The time has come to fire Francona

[conversationpc]

I wouldn't exactly call it a fluke pitch and it certainly takes SOME talent to throw it. Anyway, regardless of how mediocre he's been over his career, he's at least been valuable enough to fill several different roles with the team. I don't think anyone mistakes him for a better than average pitcher.

The knuckleball is a fluke pitch, by definition. Given there have been about 5 guys in the history of MLB to throw it with any regularity, I stand by my point that it's a fluke pitch. Wakefield gets a lot of slack in Boston, because people really like him. As I said previously, I could give a fuck if he ever gets 200 wins. It's a complete non-story and a hollow accomplishment. The other thing I don't like about Wakefield is that he has been hell bent on setting the all-time Red Sox record for most victories in the history of the franchise, and he'd pitch another 10 years for free if it meant he could get that record. Again, it's a completely meaningless accomplishment, given that he doesn't rank in the top 100 pitchers that the Red Sox have had, throughout their history.

First, it should be "couldn't give a fuck". Anyway, I don't think it's completely hollow. There've been tons of guys who've come out of the minors with mind-blowing stuff and then they're long gone within a few seasons or, in some cases, never make any impact at all.

[Enigma869]

First, it should be "couldn't give a fuck". Anyway, I don't think it's completely hollow. There've been tons of guys who've come out of the minors with mind-blowing stuff and then they're long gone within a few seasons or, in some cases, never make any impact at all.

Thanks for the correction, Mr. Grammar Police. As I said the first time...I could give a fuck! We'll agree to disagree on this point. If I have to hear one more Boston media about Wakefield being "short-changed" on his quest for win number 200, I'm going to slap the shit out of the fucker doing the whining. Good for Wakefield for turning limited talent into a two decade career, but it's an embarrassment to a team with the storied history of the Red Sox for this guy to have his name at the top of any record books!

[conversationpc]

First, it should be "couldn't give a fuck". Anyway, I don't think it's completely hollow. There've been tons of guys who've come out of the minors with mind-blowing stuff and then they're long gone within a few seasons or, in some cases, never make any impact at all.

Thanks for the correction, Mr. Grammar Police. As I said the first time...I could give a fuck! We'll agree to disagree on this point. If I have to hear one more Boston media about Wakefield being "short-changed" on his quest for win number 200, I'm going to slap the shit out of the fucker doing the whining. Good for Wakefield for turning limited talent into a two decade career, but it's an embarrassment to a team with the storied history of the Red Sox for this guy to have his name at the top of any record books!

Grammar police...That coming from Mr. Dramatic.

As for being short-changed...Yeah, that's certainly an exaggeration. I don't see that at all.

[conversationpc]

The Sox seem determined to play nearly their worst baseball of the year and lose even the wild card. Despite the two World Series victories over the last seven years, I'm tired of them losing the division to the Yankees. Their pitching, which had gotten to a season staff low of 3.84 is now nearly back up to 4.10 after about two weeks.

[conversationpc]

Shellackey has gone back to his normal crappy self after going on somewhat of a decent streak. He now has the distinction of the highest ERA in team history for any starter with 24 or more starts at 6.30.

[Seven Wishes2]

Mind-bogglingly predictable.

The Sox are about to become the biggest chokers in the history of baseball - they ARE going to blow what was an 11-game lead for the wild card with only 25 games to play.

[Enigma869]

Mind-bogglingly predictable.

The Sox are about to become the biggest chokers in the history of baseball - they ARE going to blow what was an 11-game lead for the wild card with only 25 games to play.

They won't blow the lead. They're still going to the playoffs, but in my opinion, they'll be a complete non-factor.

[conversationpc]

Mind-bogglingly predictable.

The Sox are about to become the biggest chokers in the history of baseball - they ARE going to blow what was an 11-game lead for the wild card with only 25 games to play.

They won't blow the lead. They're still going to the playoffs, but in my opinion, they'll be a complete non-factor.

They aren't going to blow the lead. The same one who was calling for Francona's head after 10 games now predicting more doomsday scenarios.

[S2M]

This organization has given up. Fact. Lester is looking horrible.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Just a horrible slump at the most nerve wracking time, but they wont blow it.

[Seven Wishes2]

Matt, how long have you been a Sox' fan? Are you old enough to remember the Game 7 chokes against Cincy ni '75, or the Mets in '86, or the 13 1/2 game blown lead in '78?

