Boston will offer a potential preview of October, as it hosts the Angels at Fenway Park for a three-game set. If the Red Sox can play well against the AL West leaders, they should be in good position after a weekend in Baltimore.
The Red Sox play 20 games in 20 days to close out the regular season. That's a tough way to wrap up a 162-game grind, but the Sox appear to be peaking at the right time. What's the biggest reason for this? Does the team have any kind of special conditioning program to ensure the players stay in shape — mentally and physically — to finish strong?
–Tim, Oguinquit, Maine
Yes they do. From a pitching standpoint, Terry Francona has been very careful in using the bullpen and keeping an eye on the starters' innings pitched. It is different here. You take into account how fresh and how much will be left for each of these guys while planning on playing in all of October and this year into November. Also, the rotation of position players since Victor Martinez arrived has allowed for Mike Lowell and others to have rotating days off. I think, while Mike is not crazy about it, it will be a good thing in the end and will have him much more rested and helpful come playoff time.
As far as the conditioning goes, guys today condition all season and all offseason. It is very different from even 10 years ago. The sheer number of games in a row though is without doubt a tough task. If you can wrap up a playoff spot early in this stretch, you can then give your regulars a lot of that time off.
It seems like Terry Francona doesn't always get enough credit for the job he does as Red Sox manager, and is blamed too much when things don't go well. Why do you think he is criticized so much? Is it just par for the course for a major league skipper, or is it just the nature/passion of Boston fans?
–Stan, Newton, Mass.
I think it is a product of the passion of the fans. I think every game is dissected and his decisions are always dissected. Because the games are on every night and fans watch every night, they know who is available in the 'pen and on the bench and are thinking along with Terry during the game. When he does not do what they are thinking, then the criticism begins.
I have to remind myself sometimes that we do not know all the information that he does that leads to his decision-making. For instance, there are many occasions where we are not privy to injury information, and he may stay away from a guy who makes obvious sense to us in a certain situation but is unavailable to him. So I generally tread lightly and wait for his answer afterward.
The Red Sox reportedly offered five players — Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, Nick Hagadone and Josh Reddick — for Roy Halladay. Why do you think Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi didn't pull the trigger? It sure has worked out well for the Red Sox. They got Victor Martinez, and Buchholz is pitching better than Halladay down the stretch. Has Buchholz turned the corner for good?
–Tony, Portsmouth, R.I.
I am not sure I believe that the Red Sox offered that much. I think J.P. Ricciardi would have made the deal if that much was offered. The Red Sox did very well in getting Victor Martinez and holding on to Clay Buchholz, and yes, I do think he has turned the corner. He is all about confidence and he has it going now. He had it in Pawtucket early this season and now has it in Boston late. In my mind, he is the true third starter heading into the playoffs, and I feel good about it. Lastly, Roy Halladay, I believe, has been affected by not being traded, and his pitching down the stretch has suffered as a result.
Who is the unsung hero of this Red Sox club? Is there someone behind the scenes who makes a big impact but doesn't make the headlines?
–Melissa, Everett, Mass.
In general, the coaches. I am not sure they get enough credit for the hours they put in and the stress they have. When one of their players is struggling, they struggle along with them. I think of Dave Magadan earlier this season when David Ortiz was struggling. Or when Daisuke Matsuzaka was struggling to begin the year and John Farrell had to endure it also.
The coaches do not get enough credit in my estimation, and they absolutely make a difference in the success of this team. There are so many candidates on this staff for managing positions that it may be tough for Terry moving forward to keep them all together.
Sad news about Ernie Harwell and his inoperable cancer. Everything I have heard about him is that he is a class act. Have you crossed paths with him in the past?
–Sam, Farmington, Conn.
