Final Score
Red Sox 8
Indians 6

Positively Negative: A big win for Boston’s Boys of Summer, with lots of positives to talk about. A win on the road against a good opponent…Curt Schilling keeps his team in the game against a tough offense…Manny and Papi prove they can carry this team offensively when they’re both going good…and the bullpen’s Big-3 close the door once more.

So naturally, I’m going to nit-pick. Sorry! Can’t help myself…I’m a Sox fan!

I really like Terry Francona as a manger. I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. I think he’s the perfect guy for this team, in this market. I rarely disagree with his moves because I think he has very logical reasons for almost everything he does. The numbers generally back him up.

So why then does he insist on leaving Curt Schilling in games longer than is necessary and statistically smart? I know he’s a horse. I know he loves to get the ball and finish what he started. But sending him out to start the 7th inning when he’s already thrown 111 pitches in tough conditions makes absolutely no sense at all. Especially when you consider the Sox were playing after an off day and the bullpen was rested.

For a guy who relies on numbers so much, he ignores the most important one when it comes to Schilling; after 105 pitches, the big righty becomes a glorified batting practice pitcher. Schilling himself admitted on WEEI this morning that his stats are awful after that magic mark. He has no explanation for it, but even this incredibly proud man knows it’s true. It’s true of every major league pitcher.

If he knows it, you know it and I know it, I’m sure the manager knows it. So why was he brought out to start the 7th Tuesday night? Why does Schilling always seem to be left in the game an inning too long? Anyone?