They call it the greatest rivalry in sports, though Michigan and Ohio State fans may disagree. I think we can all agree the Yankees / Red Sox rivalry the greatest rivalry in professional sports, anyway.
It started with a dominating performance by Yankee ace Chien-Ming Wang (aided significantly by the Red Sox’s anemic bats), included a nice outing (and win) by Josh Beckett, and ended with a shaky outing by Dice-K and horrible outing by Yankee phenom Phil Hughes.
Maybe the young Yankee starters are feeling the pressure of being chosen over Johan Santana, but they certainly aren’t tearing up the major leagues this April. Especially considering it was 30-degrees (conservatively) in Boston on Sunday—not exactly great hitting weather.
I jotted down some notes during and after all three games. Instead of using them to write a column, I figured I'd use them as my column. It'll give you a look inside the mind of a Red Sox fan during an early April weekend series against the evil New York Yankees.
And I'll give myself a night off from writing a real column. It's a win-win!
So, if you’ve ever wondered exactly what it’s like to be a Red Sox fan, here it is in a nutshell.
Completely uncensored and written down as the games were happening.
Game 1: Clay Buchholz vs. Chien-Ming Wang
2nd Inning: Buchholz looks much better than Wang early. The Sox are destroying the ball. On a warmer night, they’ve scored three runs by now. Minimum.
5th Inning: Ever notice when the Yankee play the Red Sox it’s always some schlub like Karim Garcia or Jose Molina who does the damage? Buchholz completely forgot how to throw strikes this inning. He might be getting tired.
5th Inning: JD Drew is on fire! Good thing Abreu doesn’t like running into walls. What a pathetic attempt at catching a flyball. If that ends up being the only hit/run for the Red Sox, he should buy Wang dinner. Especially since he’s almost making Wang’s entire salary in this one game.
Speaking of Wang, he’s clearly tiring. The Sox would have had four homeruns if it weren’t the dead of winter here in Boston.
7th Inning: Buchholz went six strong innings. All in all, a really impressive start for the rookie. I’m encou….are you kidding me? Mike Timlin just stopped me mid-sentence by throwing a ridiculous meatball to the White Barry Bonds. Yankees 2, Red Sox 1.
Way to ruin a good start, Timlin. Back to the DL with you!
8th Inning: The Yankees ended up getting another run in the seventh, mostly because Timlin doesn’t remember how to get anyone out. Then Wang got three outs on two pitches, or something like that.
The Red Sox can’t hit right now. They’re making Wang look like D-Lowe from the 2004 playoffs. And Wang ain’t no D-Lowe.
9 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Steve Auger about 1 year ago
The "White Barry Bonds" - I love it! Great stuff, Sean. I still can't figure out why Giambi got treated with kid gloves. Must've been his "apology."
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Did you steal everything from Bill Simmons or just 90 percent of it?
Atleast be funny if your gonna try and write like him.
That was nowhere near as intense as sox fans are/think.
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Joe Willett about 1 year ago
Don't you love how all the people with bad things to say are Anonymous.
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Erica Asahan about 1 year ago
I love the fact that you are so indepth with your writing! Thank you!
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Fred Brown about 1 year ago
Wow, Can't tell your a RedSox fan, not at all. Not very objective, but still a good piece of writting. Go Yankees!
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Jay about 1 year ago
As a yankee fan, I find this insight into the Red Sox fan's mind very entertaining. Especially the "White Barry Bonds" reference to Giambi. Having only two hits on the season he probably wishes he could homer like Bonds! I also agree that even in a video game you walk Manny in that situation. I must say, Girardi has practically got rookie tattooed on his forehead. I hope, for all Yankees Fan's sake that he starts to manage like he's working with big leaguers. (Well that and the Yankees start hitting of course).
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Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago
yeah. the two he launched off the sox great pitching must have escaped you. game one and last night. hows pappi? i will take giambi with his 2 homers, 3 this year already, over the interstate that Pappi is on. YUKE doesnt and never did roids? Nor did Varitek? come on...as a Yankee Fan...hit Harder!
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Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago
What I watched, and tried NOT to listen to EPSN in their lush for RSN, was that your SOX pitechers all got touched up...including franchise pending Beckett and Dice K! No comment on Bocholz, who resembled the other youthful pitcher, Hughes. You barely squeeked by againt...Mikle Mussina. Moose gave up 3 real (one coaching error) runs in 6 inngs! That should spell some trouble for you. How will you handle Joba when he starts? WIth Yuke? Is he even standing up yet after last years buzz. An inside pitch that scared the ump so much he tossed Joba. I say you guys may be in trouble. But you keep those rosey glasses on...I like the shocked look, nay, I miss it! LOL all in fun i hope.
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Patrick SJ Read about 1 year ago
Wang aint no D-Lowe...I hope Not. Wow. Wang has now 39 wins in the last three season...leads the league...D-LOWE NEVER COULD AND NEVER WILL HAVE BACK TO BACK 19 WIN GAME SEASONS
hahaha. lowe? he was so good you got rid of him the next year! HAHA
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