They do things bigger in Texas they say, sorta like the huge shit the Rangers took on their playoff chances over the last few weeks. Thanks to Texas’ sucktitude, the Red Sox clinched the AL Wild Card last night despite losing to the Jays in sorta-dramatic fashion, 8-7. Clay Buccholz finally hit the wall after a month of dominating performances, giving up seven earned in just five innings pitched, including allowing five home runs to Toronto. It’s probably one of the most unclimactic playoff berths in sports this year, because we knew it was coming for about a week or so.
Granted, Boston did make it interesting late in the game with a very Red Sox-type of comeback in the 8th inning. A J.D. Spew three-run job off of Shawn Camp cut the deficit to just one after Boston offense spent much of the game resembling a little league team.
So with the Wild Card locked up by default, you can expect a lot of scrub play over the last few games of the season. Get ready for the Hunter Joneses and Joey Gathrights of the world to get plenty of playing time. Speaking of September callups who shouldn’t be sniffing the field in meaningful games, does Tito have a Major League hard-on for Josh Reddick or what? Francona sent Reddick up to lead off the 9th in place of Alex Gonzalez, and it’s at least the second time he’s let the rookie hit in a big spot this season. But he’s only hitting .197 on the year, and he’s one for seven as a pinch hitter this year. Am I missing something? Sure my only managerial experience is via RBI Baseball ’93 for the Genesis, but I’d like to think I know suck when I see it.
