Bosox @ Bjays, Dice-K vs. Chacin, Tuesday April 17

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Well, I hope you guys are all excited, because today is Dice-K's THIRD EVER START IN MLB WHERE THE GAMES ACTUALLY COUNT. If the first time and the second time weren't exciting enough, today is the THIRD TIME. E-VAR.

However, I am more interested in the opposing pitcher, simply because his name is so ironic. In fact, he is the only member of the BJays that is unlikely to be "Chasin'" anything at all. The batters will all be "Chasin" Dice-K's crazy (and some would say non-real) pitches. The outfielders will be "Chasin" the balls off the Sox's hot bats. But Chacin himslef? Not so much. He should change his name to "Turningaroundandwatchingitgo."

Meanwhile, let's get some mojo going to keep things hot:

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20061214/sox_77561.jpgLook at that professionalism. A sharp dresser on the mound, for sure, from the land of the rising fastball:
http://sullystees.com/sullystees/img_big/SULLYT-64_DiceK-red_4.25.jpg

And, of course, how could we forget:

http://imagesoftheworld.org/Aesthetic/poppy.JPG

Let's go guys, this is your warmup for the weekend Yankers series!

[oldskool138]

Since they're playing in Toronto, would it be "Dome-o Arigato"?

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Since they're playing in Toronto, would it be "Dome-o Arigato"?

Yes, yes it would. :)

[oldskool138]

SkyDome! I'm never calling Roger's Centre...Ever! I went up there last year:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/oldskool138/DSC014721.jpg

[SlumpBustR]

let's go ETOE ::: clap, clap, clapclapclap :::

let's go ETOE ::: clap, clap, clapclapclap :::

let's go ETOE ::: clap, clap, clapclapclap :::

I have a good feeling about DiceK tonite, pitching in the dome just like at home (Japan) getting ready for NY this weekend

[Fully Tilted]

Ahh yes...Dice-K Vs. Morpheus

Except Chacin is not the One.

The Matrix has you Dice-K. Follow the White Rabbit.

[oldskool138]

Ahh yes...Dice-K Vs. Morpheus

Except Chacin is not the One.

The Matrix has you Dice-K. Follow the White Rabbit.

More like Cowboy Curtis from Pee Wee's Playhouse :D

[TITAN126]

I've got faith in Dice-K...both of his other starts were great, there's just not much you can do when the other guy throws a one-hitter...

[Bases Loaded]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_Graphic/2006/08/26/1156608108_1543.jpg

Thats the gyroball, fools!

[oldskool138]

Crisp is batting second!!! WTF!!!! :mad:

I know, he's going to "see" more fast balls...but against a lefty curveball/slider artist?

Great a three pitch K. Good job buddy!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Aaaaaaaand, once again MLB.com has screwed me over. No video. No audio. No response to my email. WhoTF is running the show over there? Grrrrrrrr............

[Fully Tilted]

Is Youkilis out? As per usual, I'm watching not listening.

[oldskool138]

Is Youkilis out? As per usual, I'm watching not listening.

Drew is out. Wily Mo is in right. And I guess Youk is batting further down in the order...

[PatsDVD]

Is Youkilis out? As per usual, I'm watching not listening.

Youk is batting 5th. Drew is on the bench tonight against a lefty. Wily Mo in right.

[Fully Tilted]

Drew is out. Wily Mo is in right. And I guess Youk is batting further down in the order...

Gotcha--Drew's day off, I'm assuming-err hoping.

[Bases Loaded]

Send Crisp to the minors, put JD in center, and Wily in right ...

I would be all smiles :D

Except for the fact that Wily cant field for the life of him.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Send Crisp to the minors, put JD in center, and Wily in right ...

I would be all smiles :D

...until a ball was hit to right field

[PatsDVD]

Send Crisp to the minors, put JD in center, and Wily in right ...

I would be all smiles :D

It's only week two, and I'm already sick of Coco. His at-bats are pathetic to watch.

[oldskool138]

Best thing about tonight, no Frank Catalanotto! :)

[Fully Tilted]

Pena already tested-not a fan.

[sportman3333333]

My PS3 came, it is connected and I am updating software.

