The time has come to fire Francona

[AR]

Ah, so Scutaro clearly being safe at home must also be some form of collusion, eh? Some sort of reverse psychology?

Bullshit.
.

Looked like Weiters blocked him at the plate to me. I'll check it again next time I see it.

Even if that play was off, wow the lowly Orioles get ONE break.

Just strange that 2 of the biggest markets in the U.S. dominate the one sport without a salary cap. You want to talk about fake and rigged - there you go.

[Seven Wishes2]

Apples and oranges here. I've advocated MLB having a salary cap for years.

Some teams just have a winning culture. Look at the Pats, Steelers, or Colts in the NFL - they compete on the same level every year and still compete for the title season after season.

The problem in baseball is the greed of the owners. The few control the many.

[S2M]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

FUCKING FIRE FRANCONA RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!

THEY SHOULD HAVE WON THIS GAME BY SIX RUNS!!!!

FIRE FRANCONA, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about placing the blame where it belongs...on the GM. I mean really the manager can only due with what he's given. They imploded basically. Francona won the Red Sox first 2 championships in decades as the manager. Give the guy some slack.

Epstein is the one who should be getting a ton of shit right now for the team's collapse. What with the lineup from the 6 slot down being basically shit and having a shaky bullpen. Epstein signs these guys like Drew, Crawford, and Lackey and they don't perform. Crawford is a perfect example of why it's great seeing a big market team lose. The guy's best season OPS wise was .850 and Boston signed him to a 7 year deal. In order for Crawford to be good offensively he's got to hit .300 at least every season to make up for his lack of walks and this season he didn't come close to that and you see what kind of player you have. Paying JD Drew 14 million when he's never played more than 146 games in a season. Foolish spending a lack of a game plan at the deadline cost the Sox.

A triple A farm team full of lifetime minor leagers could have eked out more that Seven wins in September it they put their heart into it. Clearly the players had no real desire to get there. Thats motly the fault of the players, but some blames gotta be put on the manager for not inspiring, scaring, humiliating or doing what ever is needed to get the team to win one last game. Don't fire Francona- every one involved in 2004 and 2007 should have the permament thanks of Red Sox Nation- some but he should undersatnd that if he can't motivate the team anymore he should think about letting someone else give it a try.

[Enigma869]

blaming the Yanks for Boston having a 7-20 or so September and choking. You're kidding right?

Brilliant fucking post dude. The two resident Red Sox ball washers are a complete fucking embarrassment to the city of Boston and Red Sox fans. Fuck this Red Sox team. They were a heartless group of overpaid prima donnas and got exactly what they deserved. I saw Les Epstein (Theo's dad) two weeks ago and told him that this was one of the toughest Red Sox teams in my life to root for. There is nothing worse than pussy sports fans who lay the blame of a teams collapse on fucking EVERYONE other than the douches on the team. It's fucking shameful, and fans like that should be required to move to Pittsburgh and become Pirates fans! The reality is that the Red Sox had the best record in the majors in May, June, July, and August. The fact that these heartless fuckers couldn't show up to play in September is nobody's fault but their own. As for your criticism of Theo, I agree with most of it, but I would take it even further. First and foremost, I LOATHE J.D. Drew and believe that he represents everything that is wrong with baseball. That said, he wasn't close to Theo's worse move. Lackey, Lugo, Reneria, Crawford, and Daisuke were far worse, just for starters. The reality is that the Red Sox HUGE payroll allows Theo to make a lot of shitty moves and not have it catch up with him the way it would with any other GM's not named Theo or Brian Cashman!

[conversationpc]

Brilliant fucking post dude. The two resident Red Sox ball washers are a complete fucking embarrassment to the city of Boston and Red Sox fans.

Amen!

Fuck this Red Sox team. They were a heartless group of overpaid prima donnas and got exactly what they deserved.

