Postseason Notebook--October 17, 2008

Two thoughts come to mind in recalling the Red Sox' historic comeback in Game Five of the ALCS. First, the Red Sox are an amazingly good team when it comes to hitting with two outs and runners in scoring position. From Dustin Pedroia to David Ortiz to J.D. Drew, the Red Sox' hitters continue to display the kind of doggedness, determination, and patience that make them as tough to pitch to as any team in the game.

Second, Joe Maddon did not manage a very good game for the Rays. He made several tactical errors in Game Five, mostly involving his pitching staff. For example, Maddon didn't necessarily have to take Scott Kazmir out after pitching six shutout innings. Yes, Kazmir had already thrown 111 pitches, but he had shown few signs of tiring and could have been pushed a little harder considering that his next start would not have occurred until a) the World Series next week or b) next season. Maddon also displayed far too much patience in keeping Dan Wheeler on the mound throughout the seventh and eighth innings. Wheeler doesn't have much raw stuff to begin with, but can survive when his control is good. Unfortunately, it was abysmal on Thursday night. He should have been taken out after coughing up the two-run homer to Drew in the eighth inning, if not sooner. That brings us to a third point with Maddon. He failed to call on one of his most reliable relievers, Chad Bradford, despite the fact that his bullpen was taking on flood water in the final three innings. As Wheeler, Grant Balfour, and J.P. Howell blew up, Bradford remained chained to the bullpen.

So what does all of this mean for Game Six? Damned if I know. The Red Sox have the same kind of true grit that helped them come back in 2004 against the Yankees and in 2007 against the Indians. They're certainly capable of winning two more games in this series. As for the Rays, they've forged a remarkable record at home this year and have shown little inclination toward allowing crushing defeats to leave lasting impressions.

While I have no idea who will win this series, I do know this. I am glad that we will have some baseball to enjoy and savor this weekend.