Random Thoughts (October 16, 2007)

I agree with Terry Francona and the Red Sox in their decision to start Tim Wakefield in Game of the ALCS instead of Josh Beckett. First off, the Sox will still need to beat C.C. Sabathia or Fausto Carmona whether or not they win tonight. I'll take my chances with Wake against Paul Byrd and then have Beckett for Sabathia on Thursday night. Second, the Indians bats are hot right now and the knuckleball could be the trick to cool them off. Yes, the speed of Grady Sizemore will be maximized with the floating Wake speciality but I'll take that knowing the likes of Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko will be swinging from their heels as the ball drifts into Mirabelli's oversized glove. Finally, Wake is a big money pitcher who won't shrink in the limelight like his Japanese teammate did last night. No way Wake gets spooked tonight. We'll all look back and laugh when the Sox clinch this thing Saturday night... Bill Simmons put it perfectly yesterday, the Pats are giving a huge "F You" to the NFL right now, it wasn't enough to have the best team -- they don't stop going for the jugular until the clock strikes 00:00... BC is now ranked third in the AP poll and second in the USA Today poll. I'm still not buying it, they are no better than No. 11 -- behind LSU, Florida, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma, South Florida, Oregon, California, West Virginia and Kentucky -- and until they beat a legit team, I'm sticking to my story... I am really excited for the Celtics. KG is going to win the MVP and Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will join him at the All-Star Game. With some breaks they could win the Larry O'Brien trophy... Gotta love the Colorado Rockies... Enjoy Mirabelli's homerun tonight...