The un-goat, and Francona’s slow hook, volume IV

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OK, Torii Hunter, all is forgiven.

But why, oh why, does Terry Francona continue to offer up for sacrifice the soft underbelly of Boston’s bullpen to Mark Teixeira and Vladimir Guerrero? Don’t get me wrong -- I’m happy, but that’s three games in a row now.

As for the ongoing monkey-from-back removal process, being down 2-0 in the 8th inning of an elimination game in Fenway also does count, yes.

As I write, Mike Scioscia’s in a classic position to squeeze. WHOOPS! That didn’t work out well....

-- Matt Welch

Welch is editor in chief of Reason magazine.