After the beating last night and the White Sox ace on the mound tonight, Boston needs this game much more than Chicago.

I'm with SG here. I've always thought the first two games are more pressure on the home team, obviously they can get away with just winning one (or sometimes, not winning any) but I imagine Boston would be happier going back to Fenway 1-1 than Chicago would be.

(Although I'll concede 14-2 was probably not what Boston had in mind for the losing half of the split)

I'm not saying I want it to happen here, but in each of their last three trips to the playoffs, the Red Sox have had a series where they reached the brink of elimination without winning a game, and still won the series.

Of course, their pitching was better in all three of those comebacks than it is now, and their hitting was better in at least one of them.

I wouldn't give up on this team if they lose tonight, but let's not try to test things a fourth time. Just give us a win Wells.

Too much snark in the intro.

shouldn't wild card be in all caps like "AL EAST CHAMPION"?

1959 Parallel:

White Sox lose to the Dodgers 4-3. They jump out to an early lead, but Bob Shaw gives up three homers, including two to Charlie Neal, for a Dodgers victory.

So expect Graffanino to have a big day.

That intro didn't look snarky to me.

I'm a pretty happy man today, although that could change this evening. It really boils down to Buehrle, and whether we're getting the at-best-mediocre, flat Mark Buehrle we saw in August and early September or the outstanding, ace-of-the-staff, Cy Young contender Mark Buehrle we saw in the first half and in his last two starts.

The White Sox are saying that he's figured something out recently, but if he's at all off, the Red Sox are going to punish him severely.

The upside is that we'll likely see Millar instead of Olerud again tonight.

1959 Parallel:

We're already off the 1959 parallel. We started Bob Shaw (the reliever-turned starter that nobody expected anything of that was red-hot down the stretch) yesterday. Billy Pierce goes today.

Early Wynn (the mercenary pitcher that some people think the Sox traded away too much to get) goes Friday, Dick Donovan Saturday.

We're already off the 1959 parallel. We started Bob Shaw (the reliever-turned starter that nobody expected anything of that was red-hot down the stretch) yesterday. Billy Pierce goes today.

So if Ozzie announces that Buehrle actually isn't starting and goes with somebody like El Duque, we should watch out.

I think this game is more important for the White Sox.

I agree with this in the sense that I think whoever wins this game wins the series, and the series is probably more important for the White Sox.

The Red Sox won the World Series last year, and don't have a great team this year. I don't think it will be a travesty if they lose this series.

The White Sox haven't won the World Series since 1917, and have gone that same amount of time without even winning a single series. Plus, they had the best record in the AL all year and still had to hear about how they weren't any good and would lose in the postseason.

So, for vindication purposes and such, it's more important to the White Sox.

That said, while I think the Red Sox will win the series if they win tonight, the White Sox will still have at least a 1-in-3 shot at winning even if they lose HFA.

If the Red Sox lose tonight, they've got at best a 15-20 percent shot at coming back.

So for the purposes of actually winning the series, this game is clearly more important to the Red Sox.

And yes, that was much too long a post to respond to a throwaway line in the into.

That intro didn't look snarky to me.

Yeah....that was the idea.

It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game. It was just one game.

I have to remind myself.

Actually, the parallel is a bit eerie, as Ozzie did at least adjust the rotation so that Buehrle wouldn't have to pitch at Fenway, just as Lopez didn't want Pierce pitching in L.A.

The White Sox haven't won the World Series since 1917, and have gone that same amount of time without even winning a single series. Plus, they had the best record in the AL all year and still had to hear about how they weren't any good and would lose in the postseason.

Not only that, but Cleveland is going to make it tough for the White Sox to be back in the near future.

There's definitely a sense (at least to me) that this is the one chance we'll see in a while.

You were at the game yesterday, right, Vince?

That must have been a blast.

(Although I'll concede 14-2 was probably not what Boston had in mind for the losing half of the split)

I say if you're gonna lose, you may as well go down in flames in a blow-out rather than lose a heartbreaker. If they leave Chicago 1-1, no one on either side will think the 14-2 score was all that significant.

Throw strikes you fat ####.

Hey, at this point, I'm just glad that they're not leaving Chicago with a 2-0 Boston lead.

Hey, if the White Sox win today, they set themselves up for one of two things -

(1) Their first postseason series victory since 1917, or

(2) A postseason series that goes its maximum number of games, which the White Sox have never seen, ever.

With contreras available for game 5 i think this game is a must win for boston

and i attended the game yesterday - probably the loudest i can ever remember that place being. truly a terrific experience for a white sox fan...best one i could remember

Yes, the score does not matter. They had an 11 run loss last year. Who cares? The way I look at it, it was the last loss last year. Let's hope this will be the last loss this year.

