1:07 AM Eastern
All the credit in the world goes to our producer Ken Rodney for this one. With the score 7-1 Tampa Bay and David Ortiz at the plate in the bottom of the 7th, K-Rod said the following: “If Ortiz hits a home run here, the Red Sox will win the game.” After Covelli Crisp’s single to right scored Mark Kotsay with the tying run to end the bottom of the 8th, K-Rod said the following: “Tampa Bay will not score again.” After Carlos Pena hit into a double play with two on to end the top of the 9th, K-Rod said the following: “This game will end in the bottom of the 9th.”
I’m thinking I should probably hand the reins over to him right about now, but he has to wait his turn.
The Boston Red Sox pulled off an incredible, improbable, nearly-unfathomable comeback, climbing back from 7-0 down with two out in the 7th inning. They needed to score seven runs to tie the game, and they only had seven outs with which to do it. They only needed three.
It was the second-largest deficit overcome to win a game in playoff history. The biggest one was in a bigger spot, but not as big a spot. Bigger because it was the World Series, but not as big because the Philadelphia A’s, who overcame an 8-0 deficit in the 7th to win 10-8, weren’t facing elimination. In fact, they led the series two games to one, and went on to beat the Cubs in five.
How about this – the Red Sox have won the last EIGHT ALCS games they’ve played when facing elimination. This one, Games 5, 6 and 7 against the Indians in the ALCS last year and, of course, Games 4, 5, 6 and 7 against the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. By the way, did you know the Yankees are the only team in MLB playoff history to blow a three games to nothing series lead?
Anyway, until that 7th inning, I didn’t think the Red Sox had a prayer in this game. The Rays jumped out to a big lead early, with home runs by B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria helping them to a 5-0 advantage just seven outs into the game, and after Upton’s two-run double off Jonathan Papelbon in the 7th made it 7-0, I actually asked why it was that they had to keep playing. Evidently, the Rays were asking the same question, and now they know the answer.
Amazing what you can do when your lead-off man actually gets on base, huh? Before tonight’s 7th inning, the Red Sox’ top-spot hitter (Jacoby Ellsbury for three games, then J.D. Drew and Crisp) was 0-for-21 in this series. The only time the lead-off man had even reached base was when Crisp walked in the first. But with a runner on second and two out in the 7th, Crisp kept the budding rally going with a line single to left – Dustin Pedroia followed with an RBI single to set up Ortiz’ three-run jack. Crisp struck again in the 8th, driving in the tying run with a single to right after fouling off four straight 3-2 pitches.
As I sit here, I still can’t believe that the Rays didn’t win this game. By all rights, they should be winging their way back to Florida set to enjoy five days off before kicking off the World Series against the Phillies on Wednesday. Instead, they’ve got another one of those tough tests that not many people expect them to pass. So far, they’ve passed every one of those this year.
That momentum sure is something, huh? Which is to say there’s no such thing. Could the Rays possibly have had more momentum than they did after the Upton double in the 7th? At that point in time, they had outscored the Sox 29-5 in the three games at Fenway Park, winning the first two and leading the third 7-0.
Two last things I want to touch on about this game:
1 – Joe Maddon took some heat for switching around his starting rotation, having Scott Kazmir start this game, pushing James Shields back to Game 6, if necessary. I didn’t really get the criticism – it’s not like Kazmir isn’t a terrific pitcher, too. It turned out that the move worked out great for the Rays. No one could have asked for more from Kazmir, who threw six innings of two-hit shutout. He left in the 7th with a 7-0 lead.
2 – Gabe Gross got criticized for playing a bit shallow on the game’s final at-bat, which allowed Drew’s line drive to sail over his head and bounce into the stands for the game-winning single (Drew didn’t bother to touch second). The thing is, though, there were two out and the tying run was on second base. If Gross isn’t playing a little shallow, then the winning run scores on a single. He had to be there.
Oh, one more thing – how’s this for eerie? The Red Sox won this game exactly five years after they lost Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS to the Yankees. Not just to the day, but to the MINUTE. Drew hit that ground-rule single at 12:16 AM Eastern on October 17th, 2003. Aaron Boone hit his walk-off, 11th-inning homer off TimWakefield at 12:16 AM Eastern on October 17th, 2003. I don’t know what it means, but that’s spooky.