Yes, they will. They are running scared. Terrible, TERRIBLE job of managing down the stretch by Francona, who should be canned if they do pull off this massive choke...or even if they don't. Half the fucking team goes down with major, season-ending injuries by September, EVERY FUCKING YEAR.

This is the kind of choke that will haunt a team for years to come. They won't be a contender for years and years if they lose this lead...8 fucking games in 12 days. What a travesty.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Matt, how long have you been a Sox' fan? Are you old enough to remember the Game 7 chokes against Cincy ni '75, or the Mets in '86, or the 13 1/2 game blown lead in '78?

Yes, they will. They are running scared. Terrible, TERRIBLE job of managing down the stretch by Francona, who should be canned if they do pull off this massive choke...or even if they don't. Half the fucking team goes down with major, season-ending injuries by September, EVERY FUCKING YEAR.

This is the kind of choke that will haunt a team for years to come. They won't be a contender for years and years if they lose this lead...8 fucking games in 12 days. What a travesty.

I actually became a Sox fan in 1986 (on vacation in Boston that spring , got to go to Fenway and got hooked on that amazing place) . First year of really following them, got to experience that WS and shortly thereafter I was very quickly educated on the painful chokes of the seventies, especially the 75 world series- how do you blow all that momentum from Fisk's game six homerun a three run lead in game seven.
So yes I know all about it.

Of course we know now they aren't destined to blow everything all the time. If they do (and after yesterdays result I'm starting think you might be right) it will be pathetic but no they wont be out of contention for years and years.

[Enigma869]

They won't be a contender for years and years if they lose this lead

You shouldn't even be allowed to call yourself a fan with moronic predictions like this. Listen, part of being a sports fan is dealing with disappointment. While I'm certainly not thrilled with this tank job, it could always be worse. You could be from Cleveland! I promise you that with the Red Sox financial resources, you'll never see a situation where they'll go "years and years" without being a "contender". Saying something that fucking dopey makes it sound like you've never watched a baseball game in your life!

[conversationpc]

They won't be a contender for years and years if they lose this lead

You shouldn't even be allowed to call yourself a fan with moronic predictions like this. Listen, part of being a sports fan is dealing with disappointment. While I'm certainly not thrilled with this tank job, it could always be worse. You could be from Cleveland! I promise you that with the Red Sox financial resources, you'll never see a situation where they'll go "years and years" without being a "contender". Saying something that fucking dopey makes it sound like you've never watched a baseball game in your life!

I'm glad I didn't respond earlier. You said it much better than I would have.

[Seven Wishes2]

They won't be a contender for years and years if they lose this lead

You shouldn't even be allowed to call yourself a fan with moronic predictions like this. Listen, part of being a sports fan is dealing with disappointment. While I'm certainly not thrilled with this tank job, it could always be worse. You could be from Cleveland! I promise you that with the Red Sox financial resources, you'll never see a situation where they'll go "years and years" without being a "contender". Saying something that fucking dopey makes it sound like you've never watched a baseball game in your life!

You know, yours isn't the only opinion that counts!!! I know you consider yourself to be the de facto Boston sports swami, but that dosen't mean you're always right!! And any sports psychologist will tell you a team that blows something that was in the can at the very end of the season will take a long time to recover, if it ever does!!!! Think about the '08 and '09 Mets, or the '87 Red Sox, or the '79 Red Sox, or the '76 Red Sox!!!! Those of us who don't agree with your prognostications aren't wrong because we don't agree with you!!!! Have a nice day!!!!

[Enigma869]

You know, yours isn't the only opinion that counts!!! I know you consider yourself to be the de facto Boston sports swami, but that dosen't mean you're always right!! And any sports psychologist will tell you a team that blows something that was in the can at the very end of the season will take a long time to recover, if it ever does!!!! Think about the '08 and '09 Mets, or the '87 Red Sox, or the '79 Red Sox, or the '76 Red Sox!!!! Those of us who don't agree with your prognostications aren't wrong because we don't agree with you!!!! Have a nice day!!!!

