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Main page July 31, 2007
Game Story: Orioles 5, Red Sox 3 BOSTON – ``Everyone’s entitled to a slump,’’ Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was saying prior to last night’s game when it was pointed out that David Ortiz has not been slugging the ball this season quite the way he has in the past. Nevertheless, insisted Epstein, "David is having a great year,’’ pointing out also that Ortiz has been playing with torn meniscus in his right knee. ``He may not be putting up numbers (he has in the past), but he has battled through some leg problems and seems to be better lately. He’s not a complainer. I wouldn’t bet against him. He’s doing everything he can.’’ And Ortiz certainly demonstrated that last night, accounting for three of Boston’s four hits and delivering his 17th and 18th homers in a 5-3 setback to the Orioles before a Fenway crowd of 36,866. It marked the 28th multi-home run game of Ortiz’ career – his 26th with Boston - and his second of the season. (He also hit two homers at Texas on April 8.) Ortiz, who hit a club-record 54 home runs last season, collected No. 17 in the third inning, crushing a curve ball from Bedard into the right-field seats for a two-run homer. It was his first of the year against a left-handed pitcher. Ortiz’ second home run of the game, that one against Orioles reliever Rob Bell, came in the eighth, when he parked a solo blast into the Sox bullpen to make it 5-3. Josh Beckett, who was tagged with a 1-0 loss to Cleveland last Thursday despite producing what catcher Jason Varitek called ``one of the best outings Josh has ever had,’’ took the loss again last night, after giving up five earned runs on nine hits over eight innings. ``It was one of those deals where it seemed like every time they hit the ball, it fell in,’’ said Beckett. ``Just one of those nights where you suck it up, take your whipping and go home. You go home and think about how bad you were.’’ Brian Roberts wasted no time putting Baltimore on the board, driving the first pitch of the game off the right-field wall and into the stands. Roberts then doubled off the left-field wall to drive in Jay Payton for the first of three more Orioles runs in the third. A shot up the middle by former Red Sox Kevin Millar eluded a diving Julio Lugo, which allowed Roberts and Corey Patterson, who had reached on a walk, both to score. Beckett then gave up back-to-back singles to Miguel Tejada and Aubrey Huff, followed by an RBI double to Ramon Hernandez in the sixth to make it 5-2.
Posted by Chris Venditto Schilling sparkles in final rehab start, PawSox win 5-4COLUMBUS, Ohio — Attention Red Sox Nation: Curt Schilling is back. The ace of the Red Sox staff ended his rehabilitation stint with the PawSox last night on a strong note at Cooper Stadium, and Pawtucket scratched out a 10th-inning run to sneak away with a 5-4 win, a split of the four-game set and the eight-game road trip. Over 7,100 fans flocked to see Schilling, many of them clad in the familiar red-and-blue Red Sox gear, clamoring for a up close and personal look at the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder. The big man didn’t disappoint. He threw seven solid innings, scattering just four hits. Schilling didn’t allow a walk, struck out four and had an early stretch where he retired 10 in a row. “He’s been very consistent each outing,” PawSox skipper Ron Johnson said. “This is Red Sox Nation,” Schilling said. “That’s no surprise. They are almost like ants. You always feel like you are at home. They’re going to be fans in every city that are going to be loud enough to make you feel like you are in Boston.” The right-hander threw 21 first-pitch strikes to the 24 batters he faced and had just one three-ball count all night, on Clipper right fielder Abraham Nunez. Even then, he fought all the way back to fan the former Florida Marlin. “I’ve been watching this guy in the big leagues for a long time and I kind of know what he’s got,” said Nunez, who also managed to get a hit off Schilling. “That splitter is nasty.” In four of the innings, Schilling threw two balls or less and he didn’t throw one in the seventh. “We threw a lot of strikes and got some quick outs,” Schilling said. “When they made contact, they got some ground ball outs instead of swings and misses. To get up and down seven times, warm up, feel good and strong is a good thing.” Only one of the hits was hard, a two-out single to left by Columbus catcher Juan Brito in the fifth. Schilling was put on the disabled list June 19 because of tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and made two other rehabilitation starts for Pawtucket, both with glowing results. He finished the assignment with 18 strikeouts in 15 innings. George Kottaras has caught Schilling in all three games and was able to give the sure-fire Hall of Famer a bit of input on pitch selection. “If I had a feeling about something, he told me to put it down there,” said the PawSox catcher. “We were putting much on the same page all night.” Schilling has been able to rebuild his arm strength and work on straightening out his mechanics, which he admitted wasn’t right before hitting the DL. “I threw a lot of different pitches for strikes, and I worked on my command on a lot of different pitches,” Schilling said. Schilling headed back to the big club following the game and will make his first appearance back in the starting rotation either for the series finale at Seattle Aug. 5, or open the three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Aug. 6. Schilling came within one out of a no-hitter in Oakland June 7, but 11 days later gave up 11 hits in a 9-4 loss to Atlanta. “This was about Schill,” Johnson said. “I know he was very pleased with it and I’m sure next time he’ll get his shot in the big leagues and he’ll be good to go.” Just like Sunday, left-hander Craig Breslow gave up the lead in the eighth as Columbus erased a 4-0 lead on four hits and a error to tie the game. But the PawSox got the go-ahead run in the 10th on a bases-loaded walk by Columbus closer Chris Booker (1-5) to Alex Prieto, who finished with a pair of hits and two RBI. Bryan Corey (4-6) got the final two outs of the ninth to get the win, and closer Travis Hughes allowed just a single in the 10th to earn his 15th save. --By DONN WALDEN, Special to the Journal
Posted by Chris Venditto Ortiz' two homers not enough, Sox fall, 5-3, to OriolesDavid Ortiz snapped out of his home run slump, belting his 17th and 18th of the season, but it wasn’t enough to get the Red Sox past Baltimore, as the Orioles secured a 5-3 victory in the opener of a three-game set at Fenway. Josh Beckett, who was tagged with a 1-0 loss to Cleveland last Thursday despite producing what catcher Jason Varitek called ``one of the best outings Josh has ever had,’’ took the loss again tonight, after giving up five earned runs on nine hits over eight innings.
Posted by Carolyn Thornton Timlin Improving
The veteran right-hander, who has been on the disabled list twice already this season, is likely to be available out of the bullpen tomorrow night. Timlin has been unscored upon over his last 11 outings, totaling 16 innings. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Ortiz to Gabbard: Keep doing your bestCleaning out his locker at about 4:35 p.m., left-handed pitcher Kason Gabbard quietly declined to comment on the news that he had been traded to the Texas Rangers along with outfielders David Murphy and Engel Beltre in exchange for right-hander Eric Gagne and cash considerations. Gabbard, his eyes watering, stopped by David Ortiz’ locker to say good-bye. The Sox slugger gave him a big bear hug and said, ``Keep doing your best.’’ ``He’s a good kid,'' Ortiz said when asked about Gabbard's departure. ``He just came in and he did what he was supposed to. I wish him the best. I wish him luck. It’s hard to see a guy that you’ve played with go. But you know how it is.''
Posted by Carolyn Thornton Ortiz backed by Francona, Epstein
Entering tonight's game, the Red Sox' designated hitter has only 16 home runs and has gone 38 at-bats since his last one, on July 16 against Kansas City. Ortiz has only three homers in his last 29 games, totaling 116 at-bats. But Ortiz, who is battling his way through torn meniscus in his right knee, is batting .316, and even though has has only two RBI in his last nine games, neither general manager Theo Epstein nor manager Terry Francona is down on Ortiz, who established a club record with 54 homers a year ago. "David is having a great year," said Epstein. "He may not be putting up numbers (he has in the past), but he has battled through some leg problems and seems to be better lately. He's not a complainer. I wouldn't bet against him. He's doing everything he can. Everyone's entitled to a slump." Francona went out of his way to talk about other ways in which Ortiz has been trying to help the club, despite his physical discomfort. "We see him trying to steal second on a 2 and 2 pitch, and going from first to third on a base hit," said Francona. "Sometimes you don't get as many hits as you'd like." -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 31BOSTON Lugo ss Beckett p BALTIMORE Roberts 2b Bedard p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Reliever Donnelly to undergo surgeryVeteran reliever Brendan Donnelly announced in the clubhouse about a half hour ago that he is going to undergo "Tommy John'' surgery to his right elbow ``either next Friday or the following Tuesday.'' Orthopedist Lewis Yocum will perform the surgery on the right-hander, who has been on the DL since mid-June with what was initially described as a strained right forearm, out on the West Coast. Donnelly, who is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 27 appearances this season had this to say: ``I need to go get surgery and fix what’s been going on in my arm. For several years it’s been going on, but there were really no signs of it breaking down over the last three years until now. We’ve tried everything two times to come back, and by doing the surgery now, it gives me the opportunity to pitch next year and four or five years down the line, as opposed to just fighting through day by day and wondering when the day’s going to come that it’s just going to fail. That day came and we tried to do everything we could to come back, and it’s just not responding. ``What (stinks) is I’m not going to be a part of what’s going on here, which is something pretty special right now.’’
Posted by Carolyn Thornton Bullpen by additionIt's official. The Red Sox have landed Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers in exchange for three players -- Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and minor league prospect Engel Beltre. ``We're excited,'' said GM Theo Epstein in announcing the deal. ``We felt like we had a pretty good club and we were looking to improve it. This helps to give us what we think is a truly dominant bullpen.'' Gagne is set to join the Sox tomorrow afternoon. He was 2-0 with 16 saves in 17 chances with Texas in 34 games this season. Opponents were hitting just .192 against him this season and he was scored upon in just five of his 34 games. Gagne had a limited no-trade and the Sox needed to offer him something to waive it. His contract included a $6 million base ($2 million remaining for the final two months) and incentives for games finished. Obviously, with Jonathan Papelbon here, Gagne will work primarily in a set-up capacity. The Sox had to add Beltre to get the deal done. The Yankees, Mets and Cubs were all in pursuit of Gagne and the Sox needed to sweeten their offer. Beltre was a high-level international free agent signed last July out of the Dominican Republic. Murphy, of course, is a former No. 1 pick out of Baylor whose career with the Sox seemed to stall the last two seasons as he fell behind both Brandon Moss and Jacoby Ellsbury on the Sox' outfield depth start. He'll be returning to his native Texas now. Gabbard upped his value in recent weeks, going 4-0 in seven starts for the Sox this season. There is no word on who will take his scheduled start tomorrow night.
Posted by Sean McAdam More on the Gagne dealCLEVELAND (AP) — With Eric Gagne finally pitching like his old self following two elbow operations and back surgery, the Boston Red Sox agreed Tuesday to acquire the reliever from the Texas Rangers, who also unloaded first baseman Mark Teixeira to Atlanta in a seven-player swap. Gagne, who has a limited no-trade clause, was asked to give his consent to the trade Tuesday afternoon, a person familiar with the talks said, speaking on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not yet been made. Once one of baseball's premier closers, Gagne was to join a Boston bullpen that already has two All-Star relievers: closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Hideki Okajima. But the Red Sox, who entered Tuesday leading the AL East by eight games over the New York Yankees, didn't want to take any chances of blowing their big lead and acquired Gagne to bolster the back end of their bullpen after consecutive implosions last weekend by Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen. Boston was to send left-hander Kason Gabbard as part of a package to the Rangers, who were the busiest team in the majors before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT non-waiver trade deadline. Earlier, they completed the deal that sent Teixeira and pitcher Ron Mahay to the Braves for rookie catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and four minor leaguers. Last week, the Rangers traded outfielder Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians for minor league catcher Max Ramirez. Milwaukee, clinging to its NL Central lead, also had been interested in obtaining Gagne.
Posted by Mike McDermott Sox Streakers for July 31Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Orioles vs. Josh Beckett Red Sox vs. Erik Bedard More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Dye deal might be, um, deadThe Chicago Tribune says there is a strong possibility that Jermaine Dye will not be traded, and that the White Sox are making overtures about signing Dye to a new contract.
Posted by Mike McDermott Report: Sox near deal on GagneFox Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Red Sox are about to land a trade for Texas Rangers relief pitcher Eric Gagne. Rosenthal says the Red Sox would give up Kason Gabbard and another player for Gagne, who must first approve a waiver of his no-trade clause. Click here to see Gagne's numbers.
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's Manny file: A good time to be MannyAmalie Benjamin of The Globe points out, in today's story lauding Manny's achievements and his player of the week award, that Ramirez leads all American League left fielders in fielding percentage (.993). Which reminds me of a poll that I meant to set up awhile ago, and which I will set up now: Is Manny a good fielder? The Herald's Rob Bradford noted yesterday that, two years after all the talk was about a Manny trade at the deadline, Ramirez seems perfectly content to stay here this year, and the club is happy to have him. Ramirez continued to climb the list of all-time run producers, tying Harmon Killebrew and Rogers Hornsby for 32nd place with his 1,584th Sunday against Tampa Bay. He needs seven more to tie Andre Dawson for 31st place. Twenty of Ramirez's 65 RBI this season have come in the first inning.
Posted by Mike McDermott More on the Proctor dealNEW YORK (AP) - The New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday to trade workhorse reliever Scott Proctor to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit in a deal that could add some punch to their limited bench. The long-discussed deal is subject to the teams approving medical records, an official on one of the clubs said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized. Betemit hit .231 with 10 homers and 26 RBIs with Los Angeles, which acquired him from the Atlanta Braves in a deadline deal last season. He played mostly third base with the Dodgers but is unlikely to see much time there with Alex Rodriguez in the midst of an MVP-type season for New York. Yankees manager Joe Torre has complained about the significant dropoff offensively from his starters to reserves, and Betemit could be the answer. The 25-year-old switch-hitter also can play shortstop and second base and is batting .320 (8-for-25) as a pinch hitter this season. He had pinch-hit homers in consecutive games at Atlanta in May. Proctor developed into one of Torre's favorite relievers last season, going 6-4 with a 3.52 ERA in an AL-high 83 games. It was the second-most appearances by a pitcher in club history. The excitable right-hander is 2-5 with a 3.81 ERA and four blown saves in 52 games this year. He finished off a rough June by burning some of his equipment on the field at Yankee Stadium after a loss to Oakland, and has a 2.84 ERA in July. He gives Dodgers manager Grady Little another option to get the ball to Takashi Saito, who has converted 26 of 29 save opportunities. Los Angeles was in a virtual tie with Arizona for the NL West lead entering play Tuesday. The Yankees were eight back of Boston in the AL East and four behind Cleveland in the wild-card race before Tuesday's games. They haven't missed the playoffs since 1994 - when the postseason was wiped out by a strike.
Posted by Mike McDermott Report: Sox offering Hansen, Pena for DyeESPN is also reporting today that the Red Sox' latest offer to the White Sox for Jermaine Dye is Wily Mo Pena and Craig Hansen for Dye and a minor leaguer. Chicago would rather have Manny Delcarmen than Hansen but reportedly has not received any better offer.
Posted by Mike McDermott Yankees trade Proctor to Dodgers for BetemitESPN is reporting that the Yankees will trade relief pitcher Scott Proctor to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit. The Dodgers, contenders in the National League West, have struggled mightily in the bullpen lately, and Proctor could certainly help. New York, meanwhile, gets a versatile player who can help fill in at first base this year and potentially be an option if Alex Rodriguez leaves at the end of the year. Betemit, who just turned 27, is a career .263 hitter who has played parts of six seasons with the Braves and the Dodgers. He is hitting .231 this year with 10 home runs, primarily coming off the bench.
Posted by Mike McDermott More on the Pineiro deal: Sox get cash, tooST. LOUIS (AP) - The pitching-starved St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday acquired right-hander Joel Pineiro, optioned to the minors last week by the Boston Red Sox, and cash for a minor league player to be named. Pineiro, 28, was a 16-game winner in 2003. He was used exclusively in relief this year by the Red Sox before being sent to Triple-A Pawtucket on July 25. Pineiro played seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners before signing a free agent deal with the Red Sox in January. He was 1-1 with a 5.03 ERA in 31 relief appearances for the Red Sox, but had a 3.60 ERA in 16 road appearances covering 15 innings. The Cardinals' rotation has a 5.50 ERA and is without Mark Mulder and ace Chris Carpenter, who had reconstructive elbow surgery earlier this month. The rotation has included three former relievers, Braden Looper (4.85), Adam Wainwright (4.45) and Brad Thompson (5.15). It also includes Anthony Reyes, Kip Wells and Mike Maroth, who have ERAs above 5.00. Reyes ended a 12-game losing streak on Saturday and will get at least one more start, probably bumping Maroth later this week. Pineiro has a career record of 59-56 with a 4.50 ERA in 26 games, including 148 starts. He was 14-7 in 2002 and 16-11 in 2003.
Posted by Mike McDermott A Trade...just not the one you were waiting forThe Red Sox just announced that they have sent pitcher Joel Pineiro to the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named later.
Posted by Sean McAdam Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Trade deadline specialProjo SoxTalk is back today with Sean McAdam. Click here to listen to the full audio file. Sean looks at the trade market as it stands this morning, at how the Red Sox would stack up as currently constructed in a playoff series, at what Jermaine Dye's potential arrival would mean for J.D. Drew, and at the coming three-game series with the Orioles. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments. On the trade outlook: "If anything happens, and I'm not convinced it's going to, it will probably come down to the 11th hour here, sometime mid- to late afternoon, before -- whatever you want to call it -- someone blinks or there's some movement. But as of now, as we speak, things are still on hold, and at this point I guess it wouldn't be a great shock if the Red Sox didn't do anything -- not for lack of effort, but right now they're just finding the asking price and the obstacles a bit too high." How would these Red Sox fare against a playoff foe? "I think that's exactluy why they are so interested in someone like Jermaine Dye, is that if they are having difficulty scoring runs throughout the regular season against some pretty poor pitching staffs, like Tampa Bay or Texas, then what's it going to be like when you're matched up against a deeper and more quality staff, like the Tigers or Angels. ... They realize it's not going to get any easier, certainly, in October facing those teams, and it would be nice to have another weapon and some more power, but at this point they think the asking price is too high, and given that Dye in particular is seen as a two-month rental here, they're reluctant to give up young pitching to get him." Would Dye's arrival bruise Drew's ego? "I'm sure it's something they thought about, but I also think that right now they're looking at a situation where they think they're good enough, or could be good enough, to win it all, and that has to be your concern now, and then you worry about ego and bruised feelings afterward. But given that Drew is contractually tied to this team for four more years after this, I think it's sommething that has to be on their mind, because the last thing you want to do is ... (make) an improvement for the short term, but be stuck with an unhappy player who doesn't think you have confidence in him for four years going forward."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Tuesday, July 31And here goes, with our belated roundup: D-DAY: The trade deadline is at 4 today, and here folks in New England are, talking about the Celtics. Go figure. Sean McAdam today outlines the various scenarios that could lead to a Red Sox trade today, but the bottom line is that as of last night, Boston had not found a deal to its liking. DYE WATCH: The Globe reports that, according to one major league source, there is still a good chance of Boston landing a deal for Jermaine Dye. According to Gordon Edes' story, the White Sox are willing to take Wily Mo Pena, and now it comes down to what else the Red Sox are willing to offer. The Chicago Tribune reports that the White Sox made a roster move that could set the stage for a two-for-one deal involving Dye. THEY'RE TRYING: In the Herald, Jeff Horrigan details the Sox' efforts to land Dye and Eric Gagne, and says that while the team absolutely will not part with Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz or Justin Masterson, there are conflicting reports about Jon Lester, Manny Delcarmen and Michael Bowden. LEADING BIDDERS: In Sports Illustrated, Jon Heyman says the Sox are leading the way in the race for Gagne. ART OF THE DEAL: Nick Cafardo writes today that Bill Walsh, a baseball fan, would have loved today (Boston Globe). CAUTIOUS YANKS: Meanwhile, The New York Post reports that the Yankees appear likely to stand pat, unless they can find takers for Kyle Farnsworth or Scott Proctor. The Daily News says that the Yankees are making a "big push" to land Gagne, but that the team is unwilling to give up any of its top-notch pitching prospects. Instead, the Bombers are supposedly offering a member of this year's early-season cast of starting-pitcher posers (Chase Wright, Tyler Clippard, Matt DeSalvo) along with Proctor. The Daily News says the Mets are in the Gagne sweepstakes, as well. BUT THEY MIGHT DO THIS: The Yanks may be in discussions with the Dodgers about trading Proctor for Wilson Betemit, an infielder who could play at first. The Post quotes one National League scout as saying that if Boston brings in Gagne to set up Jonathan Papelbon, the A.L. East race is over. NO MAS: Twins players are bummed out over the team's decision to trade Luis Castillo, saying it is a sign that Minnesota has thrown in the towel (Minneapolis Star Tribune). MANNY IS TOPS: Manny Ramirez (.393, three home runs, 10 RBI) is baseball's player of the week (Boston Herald). BULLPEN HELP: Mike Timlin is expected to be available to pitch tonight (Boston Herald). THE BALL'S IN THEIR COURT: In The New York Post, Steve Serby speculates that Yankee fans -- and how they embrace or fail to embrace him from here on out -- could hold the key to Alex Rodriguez's decision on whether to stay in pinstripes. MILESTONES: In Milwaukee, Tom Glavine goes for his 300th victory tonight (N.Y. Daily News). And, of course, Barry Bonds tries to tie Hank Aaron's record in Los Angeles. In an op-ed piece in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, economist J.C. Bradbury explains why folks should cheer for Barry. On the flip side, Bill Plaschke reminds us in the L.A. Times why Dodgers fans have more reason to boo Bonds than most. A'S STILL NUMBER ONE: While the Giants continue to get most of the press, the Athletics may be the best-postitioned of the two Bay Area teams to return to contention -- despite the Giants' much-touted young arms. (San Francisco Chronicle) SANCHEZ'S WOES:Anibal Sanchez is at odds with the Marlins over his May demotion to the minor leagues. The players union has filed a grievance on behalf of Sanchez, whom the Sox sent to Florida after the 2005 season as part of their package for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, saying that Florida improperly demoted an injured player. (South Florida Sun Sentinel) LEGAL TROUBLE: Speaking of the Marlins, their 2003 first-round draft pick, pitcher Jeff Allison, is being extradited to North Carolina to face drug and larceny charges (Palm Beach Post). The Marlins last week placed Allison on the restricted list because of a "legal issue." HANCOCK SUIT DROPPED: An attorney for Josh Hancock's father, Dean, has agreed to drop a lawsuit that sought to partially blame a host of people for the death of the former Cardinals pitcher. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) LAME AND FORTUNE: The Phillies won another game last night, Brett Myers picked up his first save in more than two months, but the club lost two outfielders -- Shane Victorino and the promising Michael Bourn -- to injuries (Philadelphia Daily News). Both are day to day for now. Keep an eye on the blog today for the latest as we count down to the deadline.
