Home, Home On The Road...SOX WIN But NESN's Ratings Fall ThroughThe Roof!

Boston Red Sox starter John Lackey looked like an eighty million dollar pitcher Tuesday night at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. He led Boston to a 4-2 victory with a little help from his friends, Danny Bard and Jonathon Papelbon, who comprise the trustworthy part of the Red Sox bullpen. Lackey was able to pitch into the eighth inning, 7 1/3 frames to be exact, giving up two runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking only one. Bard finished the eighth and Papelbon made it official by hurling a goose- egged ninth. The final score of Lackey's tenth victory was 4-2 Good Guys. Boston manager Terry "Tito" Francona had this to say after Lackey's stellar outing...

“He was tremendous. He pitched great from the start until when he was done. I’m sure he was amped up and excited to pitch here. He has a lot left in the tank.’’

His catcher, Victor Marinez, who had the best "seat" in the house, uttered these choice words...

“This team is fighting. The pitching is making a difference.’’

That it is, VMart. I'd be very surprised if they don't overtake the Tampa Bay Rays and qualify for the playoffs via the wild card route. Frankly, I'd be shocked. It doesn't matter HOW you qualify for October play, just GET there!

Jed Lowrie (remember him?) started at second base and had a two hit night. Until Dustin Pedroia is healthy enough to return, it's great to see Jed manning part of the right side of the infield. I'd be very surprised if they don't overtake the Tampa Bay Rays and qualify for the playoffs via the wild car route. It doesn't matter HOW you qualify for October play, just GET there! They will.

This afternoon at 3:30pm EDT it'll be Josh Beckett versus Joel Pineiro in the series closer. I don't know why but most of the time it seems that the Red Sox have the Angels' number. I hope I didn't just jinx 'em. The Sox are five games behind the Rays in the wild card race and eight behind the pinstripers. They can do it, that's for sure.

In other Red Sox news, the Boston Herald has reported that NESN, the Red Sox cable television network, has suffered a drastic ratings drop. Whether it was the team's slow start or the spate of injuries they have suffered, that's NOT what's important. What is is this. A 36% drop from this time last year is a cause for concern. The New England Sports Network will not die but they're suffering savagely.

“It’s a tough season for NESN and they absolutely are going to feel it. There are going to be packages where people are getting guaranteed on ratings and audiences and if it’s not coming through then NESN’s going to have to find a way to make up those ratings - no question. . . . There’s money on the table.”

Ratings equal money. Remember that. There's a simple solution to NESN's immediate ratings plummet. Boston must win and extend their season. Easier said than done but far from impossible. I can see it now.

Enjoy this afternoon's Angels/Red Sox baseball game and click on the title of this post for more Red Sox newsd. Count on me and as always, BE WELL. See ya.