Exactly. Regardless of the pitiful start to the season, they had a 9-game lead at the beginning of the month. They have only themselves to blame for blowing that kind of a lead. And it's actually mostly the fault of the pitching. Not one starting pitcher pulled their weight over the last month. Not one. Beckett's numbers consistently deteriorated as the season went on and Lester disappeared down the stretch also.

There is nothing worse than pussy sports fans who lay the blame of a teams collapse on fucking EVERYONE other than the douches on the team. It's fucking shameful, and fans like that should be required to move to Pittsburgh and become Pirates fans!

The fact of the matter is, Girardi managed that game the way he should have. Most of the runs the Rays scored were given up by two of their top relievers, not some Joe Blow called up from the minors at the beginning of September. Secondly, if the Red Sox had been in the position the Yankees were in, they would've done the same thing and had Papelbon sitting on a couch in the clubhouse, eating a hotdog and a handful of Cheatos.

[S2M]

At its most basic form, Crawford and Gonzalez were only good for ONE more win than last year. That is pitiful, epically pitiful. Don't blame injuries either. Last year they were decimated, winning with the likes of Bill Hall, Darnell McDonald, Kevin Cash, Jeremey Hermida, Manny Delcarmen, Okajima, Rich Hill, BOOF BONSER, and Grandpa Slowell...and that was worth 89 wins. And these were they injuries: Cameron, Varitek, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis....this year we got them back, added Crawful and Gone-Zo...and that was worth 90 wins..

SMH....WOW!!!

Some heads should role.

Oh, and by the way....Crawful gets a 5 million dollar RAISE next year...

How long before we hear that so-and-so was playing with injuries for 3/4 of the season? A couple of so-and-sos, for that matter...

[conversationpc]

At its most basic form, Crawford and Gonzalez were only good for ONE more win than last year. That is pitiful, epically pitiful. Don't blame injuries either. Last year they were decimated, winning with the likes of Bill Hall, Darnell McDonald, Kevin Cash, Jeremey Hermida, Manny Delcarmen, Okajima, Rich Hill, BOOF BONSER, and Grandpa Slowell...and that was worth 89 wins. And these were they injuries: Cameron, Varitek, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis....this year we got them back, added Crawful and Gone-Zo...and that was worth 90 wins..

SMH....WOW!!!

Some heads should role.

Oh, and by the way....Crawful gets a 5 million dollar RAISE next year...

How long before we hear that so-and-so was playing with injuries for 3/4 of the season? A couple of so-and-sos, for that matter...

I wouldn't even mention Gonzalez in the same sentence with Crawford. Gonzo more than pulled his weight this year. Crawford needs to make up for his pitiful performance next year, big time. For a guy with his speed to hit in the .250s and have a sub-.300 OBP is inexcusable.

[S2M]

119 strikeouts, 26+ GiDP...yeah, he deserves some shit.

[Red13JoePa]

When the tarps went on in Baltimore The Sox were fine and the Yankees were up 7.
By the time the tarps came off the whole thing had changed in Tampa and Bucky Dent popped up on the mound.

Unbelievable.

Phillies' subs played hard.

Bobby Cox would never have had the Braves that tight.

[conversationpc]

119 strikeouts, 26+ GiDP...yeah, he deserves some shit.

The 119 strikeouts are on par with his previous performance, and actually has had two seasons with far more SO than that, and the vast majority of the GDP were in the first half of the season. But, yeah, let's not mention the fact that he finished 2nd in batting average, 11th in SLG, 6th in OBP, and 7th in OPS, not to mention a gold glove caliber season at first base. The Sox season was tragic, yes, but players like Gonzalez, Ellsbury, and Pedroia aren't part of that reason. Gonzo's production at the plate and defense in the field more than makes up for his DPs and SOs.

[Enigma869]

While Adrian Gonzalez was inconsistent for parts of the season, he wasn't the reason the Red Sox lost. As far as the double plays he grounds into...I'm not sure how that is even news. The fucking guy is probably the slowest fucker in the history of MLB. Hell, David Ortiz would beat him, EASILY, in a foot race.

