If I Had 90+ MPH FastBall…
If I had a 90+ MPH fast ball, I’d throw it. Craig Hansen had a pretty good slider last night, his most effective and uneffective pitch of the night. His lack of use of his fastball didn’t cost the game, even though it hasn’t popped the upper 90’s since his debut. I think, again, some managerial decisions (i.e. Schilling left in too long, as well as Bradford) took it’s toll on a team that did put up 5 runs and should win a game like last night’s in a playoff race.
Had Schilling been shut down after 5 or 6, the game would have been different. Myers and Bradford, in my opinion, squeeked by. Bringing Hansen in with men on base and a tie game may not be the best choice for a Fenway debut. It was a strike-out situation, and certainly he’s a guy that will be able to get K’s regularly, and if he succeeds — forget about needing confidence. However, I think it should have been Hansen to stroll out to start the inning instead of Bradford. And who’s that other Chad guy? 
I thought at the end of the 7th Bradford was lucky. He got out, but wasn’t impressive. Schilling wasn’t impressive either after the 5th inning, but should have not been allowed to go past 6. Schilling was strong through 5+ innings, and that should have been enough. Had Francona taken him out after the 6th there’d be no discussions on Schilling’s performance and return to form. Certainly he wasn’t his long-lasting dominant self, but he pitched well enough through 6 for a victory.
As to why Hansen threw so many sliders, I’m not sure. Varitek seemed to be asking for them, maybe because his fast ball was only mid-90’s. Let us not forget, that’s still a pretty good clip with location and coming from a fairly tall pitcher.
Sox lose, manager’s questioned decisions are deserved this go-round.