Today seems to be a must win for the Red Sox, as I do not have much confidence in their Game 5 starter.

The end is nigh... The Fat Man Will Sing tonight, I'm afraid...

It's not hard to forget that the '03 and '04 central champions (or is that CENTRAL CHAMPIONS) won their first game in the LDS as well. Things ended rather abruptly for them both times. There is still plenty of baseball to go.

It was insane at the Cell yesterday, the most fun I've ever had at a Sox game, and I was at the game in 93 when they clnched the division. Bo's ridiculously high homerun was pretty much my top White Sox memory before yesterday. Hopefully today will have result in another great memory.

Does anyone know if the ESPN broadcast of the game is in HD? I recorded the WGN feed yesterday, but it wasn't in high definition, so I wanted to if the actual ESPN one was.

wanted to know that is.

JRE, yeah, I was at the game. As Kris and BL mentioned, it was incredible there yesterday. When Gene Honda announced Ozzie Guillen in the pre-game, I could barely hear Honda, which is never a problem.

Great, great, great day.

I say if you're gonna lose, you may as well go down in flames in a blow-out rather than lose a heartbreaker.

Well, I think that's half true. You're right in the emotional sense, but if yesterday was reflective how Clement would pitch in a potential Game 5, then it definitely now what the Sox had in mind

You're right in the emotional sense, but if yesterday was reflective how Clement would pitch in a potential Game 5, then it definitely now what the Sox had in mind

Derek Lowe wasn't in the rotation before last year's game 5 in the DS, but he started game 5. I think Arroyo gets the start if it goes that far.

Wow, a 14-2 beating sure makes Red Sox fans weirdly superstitious. And hey, us Chicago fans are always pessimistic out of habit--afraid to love because it has always come up and bit us in the ass.

There is no one on this team who was on the 1959 team. Any similarity is a pure coincidence. The 2000 team was a shitty team that got lucky to even be there and nobody was healthy by the time they made the playoffs.

The White Sox were mild, and truly mild underdogs coming in. They won the first game 14-2. It's better to win a game 14-2 than to lose it. It's also better to win 14-2 than to win 2-1--the Red Sox ridiculously bad pitching threw more pitchers and used more innings.

We still might lose. In baseball anything can happen. But we sure are in good shape.

Let's enjoy the ride. The same detractors were guaranteeing that the Sox would get sweeped in their predictions last week. That didn't work out so hot...

The same detractors were guaranteeing that the Sox would get sweeped in their predictions last week. That didn't work out so hot...

Not to deny anyone their moment in the sun, but who exactly were these detractors I've been hearing so much about? Surely there were a lot of people who thought the defending champs would emerge victorious, but I didn't hear many calling for a sweep.

For the time being I can take comfort in the fact that the Boston Red Sox have in the last two seasons faced elimination in nine games and they only lost one (thanks a lot, Grady) of those games. (I'm on record as saying things won't turn out that well this time of course.)

but who exactly were these detractors I've been hearing so much about?

I can't speak for Eraser-X, but the sweep talk that I saw wasn't really Red Sox fans in particular. Most of the sweep talk came before it was known who they were playing or even if they'd win the division or wild card (or possibly not make the playoffs). It's been going on since July, really.

Not to deny anyone their moment in the sun, but who exactly were these detractors I've been hearing so much about?

Pretty much everyone on ESPN except Gammons was predicting that Boston would walk all over the White Sox, Heck, most ESPN guys are still picking the Red Sox.

Most of the national media had the Red Sox in a walkover.

My post at #30 is specifically about BTF and nothing else, to clarify.

Not only that, but Cleveland is going to make it tough for the White Sox to be back in the near future.

If they don't re-sign Millwood and find a power-hitting corner infielder/outfielder, I doubt they'll reach 90 wins next season. But that's off-season talk...

I was at the game yesterday also, and aside from the sun being in my face the whole time, it was fantastic. Best atmosphere at the Cell since the 2000 season.

Kind of wish they put tonight's game in the 3:00 slot and yesterday's game at six. The NHL season opens tonight and there's a huge amount of games on. But seeing as though the Sox play in a post-season game (almost literally) once in a lifetime, I'll take baseball over hockey tonight.

Surely there were a lot of people who thought the defending champs would emerge victorious, but I didn't hear many calling for a sweep.

I think I predicted Red Sox in five, for whatever it's worth.

I also told Vince to bring his glove, as Clement was certain to get pounded. I see the Red Sox winning by a run tonight in a low scoring contest.

Mahnken predicted a Red Sox sweep.

Go White Sox.

I hope Wells throws his back out so bad, vertebrae drop out of his rectum.

Larry's not entirely rational. He actually thought the Red Sox would come back in last year's ALCS.

Bob Loblaw

I love saying this name out loud. Makes me laugh.