The Blue Jay A Day Pre-Pre-Game Show went beautifully again tonight. If you didn’t know it before, you now know (or you will once you listen) that Jesse Carlson is one of the nicest guys in the world. He did a terrific job, as did Lyle Overbay and Joe Inglett before him. I don’t know what our schedule is going to be like on the weekend, but I’m going to try my best to get Roy Halladay and Vernon Wells to come on for the first two nights of the World Series next week, at least.
Here’s the BJADPPGS feat. Jesse Carlson, for your listening pleasure:
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I know I had said it would be Alex Rios tonight, but I couldn’t get in touch with him yesterday or today, despite leaving numerous phone and text messages. Hopefully we’ll be able to get him for the World Series, too.
And here, for your additional listening pleasure, is tonight’s post-post-game call-in:
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Game Six of the ALCS goes Saturday night, with the Sox throwing Josh Beckett at Shields and the Rays down in St. Pete. We’ll hook up with the ESPN broadcast at 7:35 pm Eastern for an 8:07 first pitch. Again, I’m not yet sure whether there will be a BJADPPGS yet.
Rational, reasonable comments are welcome!
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I feel badly for the Rays, but I’m not surprised. I have a lot of apprehension about the back end of their bullpen, especially since Percival can’t pitch in this series. Close games seem to favor the Sox in this series. I know Kazmir threw 111 pitches, but I would have probably let him throw one more inning. I know, hindsight is always 20/20.
Consider it an omen- I opened a pack of baseball cards while I was listening to your Jesse Carlson interview and got a Jesse Carlson autograph card. Okay, not an omen, just a coincidence. Keep up the good work.
MW: Cool. But that’s a lot more than hindsight. Remember, it wasn’t a close game when Kazmir came out. You have to expect your bullpen to be able to get nine outs before it gives up seven runs. There was no earthly reason to send Kazmir out for the 7th.
- Jim in OhioJesse Carlson was great for sure, what a genuinely nice guy. It must have been fun for you all season long having the odd chat with him Mike. He sounded very pleased and thankful for you having him on the show. Another job well done.
After the first couple of losses by the Red Sox at home against the Rays, I had no good feelings as to a come back at all. That is until they went down 5-0 last night then for whatever reason my gut felt a rally coming on. When Ortiz got up to bat in the 7th I just knew he was going to let one fly!
Fantastic, an unbelievable finish. I just can’t see them losing the ALCS now at all. Both these teams know a WS Championship is in the bag no matter which one of them goes on. The Phils are a great NL team but will be no match for either one of the AL teams – AL East teams that is.
Why would anyone want to see the Jays playing in any other division except the AL East. Playing against the best brings out the best.
Without the Yankees and Red Sox coming to town as much as they do, the attendance at Jays home games would see a significant drop.
“Manny being Manny” in a Jays uniform would be money in the bank for the organization. A 20 mil/yr investment would return huge dividends for the club.
Forget Rios, you have left him messages and he can’t be bothered returning them! Then don’t feed the ego anymore by chasing him down. Go for the down to earth guys like you have Mike – your 3 for 3 with great guests. Keep it up.
Thanks
- -Bob-Hi Mike, I know I can’t believe the Rays lost either. I totally agree about what you said about Gabe Gross and the final out. What a game. I also love the Jay per day. They have all been good. What about Johnny Mac, could you get him over the weekend?
Liz
MW: I usually don’t get players on the weekends, but I might have to in order to fit some people in because we missed out on the whole first round.
- LizMomentum does count Mike! It is huge!
If the force (Red Sox) is greater than the resitance (Rays). A forward motion (momentum) is the result! That was more than evident for the Red Sox from the 7th inning on, last night.
You mentioned the Rays obtaining momentum (or rather should have) after the Upton double in the 7th. The fact they had scored so many runs in this game and prior to this game led them to complacency and the loss of momentum.
The resistence from the Red Sox was stronger than the force of the Rays – hence no momentum shift.
Momentum was key for the Red Sox come back. Once it finds it’s way through a dugout it is contagious.
No doubt a lot of Rays players woke up today with a sick feeling in their gut as to the loss last night.
