El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

THIS IS HOW WE ROLL

Last October, David Ortiz wore a “The Curse of Big Papi” t-shirt under his jersey. I think he has a shirt with a big “S” on his chest this year. Big Papi is just sick and I love it! The games get bigger and he gets better (knock on wood). This is how Red Sox Nation Rolls!

I guess Small's deal with the devil has been extended. As for tonight’s starter, Wang is an extreme sinkerball pitcher and much of his success is due to the improved MFY infield defense. As with control type pitchers, they have to pound the strike zone against the Sox or crooked numbers will be on the Monster. Wells goes for the Sox. The formula for Wells is pretty simple. If he gets his curve over, he can be a dominate pitcher. If not, cross your fingers and get ready to duck for cover against this lineup.

I’ll be offline over the weekend in Boston, but basically, this series comes down to controlling the strike zone. Not only measured in bases on balls, but staying ahead of hitters is of paramount importance for both clubs. Which ever team wins the battle of the strike zone, will likely win the series. Now, Play Ball!

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Significant match up numbers (AVG/OBP/SLG) excluding postseason:

Wells versus…
Juicin’ S – 381/364/619 in 21
Rat Boy – 379/379/621 in 29
Sierra - 319/355/472 in 72
AHole – 353/371/779 in 68
C. Intangible – 321/333/518 in 56
Juicin’ G – 296/513/370 in 27
BWilliams – 219/266/370 in 73
TMartinez - 171/189/200 in 35
Lawton – 176/222/235 in 34

Wake against…
C. Intangible – 286/324/457 in 70
TMartinez – 271/375/583 in 48
Juicin’ S – 269/406/423 in 26
Rat Boy – 250/362/458 in 48
Juicin’ G – 197/326/408 in 71
BWilliams – 200/353/327 in 55
AHole – 226/305/396 in 53
Chucksui – 152/243/273 in 33
Lawton – 231/412/538 in 26

Schilling versus…
BWilliams – 320/370/680 in 25
Juicin’ S – 206/320/365 in 63
Womack – 171/216/229 in 35
TMartinez – 214/241/500 in 28
C. Intangible – 179/207/286 in 28

RJohnson against…
Renteria – 293/408/537 in 41
Millar – 194/293/306 in 36
Ramirez – 182/229/424 in 33
Mueller – 200/314/267 in 30

Although we may not see a healthy old school version of Mussina…
Millar – 438/514/625 in 32
Olerud – 321/373/377 in 53
Damon – 241/292/322 in 87
Ramirez – 229/289/458 in 83
Nixon – 242/324/439 in 66
Varitek – 106/160/106 in 47
Ortiz – 179/256/333 in 39
Mueller – 000/179/000 in 23

As for the two MFY relievers, only Tek hits Rivera well (300/364/500 in 20) and Damon versus Gordon (364/364/545 in 22). Everyone else has much less than outstanding numbers. If the Sox get to the pen before the seventh, they are in the driver’s seat.

We know the Sox will try to mix and match until P&T time. Tito needs to push the right buttons between Myers, Bradford, Stanton, Hansen and Arroyo, who should be available for tonight and Saturday. It can’t just be lefty on lefty or the 180.

Matsui is somewhat susceptible to extreme sidearm guys like Myers (he hits southpaws nearly as well as righties), although less so at Fenway. He has the ability to keep his front shoulder in longer and kind of flick the pitch off the Monster. Matsui is a tough out. Giambi and Lawton have knocked Stanton around and Dino Martinez has crushed Myers.

Giving Tito Stanton as an option scares the hell out of me. Stanton should only be used to face Cano or Womack. The same goes for Arroyo, who has had difficultly with A-Hole and Juicin’ S, although has handled Captain Intangible. Tito will want to leave Arroyo in to face A-Hole – possible big mistake. Damn, I am already stressing out about the sixth and seventh innings when it is twenty hours away. Need to up the meds.