Main page
« March 2006
May 2006 »

Craig Hansen to make Pawtucket debut tonight

The Pawtucket Red Sox say on their Web site that stud relief prospect Craig Hansen, just called up from Double-A Portland, will pitch tonight when the PawSox wrap up a four-game home series against the Durham Bulls.

The Red Sox drafted Hansen from St. John's in the first round of last year's draft. He pitched in four games for the big-league team down the stretch last year. Hansen, 22, has a fastball that can hit the high 90s. He gave up just 1 run in 11 innings with the Portland Sea Dogs, striking out 12 and walking 4, before receiving the call yesterday to come to Rhode Island.

Tonight's game starts at 6:05 at McCoy Stadium.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:30 PM | Permalink

Minor leaguer suspended after incident at McCoy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Top Tampa Bay prospect Delmon Young is suspended indefinitely from the International League.

The decision comes one day after Young threw a bat that hit a replacement umpire in the chest during a minor league baseball game in Pawtucket's McCoy Stadium.

The 20-year-old Young is the brother of Detroit star Dmitri Young and considered one of the best players in the minors.

The Durham Bulls outfielder was ejected in the first inning yesterday after the umpire called a third strike against him. Young took his time leaving the batter's box, and the umpire tossed him. Young then flipped his bat underhand and it hit the umpire.

League officials haven't released the umpire's name, but he didn't appear injured. Young has apologized for the incident.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by   at 5:11 PM | Permalink

PawSox win matinee with Durham

The Pawtucket Red Sox came from behind on the strength of a three-run seventh inning to beat the Durham Bulls, 5-4, this afternoon at McCoy Stadium.

Craig Breslow got the win, pitching two scoreless innings in relief of starter Abe Alvarez. Jermaine Van Buren pitched the ninth for the save.

Trying to protect a 4-2 lead, Bulls relief pitcher Jason Cromer walked the bases loaded. Pawtucket got two runs on a single by Rodney Nye, and catcher Corky Miller drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly. The Journal will profile Miller tomorrow.

Top infield prospect Dustin Pedroia hit his first home run as a member of the PawSox.

The win moved the PawSox, who lost the first two games of the three-game series, to 11-10 on the season.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:05 PM | Permalink

Arroyo runs record to 4-0

Former Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo isn't hitting home runs anymore, but he's still winning games, and that will be fine with his new employers, the Cincinnati Reds. Arroyo this afternoon pitched eight innings of one-hit ball, striking out eight and walking two, as the Reds defeated the Washington Nationals, 5-0, in Washington. Arroyo lowered his E.R.A. to 2.34 and became the fifth National League pitcher this year to start 4-0.

In other baseball action this afternoon, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3, on Albert Pujols' game-winning base hit in the ninth inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments 5

Clemens gets an offer

He could have millions of dollars to return to pitch for the Red Sox, Astros, Yankees or Rangers. But the independent league Brockton Rox have another idea for Roger Clemens. The Rox, who start their season May 25, today made a decidedly tongue-in-cheek offer to the future Hall of Fame pitcher, who is taking a couple of months off while he decides what uniform to wear in his 23rd season -- assuming he comes back to pitch at all.

The Rox -- where Clemens' former Red Sox teammate Oil Can Boyd once pitched after leaving the bigs -- list several "advantages" that Clemens would enjoy if he pitches in indy ball. My favorite: "He's got a really good chance of breaking his record of 20 strikeouts in a game and throwing his first no-hitter ... every time on the mound."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Wakefield vs. the Rays

Melbourne, Fla., native Tim Wakefield gets to face his favorite opponent tonight when the Red Sox host the Devil Rays. In his career, Wake is 13-1 against Tampa Bay with a 2.96 E.R.A. Since 1998, when Tampa Bay entered the American League, Wakefield is 75-75 with a 4.50 E.R.A. against all other opponents. The Rays' starter tonight, 22-year-old Scott Kazmir, has also done a pretty good job against the Red Sox in his young career.

Last night's win, combined with the Mets' loss, gave the Red Sox the best record in the major leagues at 11-4. If they win tonight, it would be the ninth time in a row that they've beaten the Devil Rays at Fenway.

In case you missed some of last night's late action, there were two walk-off home runs in the majors, including one by that man Sox fans love to hate: Carl Everett.

The Associated Press today reports the sad news that Oscar Acosta, manager of the Yankees' Gulf Coast rookie league team, was killed along with team official Humberto Trejo in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:04 AM | Permalink

Stern is Pawtucket-bound

Center fielder Adam Stern, who has probably faced more criticism for making a game-saving catch than any player in recent Red Sox history, has been sent down to AAA Pawtucket, according to a report on mlb.com. The Journal reported today that Stern told the media that he expected to join the PawSox this weekend, when the team returns home to play the Buffalo Bisons. Stern is expected to be replaced on the big-league club by outfielder Willie Harris, a member of last year's World Series champion Chicago White Sox team. (Harris scored the only run in Game 4 of Chicago's series sweep of the Houston Astros.)

Harris is hitting .161 (with a .277 on-base percentage) in 56 at-bats with the PawSox. He has one home run, seven runs scored and four RBIs.

Stern, who has seen increased playing time in center field the last two weeks in the absence of injured starter Coco Crisp, is hitting .150, with a .196 on-base percentage, in 20 at-bats with the Red Sox. He has no home runs, three runs scored and four RBIs. His two-out, bases-loaded sliding grab of a ball hit by Damon Hollins in the ninth inning saved the Sox' 9-6 win on Tuesday, but manager Terry Francona and media commentators criticized Stern's decision to gamble, rather than letting the ball drop for a single. If Stern had missed the ball, Hollins would have had extra bases and Tampa Bay probably would have tied the game. Last night, Stern earned another spot on SportsCenter with a spectacular catch in which he crashed hard into the scoreboard in left-center field.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments 9

Yankees edge Blue Jays

Mike Mussina scattered seven hits over seven-plus innings as the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-1, today to earn a split of the two-game series at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Mussina allowed a run, struck out seven and did not walk a batter in 7.1 innings. Kyle Farnsworth completed the eighth inning, and Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save. It was the Yankees' first win in which they scored fewer than nine runs.

Alex Rodriguez hit his fifth home run of the season in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie. The Yankees added another run later that inning when the Blue Jays caught Jorge Posada in a rundown with two outs, but allowed Hideki Matsui to score from third before registering the out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:44 PM | Permalink

PawSox shut out Durham

Jimmy Serrano pitched six strong innings and Jeff Bailey hit his fourth home run of the season, tying for the International League lead, as the Pawtucket Red Sox defeated the Durham Bulls, 6-0, today in North Carolina.

Serrano combined with relievers Manny Delcarmen and Mike Holtz on a five-hit shutout. Holtz struck out the side in order in the ninth.

Bailey's two-run home run off Durham starter Jamie Shields broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning. Bailey scored three runs in the game. Hee Seop Choi added a solo home run in the eighth inning.

The win moved the PawSox' record to 7-7 on the season.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:49 PM | Permalink

If Stern's going, he leaves good memories behind

Jonathan Papelbon told reporters after last night's game that he didn't think Adam Stern's diving, game-ending, bases-loaded, snow-cone catch was a catch at all until the umpire called Tampa Bay's Damon Hollins out. Today, some people on talk-radio are suggesting that Stern got lucky making an unwise gamble in going after the ball at all. But there is no question that if Stern is in fact sent down to the minors later this week, he has at least had his moments, with the bat and the glove, filling in for the injured Coco Crisp. But Sox fans should hope that the news is good on Crisp's injured finger after the splint is removed tomorrow. The fill-in combination of Stern and Dustan Mohr is 1-for-15 in the last four games. Overall, Stern and Mohr have batted just .200 playing center field in the nine games since Crisp was injured in Baltimore.

It might surprise you to know that Joey Gathright not only claims to harbor no bitterness over his spring-training tussle with the Red Sox, he actually grew up as a Boston fan.

Stern wasn't the only one making a nice catch last night in center field. Johnny Damon made two great plays crashing into the wall for the New York Yankees as his team lost to the Blue Jays. Damon didn't have a great night at the plate, though: he went 0-for-5, but is still batting .309. The Yankees play a day game today against Toronto; it's on ESPN at 12:30, with Mike Mussina facing Ted Lilly. Strangely, New York is 5-0 in day games this season, and 1-7 at night.

Interesting news from the AP: a record seven Venezuelan pitchers started games in the major leagues last night. The pitchers: Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs, Victor Zambrano of the New York Mets, Tony Armas Jr. of Washington, Gustavo Chacin of Toronto, Carlos Silva of Minnesota, Kelvim Escobar of the Los Angeles Angels, and Felix Hernandez of Seattle. The country's most famous pitching product, Minnesota's Johan Santana, got the night off. Escobar got the win and Silva the loss in the Angels' 8-2 win at Minnesota; the other five starters were 2-2 with a no decision.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:13 AM | Permalink

Umps on guard as Sox, Rays renew hostilities

The St. Petersburg Times reports that the umpiring crew for this week's series between the Sox and Tampa Bay has been given a "heads-up" to be on the lookout for any potential trouble between the two teams. Another chapter in the book of hostilities between the A.L. East rivals was written in a spring-training game, when Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez slugged Rays outfielder Joey Gathright after Gathright slid into Tavarez on a play at home plate. Gathright told the Times that he's ready for some abuse from the Fenway faithful when he plays the field tonight, while Carl Crawford -- the Tampa Bay star who has been involved in some past trouble with the Sox -- predicts nothing but business when play starts.