Posted by Mike McDermott July 30, 2007
PawSox 3, Clippers 1
So the story has went for the PawSox of late. Pawtucket had went a week straight without scoring more than four runs and had struggled against Columbus all season. "The total game ‹ from pitching to defense to the timely hitting to the fundamental stuff -- I was really impressed with this team," said Pawtucket skipper Ron Johnson. Pawtucket hopes to get the split in this four-game set via the back door by sending the rehabbing Curt Schilling to the bump. Mike Burns (3-7), a late replacement for original starter Devern Hansack (stiff neck), was nearly untouchable in six innings of work. The right-hander gave up just four hits and a run while fanning four in his second straight quality start. George Kottaras' three-run home run was all that Burns needed, and the PawSox bullpen, which allowed eight runs in four innings Sunday, got the job done despite some hairy moments. "The season is winding down and we feel like we have a team that can make a push (for the playoffs)," Burns said. "But every time it seems like we get on a roll, we let two, three or even four things get away from us. It was a big win." Pawtucket entered the game hitting a meager .205 against Columbus in the first six games of 2007. The PawSox, which entered the day ranked next-to-last in the International League in batting, were worse with runners in scoring position (2-for-21 in this series) and abandoned 15 runners in Sunday¹s 10-6 loss. Pawtucket took advantage of Columbus starter Chris Michalak's second-inning yips. The left-hander (3-5) hit two batters in the inning -- Michael Tucker and Bobby Scales -- around a pair of outs. Kottaras, symbolic of the PawSox's woes with ducks on the pond, put a charge into a 2-1 fastball from the former Cincinnati Red, turning it into the game-winning blast over the right-field fence. Kottaras was hitting just .147 with runners in scoring position, but extended his hit streak to five games with the bomb. "The mission is to try to score as many runs as you can and take advantage of your opportunities," said Kottaras, who now has six homers on the year. Since replacing Kason Gabbard in the rotation, Burns has a 3.55 earned-run average in seven starts and has allowed just three runs in his last 12 2/3 innings. His only blemish came in the fourth when, after retiring nine in a row, allowed a solo home run from Michael Restovich. It was Restovich¹s second shot in as many nights. "They made a heckuva play," Burns said. Then in the eighth, reliever Craig Hansen allowed a bunt single to Brandon Watson and a slicing double to left by Clipper killer Bernie Castro. In a pickle, Hansen rared back and threw gas by both Casto and Restovich to thwart the rally. Closer Travis Hughes also gave Johnson some nail-biting moments in the ninth, allowing two straight hits to open the frame, and wild pitched the runners into scoring position with one down. But Hughes mowed down the final two batters to pick up his 14th save. Pawtucket relievers recorded the final eight outs by strikeout. "(Sunday) we played five innings and then we caved," Johnson said. "Today, we played nine innings, and that's what you need when you play a team like this." Prieto had two hits, including a double, for the PawSox, who despite having just five hits on the night went 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The win guaranteed Pawtucket its second consecutive winning month (15-12) with just today¹s game left. And when all was said and done, the PawSox were eating steak and the Clippers were left to their weiners. --DONN WALDEN, Special to the Journal
Posted by Chris Venditto Baseball Today: Monday, July 30
First of all, a note: There will be no projo SoxTalk today, but Sean McAdam will resume our regular audio feature tomorrow at noon. ROADBLOCK: Scott Kazmir showed us once again what he is made of, Manny Delcarmen reminded Red Sox fans of why insurance would be nice to get in the bullpen, and the Red Sox failed to complete a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, Boston did what it needed to do this weekend at Tropicana Field, thanks to the team's 12-inning win on Saturday night. As for the Red Sox' bullpen situation, we'll have to keep a close eye on the health of Mike Timlin, who has not been used since running his scoreless innings streak to 16 early last week in Cleveland. The team is said to still be interested in obtaining the services of a power right-handed arm, such as Octavio Dotel or Eric Gagne (Globe). GOOD ARM: Devil Rays reliever Al Reyes, who looked impressive on Saturday, could be a trade target. The Seattle Mariners reportedly are interested (Seattle Times). BRONX ZOO: The Yankees won yesterday to prevent a three-game sweep in Baltimore (we won't count the victory Friday night in the conclusion to the suspended game, which actually counts toward New York's June record), but the talk New York today is about Kyle Farnsworth's snub of Jorge Posada, (NY Post) which came after Farnsworth had surrendered a two-run homer in the eighth. Farnsworth, whom you figure the Yanks would love to move, complained after the game about not being used very much. Not surprisingly, the Yanks are also in the Gagne sweepstakes. THEY HAVE HIS BACK: Joe Torre and Johnny Damon responded, predictably, to Jose Canseco's threatening call-out of Alex Rodriguez (N.Y. Daily News). Damon also says Jason Giambi is ready to play (Post). WHO'S THE BOSS? The business Web site Florida Trend gets up close and personal with George Steinbrenner in this Q and A. A DAY AT THE HALL: It was a good day in Cooperstown, because class acts Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were welcomed into the Hall of Fame (Washington Post). It was a bad day in Cooperstown, because Bud Selig was pondering what punishment Gary Sheffield deserves after Sheff called the commissioner a liar and a grandstander in regards to steroids (NY Daily News). GET RID OF IT: Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Daily News columnist Bill Conlin writes today about why the Veterans Committee should be abolished. STAY CLOSE TO HOME: And speaking (we were earlier) of steroids, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci explains why it would be a disaster for Barry Bonds to hit number 756 outside of San Francisco. MARK TEIXEIRA: The streaking Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly thrown themselves into the bidding for Texas' star first baseman (Dallas Morning News). But Ken Rosenthal still gives the edge to the Braves and the Angels (Fox Sports). ADIEU, ALOUS: As Moises Alou nears retirement, baseball's greatest family dynasty appears to be near the end (NY Daily News). REMEMBER ME: Jermaine Dye homered in what might end up being his last White Sox home game (Chicago Sun Times). HOMETOWN CHEERLEADER: L.A. Times columnist Paul Oberjuerge thinks Mike Scioscia is the best manager in baseball.
Posted by Mike McDermott July 29, 2007
Clubhouse reaction after today's loss in TampaRed Sox manager Terry Francona on Manny Delcarmen's struggles: “That’s why we went to Manny, so it wouldn’t [get out of control]. He threw two fastballs right in the middle of the plate. Daisuke was so good. It didn’t work out very well.” Delcarmen on his sub-par outing and allowing back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning: “If I could take them back I would. It just shows that when you make a mistake they are going to hit it up here. I got frustrated because we scored two the next inning, and if you take away (my) runs then we’re up by one. I wanted to go back out there.” Dice-K on his performance and the home run he allowed in the seventh inning: “With both teams at zero runs at that point, that was a situation I wanted to avoid and I’m disappointed."
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse Confidential*The Red Sox complete their seven-game road trip today and they're hoping to return to Boston with a 6-1 mark.
“Not much,” said Francona. “During spring training we have everybody rotate with everybody, but Tek caught the majority of Dice-K because we’re trying to get them familiar [with each other]. But it’s not surprising that this happens once or twice a year. Actually, in the long run, it’s probably good. Jason and I talked about it after (Saturday’s) game, it forces you to do something that ends up being good.”
“We try to do the right thing,” said Francona. “If you get to a point where the right thing looks like it’s longer, then I know we maybe have to look at different things, but I don’t think that’s where we’re at now. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to pitch on Tuesday.” Timlin, who has worked 16 scoreless innings in his last 11 outings, spent the early part of the season on the DL and also made a rehab appearance in Pawtucket. "It was a little bit achy, so we decided to lay off," said Timlin this morning. "Give it some time off so it doesn't flare up. It's getting better. Rest isn't always fun, but rest is good. . . as much as no one likes to admit it, especially me, I'm getting older. I don't rebound as fast as I would like to. . . . this is a team concept, it's not a sprint. If I'm able to take some rest in the middle of the race so I can finish, then we'll do that." Timlin said a trip to the disabled list the furthest thing from his mind.
Posted by Joe McDonald Today's lineups from TampaBOSTON TAMPA BAY
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse reaction after marathon gameBy Joe McDonald ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Jonathan Papelbon is in the baseball business to save the Boston Red Sox. Last night the Boston Red Sox saved Jonathan Papelbon. After suffering only his second blown save of the season, Papelbon had to wait until the 12th inning to see if his mates could bail in out, which they did in a dramatic and entertaining 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field. “There’s no sting,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We set out to win and we did. It wasn’t easy. The final score won’t indicate the struggles, but that a good win.” The Devil Rays’ Jonny Gomes smacked a pair of home runs last night, including a two-run shot off Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the second game of this three-game set at 6-6 to force extra innings. The blown save for Papelbon, only his second of the season, squashed any chance of teammate, friend and starter Jon Lester to earn his second consecutive victory since returning to the majors last Monday in Cleveland after successfully battling cancer in the offseason. “The main thing is we won,” said Lester. “You have those outings some times and we know Pappy will bounce right back. He’s going to get them either tomorrow or the next day. He’ll be right back to where he needs to be and get that next save. I’m not worried about him and it was a good victory for the team.” Papelbon suffered his first blown save of the season on May 1 against Oakland, and until last night the hard-throwing right-hander converted 15 straight save opportunities. Entering last night’s game Boston was 60-1 when leading after the eighth inning this season. Despite Papelbon’s miscue, Francona thought his closer was solid. Fortunately for the Red Sox, Julio Lugo has a keen eye at the plate. He walked twice with the bases loaded, including his seventh at-bat of the game to push across the eventual game-winning run with two outs in the top of the 12th. The Sox’ Kevin Youkilis provided some much-needed insurance with a three-run double in the third extra frame of the night before Manny Ramirez added a two-run double en route to the victory. “Our main focus in the bullpen, obviously, is to pick everyone up,” said Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder, who earned the win. “We’ve got the best closer in baseball right now in my opinion and everyone’s opinion on this team. Baseball is a funny game. [A save] is not necessarily a sure thing, so you always have to keep it turned on down there [in the bullpen] no matter what happens. There are a lot of emotional swings down there for guys like myself throughout the course of the game. As soon as [blown save] happened, I thought there was a good chance I would get the ball in the 10th and I managed to put up two zeros. Obviously our offensive exploded and we came back and got the win.” The reason Snyder worked last night was because Mike Timlin’s shoulder was a little sore, according to Francona. It’s nothing serious, and the team knew before the game the veteran reliever would not be available.
Posted by Joe McDonald July 28, 2007
FINAL: Boston 12, Tampa Bay 6 (12 innings)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Jonathan Papelbon is in the baseball business to save the Boston Red Sox. Last night the Boston Red Sox saved Jonathan Papelbon. After suffering only his second blown save of the season, Papelbon had to wait until the 12th inning to see if his mates could bail in out, which they did in a dramatic and entertaining 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field. He walked twice with the bases loaded, including his seventh at-bat of the game to push across the eventual game-winning run with two outs in Boston’s 12-inning. The Sox’ Kevin Youkilis provided some much-needed insurance with a three-run double in the third extra frame of the night before Manny Ramirez added a two-run double en route to the victory. The Devil Rays’ Jonny Gomes smacked a pair of home runs last night, including a two-run shot off Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the second game of this three-game set at 6-6 to force extra innings. The blown save for Papelbon, only his second of the season, squashed any chance of teammate, friend and starter Jon Lester to earn his second consecutive victory since returning to the majors last Monday in Cleveland after successfully battling cancer in the offseason. Papelbon suffered his first blown save of the season on May 1 against Oakland, and until last night the hard-throwing right-hander converted 15 straight save opportunities. Entering last night’s game Boston was 60-1 when leading after the eighth inning this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald Clippers 6, PawSox 2COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The PawSox continued a disturbing trend that has wreaked havoc on them the entire season -- lack of offensive punch. Pawtucket, which entered the game 12th in the International League in runs scored, managed just five hits in a 6-2 loss to the Columbus Clippers Saturday night at Cooper Stadium. PawSox manager Ron Johnson was prophetic prior to the game when assessing where his club was at through 103 games. "When we score some runs, we have the potential," said the third-year kipper. "We've had some stretches where we've had tough times scoring. You don't want to put it on anybody (in particular), it's just reality. "Our pitching is respectable, but we've battled to keep our heads above water offensively. That's what it is. If we go out and put some runs on the board, we've got a good chance to win." They had chances against Clipper starter Josh Hall (1-0), making his season debut. Hall allowed the PawSox to get the leadoff batter aboard in four of the first five innings, but only had a single tally to show for it. Meanwhile, right-handed starter David Pauley (6-4) put up his second consecutive quality start and continued to put up impressive numbers against Columbus in 2007. He allowed a seventh-inning earned run, his first in 12 1/3 innings against the Clippers, but was victimized by three errors. Pauley allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out four in six-plus innings. Hall, who was recalled from double-A Harrisburg on Thursday, gave up just three hits and three walks in his five innings of work, fanning four in just his second start of the campaign. It was the seventh consecutive game that Pawtucket has scored less than four runs after a stretch that saw the PawSox score five or more times in eight straight games. Four Columbus hitters -- Bernie Castro, Kory Casto, Larry Broadway and Abraham Nunez -- each had two hits to pace the 11-hit Clipper attack. Down by three in the eighth, the PawSox tried to rally off Clipper reliever Winston Abreu. David Murphy led off with a single and Michael Tucker forced a 10-pitch walk, but Pawtucket, who was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, failed to produce a timely hit. Pauley should have been out of the second inning without any damage, but second baseman Bobby Scales booted an easy grounder off the bat of Melvin Dorta with two out, allowing Lombard, who doubled with one down, to score from third. The right-hander escaped further damage when Dorta was gunned down trying to steal second. Pauley shot himself in the foot in the third. With one out, he threw a bunted ball by Castro down the right-field line, with Castro scooting all the way to third base. After a strikeout, Pauley's full-count pitch to Michael Restovich went between the wickets of Kottaras, allowing Castro to score. Two batters later, Nunez slapped a ball past Brandon Moss at first, scoring Restovich to put the Clippers up 3-1. Pawtucket cut the gap to one in the seventh as Brady Clark, signed by parent club Boston on Thursday, lifted a sacrifice fly that enabled Jeff Bailey to score. However, Columbus reliever Hector Carrasco induced another fly ball to end the threat. Lombard's ground out then scored Casto, who had greeted the rookie right-hander with a swinging bunt single. Casto then slapped a two-out, RBI hit in the eighth to end the scoring.
Right-hander Joel Pineiro, who was designated for assignment by Boston on July 22, will get his second start for the PawSox tonight. In his first outing, he allowed just a walk in three innings of work. Johnson expects him to up his pitch count to around 80 to 85, which will hopefully get Pineiro around four to five innings of work. "With a guy like that, we just see how he goes as he goes along. The veteran guys like that will pretty much let you know." In 31 relief appearances with the big club this season, he is 1-1 with a 5.03 earned-run average. -- DONN WALDEN
Posted by Chris Venditto Pedroia soreFor the second consecutive game, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is out of the lineup due to sore ribs, which he injured earlier in the week when diving for a ball in Cleveland. He said it’s nothing serious and is expected to be back in the lineup today. Francona felt it best to give the rookie another day to rest for precautionary reasons.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tampa Bay Devil Rays like Rhode IslandersThe Tampa Bay Devil Rays just acquired Warwick native Dan Wheeler from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Ty Wigginton. Wheeler, a former Pilgrim High School standout, will join Cumberland native Rocco Baldelli on Tampa's roster.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineups from TampaBOSTON TAMPA BAY
Posted by Joe McDonald Sox Streakers for July 28Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. James Shields Devil Rays vs. Jon Lester More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott July 27, 2007
Buchholz and bullpen combine for 4-2 winTOLEDO , Ohio – The PawSox used a “bend-but-don’t-break” pitching performance to beat Toledo 4-2 and split this four-game series with the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field. Starter Clay Buchholz and relievers Craig Hansen, Edgar Martinez and Bryan Corey combined to limit the Hens to five hits, shutting out Toledo after the first inning. The Mud Hens jumped in front when Henry Mateo drew a one-out walk against Buchholz, one of four he issued in four innings of work, and Timo Perez slammed a two-run homer to right, his 11th round-tripper of the season. The Mud Hens had their chances, with the best coming in the third when they loaded the bases with none out off Buchholz. But the 22-year-old right-hander struck out Chris Shelton on three pitches, retired Brent Clevlen on a fly to shallow right, and got David Espinosa on a grounder down the first-base line. Shelton led off the sixth with a double off Hansen but never left second as Hansen retired the Hens without incident. In the seventh Mateo reached third when he drew a one-out walk from Martinez, stole second, then took third on a groundout before Martinez got Jack Hannahan to ground out and strand Mateo in third. Toledo eventually stranded nine baserunners in the game and was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Hansen (3-1) earned the win with his two scoreless innings of relief, and Bryan Corey – a former Mud Hens – got the game’s final four outs to claim his second save in this series. Pawtucket tied the game in the third by opening the inning with four straight hits. Alex Prieto led off with a single, the first of his three hits on the night, then moved to third on Brady Clark’s double off the wall in left. Both runners came home when Jed Lowrie, who was promoted from Double-A Portland just before the game, singled down the right-field line. Toledo starter Anastacio Martinez left the game at that point after suffering a blister on his right, or pitching, thumb, and reliever Jeremy Johnson gave up a single to the first batter he faced, David Murphy. But the Red Sox didn’t score again as Johnson got Bobby Scales to hit a grounder to first, and Chris Shelton threw Lowrie out at the plate. Brandon Moss then struck out and Joe McEwing was retired on grounder back to the pitcher Johnson. The PawSox took the lead for good with a pair of runs in the sixth. With one out McEwing singled off Johnson, and George Kottaras greeted Toledo reliever Vic Darensbourg by singling up the middle, moving McEwing to third. Ed Rogers hit a slow roller down the third-base line and Jack Hannahan only was able to retire Rogers at first as McEwing scored and Kottaras took second. Prieto then added an insurance run by doubling high off the wall in left. Clark was hit by a pitch from reliever Preston Larrison to put two runners on base, but Lowrie hit into a fielder’s choice to end the threat.
