I listened to that game and I'll never forget who hit that ball as well as who caught it.

Who pitched it?

"Well, I got my man."

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE!

NO GAME V. DETROIT NECESSARY!

I will be there Thursday!

What a great day. Everything went our way, after the Browns lost... heh

Three great games today. All decided by 1-run, low scoring affairs. MLB.TV had all the games on for free today. Bounced back a forth like a ping pong ball. Everything did go our way. Maybe an omen of things to come.

A great season against many odd situations. Now if we win the whole thing I will be a happy camper (understatement!)

Weather looks great for Game 1, and hopefully the rain stays away for Game 2


Thursday

Sunny skies. High 77F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Clear skies. Low 59F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

Sunny. High 76F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Rain showers in the evening becoming more intermittent overnight. Low near 55F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

With some time on my hands, I did some numbers crunching between Team Indians and Team Red Sox. The advantages were based on both offensive and defensive production by each player at their respective positions. This is what I came up with:

Manager: Francona vs Farrell
Advantage Indians
Note: No Brainer

Catchers: Gimenez/Perez vs Leon
Advantage Boston
Note: Gomes could be a difference maker here

First Base: Napoli vs Ramirez
Advantage Boston
Note: This was a close call, I thought about this one a lot

Second Base: Kipnis vs Pedroia
Advantage Boston
Note: Another close call-defense made the difference

Short Stop: Lindor vs Bogaerts
Advantage Even
Note: This one was just too close to call

Third Base: Ramirez vs Shaw
Advantage Cleveland
Note: Jose had better numbers all around

Left Field: Davis vs Holt
Advantage Cleveland
Note: Speed made the difference on this call

Center Field: Naquin vs Bradley
Advantage Boston
Notes: Not much thought on this one

Right Field: Chisenhall vs Betts
Advantage Boston
Notes: Not much thought on this one either

Designated Hitter: Santana vs Ortiz
Advantage Even
Notes: Too close to call

Starting Pitchers: Tomlin/Kluber/Bauer/Clevinger vs Price/Porcello/Wright/Bucholtz
Advantage Boston
Notes: The absence of Salazar & Carrasco was huge in this decision

Relief Corp:
Advantage Cleveland
Notes: Miller was big in making this decision

Bench: No Almonte; Who's on bench?
Advantage Boston

Intangibles:
Advantage Even

Summary: Advantage 5 to Boston; Advantage 4 to Cleveland; Even 3

Despite the big discrepancy in starting pitching and strength of outfield, call me crazy, but I expect this series to go the full 7 games. We will be at an obvious disadvantage, underdogs if you will. In order to pull this thing off, our defense must be on top of its game, quality starts from our pitchers, and intimidate with speed (stealing, taking the extra base, and a little "gambling" along the way). Can anyone spell "small ball"?

Prediction: Boston in 7
Notes: Assumed we face Price twice

Prediction: Cleveland in 7
Notes: Assuming Price loses one or gets a no decision

Except that it is a 5 game series...

Rats. I was going to bet Joe that the series would not last beyond 5 games.

OH My!!!

I don't remember which web site I was on, but I could have sworn that they listed games 5,6, & 7 as "if Necessary".

That changes things.... a lot!

Gotta beat Price at home or at least knock him out for a no decision. Hate to head for Boston 1-1.

If Price wins, Boston in 3.

If Price loses or Boston loses that game with Price getting a no decision, Cleveland in 3.

Price is the key factor.

I just wish we had some right handed bats that can neutralize him. We don't do that well against lefties.

Joe

If we beat Porchello in game one, and Price wins game 2.....how is it going to be Boston in 3?

If you look at Price's splits, you'll see that he actually has a higher ERA at Fenway than at most other parks:
http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_ ... avid-price

I am more worried about the probable Cy Young winner!

And Kluber is better than Price. I think Game 2 at home Vs. Price is very winnable.

I'm more worried about game one. But if Bauer pitches that game like he pitched that extra inning marathon in Toronto......The national media just may shit themselves....which I would love to see.