I admit it...I had some reservations about the ALDS series with the banged up Angels prior to Wednesday night.
I thought maybe John Lackey would finally reserve his bloated seven plus ERA at Fenway Park and perhaps Josh Beckett would try too hard to live up to his 2003 postseason legacy/reputation. I envisioned Daisuke heading out to the mound tonight and running into one of his patented "House of Horrors" innings with the Sox already down 1-0, and then the Sox would be pinning their hopes on a Curt Schilling that hadn't pitched in 12 days.
Well...I certainly didn't take into account just how banged up and beleaguered this LA Angels of Anaheim team was before flying into Boston. No Bartolo Colon. No Gary Matthews Jr. Garret Anderson with one eye practically shut due to conjunctive-itis. Maicer Izturis batting fifth in the lineup against Josh Beckett? Angels Manager Mike Scioscia attempted to rest up his team and set them up for the playoffs just as the Sox organization did, but back luck and horrid timing conspired against him -- and now it looks as if the Angels might get swept in their own home park.
Batting Izturis fifth in the Angels lineup is akin to a scrambling Sox team throwing Mark Loretta in the middle of their batting order last season when injuries wreaked havoc with their offense.
Wednesday night was only one game, but Beckett looks ready to throw the team on his shoulders and carry the Sox to greatness this postseason -- and that's an encouraging sign for Red Sox Nation.
Here's some thoughts from
Fox's Ken Rosenthalabout Game 1 and prospects for tonight's Game 2 matchup between Matsiuzaka and a sore-shouldered Kelvim Escobar.
"Matsuzaka almost certainly will pose less of a challenge for the Angels than Beckett — his ERA at Fenway Park this season was nearly a run per game higher than it was on the road.
Then again, Matsuzaka will be working on six days rest, and the layoff could prove an effective counter to his home-road splits. Matsuzaka is 5-7 with a 5.29 ERA on four days rest, 10-5 with a 3.80 ERA on five days rest or more.
The Angels' Game 2 starter will be right-hander Kelvim Escobar, who — surprise! — missed almost two weeks in late September with an inflamed shoulder.
Scioscia, never one for excuses, points out that the team has dealt with injury problems all season. But the problem now is that the Angels are facing the Red Sox, perhaps the most complete team in the postseason.
They need every weapon available. And they're sadly short."
I also wanted to throw out some information on Kevin Youkilis' first official event for his charitable organization -- sounds like it may be a good one.
Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids PRESENTS
First Annual “CRACKIN’ IT UP”
HOSTED BY MIKE O’MALLEY
Boston—October 5, 2007— To help launch his charitable organization, Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis is inviting local baseball fans and philanthropists to join him for a night of laughter and giving at the Organization’s First Annual “CRACKIN’ IT UP!” Fundraiser. The event will be held at Mohegan Sun Casino in the Uncas ballroom, in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, November 10th, 2007 at 6pm.
The evening will commence with a “Pre-Game Report” including a Silent Auction Preview featuring an extensive silent auction including Red Sox memorabilia as well as decadent diamond jewelry and many other exciting and unique auction items. The “First Pitch” will start at 6:30pm and will consist of a Cocktail Reception including a raw bar and live jazz music.
The “7th Inning Stretch” is an amazing sit-down dinner followed by everyone’s favorite “Sweet Caroline” Comedy Show hosted by Boston-born comedian Mike O’Malley of CBS’ Yes Dear. The comedy event which features a “Newlywed” style show scripted by Saturday Night Live’s own Seth Meyers will involve Kevin Youkilis his significant other Enza Sambataro and other Red Sox players, each with their significant others.
“Hits for Kids is committed to making a big difference for children in need. We are planning multiple events in order to raise funds and awareness for charities with less visible awareness,” said Youkilis. “Crackin’ it Up!” is our kick-off event and it promises to be a stellar evening. I believe people will feel good knowing that all proceeds will benefit under funded children’s charities in which Youk’s Kids supports.”
“Crackin’ it Up!” will also include a variety of exciting guest speakers. Kevin Youkilis will describe the mission of Hits for Kids and highlight the various organizations that will benefit from the generosity of donors. Christopher Small, Executive Director of the Italian Home, will explain how the Home offers boys and girls who have been mentally, physically and sexually abused a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their young lives.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.youkskids.org or by calling Ticketmaster at (617) 931-2000. Tickets will also be available the Mohegan Sun Box Office, and can be purchased in-person.
About Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids
Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids is a Charitable Organization focused on raising support and awareness for the health, advocacy, safety, and medical healing of children across New England and beyond. With the goal of rallying the support of volunteers, local business, and the heart of Red Sox Nation, Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids is teaming with existing, community-based children’s charities and medical research efforts that currently lack sufficient funding and awareness.
To learn more about Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, or to make a donation, please visit www.youkskids.org, (617) 964 YOUK or email info@youkskids.org.
