Patrick

Wow. What a meltdown for the Rays. The awesome combination of Sowers/Mastny/Mujica/R Perez/Kobayashi retire the last 17 Rays in order. If Sowers hadn't walked 7, it might have been a shutout. But as bad as the offense was, I put this one on Kazmir, 6IP, 5ER against a really anemic offense (And let's be clear here: Andy Marte of the .177 BA was batting 7th, Sal Fasano 8th, and Franklin Gutierrez (.216 BA), 9th). Andy Marte, the supposed key to that great Coco Crisp trade, had his first RBI of the season with a solo shot. Looks like he needs to get on a bit of a hot streak to catch up to CC Sabathia in the RBI department. But it's just one game for the Rays, and extended spring training for the Tribe.

Kazmir versus Sowers. Rays should be really disappointed if they don't take this one. Organization is still quite high on Sowers, and he's shown some flashes in the past, but like so many Indians this year, he has been brutal filling in for Westbrook/Carmona. Tied after 3 with fairly high pitch counts for both starters. Sowers issuing free passes like it's going out of style--just walked the top two hitters in the lineup. yikes. (He does have 6K's through 3). And Upton makes it 7, thanks.

... or the Rays, and no wonder. What a stinker last night. Holy crap. Their worst loss of the season. They've scored a grand total of three runs their last three games. ... phew ... I sure hope they do something to shake things up at the break. ... Watched the Dodgers dry paint against the Marlins for a while last night. Gave up when it seeped into extra innings. (I think I watch those Dodgers games because it makes me feel good about the Rays offense). All Star Cliff Lee tossing tonight for the Tribe. The lone bright spot in this nightmare season in Cleveland. His last 6 starts include the following 3 no decisions: 8 innings, 1 R, against CWS 7.1 innings, 1 R, against LAD 6.1 innings, 2 R, against SD only one of his last 6 starts did he surrender more than 2 runs, and that was his last outing against MIN where he took his second loss of the season. The most heinous ND was against Toronto where he threw 9 shutout innings before Betancourt did his best Borowski imitation in the 10th. Oy! He could easily have 14 wins right now. ...Rays need a bat? Tribe needs a lineup.

Way to go Jim! Sure your father would have gotten through it faster, but he was well practiced at it. 5 hours sounds like pretty damn good time given what you had to do (...said by someone that has only gone so far as removing and then replacing keys on a clarinet).

Happy Birthday Guy! Hope the south and post-graduate gainful employment are treating you reasonably well. Is it a 9 to 5 job, and have you acclimated away from the grad student lifestyle?

One can be a POS without being the biggest POS. And Papelbon has had many, many times this season he has been a POS. Thanks for acknowledging the high level of achievement in the Cleveland bullpen. You misunderstood - partially because I did not complete my thought. Okajima, Timlin, Delcarmen and Hansen have been among the biggest POSes. I wasn't referring to anyone else - but the thought of adding JoBo did make me smile, so thanks for the laugh! Still available for a low, low price. Couple of used fungo bats, maybe a bucket of baseballs, perhaps one of Varitek's bats. That should be more than adequate... Please, no reasonable offer refused...

One can be a POS without being the biggest POS. And Papelbon has had many, many times this season he has been a POS. Thanks for acknowledging the high level of achievement in the Cleveland bullpen. At long last JoBo has been sent packing. Perhaps the second highlight of the nightmare season (...after Cliff Lee kicking ass, and taking names). See if Paps can get through the bottom of the twinkie order now...

And if he is the problem, Joe Borowski is still available!!!

Happy Birthday to Randissimo!

I don't know jack, ...but happy birthday!

Happiness with the family!!

There are occasional buys at Record & Tape Exchange. It is in the corner of a strip mall, next to a Trader Joe's. Thought about popping in there today, but they closed a little early (5pm) for the holiday. Another possibility is CD Cellar, a short drive in Falls Church (Broad Street also known as Route 7 or Leesburg Pike). Haven't been there in awhile. Welcome to Fairfax.

Happy Birthday, Robert!!!

Jim, No recent "patronizing" comments on either of these threads. If you'd care to share, how are you doing now numbers-wise?I got in late last weekend. [And understood, if you'd care not to.] Patrick

13 out of 20 as well. And apparently I "taste like snozzberries".

Happy Birthday Stefan. Stay cool.

Happiness PQ!!!

another tremendous night for the NL

FWIW (admittedly, absolutely nothing...say it again!!!), those mediocre Cavs were the playoff opponent that gave the World Champions the best series in the playoffs. Bynum back may have made it a bit more interesting, but would it really have mattered, ultimately?

how many of those shots would he make, 4?

until a few minutes ago, ...in Cleveland

Happiness!!!

Happy Birthday Bertrand! Are you planning on catching Wayne at UMD in late September? [...I know, obvious question.]

Happy BirthRay!!

Happy Birthday Bill--hope it is/was/will be a fun one!!