Tampa scored early and often versus the heralded Jon Lester and outclassed the RS in a critical Game 3 at Fenway earlier today. The man with the fast-growing big reputation was outpiched by Matt Garza, whose stuff is every bit as good as Lester's. The RS played as if there were no doubt they would win by the sheer fact that Lester was on the mound. Au contraire, my dear readers, the game is played on the field, as the Beantowners painfully learned today. They and the fans were clearly far too confident.
Right from the outset, the Rays dictated the pace/style of the game, no doubt emboldened by two moonshot homeruns from B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria. They then put pressure and forced the issue on the RS once they got ahead in every way possible, from bunts to stolen bases to hit and runs, etc. This was precisely the formula the Angels would have liked to use, but they could not get ahead and could not hit the ball out of the park.
Garza was immense. He featured an upper 90's fastball and a big breaking pitch which overmatched most of the RS hitters. His innings were kept short because he got the first batter out in the first six innings. Lester, on the other hand, put the lead runner on in three consecutive innings, hastening his downfall. On the two killer homeruns, Lester let both Upton & Longoria extend their arms on waist high pitches, which they both drilled over the Monster.
Boston had minimal opportunities to score. In the important second, in which Garza escaped from a second and third with one out problem, the Boston bottom of the order was limp. In fact, the 7-9 guys continue to have no chance in this series. they are virtually helpless to do even the slightest damage. Add to that Ellsbury (who should not be in there and replaced by Coco) at the one spot, and there are 4 consecutive sure outs each time through the order. How much longer will the stubborn Francona live with Ellsbury ?? He is now 0 for 20, and still he was allowed to bat in the seventh against the lefty Howell when it was still a relatively close game. There is loyalty, and then there is stupidity !! Anyway, Howell did a nice job containing the damage.
Never have I seen the RS hitters so confused. In contrast to the Rays hitters, they are not aggressive enough. The number of checked swings bears this out. Both Ortiz and Youkilis checked their swings 3-4 times per plate appearance it seemed !! The Rays continue to throw soft stuff away and pound Ortiz in tight with fastballs. He continues to miss even the mistakes they have left over the plate, fouling them off each time. He looks totally flustered. Kotsay, in contrast, took several nice swings today, even though some were atom balls. He and Petey were in the great minority though.
Somebody in the organization needs to speak with Ellsbury. Last year when he was the darling of the post season, he was slapping the ball the other way and up the middle, bunting, and generally being a pest. Since he has hit a few homers, he now pulls off the balls and pops up or whiffs. He needs to hit the ball on the ground and utilize his speed, because without it, he would not hit .220.
The result of the bad pitching and worse hitting is that we now have a series, after each team has won in the other's park. Boston is at a distinct disadvantage because the Rays have wrested back the home field advantage while wading through the two pitchers thought to be Boston's strength. On top of that, Wakefield is the next RS starter. He may do well, but I defy anyone in Boston to state that they are confident in him except the ever-loyal Tito. Besides, he has not pitched in a LONG time. Ask Timlin what that experience was like.
If nothing else, I hope the Sox learned from this drubbing, or it was a complete waste. In addition to Upton and Longoria mentioned above, both Pena and especially Iwamura must be pitched to the inside. They are all most succeessful when allowed to extend their arms over the plate. Not so Baldelli, as he proved with that missile of the Sports Authority sign. Somehow, the RS must get ahead, or else there will be no slowing down the running game against Wakefield. If the speedy Rays get on via base hit or walk, they might save everybody time and walk right over the mound and past Wake to second base. He needs to minimize baserunners, and that is not his strength.
Beating Lester the way they did really hurt the psyche of the Boston nine. The Rays were playing to their style very well in a loose and carefree manner. As we have seen countless times though, momentum can shift very quickly. When presented an opportunity to apply pressure by scoring early, the RS must seize it, unlike today in the second inning. Just the opposite of today, the expectations are that the Rays will render Wake useless. Hopefully, the RS somehow can get back to even at 2-2, or they may rue not fatally hurting the chances of the Rays by winning that 11 inning marathon in Tampa.
Let's see what Francona comes up with. Does he stand pat or make some necessary changes ?? At the moment, he is beings clearly out-managed by a WIDE margin. Otherwise, he will have to rely upon a complete reversal by his very good (slumping) players to make him look like a great manager again. Stay tuned !!!
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