Julian Tavarez – My very own MVP
Julian, you made my night. You are my bestest closest friend. I love you. You had me at hello.
Let’s recap a great game between two great pitchers. Schilling and Santana both went 8 innings, each giving up a solo home run in the 7th. Santana had 13 strike outs, Schilling had 5. I remember going to a game in 2000 where Pedro Martinez had 17 strike outs and Steve Trachsel had 11. I have pictures of the scoreboard when they announced Pedro tied his career high. That was when Pedro was at his most dominant. Think about it..28 strike outs. That’s half of the games out coming on Ks. Pedro ended up losing the game 1-0. I love pitching duals and it was probably one of the best games, if not THE best game I have ever seen. So last night’s gem, at least to me, was a perfect game. I love great pitching because its so rare.
So the game ends in a tie. Francona used Papelbon in the 8th and 9th, like he should, to get them to extra innings. The Sox went ahead in the top of the 12th by one run. Now, at this point most games are over. Right? Wrong. There is one lovely word that is music to my ears, a name that when whispered like a soft breeze makes me put down my morning cup of scotch and smile – that word is “Tavarez”. This nut case octagon ring fighter is an overpaid time bomb who seems to be my answer to Farnsie.
So Juliana comes in the bottom of the 12th, gets an out, hits a guy, gives up a ground rule double, intentionally walks a guy and then gives up a slam to a rookie.
Just when I thought all good feelings about the Yanks/Sox were gone, they are back. Julian Tavarez, thank you, for giving this Yankee fan in Boston some hope.