Facing the Red Sox

We start our series against the Red Sox Wednesday. They are the defending champs. Tough lineup top to bottom and they are patient hitters. Of course their pitching is solid. They play particularly well at home with tremendous fan support. I'm not sad to see Manny go but the Sox haven't missed a beat without him so we have the same approach as always. They are too good. I want to go out there and get our guys going by pitching my game. All of our guys will be pushing themselves for me so I have to go out there and push myself. We have to play the same game that got us 100 wins this year. Situational hitting, taking the extra base, moving guys over. Our starting pitching sets the tone and then the bullpen does their thing to close it out. That seems to be the Angel formula. I will approach this game just like any other. If you start to change a routine, that when you get in trouble. I will watch a little extra tape, look at some of the newer guys on their team to refresh myself but I have a pretty good idea of how I want to attack their hitters. I just have to execute and the rest will be fine.

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Comments (110)

pelechati said September 30, 2008

I hope you destroy the sox.
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danacopley said September 30, 2008

Well, I must admit that I am a Yankee fan...however...Since no postseason for the guys this year is our tough dose of medicine to swallow, I do hear by declare myself an Angels supporter. Go out there and Kick Boston's Butt!. I certainly wish you the best of luck. I will be watching from my "southern" home. To u and ur team mates...This GA girl is cheering yall on!
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Reneeskates said September 30, 2008

i love both the sox and angels as you might know from past posts but i'm rooting for you definitely! I haven't seen you pitching lately at all...i thought maybe you were getting married already- lol well anyway good luck and i can't wait to see my fav teams together! I hope someday to see you guys in person---(both teams together!) :)
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1Halo_Luvr said September 30, 2008

Thank you John...and the rest of the Angel players for a great season!

As with any start you go into, you do set the tone....and they (your back-up 8) follow. I have no doubt that you will lead this team with the same vigor that you have many times this year. We (Angel Fans) will be there to support you with all we can give from the stands...cheering and jeering.

Go pitch your game....and we will be the voices you hear loud and clear.....GO ANGELS...BEAT THE RED SOXS!!!!!

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hjames34 said September 30, 2008

good luck tomorrow John. I hope you go out there and kill it
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1Halo_Luvr said September 30, 2008

btw....YES WE CAN!!!!! AGAIN!!!

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dsiano6447 said September 30, 2008

Good Luck John!!! I know you guys will do your best to win. Thanks Donna
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Baseballmom said September 30, 2008

YES WE WILL!....Good luck to you tomorrow Big John!
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lightitup said September 30, 2008

'86 the Sox, Big John!
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fukthesux said September 30, 2008

TOMORROW
ANNIHILATION OF THE DEFENDING CHAMPS
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DueNorth said September 30, 2008

Calling all Angels! GO ANGELS! :)
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angelfanapril said September 30, 2008

Go get them John. Our family will be cheering you on.
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Mizzy21390 said September 30, 2008

I dont wanna wish u good luck.. even tho I like u as a player.. bcuz i can never wish good luck wen ur playing against us... And i dont wanna be rude and say "i hope u lose".. but I love my Sox... and i know they can do it. Even with all the adversaries... The angels have been sucking in teh playoffs these last many yrs... Winning the division is nothing new to u guys... as well as being kicked off pretty early... we did it to u b4, and we can again... But who knows? things change and its a diff yr. Hopefully my Sox come out and prevail and continue on their road to defend their title...

Cant wait for 10pm Wed, October, 1 2008.
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mul71d said September 30, 2008

GO ANGELS, hope your team wins tommorow
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CelticPride33 said September 30, 2008

The sox are gonna win in 4....Lester is a beast..
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 01, 2008
  
  yay someone on my side. Seems this whole board hates the Sox... U never know wat can happen. And seeing as to how the Angels have bad history in the playoffs with us since 1986, the Sox can still be a contender...
brettwb1 said October 01, 2008

