Random Thoughts (September 17, 2008)

It is a shame that Josh Beckett's gem (8 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 95 pitches) was wasted last night but as all of us who have been paying extra close attention since 2004 know, entering the playoffs as the Wild Card entry is not the worst thing in the world. The biggest difference between winning the A.L. East or taking the Wild Card is the style of the shirts that suckers will buy up in droves and who the Red Sox face in the first round of the A.L. playoffs. If they cannot topple Tampa Bay, the Sox are off to California to face the Angels. If they take the division, it is probably Chicago, the White Sox and late night Weiner's Circle for the Boys from Boston. There is a crowd that wants the Red Sox to avoid the Angels at all costs in the first round. Do not count me in that group. I want the Angels early, before they are fired up. The Angels have not played a game with meaning in over a month and with their recent playoff failures against the Red Sox, I want the pressure on them in early October. With a 1-2-3 of Beckett, Jon Lester, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, I'll take the Red Sox in any short series. They will most likely have to face the Angels anyways on the path to the World Series so I'd rather see the Red Sox get them before the lineup of Vlad Guerrero, Mark Teixeira and Torii Hunter get hot. Either way, I like the Red Sox chances this October... The news coming out of the Red Sox minority ownership offices on Morrissey Boulevard is very encouraging. Yes, that's right, Theo Epstein is ready to sign a new contract. Put away the gorilla suits and get the champagne on ice, the Red Sox will be winning championships for the rest of the decade (at least)... I wish I had the fortitude to stay awake for the thrilling Cowboys-Eagles game on Monday night. I crashed after a thrilling first half and missed the finish of an amazing football game. Hope you were tougher than I... If you aren't doing so already, please start reading Chad Finn's blog. You can thank me later... While I'm giving out reading tips, you should take the time to read Bruce Feldman's blog as well. College football fan or not, Feldman is a very good reporter/writer. His book on the recruiting process in college football, Meat Market, offers great insight into that mysterious practice... I don't care how bad the Dolphins looked in the first two games and I don't care who wears the headset on the sideline, anytime a Bill Parcells football team comes into town, be on alert... I renewed my BC season tickets in football this season strictly to see Notre Dame and Clemson invade Alumni Stadium. After watching all three teams so far, I have decided to take in this Saturday's home tilt with Central Florida in hope of getting my money's worth this year... Enjoy Tim Wakefield tonight...