NOTES: Lowrie was one of two players the PawSox received from Portland before yesterday’s game. The other was RHP Lincoln Holdzkom, who was 4-1 with a save and a 3.47 ERA in 30 appearances for Portland. Lowrie hit .297 with eight home runs and 49 RBI in 93 games with the Sea Dogs. To make room for the pair of the roster the PawSox sent IF Zack Borowiak and RHP Barry Hertzler to Portland. ----JOHN WAGNER Special to the Journal
Posted by Thom Cahir Game Story: Sox 7, Devil Rays 1ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ The southern headquarters of Red Sox Nation paid homage to the A.L. East leaders last night with a reception fit for a World Series contender. Red Sox fans came to Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Devils Rays, in droves as most of the 33,144 in attendance were wearing red and white. And, in true Fenway Park fashion, Boston didn’t disappoint its faithful with a 7-1 victory. “We’re a very popular team,” said Red Sox shortstop and former Devil Ray Julio Lugo. “On the road we have a lot of fans. It’s great. Everywhere we go we feel like we’re at home.” Kevin Youkilis provided the much-needed spark for the Red Sox with a three-run homer in the top of the sixth before Boston added four in the eighth en route to its fourth victory on the club’s current seven-game road trip with two remaining here. “Beautiful,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona of the Youkilis homer. “It came at a point when we hadn’t done a whole lot. We were patient and got base runners just in case somebody does run into one we get the dividends.” Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield improved to 12-9 on the season, while reliever Manny Delcarmen continues his resurgence in the Boston bullpen. With his victory, Wakefield becomes the all-time leader in victories (17) over the Devil Rays. “When the environment is controlled he’s not battling elements,” said Francona. “We certainly weren’t doing enough offensively early, and the way he pitched allowed us to stay patient, so we could do something later. He did a great job. It probably looked like Manny Delcarmen was throwing 110 after Wake, he was making real good pitches.” "I like pitching here,” said Wakefield of his eighth career win in 10 years at Tropicana Field. “I like pitching inside, I’ve always said that. Other than the second inning, I felt like I had pretty good control of everything tonight.” On the heels of a solid 3-1 series against the Cleveland Indians, Boston continued its momentum. The Devils Rays returned to The Trop last night after a horrid 1-6 road trip through New York and Baltimore and it seemed as though a bit of home cooking would work for Tampa. After the Devil Rays pushed a run across in the bottom of the second inning, 24-year-old starter Jason Hammel took care of the rest – at least for the time being. The right-hander retired the first 11 batters he faced before David Ortiz line a single to right field with two outs in the fourth. It didn’t faze Hammel as he retired the five batters before issuing back-to-back walks in the sixth inning. Tampa manager Joe Maddon decided that was enough and gave Hammel the hook, replacing him with reliever Juan Salas with one out and two on. That’s when Youkilis crushed a 2-1 offering from Salas and deposited it into the left-field seats for a three-run homer to give Boston its first lead of the night. The Devil Rays couldn’t muster any more run support off Wakefield, who finished six full innings and allowed just one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. After the knuckleballer was done for the night, the revival of Delcarmen continued. The hard-throwing right-hander retired the side in order in the seventh before Boston added to its lead in the top of the eighth inning. J.D. Drew provided an RBI-single, his first hit in the last 12 at-bats, and with two outs Coco Crisp contributed a two-run double. Doug Mirabelli helped with an RBI-single for a 7-1 advantage. Delcarmen worked a scoreless eighth inning and has allowed only one run in his last 12 appearances. With the Red Sox holding a six-run lead Kyle Snyder finished the job. “I’m not ever surprised by the support we get,” said Francona. “We have great fans.” ----JOE McDONALD
Posted by Thom Cahir Tonight's lineups from TampaBOSTON TAMPA BAY
Posted by Joe McDonald Sox Streakers for July 27Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Weird Streak Red Sox vs. Jason Hammel Devil Rays vs. Tim Wakefield More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Remy to be at McFadden's on FridaySox broadcaster and former second baseman Jerry Remy will be at McFadden's bar and restaurant at 52 Pine St., in Providence, from 5:15 to 6 p.m. on Monday. The Red Sox have an off-day Monday, and Remy will be at McFadden's to meet and greet fans and talk about the season, according to a news release from WEEI.
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's Manny file: What a shotFor those of you who may have been wondering if Manny Ramirez has been showing his age this season, it should come as some comfort that last night's mammoth second-inning shot was not only the third-longest in the history of Jacobs Field, it was the longest of Ramirez's career, anywhere, according to The Boston Herald's Rob Bradford, who got the story confirmed by Ramirez himself. As Bradford continues, the pregame scene was an example of Manny Being Manny: "Even before accelerating his offense to another prodigious level, Ramirez offered a glimpse into his unpredictability. It came before the game and after three days in which Ramirez’ presence was dominated by trips back and forth to the batting cages, some quiet interaction with teammates and an occasional turn on the clubhouse’s video game system. But then came another surprise. 'Hey Varitek, are you going to buy me a Nintendo game?' Ramirez bellowed. 'We’ll chip in to get you one,' responded a seemingly caught-off-guard Jason Varitek. What a way to make people forget about your gaffe of the night before, when Coco Crisp got thrown out at the plate. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has more on the fast friendship of Manny and Ryan Garko. Apparently, Garko received some custom batting gloves from Ramirez this week, and Manny requested and received an autographed bat from Garko. MSNBC's Mike Celizic says Alex Rodriguez is the king of the Golden Age of Offense, and that only Manny comes close.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Red-hot Manny; Lester vs. GabbardOn the Friday after a big Red Sox win, Sean McAdam is back for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. The topics include Manny Ramirez's hot streak; Wily Mo Pena's four-hit night and whether it increases his trade value; what the Red Sox can expect from Curt Schilling's return; who loses his spot in the rotation when Schilling comes back; and, of course, Ty Wigginton. Here are some excerpts from the conversation: On Ramirez: "He is as hot as any player in the game in the two weeks since the second half has begun, and the Red Sox can only hope it continues, because he is good enough to be the guy that can impact the entire batting order." On Pena: "I'm sure there was some scout there from the Pittsburgh Pirates or the San Diego Padres, or one of the four or five teams interested in Pena, looking at last night and convincing himself that this is what this guy can be, and it's true, but the question is: How often? ... From the Red Sox standpoint the timing [of last night's big performance] probably couldn't have been any better, because maybe some team will delude themselves into thinking that they're going to get a lot more of this, rather than get it infrequently like the Red Sox have for two seasons." On Schilling: "I think the key in this six-week shutdown is that he's had the time to rebuild the shoulder and strengthen that area, which I think frankly he had been lax in doing through the first two and a half months in the season, which is why you could see such inconsistency from him. ... Now that he's been shut down from major league competition for about a month and a half, and has been put on a throwing and strengthening program, they believe he's getting back to the point where he should be, and thus more consistent." On Gabbard vs. Lester: "I think we're going to see something of a pitch-off here coming up in the next few days. We'll see how Jon Lester fares in his second start tomorrow night, and then Gabbard's next turn comes along Wednesday back at Fenway against Baltimore. And I think they're going to look at the way the arrows are pointing for these guys, are they up or down?"
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Friday, July 27
A GOOD NIGHT ALL AROUND: The pitches were looking fat last night, and Red Sox hitters feasted on them, scoring early and often en route to a 14-9 rout of the Cleveland Indians. Manny Ramirez hit what is believed to be the third-longest home run ever at Jacobs Field, Wily Mo Pena had a good audition for potential trade suitors, and Kason Gabbard may have helped Jon Lester's chances of remaining in the rotation. AND ANOTHER REASON: Meanwhile, in Toledo, Ohio, Curt Schilling was looking like his vintage self, albeit against lesser competition. Schilling will make one more rehab start before hopefully returning to Boston (both projo). Here's some of what Schilling has to say about his outing: "Two things I took away, above all else, were the fact that I felt I threw my best fastballs in my last inning, and that my split, even the ones that got taken, was better than it’s been in years." (38 Pitches) GAINING ONE BACK: And so the Red Sox' divisional lead goes back to seven and a half games, after Kansas City's unlikely shutout of the Yankees last night at Kauffman Stadium (N.Y. Post). The loss ends an offensive streak of historic proportions, in which New York scored 70 runs while winning six straight games. Alex Rodriguez did not get his 500th homer off Jorge De La Rosa (the guy who gave up number 400), and Kei Igawa did nothing to help the cause. DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Peter Abraham writes that the Yankees are now considering what to do the next time Igawa's spot in the rotation comes up. Phil Hughes is not far from being ready, Joba Chamberlain is an option, or, perhaps most likely, they could just stick with a four-man rotation for now (Yankees LoHud Blog). THAT HALF WILL VANISH: Whatever happens tonight, the size of the lead will change. The Yanks travel to Baltimore, and before playing tonight's regularly scheduled game, they'll complete the suspended game of June 28. It will be 8-6 Yankees in the eighth inning when play resumes. Baltimore, by the way, is 4-1 against New York so far this year. INTEREST IN TAVAREZ: The Boston Globe reports that several clubs -- including the Dodgers, the Phillies and Rockies -- are interested in trading for Julian Tavarez. Meanwhile, The Globe says that Tampa Bay is asking too much for Ty Wigginton (perhaps Manny Delcarmen and/or Justin Masterson), while there are questions about how good a fit Wigginton would be with the Sox (projo). UGLY NUMBERS: Chad Finn is a big Jerry Remy fan, but he wouldn't want him batting in his lineup (touchingallthebases): "Remy might be built more like Dustin Pedroia, but he knows Pedroia has more pure hitting ability than he ever did. He sees his reflection as a player in [Alex] Cora." TEIXEIRA: FoxSports says the Braves -- still the front-runner in the race to acquire the slugging first-baseman, are offering prized prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia and two other players for Teixeira alone. The Globe says the Rangers are still looking for Clay Buccholz and Jacoby Ellsbury in exchange for Mark Teixeira, something the Sox would presumably never do. ON THE OUTS? Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said after last night's game that he has not decided whether Cliff Lee will remain in the starting rotation after last night's debacle. If he is bumped, one guy who could take his place is Jeremy Sowers, the promising youngster who was demoted to Triple-A earlier this season (both Akron Beacon Journal). GOOD NEWS AND BAD: The Orioles are streaking under interim manager Dave Tremblay, and take a four-game winning streak into the New York series. But the Orioles will have to play at least the next five weeks without closer Chris Ray, out with a sprained ligament in his elbow (Washington Post). SUDDENLY, THE END: One moment, outfielder Ryan Kalish was tearing it up at Single-A Lowell, on a 12-for-15 stretch at the plate. The next, Kalish was out for the season, with a broken hamate bone (Boston Globe). NOT GIVING UP ON HIM: Jose Contreras may have the worst E.R.A. among American League qualifiers, but Ozzie Guillen says that Contreras still has trade value (Chicago Tribune). LOCAL INTEREST: The Rockies are reportedly interested in Warwick's Dan Wheeler (FoxSports). DODGER BLUES: Derek Lowe believes he will be able to make his next start for the Dodgers. But last night another L.A. pitcher hurt himself running the bases. This time it was Brad Penny (L.A. Times).
Posted by Mike McDermott Clubhouse reaction following 14-9 victoryDavid Ortiz on Manny Ramirez's 481-foot homer: "That ball was (expletive) crushed." Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Wily Mo Pena's 4-for-5 night: “I think everybody is happy for him. He swung the bat really, really well and gave us big boosts. That’s what he can do. I think he saw six pitches, swung at all of them and hit four of them right on the button. It was fun to watch.” Pena on his performance: “The last couple of games I was struggling. I wasn’t getting any hits, so I just said to myself go in there and do the best that I can. I’ve been working hard and everything is coming back. I felt my confidence tonight. I was just looking for a good pitch to hit. It was good to go 4-for-5 in one game; I’ve been looking for that.” Pena on Manny's homer: “That homer he hit to center field was unbelievable. I can hit one that far one day. I’ll just have to wait.” Kason Gabbard on his outing: In the fifth “I was trying to be too perfect with everything.I got out of sync a little bit. Honestly to me it’s kind of embarrassing to have a 9-1 lead and have all that happen, especially not being able to finish. I just try to go out there and do my best every time and now I’m looking forward to my next start.”
Posted by Joe McDonald July 26, 2007
Game Story: Manny's bat powers Sox to 14-9 winCLEVELAND - On a night when all eyes were on Boston’s pitching staff, Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez stole the spotlight as he continues his offensive prowess against his former team. He entered last night’s game, the finale of a four-game set at Jacobs Field, with a .348 lifetime average against Cleveland and added to his greatness here with a two-homer game, including four RBI, a double and four runs scored. Just Manny being Manny. His performance helped the Red Sox to a 14-9 victory over the Indians as teammate Wily Mo Pena contributed a 4-for-5 night with a three-run homer, a single and a pair of doubles. As Boston banged out 17 hits against Indians pitching, it was déjà vu all over again for the Red Sox pitching staff. For the third time in three weeks Kason Gabbard and Curt Schilling both pitched on the same night, the rookie for Boston and the veteran, two rehabs for Pawtucket and one simulated game. While Schilling started for the PawSox – five scoreless innings, two hits and eight strikeouts – an hour and a half away in Toledo, Gabbard looked to improve on his 4-0 record. The left-hander worked 4 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Ramirez got things going with a monster solo home run in the top of the second inning. His blast, the first offering from Cleveland starter Cliff Lee, landed 481 feet from home plate to become the third longest shot at The Jake. Former Indian Jim Thome still holds the top spot with his 511-foot homer, while Mark McGwire’s 485-footer is second. Until the bottom of the fifth, Gabbard retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced as he continued to look sharp. But, he began to struggle slowly as Cleveland mounted a comeback on the rookie with four runs in the inning to cut its deficit to four. Gabbard, who had walked only four batters in his previous three starts, didn’t issue a free pass last night until the fifth where he posted three and hit a batter. Finally with two outs and the Indians batting around the order, Francona replaced the southpaw with reliever Julian Tavarez. It was the first time since Aug. 27, 2006 at Seattle that Tavarez appeared in a relief role. He finished last season as a starter, and with Jon Lester out of the rotation to start the season as he battled back from cancer, Tavarez had been starting in the No. 5 spot until last Monday when Lester finally returned. The Red Sox halted Cleveland’s comeback when Pena lined a three-run homer into the bleacher seats in left field to give Boston a 12-5 lead. Cleveland, however, once again battled back. Tavarez, who struggled badly in his last four starts, retired the first four batters he faced, and with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, surrendered four unearned runs, including a three-run homer to the Indians’ Ryan Garko as Cleveland cut its deficit to three. Ramirez added his second roundtripper of the game in the eighth, a two-run shot, to give Boston a 14-9 lead. Prior to last night’s game, Francona spoke highly of the Gabbard’s performances this season. The left-hander made a spot start in May against Atlanta, and last night made his sixth start since replacing the injured Schilling in the rotation on June 26. “Left-handers with change-ups in this league can be devastating,” said the manager. “Gabby has been good as anybody in baseball his last two starts. . . he’s got good two-seam movement and his change-up is such a good pitch. His breaking ball is getting so much better.” Francona recalled watching Gabbard work in spring training prior to last season and remembered his curveball had a “loop” to it. “He throws it now and it’s tight,” Francona said. Gabbard kept his momentum going early into last night’s start, but struggled in his last inning of work. Fortunately, the Red Sox gave him plenty of run support for the win. After his second rehab start with Pawtucket, Schilling re-joined the Sox in Tampa today. The veteran right-hander will make a third rehab appearance for the PawSox on Tuesday in Columbus before returning to Boston’s rotation – if everything continues to go as planned – the first week of August when the club travels to the west coast. Because Gabbard has been so effective, and Lester was solid in his victorious return last Monday, the Sox will have a difficult decision to make when Schilling returns.
Posted by Corey Bourassa Game Story: Schilling dominant for Pawtucket
Schilling allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings, striking out eight Mud Hens and not walking a batter in a game the PawSox eventually lost 3-2 in 10 innings. “How about Schilling – this was a positive night for Red Sox Nation, because Curt Schilling was really good,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. “His pitches were low going through four innings, and he was really impressive. “He commanded everything he had, and he was excited about his stuff. He’s made two very good rehab starts for us.” Schilling retired the first 14 Mud Hens he faced in order before giving up a double to deep center by Brent Clevlen. “He left a split-finger up, and I just tried to square it up,” Clevlen said. “He was throwing strikes. He had the split-finger going for him, and we kept chasing it.” The next batter, David Espinosa, then hit a high hopper off Schilling’s glove. Second baseman Bobby Scales tried to throw Espinosa out at first but failed; Clevlen tried to score on the play, and first baseman Jeff Bailey threw Clevlen out at the plate. “That was a nice play – and a big play in a 1-0 game,” Schilling said. “I was happy to not give up runs.” Schilling’s line for the night included just two hits and no walks in five innings. The 40-year-old struck out eight and threw first-pitch strikes to 11 of the 16 hitters he faced. He finished with 66 pitches thrown, 44 for strikes. “I felt good, I felt strong,” Schilling said. “I got stronger as the game went on, and I felt really strong in the fifth. “There were a lot of good things out there.” In his first rehab outing he allowed just two hits in three innings against Louisville July 21; he said he will make one more rehab start for Pawtucket next Tuesday in Columbus. “It’s most important that I feel strong,” Schilling said. “My split [split-finger fastball] is as good as it’s ever been, and to have the velocity makes it even better.” Schilling, who was 6-4 for Boston this season before going on the disabled list June 19 because of tendonitis in his right shoulder. After last night’s game Schilling declined comment on any subject not related to last night’s start. In the game Pawtucket scored a run in the top of the ninth, only to see the Mud Hens tie the game with a run in the bottom of the ninth off Travis Hughes. Then in the 10th Clevlen hit a bases-loaded, two-out single to right to score Henry Mateo with the game-winning run.
NOTES: Yesterday Boston signed outfielder Brady Clark to a free-agent contract and assigned him to Pawtucket. He led off for the PawSox and had a hit in four at-bats. Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 22 to make room for Clark on the PawSox roster. --JOHN WAGNER (Special to the Journal)
Posted by Corey Bourassa The tarp is offThe Indians just announced tonight's game will start at 7:35.
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse ConfidentialAlex Cora and Coco Crisp have lockers next to each other in the visiting clubhouse in Cleveland, and after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the Indians, Cora proved once again he’s a stand-up guy. The Red Sox utility infielder missed a hit-and-run call in a crucial spot and after the game took all the blame in an expletive-filled tirade. “I don’t believe that,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona when told Cora’s self-evaluation. “We just got a little mixed up; it happens. In a 1-0 game everything sticks out. That’s the last thing I want is for Alex to feel like that. He’s tough on himself because he wants to play the game perfectly. I’m not hammering him because he’s a kid who cares. He takes a lot of pride in playing the game correctly.” Crisp on the other hand, who was thrown out at the plate after pulling up attempting to score the game-tying run, got dressed and blew past a group of reporters waiting to talk to him. Less than 24 hours after that game, both players were clearly over their miscues.
“Left-handers with change-ups in this league can be devastating,” said the manager. “Gabby has been good as anybody in baseball his last two starts. . . he’s got good two-seam movement and his change-up is such a good pitch. His breaking ball is getting so much better.” Francona recalled watching Gabbard work in spring training prior to last season and remembered his curveball had a “loop” to it. “He throws it now and it’s tight,” Francona said. *Speaking of Schilling, Francona announced today that the veteran ace will make a third rehab start for the PawSox on Tuesday at Columbus. If everything goes as planned that would set up a return to the rotation for Schilling when the team heads to the west coast the first week of August. Schilling is starting for the PawSox tonight in Toledo and is scheduled to throw 65 pitches. On Tuesday, he's slated to throw 80-85 pitches. "Hopefully we get him when he's strong and ready to get up to six or seven innings," said Francona. *The Red Sox were intently watching ESPN’s mini-series The Bronx is Burning after Tuesday’s game. Francona was asked yesterday if he’s seen the show based on the New York Yankees season of 1977. “I’m not Siskel & Ebert,” said Francona. “Nor I have ever claimed to be, the acting to me seems to be horrendous, but it’s hard not to watch it because it’s entertaining. Some of it’s funny and the way they intertwine the Son of Sam stuff is actually pretty interesting." Francona never has a problem making fun of himself, and when asked who would play him if a documentary was made on this season’s Red Sox team the manager said Max Patkin, The Clown Prince of Baseball. Someone suggested if Schilling didn’t play himself, maybe Drew Carey could portray the Red Sox ace. HBO is working on a documentary about the 2004 Red Sox, the team that won the World Series for the first time in 86 years.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineups from ClevelandBOSTON Julio Lugo, 6 CLEVELAND Grady Sizemore, 8
Posted by Joe McDonald Canseco calls out A-RodJose Canseco, a guest on WEEI's Big Show, today took a slap at Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez. Canseco, who in his book Juiced helped blow the lid off baseball's steroid scandal, says he plans another book, in which he will reveal that Rodriguez is "not who he says he is." Asked directly if he is stating that A-Rod used steroids, Canseco would not answer. He said people would have to read his book, then he went on to call Rodriguez a liar, adding "I can't stand liars." As Barry Bonds nears the end of his quest for major-league baseball's home-run record, a chase that many allege has been tainted by drug use, Rodriguez is about to become the youngest player ever to reach 500 home runs. But although A-Rod has taken plenty of criticism in his career for other reasons, he has never been linked to steroids.