Good luck John I'll be there tomorrow cheering you on! I can't wait for you to shut up the critics and east coast biased ESPN and dominate Boston in the playoffs. Also loser Sox fan, Lackey's much better than Lester. Has Lester ever won Game 7 of the World Series or won 19 games? Also John it sickened me to see fans boo you on Friday after all that you've done for the franchise. Remember it's just the bandwagoners who booed you, us loyal 15-20k fans would never boo you, it's warranted for guys who fail to produce for long periods of time like Mathis and Matthews, but for a guy with a track record like you it's ridiculous. It was just one bad game (sucks that it inflated your ERA though), kick @ss tomorrow Big John! Also tell Naps he rules too, he's gonna break Bonds' record someday once Sosh realizes to play him every game.
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- CelticPride33 replied October 01, 2008
  
  Did you not see Game 4 of the World Series last year? I think Lester can handle himself on the big stage.
  - Baseballmom replied October 01, 2008
    
    Not to take anything away from Lester, but weren't you playing the Rockies?...lol
HaloPride said September 30, 2008

They can't touch you Lack!!!
You got this man.
Beat Boston
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 02, 2008
  
  hmmm judging from todays game.. Lester was CLEARLY the better pitcher.. only ONE earned run. And he maintained no runs for teh rest of teh game. One down three to go!! i TOLD U.. Angle cant play in the playoffs against u.. Why are we 10-0 against them since '86??
  
  GO RED SOX!!
  - CelticPride33 replied October 02, 2008
    
    Great game and lester's run was unearned...so 0 earned runs.....1-0 good guys
    - Mizzy21390 replied October 02, 2008
      
      oooh ur right... no earned runs...
  - soxdynasty replied October 02, 2008
    
    Great point Mizzy!!! The Sox are in the Halos heads. Ten wins and counting. You've got to be thinking the Sox are going to come up big with Dice in game two. I loved the Red Sox chants last night during the game. Angels fans are fake. I wouldn't say there as bad as Lakers fans but they're up there. This is a Yankees fans worst nightmare also. Take care Mizzy and I'll talk to ya soon. Hope school is going O. K.
    - Mizzy21390 replied October 03, 2008
      
      schools going great Dynasty.. just managing being able to study for exams... and watching the last nite games are hard... But i still put the Sox first.. as long as i have all my work done.. hahaha. Cant wait for Friday's game... :)
halocrazed said September 30, 2008

Take it to them bro! Go Angels!!!
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JustBilly said October 01, 2008

Hey Big John, You can do it, I believe in you and the team. Win or Lose, I'm still a fan.
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HaloPride said October 01, 2008

They can't touch you Lack!!!!!
Git r Done

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nolan_fan said October 01, 2008

John, I was at your first ever MLB win against the Dodgers in 2002 and I will be there tomorrow for hopefully your first playoff win over the Boston Red Sox. Keep in mind how well you dominated the Sox at Fenway when you almost no-hit them this season. You'll be at home and all of us Halo fans will be loud with our support! BEAT THE SOX!
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Clutch said October 01, 2008

Go Lackey Go! I'll be proudly wearing an Angels shirt with your name on the back tomorrow--I know you can dominate! My roommate's giving me a bad time about the Sawx are gonna destroy the Halos, this and that--please prove them wrong!
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iheartny22 said October 01, 2008

God Speed. I hope you sweep the Sox.

Best,

Yankee Fan
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Annt74 said October 01, 2008

aint gotta tell u nothin Mr. Lackey.................................................GO ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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jaolson20 said October 01, 2008

I am a huge Red Sox Fan and I am hoping that they will pick up the intensity and get after it in the series. I cannot imagine the excitement or pressure that you must be dealing with. How cool it would be to be playing? Good luck and I hope you have a good game......but still lose. Sorry.
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 01, 2008
  
  hahaha i said the same thing... i didnt say good luck but that im happy for him...Sox are always first.. then Angels... but since theyre playing eachother, its Sox first.. everyday..
soxrocklackey said October 01, 2008

Judging from the last month of your regular season and ALL of your past post-season performances, I'd say you should call in sick to workâ€¦ if you do show up, make sure to bring enough meatballs for everyone in Boston's lineup...you know how much they like them. You're gonna lose tonight, and your team will lose in four games. http://www.smackcaster.com/index.php?playback=10189
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- HaloPride replied October 01, 2008
  
