Running MLB Thread 2007 #1

Andy Pettitte is the rare lefty that seems to thrive at Fenway Park. For his career he is 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA in games in Boston. The Red Sox offense this year seems to be running hot and cold. It could be a pitcher's duel or it could be offensive fireworks tonight. I think a lot depends on where the wind blows tonight. If it is blowing out - then it could be a 10-9 game because both pitchers rely on fly balls for getting outs.

 

It helps so far that the other two guys in the deal have not yet allowed a run in a combined 12 1/3 innings of relief work.

 

I take back what I said about Joe Nathan.

He's not confident out there right now, for some reason.

Throwing WAY more sliders than usual.

Of course, since I only have him in four fantasy leagues, this is of little concern.

 

Nah, I just hate Schilling more than any other Red Sox player.

 

Schilling rubs me the wrong way too, but here's what I'll say.

If I had a big game tonight, and had to hand the ball to someone, the list is composed of Santana and Schilling and I'm not sure which I'd pick.

And I'm a Twins fan.

 

Schilling's not even the best pitcher on his team. Probably not the second best, either.

 

Hank, your thoughts on the Tigers bullpen and closer situation? I was down that way this week. Again, I still say Zumaya as the closer. Look what Jones and Rodney combined to do - again.

 

The Mariners continue to prove that they are clueless. Felix Hernandez is not going to throw a baseball at all for five days (this being day two), then they will re-evaluate at that point and most likely put him on the DL retroactive to the 19th. When the doctor says 10-to-20 days out of the lineup for a guy like Hernandez, why on Earth would you not automatically make it 20? Are they trying to make it a perfect imitation of Francisco Liriano last season?

 

But he is the best big game pitcher of his generation.

 

That said, I would still take Santana.

 

I probably would, too. But Bloody Sock is on the short list.

 

And yet Schilling's ERA in that series was still 6.30, which is by far the worst series -- his postseason average is 2.06.