Posted by Mike McDermott Sox sign Brady Clark; Ellsbury put on DLThe Boston Red Sox today signed veteran outfielder Brady Clark to a minor-league contract. Clark, 34, who has played for Cincinnati, the New York Mets, Milwaukee and Los Angeles, will join the PawSox. The organization also placed Jacoby Ellsbury on the seven-day disabled list with a mild groin strain. Clark will take Ellsbury's roster spot. Clark, a career .277 hitter, was released by the Dodgers on June 18. He is hitting .224 with five RBI in 47 games this season.
Posted by Mike McDermott Sox Streakers for July 26Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. Cliff Lee Indians vs. Kason Gabbard More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's Manny file: Blame him for the debacle at the plate?Manny Ramirez didn't do much to help Coco Crisp last night, as Crisp tried to score from second on David Ortiz's ground ball single against the Indians' shift. Ramirez, the on-deck hitter, didn't close enough to the play to tell Crisp whether or not to slide, something that may or may not have contributed to Crisp's slowing down as he approached catcher Victor Martinez at the plate. Manager Terry Francona was quick to credit Martinez for doing a good job of blocking the plate, and Crisp -- as has frequently been his tendency lately -- went out of his way to avoid reporters after the game. Francona doesn't blame new hitting coach Dave Magadan for any drop-off in offensive production this year from Ramirez. The Columbus Dispatch points to one at-bat in the fourth last night, when Fausto Carmona struck out Ramirez, as exhibit 1 that Carmona has become a true ace. After just missing with a sinking fastball, he threw a harder fastball to get strike three. By the way, Carmona shouldn't take the strike-three-that-wasn't personally; I increasingly feel like I have no idea what they're going to call a ball and what they're going to call a strike these days. Cheap shot of the day: In the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, writer Kevin Clark says that Miami Dolphins rookie Lorenzo Booker yesterday "looked like Manny Ramirez in pads" while attempting to field punts at Dolphins camp in Davie, Fla.: "A number of times Booker dropped punts, including one poorly timed fair-catch attempt. One arm was still waving as the ball fell in front of him, bouncing off his free hand."
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: The future of the Sox-Yanks rivalrySean McAdam is back once again for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. The topics of discussion: The Red Sox' frustrating loss to Fausto Carmona and the Cleveland Indians; the latest on the trade market; whether the Yankees still need to make a deal; and the coming influx of young pitching talent in the Red Sox-Yankee rivalry. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: On last night's game: "When you face a pitcher like Carmona on a night like last night, where he clearly has terrific stuff going, you have to force the issue a little bit. You have to be aggressive; you have to try to create some things. You certainly can't sit back and expect that you're going to come up with a three-run homer against him or a big inning, so you have to peck away, and even with the speed of guys like Crisp and Lugo, that isn't the kind of game that the Red Sox do well with." Trade prospects: "I think it's more likely that the Red Sox work out someting at a lesser level than Teixeira. There is some interest in Ty Wigginton with Tampa Bay, who can play three of the four infield positions, probably even play a little bit in the outfield or DH, and would be a nice versatile bat off the bench. But I'm also told that Tampa Bay has for now got its asking price too high. There continue to be talks with Pittsburgh surrounding the Wily Mo Pena for Salomon Torres exchange, but unless a Teixeira trade or something else kick-starts activity, I think were probably going to see most of what we see -- and I don't expect that to be a lot -- take place on Monday or Tuesday." On the Sox and Yanks of tomorrow: "Both teams I think have sensed where the market has gone on free-agent pitching, having both been burned and rewarded on the free-agent market. ... The best way to combat that, of course, is to develop your own. So as they continue to do on the field, both the Red Sox and Yankees have mirrored one other in their approach to the draft the last few seasons, focusing ... predominantly on stockpiling as many young arms in their systems as possible, and now that those guys are in Double-A and Triple-A, and not far off from contributing at the major-league level, there's going to be an interesting influx of talent coming up the next couple of years with homegrown pitching prospects."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Thursday, July 26
RUNNING JOKE: If the Red Sox end up losing out on the division title by a game (not out of the question given the Yankees' surge), this is one that we might be looking back at. Sure, Fausto Carmona, the guy whom the Sox lit up when he was trying to close out games at Fenway last year, was absolutely brilliant, throwing hard and getting excellent movement on his pitches. But it's the late blunders that we'll remember about this game. First there was Coco Crisp, getting nailed at the plate trying to score from second in the sixth inning on David Ortiz's single, which got no farther than second baseman Josh Barfield, playing deep in the shift. Then there was Jason Varitek getting thrown out because of a missed hit-and-run sign by Alex Cora. Cleveland catcher Victor Martinez also threw out Julio Lugo trying to steal. After the game, Cora was distraught (projo), while Crisp was not around for comment. STAND-UP GUY: Meanwhile, Josh Beckett, who threw his first complete game since 2005, when he was a member of the Florida Marlins, was not interested in passing the blame to his teammates (SoxBlog). FOOTSTEPS: Out in Kansas City, the Yankees closed the gap to six and a half games by winning their sixth straight, 7-1 over Kansas City (N.Y. Daily News). A-Rod hit home run number 499 and tonight will face Jorge De La Rosa, the same pitcher who surrendered Rodriguez's 400th carer home run in 2005. WELCOME TO THE CLUB: Backup catcher Jose Molina is expected to make his Yankee debut tonight, when the Bombers go for the sweep in Kansas City (Newsday). This same story mentions that the Yankees remain somewhat interested in getting Mark Loretta from Houston. THE BAD NEWS: Peter Abraham, in the LoHud Yankees blog, reports that David Szen, the Yanks' traveling secretary since 1981, is under investigation by the IRS for possible tax evasion and has been placed on paid leave. ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE MAKING: While A-Rod moved one step away from the 500-home run club, Tom Glavine got one win away from 300 on his career (projo stats). NOT SO GREAT SCOTT: The Kansas City Royals yesterday released pitcher Scott Elarton (Kansas City Star), who gave up seven runs in 1 2/3 innings of work against the Yankees on Tuesday. It has been a horrible year for Elarton, who has struck out 13 batters while surrendering 12 home runs. On The Soul of Baseball blog, there's a look at other pitchers who gave up nearly as many long balls as they had strikeouts. MINOR LEAGUE REPORT: Joel Pineiro accepted his assignment to Triple A Pawtucket, and promptly threw three no-hit innings as a starter against Toledo (projo). In Portland, pitcher Justin Masterson struck out 10 en route to a victory over New Hampshire. Since being promoted from Class-A Lancaster, Masterson has started four games, and won all four. DONNELLY UPDATE: Brendan Donnelly (forearm strain) has played catch at 90 feet for the last couple of days (projo). THIS KID HAS A FUTURE: In his Triple-A debut with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 21-year-old Yanks phenom Joba Chamberlain struck out 10 batters while walking only one in five shutout innings (N.Y. Daily News). A NEW NAME: The Globe reports that the Sox are talking to Tampa Bay about Ty Wigginton, an infielder with decent pop (15 home runs and a .275 batting average so far this year), though a trade is not close to happening. The story also says that Boston is interested in Dodgers third base prospect Andy LaRoche, who is at Triple A Las Vegas. TEIXEIRA TALKS: The Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers and Braves are deep into discussions about a trade involving Mark Teixeira. OK, TAKE HIM: The Post reports that the Tigers might be interested in taking Kyle Farnsworth off the Yankees' hands. CURT'S CONCERNS: Curt Schilling not only has steroids on his mind (projo); he is giving a lot of thought to his online gaming business as well (Globe). TOUGH NIGHT: First, he was thrown out at first base by Houston right-fielder Luke Scott after hitting what appeared to be a single. Then, in the fifth inning, he had to leave the game because of a pulled groin. A frustrating evening for Derek Lowe, who threw his glove the length of the Dodgers dugout after coming off the field (projo stats). OUCH AGAIN: Jose Contreras, who was allowed to stay into the eighth inning last week in Boston and ended up giving up 10 runs, surrendered nine runs on 12 hits in 4.2 innings yesterday against Detroit, caughing up two leads along the way. Safe to say Contreras' trade value is waning, if it has not completely evaporated. PEDRO'S ROAD BACK: Pedro Martinez will pitch a simulated game on Friday and is expected to make a minor-league rehab start on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie. (N.Y. Post) AND HANLEY'S: Florida's Hanley Ramirez, nursing a partially dislocated shoulder, fielded ground balls yesterday, but has yet to swing a bat since suffering his injury over the weekend (Miami Herald). UNIT REVIEW: A day after saying that his career might in fact be over, Randy Johnson told the Diamondbacks that he would throw another bullpen session later in the week (projo stats).
Posted by Mike McDermott July 25, 2007
Reaction from the Red Sox clubhouseRed Sox manager Terry Francona: "Carmona was about as tough as Beckett. JB threw one pitch to Gutierrez over the plate and he whacked it and it held up just like (Tuesday night). It was a lot more fun to talk about it (Tuesday) night. Carmona had explosive stuff, it was impressive.”
“To me it was one of the best outings Josh has ever had.” Beckett said he was simply out pitched. “It’s tough to compare a loss with wins,” he said following Varitek’s statement. “That’s obviously his opinion, and that’s a big compliment coming from somebody like that, but it’s tough to compare wins and losses.” Alex Cora on the missed hit-and-run: “I missed the sign and (expletive) up. I cost us the game. I’m doing a (expletive) job. People expect me to do [the little things] when I’m in the game and I haven’t done it the last few games. It’s a (expletive) job.” Francona on Coco Crisp getting thrown out at the plate: “Coco had a chance to score and in that type of game we take our chances. It didn’t work. He looked over his shoulder rounding third, like you’re supposed to, and he kept going. Victor (Martinez) did a good job blocking the plate. The way Carmona was throwing we need to take our chances.” Jason Varitek on Cora's self-evaluation: “We don’t blame anybody. Alex is such a huge part of this team. He makes some great plays defensively. That happens, but with the type of baseball player he is, that stuff never happens, so that’s why he’s taking it hard.” Francona on Lugo getting thrown out at second in the eighth: “We were putting him in motion, trying to make something happen. We tried everything tonight to get a run and nothing was working.”
Posted by Joe McDonald Game Story: Indians 1, Sox 0CLEVELAND _ It was a night of missed opportunities for the Boston Red Sox. The young right-hander worked eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits with six strikeouts as the Indians responded from a 1-0 loss against Boston on Tuesday. Carmona “was about as tough as Beckett,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “JB threw one pitch to Gutierrez over the plate and he whacked it and it held up just like (Tuesday night). It was a lot more fun to talk about it (Tuesday) night. Carmona had explosive stuff, it was impressive.” Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek was impressed with his batterymate. “To me it was one of the best outings Josh has ever had,” he said. Beckett said he was simply out pitched. "It’s tough to compare to a loss with wins,” he said following Varitek’s statement. “That’s obviously his opinion, and that’s a big compliment coming from somebody like that, but it’s tough to compare wins and losses.” The expletives were flying around the Red Sox clubhouse following the loss. Besides the pair of solid pitching performances, the Red Sox were snakebitten on three plays. First, Coco Crisp was thrown out at the plate attempting to tie the game in the sixth inning. Second, Alex Cora missed a hit-and-run sign at the plate that caused runner Jason Varitek to be tagged out in the eighth. Third, Julio Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second as a pinch runner in the eighth. Cora took his miscue very hard. “I missed the sign and (expletive) up,” he said. “I cost us the game. I’m doing a (expletive) job. People expect me to do [the little things] when I’m in the game and I haven’t done it the last few games. It’s a (expletive) job.” After Gutierrez absolutely crushed a solo homer to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Beckett responded and retired the next 14 batters in a row before Trot Nixon singled in the eighth for Cleveland’s fourth hit of the game. Meanwhile, Carmona kept the Sox’ bats at bay until Crisp snapped the 23-year-old’s bid for a no-hitter with an infield single in the sixth inning. Crisp hit a hard grounder up the middle that Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta ranged to his left and snared, but because of the Crisp’s speed Peralta had to rush the throw and didn’t get it there on time. With one out and Dustin Pedroia at the plate, Crisp took off for second and was able to stay out of the possible double play when Pedroia grounded out to third. Ortiz, who struck out his first two times up, hit a hard ground ball to the right side for a single. Cleveland had the shift on, so Crisp attempted to score from second for the would-be tying run, but Indians second baseman Josh Barfield got his throw to the plate in time for the third out of the inning. “Coco had a chance to score and in that type of game we take our chances,” said Francona. “It didn’t work. He looked over his shoulder rounding third, like you’re supposed to, and he kept going. Victor (Martinez) did a good job blocking the plate. The way Carmona was throwing we need to take our chances.” Things didn’t get any easier for the Red Sox. Varitek led off the eighth with a single, Boston’s third hit of the game, before Eric Hinske lined out to center. Cora followed and appeared to have missed a hit-and-run sign as Varitek took off for second. When the batter didn’t swing, Varitek attempted to retreat to first but was caught 2-6-3. Francona said the miscommunication on the play was his fault, and Varitek didn’t agree with Cora’s self-evaluation. “We blame anybody,” said Varitek. “Alex is such a huge part of this team. He makes some great plays defensively. That happens, but with the type of baseball player he is, that stuff never happens, so that’s why he’s taking it hard.” With two outs in the inning, Cora provided an infield single and was replaced with the speedy Lugo, who originally was given the night off. With Crisp at the plate, Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second to end the inning. “We were putting him in motion, trying to make something happen,” said Francona. “We tried everything tonight to get a run and nothing was working.” The stage was set with two outs in the top of the ninth inning for Ortiz. The Sox slugger had missed the previous four games with a sore shoulder and had an opportunity but popped out as the Indians’ Joe Borowski earned his 29th save of the season. -----JOE McDONALD
Posted by Thom Cahir Game Story: Toledo 12, Pawtucket 2
Oh, it was a close, tight, winnable game for the first five innings or so. But the Red Sox wasted scoring opportunities in the middle innings, then saw Toledo blow the game open with four runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh. “Not much to talk about on this one,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said afterwards. David Murphy gave the PawSox an early lead when he slammed his ninth home run of the season, an opposite-field shot just under the scoreboard in left. And starter Joel Pineiro, making his first appearance for Pawtucket since the parent club in Boston designated him for assignment July 22, was impressive in his three innings of work. The only baserunner he allowed was Chris Shelton, who walked with one out in the second but was thrown trying to steal second by Kevin Cash. “Joel Pineiro did a really nice job,” Johnson said. “He got three innings, and his pitch efficiency was good.” But Devern Hansack picked up for Pineiro and gave up a home run to Andres Torres on the third pitch he threw. Hansack got one out before walking Timo Perez, then throwing one pitch to Jack Hannahan and leaving with a stiff neck. Edgar Martinez came on and walked Hannahan before giving up a run-scoring single to Shelton. Pawtucket retied the game in the top of the fifth with an unearned run that scored on the second of Joe McEwing’s four singles on the night, but the Hens pulled away with a four run sixth-inning rally that was fueled by three walks, one by Martinez and two more by Barry Hertzler. “When you’re in a situation like that in the sixth inning, you’re kind of hoping and holding on,” Johnson said. “You’re hoping to get some kind of break to stay in the game, and we didn’t get it. “I turned the page on this one right there.” Things got worse when the Mud Hens scored five more times off Hertzler in the seventh. Hertzler’s line included seven hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings, raising his ERA with the PawSox from 13.81 to 16.31. Perez led the Mud Hens with five RBI, tying Toledo’s season high, while Torres had three. Thanks to 12 hits and eight walks allowed by Pawtucket pitching every Hen hitter reached base at least once. After that the only excitement came when Jeff Bailey, who was hit by a Ron Chiavacci curve-ball in the sixth, was hit by a pitch from Eulogio De La Cruz to lead off the eighth. Both benches emptied, but no punches were thrown and order was quickly restored. The PawSox had won eight of their last 11 games before last night, which Johnson said will allow his team to set aside the lopsided loss. “You’ve got to push aside games like this anyway because there’s no alternative,” Johnson said. “If you’re going to carry this thing into the next day, what are you going to do? “We’re going to come out and exchange lineup cards today, and we’re going to play regardless of how well feel about it. So let’s move on.” NOTES: RHP Curt Schilling will start for the PawSox tonight in Toledo. Schilling is expected to throw approximately 65 pitches, which means he will cover roughly four to five innings. --JOHN WAGNER (Special to the Journal)
Posted by Corey Bourassa FINAL: Cleveland 1, Boston 0CLEVELAND _ It was a night of missed opportunities for the Boston Red Sox. It was also a what-you-can-do-I-can-do-better situation as the Cleveland Indians received a solid pitching performance from starter Fausto Carmona en route to a 1-0 victory to snap the Red Sox’ five-game winning streak last night at Jacobs Field. The young right-hander worked eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits with six strikeouts as the Indians responded from a 1-0 loss against Boston on Tuesday. As effective as Carmona was, Red Sox starter Josh Beckett was equally impressive despite allowing a solo homer to the Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez in the third inning that proved to be the game-winning run. After Gutierrez absolutely crushed a solo homer to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Beckett responded and retired the next 14 batters in a row before Trot Nixon singled in the eighth for Cleveland’s fourth hit of the game. Meanwhile, Carmona kept the Sox’ bats at bay until Coco Crisp snapped the 23-year-old’s bid for a no-hitter with an infield single in the sixth inning. Crisp hit a hard grounder up the middle that Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta ranged to his left and snared, but because of the Crisp’s speed Peralta had to rush the throw and didn’t get it there on time. With one out and Dustin Pedroia at the plate, Crisp took off for second and was able to stay out of the possible double play when Pedroia grounded out to third. Ortiz, who struck out his first two times up, hit a hard ground ball to the right side for a single. Cleveland had the shift on, so Crisp attempted to score from second for the would-be tying run, but Indians second baseman Josh Barfield got his throw to the plate in time for the third out of the inning. Things didn’t get any easier for the Red Sox. Jason Varitek led off the eighth with a single, Boston’s third hit of the game, before Eric Hinske lined out to center. Alex Cora followed and appeared to have missed a hit-and-run sign as Varitek took off for second. When the batter didn’t swing, Varitek attempted to retreat to first but was caught 2-6-3. With two outs, Cora provided an infield single and was replaced with speedy pinch-runner Julio Lugo, who originally was given the night off. With Crisp at the plate, Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second to end the inning. The Indians' Joe Borowski earned the save.