Listen, clueless fuckwad...I never claimed to be "the de facto Boston sports swami". I simply said any fucking nitwit predicting the Red Sox were never going to be competitive again is clearly a fucking moron. Do you even watch baseball? The same freakin' teams are competitive every season, and the Red Sox are among that group. I didn't ask you to agree or disagree with me. i didn't even offer an opinion. The statement I made was based on pure fact, and the fact that I actually pay attention to MLB, and know who the "haves" and "have nots" are. Claiming that the Red Sox are a "have not" means that you should probably start watching some fruity sport like soccer!

[S2M]

Hello folks. It's your resident Chicken Little reporting from deep within a bunker, in an undisclosed location.

10 games left...a Magic Number of 9.....

Playing a twin-bill today against two Baltimore pitchers with a combined ERA of 14.00+. Mark down a sweep, right? Not so fast. Weiland and Lackluster are pitching for us....

Adrain Gonzalez went 0 for the series this past weekend. That's 0-12, sports fans....I believe he was overtaken by Cabrera or Young for the batting lead, after having a 20-point lead at the AS break. Pitiful. Blaming his shoulder....

"The best line-up ever"

Ummmm....ok.

I hope this team doesn't make the playoffs. Cause the only thing a playoff berth will accomplish is more money in the pockets of the owners, and an embarrassing 1st RND exit....looking back, the braintrust was correct - the team couldn't have used the talents of Halladay....

[Enigma869]

Hello folks. It's your resident Chicken Little reporting from deep within a bunker, in an undisclosed location.

10 games left...a Magic Number of 9.....

Playing a twin-bill today against two Baltimore pitchers with a combined ERA of 14.00+. Mark down a sweep, right? Not so fast. Weiland and Lackluster are pitching for us....

Adrain Gonzalez went 0 for the series this past weekend. That's 0-12, sports fans....I believe he was overtaken by Cabrera or Young for the batting lead, after having a 20-point lead at the AS break. Pitiful. Blaming his shoulder....

"The best line-up ever"

Ummmm....ok.

I hope this team doesn't make the playoffs. Cause the only thing a playoff berth will accomplish is more money in the pockets of the owners, and an embarrassing 1st RND exit....looking back, the braintrust was correct - the team couldn't have used the talents of Halladay....

I don't disagree with your point that they are a one (round) and done team, given their recent, putrid performance. That said, I still don't see them missing the playoffs. Tampa still has to play the Yankees 7 times.

[Seven Wishes2]

I pin the blame squarely on Epstein. No way should a team with as much money as the Sox be starting THREE shitty pitchers in September. He had no backup plan. Why didn't he call Pedro, for God's sake?

The worst collapse in major league history is well on its way. The Devil Rays should be tied in the loss column by the end of the day.

[S2M]

What do the Yankees have left to play for? I'm not too sure they will care by that 2nd series against TB. They'll have homefield wrapped up, and setting up their rotation. Plus, Sox still have to wheel out Weiland, Wake, and Lackey again....Gonzo is gone-zo, Crawful is a stiff, and Francoma needs to wake up.

[S2M]

Baltimore 3 Boston 0

ALREADY!!!!

[Saint John]

Baltimore 3 Boston 0

ALREADY!!!!

4-3, junior.

[S2M]

Baltimore 3 Boston 0

ALREADY!!!!

4-3, junior.

5-3, Neo-con.

[S2M]

I don't trust Lackey one iota. I'd just as well trot Rocky Dennis out to the mound....

[Saint John]

Baltimore 3 Boston 0

ALREADY!!!!

4-3, junior.

5-3, Neo-con.

[Seven Wishes2]

Seriously, Shellackey is a fucking DISGRACE. He can't hold a six run lead? Francona should be fired simply for continuing to give him and Cakefield the ball every 5th day.

They WILL lose this game tonight, trust me. There's no way they don't give up a three run lead over the last four innings.

[S2M]

KAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHN!!!!!

[Seven Wishes2]

That's right. Atchison retires four guys in a row with ease, so take him out as quickly as possible, and replace him with a guy who's been getting hammered for the last two months. Of course, that douchebag gives up a walk and a monster shot to Guerrero that almost leaves the park. Three innings to go, two run lead...no WAY they hold on for the win.

[conversationpc]

They WILL lose this game tonight, trust me. There's no way they don't give up a three run lead over the last four innings...

...Three innings to go, two run lead...no WAY they hold on for the win.

[Red13JoePa]

They WILL lose this game tonight, trust me. There's no way they don't give up a three run lead over the last four innings...

...Three innings to go, two run lead...no WAY they hold on for the win.

6-5!