Hardball Heaven

When people talk about rookie of the year candidates in the American League, the Red Sox troika of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, and Dustin Pedroia is constantly mentioned. I'm here to tell you it would be a runaway vote for Dice-K if only his teammates could, like, score a few runs for the man every now and then.

Last night's finale in Tampa was another frustrating, wasted effort from our prized import. Matsuzaka struck out 8 and gave up 2 runs, but you guessed it, the Sox lost 2-1. And if you're thinking this happens all the time to Dice-K, you'd be absolutely right. This was the 12th time in his last 16 starts that the team scored two runs or fewer. Amazing. Goes to show you that wins are overrated.

Anyway, Dice-K can be faulted for issuing a few too many walks. He also gave up a bomb to the D-Rays promising young outfielder B.J. Upton. Upton was the star of the game, knocking in the winning runs and gunning down David Ortiz at home plate to prevent a tie (and how many times have we seen baserunning gaffes this year?) I don't know what's gotten into Big Papi - the other night he had a triple and he beat out an infield hit, and last night he thinks he's Vince Coleman rounding third. I'm telling you - the lack of fundamentals on this team is going to prove fatal.

My buddy Mike was in the stands last night, so I'm hoping he weighs in with some first-person commentary, maybe even some pictures from the Trop.

The Yankees won last night in Anaheim, so the lead stands at 5. The Sox begin a four-game series tonight in Chicago, and it would be awfully nice to have, say, a 6 or 7 game lead before we play NY next week.

Some news that must be mentioned:

Unlike Dice-K, former Sox Kason Gabbard got a little run support last night from his Ranger teammates. Texas scored a ridiculous 30 runs last night in the first game of a doubleheader against an embarrassed Orioles team. I repeat, 30 runs. No mercy rule in MLB?

Also, I pay tribute today to a true American original, one Mr. Bill Murray. Carl Spackler was evidently in Sweden over the past few days, got liquored up, and decided to take a golf cart for a ride down the main thoroughfare. Oh, to have seen the Swedish police pulling him over... you go, Bill.