Sweet, GO RED SOX

[Bases Loaded]

my edit came too late ... i know he couldnt catch a cold if it was injected into his veins

[oldskool138]

Dice-"K"!

[Bases Loaded]

Dice-K-K-K-K-K-K-K-K-K-K!!!!!!!!!!!!

200 K's this year, you heard it here first.

[sportman3333333]

Strikeout for Dice K

[oldskool138]

1-2-3! Good job!

C'mon Manny! Knock that cologne selling punk out of there.

[oldskool138]

LOL, Youk is in a climate controlled environment and he's still sweating like it's 100 degrees.

[Bases Loaded]

Youk is a maniac, look at his beard. It could be worse.

http://shamash.org/trb/face/beard.jpg

[3 Point Stan]

Gustavo Chacin is lucky he's a MLB pitcher cuz it's about the only thing that'll ever get him laid.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Wow, I'm looking at the box score and Coco is batting .108

Jeezus H.

[Bases Loaded]

And to think, Coco was supposed to be our next Johnny Damon

[oldskool138]

Nice to see Tek run out that grounder :rolleyes:

[oldskool138]

And to think, Coco was supposed to be our next Johnny Damon

He'll be the next Bellhorn minus the walks. :blink:

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I wish I could see him not run it out :(

[Bases Loaded]

How about manny on the basepads? Remember him hustling on the Kendrick error to score a run? I was pumped!

[oldskool138]

The Sox didn't score in the first inning. EToE, you're fired!

:D

Dice-KK

The Big Hurt is taking a Big Seat!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

The Sox didn't score in the first inning. EToE, you're fired!

:D

Dice-KK

The Big Hurt is taking a Big Seat!

Ahhh, but neither did Toronto! *meaningful glance*

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKK

[Bases Loaded]

One, two, three - four, five, six! YEAH BABY thats what I am TALKING about!!!

[Bases Loaded]

WOW and the BLAST by Wily

See ya later Coco make way for Wily Mo Freakin Pena

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Is Chacin throwing as wildly as the gameday tracker makes it seem?

Edit: Ok, Wily Mo has now officially outperformed Coco. Sorry, buddy.

[oldskool138]

Wow! Wily Mo's first hit is a HR. What was the distance on that? 450 ft.? What a blast!

[oldskool138]

Is Chacin throwing as wildly as the gameday tracker makes it seem?

He's spotting a lot of his pitches on the corners and the ump has a pretty generous strike zone.

[oldskool138]

Gustavo Chacin's Mom:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/oldskool138/chewie.jpg

[PatsDVD]

Is Chacin throwing as wildly as the gameday tracker makes it seem?

Chacin is throwing a lot of junk, but he's around the plate. Gameday is probably exaggerating the location of his pitches

[Bases Loaded]

Alright Coco got himself a double ... he knew he had to step up after Wily's homer.

Healthy competition is good.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Hey, cool! Coco's average rises to .132!

[oldskool138]

Double for Coco...

*checks out window*

What'd'ya know! Pigs are flying past my window!

[Fully Tilted]

How's bout a little love for Crisp? Nice double.

and HOLY FRIGGIN SH*T BALLS was that a blast by Pena!

[Bases Loaded]

Honestly though ... averages don't mean jack 10 games into the season, and you know it.

[PatsDVD]

Coco got a hit!! :blink:

I forgot what those looked like. Good thing I'm Tivo-ing the game.

[Bases Loaded]

Here's my problem with Coco though ... he is a fastball hitter, right? Well, half of the strikeouts I have seen by him were on fastballs. Very troubling.

[TITAN126]

Damn Willy Mo really smoked that one good...and yay for Coco!

[oldskool138]

Doesn't Zaun look like the "Here's your sign" guy from the Blue Collar Comedy tour?

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKK

[Bases Loaded]

NO WILY! That could have been out number 3! Come on now, this is the predicament we are in.

[oldskool138]

NO WILY! That could have been out number 3! Come on now, this is the predicament we are in.

Drew would have had it but no harm done and Wily is responsible for the game's lone run...and a sure spot on SportsCenter tomorrow.

[SamBam39]

Nice patience by Youk!

