Ellsbury
How hot has Jacobi Ellsbury been of late? Last night, for the second night in a row, Ellsbury beat the Indians with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth. Tuesday night, it was a single with two men on base, Saltalamacchia sliding home around the tag; and last night, it was a two-out home run into the first row of the center field bleachers. Thank goodness no one paid any attention to the pundits who speculated that Ellsbury might be trade bait after his unproductive 2010. Those broken ribs look like ancient history right now. As soon as JD Drew's contract expires, I think that job one for Theo is to sign Ellsbury to another one of those long term contracts he used to lock up Pedroia and Youkilis. Boston should keep this guy at the head of their order for as long as possible.
In case anyone hasn't noticed, Ellsbury is among the American League leaders in a number of offensive stats. Fourth in stolen bases, but that's what every one would expect. Third in hits, with a .317 average, and that's what everyone would want from a lead-off guy in this lineup. Second in runs, and that's no surprise for a guy batting in front of Pedroia and Gonzalez. But how about fifth in doubles, and better yet, ninth in on-base-plus-slugging? Not bad for a speedy lead-off batter. After last night, he's got 18 home runs, and 65 RBIs, to go with all those runs. No wonder the Sox are leading the league in runs scored.
It was too bad Wakefield didn't get his 200th win, especially because he pitched pretty well. But at least he kept things close for Boston, allowing the team once again to walk off with a win. Wake will get that two hundredth before too long. Wakefield just celebrated his 45th birthday, so he's got at least another ten years to go before he thinks about hanging up his spikes and glove.
Despite having played great in July, and even with the best record in the American League, Boston has not opened up any room between them and the Yankees. As predicted, the pennant race has stayed neck and neck. Big series coming up this weekend that will determine who leads the AL East. It would be nice if Ellsbury stayed on fire all through that series. That, and some good outings from the starters. Go Sox.
In case anyone hasn't noticed, Ellsbury is among the American League leaders in a number of offensive stats. Fourth in stolen bases, but that's what every one would expect. Third in hits, with a .317 average, and that's what everyone would want from a lead-off guy in this lineup. Second in runs, and that's no surprise for a guy batting in front of Pedroia and Gonzalez. But how about fifth in doubles, and better yet, ninth in on-base-plus-slugging? Not bad for a speedy lead-off batter. After last night, he's got 18 home runs, and 65 RBIs, to go with all those runs. No wonder the Sox are leading the league in runs scored.
It was too bad Wakefield didn't get his 200th win, especially because he pitched pretty well. But at least he kept things close for Boston, allowing the team once again to walk off with a win. Wake will get that two hundredth before too long. Wakefield just celebrated his 45th birthday, so he's got at least another ten years to go before he thinks about hanging up his spikes and glove.
Despite having played great in July, and even with the best record in the American League, Boston has not opened up any room between them and the Yankees. As predicted, the pennant race has stayed neck and neck. Big series coming up this weekend that will determine who leads the AL East. It would be nice if Ellsbury stayed on fire all through that series. That, and some good outings from the starters. Go Sox.
posted by pops | 12:27 PM
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