  Oh ... Hey........ Looks like we got another Bandwagon BloSox Fan.
  - orions replied October 11, 2008
    
    yeah, you have a storied history and fanbase chump...don't ever say Red Sox fans are bandwagoners you douche...take your rally monkey and shove it up your a** you bandwagon Fag
CelticPride33 said October 02, 2008

Lester beats Halo's like he beats cancer...
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 04, 2008
  
  RED SOX beat Halo's like nothing.. Sox up 2-0 going to Boston...One more to go!!!
davejb851 said October 02, 2008

Unfortunately folks, you got to see the Red Sox as we have all season. Opportunistic, scrambling, and hustling.
John, you pitched a fantastic game, had the Sox swinging at air and missing. But as you well know, it's very hard to do that over the length of a full game. The pitch to Jason Bay I am sure you wish you had back. While it was a good fastball, it was over the middle of the plate and most good hitters should have been able to do something with it.
John Lester was just that much better last night. Inside all night, and when the Angels were looking inside, he painted the outside edge, and that curveball just kept getting better all night long. Lester IS a beast, no doubt.
he Angels succedded with hustle all year long, but it bit you last night. d's base running, along with a great recovery by Youkliss was a killer, especially just after Ellsbury flew in from center field. That kids not bad for a rookie huh?
Not to gloat, but Pedroia, Lowrie, Ellsbury..........it's always said the strength of a team is up the middle. Add to that Youkliss, J.D. Drew (when healthy). Theo has built this team through the Farm System.
It's going to be a tough series, but you can't go against the Sox.....especially after last night.
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- Baseballmom replied October 03, 2008
  
  I love it when people say, "not to gloat"...it means major gloating up ahead...
chargerangelo said October 02, 2008

Another horrible job of announcing by the incredibly Red Sox biased Chip Carey.... That was pathetic
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angelsfanatic said October 02, 2008

Great pitching big John. Lester was just a beast out there once he settled down. A few rough plays by Vlad and GMJ did not help things, but I know you guys will come back out ready to play again Friday night. Good luck and go Halos!
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live_4_therush said October 02, 2008

The Sox havent missed a beat, and sorry Angels, but you will be no exception to the rule! Go SOX!
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- soxdynasty replied October 02, 2008
  
  They are certainly not the exception. I was so happy to be playing them in the post season because we own them. The Angels and their fans seem to be happy with division titles. This is an incredible streak going on now. I think our first three starters dominate theirs.
  - Mizzy21390 replied October 03, 2008
    
    10-0! 10-0! in the postseason against the Angels, since '86... 4 yrs b4 i was born.. haha
davejb851 said October 03, 2008

While everyone must realize, this series is far from over, you have to like where the Red Sox are at this moment. Winning the first game on the road is huge.........Ask the Dodgers.
Also while 'DiceK' has a bloated winning record, I personally will be holding my breath as he pitches......he just never seems in charge, always teetering on the edge of disaster. Where does the win/loss record come from? I wish I knew, but it is what it is.
I say the winning streak will end, probably tonight.........can't see the Angels beating Beckett, unless he's dinged up.
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psamps00 said October 04, 2008

Love you John! you are a inspiration! you have carried this team all year..
You're a Great leader.. Keep the head up... 100 games.. Im proud of you guys!
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lightitup said October 06, 2008

Big win tonight! What *A* game! Gotta be pumped up going into Game 4! Good luck, Big John! '86 those Sox!
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1Halo_Luvr said October 06, 2008

Hey Lack...Right here cheering you on for game 4, just like I was for games 1,2,& 3.

Win or not, I am an Angel fan. I'm not going to pout or rag on the other teams, because "true fans" of the game of baseball, enjoy watching teams with heart. And the 2008 Angels have lots of heart. Go out there and play your game.

