Sox 11, Phillies 10

(originally posted 3/9/07)

The Red Sox, allegedly, defeated the Phillies by an 11-10 score on Friday. I didn't get to watch, or listen, to the game as the 1pm start time conflicted with my employment responsibilities. But I did monitor the matchup on MLB.com. However, in Spring Training, MLB.com often lies about inconsequential minutiae, such as "the score", and "who's pitching."

MLB.com was definitely incorrect about the performance on Phillies ace southpaw Cole Hamels in the 1st inning. Four runs allowed in an INNING! Cole doesn't give up 4 runs in a MONTH! I can only see two possible scenarios. Either Cole was doing his Joe Cowley (1987 Phillies version) imitation- in which case he was dead on. Alternatively, the Phillies might have gotten a right-handed dishwasher from Denny's and had him pitch left-handed for the 1st inning. It is inconceivable the Cy Cole himself would pitch this poorly, under any circumstances.

Phillies LH relief specialist Matt Smith faced 8 batters (7 more than he faces in a typical appearance) and, allegedly, allowed 6 ER, while getting only 2 outs. Also quite unbelievable.
Maybe they played this game on Strat-O-Matic? Or perhaps it was just a simulated game played in Tito's mind. Two shutout innings by Manny Delcarmen? Impossible. (One shutout batter seems far-fetched.) The only part of that box score that seems viable to me is Runelyvs Hernandez' 3 runs allowed in 1.1 innings, raising his ERA to a staggering 18.69. Yikes. As questionable as the Sox bullpen is, I just don't see him being a part of it. Unless they keep him to fight with opponents and/or teammates. But it seems they already have Julian Tavarez for that.

Craig Hansen pitched an inning, allowing 3 H, 1 BB, and 2 ER. (It is not clear at this time whether it was really him, or Mike Burns again.) With Mike Timlin shut down for a week due to soreness in his oblique, and the Sox uninjured bullpenners turning in one poor performance after another, I am getting increasingly concerned. The opening of the season is less than a month away, and the Sox bullpen is in disarray. Hopefully, they'll be in better shape once the games start. Theo may need to make a deal or two.

On Saturday, the Sox and Josh Beckett face the Tigers and Justin Verlander. The Phillies will split their squad, with Freddy Garcia starting against the Devil Rays, and Jon Lieber against the Astros. All games are at 1:05pm. The Flyers also play the Bruins at 1:05pm, in a matchup of my 2 favorite teams, and the 2 worst defensive teams, in the NHL. Should be a good day for the sports...

Finally, there is an insanely funny blog posting over on SurvivingGrady.com. They are already in postseason form over there. Check it out!