One thing the Devil Rays-Red Sox rivalry has not been: even. The Sox are 88-44 all-time against Tampa Bay, including 47-19 at Fenway Park, where they have won the last six in a row against the Rays.

After sweeping Kansas City over the weekend, the Devil Rays enter this series 7-6 on the young season. It's the first time they've had a winning record through 13 games since the franchise's inaugural season of 1998. They face a rough ride for the next week and a half: a 10-day, 9-game road swing against the Red Sox, Rangers and Yankees -- in that odd travel order.

Tampa Bay has compiled its respectable record despite being only 10th in the American League in batting (.263), and 13th in earned-run average (5.84). They have six players on the disabled list -- most notably outfielders Aubrey Huff and Rocco Baldelli; shortstop Julio Lugo; and starting pitcher Mark Hendrickson.

The team is getting good production so far out of outfielder Jonny Gomes (.300 batting average, 5 home runs) and journeyman third baseman Ty Wigginton (.293 batting average, 5 home runs).

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:00 PM | Permalink

Loretta joins small home-run fraternity

According to today's Red Sox game notes, Mark Loretta yesterday became the 11th player to make his first Red Sox home run a walk-off job. The others: Rico Brogna (2000, vs. Tampa Bay), Bill Haselman (1995, vs. Toronto), Kevin Romine (1988, vs. Kansas City), Wade Boggs (1982, vs. Detroit), Orlando Cepeda (1973, vs. the Yankees), Mickey Owen (1954, vs. Baltimore), Roy Partee (1944, vs. the Yankees), Jack Wilson (1935, vs. the Washington Senators), Moose Salters (1934, vs. the Washington Senators), and Jimmy Barrett (1907, vs. the Philadelphia Athletics).

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:46 PM | Permalink

Sox win, 7-6, on Loretta's 9th-inning homer

The Boston Red Sox won their Patriot's Day game dramatically this afternoon with a two-out, ninth-inning home run by second baseman Mark Loretta.

Loretta's two-run home run came after infielder Kevin Youkilis beat out a single to keep the inning alive.

Reliever Mike Timlin got the win in the 7-6 victory.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 2:32 PM | Permalink

Mariners' Moyer a welcome sight for Sox fans

After their team lost two of three to the Toronto Blue Jays and their array of Red Sox killers, Boston fans should be happy to bid adieu to Ted Lilly, Frank Catalanotto and the rest, and hello to veteran Seattle pitcher Jamie Moyer. The 43-year-old left-handed location artist is a solid professional now in his 21st season, and he's the Mariners' all-time winningest pitcher. But his numbers against the Red Sox, as you saw in this morning's Journal, are just horrendous. How about a career 6-9 record with a 6.58 E.R.A. in 18 starts. And then there are the Sox' individual stats against Moyer. David Ortiz: 31 at-bats, .387 average, 4 home runs. Manny Ramirez: 44 at-bats, 9 home runs (that's more than one every five at-bats), a .364 average. Newcomer J.T. Snow, 21 at-bats, 2 home runs, a .571 average. Even Trot Nixon, who has struggled his whole career against lefties, has hit .300 with a home run in 10 career at-bats against Moyer.

It's funny, too, because it's not as if Moyer just can't pitch at Fenway. He was pretty reliable as a member of the Red Sox in 1996, posting a 7-1 record with a respectable 4.50 E.R.A.

One guy I'm looking forward to seeing in this four-game series is catcher Kenji Johjima, the latest Japanese league standout to wear a Mariners jersey. The 29-year-old Johjima is off to a great start in the major leagues, batting .333 through 10 games with a pair of home runs and a .606 slugging percentage. Reports are that he's done a nice job working with the Seattle pitchers and has really solidified the team at what had been a problem position.

You've got to feel for Dewon Brazelton. When this guy came up with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays two years ago, he showed some promise. The problem is, he has to pitch on the road. And when not at his home park, he has been bad -- by historic proportions. You might have thought that going from the cellar-dwelling Devil Rays to the contending San Diego Padres might have helped Brazelton, but it has not yet. His loss to the Marlins yesterday dropped Brazelton to 0-16 lifetime on the road; no one has lost that many in a row to start his career since a Cincinnati Reds pitcher named Kent Peterson started 0-18 away from Crosley Field from 1947 to 1949. Brazelton's career E.R.A. away from home is now 8.59. At home, he is 8-9 for his career; not bad actually for a guy stuck on a last place team.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:42 AM | Permalink

Can't get enough of that Yankee pregame show?

If it was depressing to see that Gary Sheffield tied Carl Yastrzemski for 27th on the all-time home run list, well, here's another reason to shake your head over the pinstripes. The YES Network this year is debuting Yankees Batting Practice Today, an excuse to stretch out the pregame show for another 30 minutes. Of course, there are days -- like yesterday -- when the Yankees don't take batting practice. Yesterday, viewers were treated to the Kansas City Royals' batting practice instead.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:37 AM | Permalink

Photo: Safe on first at McCoy

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
PawSox' Willie Harris gets safely back to first as first baseman Garrett Jones takes the throw from the Rochester Red Wings' pitcher. The Pawtucket team won today's afternoon game at McCoy Stadium, 5-0.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 5:42 PM | Permalink

Manny, Francona race for 200; PawSox beat Rochester

From today's official club game notes:

Two hundred is the magic number tonight for two important Red Sox. Manager Terry Francona is looking for his 200th win as Boston skipper, and Manny Ramirez's next home run will be his 200th with the team. Ramirez, who is off to a poor start at the plate, hit 236 with Cleveland; he will become the fourth player in major-league history to bang 200 home runs each with two different teams (after Jimmy Foxx, Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro).

Ramirez also has more home runs against Toronto than any other player in history; his 47 home runs give Manny the comfortable edge over Alex Rodriguez, the active runner-up, with 39. And David Ortiz has gone long against the Jays 19 times since joining Boston, the most by any player in that span.

At McCoy Stadium this afternoon, the PawSox beat the Rochester Red Wings, 5-0, to earn a split of the four-game series. Enrique Wilson hit a two-run home run and Matt Ginter pitched five shutout innings, extending his scoreless innings streak to 10, The Associated Press reports. Pawtucket is now 4-3 on the season.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:59 PM | Permalink

Don't expect a Yanks loss today

Their offense is humming after a rough patch on the West Coast. They have Randy Johnson scheduled to take the mound. But more than anything, the New York Yankees have the opposition decidedly in their favor today. When the Yanks clobbered the sorry Royals, 12-5, yesterday, it was the 13th consecutive time they have beaten Kansas City at Yankee Stadium. The teams meet again today at 1:05. The last time the Royals won in the Bronx was in August 2002, according to the Associated Press. The AP says that this is New York's longest home winning streak against any one team since they beat the Cleveland Indians 19 times in a row from 1960 to 1962. Strangely, Kansas City did sweep the Yankees during the teams' only series at Kauffman Stadium last year.

By the way, for all the talk about the Red Sox' great pitching and the Yankees' great offense, New York actually has a better team E.R.A. than the Red Sox so far (3.82 to 4.31). Yankee pitchers have given up fewer hits (77 to 65) in the same number of games, they've struck out more batters (50 to 46) and walked the same number (21).

Kevin Millar's two home runs weren't enough last night, as his Baltimore Orioles fell, 7-4, to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. They weren't even enough to give Millar the line of the night. That would have to go to Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera, the young fireballer who pitches like he's strafing the territory around home plate. He had 10 strikeouts and 9 walks in 5 innings last night (he didn't figure in the decision), and threw a remarkable 117 pitches. You may remember that Friday saw Cabrera walk 7 in less than 2 innings against the Red Sox.

Round 2 in the Pedro-vs.-Guillen battle was a clear victory for Pedro. His Mets now have the best record in the majors, 6-1. ESPN2 has the Phillies and the Braves tonight from Turner Field. The Braves, known for their pitching for so long, bring the National League's worst team E.R.A. (6.63) into the game. To reiterate: It's looking good for the Mets.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:06 AM | Permalink

Crisp, Red Sox reach contract extension

The Boston Red Sox will hold a press conference at 3:30 this afternoon to announce a three-year contract extension with center fielder Coco Crisp. The deal includes an option for the 2010 season. The club is not disclosing the terms of the agreement.

The Red Sox and Crisp agreed in February to a one-year, $2.75-million deal for 2006 that avoided arbitration. The club acquired the 26-year-old Crisp in a multiplayer deal with the Cleveland Indians; Boston gave up top prospect Andy Marte in the deal.

Crisp broke into the majors with the Indians in 2002. Last year, he hit .300 with 16 home runs, 86 runs scored and 69 RBIs. He hit .333 over five games this year before going on the disabled list with a fractured finger.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:38 PM | Permalink

The Red Sox' simple winning formula

Most of the following info is from today's official Red Sox game notes:

The Red Sox have received an average of 6.1 innings pitched per starter in their seven games this season, putting them alone in first place in the majors in that category. In six of the club's seven games, the starters have gone 7 innings or more, the first time that has happened in Boston since 1986. Only Tim Wakefield in the club's second game -- its only loss of the season -- did not last that long.