[conversationpc]

While Adrian Gonzalez was inconsistent for parts of the season, he wasn't the reason the Red Sox lost. As far as the double plays he grounds into...I'm not sure how that is even news. The fucking guy is probably the slowest fucker in the history of MLB. Hell, David Ortiz would beat him, EASILY, in a foot race.

I don't know...Ortiz is pretty damn slow. Besides, there's always Benjie Molina. That dude's speed could be clocked by sundial.

[Enigma869]

Ortiz is really slow but watching Gonzalez run is like watching snails fucking

[conversationpc]

Ortiz is really slow but watching Gonzalez run is like watching snails fucking

I can't say that I've ever experienced that.

[jestor92]

blaming the Yanks for Boston having a 7-20 or so September and choking. You're kidding right?

Brilliant fucking post dude. The two resident Red Sox ball washers are a complete fucking embarrassment to the city of Boston and Red Sox fans. Fuck this Red Sox team. They were a heartless group of overpaid prima donnas and got exactly what they deserved. I saw Les Epstein (Theo's dad) two weeks ago and told him that this was one of the toughest Red Sox teams in my life to root for. There is nothing worse than pussy sports fans who lay the blame of a teams collapse on fucking EVERYONE other than the douches on the team. It's fucking shameful, and fans like that should be required to move to Pittsburgh and become Pirates fans! The reality is that the Red Sox had the best record in the majors in May, June, July, and August. The fact that these heartless fuckers couldn't show up to play in September is nobody's fault but their own. As for your criticism of Theo, I agree with most of it, but I would take it even further. First and foremost, I LOATHE J.D. Drew and believe that he represents everything that is wrong with baseball. That said, he wasn't close to Theo's worse move. Lackey, Lugo, Reneria, Crawford, and Daisuke were far worse, just for starters. The reality is that the Red Sox HUGE payroll allows Theo to make a lot of shitty moves and not have it catch up with him the way it would with any other GM's not named Theo or Brian Cashman!

Don't be hating on us Pirate fans We took the season series vs Boston

[jestor92]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

I disagree. Of the Phillies players who played in over 100 games for them this year 6 of them spent a large amount of their time with the organization in the Phils minor league system (I'm counting Mayberry because he's been up and down from Lehigh Valley the last few seasons). Of the 7 Phillies who started games this year 3 of them came up through the teams system. Of the Phillies that pitched in 20 games or more game 7 of the 13 either came up through the Phils system or were selected in the Rule V Draft (Herndon). 13/25 players on the Phillies roster came up through the team's system. I wouldn't say that is buying the World Series at all.

The biggest names to come up through the Phillies minor league system: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino (Rule V pick), Ruiz, Bastardo Madsen, Hamels, Worley

[fightingilliniJRNY]

I don't fucking believe it.

RELEASE PAPELBON RIGHT NOW. RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The umps also made sure The Yankees didn't score with 1st and 3rd and no one out in the top of the inning. Well done, Selig!

The umps were in on the Braves, too. They called a runner out who was CLEARLY safe on a stolen base attempt in the 3rd (and I'm rooting for the Cardinals). Next guy up his a home run. Then the Braves lose in extra innings. If that call gets made right, they have a one game playoff tomorrow.

Chill the fuck out, dude. You're worse than idiot Cubs fans blaming Steve Bartman for costing them the World Series, despite the team blowing a 3-0 series lead and STILL having another game AFTER the Bartman thing. Which happened in the 8th inning of that game.

The umps made the Braves and the Red Sox look like dog shit for the last month of the season. You're right.

God I hate fans like you.

[Red13JoePa]

Moronic and selfish baserunning play by Bourn anyway.
Ring him up on general principle.

[Saint John]

I don't fucking believe it.

RELEASE PAPELBON RIGHT NOW. RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The umps also made sure The Yankees didn't score with 1st and 3rd and no one out in the top of the inning. Well done, Selig!