YES WE CAN!!!!
Go ANGELS!!!
BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE RALLY MONKEY!!!
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dsiano6447 said October 06, 2008

I'm with you. We are always there for the team. Great win last night! Good luck with Game 4
Donna Castaic / Dana Point
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q2max44 said October 07, 2008

You pitched a good game last night John and certainly battled as always. But emotions got the best of you and you paid for it. For a team that is considered to be the best team in baseball, the Angels sure play tight. The squeeze call was terrible, I know you and most of your teammates agree, but again a desperate move by a team that is too tight to be the best. In the dugout, Butcher and Sciosia look like they are about to explode with every pitch, even obvious balls. Crying about every single call will only hurt your cause with major league umpires as you likely could attest. Why doesn't your catcher say something to the effect of 'hey shut the f% up so maybe we can talk him into a call or two when we need it'. And you hanging your head when teammates make mistakes is so bush league. Do they hang their heads and put their hands on their knees when you give up a hit or a run? You said in postgame that you are the better team. That is simply sour grapes and definitely not true. 3 games to 1 says it all. You were lucky to even get the 1. Maybe this loss will teach you that a true ace is a leader by example in the way he inspires his teammates as well as by how well he performs. Good luck next year.
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Frank99 said October 07, 2008

After losing to the Red Sox in the ALDS, John Lackey said Monday that the Angels "lost to a team that's not better than us."
"We are a better team than they are," Lackey said. "The last two days, we shouldn't have given up anything. They scored three runs on a pop fly that was called a hit, which was a joke. They scored on a broken-bat ground ball and a fly ball that anywhere else in America is an out, and he's fist-pumping on second base like he did something great." Clearly bad baserunning, defensive miscues and botched squeeze plays shouldn't determine which team is better.
This is what you said!!! They are all part of the game and your team did not execute. If you miss bunts , miss fly balls and make errors you usually lose!!! Especially in the playoffs!! Join a winner opt out of the option and head to Boston!!!!
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 07, 2008
  
  I am dissapointed to have read that. As a Sox fan, I respected Lackey, and actually liked him. Heading into this series, I of course hoped for the Sox to win. Wanted to wish him luck, but wouldnt dare do such thing against my Sox. After reading what Frank99 has posted, I dunno if im gonna be a suporter anymore. It seems more like a sore loser type of act. Of course you wont say, "Red Sox are better than us" But atleast u could have said, "Red Sox played better than us throughout the series" That would show ur sportsmanship, instead of trying to pin point every so called "lucky" play teh Sox came up with. If you team didnt suck and get all those misopportunities, u would have won. Its not the Sox fault that they missed that pop up. Something that is like a routine for almost every ball player.
  
  But to say: "Lost to a team thats not better than us"? I dont want to go into stats, but for the Sox to be 12-1 against the Angels, how does that mean that we're not better? I dunno.. Im not trying to be mean or anything, or be one of those cocky Sox fans, but that statement, really showed me that you were being a sore loser after that loss, and tried to conjure up excuses for why we won, and excuses to make urself feel better...
  - baseballmomgv replied October 08, 2008
    
    As a parent, I've spend years trying to teach my children about good sportsmanship. Your after game comments were in very poor taste. You are watched by children all over and the example you set for them was of how NOT to act. I understand that you were upset and disappointed but you were on national television acting like a t-baller in his first game. You pouted and whined and put your hands on your knees and acted like a poor sport both towards your team-mates and the other team for the WHOLE game. And then continued with the pity poor me act in your post game interviews. I thank you though because now my son is no longer a fan of the Angels. All due to your actions and behavior. I hope that when you come back next season, you've matured some and remember the kids that are watching you play and try to act like a responsible adult instead of setting a poor example again.
    - psamps00 replied October 11, 2008
      
      ah shut up. dont let your kids watch. Its a adult game.. their emotions are high. they worked their asses off.. of course your going to get upset. duh lady
    - Baseballmom replied October 12, 2008
      
      Perhaps you should be your own children's role model and not depend on a sports figure to do your job...Good riddance Bandwagoner!
mafrantz said October 07, 2008

HEY JOHN --- IF ANGELS HAD THE BETTER TEAM, WHY, OH WHY DIDN'T THE ANGELS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tapfg8 said October 07, 2008

