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September 30, 2005
Hitting Keys
Alex Cora and Edgar Renteria have been hot lately for the Red Sox. Over their team's last 9 games, Renteria is batting .342 and Cora is batting .357 (although Cora only played in 6 of those 9 games).
The Yankees know that Ortiz and Manny are going to hit. And, they know that Bill Mueller will hit them as well - he always does. And, Trot Nixon will get big hits off RHP. You really cannot stop them - you can only hope to contain them.
But, the Yankees have to find a way to get Cora and Renteria out in this series this weekend. That could be the key for New York. You need to get 27 outs to win and Cora and Renteria might be able to provide close to a third of those 27 outs.
On the Yankees side, Jeter, Matsui, A-Rod and Cano have all been hitting well lately. Even Sierra, in his last 6 games, has been doing OK. Obviously, they need to keep this up in Fenway.
But, the key for the Yankees offense in this series just may be Bernie Williams, Gary Sheffield, and Jason Giambi.
Bernie has hit well in his last 4 games (.312). And, Sheffield has 3 HR in his last 4 games. Giambi has been an on-base machine in his last four games. But, that all was against Baltimore. In the series before the visit to Camden, these three did not perform as well.
Cora, Renteria, Williams, Sheffield, and Giambi. Come Sunday night, we'll know how they all did. Keep you fingers crossed Yankees fans.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 10:27 AM
Comments
I'm calling for a big series from A-Rod and Sheff just like back in July. I want homers from them and high fives so loud they're heard in the monster seats.
It'd be good to keep Damon off the bases too. Varitek just snapped an absolutely pathetic 0-34 slump at Fenway last night. Something not done in 13 or 14 years. Millar sucks. Let's hope he continues to do so. Why that don't start Olerud is beyond me but it's also okay with me.
GOOD LORD! Still 7 and a 1/2 hours!
Steve, ever think about doing a comment section during the game? Kinda like other forums do Game Threads? Might be fun and Sox-Fan-Free.
Posted by: JJay at September 30, 2005 11:25 AM
Never been a fan of game threads myself - I can't do two things at once. But, I'll consider opening one for folks here - if enough say that it's something they would be interested in having.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 11:29 AM
That's understandable and it might be hard to monitor should someone who's name rhymes with crab and his buddies decide to crash the party.
Posted by: JJay at September 30, 2005 11:32 AM
Hey, the only one who can let a Sox fan bother you is yourself.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 11:35 AM
Well I live in Mass and I'll be the first to admit...they do.
Posted by: JJay at September 30, 2005 12:32 PM
LOL JJay.
Understandable.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 12:40 PM
Steve, just join the party over at Bronxbanter. Don't know if you're actually on the same server. We'll probably melt it down and need to come over here, about the fifth inning right after ARod hits his grand slam.
Posted by: rbj at September 30, 2005 12:46 PM
Thanks RBJ.
I'm there sometimes. Member name: NetShrine
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 12:59 PM
Ah, you're NetShrine. No wonder he sounded so knowledgeable.
Posted by: rbj at September 30, 2005 02:59 PM
LOL - and cranky at times!
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 30, 2005 03:05 PM