Jon Lester

Like other Sox fans, Beth watched in horror as Jon Lester crumpled to the mound last night:

... The attachment to Jon Lester is deeper and more personal than for many other players among Sox fans, a feeling embodied perfectly by the way Tito gently touched his head, then shoulders, once Lester was on his feet again, as if he were his own child.

I had tears in my eyes watching Lester roll around next to the mound and grimace in agony, clutching his knee. Nobody wants to see that with any player--but with Lester, our homegrown boy, our survivor, seeing him in that kind of pain was especially cruel. ...

Red, meanwhile, considers the Captain:

... One thing that both sides agree on, however, is that Jason Varitek should be used only in emergency situations from here on out. Aliens taking over the world and holding Victor Martinez in the mothership? Well, call Fisk and Bob Montgomery. If they're not available, then let Tek catch. End of story. ...

Cyn says she is fed up with the Lugo haters:

... Idiots. That what you all are, those of you who booed Julio Lugo yesterday. Funny, I didn't hear any boos for the pitcher who gave up 10 hits in just over four innings. The guy who gave up 8 runs - all of them EARNED - in a game the Sox lost by nine runs. A guy who many had pegged to be this year's Cy Young winner who couldn't make it out of the fifth inning. Where were Jon Lester's boos? ...

Or is it too early to coronate Jon Lester?

Empyreal Environs sums it up:

Alberto Callaspo took the dish, representing what could be the final out or the undoing of eight and two-thirds innings of dominance. Lester worked him inside and high with heat. Just when Callaspo thought he got down Lester's timing and location, the lefty hurled his fastball high and outside. The utility infielder's bat casted itself after empty air, quick as a clapstick signaling the beginning of the scene.

Only at Fenway is the reality better than any script.

Red describes the first couple of minutes after the last out:

... I love the fact that Tito basically forgets himself, loses his shit, then suddenly turns, trying not to look at the cameras, and scampers off. Lovely stuff, and I'll admit that it achieved "last five minutes of Field of Dreams" status as a clip that can reduce me to tears almost instantly. ...