Round 1
Last season the Rays surprised us all with a remarkable season filled with young talent and excellent pitching from top to bottom. Unfortunately for us Sox fans, this led to our demise in a thrilling seven-game defeat in October. The Rays were simply meant for a Cinderella story last year. In doing so, they also have changed the tide in the AL East, becoming a true contender. The Bronx Bombers were pushed aside and had to enjoy the show from the sidelines as the Sox and Rays battled it out all season. The Sox and Rays now have their own rivalry to contend for, which makes for exciting basball. Who will reign this year... In a division that clearly sets itself apart as the Elite division in baseball.
Few things have changed in the two teams since last season. Some minor acquisitions, but nothing major. Niether team really had the need for major overhauls. Unlike the Yankees, who plunged into the market head first, the Sox and Rays mearly had some cleaning up to do. So as the season begins, we can safely say that the heavyweight bout that concluded last season has simply stayed on course for a 2009 collision.
So it is only fitting that they should meet for "Round 1" of a season long fight. The first series took place in Boston this week. Game one was commanded by a rejuvenated Beckett. He held the Rays in check by adding boost to his fastball...clocking in at 95! The Sox were able to manufacture five runs for him, including Varitek's first homer of the season. Let's hope it's the look of things to come... The Sox won the game 5-3. Game two was quite the opposite as Lester took the mound and was hammered early in the game for 5 runs. The Sox never recovered and lost 7-2. The rubber-match was plagued by three early homeruns given up by Dice-K. The Sox never bounced back and lost 4-3, despite Tek's second homer of the season late in the game.
Round 1 is in the books... The Rays looked more powerful in Fenway making the long-ball their best friend. The Sox on the other hand could not answer. The season looks to be exciting as these two teams continue to improve. The Sox will need much help from Ortiz, who doesn't look quite as strong as he once was. Jacoby may be another concern for the Sox as his hitting has not come around since the '07 World Series. Other than that, our Sawx look real serious this year. They will surely contend for the AL East title, and hopefully, a World Series.
Few things have changed in the two teams since last season. Some minor acquisitions, but nothing major. Niether team really had the need for major overhauls. Unlike the Yankees, who plunged into the market head first, the Sox and Rays mearly had some cleaning up to do. So as the season begins, we can safely say that the heavyweight bout that concluded last season has simply stayed on course for a 2009 collision.
So it is only fitting that they should meet for "Round 1" of a season long fight. The first series took place in Boston this week. Game one was commanded by a rejuvenated Beckett. He held the Rays in check by adding boost to his fastball...clocking in at 95! The Sox were able to manufacture five runs for him, including Varitek's first homer of the season. Let's hope it's the look of things to come... The Sox won the game 5-3. Game two was quite the opposite as Lester took the mound and was hammered early in the game for 5 runs. The Sox never recovered and lost 7-2. The rubber-match was plagued by three early homeruns given up by Dice-K. The Sox never bounced back and lost 4-3, despite Tek's second homer of the season late in the game.
Round 1 is in the books... The Rays looked more powerful in Fenway making the long-ball their best friend. The Sox on the other hand could not answer. The season looks to be exciting as these two teams continue to improve. The Sox will need much help from Ortiz, who doesn't look quite as strong as he once was. Jacoby may be another concern for the Sox as his hitting has not come around since the '07 World Series. Other than that, our Sawx look real serious this year. They will surely contend for the AL East title, and hopefully, a World Series.
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