Red Sox ALCS Game 4 Preview

So WTF is the deal with the Sox all of a sudden?  They looked great for the entire ALDS and it seemed like their offense would be on point for the rest of the playoffs.  They pulled off a win in Tampa and it seemed like they were off to a good enough start to potentially close out the series in Boston by Game 5.  Now, they can't hit for shit and their pitchers are getting shelled.  Things have changed dramatically in just a few short days.

Tim Wakefield takes the mound tonight and it could go either way with him.  Either he is on point  and getting batters out because of the change of pace with the knuckleball or he will be getting shelled for HR after HR like Lester in last night's game.  It's impossible to predict with this guy.  I have a feeling he is going to have a good night and will make the Rays look foolish at the plate but that is really just a shot in the dark.

Ortiz looks like complete garbage right now and can't get a big hit to save his life.  He is always a second behind every pitch and he ends up popping out or hitting some weak grounder to second base.  It almost seems like he isn't fully balanced at the plate anymore (which is possible with his gimpy knee) and it is throwing off the rest of his swing like the domino effect.  He needs to start going to opposite field and use the Monster like he used to in order to get the confidence in his stroke back.  That will allow him to swing a little later (which he is already doing anyhow) and go for those outside pitches he is being given in order to go opposite field.  It will help his confidence tremendously if he can just get a few nice inside out swings with the ball bouncing off the top of the scoreboard or higher up on the Monster for an RBI double.  We really need him to step it up ASAP. 

And don't even get me started on Varitek.  I can't even remember the last time he actually got a single, yet alone an extra base hit.  We might as well just give the Rays an automatic out when he comes to the plate so he can get his gear on faster and prepare for the next inning.  He is useless.  And stop switch hitting because you suck from both sides.  Just stick to the left so you can focus on one view and get some kind of useful swing once in awhile.  And if I see his happy feet moving around before the pitch as he drops his front foot into the bucket and leave his shoulder open for a predictable pop out one more time, I might lose my shit.

Let's Go Sox?  Yes, I meant to use a question mark.  I think I need a drink... 

Tim Wakefield’s turn to face Tampa Bay
Red Sox’s Ortiz looks more like Little Papi
Scouting report: Rays-Red Sox Game 4
Jason Varitek can’t catch a break