Bob Loblaw. Bob Loblaw.

Stop talking nonsense in front of Bob Loblaw.

I need to start watching Arrested Development.

Look, none of the AL teams in the playoffs are very good. As bad as the Red Sox pitching is, the White Sox hitting is basically as bad. (Whoopee, they scored 14 yesterday - didn't the Royals score like 20 once this year?) The Yankees are starting Chien-Ming freaking Wang (seriously, remember when the Yankees were scary to play?) in game 2 of their series, and the Angels have the same problems (in the long run) with scoring runs as the White Sox do.

It's also better to win 14-2 than to win 2-1--the Red Sox ridiculously bad pitching threw more pitchers and used more innings.

Used more innings? Huh? Out of the bullpen, I guess, but they didn't use their 3 best relievers either. Granted, in a 2-1 game, both teams might have to use their high leverage guys, but I don't see why having to throw Jeremi "I'm on the postseason roster!?!?" Gonzalez 2.1 innings yesterday *benefits* the White Sox in any way other than making it easier to run up the score.

While I think yesterday's win shifted the probability of the White Sox winning from roughly a bit under 50/50 to a bit over 50/50, the RS had their 4th starter going on the road yesterday. If there is one game they should be expected to lose, it was that one.

Lastly, to ever "predict" that one team will sweep another in the playoffs, barring the untimely death of one team's entire starting lineup the day before the series starts, seems foolhardy to me.

The White Sox still need this game tonight just about as much as the Red Sox do.

I need to start watching Arrested Development.

Absolutely.

It'll be a fun, sexy time for you.

I'd watch any crap show just for employing David Cross, but AD is pure gold and it's a joy to be a fan.

But if you need any consulting, I recently became licensed as an ANALyst and a theRAPIST, so I can help you out. I'll send you my card.

You took off his pants?

and i attended the game yesterday - probably the loudest i can ever remember that place being. truly a terrific experience for a white sox fan...best one i could remember

Impossible. Nobody in Chicago cares about the White Sox. The media have told us so.

Nobody in Chicago cares about the White Sox. The media have told us so.

Rooney and Farmer were audibly delighted about yesterday's crowd and the amount of noise they made rooting for the White Sox.

Yesterday was awesome.

Today will be a tight, low-scoring, tense game. I've forbidden the rabid Red Sox fan in the office from speaking to me today. Luckily, he's going out of town tonight.

No, the media knows some people in Chicago care about the White Sox. But since they are all white trash or minorities, or worse, from NW Indiana, their lives aren't as important as the perceived white fratboy/yuppie Cubs fan base.

The latest forecast says it will be warm and stay dry through the game window of roughly 6 to 10 p.m. CDT, but a front with some rain is expected to come through sometime very late tonight.

Most of the sweep talk came before it was known who they were playing or even if they'd win the division or wild card (or possibly not make the playoffs). It's been going on since July, really.

Yup, I said something to that effect way back them.

Of course, I also predicted the White Sox to go all the way in the predictions thread.

white fratboy/yuppie

Hey, now, that's hitting a little close to home! Heh, heh.

No, the media knows some people in Chicago care about the White Sox. But since they are all white trash or minorities, or worse, from NW Indiana, their lives aren't as important as the perceived white fratboy/yuppie Cubs fan base.
Amen, brother. That's what I would say, but in about 100 more extraneous words.

Hey, now, that's hitting a little close to home! Heh, heh.

Don't worry Vince, you are like Kevin Costner in "Dancing with Wolves"

Awesome interview on BP, by the way. I really enjoyed it and you sounded great. You especially handled it well when Carroll made some mistakes and you just made intelligent comments instead of dwelling on them or letting them break you flow.

Way to represent!

Don't worry Vince, you are like Kevin Costner in "Dancing with Wolves"

I don't have a clever Indian name, however.

Awesome interview on BP, by the way.

Thanks so much. I hope he'll have me on again.

Just listened to the interview Vince, didn't know you were doing it. Great stuff

I don't have a clever Indian name, however.

"Exile in Wrigleyville" is pretty good.

Thanks, RB and Eraser-X. Not only was it a knock off from an original, but the original was actually a knock off, too.

It's only a blog name, but I like it, like it, yes, I do.

(Different album, I know.)

I'm white and a yuppie living in the city....and a sox fan.

There are at least two of us.

BL

Fun with numbers while bored at my job.

White Sox catcher performance in the 1983, 1993 and 2000 postseasons:

1983-Fisk
3-17, 1 double, 1 walk, 3 K's

1993-Karkovice
0-15, 1 walk, 7 K's
LaValliere 1-3, 1 walk

2000-C.Johnson
3-9, 1 walk, 1 K

Grand total:
7-44, 1 double, 0 runs or RBI, 4 walks, 11 K's

AJ yesterday:
3-3, double, 2 homers, 1 HBP, 4 runs, 4 RBI.