Just the opposite for the Red Sox players who woke up this morning feeling pumped and ready to go. Momentum will do that.
Thanks
MW: I can’t believe that the Rays didn’t have all the “momentum” by having beaten on the Red Sox to the tune of 29-5 through the first 2 2/3 games at Fenway.
- -Bob-Red Sox Fans are fantastic!
Seeing their club down by 7 late in the game, you did not see very many heading for the exits.
Nothing but nothing feeds a team knowing your fans “have your back” regardless of the score.
Keep that in mind Toronto!
Thanks
- -Bob-I’m sure several people have already pointed out your error, but they lost a postseason elimination game AFTER 2004! That would be 2005 to the White Sox (Game 3 Oct 7th 2005). So their win streak is at 4 NOT 8.
MW: You’re right, I made a mistake. I meant LCS streak, and I’ll go fix it.
- JJBhey mike;
Great game, but like everyone else stopped watching after 7-0 lead by the rays, good for the red sox to fight to the bitter end and for ortiz to get a clutch hit and deflect his criticism, but still think the rays will win this series and the world series, longoria, upton, and pena look unstoppable with crawford tearing it up also, agree peavy would be nice, but would rather see manny ramierez and sheets/byrd/martinez in the rotation, hopefully beeston can secure the budget for this, or riccardi can trade ryan and dump salary, great show and blog
MW: I’d rather see Peavy and Ibanez than Manny and any of those pitchers.
- robert.sMike
To follow up on my Beeston question yesterday, I was hoping for your thoughts. Could it be he was hired to lure Gillick back? Or Godfrey was sincere when he said he didn’t want the responsibility of hiring someone to replace him? You must have some ideas.
MW: It seems pretty weird. I don’t think Beeston was hired with the thought of him being able to bring Gillick back. I don’t get why Godfrey couldn’t have stuck around until March, if need be, if it took that long to find a replacement.
- DanThanks again for both Audio casts! It’s great to catch up with the audio while at work. I was at the April 17, 14 inning game where Carlson came in, in the 11th, I believe with the bases loaded and struck out the side. The kid had nerves of steel and it was great hearing from him on the show.
Keep up the good work,
Rahil
MW: It was April 16th, but yeah, that was incredible.
- RahilMike…Heard Buck Martinez saying that Jon Lester could be the best starter in baseball right now. There’s two ways of taking that: Firstly, when he said it there were only 4 teams around(Bos. T.B. Phil. L.A.) and maybe then he could be correct. But if he’s including everyone, one would think fans of Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum or Roy Halladay (and others I’ve probably forgotten to mention) might differ in opinion. With those guys’ era’s and won/loss records they had little or zero dry spells during the season to allow Lester to surpass them. A little hyperbole on Buck’s part, Mike, or a valid statement? What’s your take Mike?
MW: Sportscasting in the playoffs seems to be all about hyperbole. I think (I hope) Buck was just talking about the guys who are left.
- chris m.the rays woulda won if they had reed johnson!!!!!
MW: What makes you think he would have played?
- warrenThe real shame was seeing Gabe Gross muff the throw home on the tying run. Given the former Auburn quarterback’s biggest highlight in a Jays uni (June 28, 2005: 10th inning defensive substitution with one out and a man on third turns the game-losing sac fly into a game-saving double play), I thought he had a great chance to nail Kotsay at the plate, but he turfed it. Just nerves, I guess?
MW: More likely a bad grip on the ball.
- PRQHi Mike
Any news on how Marcum’s operation went?
Also, any news on whether the Jays have been negotiating with AJ?
Thanks,
MW: No, though I assume I’d have heard something if it didn’t go well. I should check, though. And I don’t think there’s been any back and forth with A.J. lately.
- DavidThat was an unbelievable game that I watched. As amazing as the Rays season is, it would only be fitting that the ’08 season be capped off with a WS featuring Boston and Philadelphia, just because of the rich history of both ball clubs. The hype that will be associated with a WS with those 2 teams would be definitely something.
On a separate topic. Mike, what would it take for Toronto to get Jake Peavy this offseason? With the question of Burnett possibly leaving T.O., he would definitely be a a strong 2nd ace to this team. What chips would (if the Blue Jays were considering this) it take to land a pitcher of his caliber?
