text: I have a couple of theories on why the Sox have had so many leadoff hitters this season (five of them are in tonight’s lineup!):
  Francona constantly switches the leadoff guy by a direct request from Theo to provide data for a leadoff hitter comparison he’s putting together. By studying the trends in this report, Theo can determine exactly who should bat first in the playoffs. So what looks like haphazard lineup construction is actually a precisely calibrated analysis.
  I wish every time we lost 2 out of 3 we could say we “almost swept”. Or maybe you meant “almost wept”?
  I didn’t say “almost.” I said “very close.” Arguably, they were two pitches away from a sweep. Can’t get much closer without winning two games.
  ym: Men have two testicles, women don’t. It is an ironic remark to underscore that “2 pitches away” is about as far from “sweep” as “two fewer….oh forget it. Your ALCS comment was clearer. Just trying to get a smile out of people while making the same point…