Already, the Red Sox have tied the best record in club history through seven games; it's the ninth time that a Red Sox team has been 6-1, and the first time since 1999 (a year Boston finished 92-70 and advanced to the ALCS as a Wild Card team). The team has been 7-1 just three times, and not since 1920; it has never been 8-1.

The Red Sox won only one out of six series with the Blue Jays in 2005; they can equal that mark with a win tonight or tomorrow.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:15 PM | Permalink

Mr. Pedro goes to Washington

It used to be great theater when Pedro Martinez pitched against the New York Yankees. Today, it is the Washington Nationals who have made Martinez public enemy number one, and Jose Guillen has assumed the role of Karim Garcia. Less than a week after Martinez hit Guillen twice, clearing the benches and chasing the home plate umpire (he got hit by the ricochet of one beanball) from the game, Martinez is scheduled to start for the Mets tonight in Washington. Both teams have been warned to be on their best behavior, but Guillen has already made clear that he won't forgive and forget. Martinez should actually just be looking to pitch better than he did in his first, shaky start at Shea Stadium.

On the same day that his replacement, Mike Lowell, collected four hits in his Fenway debut, former Red Sox third-sacker Bill Mueller had a career day of his own, collecting a personal-best four hits and two home runs as his Dodgers fell to the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

This might not be a surprise after their offseason fire sale (which may still be continuing, if the rumors are true), but the Florida Marlins' opening day was not much to celebrate. Attendance at Dolphin Stadium was 31,308, down from 57,405 last year, when the team was considered a contender to win the National League East. The smallish crowd saw the Marlins lose to San Diego, 9-3, and fall to 1-5 on the season.

The Yankees are on ESPN at 1:05 this afternoon against the Kansas City Royals. If these teams' awful middle relievers get involved, expect another high-scoring game; starters Jeremy Affeldt and Shawn Chacon will try to keep that from happening.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

Red Sox win, tie best start ever

Jonathan Papelbon enters the game to a standing ovation, reports man-on-the-scene Steve Peoples. It's a powerful statement by the crowd, and Papelbon gets off to a powerful start, getting Lyle Overbay to take a called strike three. Shea Hillenbrand flies out harmlessly to Manny Ramirez in left. With two outs, Bengie Molina steps in. He works the count a bit, but ends up flying out to Wily Mo Pena in right for the final out.

The win puts the Red Sox at 6-1 on the young season, which ties their best record in club history through seven games. It's just the second time they've been 6-1 in the last 51 seasons, and the ninth time in team history that they've started with such a mark.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Bottom of eighth -- A great Fenway debut for Lowell; Arroyo's good day

Right-hander Jason Frasor enters as the third pitcher of the game for Toronto. Meanwhile, youthful closer Jonathan Papelbon is up in the Red Sox bullpen.

Jason Varitek is the first to face Frasor. Varitek grounds out to second baseman Aaron Hill, who makes a nice play ranging to his left. But the Blue Jays cannot get Mike Lowell out. Lowell takes Frasor's pitch off the wall for a double -- his third of the game, and his fourth hit in four at-bats. Adam Stern pops out to shortstop Russ Adams. As Alex Gonzalez bats, the Fenway crowd breaks into the wave for the first time this season (thanks to Steve Peoples for this observation). Gonzalez isn't hitting, and the crowd can't change that. He hits a simple groundball to Adams, and Lowell is stranded again.

By the way, here's the line on Bronson Arroyo, who figures to get his second win of the season today in Chicago: 7 innings, 6 hits, no runs, 4 strikeouts, no walks, and, of course, his second home run hit of the season. His Reds lead the Cubs, 9-1, in the ninth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:47 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Top of eighth -- Wily Mo's harrowing adventure

Keith Foulke enters the game in relief of Josh Beckett and gets a big cheer. Beckett's line: 7 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 2 strikeouts, 4 walks. Aaron Hill leads off and grounds out to third baseman Mike Lowell. Back to the top of the order, Russ Adams singles to left field.

Next, Frank Catalanotto lifts a ball deep to right. Wily Mo Pena appears to have the catch at the wall, but it goes in and out of his glove and lands over the wall for a home run, as Pena bends backward against the wall. The Blue Jays have cut the lead to 5-3. Vernon Wells follows by flying out to Pena, who gets a Bronx cheer from the crowd for making the play. Troy Glaus keeps Pena busy, flying out to right for the final out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Bottom of seventh -- Ortiz goes deep. Yankees win

Right-hander Vinnie Chaulk relieves Josh Towers, who weathered a horrendous second inning to pitch a pretty decent ball game. Chaulk gets Loretta to fly out lazily to right field for the first out. But he can't get David Ortiz. Ortiz golfs a low pitch into the right-field stands for a solo home run. Manny Ramirez follows by striking out swinging. Wily Mo Pena also strikes out swinging, on a pitch in the dirt.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have won their home opener over Kansas City. Mariano Rivera got the save; the final was 9-7.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:24 PM | Permalink

Top of seventh -- Jays get a base runner, still can't score

Josh Beckett is back for the seventh inning. With 95 pitches thrown, this could be his last. Lyle Overbay, whom Beckett's yet to retire, steps in to lead off. Overbay lifts a lazy fly ball to left field; Manny Ramirez puts it away. Shea Hillenbrand quickly grounds out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez; Hillenbrand is the 10th Toronto batter in a row that Beckett has retired. Bengie Molina breaks up the streak by grounding a single up the middle -- the Blue Jays' first hit since the second inning. No harm done; Eric Hinske ends the inning by grounding out to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:16 PM | Permalink

Bottom of sixth -- Sox strand two; Yanks rally

Jason Varitek leads off by drawing the third walk surrendered by Josh Towers. Vinnie Chaulk gets up in the Toronto bullpen. Mike Lowell collects his third hit in as many at bats, lifting a single to right center. Adam Stern tries to put down a sacrifice bunt, but instead he pops the ball up to third baseman Troy Glaus for an easy out. Alex Gonzalez, continuing his tough day at the plate, takes a called third strike on the outside corner. Kevin Youkilis works a full count before striking out looking.

At New York, Derek Jeter's three-run home run capped a five-run eighth inning, and the Yankees lead Kansas City, 9-7, heading into the ninth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:08 PM | Permalink

Top of sixth -- Five pitches, three outs.

So much for Josh Beckett's high pitch count. Frank Catalanotto leads off by grounding out to second baseman Mark Loretta. Vernon Wells shatters his bat as he lines out to third baseman Mike Lowell. Then Troy Glaus ends the inning by grounding out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Beckett has a 1-2-3 inning on five pitches.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:57 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fifth -- Sox go quietly; Yanks still trail

David Ortiz leads off against Josh Towers with a base hit to left field. Manny Ramirez, though, bounces the ball to shortstop, and the Blue Jays turn the 6-4-3 double play. Big Wily Mo Pena swings at the first pitch he sees and flies out to center fielder Vernon Wells. Meanwhile, at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees trail Kansas City, 7-4, in the eighth inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:53 PM | Permalink

Top of fifth -- Beckett going strong

Josh Beckett is settling into a real nice groove. Eric Hinske leads off the inning by flying out harmlessly to Adam Stern in center field. Next, Beckett gets Aaron Hill to strikeout swinging. Russ Adams hits the ball well to right, but Wily Mo Pena is there to record the third out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:46 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fourth -- Boston goes 1-2-3

Alex Gonzalez leads off, grounding out to the pitcher Josh Towers for the second time. Kevin Youkilis follows and skies the ball to the warning track in left center; Vernon Wells makes the catch. Mark Loretta grounds out to the shortstop Russ Adams.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:40 PM | Permalink

Nixon has groin strain

Sports Writer Joe McDonald reports that Trot Nixon left today's game with a mild left groin strain. He is considered day-to-day.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:38 PM | Permalink

Top of fourth -- Flashing some leather

Trot Nixon, who stumbled awkwardly while trying to field a fly ball in the second inning, did not come out to start the top of the fourth. He was replaced in right field by Wily Mo Pena.

Lyle Overbay leads off the inning with a walk, the fourth surrendered by Josh Beckett. Next, Kevin Youkilis makes a fantastic play on a foul popup hit by Shea Hillenbrand. Running with his back to the plate, Youkilis makes a basket catch as he slides to his knees.

