AL EAST 2009

[BillD1984]

Sox now 7-0 against the Yankees, and are now in sole possession of first place.

The season series COULD be important IF the Sox and Yanks end up tied after 162 games, and BOTH qualify for the playoffs. In that case, the Sox would be division winners (provided, of course, they don't blow the big edge in the season series), and the Yankees would be the wildcard.

That's what happened in 2005, the Sox and Yankees had identical records after 162 games, but the Yankees won the division (by virtue of winning the season series) and the Sox got the wildcard.

 

[Jimbo]

Sox now 7-0 against the Yankees, and are now in sole possession of first place.

The season series COULD be important IF the Sox and Yanks end up tied after 162 games, and BOTH qualify for the playoffs. In that case, the Sox would be division winners (provided, of course, they don't blow the big edge in the season series), and the Yankees would be the wildcard.

That's what happened in 2005, the Sox and Yankees had identical records after 162 games, but the Yankees won the division (by virtue of winning the season series) and the Sox got the wildcard.

Thats the way it's suppose to be .... then why would they have a playoff game to decide the champion ... wasn't there a playoff game to get in, in the AL Central a few years back, it was odd because the one team had a clear advantage in the series, but they still played a playoff game.

 

[MrMars]

Thats the way it's suppose to be .... then why would they have a playoff game to decide the champion ... wasn't there a playoff game to get in, in the AL Central a few years back, it was odd because the one team had a clear advantage in the series, but they still played a playoff game.

I believe it has to do if both teams are making the playoffs or not.

ie if Boston/NY is tied, and both would make the post season then the season series would decide who gets the division title and who gets the wild card.

But, if only one team qualifies for the post season, (Division winner gets in, whoever loses the division does not make the playoffs) in that case they will play a playoff game to decided who gets into the playoffs and who goes home.

 

[SabresRule]

That's what happened in 2005, the Sox and Yankees had identical records after 162 games, but the Yankees won the division (by virtue of winning the season series) and the Sox got the wildcard.

Had they flipped spots, how would either team have fared in the playoffs that year?

(I.E. if Boston played the Angels and the Yankees played the White Sox)

 

[Jimbo]

I think the playoff I was talking about was last year, I think it was the WhiSox and Twins ...
Twins won the series and had to go to Chicago to play the playoff ....

 

[BillD1984]

Had they flipped spots, how would either team have fared in the playoffs that year?

(I.E. if Boston played the Angels and the Yankees played the White Sox)

I don't think it would have mattered either way, 2005 was clearly the White Sox year.

 

[BillD1984]

I believe it has to do if both teams are making the playoffs or not.

ie if Boston/NY is tied, and both would make the post season then the season series would decide who gets the division title and who gets the wild card.

But, if only one team qualifies for the post season, (Division winner gets in, whoever loses the division does not make the playoffs) in that case they will play a playoff game to decided who gets into the playoffs and who goes home.

This is correct! :up

In the era of the wildcard, they'll only play a one game playoff IF BOTH teams don't make the playoffs.

 

[BillD1984]

Evolution of the AL East

Very interesting. It includes ex-AL East teams: Detroit, Cleveland and Milwaukee.

Boston Red Sox - Interactive: The evolution of the AL East - Boston.com

 

[cosmo_kramer]

Another reason why Sox fans shouldn't want to see Julio Lugo in the lineup anymore:

In games that Nick Green has started at SS this year, the Red Sox are 25-10. (Even though overall he already has 9 errors!!)

 

[KCK_Halo]

Another reason why Sox fans shouldn't want to see Julio Lugo in the lineup anymore:

In games that Nick Green has started at SS this year, the Red Sox are 25-10. (Even though overall he already has 9 errors!!)

25-10???? Sign that boy up for an extended contract now while he's cheap!!!!

 

[Mrs-MSmith198025]

The usually unhittable Razor Ramon Ramirez gives up back-to-back homers to Damon and Teixeira, but Oki comes in to close the door...................Sox 6, Yankees 5..... bottom of 7th

My jaw dropped when that second one was hit by Teixeira. That is just not normal from Ramirez. At least Oki and Pap were able to finish it up though.

 

[Mrs-MSmith198025]

Another reason why Sox fans shouldn't want to see Julio Lugo in the lineup anymore:

In games that Nick Green has started at SS this year, the Red Sox are 25-10. (Even though overall he already has 9 errors!!)

25-10 Wow, I didn't realize that, but yeah there's no question who, of the two, needs to be playing that position.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

If the eye drops don't help Big Papi, maybe this will (I hope he checks the ingredients for items on the banned substance list first ):

Studies have shown, after all, that the capsaicin found in many hot peppers can cause an endorphin rush similar to runners' high. "Oh, yeah?" says Papi. "Maybe I'll bring a bottle [to a game] and take a sip before I hit. See how that works."

Ortiz's hot sauces cover all the bases - The Boston Globe

I may have to order a bottle of the "Grand Slam En Fuego" sauce!! :up

 

[BillD1984]

"Where's the beef"?, you ask?

It'll be on the Fenway mound tonight. C.C. Sabathia vs. Brad Penny.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

Tonight's lineups:

YANKEES
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF
Cervelli C
Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.56).

RED SOX
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Youkilis 1B
Bay LF
Lowell 3B
Ortiz DH
Varitek C
Baldelli CF
Green SS
Pitching: RHP Brad Penny (5-2, 5.85).

The talk on the NY sports radio today was about the rumors that Sabathia does not like pitching to Jorge Posada. A quick look at the box scores shows that Posada has caught only one of CC's last 8 starts.

Coincidence??

 

[Mrs-MSmith198025]

Papi goes deep in the bottom of the 2nd to make it 1-0 Red Sox!

 

[BillD1984]

Papi goes deep in the bottom of the 2nd to make it 1-0 Red Sox!

Looks like the big guy is coming around! :up

It's now in the 6th with the Sox clinging to a 1-0 lead.

Penny has pitched great, but is tiring as I write this.

This game is coming down to the bullpen.

I look for a combo of Delcarmen/Masterson/Papelbon to try and close this out.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

Papi goes deep in the bottom of the 2nd to make it 1-0 Red Sox!

It's the hot sauce, I tell ya!!!

 

[BillD1984]

Red Sox now 8-0 against the Yankees after their 4-3 win.

 

[Mets82]

8-0 WOOHOO!!! I'm glad for the Red Sox fans and Red Sox Nation. The Yankees must be mad as hell. I wonder who the Yankees are going to take it out on. Let's see, the Yankees next 3 games are against...the Mets!!!! Oh boy.