(Many reports did say he’s looking to stay in the NL, but what the heck.)
Thanks Mike.
MW: If the Braves are offering up Kelly Johnson and Jair Jurrjens, that’s kind of like a healthy Aaron Hill and Brett Cecil, except better, so the Jays would have to beat that. I’m thinking they might want to throw together something along the lines of Lind, Cecil and another arm – one of Janssen, Purcey or Mills, maybe. And heck, why not Gustavo Chacin?
- Shindujan Ymichael,
with the red sox newly found momentum in this series,
who do you like for the winner here?
i can’t imagine boston travelling back to fla. and pulling this off can you?
and what about the kazmir pull after 6 with just 2 hits & no runs.
i haven’t seen anyone yet comment on that decision by the rays mgr. incl. his own reasoning for the move. no backlash whatsoever it seems.
needless to say couldn’t possibly be giving him rest for the upcoming world series next week.
did you find that managerial decision a little odd?
i didn’t get to check into the game until after he was pulled so all i had was his pitching line to go by which seemed to dictate at least starting the 7th…
i don’t know.
by the way, have seen the reports today, my peavy prognostication from yesterday… never mind.
darrell.
MW: As I said above, I don’t think any rational human could have thought, not knowing the ultimate result of the game, that pulling Kazmir in the 7th with a 7-0 lead having thrown 111 pitches was a bad idea.
- darrell bishopHey Mike,
Love reading your blog as always.
I realize someone has probably already pointed this out, but your post hasn’t yet been edited or moderated.
The Red Sox were eliminated in 3 straight by the White Sox in 2005. So, that thing about winning the 8 straight elimination games … well, I guess it’s true if we’re talking about the LCS.
MW: See above
- DaveRJust Amazing, Mike!
- JordieThose were possibly the best (non-Jays related, of course) 3 innings I’ve ever watched. Simply stunning
The A’s not sticking with a 23-year-old, developing hitter like Daric Barton to “solve their problems” at first base with a 32-year-old like Overbay who is not among the top 20 most productive first basemen in baseball?
That sounds kind of like a team signing a washed-up veteran like Shannon Stewart to put a hurdle in front of the development of a young hitter like Adam Lind.
And we already know there’s only one GM in baseball who would try something like that.
I don’t think Billy Beane would have much credibility if he suddenly pronounced “we finally found our man at first base” if he brings in Lyle Overbay instead of sticking with Barton.
MW: He could have sent Barton back to catch. Really, though, the reason to bring Lyle to Oakland would be to give Barton more development time.
- Ken PaganHey Mike,
The Blue Jays have basically had five long-term, established guys manning first base since the early 1980s — Willie Upshaw, Fred McGriff, John Olerud, Carlos Delgado and Lyle Overbay.
Where would you rank Overbay among that group, when it comes to productive hitting?
MW: Off the top of my head, I’d have gone Delgado, Olerud, McGriff, Overbay and Upshaw. Average career OPS per year for the Jays makes it McGriff (153) and Delgado (144) by a ton over Olerud (128), Upshaw (108) and Overbay (105).
- Ken PaganMike,
I’m not fancy with the statistics but my friend and I were talking and he made the claim that if Manny Ramirez were a Jay he’d be the best Jay ever. I said two words to him that shut him up pretty quick: Joseph. Carter.
My friend couldn’t dismiss Joe’s RBI ability to his prowess to hit bombs in the clutch.
I guess you’ll have to decide this one Mike.
MW: It’s not even close. It’d be Manny, provided he has the same opportunities as Carter, playoffically and such.
- JasonAfter that comeback i couldnt help but rush to my computer and put some loot on the sox to win the WS at 5:1
MW: Good luck
- slobberfaceMike,
Do you think the Rays are going to be pressing a little bit or getting a little anxious knowing what the Sox have done the last two times they were left for dead? I would like to see the Rays hang on. I am a Jays fan and hate the Yanks and Sox. I hope every year that their records will be 9-153.