Big John, I just want to say I appreciate your performance this year. You are my favorite player on the Angels and you didn't let me down. I know you guys wanted to win the world series but it didn't go our way. Please stay in Anaheim John. And yes I agree with you about Pedroia. Stay safe in the offseason and good luck next season.
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- angelfanapril replied October 07, 2008
  
  I agree completely.
Baseballmom said October 07, 2008

Big John is the heat... I hope everyone on the Angels think they are the better team. Hey Red Sox fans, don't any of your players blog?
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- Mizzy21390 replied October 07, 2008
  
  yea youkilis actually blogs, but he doesnt on yardbarker... he has his own website or something like that.. but yea he does blog...
  - Mizzy21390 replied October 07, 2008
    
    and so does jacoby...
- orions replied October 11, 2008
  
  No, Boston athletes aren't welcome on here you false fan
  - orions replied October 12, 2008
    
    your so lame...your just retaliating because of your bitter frustrations...making fun of your name?, no just making fun of you...and it's justified by not only me on this thread, but at least five Sox Fans...and at least we manup in Boston after a loss...congrats to the Rays for evening series up...come to Boston, and we'll show you true Baseball fans...LAA Angels, what a joke...Dodger country, Dodger country forever once again...and how old is Lackey with his foolish "professional athlete" comments?...sounds 12...the sorest loser we've seen in a long time...Fact
- orions replied October 11, 2008
  
  and Boston athletes blog plenty on the many other blogs, who have no anti-Boston bias...your Boston envy is obvious...and LA area belongs to the Dodgers for life "Baseballmommy"
  - Baseballmom replied October 12, 2008
    
    Really?....You are making fun of my name? How old are you? 12?
    - orions replied October 12, 2008
      
      read above...yeah, I must be 12, as I replied to not you, with the main breakdown points, my intended target...why don't you be a real Fan, and be constructive in how the Angels can improve in the offseason...instead of dogging Sox people on here the last 13 days...no hard feelings, but Boston fans won't take crap from your inferior Fanbase
soxdynasty said October 07, 2008

John, You choked again. 100 wins and out. The Sox are the better team John. Get that through your head! John Lester is better than you. Go home ! You embarassed yourself on National television with your antics when your team didn't make a play.Ron Darling and Buck Martinez showed your selfish antics more than once. You see John you are remembered in the postseason as more than a loser. You're selfish and you're a joke to us in Boston. I'm very disappointed. I'm sure the rest of your team would not make such an idiotic statement.
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- Baseballmom replied October 07, 2008
  
  He gave up 2 runs in 7 innings....and you say he choked...Did you just start watching baseball in '04?
Calrhody said October 07, 2008

Congratulations on such an amazing regular season, John! I can't wait 'til you post a blog about how much better your Angels are than the Sox. You should have plenty of time to do that now that you don't have the post-season getting in the way anymore. Between your visual disappointment in your teammates' defense (can't blame you for that), Coach Butch's non-stop complaining about the ball and strike calls, and most obviously, your and Hunter's postgame commets, the Angels appear to be a classless team. I know this is not the case throughout the organization. I'm glad we don't have to hear about how your team runs the bases, fields, and closes games so well. Apparently you do none of them well when it matters. I've seen Little League teams that know how to play the field better. Have a fun offseason! Maybe you can come up with a new gimmick to hand out at home games next year that makes noise in lieu of traditional clapping. Don't push too many people through walls, big guy! Go Rally Monkey!
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- Baseballmom replied October 07, 2008
  
  Stay classy! :eyeroll:
  - orions replied October 11, 2008
    
    you too...showing alot of class calling out fans of one of the most storied franchises in all of Sports
    - Baseballmom replied October 12, 2008
      
      LOL...you so called fans are dissing my player...if I came onto one of your players' blogs and did the same, you would be all over me.
    - orions replied October 12, 2008
      
      maybe, maybe not...depends on the validity of your criticisms...the thrust here is pointing out a hot-headed pitcher, and his immature unsportsman-like actions...then I saw you, getting smoked by my fellow fans, and entered the fray...what I'm realy looking for is your hero to manup...manup...post a manup thread...this is silly, all set, as this is the past...have a good offseason
angelfanapril said October 07, 2008

