I love that dirty water: 1-0 First place, half a game up.

6-5 win over the A’s in 10 from Tokyo.

Woke up at 5:15. went for a run, showered up and watched the Sox. The only thing that took away from the morning, was that they couldn’t get it done in under 3 hours as I had to head to work.

Game Chat

Number 3 Star:Dice - K: Gutty but ugly performance. We saw the Dice we saw a little too much of last year, a little adversity and he starts to fold. Instead of completely folding he battled, despite not having command or mph’er on his heater. His off-speed stuff really settled in during the 3rd, 4th and 5th. Could have gone to a number of players, but considering the locale of the game I had to give him the edge.

Number 2 Star Brandon Moss: Late injury replacement for J.D. “Nancy” Drew whose back went out, prior to the game. Brandon, trying to carve out a roll for himself showed good plate coverage and took his licks including a the game tying closer off Street in the top of the 9th.

Number 1 Star: Manny - 2 for 4, with four base knocks including the go ahead in the 10th. This is the Manny being Manny we all want to see for the next 3 years. Onward toward 6 Hundo.

News
Papi - not clutch. Manny, really bailed out the Greatest Hero in American History who left 5 on base reminding me of Johnny “Pop-up” (Valentin). The shift did take a way a hit from Papi. So the shift counter is -1.
J.D. Drew, out a stiff back. Apparently he was a VERY late scratch as Moss was announced with the reserved then a couple minutes again with the starters. Hopefully this won’t be a long term situation as the RedSox really need 20 dingers from Drew, as the middle of the lineup is very dependent on Ortiz/Manny and Lowell for power, another source of power would go along way towards keeping the Sox near the top of the league in runs scored.
Lugo - Lives. Nice leaping catch on a screaming liner a couple hits, it’s good to see him starting on the right foot.
Lil Dust - Starting strong. At one point Phillips mentioned to Thorne, that he talked to Dave Magadan, who mentioned that the wanted Dustin to be more aggressive, as he can be passive at times and go up watching pitches. Magadan said, Pedroia should pick one out he likes and try to put a charge into it. Primates everywhere cringed. I cheered.
Dice-K - made a gold glove level play coming off the mound with the bases drunk as Bobby Crosby hit a worm killer towards third. Great play.
Mike Timlin is really important. Not having him available for the 6th pushed Snyder into action, who proceeded to cough up the lead. The 6th inning is going to be a key inning for the Sox in close games, as I have a lot of faith in Oki, Delcarmen and Paps for the 7th, 8th and 9th. When the starters can’t get through 6 to get the ball to Oki it will be challenging to shut other teams down ith Lopez and Snyder and Corey (who might be ok).
Good win.