SRYD's NOTEBOOK

Since Roger Clemen$$$ and the Yankees will be in town tonight, I felt that it was time for another article. This article will be a change of pace for me, as I will not present many statistics. I will just report some of my thoughts as the Sox prepare for their final 25 games of the season. Since my last Notebook, in which I was looking for the Sox to go 22-12 over the last 34 games, they have posted a 5-4 record, which means that the Sox will need to go 17-8 over these last 25 games to reach my target. That is the exact record that the Sox posted in their final 25 last season and I think they are capable of it this year as well.

Last time, I was looking for Jimy to shake up the line-up a little bit and with the help of the Bichette trade, he has been able to do that. With Daubach poised to return for tonight's game (in all likelihood), the Sox should be playing with their most potent line-up since Opening Day. With Offerman finally resembling the hitter that we saw last season, things are looking up for the Sox offense. I see Jimy going with this line-up tonight vs. Clemen$$$:

1. Nixon RF
2. Offerman 2B
3. Everett CF
4. Nomar SS
5. O'Leary LF
6. Bichette DH
7. Daubach 1B
8. Varitek C
9. Merloni 3B

For some reason, I have a feeling that Rogah is going to plunk someone in the first inning. Since the crowd will already be all over him, that should really get the series off to a rocking start. We all know the harsh feelings between Trot and Clemens and Roger nearly beaned Nomar in his last start vs. Boston. I really do expect an atmosphere similar to the one that I was part of for Game 3 of the ALCS last year. I feel that the crowd could really make the difference in this game and it may help Ohka to cope with the pressure of such a big game. Without a doubt, 3 out of 4 in this series is an absolute must and a sweep is needed if the Sox want any chance of catching New York for the division. With Cleveland hosting Chicago in a big series this weekend, hopefully Boston can go to Cleveland within 1 game of the Indians.

The Sox did receive some bad news on the pitching front in the last 3 games as it appears that Pichardo is out for at least 10 days and Garces left yesterday's game with a groin strain. Hopefully, Wakefield, Fassero, Lee, Beck, Cormier, and Florie (do I have to include him?) can fill in while these two guys get healthy. A great start for Pete Schourek on Tuesday was a certain boost and we will see if that hurting left arm of his can come up big, again, on Sunday.

Here are the apparent pitching matchups for this big series vs. New York as I see it:

Friday: Ohka vs. Clemens
Saturday: Pedro vs. Pettitte
Sunday: Schourek vs. Undecided (My guess is Grimsley with Cone out)
Monday: Arrojo vs. Hernandez

I'll be at Fenway on Saturday and Sunday cheering the Sox on. On Saturday, I will have a chance to meet our hosts on this great Red Sox site (Paul and Mark, who I again thank for allowing me to write this article), and Pedro will be on the hill, so it should be a great weekend. As always, "SOX RULE, YANKS DROOL."

SRYD OUT