Only because said fans were probably laughing too hard.
The Red Sox have ripped out a page out of the Patriots' postseason defensive playbook this spring, as they simply can't stop the run. Just one of 32 attempted base stealers, New York's Robinson Cano, has been thrown out attempting to steal a bag against the Sox, and things reached epic proportions Tuesday night.
As if the opposition needed help stealing bags against the Red Sox, the Rangers got an added bonus with Tim Wakefield and his fluttering knuckler on the hill on Tuesday.
"I wasn’t keeping a very close eye on the running game, and obviously it showed," said Wakefield. "They stole nine bases off me in the first six innings. It’s something I’m not happy about, but something I will continue to work on."
The Rangers stole early and they stole often. They pulled double steals and probably could have managed the nearly impossible triple steal if the opportunity presented itself. When the dust was settled, there were nine steals in all.
The Red Sox have five as a team this season.
"I wish I could be perfect but I’m doing the best I can," Victor Martinez said after the win. "It’s me. I’m the one who has to catch the ball and get it out there. I’m not doing it right now. But it’s a long season and I still have a lot of work to do. Like I always do, I’m never going to give up."
Martinez watched Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz each grab three steals apiece. Vlad Guerrero, who nabbed two all last season, took two before "Sweet Caroline" made an appearance. Julio Borbon joined in the action with his own swipe as well.
The nine steals are a new Rangers' record, which passed the previous mark set last season against these very Red Sox on Aug. 15. In MLB, only the Padres have watched more runners steal on them in a single game within the last decade, when the Marlins stole 10 against them back on May 18, 2000.
"There are some times they really give me a chance to throw guys out." Martinez said. "Personally, I’ll take it. I’m the one who’s in charge behind the plate."
