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The tarp is coming off

Members of the Fenway grounds crew were loudly cheered as they ran on the field at 3:39 p.m. and began moving the tarp.

The fans had been getting edgy for the previous 15 minutes as the rain stopped and skies brightened. As became obvious when the crew pulled the tarp back to the outfield, the rain was significant. There are now big puddles 15 feet into the outfield. That is planned, though. That's where the drains are.

The final stage of removing the tarp drew more reaction as three members of the grounds crew fell as the tarp was hualed back toward the infield. Movement does not stop once it begins so the three workers briefly disappeared then crawled out the edge of the tarp, to the cheers of the fans.

The Sox just announced that the goal is to begin the game at 4:30. However, weather reports indicate more rain could be on the way which could jeopardize those plans.

Posted by Paul Kenyon  at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

The game will be delayed

The Red Sox, putting their trust in their weather service, just announced that the start of today’s game will be delayed.

As we sit here 45 minutes before game time, skies are cloudy and the crowd is gathering. It does not seem unpleasant. However, the tarp will remain on the field and the game against the Braves will be delayed.

``The current forecast in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for moderate to heavy rain showers to move through the area over the course of the next hour and for intermittent light rain showers this afternoon,’’ the statement reads. The Sox have a private weather service, Meterologix, which they rely on.

``Based on this information the start of today’s game will be delayed,’’ the statement reads. ``The Red Sox will do everything possible to make certain today’s game with the Braves will be played,’’ it went on. ``However, the Red Sox want to alert our fans to the current forecast and the possibility of further delays for this afternoon.

``This forecast is, of course, subject to change as the day progresses and weather updates will be provided as necessary.’’’

Posted by Paul Kenyon  at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Everyone's gabbing around Gabbard

Kason Gabbard is going through a little different preparation for his first Boston start.

The pitcher promoted from Pawtucket to take the mound for the Red Sox today has been assigned the locker just inside the front door to the clulbhouse. It is a spot that goes to one of the new guys since it is traffic heavy area.

Most pitchers prefer to be left alone on days when they are starting, so they can concentrate. Gabbard is trying to do that but it's not easy.

First of all, he has people _ players, club officials and reporters _ constantly going past as they enter and leave the clubhouse. Beyond that, a number of players are coming up to welcome him to the team. Alex Cora just did so.

Pitching coach John Farrell did, too, but that’s one person Gabbard obviously wants to speak with. Farrell gave Gabbard some notes to study and the two spoke briefly before Darrell departed, saying the two would get together again closer to game time.

For what it’s worth, we just had a pretty good shower move through. The sun had come out briefly around 11 a.m. But then a fairly heavy shower arrived and stayed for about 15 minutes. It is overcast now but the rain has stopped.

Posted by Paul Kenyon  at 11:54 AM | Permalink

Some Changes Today

Good morning.

Everyone is off to a bit of a late start today, a concession to the long day and night r Saturday.
The lineups show both managers acknowledging the need for some rest. Both the Sox and Braves have different looks. Here they are:

Atlanta
Prado 2b
Renteria ss
C. Jones DH
Francoeur rf
Diaz lf
McCann C
Woodward 3b
Thorman 1b
Harris cf

Hudson P

Boston
Crisp Cf
Youkilis 3b
Ortiz DH
Ramirez lf
Drew rf
Varitek C
Hinske 1b
Cora ss
Pedroia 2b

Gabbard P

Posted by Paul Kenyon  at 11:44 AM | Permalink