LaValliere 1-3, 1 walk

He's from New Hampshire, so he's the best of the lot.

I liked Mike LaValliere quite a bit, but I've always liked lefty-batting catchers who can hit for some reason.

Of course, if he's 6'0" instead of 5'9", maybe Francisco Cabrera isn't as famous.

Karkovice may have been worse than that 0-15 with 7 K's indicates. Him and Bo Jackson were pathetic in that series.

The Sox have quite a recent history of left-handed hitting catchers, including Spanky LaValliere, Mark Johnson, Chad Kreuter (OK, he was a switch-hitter), and Jorge Fabregas.

Why are the Braves wearing their ugly third jerseys?

Alright, I'm off for a beer at the Berghoff, and then the Cell. Enjoy the game, everyone.

Alright, I'm off for a beer at the Berghoff, and then the Cell. Enjoy the game, everyone.

You too Vince, but not too much.

Bad news WSox fans...

According to the score, Olerud is starting at 1b tonight.

According to the score, Olerud is starting at 1b tonight.

Olerud's performance aganist the Sox in the past aside, Olerud has hit .251/.333/.355 vs. lefties the past three years. He is hitting .300/.341/.500 in 40 ABs vs. lefties this year, which is better than Millar but Millar's 3-year average is .279/.361/.416, better all around

Francoma is brilliant, Millar vs. a righty and Olerud vs. a lefty. That's not the way a platoon works, you idiot.

Odd. What would Mike Timlin and AJ Pierzynski be talking about?

As a Cub fan, I think it's great that Chicago is going nuts for the White Sox. Anything that cuts into their irrational popularity and forces them to win to compete for attention will be good for the North Siders in the long run. Also, I don't hate the White Sox (I reserve all my baseball hatred for the Cardinals), so if the Cubs can't win, I will at least root for a team from Chicago.

When I say "their irrational popularity" I am referring to the Cubs, of course.

Biff: Francona favors Millar if possible. Millar had good #s v. Contreras. Tonight, Buehrle has no platoon split and Olerud has the better glove.

Francoma is brilliant

Hadn't heard that one before. That is brilliant.

Biff: Francona favors Millar if possible. Millar had good #s v. Contreras. Tonight, Buehrle has no platoon split and Olerud has the better glove.

You talk as if I don't know Tito's irrational favorites.

Hadn't heard that one before. That is brilliant.

I can't take credit for it, unfortunately.

Man, why did the Red Sox have to have the 7 PM game? This is going to interfere with my watching of Lost.

DVR, Biff, DVR

I was hoping they'd play it at 1, during which time I was in a meeting. Now I'll have to watch it.
I like spring better than fall.
DB

Evangeline Lilly's old Live Links commercial has been on a lot in the middle of the night recently. That's gotta be embarrassing.

DVR, Biff, DVR

Don't have one at school.

Man, why did the Red Sox have to have the 7 PM game? This is going to interfere with my watching of Lost.

I know. I know.

And we see the Others' camp tonight. Goddam.

And Olerud? Francona has apparently put money on Chicago. Nixon is batting 6th!

6TH!!!

Oh, man, now I have to follow this at work.

And we see the Others' camp tonight. Goddam.

I think I'm gonna be a bad fan tonight and Gameday it starting at 9 PM (switching on commercials). I have no other (legal) way to watch the episode.

Damn. I didn't think the Astros would score 10 runs in the entire series.

I figure it'll depend on the quality of the game for me.

Also, we have company tonight. The girlfriend's sister and sister's new boyfriend. Ain't met him yet. So they'll get a say in tv watching, and I won't be chattering after a certain point.

I think I speak for everyone when I say, go SOX!!!

I'd like to thank Rogers Sportsnet for showing me the end of this blowout and letting me listen in to the discussion of why the Braves fail in the post-season. I feel like I'm just living aspects of my life over and over and over.

So they'll get a say in tv watching,


Why?

And now we turn to David Wells to save our season.

That's not terribly reassuring, though to be fair I could have posted the exact same sentence moments before Friday night's showdown at Fenway, and the outcome in that case was quite favorable.

That's a CHONE moment!

Wake up Joe!! This game is important.

Evening, fellas.

RIDP time?

Ah, these are the Red Sox

Buehrle is Jack McDowell. Good teams eat his average stuff up.

Dammit Ortiz.

Dammit. Beautiful pitches by Buerhle, beautiful.

######.

Podsednik is a ####### joke in the outfield.

Podsednik is such an atrocious defender.

Damn, I thought that was gone off the bat.

Should he have had a double off of it?

MANNY!

Manny thought that was a homer.

I'd like to have him at 2nd, but hey, got a pair of runs in.