I hear that Peavy is from Alabama, the Braves are very interested, and Peavy also has to waive a no-trade clause. It will probably be tough for the Jays to pull that out. Any other starting pitchers that you have heard of being available through trades, or that someone the Jays may be looking at? Thanks
MW: The Jays will definitely be looking at him. It’s interesting that Peavy said he’d agree to waive the clause and go to Houston after he spent time talking pitching with Roy Oswalt. Maybe the Jays ought to set up a date with Peavy and Roy Halladay.
- JustinLike K-Rod, I’d like to make a prediction as well. If Red Sox wins tonigh(game 6), they’ll win the world series in 5 games.
- BeburgMike…Getting close to the 22nd anniversary of the Bill Buckner Game. Always puzzled at the crap thrown Buckner’s way over that play..They act as if it was a 3-run error when it’s a moot point whether he would’ve beaten Mookie to the bag anyway given the way Buckner hobbled. And if he does make the out, who’s to say the Mets wouldn’t have won it later on in extra innings? I had just gotten back from a Bob Seger concert at Maple Leaf Gardens in time to see Dave Henderson’s homerun to put the Sox ahead setting it up for the Mets’ heroics. Do you remember where you were Mike that historic evening?
MW: I think I was watching the game in my basement. Had I known there was a Bob Seger concert that night, though, I’d have been there.
- chris m.I noticed that Varitek is the captain of the Red Sox. Do the Jays have a captain? What does a captain do in baseball? Can a pitcher be the captain? (I was thinking Halladay would be a good captain for the Jays.)
Thanks.
MW: No. Nothing. Sure.
- JasonI read on MLBtraderumors.com that the Padres want two young pitchers and a center fielder for Peavey.
Sounds like Peavey doesn’t want to go to an AL team regardless, but I thought Cecil, Ricky Romero and Rios would do the trick?
Too much, too little?
This way Snider in right, Lind and Wells, definitely giving up some defense in the outfield, but you could get a good defending 4th outfielder for late in games.
MW: I think that’s a little too much. But I also think that if the Padres stick to “two young pitchers and a CF”, then they’re working to their own detriment.
- ClintMike…Speaking earlier of the ’86 Red Sox, I had a not-so-nice memory/encounter with a member of that team, Dwight “Dewey” Evans, I assume working as a coach then. A few years back at Skydome, I went to a Sox game with a great friend of mine and his young son, both Red Sox nuts. Here they are decked from head to toe in Red Sox gear in a visiting park and politely (I was there Mike so it’s not hearsay) asking Evans for an autograph and commenting on his great catch in the ’75 WS, robbing the Red’s Joe Morgan of a homer and turning it into a double play and basically saying it was a pleasure to watch him over his great career. But you’d think they had slashed his tires by the rude replies he gave back(can’t repeat them) I felt so bad for my 2 guests and I could tell they were hurt. Mike, in your travels, have you heard of Evans’ being a surly individual?
MW: Nope.
- chris m.It sounds like Jake Peavey would veto a trade to Toronto, regardless of any deal JP could work out.
MW: I don’t know about that.
- JasonMike, do you think that Peavy could garner more in a trade then Santana did, since Peavy locked in to a good deal for the next 4 years?
MW: I wonder about that, and the answer is a definite maybe.
- andrewMike…Just the contrary to Dwight Evans experience, was a great memory of meeting former Jay, Dave Collins. After attending a particular game back in ’83 or ’84 in which Collins had a good night, just happened to see him at the restaraunt/bar later on where myself and a friend frequented. After the usual party-line of “Great game tonite, Dave”,he invited us to dine with him, and payed for drinks and food the rest of the night. And also said if we came down to the game the following afternoon, to come down to the left field bullpen where he’d be warming up and continue our chat. So naturally I went, and the best part of this whole story was not the free food and drinks, it was when he saw me at old CNE Stadium, he remembered me with a warm greeting of ” Chris ..thanks for coming out.” Always a compliment when someone remembers your name instead of “Hey Bud.” One of my fondest baseball memories of all..a real gentleman! Any meetings by happenstance of athletes at a non-sports venue for you Mike, during your tenure as “Joe Fan”
MW: That’s a fantastic story. I don’t recall ever just meeting an athlete out of context growing up.