Posted by Joe McDonald Schilling sounds off on steroids again
“If someone wrote that stuff about me and I didn't sue their (butt) off, am I not admitting that there's some legitimacy to it?” he said on HBO's “Costas Now.” Schilling said “this will be the steroids era forever” and proposed that Jose Canseco and Rafael Palmeiro should be punished for steroids use. “Jose Canseco admitted he cheated his entire career,” Schilling said. “Everything he ever did should be wiped clean. I think his MVP should go back and should go to the runner-up.” As for Palmeiro, Schilling said: “The year he tested positive, nothing he did that year should count, which I think would take away 3,000 hits for him.” Schilling discussed accusations by Bonds' former mistress, Kimberly Bell, who testified before a grand jury that Bonds told her of his steroid use in 2000. She also said Bonds gave her $80,000 in cash to buy a house, the proceeds of which allegedly came from a paid autograph session that authorities also are investigating as going unreported to the Internal Revenue Service. “If I wrote a book about Bob Costas and in that book I wrote about Bob Costas' girlfriend being on the road, and Bob Costas giving that girlfriend card show money and I outlined your daily steroid regimen, I've got to believe your first line of defense is to sue my (butt) off,” Schilling said. “It goes to the Mark McGwire thing in Congress. I mean, I'm a huge Mark McGwire fan. But I just always thought it was very simple: If you did something and someone asks you if you did it and you didn't do it, you say no. Any other answer than no is some form of yes, isn't it?” Bonds' lawyer, Michael Rains, in the past accused Bell of trying to extort money from his client and using the platform to promote a book that never was published, but Bonds has not filed suit against her. Rains did not immediately return a telephone message Wednesday. During a March 2005 congressional hearing, McGwire repeatedly refused to answer questions about his alleged steroids use. Schilling also testified during the hearing and was more muted in his steroids comments. “I think while I agree it's a problem, I think the issue was grossly overstated by some people, including myself,” he said then. Schilling said the circumstances of testifying caused him to be reticent. “When you're sitting in front of Congress and you're under oath, you'd better be damn sure if you're going to mention a name that you are 100 percent guaranteed sure somebody did something,” he said during the HBO interview. Schilling said he thinks some players still are using performing-enhancing drugs. “There were teams that had a subculture of it. Obviously, guys are still getting caught, which shows me that even with all of the safety nets in place, people are still doing it,” he said. “My understanding is that steroids and HGH, one of the main benefits of them is regeneration. If I can show up Sept. 1 and feel April fresh, I've got a huge advantage, not just that day but on everybody. And I think that's why a lot of pitchers have been caught.” --AP
Posted by Corey Bourassa Clubhouse Confidential* Pitcher Joel Pineiro accepted his optional assignment and will start for the PawSox in Toledo tonight. The right-hander was officially designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Jon Lester. A starting pitcher by trade, Pineiro served as a reliever for Boston and manager Terry Francona admitted yesterday that a couple of times this season Pineiro said he would start if needed. Now he’ll be able to stretch out his arm with Pawtucket for a chance to hook up with another team as a starter. “I think starting is in his heart,” said Francona. “I understand that. We all do.” * The Red Sox organization is loaded with young talented arms, and Double-A pitcher Justin Masterson has been showcasing his skills for the Sea Dogs. The 21-year-old right-hander improved to 4-0 yesterday, allowing just two runs on three hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts. “Good for him,” said Francona. “I know he’s been real good since his call up. He’s an impressive young man. He’s a nice kid.” Masterson has made four starts for Portland since his call up Single-A Lancaster and has worked 26 innings with a 1.04 ERA. *Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo were given tonight off in order to keep guys fresh. . . Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (forearm strain) has played catch at 90 feet the last couple of days. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineups from ClevelandBOSTON Coco Crisp, 8 CLEVELAND Grady Sizemore, 8
Posted by Joe McDonald Pineiro to PawtucketIn today's official game notes, the Red Sox announced that Joel Pineiro has accepted an optional assignment to Pawtucket. Pineiro, who was designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Jon Lester, will start for the PawSox tonight against Toledo.
Posted by Mike McDermott Sox Streakers for July 25Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. Fausto Carmona Indians vs. Josh Beckett More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Ortiz killing the ballRed Sox manager Terry Francona said last night David Ortiz (shoulder) will likely be in the lineup tonight. Boston is 5-0 without Big Papi. The Red Sox just concluded early BP at Jacobs Field and Ortiz was crushing the ball, showing no ill effects. Should be an interesting night.
Posted by Joe McDonald Today's Manny file: He's got C.C.'s numberManny continued to post amazing numbers against Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia, going 2-for-3 with a pair of singles off him last night to improve his lifetime stats against Sabathia to 12-for-21, a .571 average. Tonight, the Red Sox hope Ramirez will once again be batting behind David Ortiz. Terry Francona hopes the opportunity Ramirez has had to be a designated hitter the last few games has given Manny some rest, and that that will pay off later in the season. Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe looks back today on Manny Ramirez's tremendous 1999 season with the Cleveland Indians. Batting cleanup in a stacked Indians lineup, Ramirez had 108 RBI by the end of July, and completed the season with 165 RBI, 131 runs scored, 44 home runs and a .333 batting average. Alex Rodriguez recently became the first player to reach 100 RBI in fewer than 100 games since Ramirez in 1999. Former Red Sox outfielder Dave Roberts was with Cleveland that season, and he sums it up: "I've been around him for a long time, including in 2004 with Boston, but that year in '99, man oh man. You couldn't wait for Manny to come to the plate." As Red Sox fans will remember, Ramirez's fantastic season fizzled out big time in the playoffs. He went 1-for-18 with a double and one RBI as the Red Sox came back from a two-game deficit to beat the Indians in the best-of-five American League Divisional Playoff Series. Ryan Garko, one of the Indians young hitting stars, introduced himself to Ramirez before Tuesday night's game at the Jake, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Here's an excerpt from the story: "At one point, Ramirez, the Red Sox's designated hitter Tuesday night, flapped his arms repeatedly while laughing and pointing toward the outfield. 'He was telling me about a ball he hit [Monday],' Garko said. 'I told Manny how much I enjoy watching him play. One of the things he told me was how much he likes playing in Cleveland.' From the who knew? department: Manny Ramirez's home run earlier this season against Seattle's Horacio Ramirez was the first-ever Ramirez-off-Ramirez home run in baseball history. You can find out this and other interesting facts in USA Today's story about home run historian David Vincent. An observation from the blog Sedition in Red Sox Nation, inspired by the ESPN series The Bronx is Burning: "Reggie Jackson was a lot like Manny Ramirez back in the day. If only Reggie didn't talk to the press, he might have been Reggie being Reggie long before Manny started being Manny.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Brilliant Dice-K; Barry and BudSean McAdam joins us once again for projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. He talks about last night's winning performance by Daisuke Matsuzaka, Bud Selig's surprise decision to visit San Francisco, the possibility of trading Kason Gabbard, and tonight's Josh Beckett-Fausto Carmona matchup. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: What Matsuzaka did right: "The ability to get ahead and not get caught up in a high pitch count early, and command so that he wasn't walking people. He had the one walk and the one hit batsman in the first inning, but after that he was pretty efficient and able to get ahead in the count and sort of dictate the game." On Selig's decision: "I think all the signals that he has sent ... it was certainly logical to conclude that he was not interested in being there for these games. ... When the [Braves-Giants] series got under way Monday and he wasn't there, that reinforced that notion. And it seems like -- and I'm guessing here, because I don't know this to be the case -- it's almost as if somebody he respected, whether it was some other owners or some Hall of Fame players, or somebody, got to him and said, 'Look, as much as you don't want to do this, I think you have to.' And so, with great reluctance and issuing that sort of proviso about innocent until proven guilty, it does seem like he's trying to play this a little too far down the middle." On Gabbard: "I don't think he's a guy that projects to be a real front-line starter in the big leagues. ... The smart thing might be for the Red Sox to look around, acknowledge that teams are absolutely desperate for any kind of pitching they can get. Here's a guy who's only 25, and is left-handed, and has value, but whose value will probably never exceed what it is right now. So if you can trick someone into believing that Kason Gabbard is destined to be some All-Star left-hander, then I think that might be the wise move."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Wednesday, July 25
DUELING ACES: In a game that turned on a single play, the Red Sox picked up their fifth consecutive victory last night, beating the Cleveland Indians, 1-0, despite a dominant performance by Indians starter C.C. Sabathia. Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka wasn't as much in control of Sabathia, but he had enough to keep the Indians off the scoreboard through seven innings, stranding eight baserunners along the way. Then it was the usual excellent relief work by Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon. The goat of the evening was Cleveland's Ben Francisco, who misjudged Mike Lowell's lazy fly ball, allowing what should have been the third out of the fourth inning to drop for an RBI single. Francisco failed to atone for his mistake in the ninth inning, when he struck out to end the game. BACK FROM THE DEAD: That might seem like a good description for Manny Delcarmen's season. Delcarmen, who struggled mightily as the Red Sox fell out of contention last season, started poorly in Pawtucket. Then came a tongue-lashing from PawSox manager Ron Johnson, which Joe McDonald describes in detail today, and it has all turned around. The other pitcher on the receiving end of that talking-to from Johnson, fellow reliever Craig Hansen, continues to search for consistency, although he has been better in the past month -- a period in which Hansen has struck out 20 batters in 15 innings pitched. TWICE THE HERO: Speaking of the PawSox, Brandon Moss was the hero for the second night in a row. Monday night at McCoy, Moss hit an RBI single in the 10th inning to score Joe McEwing with the game-winner against Louisville. Then last night, in Toledo, he hit an RBI triple in the ninth, breaking a tie as Pawtucket won, 3-2. Moss is hitting .343 over his last 10 games. THANK YOU JON: Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated says the Jon Lester story is just what sports fans need in this week of lurid news about Michael Vick, Barry Bonds and Tim Donaghy. GAUGING THE MARKET: Sean McAdam says it's likely that Wily Mo Pena will be wearing someone else's uniform by this time next week. He also thinks that now may be the time to trade Kason Gabbard, while the young lefty's stock is high. Nick Cafardo of The Globe says that if you took a poll of the players, they would prefer that the Red Sox do nothing before the trade deadline. Rob Bradford's account of the postgame scene last night in the Red Sox clubhouse would suggest the same thing (Boston Herald). TRADING IN SECRETS: Bradford also quotes Jonathan Papelbon today as saying that displaying the radar-gun readings at games gives hitters an unfair advantage. NOW, THE REAL NEWS: The Globe has a profile today of LMontro (born Angel Lucas Pena), the unofficial Red Sox team barber. You may remember him from Tina Cervasio's hotel-room interview on NESN with Manny Ramirez earlier this year. "Each of these guys is like a character, and each one has their thing -- Papi's beard, [Dustin] Pedroia's sideburns, [Mike] Lowell's little mustache," LMontro tells The Globe. "The Yankees are all shaved and boring." SPEAKING OF WHICH: This has been a good time for the Red Sox to get hot, because the Yankees continue to pound away at the plate and roll up wins. Last night, they jumped out to a 7-0 lead off Kansas City starter Scott Elarton (who now sports a 10.46 E.R.A.) and kept it in cruise control for a 9-4 win over Kansas City. Johnny Damon said after the game that if the Yanks keep hitting this way, they're playoff-bound (N.Y. Post). New York is certainly in a win-win situation right now, because even if they have failed to gain any ground the last two nights on the Red Sox, they have managed to trim Cleveland's wild-card lead to four and a half games. STANDING PAT? After a meeting of the brass in Tampa, the Yanks appear in no hurry to rock the boat before the trade deadline. But one new face you might see is Joba Chamberlain's. The 21-year-old pitcher has just been promoted to Scranton/Wilkes Barre, and indications are he might be Bronx-bound before the end of the year (both N.Y. Daily News). FROM A-ROD, WITH LOVE: Alex Rodriguez credits his mother for his work ethic and accomplishments (N.Y. Post). THE RIGHT THING? Bud Selig isn't winning too many plaudits with his decision to attempt to be there when Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's home-run record, but Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports believes Selig made the right decision. Rosenthal adds that Selig's public statement announcing his decision struck the correct balance: "By appearing to adopt the stance favored by Bonds supporters — he never tested positive, never was proven to have used performance-enhancing drugs — Selig achieved his true intended purpose, which was to point out that we might be looking at, well, a fraud." THE DRUMBEAT GOES ON: A chemist who worked for Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative tells HBO that Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield both used drugs given to them by BALCO (N.Y. Times). The chemist, Patrick Arnold, is credited with creating "the clear," a previously undetectable steroid that BALCO supplied to athletes. SPREADING THE PAIN: It's been tough for the Angels to watch Ervin Santana's struggles this season (the promising pitcher was recently demoted to AAA), and now, according to one account, Santana's failure to right himself may have cost the Angels the chance of acquiring Mark Teixeira (L.A. Times). IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The night after he announced plans to retire, Craig Biggio hit a grand-slam home run to lead the Astros past the Dodgers (projo stats). A SAFETY MOVE: Colorado Rockies first-base coach Glenallen Hill has decided to wear a batting helmet on the job, a reaction to the death of minor-league coach Mike Coolbaugh after Coolbaugh was hit by a foul ball (projo stats). END OF THE UNIT? Randy Johnson last night acknowledged the possibility that his career may be over. (projo stats)
Posted by Mike McDermott July 24, 2007
Dice-K out-duels Sabathia for 1-0 winCLEVELAND _ There are pitching matchups, then there are pitching duels. Jacobs Field was the setting last night for this good old fashion clash between Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka and Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia, and in the end it was the Red Sox who came away with a 1-0 margin of victory with Dice-K leading the way. Boston has now won five straight to equal its longest winning streak of the season. Matsuzaka worked seven solid scoreless innings, allowing four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Sabathia was just as strong, also working seven with the one run and seven strikeouts. “That’s a good lineup,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “That’s a major-league game pitched by both guys. You’re not going to see too many 1-0 games here against that lineup.” Francona said Matsuzaka’s repertoire, especially his curveball and cutter were extremely sharp last night, calling Dice-K’s 21st start of the season strong. “I’m grateful for the one run my teammates were able to score, and that obviously made the difference,” said Matsuzaka. “Since we’ve won a lot of games in a row coming in, I’m very glad I didn’t stop the winning streak.” Even though one run proved to be the difference for Boston, the Sox’ defense was spectacular last night. In fact every position player made at least one difficult play look routine. “There’s not a play in a 1-0 game that’s not big,” admitted Francona. “You have to make every one in a game like that.” With both opposing starting pitchers locked in, Boston was able to push a run across in the top of the fourth inning as Mike Lowell’s two-out soft liner to left field dropped in, allowing Kevin Youkilis to score for the 1-0 advantage. “When we scored that one run, at the time you don’t know if it’ll hold up,” said Francona. “It looked like (Cleveland left fielder Ben Francisco) broke back a step, and fortunately it was one step enough because that’s all we had. Sabathia threw the ball great.” With the Red Sox protecting a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Indians’ Ben Francisco lead off with a single to left field to set up a possible sacrifice bunt for Josh Barfield. He was able to get the bunt down, but Youkilis made a heads-up play, snaring the ball and getting the force out at second. With two outs, Barfield stole second but was left stranded to secure Boston’s marginal lead. “That was a great play,” said Francona. “That’s a play that not a lot of first basemen attempt, let alone make it. How do you know at the time what is going to be enough? That’s why you play a good defensive game, you get good pitching, the team looks crisp then you score one and it’s enough. It ended up being a good night.” The Red Sox had a chance to add to its lead in the eighth when Julio Lugo provided a one-out double to left field only to be stranded. With the hit, he extended his streak to 14 games to tie a career-high. Boston bullpen kingpins, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon, kept the Cleveland bats at bay in the final two innings en route to victory. Okajima retired the side in order in the eighth and Papelbon did the same to earn his 23rd save of the season. Matsuzaka said after the game he felt he was just finding his groove and wanted to continue, but Francona had other thoughts. “By my own count I was not quite at 100 pitches,” said Matsuzaka. “I felt okay to continue to pitch in the eighth inning, but the manager came up to me and said ‘Okajima and Papelbon would take it from here’ and when you hear those names it’s tough to argue. My goal going forward is to continue to work hard and ease the burden on our great bullpen.” Sabathia was attempting to win his 14th game of the season, while Matsuzaka was just going about his normal routine as he improved to 12-7 in his first year in the majors. His regimen is unique as he works harder on the day of a start probably more so then he does during an outing. Yesterday afternoon at The Jake, Matsuzaka made his way onto the field around 2:15 p.m. and threw a couple of shadow pitches on the mound before starting his lengthy running program. Francona said Dice-K is pretty consistent with his game-day routine. After he was done running, the sweat was pouring from his forehead, something you don’t see from the traditional major-league pitchers, who normally rest the day of a start. “That’s something I wish would rub off on our culture,” said Francona of Matsuzaka’s routine. “I know there are ways to try to meet in the middle. I could never understand, pitchers are a different breed and I don’t understand them to begin with, but you see some guys are sleeping at 6:30 and then 20 minutes later they have the biggest day of their week.” Matsuzaka continues to display that his methods work.
Posted by Thom Cahir Moss comes up big again in 3-2 win for PawSoxTOLEDO, Ohio — Brandon Moss was challenged twice in Pawtucket’s game against the Toledo Mud Hens last night. He rose to the challenge each time, delivering two hits that produced a pair of RBI in a 3-2 victory at Fifth Third Field. Moss blooped a single over a drawn-in infield to score a run in the fourth, then delivered a clutch run-scoring triple in the ninth to give the PawSox their eighth win in the last 11 games. “Mossie came up big for us twice,” PawSox manager Ron Johnson said. “But he’s been doing that for us all season, and that’s why he has the numbers he has.” Pawtucket’s ninth-inning rally began with Michael Tucker’s leadoff single off Toledo closer Aquilino Lopez. Moss fell behind in the count, 0-2, then worked the count full and fouled off another pitch before slamming a triple to straight-away center that scored Tucker. “I fell behind when I (fouled off) a couple of fastballs,” Moss said. “But he got me back in the count when he missed his spot a couple of times. Then, at 3-2, he threw a good slider, and I was fortunate to foul it off. “Then he threw me another fastball, and fortunately I didn’t miss that one.” Even though the PawSox eventually stranded Moss at third, Johnson liked the way his team found a way to score the game-winning run in the ninth. “Mike had a really good at-bat there because we needed a hit (to start a rally),” Johnson said. “Then with a 3-2 (count to Moss), you kind of roll the dice (and send the runner). “You have your best hitter at the plate, so why not? If he does something like he did, and gets the ball in the gap, we have a chance to create something.” If he misses (the pitch), it’s none on and two out. Hang with them.” The rally came too late to make a winner of starter Mike Burns, who deserved better after a rough start. After retiring the leadoff batter, Burns allowed Henry Mateo to slam his first home run of the season over the fence in right. Burns then retired the next 10 Mud Hens in a row, setting down 17 of 19 before Toledo tied the game off him in the bottom of the seventh. Jack Hannahan opened the frame with a long fly to deep left-center that went off the glove of Bobby Scales and bounced against the wall before falling to the ground for a double. Hannahan took third on a flyout by Chris Shelton, then came home on a long sacrifice fly to right by Brent Clevlen. “Mike has done an outstanding job [in the rotation], just getting better and better,” Johnson said. “The last game he went into the sixth with a two-hitter. “And I thought he did a great job of damage control [in the seventh]. Bobby Scales probably would be the first one to tell you he should have caught the ball, but Michael didn’t let the game speed up (and gave up just one run).” The PawSox scored their first run in the fourth inning off Toledo starter Jordan Tata. David Murphy opened the frame with a single, then took second on Tucker’s groundout. Murphy moved to third on a wild pitch, then trotted home when Moss blooped a single over the drawn-in infield. Pawtucket got an unearned run in the fifth when George Kottaras led off with a double, then came around to score when Tata fielded a Ed Rogers sacrifice bunt by Ed Rogers but threw wildly to first. Craig Hansen relieved Burns after the Hens tied the game in the seventh and picked up the win with 11/3 scoreless innings, while Bryan Corey retired the Mud Hens in order in the ninth to claim his first save of the season. And Moss said that combination of good pitching and timely hitting has been the key to the recent success of the PawSox. “Our bats are finally starting to heat up,” Moss said. “We’ve had good pitching all year, but in the early part of the year we’d get three or four hits and not score any runs. It was a tough time. Now our bats have heated up and we’ve been able to pick up our pitchers a little bit.” -----JOHN WAGNER
Posted by Thom Cahir Dice-K solid in pitching battleRed Sox manager Terry Francona on Dice-K's outing: “That’s a good lineup. That’s a major-league game pitched by both guys. You’re not going to see too many 1-0 games here against that lineup.” Dice-K on his outing: “I’m grateful for the one run my teammates were able to score, and that obviously made the difference. Since we’ve won a lot of games in a row coming in, I’m very glad I didn’t stop the winning streak.” Francona on the defense: “When we scored that one run, at the time you don’t know if it’ll hold up. It looked like (Cleveland left fielder Ben Francisco) broke back a step, and fortunately it was one step enough because that’s all we had. Sabathia threw the ball great.” “By my own count I was not quite at 100 pitches. I felt okay to continue to pitch in the eighth inning, but the manager came up to me and said ‘Okajima and Papelbon would take it from here’ and when you hear those names it’s tough to argue. My goal going forward is to continue to work hard and ease the burden on our great bullpen.”