[SamBam39]

1-0 bottom of the 4th

[sportman3333333]

So Nice start by Pena

Awesome Pitching Dice K

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKK

[SamBam39]

Come on Dice throw a friggin strike!

[oldskool138]

Come on Dice throw a friggin strike!

Well, he did get jobbed on that Wells pitch.

Crap 1-1. Good job Lugo :rolleyes:

[SamBam39]

Welcome to the majors Dice!!!! These guys can hit!

[oldskool138]

Dice needs to buckle down! Jeez...Calm down big fella!

[sportman3333333]

First Real Test For Dice K

[SamBam39]

You have got to be kidding me!

[SamBam39]

Can the Sox get any of their money back? ;)

[SamBam39]

Get him the hell out of there before he walks the whole gd team!!!

[oldskool138]

Wow, just wow! Walks in a friggin' run! The wheels have come off...:mad:

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKKK

Only one more out...:icon_hang

[oldskool138]

Thank god it's over! Dice-K needs to get his head screwed on straight! Man it wasn't the Blue Jays that was Dice vs. Himself
:icon_axe:

[SamBam39]

Hope he's not getting paid by the walk!!! ;) :p

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Wow, that sucked. But it's still 2-1, so still not a bad situation.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Dice-BB just doesn't have the same ring to it.

[PatsDVD]

Thank god it's over! Dice-K needs to get his head screwed on straight! Man it wasn't the Blue Jays that was Dice vs. Himself
:icon_axe:

I thought it was Lugo flubbing a inning-ending double play . . .

[oldskool138]

Wow, Wily Mo 2-2 not bad.

[PatsDVD]

Wily Mo Is On Fire !!!

[oldskool138]

I thought it was Lugo flubbing a inning-ending double play . . .

True, Gonzo would have had it.

LOL, Pizza-Gate gets a mention! What a tool that pizza thrower was!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Dude, Wily Mo is making a case for some playing time!

[PatsDVD]

True, Gonzo would have had it.

I think Nomar would have had it too . . .

[SamBam39]

He was missing badly there for a while. It's like he just lost concentration for a moment!

[SamBam39]

Let's hope they can get it back!

[oldskool138]

Well, let's see if Dice-K got his head pulled out of his butt.

[SamBam39]

Never mind!

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKKKK

A gift for jobbing him on Wells.

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKKKKK!

And he had to strike out the same guy twice.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Wow! Impressive. We've seen this twice now - having a bad inning and then coming right back out the next on fire.

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKKKKKK!

Struck out the side!

[oldskool138]

Jo-Bu Mojo for Coco!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/oldskool138/jobu2.jpg

[SamBam39]

I've got my rally cap on. Let's go Sox!!!!!

[oldskool138]

You have to slide PAPI! C'mon big guy!

[SamBam39]

First pitch swinging!!! :(

[oldskool138]

Did I mention I hate junk throwing lefties? Lilly is gone...now we have to deal with Chacin. Great.

[oldskool138]

Dice-KKKKKKKKKK!

Big Hurt sitdown!

[SamBam39]

Dice-K gets crap run support!

[Bases Loaded]

Drew would have had it but no harm done and Wily is responsible for the game's lone run...and a sure spot on SportsCenter tomorrow.

Agreed.

Did you see him roll his ankle though? What a puss.

[Fully Tilted]

Let's make it happen against the bullpen.

Anybody catch the answer to the Aflac Trivia question? Was it Lilly? I was doing laundry.

[SamBam39]

Chacin out casey Janssen in But the result is the same!!

[oldskool138]

Let's make it happen against the bullpen.

Anybody catch the answer to the Aflac Trivia question? Was it Lilly? I was doing laundry.

No, that's what I and Don O thought the same thing...but the answer was Randy Johnson

[oldskool138]

LOL Oki made the batter lose his bat. :)

[oldskool138]

O-KK-ajima

[Fully Tilted]

No, that's what I and Don O thought the same thing...but the answer was Randy Johnson


Thanks! :)

I was wrong then :blink:

[oldskool138]

Thanks! :)

I was wrong then :blink:

Yeah, ol' RJ

[oldskool138]

O-KKK-ajima!

Strikes out the side.

C'mon offense win this game!