Bengie Molina follows, and the Sox pull off another sensational play. Molina lines the ball to the right side. Mark Loretta tries to make a leaping catch, but the ball ricochets off his glove. It bounces toward shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who collects it, steps on second for the force out and throws on to first to complete a most unusual 4-6-3 double play.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:34 PM | Permalink

Nixon leaves the game early

Trot Nixon, who stumbled awkwardly while trying to field a fly ball in the second inning, did not come out to start the top of the fourth. He was replaced in right field by Wily Mo Pena.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:27 PM | Permalink

Bottom of third: Lowell stranded at second

Trot Nixon leads off against Josh Towers and grounds out to first baseman Shea Hillenbrand. Jason Varitek hits the ball deep to right field, but Eric Hinske makes the play. Next, Mike Lowell shows he likes his new Fenway home, hitting his second double of the game, this one off the Monster in left. But the Sox can't drive Lowell home; Adam Stern ends the inning by popping out to Frank Catalanotto in left.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:24 PM | Permalink

Top of third -- Easy time for Beckett

No drama this time for Josh Beckett. Frank Catalanotto flies out to left fielder Manny Ramirez; Vernon Wells flies out to Adam Stern in center; and Troy Glaus whiffs swinging for Beckett's first strikeout.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:19 PM | Permalink

Arroyo homers again

If Bronson Arroyo could bat against Cubs' starter Glendon Rusch every day, he'd be a pretty great hitter. Arroyo hit a home run today off Rusch for the second time in two weeks. His Reds lead the Cubs, 3-0, in the third.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:15 PM | Permalink

Bottom of second -- Boston bats around

Trot Nixon leads off with a walk. Jason Varitek follows and smokes a Josh Towers pitch up the middle for a single; Nixon goes to second. Now Mike Lowell lines a hit to left field; Frank Catalanotto juggles the ball. Nixon scores, Varitek goes to third and Lowell is in at second with a double. Adam Stern steps in with a great RBI chance. And Stern delivers, lining a double into the left-field corner, scoring Varitek and Lowell. Stern now has 4 RBIs in his two starts since Coco Crisp's injury. And he steals third with Alex Gonzalez at the plate. But Gonzalez just taps a ball back to Towers, who fields, looks Stern back to third, and throws to first for the first out.

But Kevin Youkilis follows with his second hit -- the Red Sox' third double of the inning -- to left field to score Stern. Connecticut's Pete Walker gets warm in the Blue Jays' bullpen as Mark Loretta steps up to the plate. Loretta pops up to shortstop Russ Adams. That brings up Big Papi with two outs. Towers does challenge Ortiz, but he ends up surrendering the walk. Manny Ramirez is next; the Red Sox have batted around. Ramirez strikes out swinging.

A great inning for the Sox. And hey, there's good news from the Bronx: the Royals lead the Yankees, 5-4, in the sixth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:10 PM | Permalink

Top of second -- 3 assists for Loretta

Bengie Molina hits a ball up the middle that bounces off the mound before Mark Loretta fields and throws to first for the out. Onetime Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske also hits it on the ground, and Loretta fields ranging to his left before throwing for the out. Aaron Hill hits a lazy fly ball to right that Trot Nixon badly misplays, and the ball drops in as Nixon stumbles while trying to make the play. Hill cruises into second base with a weak double. Russ Adams comes up and makes Beckett throw more pitches; Adams works a full count before grounding out on one hop to Loretta. Beckett's pitch count: 51.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:47 PM | Permalink

Bottom of first -- Leadoff hit, no runs

Kevin Youkilis leads off with a single off Josh Towers. Next, Mark Loretta hits a line drive that just barely goes foul. It would have been extra bases. Instead, he's called out on strikes. David Ortiz follows and hits the ball into the right side of the infield, right into the Blue Jays' overshift. Second baseman Aaron Hill fields behind first base, throws to third baseman Troy Glaus covering second for the out. Ortiz is safe at first. Manny Ramirez follows and slams a ball to deep center, but Vernon Wells makes the play on the warning track to end the inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:39 PM | Permalink

Top of first -- Control troubles for Beckett

Josh Beckett had trouble in the first inning of his first game, against Texas, and today is no exception. After retiring leadoff hitter Russ Adams on a ground ball to Alex Gonzalez, Beckett walks Red Sox killer extraordinaire Frank Catalanotto, then gives up a single to Vernon Wells between third base and short.

Next, Beckett walks Troy Glaus after running the count full to load the bases. Lyle Overbay also works a full count before walking, and Catalanotto trots home. Former Red Sox Shea Hillenbrand, who would love to spoil opening day, goes to a full count himself before finally grounding into an inning-ending double play, Gonzalez to Loretta to Youkilis. Beckett's pitch count stands at 36.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:31 PM | Permalink

Adam Stern sings "Oh Canada"

Red Sox starting center fielder Adam Stern joined a children's choir as they sung the Canadian national anthem before today's game. Stern, a native of London, Ontario, starred for the Canadian national team during this year's World Baseball Classic. The Canadian anthem is traditionally sung along with "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games featuring the Toronto Blue Jays.

After that, David Ortiz pushed Jordan Leandre -- a 5-year-old boy with Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone cancer -- onto the field in a wheelchair so that Jordan could sing the U.S. anthem. Jordan has been a regular presence at Fenway, singing the national anthem several times, thanks to the Red Sox' partnership with The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:56 PM | Permalink

Beckett draws a big cheer

Taking the field at about 1:22 p.m., Red Sox starter Josh Beckett drew a huge cheer from the Fenway crowd, according to correspondent Steve Peoples.

The park was only about one-third full, but just about everyone rose to cheer as Beckett went out to do his pregame stretching.

Later, when the players were announced, David Ortiz, who recently agreed to a four-year contract extension, got a big hand, as did the injured Coco Crisp. Gabe Kapler, who suffered an awful Achilles injury last year at Toronto and is still recovering, was introduced with other members of the club and got a nice hand.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 1:49 PM | Permalink

Damon doubles in first home at-bat

In his first at-bat as a member of the home team at Yankee Stadium, center fielder Johnny Damon doubled to left field off Kansas City starter Joe Mays and scored on Jason Giambi's three-run home run. The Yankees lead the Royals, 3-0, in the top of the second inning. Chien-Ming Wang is starting for New York.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Ortiz dazzles in batting practice

A day after signing his contract extension, David Ortiz was impressive in batting practice, knocking at least three shots out of Fenway Park this morning, projo.com correspondent Steve People reports from the field.

But then, Ortiz seems to hit all the time, anyway.

And center fielder Coco Crisp is still smiling despite a broken finger that will keep him out of the lineup for at least 10 days.

Wearing a silver splint on his right index finger, Crisp watched as Ortiz, Trot Nixon and other players took batting practice. Crisp apparently has as much charm as that guy he replaced.

As helicopters flew overhead and his teammates took their rips, Crisp also joked with members of the large media contingent gathered to record the Sox' 95th home opener.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 12:46 PM | Permalink

Watching the birds

The Toronto Blue Jays still have a smaller payroll than the Yankees and the Red Sox, but they did spend some serious dough in the offseason in hopes of finally breaking out of third place in the American League East. One of their new acquisitions, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, started the season on the disabled list with an elbow injury. Here's how some of their other pickups are starting the young season:

First baseman Lyle Overbay is 9-for-24, batting .375 with a home run. Powerful third baseman Troy Glaus is 8-for-22, batting .364 with two homers and leading the team with six RBIs. Catcher Benjie Molina is 7-for-16, batting .438 with a home run. Closer B.J. Ryan has appeared in three games and has two saves; he has not given up a hit and has four strikeouts and a walk.

The Blue Jays enter today's game 3-3, two games behind the first-place Sox.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Legendary Yankees PA man to miss home opener

The Associated Press is reporting that Bob Sheppard, for more than 50 years the voice of Yankee Stadium, will miss his first home opener since 1950. Sheppard recently had hip surgery. The Yankees play the Kansas City Royals today at 1:05.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:23 PM | Permalink

Youkilis leading off for Sox

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Kevin Youkilis speaks to reporters before today's game at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox will have Kevin Youkilis leading off today in place of the injured Coco Crisp. Center fielder Adam Stern will bat eighth, where Youkilis has batted early this season. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:

1. Kevin Youkilis, first base
2. Mark Loretta, second base
3. David Ortiz, designated hitter
4. Manny Ramirez, left field
5. Trot Nixon, right field
6. Mike Lowell, third base
7. Jason Varitek, catcher
8. Adam Stern, center field
9. Alex Gonzalez, shortstop
Josh Beckett, pitcher

-- Journal Sports Writer Joe McDonald

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Tito's pregame

It may be Opening Day at Fenway Park, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona is treating it as any other game.

He just concluded his pregame scrum with the local media, where he spoke about choosing Kevin Youkilis as the club's leadoff hitter with Coco Crisp injured. The skipper said he didn't want to interupt the 2-3-4 spots of Mark Loretta, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.

Youkilis isn't a speed demon by any means, but because he's a "good on-base guy," Francona penciled him into the lead spot. Adam Stern does have the speed and the ability to hit from the top spot, but Francona said he doesn't want to put that pressure on Stern right now.

As far as Crisp, the injured center fielder said this morning he's hoping to be back sooner rathar than later. He fractured the base of his left index finger sliding into third base on Saturday in Baltimore and will be out for 10 days before he is re-evaluated.

"He's a quick healer," said Francona. "At least he has been in the past. . . we wouldn't want to lose him for the year, but in the short term we can handle this."

Francona also commented on Ortiz's new contract, saying it's a win-win situation for both Ortiz and the ballclub. The skipper said he doesn't like to discuss contracts with players, but admitted he spoke with Big Papi a couple of times during spring training about staying in Boston.

Julian Tavarez threw 25 pitches off the mound this morning and faced some hitters. Francona said he will be activated on Thursday.

"He's a strike thrower and I'm looking forward to getting him back," the skipper said.

-- Journal Sports Writer Joe McDonald

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:44 AM | Permalink

Fenway's looking great for Opening Day

This is opening day at Fenway:

You arrive four hours before game time and go to your favorite parking lot. It looks like trouble _ the lot already is full. The good news is that being a regular helps. The lady in charge has saved you the one remaining parking spot. You are more than happy to pay the $30 for the walk around the block to the park.

