get plugged in to the Red Sox and Yankees because they always came across as two sides of the same coin.
posted by igottheblues at 11:58 AM on April 23, 2007
... and here's the obligatory "Well I hate both teams!" comment.
posted by jerseygirl at 12:01 PM on April 23, 2007
At least he didn't claim the dreaded East Coast Bias.
posted by tieguy at 12:44 PM on April 23, 2007
I thought it was the dreaded East Coast Cabal, preventing anyone from watching, playing or commenting on baseball anywhere else in the world. btw, igottheblues, the thread isn't about "YANKEEZ RED SOX WOW!!!", it's about an accomplishment that would have been notable (and, I'm sure, commented on) no matter whose uniforms they were wearing. However, if somebody was gonna do it, they'd certainly have better odds of doing it against the current state of Yankee pitching.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:15 PM on April 23, 2007
The older Frank Thomas evidently had the talent for catching hard-thrown baseballs barehanded without flinching. The story I read had Willie Mays walking away rubbing his arm in pain after testing thomas before a game. Oh, and he had the ability to get into fistfights with Richie (later Dick) Allen...
posted by ajaffe at 01:34 PM on April 23, 2007
However, if somebody was gonna do it, they'd certainly have better odds of doing it against the current state of Yankee pitching. Or catching. The Yankees' starting battery had fewer than 50 big league games between them. That said, plenty of lineups face rookie pitchers without banging out four consecutive homers. Two of my closest friends -- both Sox fans -- went to the game and they said the whole atmosphere -- from the Dice-K Mania to the homer string to the come-from-behind victory -- was the wildest and most exciting they had ever experienced at any sporting event. I would say the only thing more odd than the string was the fact that Ortiz didn't factor in it. The pattern of 4-consecs is pretty weird. Doesn't happen for 100 or so years, then bam, three times in four years. Then nothing again for 40+ years, and again, bam, two years in a row. I wonder if that means the likelihood of it happening again in the next two years is better than average. Vegas, baby, Vegas.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 02:08 PM on April 23, 2007
Two of my closest friends -- both Sox fans -- went to the game and they said the whole atmosphere -- from the Dice-K Mania to the homer string to the come-from-behind victory -- was the wildest and most exciting they had ever experienced at any sporting event. Really? For an April 21 game? Hyperbole - thy name is Sox/Yanks.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:51 PM on April 23, 2007
Really? For an April 21 game? Why not? If you're not a baseball fan, sure, you won't get very excited about anything but the playoffs. If you are a baseball fan, it's about what's happening on the field, not the date on the calendar or even the teams on the field.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:07 PM on April 23, 2007
Hyperbole - thy name is Sox/Yanks. No, I don't think so. I wasn't there (and I didn't have the same rooting interest) but: 1. Every Yankee/Red Sox game I have ever been to, especially since 1999, has had an atmosphere that approached playoff-level -- certainly heightened well beyond the average game. 2. Matsuzaka Fever continues to be out of control, and for many of the fans there (including both of my friends) it was their first time seeing him in person. 3 = 1 +2: It was Matsuzaka's first appearance against the Yankees. 4: Homers in a row. FOUR HOMERS IN A ROW. And 5: My friends don't get out much. Bear in mind, again, they are friends of mine. While they are weekend anglers, and prone to hyperbole, I am inclined to believe the guys this time.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 03:31 PM on April 23, 2007