The umps were in on the Braves, too. They called a runner out who was CLEARLY safe on a stolen base attempt in the 3rd (and I'm rooting for the Cardinals). Next guy up his a home run. Then the Braves lose in extra innings. If that call gets made right, they have a one game playoff tomorrow.

Chill the fuck out, dude. You're worse than idiot Cubs fans blaming Steve Bartman for costing them the World Series, despite the team blowing a 3-0 series lead and STILL having another game AFTER the Bartman thing. Which happened in the 8th inning of that game.

The umps made the Braves and the Red Sox look like dog shit for the last month of the season. You're right.

God I hate fans like you.

The Cubs never had a 3-0 lead. It was 3-1. And Bartman deserves every taunt he gets.

[S2M]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

I disagree. Of the Phillies players who played in over 100 games for them this year 6 of them spent a large amount of their time with the organization in the Phils minor league system (I'm counting Mayberry because he's been up and down from Lehigh Valley the last few seasons). Of the 7 Phillies who started games this year 3 of them came up through the teams system. Of the Phillies that pitched in 20 games or more game 7 of the 13 either came up through the Phils system or were selected in the Rule V Draft (Herndon). 13/25 players on the Phillies roster came up through the team's system. I wouldn't say that is buying the World Series at all.

The biggest names to come up through the Phillies minor league system: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino (Rule V pick), Ruiz, Bastardo Madsen, Hamels, Worley

Gotta disagree...their offense sucks. They bought Lee, and Halladay....THAT'S why they are winning all these games.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

The Cubs never had a 3-0 lead. It was 3-1.

My bad. They still lost three games when they needed to win just one.

And Bartman deserves every taunt he gets.

Why? The ump could have called fan interference and awarded the out. Or the Cubs could have won any of the final three games when they had a chance to win the series. Including the game after this happened. Or the game it happened in!

I'm not saying that situation didn't impact the direction of the series, because it did. But it is irrational - and lame - to solely blame that guy for the Cubs not making the World Series. Or to cry "collusion" as to why the Red Sox gagged away the final month of the season, ala Seven Wishes. Teams can lose games. It doesn't have to be a fan or an umpire's fault.

[Saint John]

Why?

Because the guy is a fucking freak and anyone that wears headphones to a baseball game should be taunted. Furthermore, as a baseball fan, you should KNOW to keep your limbs away from the playing field, especially during a game of that magnitude. The ump clearly fucked up the play, too, as Alou jumping to catch the ball made it appear as though he had to reach over, but had there been no one near that ball, meaning Alou and the freak, I believe it would have dropped into the field of play, albeit barely. Umps are taught to sprint to the wall and have a direct line of sight with the ball and the field of play, and I believe had the ump done that, he would have gotten the call right. But that doesn't excuse the freak's behavior. I hope he continues to get abuse hurled his way every day of his life.

[Saint John]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

I disagree. Of the Phillies players who played in over 100 games for them this year 6 of them spent a large amount of their time with the organization in the Phils minor league system (I'm counting Mayberry because he's been up and down from Lehigh Valley the last few seasons). Of the 7 Phillies who started games this year 3 of them came up through the teams system. Of the Phillies that pitched in 20 games or more game 7 of the 13 either came up through the Phils system or were selected in the Rule V Draft (Herndon). 13/25 players on the Phillies roster came up through the team's system. I wouldn't say that is buying the World Series at all.

The biggest names to come up through the Phillies minor league system: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino (Rule V pick), Ruiz, Bastardo Madsen, Hamels, Worley

Gotta disagree...their offense sucks. They bought Lee, and Halladay....THAT'S why they are winning all these games.

All major market teams sign free agents, dude. The Red Sox signed guys like Manny, Foulke, Daisuke, Beckett (trade for and sign), and Pedro, and those guys helped them win. How else are you supposed to get free agents ... steal them? But the other guy is right, in that the core of the team has come through the farm system and were there when they won their last series in 2008. Why are you trying to preemptively discount a potential Phillies title? Seems like their formula of a great farm system and excellent signings is pretty good. Unlike most major market teams, they're getting out of Halladay and Lee what they paid for, and that's refreshing to see.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Why?

