The first epic
The 2008 postseason got its first real epic Saturday night. There were so many twists and turns, not to mention home runs, pitchers and pitches, in that 11-inning, five-hour-and-27-minute masterpiece in St. Petersburg d that I almost can’t remember everything that happened. When the dust cleared from Tropicana Field and the uniforms of the Rays and Red Sox, the home team had a victory to knot the American League Championship Series at 1-1 heading up to Boston. Here are some O.G. blog-servations from Game 2:
RAYS 9, RED SOX 8 (11)
* One of the key moments for me was when the Rays replaced a gritty and very extended Dan Wheeler with rookie phenom David Price. The hard-throwing lefty started a little rusty but locked in with his fastball and served notice that he can be a huge weapon as this series evolves.
* The Red Sox have a heck of a Manny replacement in Jason Bay, if you haven’t figured it out already. There’s something about October that brings out the best in certain players, and Bay had waited a long time for a chance to show his stuff on the big stage. He is raking at the right time.
* What more can you say about Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis? The valuable experience of last year’s title run led to MVP-caliber regular seasons from both players, and now they’re the Rays’ pitching staff’s worst nightmares.
* B.J. Upton is getting his power groove on in these playoffs. He’s wiry and strong and has incredible bat speed, and all of a sudden he’s blasting balls out of the park left and right. When he’s squaring them up like he did against the White Sox and on his homer last night, he reminds me of Alfonso Soriano — only with a better batting eye. Scary.
* Jonathan Papelbon’s still unscored upon in postseason baseball. He added to his record-breaking run with more dominant relief work last night. The Rays can only hope they don’t have to see him again.
Needless to say, I can’t wait for Monday afternoon’s Game 3 at Fenway and for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series live from L.A.
Let me know what you thought of last night’s game and of what’s going to happen moving forward.
I want to hear from you.
O.G.
October Gonzo 
i feel that it was a poor effort by drew on the play at the plate……it was almost as if he didnt expect them to try for home because the ball was so shallow
Let’s talk about Dan Wheeler and Jonathan Papelbon. Say what you might about Papelbon, but didn’t Wheeler out perform Papelbon. If Papelbon had staying power, then we might not have seen Timlin come into the game.
Yes, you can phrase Papelbon for his not being scored upon in postseason baseball, and his record-breaking dominant relief work.
But, how about Wheeler’s performance. It is great to see a “normal” player who hangs in with those “gods” that the media always puts the spotlight on.
Doesn’t matter who’s horn you toot, MLB’s 2008 postseason is great for us fans who just enjoy watching a “good old ballgame.”
First home-run derby of the play offs this year… can’t believe what a battle that was. And Evan Longoria? Holy crap, breaking out of that slump.. hopefully Jacoby can get that done sooner than later. Pedroia broke out of his slump for sure… two home runs in one night? That kid is a monster.
Wow! These NEW KIDS on the BLOCK, don’t give up, or give in!! What a WAR! BOSOX better watch their P’s & Q’s, or they may be spending the rest of their ROCKTOBER in BEANTOWN, watching the SERIES on their Plasma Flat Screens!!