Thanks for the great season. My 3 1/2 yr old son is your biggest (little) fan. He is even going to be "John Lackey" for Halloween this year and his new goldfish he won at the fair goes by the same name. Anyway we have all enjoyed watching you pitch this and every season with Angels. You are still our family's favorite Angel.
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Calrhody said October 07, 2008

In baseball, a lot of times a guy will hit the crap out of the ball and make an out (a line out, a hard groundball up the line that is fielded, a robbed homerun). Over the course of a season or maybe even a series, you make up for these by blooping in a single, beating out a slow roller, or hitting a ball between two fielders who look like they've never met each other or played in the bigs before. Sometimes the former will happen with two outs and guys on base, and it is extremely frustrating to the hitter. Sometimes the latter will happen with guys on base, and it will result in runs being scored (and the hitter will be excited about helping his team towards a victory). This is part of baseball at every level (though usually MLB teams with average defense will catch easy pop-ups). Good teams roll with the punches and do enough to handle the swings. "Better" teams come up short and complain.
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toptrav said October 07, 2008

Hey Lackey,
Please stay in Anaheim. Red Sox fans and players won't put with your whining and berating of team mates. You are a good example for young pitchers on how not to act on the mound. Learn to have some class like your manager. See you next year.
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soxdynasty said October 07, 2008

John, please stay in Anaheim or Los Angeles or wherever the fans are going to come from next year. You are the first pitcher in baseball history to be profiled by the announcers twice for your selfish actions. I give credit to Buck Martinez and Ron Darlling for them catching your embarrasing expressions. That shows what type of person you are. You would never be welcome by Red Sox nation. It's not because of your poor performances in the post season. It's because of who you are.
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Bucko18 said October 07, 2008

Classless chump. Showing up teammates and whining after a loss? You owe your teammates, organization and fans an aplogy.
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- angelfanapril replied October 08, 2008
  
  Yeah, because Red Sox Fans are such classy fans.
  - orions replied October 11, 2008
    
    get over the Sox domination of your awesome team...we are just harsher and tougher people than you...you don't understand Boston...gay
davejb851 said October 08, 2008

I think you all need to take a breath here.......especially the rabid spewing so called Sox fans. Believe me, I have been a Sox fan for longer than most of you have been on this planet, have suffered through all the years of losing, and am enjoying immensely the success of late.
But what I saw of John Lackey was a pitcher, who does not want to lose, puts his emotions out there not trying to be something other than what he truly is, and I respect that. I too would have been disgusted had I been out there, watching my professional team mates playing like Little Leaguers, while I was the one making every effort to keep my team in a game while my team is taking a baseball and they are kicking around like a soccer ball.
So John Lackey, the disappointment was evident. You have a great team.....any team that can win 100 games in a season has to be that. But......and here's the rub.......the playoffs are different, not just in baseball, but in any sport. Momentum, breaks, superior play, and belief have so much to do with winning.
The Red Sox found ways to win. The Angels found ways to lose. Even with less than optimum performance from the stars of the team. In truth the angels had one player meet expectations, and that just isn't enough.
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- loafen7718 replied October 08, 2008
  
  i agree in some areas, we love our players to get fired up, and get pissed when they dont win, like Youk and Paplebon, the only reason I'm even here, and I'm sure I'm not the only one, is because what Lackey said, was selfish, classless, and showed no respect for the defending world champs, and he even blasted pedroia for his fist pump, which is the exact trait people are defending Lackey for. I had no problem with Tori Hunters remarks, in fact, I loved them, thats the fire you want to see, he was just pissed, he didn't take childish cheap shots at the better team, and thats what the Red Sox are, the better team.
  - Mizzy21390 replied October 08, 2008
    
    thats wat im saying!! Alot of people keep sayign that the Sox would have done the same. But I dont think they would ahve crosesed the line to go as far as to blasting Pedroia for his fist pump. Pedroia was excited for getting to second base. Who wouldnt be? So that is my point im trying to make. People keep defending Lackey, saying they wish they had a player that expressed such emotion. Or that everyone would have done it if they were in the same place. Or that him saying, "we lost to a better team" is a justified statement doesn't make sense. The context that he said it in, and the words following it, doesn't seem like he was just trying to boost his teammates up from the loss. It seemed more like a way to put down the Sox for winning. I don't know what kinda emotion they like to see their players show, but the one where he blasts an opponent for cheering for getting on base, doesn't make sense.. Its just plain anger... Not emotion that I would want the Sox to show if they were in that position.
  - Mizzy21390 replied October 08, 2008
    