Why not? If you're not a baseball fan, sure, you won't get very excited about anything but the playoffs. If you are a baseball fan, it's about what's happening on the field, not the date on the calendar or even the teams on the field. Yes, except it was described as the most exciting sporting event ever attended. I was surprised at that. Four homers in a row is cool, and I'm sure the atmosphere was good, and it sounds like a great game, but I'm not buying that most exciting ever judgement. It's hyperbole. And consistent with the Yanks/Sox-centric view of all things baseball. You know what else is also misleading? Suggesting that people who don't get all crazy for April games aren't really baseball fans. Actually - I just tend to lean away from "best ever" tags about anything. But I've sounded like a prick too much already.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:45 PM on April 23, 2007
I didn't think you were being a prick. And nobody (and I mean not a person) throws more hyperbole into the Yankees/Red Sox thingy than me. I totally throw the most hyperbole of anyone I have ever, ever met. In this particular case, though, I didn't go over the top. These aren't season-ticket holders or anything. They get to maybe one game a year, and I don't think either has ever been to an actual playoff game.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 03:59 PM on April 23, 2007
Yes, except it was described as the most exciting sporting event ever attended. I was surprised at that. Again, why? You don't know the people in question, but I'll point out that nowadays, not many people -- even sports fans -- have the scratch to attend major professional sporting events on a regular (or even occasional) basis. What's so unlikely about this being the most exciting sporting event that these folks attended? Four homers in a row is cool, and I'm sure the atmosphere was good, and it sounds like a great game, but I'm not buying that most exciting ever judgement. It's hyperbole. And consistent with the Yanks/Sox-centric view of all things baseball. Ya know what, Weedy, that's just ridiculous. In your efforts to demonstrate that the Yanks and Sox aren't All That, you've taken the absurd position that nobody should ever go to a Yanks/Sox game and come away saying that it's the most exciting sporting event that they -- not you -- have ever attended. Think about how silly that sounds.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:01 PM on April 23, 2007
As a Yankees fan, I was disappointed with the outcome of the series, but all three games were quite exciting. Boston's four homers in a row were a remarkable accomplishment. I did feel pretty good about the Yankees being able to rough up three of the best starters the Red Sox have to offer, and it wasn't until the Yankees "comic" relief offered up some jokes that the Sox were able to overtake them. As far as Dicey-K is concerned if the that's the best he's got to offer, he'll wind up just like Pedro- on the losing end of 75% of his starts. Can't wait for this weekend.
posted by nyrangersfan43 at 05:22 PM on April 23, 2007
I totally throw the most hyperbole of anyone I have ever, ever met. He comes out of the Bullpen to throw his hyperbole, and boy, is he ever a Pro.
posted by SummersEve at 05:33 PM on April 23, 2007
Ya know what, Weedy, that's just ridiculous. In your efforts to demonstrate that the Yanks and Sox aren't All That, you've taken the absurd position that nobody should ever go to a Yanks/Sox game and come away saying that it's the most exciting sporting event that they -- not you -- have ever attended. I think the Sox/Yanks are pretty wicked to watch. It's just a little overbearing at times. And then I see the post and do the context dance. Cheerfully withdrawn. Think about how silly that sounds. Oh, pish posh. I've said far sillier.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 05:46 PM on April 23, 2007
It was a great game, but coming out of it only one thing really sticks in my mind... JOE MORGAN NEEDS TO SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT HIS GODDAMN FUCKING DAUGHTER! CALL THE ACTION ON THE FIELD YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! God that guy is just shit... There, that's better... I used the MLB.TV free trial... Well MLB never cancelled it despite me doing so and charged me, so rather than watch on Sportsnet here in Canada, I watched on MLB.TV so I had no commercials to endure... DAMN am I glad I watched. After the 3 homers I was going nuts... My five year old said "They'll probably hit 4..." I dismissed him and said no way... Few seconds later, another ball is on it's way out of New England... Just an incredible half inning to witness.