You ask the woman how it could be so busy four hours before the game. She smiles.

``It’s opening day,’’ she responds. ``Have you been listening to the radio? One of the lots is charging $90 today.’’

Inside, the activity already is hectic. You ride the elevator to the press box with one of the cooks. He gets a bit impatient when the elevator has to stop at every floor.

``Relax. You’ve still got four hours to game time,’’ someone tells him.

``I’ve been here cooking since 5:30,’’ he says. ``Still have a lot to do.’’

The ``new’’ Fenway, with more extensive renovations over the winter, looks very much like the ``old’’ Fenway, which for Red Sox Nation is nothing but good news. As with just about all the renovations that have been made in the last few years, the latest work to increase seating capacity _ it now exceeds 36,000 _ melds in beautifully.

The new, open-air look for the former 406 Club behind home plate is terrific. The fans who sit there now are park of the game, not shut away behind the big windows. Theo Epstein stops by to chat with a television guy as you and others are taking in the new look, which also includes a new ``Fenway Park’’ sign, with large red lettering, and the flags denoting pennants won by the Sox, beginning in 1903.

"It looks good,’’ Epstein tells the TV guy.

The television guys nods and agrees. It’s hard to argue; the place does look great. Even the new sections of seating added to the fifth (and highest) level, on both sides of the press box, fit in perfectly.

Kevin Youkilis, the leadoff hitter for the day, heads up the tunnel and onto the field. He obviously hasn’t seen the new look yet. The first thing that strikes him is the new fencing in front of the dugouts.

``That looks good,’’ Youkilis says. The fencing, in pale green, does look like it belongs.

The first big hit of the day is provided by Shane Snow. He’s the 9-year-old son of first baseman J.T. Snow. He comes out on the field with his father _ both wearing their Red Sox high and proud. They play a little catch, then head to the outfield where the 9-year-old makes a couple nice plays.

-- Journal Sports Writer Paul Kenyon

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:43 AM | Permalink

Good advice in Pawtucket

True, it wasn't the most brilliant Triple A debut for left-handed stud prospect Jon Lester. Struggling with his control, he used up his predetermined 60-pitch quota quickly and left after just 2.1 innings, taking the loss as the PawSox fell, 5-0, to the Rochester Red Wings. Then there was the chatter in the stands of fans who think the Sox should ship the 22-year-old Lester off for Miami to get Dontrelle Willis. But Lester and his PawSox coaches were upbeat about the performance. And, whether intentional or not, the song that was playing at McCoy Stadium as Lester left the mound in the third inning could have been the moral of the night. It was a Guns n' Roses tune: "Patience."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:56 AM | Permalink

Check projo.com today for reports from Fenway

Stuck at work for today's Red Sox home opener at 2:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays?

We are, too, but one of our projo.com colleagues, Steve Peoples, managed to convince the bosses that he was needed today at Fenway Park. ("Hey, kid, Crisp is hurt. Can you play center field?")

If he isn't pressed into duty, Steve promises to file regular reports for the SoxBlog and 7 to 7 Blog between trips to the hot dog stand and souvenir shop. Steve will have access to the field and locker room before the game, as well as the press box and stands during the game.

Of course, Steve isn't the only member of The Journal team at Fenway. He will join Journal sportswriters and photographers in providing coverage for projo.com and tomorrow's Journal.

Stay with projo.com today for regular updates and photographs.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 9:33 AM | Permalink

Mohr getting the call

PAWTUCKET _ With the way Willie Harris played center field for the Pawtucket Red Sox last night, one would have thought he would be the guy called up to replace the injured Coco Crisp.
That isn't the case.
After the PawSox suffered a 5-0 defeat to the Rochester Red Wings last night at McCoy Stadium, outfielder Dustan Mohr, who is 2-for-15 in Pawtucket, was called in to the manager's office and told by Ron Johnson he is heading to Boston.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity," said Mohr, who started last night's game as the PawSox' designated hitter but was pulled in the bottom of the eighth inning. "It's kind of a bittersweet thing because you hate to get called up because of an injury, but on the other hand I'm excited. This is the reason I signed with Boston, to be a Red Sox. I'm ready to go up there and do what they ask me to do."
Over the weekend he talk about how disappointed he was about being in the minors, but his tone after last night's game was completely different.
"It's gratifying," he said. "There's nothing wrong with playing in Triple-A. There are players here who can play in the major leagues tomorrow or yesterday, but sometimes you have to be patient. I will admit I'm not a patient person by nature, I have never been. I'm just thankful to have the opportunity to go back and be in the big leagues, especially with a team like the Red Sox."
He said the first phone call he was going to make was to his wife back home in Denver. The couple is expecting their first child in a couple of weeks.
Harris turned in two tremendous defensive plays.
He provided the season's first defensive gem in the top of the fifth inning. Rochester's Jason Hart lifted a high fly ball to the warning track in straight-away center and Harris snared it with a tremendous over the shoulder leaping catch.
Harris topped it in the top of the seventh inning with probably one of the best catches in recent history at McCoy Stadium. With no outs and a runner on first, Wings' Jason Bartlett crushed a ball to straight-away center. Harris was in a full sprint heading right towards the 400 mark when he dove, made the catch and drilled the wall head-first.
He said after the game the news of Crisp's injury was not a motivational factor for his performance last night.
"That's the way I play regardless of the situation is," he said. "I knew about (the Crisp) situation, but that's not why I'm out there running after the ball like I'm doing. That's just in me to be competitive and try to let your pitchers know you'll run through the wall for them, regardless of what the score is or what the situation is. You still have to play the game right."

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 10:33 PM | Permalink

Lester struggling

PawSox pitcher Jon Lester is struggling in his Triple-A debut. The rookie left-hander has thrown 53 pitches through two innings of work against the Rochester Red Wings. He's allowed one run on three hits so far.

PawSox manager Ron Johnson has just given Lester the hook with one out in the top of the third inning. He finishes with 59 pitches, one under the scheduled pitch count. He threw 33 strikes and 26 balls. His line: 2 1/3 innings, 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 3 walks, 3 strikeouts.

Lefty Mike Bumatay has entered the game.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:43 PM | Permalink

Photo: A deal to smile about

AP photo/Charles Krupa
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, left, smiles as he sits with the team's executive vice president and general manager Theo Epstein this afternoon after the announcement of Ortiz's contract extension. The four-year deal comes five months after the player finished as runner-up for the American League MVP award.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 5:47 PM | Permalink

Ortiz signs on to 4 more years in Boston

Red Sox management today annouced that the club has reached a four-year contract extension with designated hitter David Ortiz, a deal that will keep one of the team's most popular players in Boston through at least the 2010 season. The agreement with the 30-year-old Ortiz, who is known for his history of clutch hits, includes an option for the 2011 season. The contract is reportedly worth more than $12 million a season; Ortiz is under contract to make about half that this year.

Ortiz appeared at the press conference at Fenway Park, where the Sox play their first home game tomorrow, alongside team principal owner John Henry and top club executives Larry Lucchino, Tom Werner and Theo Epstein. Lucchino and Epstein said the club contacted Ortiz during the offseason about extending his contract, and that Ortiz was very receptive. Henry said the slugger expressed a fondness for the city of Boston and Red Sox fans that Henry had not encountered in negotiations with any other player.

In the past, the club has been hesitant to sign on to expensive long-term deals with players such as Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon. But Epstein said the timing was right with Ortiz. He said that if Ortiz had reached free agency, the slugger would undoubtedly have had many generous offers from other teams. Under the team's spending philosophy, Epstein said, "we didn't think we'd be able to keep David if he got to free agency."

Ortiz -- dressed nattily in a dark, pinstriped suit with a matching hat, gleaming chain and earrings -- said he hoped the announcement of his extension would cheer Red Sox Nation. He said he is proud to be a Red Sox player and wants to finish his career with the club.

Ortiz joined the Red Sox in 2003 as an unheralded player who had been nontendered by the Minnesota Twins. In Boston, he has been a star with a penchant for delivering game-changing hits. He was the MVP of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in 2004, delivering two game-winning hits, and was the runner-up for American League Most Valuable Player last year. He has played in the last two All-Star Games, last year as a starter.

He hit .288 with 31 home runs in 2003; .301 with 41 home runs in 2004; and .300 with 47 home runs last year. Through six games this season, he's hitting .292 with a home run and 4 RBIs.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:51 PM | Permalink

Crisp has fractured finger, out indefinitely

The Red Sox this afternoon announced that outfielder Coco Crisp has a fractured finger and will be sidelined for an indefinite period. The press release:

Boston Red Sox Medical Director Dr. Thomas Gill this afternoon issued the following statement regarding the condition of outfielder Coco Crisp:

“Coco has a non-displaced fracture at the base of his left index finger,” said Gill. “He will be placed in a splint for 10 days and reevaluated at that time. Once sufficient healing has occurred, Coco can begin batting and return to baseball activities. No surgery is indicated at this time.”

Crisp injured the finger during the top of the third inning Saturday at Baltimore. He is batting .333 (8-for-24) with a double, triple and six runs scored in five games this season.

Posted by Art  at 3:02 PM | Permalink

Sox expected to announce Ortiz contract extension at 3 p.m.

The Red Sox have called a press conference for 3 p.m. today at Fenway Park, where they are expected to announce that David Ortiz has agreed to a contract extension.

