On June 13th, Coco Crisp put up an 0-for-4 against the Rockies – it was his 21st hitless game in the 57 he’d batted in. His average dipped to a season-low .221 and his OBP was a nut-squeezing .277. On June 14th someone cranked up the Coco-Meter from “Crap-Stain” to “Bad-Ass.” In the 29 games since, the Crispy one has gone 40-for-108 – that’s .370, junior – and knocked in 22 runs. His average is up to .271 and his OBP is over .325. He’s also swiped five bags, played error-free highlight-reel defense and even picked up five outfield assists. Suck on that Damon.
Kason Gabbard, emergency call-up to replace Curt Schilling ( who threw three innings in a rehab stint), is in the business of getting opposing hitters out. And right now, business is good. Gabbard improved to 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.97, owning the White Sox in Fenway last night. Gabbard induced ground-out after ground-out, allowing just three hits and a walk and letting up one run. He was economical, throwing just 86 pitches over seven innings.
These two forces combined to give Chicago an old-school beating. Throw in “Wheels” Hinske – who had a bunt hit Friday and a stolen base last night – and you’re likely to hear the playground mantra “these teams are smuck” from Ozzie Guillen. The bats are heating up and the LOB’s are cooling down. Eight of last night’s runs were scored with two outs.
All the intellectually-challenged “fans” who were looking to blow up the team because the lead was down to seven will likely be in line for World Series tickets after the last couple games. In the immortal words of Lloyd Dobler, “You must chill!” Today, we get Mr. Decision Tim Wakefield. Enjoy.