[Fully Tilted]

Yeah, ol' RJ

(real) 'ol RJ

[oldskool138]

Sweet! Drew is up! (Never thought I'd say that)

Not a bad BB since it puts the tying run on.

[oldskool138]

That's when a hit and run doesn't work. Not a bad call by Tito but what are you going to do.

Coco's up...God help us. :rolleyes:

Wow a base hit

C'mon PAPI!

[#1Patsfan_chica]

I just got out of work and I see the score is 2-1. Dice-K is having bad luck. His last 2 starts, the opposing pitcher has been really good.

Let's go David!!!

[oldskool138]

I just got out of work and I see the score is 2-1. Dice-K is having bad luck. His last 2 starts, the opposing pitcher has been really good.

Let's go David!!!

Well, Dice-K melted down in the 4th. Walked in a run. :(

But Papi's up with the back-up closer for the Jays.

Crap!

[oldskool138]

Jor-El Pienero

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/oldskool138/mbrando.jpg

EDIT: It's a shame if they lose this game except for the brain-fart by Dice-K the pitching has been outstanding.

[oldskool138]

Game over...

That's two tough luck losses for Dice-K. They score runs for Schilling and Beckett and not for Wake and Dice-K.


It's EToE's first loss. :(

[#1Patsfan_chica]

It's too bad they lost today but on 'till tomorrow and Wakefield.

[SamBam39]

Piss poor effort!

[Bases Loaded]

Strange that a lineup stacked with left-handed hitters does so poorly against the southpaws.

A loss is a loss in this stage of the season, we got to see Zaka pitch another gem and Wily get his first homer and hit, overall a game that we could have won but didn't - but there are 150 games left to go. I like our chances :D

[SlumpBustR]

hard, hard luck game for DiceK

a 3-hitter with no HRs and 10 SOs and you lose 2-1?

he's getting his feet wet against a better hitting lineup in Toronto and even with some occasional control probs, I still think he looked good

[pookie]

Bum deal for Dice K tonight. Sure, walking in a run in the 4th probably wasn't on his agenda, but with a 2.70 ERA - 24k's and 5 walks, you'd think he'd be a little better than 1-2. The offense just didn't show up again tonight for him. The Sox just scored 25 runs against what is labeled to be a very good Angels pitching staff. And they could only muster 1 run for Dice tonight. Kind of a wasted outing again. I wonder how Dice will be holding up with the 5 day rest regime?

[Bases Loaded]

We score a lot more runs at home. The only stat I have to back that up off the top of my head is we have the best home record over the past something something years in the MLB.

[SamBam39]

It's too bad because Dice pitched well enough to win again and go no support from his team. The guy looks to be a legitimate major league pitcher which is the good news. But 1-2 and 50 million dollars ain't gonna cut it in Boston. I hope his luck improves and someone finds a way to hit when he pitches.
Meanwhile the middle of the Sox line up did nothing last night. 1 hit. Youks batting 5th 0-4 with 2 K's. Papi 0-4. They need to start hitting and everything will be fine. When is the GD weather going to warm up?

[southcarolina]

But 1-2 and 50 million dollars ain't gonna cut it in Boston.

I think that you cant blame Matsusaka for the offense getting shut down in 2 of his 3 starts. In 20 IP he has allowed 22 baserunners (a 1.10 WHIP, which is pretty darn good), and only 6 ER and just one HR. His ERA is 2.70 and his k/bb ratio is almost 5 to 1. I dont think that there is anything at all to be disappointed about in his pitching. This guy has come over to a new league, with all the cultural differences and distractions, plus the pressure of having to live up to the hype and expectations that the money spent on him and has been just a hairsbreath away from being dominant.

On a slightly different topic, does anyone have any stats on the RedSox record in the first game of road trips (not every road series, just the first game of the road trip)? It seems to me that the offense sleepwalks thru the first game away from fenway a disproportionate amount of games. Maybe my memory or perception is wrong, but the past couple of seasons, no matter who they play, it seems like you can just about chalk up a big L in the first game of road trips.