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse Confidential*Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling (shoulder tendinitis) is on the road with team, but will travel to Toledo, which is a little more than an hour from Cleveland, to make his second rehab start for the PawSox on Thursday. The veteran right-hander is scheduled to throw 65 pitches, and if everything goes as well as his first outing last Saturday in Pawtucket (three scoreless innings, 40 pitches, six strikeouts), it’s possible he could return sooner rather than later. Right now he’s slated to return to the rotation on Aug. 6 at Anaheim. Because it’s such a short trip to Toledo, Francona said he didn’t know if Schilling would fly or drive. “I really don’t care,” said the manager. “As long as he pitches I don’t care how he gets there.” *With Ortiz out of the lineup again tonight, Francona is going with a little bit different lineup because the Sox are facing the Indians' C.C. Sabathia (13-4, 3.81 ERA). The manager said he's just trying to get through some bumps and bruises and not have it affect the outcome of the game in a bad way. For example, Coco Crisp is hitting fifth as he continues to get bounced around the order. “Coco hits where ever you ask him to hit,” said Francona. “I’m not sure it matters with the way he’s swing the bat he can hit 1 through 9, it doesn’t matter.” Crisp posted a 4-for-5 night on Monday against the Indians and is 10-for-13 in the last three games to raise his average to a season-high .284. Francona said Crisp’s turnaround began when he started getting around on the fastball, now he’s hitting the ball to all fields with “authority” according to the manager. “When he first got hot you would throw him a fastball and he would whack it,” said Francona. “Now, if you throw him a slider he’ll hit it the other way. He’s using the whole field and taking aggressive swings without having to swing hard. That’s a good feeling for a hitter.”
Posted by Joe McDonald David Ortiz updateRed Sox slugger David Ortiz just stepped into the cage for a live round of BP. Manager Terry Francona said earlier today that Ortiz will most likely be in the lineup tomorrow night. For some reason, Ortiz only dropped down a couple of bunts without taking swings. The usual routine to start BP is the batter bunts down the first-base line, third-base line, simulates a hit-and-run and a sacrifice fly before running to first. Ortiz just took about 10 swings and showed no ill effects, but he did not run. He's been out of the lineup since he injured his shoulder diving head first into second base last Friday night at Fenway Park. "David's doing real well," said Francona. "I would be surprised if he doesn't play tomorrow. Even is frame of mind, you look at him today, there was a lot of improvement yesterday and again today. That's why he's not playing. We're trying to get him healhty, so when he plays he can do some damage." Francona is keeping a close eye on Ortiz and the two just had a brief discussion after the BP session concluded.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineups from ClevelandBOSTON CLEVELAND
Posted by Joe McDonald Sox Streakers for July 24Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. C.C. Sabathia Indians vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's Manny file: Hero in the first, goat in the fifthThe good news first, because it turns out to be more important: Manny Ramirez's two-run double in the first inning put the Sox on top to stay last night in Cleveland, and also moved Ramirez into sole possession of 35th place on the all-time RBI list, with 1,576. Next up is number 34, Al Kaline. Manny needs seven more to tie him. The bad news is that Ramirez exhibited a pretty embarrassing lack of effort last night in the fifth, just after Jon Lester had wiggled out of a jam that could have wiped out the Sox' lead. Thinking his shot, which ended up hitting the wall, was a home run, he trotted to first, getting only a single. The next batter, J.D. Drew, grounded into a double play, making Manny's gaffe real unfortunate. Sure looked to me like Drew was safe at first, though. Former Cleveland Indians teammate Jim Thome, who is likely to enter baseball's 500 home run club this year soon before or soon after Manny Ramirez, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer recently about what it was like to see Ramirez hit for the first time, in batting practice before a AAA game in Charlotte, N.C. Thome says he wasn't really impressed, as Ramirez was just blooping balls over the infield. Then came the game, and Manny blasted two home runs. "I mean it was like, Whooh!' This was a guy who was just hitting bloopers over the first baseman's head in BP. But with Manny, he always has a plan when he hits. The guy was incredible, and it's been that way since," Thome says. Kevin Thomas of the Portland Press-Herald believes that when David Ortiz comes back, he should move to fourth in the lineup, with Manny fifth. The top three spots would be Coco Crisp, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Lester's win; do the Sox need a trade?Sean McAdam is back for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. Sean talks about Jon Lester's winning performance last night, Coco Crisp's blazing-hot streak, the Red Sox' bullpen situation (Do they still need help, give the emergence of Manny Delcarmen, the addition of Julian Tavarez and the improvement of Mike Timlin?), and tonight's matchup of Daisuke Matsuzaka and C.C. Sabathia. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments. On Lester: "He was able to get himself out of some jams with a double play and some strikeouts, got some swings and misses, and just seeing him out there healthy on the mound last night was an achievement and a step forward. ... To get him that 4-0 lead right out of the chute in the first gives him some breathing room. It's nice for any pitcher to have that lead before he takes the mound, but given all the things that I'm sure Lester was battling and trying to keep himself on an even emotional keel, to have that backing going out in the bottom of the first must have given him a sense of security." On Crisp: "The thing I see at the plate is that he's back to becoming a very aggressive guy who is very difficult to throw a fastball past. That was one of the things they liked about him when they made that trade, was Coco was able to get around on just about any fastball -- very quick wrists -- and you see him up there now being aggressive and driving the ball." Do the Red Sox still need bullpen help? "There's less necessity to overpay. It doesn't mean they couldn't improve themselves by going out and getting another experienced arm, because I think there's still some issues about Delcarmen's experience ... until Delcarmen has some September or even postseason experience, you wonder how he's going to respond to the pressure cooker. And though Timlin has pitched well, I think they have to be worried a little bit about his durability. He's been on the DL with shoulder issues twice in the last year, and given that he's 41 with a ton of innings under his belt."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Tuesday, July 24
A FLAIR FOR THE DRAMATIC: The Red Sox made things a bit easier on Jon Lester last night, giving the 23-year-old lefty a 4-0 lead before he even went to the mound to pitch the bottom of the first. But the play of the game came in the fourth inning, after Lester surrendered a single and walked two batters to load the bases, and fumbled Josh Barfield's grounder, which could have been an inning-ending double play. When Lester blew a fastball past Grady Sizemore -- the same Sizemore who took Lester deep in the third inning -- Lester ensured that the story of his return has a happy ending. Joe McDonald breaks down the "Comeback Kid's" performance, and the reaction from players in both clubhouses (including former Red Sox farmhand Kelly Shoppach), in today's projo. IN PRAISE OF...: Curt Schilling writes about Lester's return on the 38 Pitches blog. An excerpt: "Watching Jon all day was an experience I won’t ever forget. Going through what he has gone through, beating it, and coming all the way back to the big leagues and then throwing 6 strong innings, wow." ...UNPRAISED MEN: Seth Mnookin also wants to toast Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo, who have been adding a lot of life to the Red Sox offense lately (Feeding the Monster). Mnookin also offers these predictions for the rest of the season: "Boston's division lead will be as low as 4 games and that they’ll ultimately end up winning the East by somewhere between 6 and 8. Oh, and I’d also guess that New York won’t be in the playoffs, A-Rod won’t be in the Bronx come next spring, and Joe Torre will wish he’d retired a year earlier." BUT THEY LOOK GOOD NOW: Roger Clemens and the Yankees cooled off the (moderately) hot Kansas City Royals to win their fourth game in a row. In the process, Alex Rodriguez became the fastest player since Manny Ramirez in 1999 to reach 100 RBI in a season (projo stats). AND NEXT ON THE AGENDA: Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia tries tonight to become the majors' first 14-game winner (projo stats). If he doesn't get it done, then Josh Beckett will attempt to accomplish the same feat on Wednesday. Both games should be great pitching matchups: it's Sabatha against Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Beckett against the surprising Fausto Carmona. FOOL ME TWICE: When David Ortiz hurt his shoulder trying to beat Jermaine Dye's throw and turn a single into a double, it wasn't the first time that challenging Dye had a painful end (Boston Globe). In 2001, Ortiz (then with the Minnesota Twins) broke his wrist trying unsuccessfully to score from second on a throw by Dye (then with the Kansas City Royals). WBZ-TV in Boston has a video from Sunday of Ortiz talking about his injury and showing how much movement he has in his arm. LITTLE BIG MAN: Speaking of Ortiz, Steve Corkran reports in the Contra Costa Times that the big slugger once had dreams of being a little man in a big man's sport. Until his early teens, Ortiz says, he had dreams of becoming a basketball player. "I was skinny back then," Ortiz says. "I could run fast and I was a pretty good basketball player." Then he put on a display of hitting prowess that impressed a professional scout at a baseball clinic in the Dominican, and the rest is history. STILL A CLASSIC: Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune writes that what John Henry's group has done to both preserve and improve Fenway Park could serve as an appropriate model for the Cubs' new owner as he ponders the future of Wrigley Field. STOP THE DITHERING: Also in the Tribune, Rick Morrissey says it is time for the White Sox to do something, anything, to improve the team's future as their disastrous season continues to go down the drain. TEIXEIRA UPDATE: FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox and the Yankees are both on the periphery of the teams interested in Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira. Rosenthal says the Rangers are asking for a lot, and that the Atlanta Braves and the L.A. Angels are the teams most aggressively pursuing Teixeira. OLD FRIENDS: Hanley Ramirez, who dislocated his left shoulder on Sunday, could return to the Marlins lineup soon, according to the club's Web site. .... Alan Embree remains the closer in Oakland, for now, even though the Athletics activated Huston Street from the disabled list yesterday (MLB). The team plans to bring Street back cautiously.
Posted by Mike McDermott July 23, 2007
Clubhouse reaction on Jon Lester's emotional returnJon Lester on his outing: “It was really good. There were a lot of raw emotions and excitement. It’s just good to be back with these guys again.” Lester on not dwelling on the past: “I’m trying to put that behind me and move on. I want to focus on pitching and not worry about things, but right now I have to go back every three months and get that reality check. Hopefully we can put it behind us and win some games.” Curt Schilling on Lester: “We’re way beyond baseball stuff. Just to see him healthy again is awesome, but to go out and do what he did against that team is impressive. It’s been fun to watch. I’m just happy for him. I had a chance to stay in touch with him all winter, and during the season [in the minors], it’s been a long road for him. This was incredible. Proud, I guess, is the word I’d use.”
“That definitely helps. Our offense did an unbelievable job in that first inning and that eases any pitcher’s mind, getting four in the first. It makes it a little easier to go out and throw strikes.” Lester on when tonight will sink in: Manager Terry Francona: "I'm impressed, proud, just a lot of adjectives. It was supposed to be his night and I think it was fitting he won the game." Francona on early run support for Lester: "It helps any pitcher. He gave up that two-run to Grady Sizemore (in the third) and then in in the next inning, it looked like he was fighting it. He looked a little uncomfortable, but as we've seen before he doesn't give in. He made pitches, and the guy who takes him deep, he gets him out. He gathered themself for another couple of good innings. He just competes and really keeps his composure." Francona on Manny Delcarmen, who earned his first major-league save: "It was great. We were going to go to Hideki Okajima (in the ninth) because Jonathan Papelbon had a long inning (26 pitches on Sunday at Fenway against Chicago), but anytime we can win and not go to those guys, I know a win is a win, but it's nice to be able to win games without leaning on them all the time." Francona on Coco Crisp, who went 4-for-5: "He looks good. He's taking some pretty healhty swings. He's not just hitting the fastball right now, he's hitting the ball all over the ballpark with whenever the ball is a strike. He's been squaring it up pretty good." Former teammate Trot Nixon on Lester's return: “I think it was good for a lot of people to see him back out there. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone through these disease, and there have been a lot of great stories out there, not just sports related but all throughout the world. He’s a real good kid and very respectful and so eager to learn. He’s got a great career ahead of him and to have this happen to him, and for him to battle and persevere it was good to see him out there.”
Posted by Joe McDonald Game Story: Moss' walkoff hit gives PawSox 3-2 winWhen Brandon Moss entered the batters box in the bottom of the 10th inning for Pawtucket, he knew he had the chance to win the game. And that’s just what he did. With runners on first and second base and one out, Moss ripped an 0-2 Brian Shackelford pitch between the first and second base gap. The ball continued rolling into right field. David Murphy (3-for-5, 2 runs scored) rounded third base and sprinted home. Louisville right fielder Dewayne Wise’s throw home went wide right and Murphy slid in safely to score the game-winning run. Pawtucket won 3-2. Moss was 0-for-4 prior to his game-winning hit. “I was just trying to have a good at-bat, especially with runners in scoring position,” said Moss, who leads the PawSox in RBI with 62. “I was just trying to barrel the ball up, especially with him being down 0-2. I knew he was going to throw a strike. I didn’t know if it was going to be a fastball or a cutter but I knew it was going to be in the strike zone so I just got geared up and got ready to hit. It worked out well thank goodness.” Pawtucket starter David Pauley had a perfect game going through four innings but Aaron Herr broke it up in the top of the fifth frame with a leadoff double. “He pitched outstanding,” Moss said of Pauley. “You don’t see a much better performance than that. He pitched great.” Herr’s hit didn’t faze Pauley. He retired the next three batters to end the inning. Pauley pitched 7 2/3 innings in all, allowing only two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. “He was outstanding,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said of Pauley. “He had really good stuff. He had really good command of his stuff and we needed that today. We had a tired bullpen and it has been used a lot in the last couple of days so we needed that kind of performance.” Travis Hughes closed out the game for Pawtucket, going 2.1 innings. He allowed just one hit with four strikeouts. “He was outstanding,” Johnson said of Hughes. Pawtucket racked up 13 hits last night, but only two came in a clutch situation which resulted in the close game. Pawtucket was 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position, including 0-for-3 with the bases loaded. Joe McEwing snapped out of his hitting slump in style when he sent a Victor Santos offering into the bullpen in left field for a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning to give Pawtucket a 1-0 lead. Jeff Bailey drove in Murphy with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning to give Pawtucket a 2-0 cushion. Louisville manager Rick Sweet decided that he had seen enough and pulled Santos (3.1 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts) after that. Louisville caught up to Pauley in the sixth frame and cut Pawtucket’s lead to 2-1 on a Chris Dickerson RBI sacrifice fly. The PawSox had a chance to do a lot of damage in the bottom of the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with no outs but they came away empty handed. Louisville put runners on first and third base with no outs in the top of the eighth inning against a tiring Pauley but he got Janish to ground into a 6-4-3 double-play. Ryan Hanigan, however, scored on the play from third base even the score. --ROB LEE
Posted by Corey Bourassa Game Story: Lester returns, pitches Sox past IndiansIt was fitting that Jon Lester returned to a major-league mound last night with Led Zeppelin’s “Whole ‘Lotta Love” blasting from the sound system at Jacobs Field. The 23-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has received nothing but love and support from family, friends and teammates for the last 11 months as he’s battled his way back from cancer. His return, however, is not about the past and he doesn’t want to dwell on it. The Red Sox don’t either. Lester’s return is about what lies ahead. “I don’t disagree with that,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “We thought he was a pretty special young man before all this transpired and all he’s been through. The way he handled it with the grace that he did, he’s a tough nut to pull for.” Lester worked six full innings, allowing just two runs five hits with three walks and six strikeouts to help Boston to a 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Lester surrendered a home run and hit a batter in the process, but overall he and the Sox were ecstatic about the emotional outing. Lester received his on-field support early and often last night as the Red Sox scored four runs in the first inning, and pushed another across in the second for a 5-0 lead. The Indians began to creep back on a two-run homer by Grady Sizemore in the bottom of the third inning. Then, in the fourth, Lester ran into a bit more trouble. He allowed a lead-off double to Ryan Garko before loading the bases with one out. The Indians’ Josh Barfield lined a chopper back to mound, which Lester handled and got the force at the plate for the second out. With the bases still juiced, Lester picked up a huge strikeout when he blew 93-mph fastball by Sizemore to end the threat. Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez, who was sent to the bullpen yesterday because of Lester’s promotion from Pawtucket, began warming up. But, Lester didn’t need any help. Yet. He retired the side in order in the fifth, and allowed a one-out hit in the sixth before the Sox’ defense turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Reliever Mike Timlin entered the game in the seventh and worked 11/3 scoreless innings with one hit. Javier Lopez came on and struck out the lone batter he faced and Manny Delcarmen recorded a strikeout to end the eighth. The Sox added a bit of insurance in the top of the ninth when Dustin Pedroia rapped his third hit of the game, an RBI-single to right-center field for a 6-2 advantage. Prior to yesterday’s game there was a buzz around the Red Sox clubhouse for good reason. “Of course,” said Francona when asked if he was excited about the situation. “I get jazzed up for anybody’s start. I think Jon is looking at this like ‘I need to go pitch my game and win.’ I know his mom and dad are here — I ran into them in the mall. I’m sure they have some unbelievable feelings, I don’t know what they are, but I bet it’s very emotional. Other than that, we just want to show up and win, and that’s even more of a tribute to Jon because he’s doing the same thing.” The Red Sox will have some personnel decisions to make when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation — possibly on Aug. 6 at Anaheim — because lefty Kason Gabbard has been stellar since his recall from Pawtucket to replace the ailing veteran. While concerned about the future of their pitching staff, the Red Sox just wanted to enjoy Lester’s return last night. “It’s awesome," said Pedroia. “It’s a huge lift for us. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment just to be playing ball. I think everybody in baseball is excited for him. [One would think cancer] would suck the life out of him, but he beat everything. It’s awesome to see because he’s such a great guy and a great friend. Pitching-wise, he’s going to be great for a long time.” --JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa FINAL: Boston 6, Cleveland 2CLEVELAND _ It was fitting that Jon Lester returned to a major-league mound last night with Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole ‘Lotta Love’ blasting from the sound system at Jacobs Field. The 23-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has received nothing but love and support from family, friends and teammates for the past 11 months as he’s successfully battled his way back from cancer. His return, however, is not about the past. He doesn’t want to dwell on it. The Red Sox don’t, either. Lester’s return is about what lies ahead. “I don’t disagree with that,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “We thought he was a pretty special young man before all this transpired and all he’s been through. The way he handled it with the grace that he did, he’s a tough not to pull for.” Lester worked six full innings, allowing just two runs five hits with three walks and six strikeouts to help Boston to a 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Lester surrendered a home run and hit a batter in the process, but overall he and the Sox were ecstatic about the emotional outing. Lester received his on-field support early and often last night as the Red Sox scored four runs in the first inning, and pushed another across in the second for a 5-0 lead. As the Indians began to creep back with a pair of runs via a two-run homer by Grady Sizemore in the bottom of the third inning, Lester proved he can still handle the pressure at this level when he ran into a bit of trouble in the bottom of the fourth. He allowed a lead-off double to Ryan Garko before loading the bases with one out. The Indians’ Josh Barfield lined a chopper back to mound, which Lester handled and got the force at the plate for the second out. With the bases still juiced Lester picked up a huge strikeout when he blew 93 mph fastball by Sizemore to end the threat. Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez, who was sent to the bullpen yesterday due to Lester’s promotion from Pawtucket, began warming up. But, Lester didn’t need any help, yet. He retired the side in order in the fifth, and allowed a one-out hit in the sixth before the Sox’ defense turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and his outing. Reliever Mike Timlin entered the game in the seventh and worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings with one hit before Javier Lopez struck out the lone batter he faced as Manny Delcarmen recorded a strikeout to end the eighth. The Sox added a bit of insurance in the top of the ninth as Dustin Pedroia posted his third hit of the game, an RBI-single to right-center field for a 6-2 advantage. Prior to yesterday’s game there was a buzz around the Red Sox clubhouse for good reason. “Of course,” said Francona when asked if he was excited about the situation. “I get jazzed up for anybody’s start. I think Jon is looking at this like ‘I need to go pitch my game and win.’ I know his mom and dad are here, I ran into them in the mall. I’m sure they have some unbelievable feelings, I don’t know what they are, but I bet it’s very emotional. Other than that, we just want to show up and win, and that’s even more of a tribute to Jon because he’s doing the same thing.” The Red Sox will have some decisions to make when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation – possible on Aug. 6 at Anaheim – because lefty Kason Gabbard has been stellar since his recall from Pawtucket to replace the ailing veteran. While concerned about the future of their pitching staff, the Red Sox just wanted to enjoy Lester’s return just like the rest of the baseball world and beyond. “It's awesome," said Pedroia. "It's a huge lift for us. It's an unbelievable accomplishment just to be playing ball. I think everybody in baseball is excited for him. [One would think cancer] would suck the life out of him, but he beat everything. It’s awesome to see because he’s such a great guy and a great friend. Pitching-wise, he’s going to be great for a long time.” He’s already there. JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse ConfidentialObviously, the big news from Jacobs Field tonight is the return of Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester to the majors. All eyes around baseball world will be watching when the left-hander toes a major-league rubber for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer last August. "It's awesome," said Red Sox. "It's a huge lift for us. It's an unbelievable accomplishment just to be playing ball. To get back here and help us, hopefully he can go out there and pitch like he can." *Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is out of the lineup again tonight, but there's a possibility he could be back Wednesday. Ortiz said he took swings in the cage today and he felt a "little pinch" in his ailing shoulder, which he injured sliding head first into second base on Friday at Fenway. He said he wasn't able to swing the bat normally this afternoon, but once he warmed up it felt better. He said he'll take live BP on the field tomorrow and he's hoping to be back on Wednesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineups from ClevelandBOSTON CLEVELAND
Posted by Joe McDonald Sox Streakers for July 23Welcome back to Sox Streakers. We'll try not to miss any more time. Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. Jake Westbrook Indians vs. Jon Lester More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Today's Manny file: The big breakout?Sorry not to have updated the mannybeingmanny blog for so long: I'll blame vacation. In any case, since I've last written here, Manny has taken lots of criticism for playing too shallow in left field; he's moved temporarily into the DH role in David Ortiz's absense, thus obviating the need for him to play deeper; and, more importantly, he's gone on a bit of a tear. Sean McAdam says today in projo SoxTalk that Manny shows signs of going on one of his vintage streaks; we'll see as he goes to a familiar place -- Cleveland -- for four straight games. Here's what he's done in the last 10 contests: 13 for 35 (.371 batting average, .476 OBP), four home runs, 10 RBI. The four-homers-in-10-days streak follows a 16-game homerless stretch. Gordon Edes wrote in the Globe today that Manny returned to the fourth spot in the lineup, behind Kevin Youkilis, yesterday after hitting third "pretty much because Manny felt like it." Funny. Brian Ettkin of the Times Union in Albany, N.Y., uses Ramirez in the lead of his adoring story about soon-to-be-Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.: "Every season, like clockwork, Manny Ramirez will take games off, often at inopportune times, when his team needs him. It's explained away as 'just Manny being Manny.' And because of Ramirez's extraordinary talent, the Red Sox tolerate this. Then there was baseball's Iron Man, Cal Ripken." One wonders if people will still be recycling all the cliches about Manny even after he's retired. Memo to Ettkin and the rest: Give Manny a break. He still leads the Red Sox this season in games played, with 95, which puts him tied in that category for 36th in all of Major League Baseball, right up there with Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki and Carlos Beltran. Of course, if Manny decides to take August off, that's another story.
