Cobb Returns Before Buchholz

So this happened to Rays SP Alex Cobb back on June 15th... that's 1 week AFTER Clay Buchholz made his last start before sleeping on his shoulder wrong. Well Cobb is back on the mound tonight, Buchholz was encouraged by a bullpen session yesterday...

J.A. Happ Hit In Head With Line Drive

Scary, scary stuff down in Tampa tonight when Blue Jays starter J.A. Happ was drilled in the head with a line drive. This is the worst kind of injury you're going to see in a baseball game.

Why The Sox Missed The Playoffs

We all saw the Red Sox pull off the greatest regular season collapse in Major League Baseball history. The Rays, Orioles, and Yankees all played a very small part in history but it truly was the Sox who let it all get away. A miserable start to the season and miserable end erased what was a very successful middle. For the second straight year the Red Sox will not be in the postseason. Their last playoff win was back in the 2008 ALCS.

I won't bore you with a play-by-play account of last night's action, which all of you were watching or following anyway. Instead here are the main reasons that the Red Sox will be watching when the Yankees face the Tigers and the Rays meet the Rangers in the ALDS.

Start the year 0-6; 2-10

End the year 7-20

Go 2-5 vs. the Orioles in the final week + of the season

Allow Robert Andino to be the hero... again. (Andino hit .273-3-10 vs. BOS

In year 1 of Carl Crawford's $136 million deal he finishes the season: .255-11 HR-55 RBI & 18 SB... that's 18 steals! He is on pace to make a little over $1 million for every bag he steals. Wow. Also as we found out, he sucks in the outfield.

Right Field... enough said

Jonathan Papelbon (who was great all season) still blows a save in the biggest spot. Anyone else remember the 2009 playoffs?

Beckett & Lester crapping in their pants in September

(I won't blame injuries, but might as well mention Buchholz and Youkilis missing a lot of time, hello training staff.)

John Lackey: 12-12, 6.41 ERA. Also apparently is getting divorced from his cancer stricken wife. Yikes. Least he will have the opportunity to make up for it next year, or 2013, or 2014, or 2015...

Bobby Jenks.

Terry Francona allowing his players to think its ok to have an excuse for every single loss.

Going 10-8 in Interleague, when they normally clean-up, and bitching the entire time they played in an NL park.

And perhaps most important in this 2011 vacuum...

Losing 12 of 18 to the Rays... you know, the team that overcame you on the final night of the season.

Maybe it shouldn't be as much of a surprise that the Sox failed to make the postseason once again. You look at all of that and it really was an up hill fight. I'm sure I'm missing plenty of other great reasons, but this is all I got right now. Another season in the books. Now on to Patriots, Bruins, Celtics (hopefully), and the UFC.

Side bar: I do still believe that Jacoby Ellsbury (.321-32-105, 119R, 39SB, .928OPS) is the American League MVP. We shall see.


-Keefe

Podcast: Red Sox Problems

Rich Keefe talks about the awful month of September for the Red Sox, the possible play-in game, and the A.L. MVP race.

Red Sox by Keefe21

2009 MLB Pre-season Predictions

Keefe’s picks

AL East
1. Rays
2. Red Sox
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Twins
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. White Sox
5. Tigers

AL West
1. Angels
2. A’s
3. Mariners
4. Rangers

NL East
1. Mets
2. Phillies
3. Marlins
4. Braves
5. Nationals

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Brewers
3. Astros
4. Cardinals
5. Reds
6. Pirates

NL West
1. Dodgers
2. D-Backs
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres

Playoffs

AL:
Rays over Twins
Red Sox over Angels

Rays over Red Sox

NL:
Cubs over D-Backs
Dodgers over Mets

Dodgers over Cubs

RAYS over Dodgers in World Series

AWARDS:

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore, Indians
NL MVP: Manny Ramirez, Dodgers or David Wright, Mets