The Sox would not say what the press conference will address, but did say that Ortiz, general manager Theo Epstein, principal owner John Henry and other members of the management team will be in attendance.

Posted by Art  at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Team won't comment on Crisp injury reports

A Boston Red Sox team spokesman last night would not confirm or deny television reports that center fielder Coco Crisp has a broken index finger and could miss a month or more of action, according to a story on mlb.com. Boston's Channel 7 (WHDH) reported the broken-finger story last night, saying that Crisp could be out for a month. This morning, Dan Roche of Channel 4 in Boston had an even more discouraging take, saying that the injury could cause Crisp to miss six to eight weeks.

Crisp sat out yesterday's game in what the club said was a precautionary move. The fleet-footed Crisp jammed a finger sliding into third base during Saturday night's win at Baltimore. He was replaced yesterday by Adam Stern, who knocked in two runs as the Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Orioles. Crisp said before yesterday's game that he could have played if needed, and the club had not at that point taken x-rays.

In five games, Crisp has batted .333 while showing speed on the basepaths and skill with the glove. He has given fans early reason to be optimistic that losing Johnny Damon to the Yankees might not be such a big handicap. If Crisp does miss significant time, however, the club's center-field options would appear to be limited. They have Stern, who has never been a regular big-league starter. Wily Mo Pena has also played at the position, but he is considered a defensive liability.

In other Red Sox news today, The Boston Herald is reporting that a contract extension with slugger David Ortiz could be announced as soon as today. A similar claim was made two weeks ago on Spanish-language ESPN Deportes. The Herald says the extension would be for four years at more than $12 million a season.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:40 AM | Permalink

Excitable Beckett; what to watch for tonight

As Josh Beckett recovered from a shaky first inning to pitch a gem in his Red Sox debut, his fiery side came more and more into the open. There was Beckett, pumping his fist and screaming with satisfaction after two key strikeouts. Curt Schilling even got into the act from the dugout after Beckett got Michael Young to end the seventh inning -- putting a close to Beckett's outing. If Beckett continues to wear his emotions on his sleeve, it'll be interesting to see how American League hitters react. This is the same guy, after all, who late in spring training almost got into a tangle with the Phillies' Ryan Howard over perceived showboating by Howard.

Poor fielding and bad relief pitching did in the Yankees last night. The Yanks allowed six unearned runs in blowing a 4-0 lead against Oakland. The final was 9-4. Johnny Damon was not called for an error when he let Milton Bradley's triple soar over his head to lead off the eighth inning, the score tied 4-4, but he certainly misplayed the ball. New set-up man Kyle Farnsworth looked awful, throwing a wild pitch, walking a batter and grooving a fastball that Frank Thomas crushed for a three-run double to put the game away.

Of course, the man Farnsworth replaced in New York, Tom Gordon, wasn't much better in his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies. Gordon, whom the Phils hope to remake into a closer this year, gave up the go-ahead run to the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning and took the loss.

If the forecast for tonight's PawSox opener at McCoy Stadium is too chilly for your taste, you might want to check out Pedro Martinez's first start of the season. His Mets play the Nationals at 7 on ESPN. Barry Bonds may actually hear some cheers today when his Giants play their first home game, at 4:05 against the Braves. You can catch the game on TBS.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

Arroyo slams home run, picks up win

Bronson Arroyo connected for a home run and picked up a win in his first start with the Cincinnati Reds. Arroyo hit a solo home run to left field off Chicago Cubs starter Glendon Rusch in the third inning to tie the game at 2-2. It was his first major-league homer. He also had a sacrifice bunt, drew a walk and made a nice play in the field.

Arroyo pitched 6.2 innings and gave up five runs, three of them earned, on six hits. He struck out seven and gave up no walks as the Reds picked up their first win of the season, 8-6.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:10 PM | Permalink

Arroyo homers in first Cincinnati at-bat

Bronson Arroyo, making his regular-season debut with the Cincinnati Reds, cracked a home run to left field off the Chicago Cubs' Glendon Rusch in his first at-bat. It was the first major league home run for Arroyo, who only saw scarce at-bats during interleague play with the Red Sox.

Arroyo gave up an upper-deck, two-run home run to the Cubs' Aramas Ramirez in the first inning, but settled down in the second and third. With the Reds batting in the bottom of the third, the score is tied at 2. Arroyo has four strikeouts and no walks through three innings.

The Red Sox traded Arroyo shortly before the start of the regular season for slugging outfielder Wily Mo Pena. Arroyo now leads Pena for the season, 1 home run to 0.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:22 PM | Permalink

Nice recovery for Hanley Ramirez

Former Red Sox prospect Hanley Ramirez had an awful debut with the Florida Marlins on Monday, committing two errors, striking out three times and getting caught stealing in the club's 1-0 opening day loss to the Houston Astros. But Ramirez looked great yesterday, collecting four hits and performing flawlessly in the field as the Marlins routed Houston, 11-2.

The Palm Beach Post reports that Ramirez's single-game hit total was one short of the club's rookie record, set in 1998 by Mark Kotsay. Ramirez told the Post that he spent extra time practicing his fielding following his weak performance with the glove on Monday.

The Red Sox traded the 23-year-old Ramirez, one of the organization's top prospects, in the seven-player Josh Beckett deal. Beckett makes his Sox debut tonight against the Rangers in his home state of Texas.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:30 AM | Permalink

Rocket's tour takes him back to Houston

A day after watching the Red Sox take on the Rangers, and making a high-profile pregame visit to the Boston clubhouse, Roger Clemens was at Minute Maid Park to collect the 2005 National League championship ring that he earned as a member of the Astros. The Astros are one of four teams competing for Clemens' services should he decide to return to pitch later this spring -- the others are the Red Sox, Rangers and Yankees.

According to an Associated Press story, even Clemens' sons are in suspense over what team their father will choose, if he chooses to come back at all. Clemens' oldest son, Koby, plays for the Astros Class-A team in Lexington, Ky.

According to the AP article, Clemens has colorful memories of playing in the World Baseball Classic last month with the star-crossed United States team. The Rocket told the AP his story of going to the dry cleaners in Anaheim, Calif., where the Japanese team was set to play the South Koreans.

"They said, 'You've got no chance,' they told me. I said, 'I'm going to get it tomorrow, right?' And then she goes, 'No chance, we're going to the game.' So we couldn't get dry cleaning done out there, but I guess the neatest thing about them was there were about 50,000 of them at Anaheim Stadium, Korea and Japan.

"Even in Arizona, when we played Mexico there, it was so festive. It really makes you sit back and realize our game is played the right way in a number of different countries."

If Clemens paid much attention to the Astros game yesterday, it might have been another good argument for him to come to Boston: the rookie-laden Marlins clobbered Andy Pettitte and the 'Stros, 11-2.

And what of the Yankees? Two observers with different stakes in Clemens' decision -- Red Sox ace Curt Schilling and NESN commentator Dennis Eckersley -- said yesterday that their hunches were Clemens would choose either Houston or Boston to close out his career.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:48 AM | Permalink

Nomar could be headed for DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers may place Nomar Garciaparra on the disabled list as soon as today, reports the Press-Enterprise of Riverside, Calif. Garciaparra, whom the Dodgers signed to play first base this year, sat out yesterday's opener after suffering an abdominal injury on Sunday.

The 32-year-old former Red Sox star, whose career has been devastated by a string of injuries, played well defensively during spring training, but his bat speed seemed to be down. The Dodgers have a strong first base prospect, James Loney, who could come up to Los Angeles from the minors if Garciaparra is put on the shelf.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:22 PM | Permalink

Seasons change, but Wake's a constant

Here are some tidbits from today's Red Sox game notes.

When starter Tim Wakefield takes the hill tonight against the Texas Rangers, it will mark the 12th season that he has pitched in a Red Sox uniform. And he will become only the 12th player to accomplish such a feat of longevity. The others: Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, Bobby Doerr, Roger Clemens, Bob Stanley, Rico Petrocelli, Harry Hooper, Rick Miller and Mike Greenwell. Wakefield starts the season third all-time on the club's wins list, second in appearances, third in innings pitched, third in starts and third in strikeouts. If he stays healthy this year, he'll at least pass Cy Young for second all-time in games started (Wakefield has 283; Young had 297).

The Red Sox tonight will be looking for their seventh straight win over the Rangers, dating back to last year. Boston has never beaten Texas seven times in a row.

And while much has been made about the stretch of opening day futility that the Sox broke yesterday, this one is particularly surprising: David Ortiz's home run in the fifth inning was the club's first opening day homer since 2002, when Boston hit four but still fell to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:57 PM | Permalink

Dads, daughters and baseball

Dads & Daughters is a Minnesota-based advocacy group with the mission of helping fathers become engaged in the lives of their daughters, and galvanizing dads to fight against cultural messages that degrade women. In a recent newsletter, Dads & Daughters listed 10 recommendations for fathers who watch baseball with their girls. The tips range from the earnest (using the relaxed pace of the game as an opener for conversation about all kinds of topics) to the imaginative (letting the gestures used by third-base coaches inspire your own father-daughter signals). For the full list of tips, click below to read the expanded entry.

1. Remember that your daughter or stepdaughter hungers for your attention. The leisurely pace of a baseball game offers great opportunities to talk--about the game, or anything else on her mind!