Posted by Mike McDermott Giambi resumes batting practiceTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jason Giambi took 38 swings Monday during his first on-field batting practice session since hurting his left foot two months ago. The New York Yankees designated hitter also started running the bases and kept up a throwing program. He hopes to rejoin the Yankees by August. “Everything is great so far,” Giambi said. “Better than expected.” Giambi has been sidelined since May 30 after tearing tissue in the foot. He is hitting .262 with seven homers and 23 RBIs. New York first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz is fielding grounders while wearing protective gear for his broken right wrist, but hasn't been cleared to resume hitting. He was injured in a collision with Boston's Mike Lowell at first base on June 2.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Lester's returnSean McAdam joins us once again today for another edition of projo SoxTalk (Mike McDermott is filling in for Art Martone for the next two weeks while Art is on vacation). Click here to listen to the full audio file. Sean discusses a good weekend for the Red Sox offense, David Ortiz's shoulder injury, tonight's season debut of Jon Lester, and the trade rumors involving Wily Mo Pena and Salomon Torres. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: Good news for the Sox' offense: "It certainly seems as if, if the first 10 games into the second half is any inidcation, that Manny Ramirez is ready to get on one of his hot streaks, and that couldn't come at a better time, first because he's always important in that lineup, and second because they're going to have to do without David Ortiz for the next couple of days." On Ortiz's strained shoulder: "There's a fear that this is something that could linger if they don't give it enough time, which is why I don't think you'll see him until at least Wednesday or Thursday, and it wouldn't surprise me if they kept him out of the entire Cleveland series to have him ready to go for the weekend in Tampa Bay. ... The last thing they want is for this to further inhibit his swing for the final two-plus months of the season." On the news of Lester's call-up: "I was a little surprised ... I think it was kind of a confluence of events. You've got Julian Tavarez struggling to not win a game over his last five starts, with an E.R.A. of about 6, and they saw this as the opportunity to give Lester a couple of starts. I don't think it necessarily is anything permanent, because when Curt Schilling returns to the rotation in early August, probably the sixth in Anaheim ... they're going to have to choose between Gabbard and Lester." On the Pena-for-Torres rumors: "In a lot of ways that makes sense. I'm not sure that Pena is enough, because I've heard the Pirates have a perhaps unrealistic expectation level as to what they can get for Torres, but I do know that the Red Sox are interested."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Monday, July 23
In losing three straight games last week to the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox, the Boston Red Sox scored a total of 10 runs on 33 hits. In winning their last three games this weekend over the White Sox, Boston scored a total of 29 runs on 31 hits. The difference? Well, the Chicago bullpen, for one: Chicago relievers walked nine Boston batters in 8.2 innings of work during the four-game series; while Kansas City's walked just three batters in 13.2 innings during the three-game Boston-Kansas City series. But the Red Sox suddenly began coming through with runners in scoring position, something they've been woefully inadequate at doing lately, and that has led to hopes that the Boston offense is coming around (projo). The talk of the day, of course, now turns to Jon Lester's return to the mound (projo) as the Red Sox travel to Cleveland to face the Indians. Lester's last big league start was exactly 11 months ago, in Anaheim, when he picked up a win over the Angels. Eight days later, the club announced that Lester would begin treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer. The 23-year-old left-hander returns to the team despite a less-than-dominant recent track record in Pawtucket, but manager Terry Francona says the decision is based neither on emotion nor on the struggles of displaced fifth starter Julian Tavarez (Boston Globe). Steve Buckley of the Herald says that the reason for Lester's call-up doesn't matter, that we should all just enjoy the latest development in this remarkable story. Lester's return is the subject of today's projo Red Sox survey. To make room for Lester, the Sox will designate Joel Pineiro for assignment today (projo); they hope that they can get some small compensation from another team looking to add an arm. Thus ends a failed $4-million experiment to move Pineiro from underachieving starting pitcher to effective reliever. IGNORE THE SCORE: Yesterday's final tally (11-1 Louisville) might not indicate it, but Clay Buchholz put on an impressive show as a starter for the PawSox (projo). ANOTHER UP-AND-COMER: Curt Schilling wrote Saturday night (38 Pitches) about his rehab start in Pawtucket. He said "we accomplished everything we wanted to and more." BULLPEN HELP? The Pittsburgh Post Gazette says today that the Red Sox are the team considered most interested in Pirates reliever Salomon Torres, and says the Sox are actively shopping Wily Mo Pena. BRONX BATS ARE BURNING: While the Red Sox were scoring 29 runs in their last three games, that Yankees were piling up 45 runs in three games against the hapless Devil Rays. The big story of the weekend in the Bronx was 27-year-old rookie Shelley Duncan, who had the fans chanting his name as he slugged three home runs over the weekend (NY Daily News). The second big story was Alex Rodriguez's continued pursuit of 500 career home runs -- he's now just two short after hitting one yesterday in the Yanks' 21-4 laugher -- but A-Rod says he doesn't want to talk about it (Newsday). Another story was the arrival of new backup catcher Jose Molina (New York Post), who figures to be an offensive improvement over the departed Wil Nieves -- and remember that Molina is only hitting .224 this season. The Yankees have also signed former Red Sox reliever Scott Williamson (projostats) to a minor league deal. HERE'S THE OTHER VIEW: Joel Sherman writes in the Post that Yankee fans should remember one sobering piece of news: The Red Sox still have 15 games left against the Devil Rays, whom he says "are so atrocious that Tim Donaghy could have big money on their games and be umping, and that wouldn't help." QUITE A STAT: The Yanks had 25 hits yesterday and 20 on Saturday night. The last time the franchise has had consecutive 20-hit showings was in 1902, when it was known as the Baltimore Orioles (the team became the New York Highlanders the following season). NOT TOO SURPRISING: The Yankee page on Wikipedia has been temporarily closed to editing by new or unregistered users due to "vandalism." The Red Sox page remains open for business. ANOTHER TEST: The Yankees now go to Kansas City for four games against the Royals, who are coming off consecutive series victories on the road against the Red Sox and the Tigers, the teams with the two best records in baseball. Royals fans may finally have some reason for optimism following so many dismal seasons (Kansas City Star). PRIDE OF A CITY: The Tigers have sold enough tickets to break the club's attendance record, set during the 1984 World Series championship season. Joe LaPointe writes in The New York Times that the Tigers have given Detroit a reason to cheer, which is something the city needs. THE NAME FITS: While Barry Bonds sat the game out, the Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun hit his 15th home run of the season in yesterday's win over the Giants. The homer, in Braun's 50th major league game, made him the fastest player to reach 15 since Albert Pujols in 2001 (projo stats). THINK WE HAD IT BAD? The Colorado Rockies went 0-for-28 with runners in scoring position during a four-game series over the weekend with the Washington Nationals (projo stats). No team had gone that many at bats in a single series without a hit with runners in scoring position since the 1991 Montreal Expos.
Posted by Mike McDermott July 22, 2007
Game Story: Red Sox 8, White Sox 5BOSTON – Statistically speaking, it couldn’t match the offensive onslaught that took place in the Bronx over the weekend, where the New York Yankees scored 38 runs in their last two games alone and 45 in their last three. Still, given how desperate the Red Sox were for a well-placed or well-timed hit earlier in the week, their 29 runs, all in pursuit of three straight wins over the Chicago White Sox, will more than suffice. The lineup’s awakening doesn’t guarantee anything going forward, but it served to remind the Sox what they’re capable of. ``I think we just keep it (focused) on what we did today,’’ said manager Terry Francona after the Sox held off the Chicago White Sox 8-5, ``because you just don’t know. I’m sure Cleveland’s pitching will have something to say about how we swing and our approach. You just show up and try to score enough runs today and, sure, we hope there’s always momentum or carryover. Earlier in the week, of course, that was hardly the case. Starting July 13, one game into their first homestand if the second-half, the Sox went through a stretch of seven games during which they scored more than five runs only once. Starting June 1 until yesterday, the Sox hit only .248 with runners in scoring position, landing them 12th in the American League in that category. Things bottomed out when, while hosting Toronto, Kansas City and the first game of the White Sox’ series, they averaged just three runs over five games. But after breaking out Friday night, the Sox kept hitting all weekend, hardly missing David Ortiz, who continues to rest a bruised left shoulder. ``Things are going good,’’ agreed Kevin Youkilis. ``We weren’t too worried about hitting with runners in scoring position and stuff like that. You guys keep track of that. The big thing is just winning ballgames; it doesn’t matter how you do it.’’ It helps, though, to stake your starting pitcher – Tim Wakefield, in yesterday’s case -- to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to a three-run homer from Manny Ramirez. It didn’t hurt to get another three-run homer in the fifth – this one from Mike Lowell, who hadn’t homered – solo or otherwise – since July 5, before the All-Star break. Those runs proved especially useful when Wakefield began to falter and Manny Delcarmen, the first of three pitchers out of the Boston bullpen, was uncharacteristically ineffective as the White Sox narrowed an 8-1 laugher into an 8-5 squirmer. Hideki Okajima had to strike out A.J. Pierzynski with the based loaded in the seventh to preserve the lead. No one has come to symbolize the offensive rebirth more than Ramirez, who in addition to his first inning homer, contributed a sharp run-scoring single in the sixth. In the just-completed 11-game home-stand, Ramirez hit .385 (15-for-39) with 13 RBI. Having gone without a home run for a stretch of 16 games – the final 15 of the first half, and the first game of the home-stand – Ramirez has now homered in four of his last 10 contests. Now that the tablesetters such as Coco Crisp (..346 over his last 20 games) and Julio Lugo (.457 over his last 12) are getting on base, the responsibility falls to Ramirez, Lowell (just three homers in his last 31 games) and Youkilis (just two RBI on the homestand) to drive them home. The next seven games are on the road, beginning with four in Cleveland -- who went into yesterday tied for 10th in the A.L. in team ERA – and ends in Tampa Bay, which was on the receiving end of the Yankees’ weekend eruption. ``It’s starting to come around,’’ said Youkilis of the team’s offense. ``Now, we just have to keep it going.’’
Posted by Corey Bourassa Game Story: Buchholz fans 10 but PawSox fallPAWTUCKET – Boston’s highly touted prospect Clay Buchholz displayed an overpowering fastball that was consistently clocked between 93- and 96-miles-per-hour, a paralyzing curveball, a very effective changeup, and a slider that fooled several of Louisville’s batters yesterday in front of a crowd of 9,530. But even his impressive performance – 10 strikeouts, three hits, two earned runs, five innings pitched – couldn’t stop the PawSox from falling, 11-1, to the Bats. That’s because Louisville exploded for six runs on six hits in the top of the sixth inning against Pawtucket relief pitcher Barry Hertzler (1 inning, 6 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks), who got booed by the crowd for his sub-par performance. Pawtucket never recovered. Yesterday, however, was about Buchholz and developing him into a future Major League pitcher. He certainly lived up to the hype yesterday after allowing three runs (2 earned) on five hits in his first PawSox outing. “I felt good out there,” Buchholz said. “I felt balanced…I just go out there and pitch to get outs. Being out there I don’t just want to throw fastballs the whole game and let them get hit hard so I try to go out there and mix up my pitches.” Buchholz, who went 7-2 with a 1.77 ERA for Portland (AA) where he led all of minor league baseball for much of the season in strikeouts (116), threw 74 pitches yesterday, 53 for strikes. He threw 26 fastballs, 25 changeups, 13 curveballs, and 10 sliders. “He threw the ball really well,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. “I was really impressed with his stuff. It was fun to watch…It was a good outing. He threw good stuff. His fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup all looked really good.” Buchholz, the Red Sox minor league pitcher of the year last season (11-4, 2.42 ERA, 140 strikeouts), looked sharp early. He only gave up one hit while striking out three over the first two frames. He said that the difference between the Double-A hitters and the Triple-A hitters is that the Triple-A hitters adjust more quickly. That was evident yesterday. The Bats were able to score two runs on Buchholz their second time through the batting order. Dickerson tagged up and scored from third base on Joey Votto’s sacrifice fly to center field to give the Bats a 2-0 lead. Buchholz did not give up another hit after that. He struckout six of the last eight batters that he faced. “It’s a game of pitches and if you throw a good pitch and they hit it, then you have to tip your cap to them but I really get frustrated out there whenever I throw a bad pitch and it gets hit but that’s what they are supposed to do,” Buchholz said of the hanging breaking ball that Dickerson launched for a double. “They are getting paid to play too so if you hang them up there then they are going to hit it hard.” Pawtucket cut Louisville’s lead in half in the bottom of the fifth frame when Zach Borowiak (1-for-2, double, 2 walks, RBI) drove in Kevin Cash (2-for-4, run scored) with a double, but that’s as close as Pawtucket got. Louisville blew the game open in the top of the sixth inning when Jay Bruce and Jesse Gutierrez each hit RBI singles, Dickerson hit an RBI triple, Hanigan hit an RBI double, and Janish hit an RBI fielder’s choice grounder. Gutierrez scored on a throwing error in the inning. Louisville starter Elizardo Ramirez (2-2) scattered five hits and allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Pawtucket only managed six hits yesterday. --ROB LEE
Posted by Corey Bourassa Manny Back to Cleanup
But Ramirez went 0 for 4, including a strikeout, as the Sox' number three hitter in Boston's 11-2 win over Chicago. So yesterday, Ramirez was back in the cleanup spot, flip-flopping with Kevin Youkilis, who batted fourth yesterday. "Manny was excited about hitting third, but then didn't get a hit so he wanted to go back to fourth," said Francona. "That's the end of that baseball genius (move)." Ramirez, though, remained as the designated hitter in the absence of Ortiz (strained left shoulder). Eric Hinske started in left field. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Schilling Fine the Day After
How is he the day after, manager Terry Francona was asked. "Talkative," cracked Francona. "That's a good thing. He's excited, as he should be. He threw the ball pretty good." Francona said Schilling would make another rehab start for Pawtucket, Thursday in Toledo, but wouldn't commit to a plan after that. "We'll see what happens and go from there," said Francona. But Schilling's performance last night was highly encouraging, he said. "We're hoping he can come back and pitch with vengeance, which will be great for anyone who cares about the Red Sox," said Francona. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Ortiz Still Out
Ortiz suffered the injury during Friday night's game on a head-first slide into second base. Ortiz underwent an MRI yesterday. The test showed there was no structural damage. "It's better than it was, but it's a little sore today," said Ortiz this morning. "The MRI showed some fluid in there, but no fracture. It might take a couple more days to be better than what it is. Maybe by the third game in Cleveland (it will be healthy enough to allow him to play). We'll see how it goes." Ortiz said he has been working with the Sox' trainers to regain his flexibility, and has already made strides in that regard, he said. He's able to bend his left elbow in a hitting position and almost bring it up to his shoulder height, which is an improvement over yesterday. Ortiz's injury is nowhere near as serious as the right shoulder injury he suffered on a similar type of slide during the 2004 season. He still was able to play through that discomfort, and this time it's his back shoulder as he hits, and not his more important lead and follow-through shoulder, which generates the power. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Lester Starts Tomorrow; Tavarez Sent to BullpenJon Lester will be recalled from Pawtucket and will start tomorrow night's series opener in Cleveland. The left-hander will be replacing slumping right-hander Julian Tavarez in the Red Sox' rotation, said manager Terry Francona this morning. Francona said a roster move to make room for Lester will be announced after today's game. Lester, who battled through non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was diagnosed last August, was 5-8 with a 3.89 earned-run average in 14 starts for the PawSox this year. Last year, after being promoted from Pawtucket, Lester, Boston's second-round pick in 2002, was 7-2 with a 4.76 E.R.A. in 15 starts for the Red Sox before being sent to the sidelines for treatment. The Red Sox have been very careful with their handling of Lester, 23, wanting to make sure he was healthy enough and strong enough to handle the rigors of pitching in the big leagues before calling him up. After having gone through cancer treatments, Lester was able to arrive at spring training on time, but it wasn't until recently that the Sox decided he was ready to return to the majors, especially with Tavarez's recent struggles opening the door in the rotation. "I don't know if it was myself or John (Farrell, the Sox' pitching coach), but we asked RJ (Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson), 'If we're 100 percent and don't need Lester, should Lester be here?' And RJ said, 'Yes.' That clinched it for us," said Francona, insisting he couldn't remember when Lester was told of his promotion, though it likely was a couple of days ago. Francona admitted that seeing Lester start tomorrow, after all he has gone through, including some inactivity caused by a forearm strain in June, will be special. "I can't sit here and tell you there won't be some emotion when he takes the mound," said Francona. "His folks will be there and I'm sure for them it will be extra special." Francona said Lester took the news in stride. "He's not your typical 23-year-old," said Francona, referring to Lester's maturity. "Jon just wants to win the game. He's ready to pitch. He just said, 'Okay, tell me where to be and when to be there.' He was very businesslike." Not that Lester hasn't been chomping at the bit to return to the big leagues, especially after all he has gone through. Lester had his bouts with inconsistency in Pawtucket, which probably were to be expected. "He had to fight wanting to be here and pitching down there," said Francona. "He felt a committment to come up here and help us win and (he was) pitching for Pawtucket. He had some frustrations." The same could be said for Tavarez, but on strictly a performance level. Tavarez was pitching well enough as the number five starter in the rotation until recently. Over his last three starts Tavarez was 0-2 with a 10.80 E.R.A. Overall, Tavarez, who is in the bullpen as of this afternoon, is 5-8 with a 5.27 E.R.A. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 22BOSTON Lugo ss Wakefield p CHICAGO Owens cf Garland 1 -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner July 21, 2007
