Red Sox roller coaster riding high again

For the last few weeks, watching the Red Sox has been like riding a roller coaster: a nerve-wracking journey filled with unexpected twists & turns, many ups & downs, and plenty of lengthy stretches where the rider viewer feels sick to their stomach. The Baltimore and Detroit series were like apexes of modest height thrill rides, such as the Montu [...]

Sox ‘pen: Biggest strength suddenly a glaring weakness

A few short weeks ago, the Red Sox were rockin’ the best bullpen in the major leagues. The crew had the lowest ERA of any bully in MLB, featured a slew of talented young arms, and contained at least 3 or 4 pitchers who could be closers on many other staffs. Now, after a string of [...]

A’s blank Sox in Nomar’s return to Fenway

John Smoltz’s Fenway Park debut was overshadowed by the return of Nomar Garciaparra tonight, but it was an unheralded rookie starting pitcher for the Oakland A’s who trumped all the tributes and attention being given to those two accomplished veterans.  Brett Anderson tossed a complete game shutout, dampening what was supposed to be a celebration of Smoltz first [...]

Bewildered in B’More: Sox blow 10-1 lead, lose 11-10

As the Red Sox were running out to a 9-1 lead in the fifth inning  Tuesday night, Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne made this ridiculous comment: “now this one is starting to get ugly.” “Starting to get ugly?”, I said to my son. “With this (Boston) bullpen, this game is over!” Oh how wrong we both [...]