2. Baseball shows how life doesn't have to move at breakneck speed to have drama, excitement, fun, and meaning.

3. Listen to some games on the radio. That allows your imaginations to run wild together. Tell each other what you imagine a player is doing or thinking while standing at first base or planning his next pitch.

4. Let the game teach her the game. Don't lecture, over-explain, or give in to the temptation of showing off all of your baseball expertise. Explore and explain game situations as they arise. Ask her opinion on why she thinks the manager called for a double steal in this inning, or shifted the infielders in that inning.

5. Talk about your baseball days, if you played, and be sure to talk about baseball's magic--that it is incredibly hard to master, while still incredibly fun for even the rankest amateur to play.

6. Girls love secret messages (and communication in general), so let the coded gestures of a third base coach or catcher inspire your own special father-daughter signals.

7. Come up with a fun activity or contest related to what happens on the field. (E.g.: If there's a home run in an odd-numbered inning, Dad has to help Daughter with her chores the next day.)

8. Talk about the positive trends in baseball (on-field hustle or its increasingly international flavor) as well as the negative ones (steroids and the arrogance of some rich players) and ask her what life lessons she learns from the game.

9. Go to a game in person--even if it's a local high school or college. There's nothing like the atmosphere of a real ballpark.

10. When the game is over, go outside and play catch with each other!

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:06 AM | Permalink

Bottom of ninth -- An ugly close for Foulke

Keith Foulke enters in a non-save situation -- perhaps a chance for the man who the Sox hope can reemerge as a closer this year to build some confidence. Adam Stern is in as a defensive replacement for Manny Ramirez in left field, and Stern makes the first play of the inning, catching Phil Nevin's lazy fly ball. Hank Blalock, who has given the Rangers their only highlight of the game, steps in and grounds a single to left field.

Next up is Kevin Mench, who supposedly boasts one of the largest hat sizes in Major League Baseball. He slams a double into left field. Stern crashes hard into the wall but fails to reach the ball; Blalock holds at third. Foulke's fastball looks flat. Now Laynce Nix rips the ball, to center, and Coco Crisp makes a spectacular leaping catch on the warning track. Blalock tags and trots home with the Rangers' third run.

And now Rod Barajas nearly takes a Foulke fastball out to right field, but the ball drifts foul. Not a moment too soon, Barajas grounds the ball to Mike Lowell, who fields and throws for the final out of the inning. The Red Sox win 7-3, and they're off to a 1-0 start.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments 3

Top of ninth -- A balanced effort for Boston

Big right-hander Antonio Alfonseca enters as the Rangers' fifth pitcher of the game. Keith Foulke is warming for the Red Sox. Mark Loretta leads off, and grounds out to second baseman Ian Kinsler. David Ortiz lines out on his first pitch to shortstop Michael Young, who is playing to the right side of second base as the Rangers employ the over shift. Manny Ramirez flies out softly to right fielder Kevin Mench to end the inning.

Every one of the Red Sox starters save Kevin Youkilis has had a hit in this game. Ortiz leads with three.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 5:09 PM | Permalink

Bottom of eighth -- Papelbon has an easy inning

Jonathan Papelbon enters the game in place of Curt Schilling, and J.T. Snow makes his Red Sox debut as a defensive replacement for Kevin Youkilis at first base. Brad Wilkerson leads off, and grounds out to second baseman Mark Loretta. Michael Young strikes out, waving at a breaking fastball from Papelbon. The first and second hitters in the Rangers' lineup, Wilkerson and Young, are now a combined 0-for-8. Papelbon works a quick no ball, two strike count against Mark Teixeira, who ends up flying out to Manny Ramirez in left.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 5:02 PM | Permalink

Top of eighth -- Lowell goes deep

Mike Lowell leads off by blasting his first Red Sox home run, a shot to left field off Joaquin Benoit. Kevin Youkilis grounds out to second baseman Ian Kinsler. Alex Gonzalez strikes out, failing to check his swing on a pitch way off the plate. Coco Crisp grounds out to deep short, Michael Young's throw scooped up nicely by first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:55 PM | Permalink

Bottom of seventh -- Schilling goes 1-2-3

Surprising this observer, Curt Schilling returns to start another inning. First to face him is Laynce Nix. Schilling's still throwing heat in the low 90s. Nix works the count full, then lines out to Trot Nixon in right field. Schilling gets Rod Barajas on a called strike three on the outside corner. It's Schilling's fifth strikeout. Schilling ends the inning by retiring Ian Kinsler for the first time, on a groundout to third baseman Mike Lowell. Today, Schilling has looked like the ace that Boston needs him to be.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:45 PM | Permalink

Top of seventh -- Ortiz strikes again

Alex Gonzalez leads off against Scott Feldman, and gets his second hit of the game, a single to right. Coco Crisp follows and grounds the first pitch sharply into left field for his first Boston hit. Gonzalez moves to second. Left-hander Brian Shouse and right-hander Joaquin Benoit get up in the Texas bullpen. Mark Loretta has a good at-bat, then hits a fly ball to shallow center field. Laynce Nix makes the catch and doubles up Gonzalez, who inexplicably gets caught way off second base.

Shouse, a former Red Sox farmhand, enters the game to face David Ortiz. He gets ahead, no balls and two strikes, but Ortiz can't be put away. Ortiz smokes a double into the right-center field gap, and Crisp motors all the way home from first base. Ortiz is now 6-for-13 lifetime against Shouse.

The Rangers intentionally walk Manny Ramirez to get to Trot Nixon. Nixon pokes a single off the end of his bat; Ortiz is forced to hold at third; and the Red Sox have the bases loaded, two outs, and Jason Varitek coming to the plate. Manager Buck Showalter emerges from the Rangers dugout and pulls Shouse from the game. Joaquin Benoit enters from the bullpen.

Varitek works a full count against Benoit, who is working very slowly. Varitek pops a foul ball into the WEEI broadcast booth. Then he grounds the ball to first baseman Mark Teixeira, who makes the unassisted putout to end the inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:34 PM | Permalink

Bottom of sixth -- Rangers score 2

Michael Young leads off against Curt Schilling, and works the count full. At this point, the Rangers are at least making Schilling work. Young hits the ball hard to left, but Manny Ramirez makes the catch, crashing into the wall. Mark Teixeira follows and also hammers the ball, but Coco Crisp makes the play on the warning track.

Phil Nevin fists the ball down the first-base line. It heads toward the corner, but hits the side wall in right field, then goes dead, and Nevin has to hold at first base. Hank Blalock follows with a low line drive over the left field fence for a home run, and the lead is cut to 5-2.

Kevin Mench is then quickly retired on a pop out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez. This is probably the end for Schilling, whose pitch count is around 100.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:08 PM | Permalink

Top of sixth -- New pitcher quiets Sox

Starter Kevin Millwood is done for the day, replaced by sidearm-throwing right-hander Scott Feldman. Jason Varitek, who went 2-for-2 against Millwood, leads off the inning. The Red Sox catcher worked the count full before grounding out to shortstop Michael Young. Mike Lowell then flew out softly to left-fielder Brad Wilkerson. Feldman then retired Kevin Youkilis on a called third strike.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:55 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fifth -- Texas strands a pair

Kevin Mench led off, grounding out to Alex Gonzalez at shortstop. Next up was Laynce Nix, tapped the ball halfway to the mound. Schilling fielded and threw Nix out. Rod Barajas picked up a two-out single, blooping the ball into right field. For the second time, Schilling couldn't put away rookie Ian Kinsler, who worked the Rangers' first walk, and Texas had its first threat of the game, with the top of the order coming back up.

Schilling thought he had Brad Wilkerson out on a called strike three, but home-plate umpire Gary Darling called the pitch low. With the count full, Wilkerson fouled off two pitches before popping up harmlessly to third baseman Mike Lowell.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:48 PM | Permalink

Top of fifth -- Big Papi hits a big blast

Kevin Youkilis led off by popping out to second baseman Ian Kinsler in short right field. Alex Gonzalez followed with his first hit as a Red Sox, a line-drive single to right field. Next up was Coco Crisp, who struck out looking in his first two at-bats. This time he made contact, but grounded the ball straight at first baseman Mark Teixeira. Teixeira threw to second for the force, but a sharp takeout slide by Gonzalez and Crisp's hustle down the line prevented the double play.

Millwood kept a close eye on Crisp as Mark Loretta stepped in. Crisp took off on a 2-2 pitch, but Loretta fouled the ball off. Millwood thought he had strike three on the next pitch, but it was called a ball, and the count went full. Loretta took advantage, slapping a double to right-center field, easily scoring Crisp.

David Ortiz came to the plate in an RBI situation. Big Papi worked the count to his advantage, three balls and one strike. He then crushed the ball off high the right-field foul pole for a two-run home run.