AL Cy Young: Jon Lester, Red Sox
NL Cy Young: Dan Haren, D-Backs

AL ROY: Travis Snider, Blue Jays
NL ROY: Cameron Maybin, Marlins

AL Manager: Trey Hillman, Royals
NL Manager: Joe Torre, Dodgers

Besse’s picks

AL East
1. Red Sox
2. Rays
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Indians
2. Twins
3. Royals
4. Tigers
5. White Sox

AL West
1. Angels
2. Rangers
3. A’s
4. Mariners

NL East
1. Phillies
2. Mets
3. Marlins
4. Braves
5. Nationals

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Astros
4. Reds
5. Brewers
6. Pirates

NL West
1. Dodgers
2. D-Backs
3. Giants
4. Rockies
5. Padres

Playoffs

AL:

Red Sox over Indians
Rays over Angels

Red Sox over Rays

NL:
Mets over Dodgers
Cubs over Phillies

Mets over Cubs

RED SOX over Mets in World Series

AWARDS:

AL MVP: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
NL MVP: Manny Ramirez, Dodgers

AL Cy Young: Josh Beckett, Red Sox
NL Cy Young: Ricky Nolasco, Marlins

AL ROY: Matt Wieters, Orioles
NL ROY: Tommy Hanson, Braves

AL Manager: Eric Wedge, Indians
NL Manager: Jerry Manuel, Mets

There you have it. The 2009 picks from Keefe and Besse at The Sports Brief. What do you think? Although we do have some picks that are similar, I like that we both have different World Series matchups and, for the most part, different award winners. I believe Manny as NL MVP is the only pick that's the same for us. Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds. The AL East is going to be brutal, but fun to watch. Enjoy the season!

-Bess

Success causing complacency in Red Sox Nation

The Red Sox season ended last night in Game 7 of the ALCS. The last time the Sox lost in a deciding Game 7 of the Championship Series was back in 2003, the old Aaron Boone classic. For Sox fans, the feeling of watching Tim Wakefield giving up the gopher ball to Boone was the most painful sports moment. Probably even worse than the Tim Duncan draft lottery, the Oden/ Durant draft lottery, and even the Patriots losing the Super Bowl last year with a chance for perfection. It was that bad. The team had come so close, but ultimately it was another year, (85 at the time, but I don’t think anyone was counting, without a World Series title.)

So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.

Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.

In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.

Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.

In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.

Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.

The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.

-Keefe

The Sports Brief's Week 7 NFL picks

I'll admit, I (Besse) went to bed before the Red Sox dramatic comeback last night at Fenway Park. Then again, I know a lot of people that went to bed or left the park, as well. But they all did it when the score was 5-0, or if that wasn't enough, waited until Upton hooked one of the wall in left off Papelbon to make it 7-0. For me, I waited until Ortiz launched a Tiger Woods tee shot into the right field seats to make it 7-4 and a ballgame again. I couldn't do it. I was exhausted and sure the Rays would hold on. The last thing I wanted to do was stay up waiting for a dramatic comeback and not get it, or even worse, root for the Rays to hold and collapse. So instead, I slept soundly until I got a text from a buddy saying, "Wow. What a comeback." Mind you, I'm rooting for the Rays here for several reasons:

1) I just don't like Boston. Not when the team is led by Pedroia and Youkilis, two of the biggest shitheads in all of baseball.
2) Carlos Pena. We both played at Northeastern, although I'd say he played a bit more and a bit better than I did. I also played with his brother Omar, who was a hell of a player himself.
3) Evan Longoria. What a player.
4) What a story. This team is so exciting to watch, and after 10 years of holding down the fort in the basement of the AL East all those first round picks are paying on.
5) I have a friendly lunch bet going with a co-worker who is also a season ticket holder at Fenway. I'm not exactly making bank right now, so any free lunch is certainly welcome when I can get it.