- chris m.It’s exactly like last year. Boston wins ALCS after being down 1-3. Rockies had a week off before the world series last year, Phillies will have a week off by game 1 of WS. The only difference will be that Boston won’t sweep the phillies, they are too good to be swept.
P.S: With all due respect to TB, they are DONE! That tragic game 5 loss took the air out of them.
MW: Nobody is too good to be swept. As for TB, we shall see.
- Beburghey mike;
Looks like the red sox are makinng a series of this, and feel bad for the rays, seem to only hit hr’s for runs as their hits, Wouldn’t focus so much on trading prospects for peavy, while we can dump salary(bj ryan/rios) and attempt to sign burnett and sheets along with ibanez/ manny or heck, break with the mlb collusion track and offer barry bonds a contact providing his lawyers keep him out of jail, after all to paraphrase yourself “he’s arguably the best hitter ever” after pete rose I would agree, thx great blog.
MW: Bonds won’t get a contract now, with his ability to be, you know, free next season kind of in jeopardy. Pete Rose, by the way, isn’t even in the conversation for best hitter ever. I would rather have Peavy than either of Burnett or Sheets, even though he would cost prospects rather than just money.
- robert.sReally, there’s no chance the Jay’s are even in the ballpark when talking about signing Manny or trading for Peavy. Reports that I have read suggest offers for Manny are likely in the 4yr @ 80M per, aswell as 5yr @ 85M…realistically its a fantasy. Peavy however, may be more likely but a long shot. I read that Peavy wants nothing to do with the American league. If I laced up my GM shoes like so many Torontonians like to do, I try my best to sign AJ and if that doesn’t work then a trade for a middle to bottom of the rotation guy would make sense. Crain out of San Fran sounds about right. Maybe a Pedro Martinez signing, and that would be it for the rotation. Forget Peavy or Manny. More like Crain and Raul Ibanez.
MW: Matt Cain is a pretty good pitcher, the Jays would do well to deal for him. Cain and Ibanez would be fine, but not as good as Peavy and Manny, but you’re right, it’s not terribly realistic to think the Jays have a good shot at either of them.
- MickeDo you think it would be in the best interests of the jays to move Lind to 1B,move snider to LF, trade overbay to free up some money and sign a big bat?
MW: Not necessarily.
- JAZZis he serious
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/six-years-for-m.html
MW: Boras is definitely serious. Is he kidding himself? Probably.
- JAZZJoel Sherman of the NY post recently dropped a tidbit mentioning that Russell Martin may be available. He cites that rival executives are saying that the Dodgers aren’t “enamored with his makeup” and that with frontline catchers being hot commodities, the Dodgers could explore the market to see what Martin could bring in return.
Similar to a Jake Peavy trade scenario, this may be an avenue that the Jays explore because not only would it increase their chances in the short-term, it would also give them a key component of their core moving forward.
Add in the Canadian factor and Toronto’s relative weakness at the position and I’m sure it would be something that piques JP’s interest.
Perhaps something along the lines of Arencibia + Lind?
MW: I don’t think the Jays would do that.
- Alex from MississaugaMike…Do you happen to know what the tattoo on Carl Crawford’s neck symbolizes?
MW: It’s his zodiac sign, Leo.
- chris m.Hey Mike,
Just heard the stat that Lester has never had consecutive losses in his MLB career. He’s still young but that’s an impressive stat. Just wondering if you know how many no-decisions have come after a loss?
Thanks.
MW: How many no-decisions of his have come after a loss? Four. After half of his career losses, he’s picked up a win, after the other half, a no-decision. Regular season only.
- SiguyFood for Thought:
Cafardo of the Boston Globe names a dozen other clubs interested in Lowe: the Yankees, Mets, Tigers, Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Angels, Braves, Phillies, Rangers, Astros, and Blue Jays.
He’d be a great fit if they can get him for a semi-reasonable price.
MW: The fact that so many teams are in on him means the price won’t be semi-reasonable.
- Alex from MississaugaHey Mike
Just watching the Rays/Sox game, Garza has just exited. Leave him in, the hell with pitch counts. He was still throwing gas…
MW: You have to trust the bullpen at some point.
- rickhey mike, do you still think tampa will not win 90 games?
MW: I think they won’t win 110.
- roccoUnicis
Dating has never been easier !
- Unicis