That got Scott Feldman up in the bullpen for the Rangers. Manny Ramirez kept up the Red Sox assault, grounding a single straight up the middle on the first pitch from Millwood. Trot Nixon fell behind, no balls and two strikes, as Millwood turned to the curve ball in search of better results. Nixon hung tough, working the count even, and nearly got on base with a weak fly ball to right field. But Kevin Mench, after breaking back, ran in and made a sliding catch to end the inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:35 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fourth -- Four punch outs for Schilling

Michael Young stepped in against Curt Schilling. He grounded the ball sharply to first base, where it was fielded by Kevin Youkilis, who was playing off the bag. Schilling beat Young to first base and recorded the first out. Mark Teixeira dropped a single into left-center for the Rangers' second hit. Phil Nevin flew out to Manny Ramirez in left field. Schilling then got his fourth strikeout, blowing away Hank Blalock on three pitches.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:17 PM | Permalink

Photo: Schilling taking charge

AP photo
Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling follows through after a pitch in the first inning this afternoon. He'd given up just one hit through three innings.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 3:15 PM | Permalink

Top of fourth -- Varitek draws first blood

Mark Loretta hit the ball well to left-center field, but Laynce Nix continued his excellent defensive game with another nice, running catch. David Ortiz followed, collecting his first hit of the year on a soft single to right field. Manny Ramirez became the victim of Kevin Millwood's third strikeout, failing to check his swing on a ball low and away. Trot Nixon walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second.

Jason Varitek smoked the ball to right, over the head of Kevin Mench and off the wall. Ortiz and Nixon scored, and Varitek cruised into second with a stand-up double.

Next up was Mike Lowell, who grounded to shortstop Michael Young for the final out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:09 PM | Permalink

Bottom of third -- Schilling cruising along

The talented, often-injured outfielder Laynce Nix led off against Schilling, and got ahead in the count, three balls and no strikes. Schilling came back with a changeup for a called strike, then blew a 93-mph fastball by Nix for strike two. With the count full, Nix popped out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

Catcher Rod Barajas hit the first pitch he saw a mile in the air; Gonzalez caught it for out number two.

Rookie second baseman Ian Kinsler, in his first major-league at-bat, got his club's first hit of the year, lining a single to right field.

Back at the top of the order, Brad Wilkerson popped out to Trot Nixon in right field.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:58 PM | Permalink

Top of third -- Crisp again called out on strikes

First baseman Kevin Youkilis led off, and poked a ball to the opposite field that Kevin Mench put away for the first out. Light-hitting, sweet-fielding shortstop Alex Gonzalez was next. He also flew out to Mench in right. Back to the top of the order and Coco Crisp, who was called out on strikes for the second time in the game.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:50 PM | Permalink

Bottom of second -- Six Rangers up, six down

Rangers designated hitter Phil Nevin led off against Schilling, and hit a ball to center that Coco Crisp initially misjudged; the speedy center fielder recovered and made a sliding catch for the out. Hank Blalock then became Schilling's third strikeout victim, chasing a splitter for strike three. Kevin Mench chased Schilling's first offering; he was retired on a shallow fly ball to Crisp.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:43 PM | Permalink

Top of second -- no runs, first hit

Manny Ramirez poked a grounder to second, which rookie second baseman Ian Kinsler juggled before recovering to throw Ramirez out. Trot Nixon, hoping for an injury-free season after a difficult 2005, smashed the ball to right-center. But Laynce Nix made his second fine catch of the game, reaching up while running toward the wall to snag the ball from the air.

Two up, two down, and up came team captain Jason Varitek -- playing on opening day for the seventh straight season with the Red Sox. Varitek fell behind 0-2, but laid off the next two pitches from Millwood. With the count even, Varitek picked up the first hit of the season, grounding a ball deep to short. Michael Young fielded it, but was too off-balance to throw out Varitek. Another new Red Sox followed -- third baseman Mike Lowell, who ended spring training on a hot streak. Lowell chopped the ball to Rangers third sacker Hank Blalock, who forced out Varitek at second.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:37 PM | Permalink

Bottom of first -- Good start for Schilling

Roger Clemens got a standing ovation from the Texas crowd when he was introduced between innings. Curt Schilling took the mound -- the eyes of Red Sox Nation watching to see if he can regain his championship form of 2004. This is Schilling's first opening day start since 1999, when he was with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Rangers sent their new outfielder, Brad Wilkerson, to the plate to lead off. Schilling buried him with an outside fastball, getting strike three swinging. Michael Young, the Rangers' All-Star shortstop, also struck out swinging, this time on a high fastball, which clocked 93 mph. Mark Teixeira, the formidable power-hitting first baseman, stood in on the left side of the plate. He was retired on a soft grounder to Mark Loretta.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:26 PM | Permalink

Top of first -- Sox down in order

Coco Crisp took the first pitch from Rangers starter Kevin Millwood for a ball. He ended up taking a called strike three. Next up was the Sox new second baseman, Mark Loretta, the club's 12th opening-day starter at second in the last 13 seasons. His foul pop-up was fielded by first baseman Mark Teixeira. David Ortiz, who entered the game with two home runs in four at-bats against Millwood, worked the count full, before blasting a line drive into the gap in right-center. Center fielder Laynce Nix, ranging to his left, made a lunging catch on the warning track to end the inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:16 PM | Permalink

Clemens visits Sox clubhouse / Photo

AP photo
Clemens speaks to reporters after visiting the clubhouse before the season opener between the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

Roger Clemens -- still weighing whether or not to pitch in 2006 -- visited the Red Sox' clubhouse this morning prior to the Opening Day game in Texas and spent more than an hour meeting with players and team officials.

Clemens, who reportedly had dinner with Sox ownership Sunday night, was a guest of the Rangers, who flew him from in Houston to attend pregame ceremonies honoring the University of Texas' national championship football team. Clemens has said that if he pitches this season it will only be for the Red Sox, Rangers, Astros or Yankees, and that he hasn't decided either who he'll pitch for or whether he'll pitch.

Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon and David Wells were among the players who met with Clemens, along with manager Terry Francona, owner Tom Werner and general manager Theo Epstein. Afterwards Clemens met with the media and said some members of his family were excited about the idea of his ending his career where he started it, in Boston.

Still, he made it clear he hasn't made up his mind and may not decide to pitch again until midseason.

Two members of the Red Sox coaching staff -- pitching coach Al Nipper and first-base coach Bill Haselman -- were teammates of Clemens' with the Sox. He has been close friends with Nipper for more than 20 years, and he and Haselman forged a bond in 1996 during their one year together in Boston. Haselman was the catcher when Clemens tied the strikeout record by fanning 20 in Detroit.

-- Art Martone, with reports from Sean McAdam in Texas

Posted by Art  at 1:11 PM | Permalink

The Roger Clemens welcoming committee

The competition between Texas and Boston is not limited to who wins and who loses today's opener. Free-agent pitcher Roger Clemens is expected to appear at Ameriquest Field for today's game as a guest of the Rangers -- just one of the teams interested in acquiring the Rocket's services later on this spring. Of course, the Sox are interested in making sure the 43-year-old Clemens ends his major league career where it started: Fenway Park.

Dallas Morning News writer Kevin Sherrington is telling Rangers fans to give Roger a warm welcome today, in hopes that they might influence him to sign on and help sturdy Texas' wobbly rotation. "Tell him you hate Mike Piazza," Sherrington recommends. "Ask him if he can start Tuesday."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

Disgruntled Rangers get set for Sox

Hope springs eternal on opening day, but according to a story in today's Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers aren't the happiest bunch this morning.

Rangers players are apparently disappointed about the club's weekend trade of outfielder David Dellucci, who has been a team leader the last two seasons. Dellucci was shipped to Philadelphia for young pitcher Robinson Tejada and minor leaguer Jake Blalock, the younger brother of Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock.

The trade was prompted by number-two starter Adam Eaton's injury in the final week of spring training. In a flurry of late activity, the Rangers also acquired young left-handers in trades with the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics.

While there are questions in the Rangers' starting rotation, they don't involve Kevin Millwood, today's starter. The Red Sox showed some interest in acquiring Millwood this offseason, but the Rangers trumped what Boston was willing to offer last year's American League E.R.A. leader with a five-year, $60-million deal. It will be Millwood's second chance to be a major league ace; he didn't exactly fill the bill as the Phillies' number one starter in 2003 and 2004.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:20 AM | Permalink

Projo.com readers predict modest success for Red Sox

A new season starts today, and New England fans will be getting themselves acquainted with an entirely different Boston Red Sox team. With so many new faces in the starting lineup, younger faces on the pitching staff and a more defensive-oriented team on the field, what to expect is really anybody's guess.

Most Projo.com readers responding to a survey on the Sox prospects predicted that this team will at least contend for a playoff spot, but there is less confidence that the team can go deep into the playoffs. Twenty-nine percent of the 215 respondants predicted that the Red Sox will fall short of the playoffs for the first time in four years; only 18 percent feel that this team is capable of a World Series run.

This post fairly sums up the wait-and-see attitude: "They almost have a new team. Their power MAY be a little less but their defense and pitching will be better. I have ofter heard that pitching and defense win ball games ... I have to believe they will be contenders and could win it it all if the pitching falls apart in NY, as expected."

Given the club's mediocre preseason performance, other fans are much more subdued. "Seeing what is on the field so far not much better than 500 ball," wrote one Sox skeptic. "At least living in LA area I can see Red Sox west, probably about same type of club." The Los Angeles Dodgers this year feature former Boston mainstays Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe and Bill Mueller, along with manager Grady Little.

For those who see no limit to the team's chances in 2006, the taste of past success is still fresh, and club management's track record is not to be ignored. Here's what one enthuisiastic observer had to say: "Got to love these Sox. Management knows how to put a competitive team on the field. Here we come Yankees!!"

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:28 AM | Permalink