posted by Drood at 06:03 PM on April 23, 2007
Even though it was a three-game sweep, the games were pretty evenly played. Friday's game, with Rivera imploding, could have easily gone to the Yanks, and on Sunday they looked good against Dice-Clay (kidding). Everyone seems to be surprised how close the games were. The first game you mentioned had Pettite pitching, so that's a pretty good pitching matchup. Why is it a surprise it could have gone either way? The sox came into the game hitting pretty badly. Even with the four home runs they left way too many people on base. Manny has just started hitting. So I don't know why it's surprise that the games were close, especially with the first 6 yankee batters reading like a fantasy team. As far as Dicey-K is concerned if the that's the best he's got to offer, he'll wind up just like Pedro- on the losing end of 75% of his starts. Can't wait for this weekend. posted by nyrangersfan43 Really? You think dice-k is only good enough to win 1 in 4 starts? I'd love to take that bet. He wasn't his best last night, and hurt himself on several occasions, and the yankees are a tough lineup to pitch too, but he's pitched well enough to be 3 and 1 (with the one being the yankee game last night where he could have easily lost). He's going to have to adjust and get more comfortable, but he's got the pitches, and he was throwing in the mid to high 90s last night in the 8th inning. That's pretty impressive. As far as excitement, I'm sure the games are overblown to anyone not a yankee/red sox fan, but the four home runs were pretty amazing, and the games more often than not are pretty damn exciting. Next weekend should answer a few questions. If the sox take 2 of 3, they're doing well. Lose all three and this weekend will just be a blip.
posted by justgary at 06:17 PM on April 23, 2007
I have a little respect for Morgan because who he is(or was) and for Buck because he reminds me (voicewise) of the incomparable Joe Garigiola.Nobody else measures up, not even Ernie Harwell,who I grew up with.
posted by sickleguy at 06:23 PM on April 23, 2007
Wait, that can't be right- Frank Thomas? Not even born yet... In the baseball world, he's known as "The Less Talented Frank Thomas" Possibly, The Little Hurt?
posted by tommybiden at 07:35 PM on April 23, 2007
Why is it a surprise it could have gone either way? Because a lot of idiots I had to put up with all day only came away with only one thing: The Red Sox swept the three games. While that's true, anyone who watched knows it could have easily been 2-1 or 3-0 in games for the Yanks. I was worried about the Yanks this past weekend, truthfully, because they had two totally unproven kids going on Saturday and Sunday. I think Torre was worried about it also, seeing how he played Friday nights game to win at all costs, bringing Rivera in the 8th inning (panic!). You just never know how a kid on the mound will fare, especially in Fenway for this rivalry. I also liked the swings the Yanks had on Dice-K, because having watched him a few times, he does have some crazy stuff. While I'm not concerned with some April games, it does set up what will hopefully be some great matchups later in the year.
posted by dyams at 08:46 PM on April 23, 2007
Two of my closest friends -- both Sox fans -- went to the game and they said the whole atmosphere -- from the Dice-K Mania to the homer string to the come-from-behind victory -- was the wildest and most exciting they had ever experienced at any sporting event. I was there last night and the energy was great, but the game probably doesn't rate in my personal top 5 for energy/excitement (from my personal perspective) -- but that's because there has to be a whole lot more on the line than April baseball can ever give for a game to be in my personal upper echelon. It may also be because I am only a somewhat marginal Red Sox fan -- my sports bigamy (they'll never play each other when it matters, right?) got me in trouble a few years ago when the Sox played the Cardinals in the World Series and, as a result of that and the Yankeesization of the Sox, I kind of tamped down on the Sox love. Also, I suppose because it was a Sunday night game or maybe because tickets are so hard to come by these days, it seemed like there were fewer Yankees fans in attendance than I would have expected -- which ultimately removed some of the tension I thought there might be in the crowd (I was in the bleachers for crying out loud and it was pretty tame). All that said, the four consecutive homers thing was pretty fantastic, and certainly made this game one of the most memorable I have attended, if not one of the most exciting.
posted by holden at 09:11 PM on April 23, 2007
For Justgary: I should have pointed out that the 75% was strictly against the Yankees and not the rest of the league. If I'm not mistaken, Pedro only won about 25% of his starts against the Yankees.
posted by nyrangersfan43 at 05:19 PM on April 24, 2007
So who are the other teams with 4 consecutive HRs? From the recaps, I've got... LA against SD 9/18/06 Angels against Cleveland 7/13/63 There are 2 more. (It's a bit annoying that the articles make a big deal about tying this record and don't actually give the trivia-heads any payoff.)