Jonathan Papelbon is gradually convincing me that he is OK, after all. Tonight, his fastball appeared to have the old snap to it and he was placing it inside and outside with precision.
Hitters were simply late getting the bat around - and that's the way it usually is with Papelbon.
Earlier in this short season, that was NOT happening. Batters were fouling balls off and making good contact quite often - whether with hits or "loud outs."
As for Big Papi, the "Waiting and Watching" continues and I think it's driving many fans nuts. Everyone wants Ortiz to do well, but, the longer his slump goes, the more painful and awkward it is. Tonight was sort of typical for the season - a couple of strikeouts and a groundout. He had one swing at a fastball when he was very late - again. I really feel that Ortiz' bad wrist either never healed as he thinks it did, OR, somehow, after it healed, it just wasn't the same. Of course, Ortiz is simpy late witht his swing, but the question I'm raising is why -- and, it's either his wrist or, his skills have faded away in the course of one winter.
If the Red Sox can get a little more hitting and more consistency from their starting pitchers, they could get a lot better and be in contention through September.
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