    thats wat im saying!! Alot of people keep saying that the Sox would have done the same. But I don't think they would have crossed the line to go as far as to blasting Pedroia for his fist pump. Pedroia was excited for getting to second base. Who wouldn't be? So that is my point im trying to make. People keep defending Lackey, saying they wish they had a player that expressed such emotion. Or that everyone would have done it if they were in the same place. Or that him saying, "we lost to a better team" is a justified statement doesn't make sense. The context that he said it in, and the words following it, doesn't seem like he was just trying to boost his teammates up from the loss. It seemed more like a way to put down the Sox for winning. I don't know what kinda emotion they like to see their players show, but the one where he blasts an opponent for cheering for getting on base, doesn't make sense.. Its just plain anger... Not emotion that I would want the Sox to show if they were in that position.
    - Baseballmom replied October 09, 2008
      
      What kind of fan would I be if I didn't defend Lackey? If this was one of the Sox players and we were on his blog blasting him, I am pretty sure some of you wouldn't be very civil.
dsiano6447 said October 08, 2008

John I love your new look. We all feel your pain. See you at Spring training. Donna
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ecfuangels said October 08, 2008

First things first, Lackey probably should have held his tongue in the post-game comments...he was frustrated and should have waited to let the emotions cool down.
-But Red Sox fans piling on him should take a look in the mirror...let's revisit the Patriots of last year, shall we? Do you honestly think that weren't players on that team, in the immediate aftermath, who felt that they were the "better team" against the Giants. Whether they admitted it or not, I guarantee a lot of players would rather have said they blew it rather than the other team won it...so we agree Lackey made a mistake, but for the love of all that's holy, let's not single him out as the only villain out there.
-As far as the emotion of the game, let's also revisit that dust up in the dugout between Youk and Manny. What you would say was that it was ok for Youk to be frustrated and confront Manny in a meaningless regular season game, but Lackey can't show a little emotion with his team's performance while the season is in jeopardy? Really?
-And going after him for being "classless"? As loafen7718 admits, the Red Sox with Youkilis, Papelbon, Manny of old, Schilling, et al, are in no position to judge anyone. I live in RI, so I am well accustomed to the Red Sox "class", to speak nothing of some of their so-called "fans".
-Bottom line, he made a mistake, so move on and let it go...if the Red Sox win it all, then what does it matter? If they get blown out by the Rays, though, maybe he was onto something. Who knows? Let's find out.
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- PatSox replied October 09, 2008
  
  I like how you just make-up thoughts for the Patriot players. Never let facts get in the way of making a point I guess.
  - orions replied October 11, 2008
    
    no crap, ditto...it's blind hatred and envy...and really, a perfect haven YB is for national Boston bashers...why we fight back...we are always provoked...well, depends on the blog
- dsiano6447 replied October 12, 2008
  
  I'm with you. They need to leave him alone. He's a player with heart.
Marie3 said October 08, 2008

It's not like this is usual behavior for Lackey. He acted out of extreme frustration. Angel fans are frustrated and extremely disappointed too. We all thought this was the year we would finally prevail over the Sox. You guys should know what it's like to always get beaten by the same team. I don't think John meant it like it sounded....the Angels WERE supposed to be the better team especially with all the injuries the Sox had. After all the Sox were the wild card team. I think he meant that the Angels SHOULD have won rather than the sour grapes like it sounded like. As poorly as the Angels played, a few breaks or key hits and the series could have been much different. They were pretty hard fought games despite the lopsided outcome. We came pretty close to playing game 5 tonite afterall.
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soxdynasty said October 09, 2008