Furthermore, as a baseball fan, you should KNOW to keep your limbs away from the playing field, especially during a game of that magnitude. The ump clearly fucked up the play, too, as Alou jumping to catch the ball made it appear as though he had to reach over, but had there been no one near that ball, meaning Alou and the freak, I believe it would have dropped into the field of play, albeit barely. Umps are taught to sprint to the wall and have a direct line of sight with the ball and the field of play, and I believe had the ump done that, he would have gotten the call right.

I don't disagree. My problem is with people clinging to the irrational notion that Bartman cost the Cubs the World Series. Not saying that you follow with that exact train of thought, but Seven Wishes is right there by essentially saying that Major League Baseball rigged the last month of the season and especially the last couple of games so the Red Sox wouldn't make the playoffs.

Teams can lose games. It doesn't have to be someone else's fault all the time.

The Cubs could have won ONE of the last FOUR in that NLCS.

And the Red Sox and Braves could have won one additional game anywhere in the month of September instead of losing about 20 games each.

[conversationpc]

I hope he continues to get abuse hurled his way every day of his life.

That's just stupid...Does he deserve to be heckled occasionally? Sure but dude's also been getting death threats. Anyone threatening someone's life over a freaking ball game needs to have their manhood removed by tying it to a long rope attached to a rolling vehicle.

[Red13JoePa]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

I disagree. Of the Phillies players who played in over 100 games for them this year 6 of them spent a large amount of their time with the organization in the Phils minor league system (I'm counting Mayberry because he's been up and down from Lehigh Valley the last few seasons). Of the 7 Phillies who started games this year 3 of them came up through the teams system. Of the Phillies that pitched in 20 games or more game 7 of the 13 either came up through the Phils system or were selected in the Rule V Draft (Herndon). 13/25 players on the Phillies roster came up through the team's system. I wouldn't say that is buying the World Series at all.

The biggest names to come up through the Phillies minor league system: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino (Rule V pick), Ruiz, Bastardo Madsen, Hamels, Worley

Gotta disagree...their offense sucks. They bought Lee, and Halladay....THAT'S why they are winning all these games.

Lee took less money from the Phillies because he wanted to play here. The Phillies' offer came in lower than the Yankees.

[S2M]

And the Phillies are buying this year's WS....way to stay classy Philadelphia....

I disagree. Of the Phillies players who played in over 100 games for them this year 6 of them spent a large amount of their time with the organization in the Phils minor league system (I'm counting Mayberry because he's been up and down from Lehigh Valley the last few seasons). Of the 7 Phillies who started games this year 3 of them came up through the teams system. Of the Phillies that pitched in 20 games or more game 7 of the 13 either came up through the Phils system or were selected in the Rule V Draft (Herndon). 13/25 players on the Phillies roster came up through the team's system. I wouldn't say that is buying the World Series at all.

The biggest names to come up through the Phillies minor league system: Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino (Rule V pick), Ruiz, Bastardo Madsen, Hamels, Worley

Gotta disagree...their offense sucks. They bought Lee, and Halladay....THAT'S why they are winning all these games.

Lee took less money from the Phillies because he wanted to play here. The Phillies' offer came in lower than the Yankees.

You can't go by sheer numbers like that.....and here's why.

If I told you team 'A' got Verlander, Kershaw, Lee, Halladay, and Wilson in free agency - but the remainder of the 25 from their farm system for a ratio of 20/25 in favor of homegrown talent - are you still trying to tell me Team 'A' didn't buy the series if they actually win it?

It isn't how many you buy, but WHO is being bought.

[conversationpc]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/red-so ... -ha,26212/

[S2M]

I'm hearing that T-Frank has been let go......