Conference 7.286::red_sox

    Well yesterday's game is a prime candidate for one of those games that
    they should have won but didn't. Sometimes Jimy Williams scares me with
    his lack of knowledge regarding his players. I think the manager and
    the pitching coach should be held accountable for this one. What the
    heck were they thinking when they put Eshelman in the game? The guy
    drives a couple of hours to get to Cleveland, didn't even expect to be
    activated until tonight, AND GETS THE CALL TO PITCH????
    
    Also, regardless of the sport a team needs to have a killer instinct and
    should always look to put the other team way as soon as possible. That
    is to say that until the last out is made you do not squander any
    opportunity to get on base, move a runner, take that extra base, score
    that extra run, or use your best pitcher.
    
    This bullpen appears to have been crafted by a pyrotechnik and thus all
    the better reason for doing as much as possible early on to convince
    the opposition that the game is over.
    
    After several weeks of baseball it looks like the Sox will go as far as
    their starting pitching and offense will take them. Defensively they
    are much more sound than last year...but until the bullpen turns around
    a lot more games that appear headed for the win column....will escape
    into that other column.
    
    Maj

    Well, although it looks on the surface as though the defense is
    improved, the Sox were last in the AL in fielding as of a couple of
    days ago [the game that was carried on free TV].  The infield has made
    some spectacular plays, and then turn around a make routine sillies.
    
    I don't think Hassleman has come within 3 feet of a bag in his last X
    throws [not counting the between inning "coming down" throws].
    
    	Ted

    The bullpen has been terrible except for Henry and Slocumb. I think
    it's time to get the Pawtucket-Boston shuttle going. Bring Suppan and
    Hudson up now. Trilicek and Mahomes have got to go. Eshelman will
    follow. Brandenberg and Lacy were 2 pitchers who are hurt that could
    help also. But the sad part is I don't think the Sox are as bad in the
    pen as most teams in the AL. 
    Also according to the Globe the Brewers inquired about Mike Benjaman
    who is playing SS in Pawtucket. DD supposedly told the Brewers that he
    wouldn't be dealt because the Sox were planning on calling him up. Is
    there a Valentin deal lined up?
    Well splitting with the O's and the Tribe in the last 2 series has been
    good. Now for the series in Baltimore. We'll find out this weekend how
    much they've improved.
    
    Mike

  They still seem to be sticking to the philosophy that the best way to
develop a starter is to have him start games in AAA rather than having him
work in the bull pen in the majors. Hence Suppan stays at Pawtucket.

  George