Timlin?  Did Mike Timlin seriously make an appearance in the 11th inning of a tie playoff game?  WTF, Francona?????

As much as I was in disbelief over Dice-K’s dominating game 1 performance, I’m in disbelief that Francona brought in Mike Timlin in the top of the 11th of Game 2.  Hell, I’m even surprised that Timlin was even warming up in that situation. 

Look, Mike Timlin deserves the gratitude of Red Sox Nation.  He was a BIG part of 2004.  One day in the future after he has retired, his first return visit Fenway should result in a standing ovation.  Heck, let  throw out a ceremonial first pitch in playoff game even.  In fact, can we arrange such situation for game 3?  Thank you, Mr. Timlin for everything you have done.  Couldn’t have won all this without you, but it’s time.  You know what I mean.

Game 2 was an instant loss the moment Francona brought Timlin into the game.  What was the expectation here?  That Timlin would manage to keep the Rays scoreless in the bottom of the 11th, the Sox would get a run in the 12th and Timlin would close it out afterwards.  Six out?!?!?!  No way was Timlin going to be able to get six outs.

And exactly why is Paul Byrd on the postseason roster?  Is he simply an insurance policy in case one of the four starters blows out an elbow?  Wasn’t a tie game in extra inning with every other reliever used one of 2 situations Byrd should be brought in?  (The other being a starter can’t make it past 4 innings). 

There were other options as well.  Papelbon only threw 18 pitches and Sunday was an off day.  So send him out for another inning. 

OK, that’s enough Timlin bashing.  In all fairness, he shouldn’t have been in that position.  Francona sometimes shows too much faith in the guys who have delivered for him in the past.  This was one of those time. 

Beckett

Yup.  It’s officially worry time with Josh Beckett.  Topping out at 92 mph with his fastball is not Josh Beckett.  Something is wrong.  What exactly that is, we probably won’t know for a while.

Still, you have to give him the ball when his turn comes up in the rotation.  What better choice do the Red Sox have?  He may be hurting, but he deserves a chance to take the ball and make his start.  It’s a bit like Schilling in 2004.  As has been overly documented, Schilling was definitely injured, but letting him try was the best strategy for the Sox.  Letting Beckett try again to reach that 96 mph fastball is the best thing to do.  But if it’s not there right away, it won’t ever be there so make sure Byrd is ready to go.  Don’t panic and bring back Lester on game 6.  He’ll be needed in game 7.

Onto game 3

The real bummer about Beckett not coming through (or a Sox not getting a late inning two-out hit with runners in scoring position) is that the Sox had a definite chance to take a 2-0 lead and end this series quick.  A lot of the media attention has been about the Sox letting the Rays off the hook and back in this series.  There is some truth in that. But I think it’s being overplayed.  If you had polled any Sox fan (including this one) or player or coach that you could split the 2 games in Tampa, then return to Fenway with Lester starting, any of those people would gladly take that scenario.

So despite the disappointment of game 2, we’re exactly where we want to be.  We also know that we can win in Tampa.  After a disappointing regular season in the Trop, we came achingly close to sweeping two playoff games there.  Now it’s time to defend the Fens.