[Population: One] <A HREF="http://popone.innocence.com/ar

[bryant]

Well, since you asked, Eric…

I stand by what I said. I am prouder of this team than I could possibly express. They gave me more than I ever expected. And I will die believing that the players on the field did not lose that game.

After all, I was right. Pedro pitched like he pitches when he needs to win. Clemens faltered, as I felt he would. The Red Sox remembered how to bat.

And Grady Little left Pedro in one batter too long. Then another batter too long. And another.

Tonight, Grady Little said this: “Pedro had gas in the tank… he was the man we all wanted in there on the mound.” And Pedro said this: “You want to point fingers, point them at me.” Little let his ace take the blame, and Pedro was too much of a man to blame Little. Do I have a single solitary reason to be unhappy with my team — not the manager, but the players I cherish so much?

I do not. And once again, I thank them.

Comments

[vspope.livejournal.com]

I don't blame Pedro -- he gave them seven solid innings and had his team in a position to win. During the top of the eighth, they showed Nomar hugging Pedro in the dugout, and I thought to myself "Good, they pulled him at the right time. The bullpen has been great, so they'll use Timlin in the eighth and Williamson in the ninth as usual, and hello, Marlins."

Little had the WHOLE GODDAMN PITCHING STAFF potentially available to bail the team out if Timlin faltered. But nooooooooooooooooo.

I don't blame Wakefield -- c'mon, he's a knuckleball pitcher, the single most unpredictable pitch in baseball. Sometimes knuckleballs don't knuckle; that comes with the territory.

The fans know better. Little will never, ever live this down.

What vspope said.

[ratmmjess.livejournal.com]

We all know at the top of the eighth that Pedro shouldn't be in there. We all knew that the Sox were done right there. Somehow that chimp Little didn't, though.

This is Little's fault. And no one else's.