[ghostofdouggriffin]

The amazing thing is how much difference one pitch can make. That curve he threw Wells was incredible, and was definitely a strike. Changes the entire outcome of the inning. Changes Lugo's positioning, means one less baserunner, means Dice doesn't in all likelihood doesn't walk in a run...

[SamBam39]

The amazing thing is how much difference one pitch can make. That curve he threw Wells was incredible, and was definitely a strike. Changes the entire outcome of the inning. Changes Lugo's positioning, means one less baserunner, means Dice doesn't in all likelihood doesn't walk in a run...You're right. I thought it was a bad call too.

[Bases Loaded]

Only the unintelligent expect Zaka to be Cy Young this season.
And that's not much of Boston fans.

[JD10367]

hard, hard luck game for DiceK

a 3-hitter with no HRs and 10 SOs and you lose 2-1?

he's getting his feet wet against a better hitting lineup in Toronto and even with some occasional control probs, I still think he looked good

Agreed.

Personally, I don't put a lot of stock in W-L because that's so dependent upon how your team bats for you. ERA and the other stats are more important.

So far Daisuke's had a 0-run, a 3-run, and a 2-run effort, and he's got, what, 27 strikeouts in 3 games? Not bad for his first games on U.S. soil as a member of Major League Baseball playing for a team with high expectations and fans with even higher expectations while facing MLB hitters for the first time and, oh yeah, getting little run support... "But aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

[Fully Tilted]

Guys, guys, guys...

Daisuke is pitching almost near expectations thus far. I say "almost near" because the expectations that he came with were and are unreasonable.

The pitch to Wells was borderline and to be completely objective, off the plate in my opinion. The ump at first base also did not cust us this game.

The offense couldn't get anything going and that is why we lost the game.

[SamBam39]

Guys, guys, guys...

Daisuke is pitching almost near expectations thus far. I say "almost near" because the expectations that he came with were and are unreasonable.

The pitch to Wells was borderline and to be completely objective, off the plate in my opinion. The ump at first base also did not cust us this game.

The offense couldn't get anything going and that is why we lost the game.Yup. Sox need to hit at least a little bit. They had guys on base last night and couldn't take advantage. They will hit. Dice K will be fine.

[Mikiemo83]

Guys, guys, guys...

Daisuke is pitching almost near expectations thus far. I say "almost near" because the expectations that he came with were and are unreasonable.

The pitch to Wells was borderline and to be completely objective, off the plate in my opinion. The ump at first base also did not cust us this game.

The offense couldn't get anything going and that is why we lost the game.
I missed the game this mornig but Remy called it a ball on D&C

also talked about the fan calling for the fast ball flipping off people

[sportman3333333]

Dice K should be 3-0 but once again no run support

He is going to be the next Roger Clemens for Baseball. Excellent pitching but no offense. :D

I am preparing todays thread, lemme see if my brain can think of anything.

[Fully Tilted]

I missed the game this mornig but Remy called it a ball on D&C

also talked about the fan calling for the fast ball flipping off people

I think it was. It was a GREAT "pitcher's pitch" on 1-2. The fact that Wells didn't offer at it was pretty amazing.

I missed the fan thing though. I generally watch on the laptop on mute so I didn't even notice.

Of course, the "wait" service in Toronot behind homeplate is appealing :D

[JD10367]

As Remy said, Daisuke isn't going to get the respect, or the benefit of the doubt, of major league umps. Those borderline pitches that were strikes in Japan are balls over here, at least until he elevates himself to the status of Schilling, Randy Johnson, Clemens, etc.,. (Sort of like how at the end of his career Michael Jordan could take four steps and not be called for traveling whereas a rookie gets called for breathing on a superstar.)

Sox analysis so far: pitching very good, hitting spotty, fielding so-so. With the injuries in the division, even the team as it now stands (with guys like Coco and Varitek in the lineup) should make a push. But they have to make hay while the sun shines, because you bet your cheeks that the Yankees will start picking up speed at the All-Star Break as usual...

[Next Door Boss]

Yes, the run support needs immediate improvement - that is clear. As for star pitchers getting wider strike zones, i'm not so sure (and imo everyone in the NMA takes four steps - thats why I only follow college). I think our pitching is good enought to win games right now - but with out the offense to back it up its going to be a lot tougher season than it should.