John, I didn't see anybody on your team yell and scream with disgust when you threw Jason Bay a high fast ball. That pitch cost you game one and shifted the momentum towards the Sox. You're taught in little league that you don't show negative emotions towards your teammates especially on the field. You throw that pitch to Bay and you have the nerve to show you're angry emotions. Did you see Jason Varitek yell at Justin Masterson when their signals got crossed. You're a baby Lackey and a first class loser when games count.
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orions said October 11, 2008

Time to manup Mr. Lackey...simple, time to manup
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dsiano6447 said October 12, 2008

You guys just don'ts really know what you would do if you were in his shoes. Get over it. A really fan wouldn't put him down.
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- orions replied October 12, 2008
  
  sure thing pal...sure thing...a "real/true" Fan wouldn't condone unsportsman-like conduct, and media immaturity...where true athletes, and their Fans give props to the opposition, and move on after defeat...our "on the fence" Red Sox Fans are more true fans than any Angel Hardcore Fan...don't ever question Red Sox fans and their "validity" on here...all set with this thread...your hero still needs to man up...my only huge point in this pointless bantering, for a past event...come to Boston, and see what real fans are all about
- orions replied October 12, 2008
  
  and we never questioned his heart or ability, just his manhood and admitting defeat
BrianC6234 said October 13, 2008

It's been a week since the Angels got knocked out of the playoffs by the Blow Sux and I'm still boiling mad. Why did Mike Scioscia have to include Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar on the playoff roster? To me that's the biggest reason the Angels lost. The two of them but mostly Howie were really bad. I don't blame them. Howie always needs a few weeks to start hitting after coming off the DL. I had a bad feeling when I read they were playing. The Angels should have stuck with Brandon and Sean. Their defense together is great and both were starting to hit well. Big mistake.
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BrianC6234 said October 14, 2008

The more I see the Rays spank the lowly Red Sox the madder I get. This is what the Angels should have done to them. John Lackey was right, the Angels were the better team. Mike Scioscia made a huge mistake include Kendrick and Aybar on the roster. The big bats had a lot of hits only to see Howie Kendrick come up and kill rallies. I don't blame Howie. He always needs time to get his bat going. How could anyone not know that is my question. The Red Sox just didn't have that many hits against the Angels. The Angels had a lot of hits but the guys who needed to get some big hits stunk.

I guess we'll be saying goodbye to Garret Anderson now. I think he showed Arte that he can spend that $14 million better. It would have been nice to see Garret come through the way Pat Burrell is coming through for the Phillies.
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Frank99 said October 15, 2008

Angel fans !!!!! STOP CRYING !!!!!
You lost to the Sox who cares what the RAYS are doing to them. You could of done this and could have done that !!! Your manager called a squezze with a lefty batting so the cathcher gets a good look at the runner!!! Everyone knew the squezze play was coming.
ANGELS LOST SOX WON STOP CRYING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO PHILLIES !!! MANNY RAMIREZ IS A DOG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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toptrav said October 17, 2008

Hey Lackey,
Waiting for your response.
Meaow!
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dsiano6447 said October 20, 2008

I'm so happy the Rays won last night. Now who is crying!!
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- helloangels replied October 26, 2008
  
  I'm happy for the Rays too. I think true Angels fans are rooting for the Rays to win it all because of Joe Maddon ex Angel. I think the Rays will take it in 7. Just so glad the Red Sux are out!!
kgfugitive said November 01, 2008

Only The Phillies get bragging rights when all is said and done.

As for you Boston fans, keep up your arrogant/drunk/b.s. act coming. We wouldn't want you to ever change and lose the mantle of most hated fans from coast to coast. Go ahead and continue to drunkinly high five your buddy in the opponent's ballpark right in the face of a grandmother fan of the other team.

How does it feel to be considerably worse than Yankee fans?

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unclesideburns said January 28, 2009

John Lackey has the best on the mound profanity of all time. When he gives up a home run, and the camera shows him drop that silent F-bomb, you just can't beat that.
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sean_balla89 said April 23, 2009

John Lackey...You should know the Angels are my favorite AL team just because of you. I still tell people bout when you were my pitching coach back in Abilene and I have gone to LA and seen you play a few times. Good luck with the injury man. Get back to tearing everyone up.
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