Nonetheless, at least the comeback makes the series exciting again, and will give the Rays the chance to clinch at home. But I said it after Game 4 and I'll say it again, Francona lined up his rotation for this exact situation. Down 3-1, he had a fighting chance with Dice-K, Beckett and Lester. Although the Sox dodged a bullet last night with Dice-K, they now send one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time seeking redemption, and one of the best lefties in the game today coming off a rough start. The Sox are in great shape to make another run, but the Rays have been resilient all year. This should make for absolute tremendous threater. Too bad Chip Carey and company have the call. Where's Donny O. and Rem-Dawg when you need 'em?

Game six actually being necessary does pose a bit of a problem for us here at The Sports Brief, however. You see, UFC 89 takes place in England on Saturday and is being show, for free, on SpikeTV in a delayed telecast. Headlining the card is an exciting showdown between two promising middleweights. Chris "The Crippler" Leben, fresh of a 30-day stint in the slammer, takes on Michael "The Count" Bisping, who has looked very impressive in a pair of middleweight fights since dropping from 205. Keefe and I are both die-hard Leben fans. He's an exciting fighter who loves to brawl and has a chin of iron, granite, brick, whatever. The only guy to knock him out is Anderson Silva, and well, it's almost an honor at this point to be knocked out by Silva. Bisping, meanwhile, is relentless. He fights at a torrid pace, something you might expect out of Manny Pacquiao at 135 lbs. He doesn't throw bombs like Leben, and his chin, for the most part, is untested. But he's highly skilled, athletic and agile, and it should make for a terrific matchup.

On the undercard, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine takes on Brandon "The Truth" Vera. Jardine is coming off that awful, brutal beatdown at the hands of The Axe Murderer. But he's taking on Vera, a fighter with a completely different style and approach, perhaps one that is tailored to Jardine's liking. Vera is in search of an impressive victory after a couple snoozers for wins, but Jardine is in the same boat.

Keefe and I will go on the record as saying that we like Leben and Jardine, both 'dawgs in Vegas, to come out as winners on Saturday. If you can parlay that ass, let us know. You should consider doing it too.

Onto the picks. I'm praying that Romo starts this week. I have him in four fantasy leagues and need him. I went to pick up Brad Johnson in those leagues as insurance, but in my ESPN league, "Turd Ferguson" (my girlfriend's brother) made a strategic move and claimed him on waivers ahead of me. Well played. I texted him and told him I hope Romo plays just to spite him. Some solid action ahead of us this weekend, including what could be a brutal Monday Night game between the Broncos and Pats. Keefe and I are heading to Gillette next week for the Rams game. Normally we'd be excited, but with Matt Cassel at the helm, that's certainly not the case these days.

For Random Rob this week, I utilized the little box of paper clips on my desk. I counted out seven red (Home team), seven blue (Away team), seven green (Favorite) and seven purple (Underdog). I gave it a hard shake or two, then drew a clip for each game, matching up the color with the respective team.

Keefe's picks:
Last week 7-7, overall 43-45

Chargers +0.5 over the Bills
In a basically pick em game I’ll go with San Diego after what they did to the Pats last week. Bills are good, but get their 2nd loss.

Bears -3.5 over Vikings
Kyle Orton has provided some passing to the offense that’s needed a boast. Matt Forte is solid, but they’ll be better off passing this week in the battle of 3-3 teams in the NFC North.

Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Is Carson Palmer healthy? I don’t know.

Chiefs +7.5 over Titans
Undefeated Titans have a close call in a game they should dominate. Chris Johnson has good game coming off the bye week.

Saints +3.5 over Panthers
Carolina D looks sorry last week, think the Saints should put up some points.

Cowboys -6.5 over Rams
Roy Williams, in. Pacman Jones, out. Tony Romo, ? Either way America’s team wins by at least a touchdown.

Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
Ravens O is terrible. The D, is ok. Miami will continue to surprise with another W.

49ers +10.5 over Giants
Giants should bounce back with a win, but asking them to cover with that number, is too much.

Texans -8.5 over Lions
How many 1 win teams in week 7 of the NFL season have been 8.5 point favorites? I’ll still take Schaub, Andre Johnson and the Texans.

Raiders +3.5 over Jets
If the Jets are going to be a playoff team this is one they need to have. I think they win it, but it’s close.

Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Browns beat the Giants, and the Skins loss to the Rams, and Washington is understandably 7.5 point favorites this week. How about the NFL? Anderson and Edwards looked like the ’07 Browns last week, keep an eye on them.

Packers +1.5 over Colts
Colts looked good last week, but how much does it matter? I’ll take Aaron Rodgers and the points this week. No Addai for Indy.

Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
Talk about a stinker on Sunday Night. Seattle is hurting, and quietly Tampa Bay is having a nice season. Can that city have playoff baseball and football this year?

Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
Patriots don’t deserve to be the favorites after last weeks game. It’s not just Matt Cassel hurting this team. The secondary was brutal. Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson looked like All-Pros, what will Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal do on MNF? I’m afraid to watch.

Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9, Overall: 48-40

Chargers +0.5 over Bills
San Diego looked impressive against the Patriots last week, and I still think the Bills are slightly overrated. Edwards suffered a concussion and it'll be interesting to see how he bounces back after the bye week. LT has a solid two score game.

Vikings +3.5 over Bears
Matt Ryan passed for 301 yards against that Bears secondary. Gus Frerotte is a solid veteran who will find some open lanes through the air and create a little breathing room for AP. Bears may win by a FG, but don't cover.

Steelers -9.5 over Bengals
Carson Palmer is out. Willie Parker is also out. Bengals have a solid pass defense, and but Mewelde Moore has been a nice fill-in. He should rush for 100 yards and a score or two while Big Ben should just limit the mistakes. Solid win for the Steelers here.

Titans -7.5 over Chiefs
Larry Johnson has been suspended and the Chiefs already suck. Look for a virtual shutout in this one for the Titans defense.

Saints +3.5 over Panthers
This could be a fun game to watch two offenses go at it. Both quarterbacks have a lot of weapons, but Brees is one of the best in the game AND he gets Colston AND Shockey (potentially) back this week. I really like this Saints team.

Rame +6.5 over Cowboys
Cowboys win, but there have been a lot of distractions this week. Pacman is a tough hit to that already porous secondary. Whether Romo plays or not, the offense should be sufficient. With him, it's explosive. But the Rams should have some openings to score points this week and at least keep pace for a while.

Dolphins -2.5 over Ravens
I was sorely disappointed by the Ravens defense last week. And that offense is just pathetic. This seems like a trap game to me in terms of betting, but the Dolphins are playing some solid football these days.

Giants -10.5 over 49ers
This could be the last time JT O'Sullivan quarterbacks an NFL team. He has completely wilted under pressure the last couple weeks, and the Giants defensive line will do just that. Solid bounce back performance for the Giants here.

Texans -8.5 over Lions
I think we have a new poll question. Worst current starting quarterback in football is a) Dan Orlovsky b) JT O'Sullivan c) Joe Flacco d) Seneca Wallace e) Matt Cassel

Jets -3.5 over Raiders
This Jets team is looking better and better to me. Raiders are still a joke, and McFadden is coming down to earth a bit.

Browns +7.5 over Redskins
Good game here. Browns looked like they found themselves a bit last week. Jason Campbell needs to pull his head out of his ass and start looking for Santana Moss again. Redskins should bounce back with a win, but no way do they cover the spread.

Colts -1.5 over Packers
No Addai? No problem. Colts continue to roll over Rodgers and the Packers with Dominic Rhodes filling in. Pick him up in fantasy.

Buccaneers -10.5 over Seahawks
This spread could have been 80 and I would have taken the Bucs. Seahawks are the worst team in the NFL right now without Matt Hasselbeck.

Broncos +3.5 over Patriots
How are the Pats a favorite? I can't believe this. I feel like this is one of those "bet the house on this one" games. Even if the Pats find a way to win, it's only by a field goal. Broncos are just a much better team on paper.

Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 9-5, Overall: 53-35

Chargers
Vikings
Bengals
Chiefs
Panthers
Cowboys
Dolphins
Giants
Texans
Raiders
Browns
Colts
Bucs
Pats

-Bess