Scioscia: Talk of Failure Won't Do

By Steve Yanda and Chico Harlan
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, October 6, 2008

Los Angeles Manager Mike Scioscia is well aware his team has not defeated the Boston Red Sox in a postseason game since 1986. He also knows that having the best regular season record in baseball doesn't necessarily ensure a smooth transition into October.

Just one night earlier, the Chicago Cubs -- owners of the National League's best regular season record -- were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their manager, Lou Piniella, bemoaned the fact his team looked nothing like the one he watched all summer.

So when Scioscia -- whose club compiled a 100-62 regular season record before sinking into an 0-2 hole against Boston in a best-of-five division series -- was asked before Game 3 if he had any theories regarding why a team's fortunes can change so drastically, his tone quickly turned defiant.

"Well, first of all, we're not getting eliminated tonight, so I'm not going to answer that question," he said. "And we'll talk about that if it comes up, because we're not going to talk about it now."

Lineup Adjustments

Outfielder J.D. Drew was not in the Red Sox' starting lineup Sunday night, a move Manager Terry Francona suggested was only cautionary.

Drew pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth and struck out. Drew hit the game-winning home run Friday night in Game 2, but has been limited in recent weeks because of back problems.

Third baseman Mike Lowell (hip) returned to the lineup after missing Game 2.

Meanwhile, Scioscia said outfielder Torii Hunter's knee felt "great" before Game 3 and inserted him in the starting lineup. "He could have worked out [Saturday] and hit," Scioscia said.

In the third inning of Game 2 on Friday night, Hunter landed awkwardly after he leapt in protest of a call at first base. Hunter thought he had beaten out the throw for an infield single. He dropped to the ground and clutched his right leg but remained in the game.

Seeing Improvement

Now that Carlos Peña can see better, Tampa Bay can hit better. The Rays welcomed back a healthy Peña to their lineup Sunday for Game 3 of their division series against the Chicago White Sox.

Peña had exited Game 1 with blurred vision in his left eye, the result of a scratched cornea. The Tropicana Field lights caused Peña discomfort, and forced him to miss Game 2.

But Peña, who hit .247 with 31 home runs this season, felt fully recovered. His return allowed Tampa Bay Manager Joe Maddon to fill out the team's ideal lineup, with Peña hitting third and third baseman Evan Longoria hitting cleanup.

"Carlos has been such a big factor," Maddon said. "I think it has a huge positive impact for us."

Getting in Gear

Tampa spent much of its season playing great baseball in an empty stadium. Now, slowly, the enthusiasm they've generated has become tangible.

Longoria said he's seen "a few jackets and hats" around the team hotel.

"One of my goals," Maddon said, "I'm getting married this November and we're going to Europe on our honeymoon and my goal is to see someone walking around either Rome or, you know, Barcelona or somewhere with Rays gear on. I'm bringing my camera and if it happens I'm absolutely taking a photograph."

Yanda reported from Boston. Harlan reported from Chicago.