Game Story: Gabbard, Crisp lead Sox to 11-2 winBOSTON – Kason Gabbard put on another dominating performance yesterday, and Coco Crisp continued his hot streak as the two led Boston to an 11-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park. Gabbard, fresh off his complete-game three-hit shutout against Kansas City, limited Chicago to just three hits and one run in seven innings of work. He received a standing ovation by the sellout crowd for his outstanding performance. Gabbard is 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA in six games for Boston this year where he has limited his opponents to a .184 batting average. “To have him pitch back-to-back games like that is very impressive,” Boston manager Terry Francona said of Gabbard, who has allowed exactly three hits in each of his last four starts. “He was huge for us,” Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia said of Gabbard. “He goes seven innings and dominated.” “I just made the pitches when I had too and got guys to swing early [in the count],” Gabbard said. “…I do the same thing every time I go out there and pitch. I try to throw strikes, mix my pitches, and go from there.” Crisp led Boston at the plate by going 3-for-4 with career-tying five RBI. Crisp also had five RBI against Tampa Bay on July 5. “He’s a very dangerous hitter,” Francona said of Crisp. Crisp has hit safely in 25 of his last 29 games, batting .370 (40-for-108) with five doubles, five triples, four homers, 22 RBI, and 19 runs scored. He is ranked third in the American League in triples with seven. “He’s huge,” Pedroia said of Crisp. “He sparks our team. Defensively he’s the best centerfielder in baseball and on offense he makes things happen. Once he gets on base, he can go at any time. It’s fun to watch.” Crisp didn’t just produce at the plate yesterday. In the second inning he ran down a hard hit Juan Uribe line drive in deep center field and caught it to save a run. “The guy’s defense has been phenomenal from day one,” Francona said. “That’s about as good a centerfielder as you’ll want to see. He’s catching everything.” While Crisp provided more than enough runs for Gabbard, it was Chicago that struck first. In the top of the second inning, Chicago leadoff hitter Paul Konerko hit a line drive to left field. Wily Mo Pena, like a deer in headlights, froze. He got a late jump on the ball, dove for it, and it bounced under his glove. By the time he got the ball into the infield, Konerko was standing on second base. The play was initially ruled a two-base error on Pena but then got changed to a double for Konerko. Chicago’s lead didn’t last long. After Boston loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the second, Danks threw five straight fastballs to Crisp to get ahead in the count, 1-2. He then threw two straight change-ups and Crisp made him pay on the second one. Crisp lined a single to left field that scored Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell as the Red Sox went ahead, 2-1. The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the sixth inning when J.D. Drew, with a runner on first and second base, extended Boston’s lead to 3-1 with an RBI double he hit down the right field line, scoring Ramirez. Chicago intentionally walked Lowell which loaded the bases for Jason Varitek. Varitek hit into a fielder’s choice grounder to third. Chicago third baseman Josh Fields threw home and got the force out at home plate to save a run. Crisp, however, delivered again for Boston, ripping a two-out single to left field that scored Youkilis. Drew tried to sprint home from second base on the play but he was thrown out at the plate by Chicago left-fielder Andy Gonzalez. Boston scored seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to break the game open. Crisp then hit a two-out, two-strike, two-run single up the middle to give Boston a 9-1 cushion. Hinske followed that up with a two-run triple that ricocheted off of the right-field wall. Rob Mackowiak drove in a run for Chicago in the top of the ninth inning before Boston closed the door on the White Sox. --ROB LEE
Posted by Corey Bourassa Schilling happy with rehab outingBy Joe McDonald PAWTUCKET _ Following his first rehab start with the Pawtucket Red Sox yesterday, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said he felt a bit awkward on the mound. Not because he wasn’t pitching effectively, but just the fact he was back on the mound in a game situation for the first time since he was placed on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder on June 19. The veteran right-hander was very sharp in his three-inning, 40-pitch outing for the PawSox at McCoy Stadium and said he hasn’t felt this good since 2002. Schilling threw a side session at Fenway Park on Wednesday and played long toss on Thursday in preparation for yesterday’s start. During those two workouts, he told Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell he felt the ball was coming out of his hand better than it has in a few years. It showed yesterday. “Everything has felt different in the last two weeks, but in a positive way,” said Schilling. “I feel good about the outing. . . There were some balls today that I threw that I felt very good about. I don’t remember feeling like that for a significant period of time.” Schilling worked on all of his pitches – curveball, fastball, change-up, split and sliders – saying it was the best he’s felt all season, including spring training. “For the last five months when my arm got to the top slot the throw was more momentum than power,” he explained. “I would get my arm to a point and didn’t have the ability to finish the pitch and drive the ball through. In the last two or three weeks I’ve noticed that I could.” He’s scheduled to throw another rehab start for the PawSox on Thursday in Toledo. There’s a possibility he could work a third game for Pawtucket before re-joining the Red Sox in Anaheim on Aug. 6. “As much as I hate being on the DL and the guilt feeling of not contributing, I have a blast down here with these kids in this environment,” he said. “It kind of revitalizes you a little bit. I had a goal and some objectives. I was scheduled to throw 50 pitches and I only threw 40. I could have gone back out there, but I answered the questions I wanted answered today. That was the big and they were all positives.” Schilling said he wants to return to the rotation as soon as possible, but at the same time he wants to make sure he’s healthy and doesn’t want to rush anything. Left-hander Kason Gabbard has replaced Schilling in the Sox rotation and “he pitched really well today,” said Schilling. “The fact that we’re eight games up is huge. I’m not sure that our place in the standings would have changed the timetable for me because the main goal is to come back and pitch all the way through the World Series. I want to be healthy, effective and be the guy I can be.” Because the PawSox offense struggled in the first two innings, Schilling was able to get back on the mound rather quickly to keep his solid momentum going. The only time he was crossed up was in the top of the third when he had to step off the rubber and ask Pawtucket catcher George Kottaras for a new signals, and because there seemed to be miscommunication the two had a meeting on the mound. “George was great,” said Schilling. “It was hard to see, that was the only problem. [Working well with a batterymate] is a big thing because, for me, tempo is as important as anything else. If you’re out there shaking, shaking, shaking, you tend not to get into a groove. He was good.” During his pregame warm up in the PawSox bullpen the Red Sox medical staff was keeping a close eye on the seasoned vet, and Schilling also had his family in attendance. Even tough he was all business yesterday, arriving at McCoy early and watching a replay of Friday night’s Red Sox game, Schilling had some fun with former World Series teammate and current Louisville second baseman Mark Bellhorn during the outing. “I made a comment to him after he swung at the first pitch,” Schilling said. “I’ve never seen the guy swing at a first pitch in the history of his career. He swung and I said ‘now you’re going to swing at the first pitch?’ He just kind of laughed.”
Posted by Joe McDonald Schilling in in the thirdBecause the PawSox haven't had much success offensively tonight, Schilling's been able to get back on the mound quickly. He allowed a lead-off single to the Bats' Ryan Jorgensen, who reached second on a sacrifice bunt by Paul Janish. Louisville's Chris Dickerson lined out to first baseman Jeff Bailey for the second out of the inning before Schilling struck out Dewayne Wise swinging to end the inning. Schilling is done after three shutout innings, 40 pitches (32 strikes), two hits and six strikeouts. He received a standing ovation from the fans at McCoy and the ace tipped his hat in appreciation. Schilling had control of all his pitches, especially his off-speed stuff.
Posted by Joe McDonald Schilling in the secondSchilling continued to dominate in the second. He struck out the side in order and on his last pitch Schilling dialed up a 94 mph fastball. He threw 12 pitches (10 strikes). He's up to 25 pitches (22 strikes) through two innings. He's scheduled to work three innings or 45 pitches.
Posted by Joe McDonald Schilling begins rehab with PawSoxCurt Schilling struck out the first batter he faced -- Louisville's Chris Dickerson -- on three straight pitches. He reached 93 on the gun with his fastball and his change-up dropped off at 75. He allowed a single to right to the next batter he faced before getting Joey Votto to fly out to center field. Schilling closed out the inning with another strikeout. The veteran right-hander threw just 13 pitches (12 strikes) in the inning.
Posted by Joe McDonald Upon Further Review . . .Boston manager Terry Francona was not a happy camper when the umpiring crew erred in not giving J.D. Drew credit for a home run in the first inning of last night's game. The umpires ruled the ball had hit the wall and not the barrier over the wall. Today he had a suggestion for making sure the umpires get calls right. "I think there should be a fifth umpire in the booth. It would give them an extra set of eyes and I think they would see what we see (on replays) and would be an incredible teaching tool. I think the extra set of eyes could eliminate possible things like that," said Francona, referring to the clearly blown call. Francona said the argument he had with crew chief Tim McClelland, who ultimately ejected him, and the rest of the crew will not carry over to today's game. "It's not personal," said Francona. "But I knew what had happened. The ball couldn't bounce back into the field of play (if it hadn't hit the barrier over the wall). I asked (McClelland) to check with the other umpires and they did. While I appreciate that, I didn't like the answer. You feel frustration, but it's not personal. It goes away." Especially since the Red Sox won the game, 10-3. Francona said he wasn't sure what type of calls the fifth umpire should be able to overrule, nor did was he aware of any forum in which managers are asked for their suggestions to change the game. McClelland visited Francona's office about an hour before the game. They had a nice peaceful, informal chat. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Batting Order Switches
He brought Lugo back up from the number nine spot to leadoff. The Sox' shortstop had been exiled from the top to the bottom of the order on June 12 because he was batting .213 at the time. Lugo's struggles continued from the number nine hole for a while, as well, but he enters today's game boasting a 10-game hitting streak during which he has batted .500 (19 for 38), including a grand slam last night. Manny Ramirez, meanwhile, was moved up from cleanup to the number three spot, the spot in the order he actually prefers. "He's a little excited about it," said Francona. "It put a little smile on his face. He loves hitting third." Three years ago Francona kept flip-flopping Ortiz and Ramirez in the three-four spots, finally settling on Ortiz third and Ramirez fourth and sticking with that alignment through this season. "If they hit like they can we're more productive the way we have it," said Francona of his Ortiz-Ramirez lineup positioning. Francona is having Ramirez serve in Ortiz's DH slot today, saving a little wear and tear on his knees. Kevin Youkilis is batting cleanup. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Strained Shoulder Benches OrtizDavid Ortiz, who suffered a strained left shoulder Friday night, is out of the starting lineup today. An MRI taken today at Massachusetts General Hospital before the game did not show any structural damage to the shoulder and Ortiz is listed as day-to-day. Ortiz suffered the injury while trying to stretch a single into a double. His headfirst slide not only wasn't successful -- he was tagged out -- he also landed hard on the shoulder. This afternoon, it was clear that Ortiz's shoulder was sore. He yanked his T-shirt off with his right hand while his left arm hung limp at his side, and Ortiz winced as he performed that task. Manager Terry Francona said that Ortiz would have additional tests on his shoulder, but that he already had passed a strength test in the bruised area. "He's like we expected. He's stiff and sore. No surprises," said Francona after chatting in his office with Ortiz for about 10 minutes after the Sox' designated hitter arrived in the cloubhouse. Francona was in his office, having been thrown out of last night's game, when Ortiz made his ill-fated dash to second base. "I almost fell off the couch. It was like an earthquake," joked Francona. Francona turned serious when asked how he feels whenever he sees his mammoth DH sliding. "That's a big body. There's a lot of force when he hits the ground, but you have to play the game," said Francona of Ortiz, who is 6-foot-4 and charitably (unbelievably?) listed at 230 pounds.
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 21BOSTON Lugo ss Gabbard p CHICAGO Owens cf Danks p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner July 20, 2007
Sox win wild one at Fenway, 10-3BOSTON - A game that began ominously for the Red Sox last night eventually turned in their favor and resulted in a 10-3 blowout win over the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park. The Red Sox carried a three-game losing streak into the contest and with ace pitcher Josh Beckett on the mound needed a victory as badly as they had in months. After getting jobbed out of a 3-run home run by J.D. Drew in the first inning, Boston recovered and scored four runs in the fifth inning and five more in the eighth to sail to the win. Beckett left after allowing three runs over six innings (114 pitches) and turned the ball over to the Sox’ red-hot bullpen. Mike Timlin, Hideki Okajima and Joel Pineiro combined to shut out the White Sox over the final three frames and preserve the victory for Beckett, who improved to 13-3. ``This is a team that’s going to go on feeling,’’ said Julio Lugo, who went 3-for-4 including a grand slam homer in the eighth inning. ``Today was a good sign, good pitching, good hitting. That’s the way we have to play.’’ The win, coupled with the Yankees’ loss to Tampa Bay, extends Boston’s lead in the A.L. East to eight games. The fates seemed stacked against the Sox after a bizarre play in the first inning. With David Ortiz on second base and Manny Ramirez at first, Drew lined a Jose Contreras pitch high to left-center. The ball clearly struck the wire ledge that sits just below the Monster Seats but the umpires didn’t signal home run. The White Sox threw home and cut down Ramirez who wasn’t running hard because he thought he saw the ball go out for a homer. Ortiz scored the only run on the play but Terry Francona shot out of the dugout and vehemently argued the call. He was eventually ejected by third base umpire Tim McClelland, who was booed mercilessly the rest of the game by the fans. Drew, incidentally, stroked another Wall double in the eighth inning. Entering the game, he had just three hits off the Monster all season. ``I’ve been talking ad nausea about getting a two-out hit and to take two runs off the board is not easy to take,’’ said Francona. ``I’m very thankful we came back and played a great game after that.’’ Chicago seemed to receive a rush off the lucky break and hit Beckett up for three runs in the third when Jim Thome smacked a 3-run homer to left field. It was Thome’s 20th homer at Fenway in his career, the most by any active player. Trailing 3-1 entering the fifth, the Red Sox benefited in a major way from some questionable White Sox strategy. Boston’s leadoff man, Jason Varitek, walked. With Contreras pitching to Eric Hinske (.196 average), Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen chose to align his defense in an Ortiz-line shift for some unknown reason. Hinske then wisely set down a chopping bunt to where third baseman Josh Fields should have been but wasn’t and cruised to first with a base hit. With Francona back in the clubhouse, bench coach Brad Mills stayed with the small ball routine and Julio Lugo laid down a bunt that he beat out when Contreras’ throw to first sailed a bit high. The two bunts loaded the bases with none out and Coco Crisp came through by slapping a bases-clearing triple past Paul Konerko and into the right-field corner. Guillen had his defense back in the shift when Ortiz came to the plate with one out. Ortiz grounded hard towards the first base bag but Konerko failed to cover the line and the ball scooted into right field to allow Crisp to sail home with the fourth run of the inning. ``He said his heart was racing. He’d never (bunted) before,’’ Crisp said of Hinske’s bunt. ``We came up with a big inning when we needed it.’’ With a 5-3 lead, Beckett retired the Sox in order in the sixth and then gave way to the bullpen. Timlin and Okajima set the next six White Sox down easily and Boston was prepared to send Jonathan Papelbon out for the ninth. But the Red Sox weren’t done scoring. The Sox loaded the bases off Contreras (5-12) and Lugo blasted a grand slam high over the Green Monster in left for a 10-3 lead. The hit set Papelbon down and Pineiro came on and ended things quietly in the ninth.
Posted by Thom Cahir Bailey, Hansack star in 6-4 PawSox winPAWTUCKET – Pawtucket righty Devern Hansack earned his team-leading seventh win of the season last night and his sixth win in a row. He has teammate Jeff Bailey to thank for that. Bailey led an explosive PawSox offense that amassed 10 hits by going 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and four RBI to power Pawtucket to a 6-4 victory over Louisville. “You get a guy like that hot, a production guy like him and [David] Murphy right now, they can kind of carry you,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. Bailey and Murphy carried Pawtucket last night. Murphy was 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Hansack pitched six innings, scattered five hits, allowed four runs, and struckout nine. “He’s been pretty dirty all year just look at his ERA and strikeout totals,” Johnson said of Hansack, who is 7-6 with a 3.35 ERA. “What I like about Devern is the development of his changeup. His changeup is becoming a big time swing and miss pitch. His arm speed is right along the lines with his fastball…Devern Hansack is as consistent as you can get.” Hansack only made two mistakes last night. Louisville hit a home run on both of them. One was a three-run shot by Joey Votto. The other was a solo home run by Chris Dickerson. “Devern gave up a couple of home runs but that was just because he was being aggressive,” Bailey said. “That was fine because we still kept the lead.” “He only made two mistakes and they did what you are supposed to do with mistakes,” Johnson said. “They smoked them…But they are good hitters though. Votto is a good hitter. He makes me nervous every time he comes to the plate. Dickerson has hit a couple of homers against us. He’s a big strong kid. But we got enough early to hold on.” Despite Louisville’s two home runs, the Bats never led in the game. The PawSox jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on four two-out hits and never looked back. After Bobby Scales (1-for-2, 2 runs scored, walk, hit by pitch) and Michael Tucker (2-for-4, double, run scored) both singled, Brandon Moss drove-in Scales with a single hit down the first-base line, putting runners on first and third base. Bailey then sent a Richie Gardner offering into the bullpen in left field for a three-run home run. It was his second three-run home run in as many nights, and his 12th home run of the season. “It was the pitcher’s mistake,” Bailey said. “I think he was trying to sink it but it didn’t sink much. I got it. It’s nice to get that kind of lead early in the game.” David Murphy led off the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run for Pawtucket to give the PawSox a 5-0 cushion. After Scales walked, he sprinted to third base on a Tucker double. Bailey drove-in Scales with an RBI single to center field to make it 6-0. Votto cut Pawtucket’s lead in half with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning. After Hansack struckout the side in the fifth, Dickerson hit a sixth-inning lead-off home run and Pawtucket’s lead fell to 6-4. But Hansack did not allow another hit after that. Louisville had a chance to win the game in the top of the ninth inning when former Boston star Mark Bellhorn (2004, 2005) came up to bat with two outs and a runner on first and second base, but Pawtucket closer Travis Hughes struck him out to earn the save.
Posted by Thom Cahir Dumb Luck It's been this kind of a week for the Red Sox.
Posted by Kevin Bring Food to Fenway on Weekend The 16th annual Red Sox Wives Can and Cash Drive takes place before this weekend's games.
Posted by Kevin Pre-Game Sox Stuffers
** Terry Francona is giving Kevin Youkilis a night off but playing JD Drew. Youkilis is riding a 3-for-27 (.111) skid since his return from an injury to his left quadriceps. Youkilis is just 5-for-37 (.135) in his career against the White Sox. **It's been a season-long strength for the Red Sox but here are the next three starting pitchers Francona will send out: Kason Gabbard, Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavares. Cross your fingers, Sox fans. **On an extremely positive note, over the last 17 games, the Red Sox bullpen owns a 1.79 ERA. The Sox have converted their last 8 save situations.
Posted by Kevin RSox-WSox Lineups; JD in, Youk out Here are the lineups for tonight's Red Sox-White Sox game @ Fenway Park CHICAGO
Posted by Kevin Projo SoxTalk: Frustrations are evident on the fieldArt Martone and Sean McAdam are calling the Red Sox' post-All Star Game slide a slump, and say in spite of what the players say, their frustrations are evident on the field. It's all on today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. What's the answer? Our experts map out the options.
Posted by Pam Cotter Baseball Today: Friday, July 20
BRAVEHEARTS: That's the impression the Red Sox are trying to put forth in light of their 20-24 slide since May 30, a slide that continued last night with a rain-delayed 4-2 loss to the White Sox (above, Journal photo by Bob Breidenbach). Joe McDonald writes the Sox ''were calm and collected [before the game], and the clubhouse was much of the same following the loss.'' (projo.com) Julio Lugo even went so far as to implore reporters ''not to panic'' (Boston Herald), though it's not the media doing any panicking. It's hard to say the fans are, either, since the lead is still seven games. Maybe it's best summed up by old friend Allan Wood: ''Panic? No. Nothing even close to panic. Annoyance? Yes. I'm plenty annoyed.'' (joyofsox.blogspot.com) AND WHO ARE YOU ANNOYED WITH? Let's start with J.D. Drew, who, according to Sean McAdam, is becoming ''[a] target of fans . . . a repository for their frustration with the team’s month-long slide into undistinguished play.'' (projo.com) Drew hasn't been the hitter the Sox thought they were getting, but in one way he's lived up to every expectation: ''[His] frequent absenteeism,'' writes Sean, ''has only helped reinforce the notion that Drew is too quick to come out of the lineup . . . It’s not the prolonged stints on the disabled list that test teams’ patience; it’s the frequent one- and two-day absences that can be so infuriating.'' Last night was another, even though he has a career average of .391 against the White Sox' starter, Javier Vazquez. ''More than one teammate yesterday afternoon, taking note of [Drew's] exclusion from the lineup card, managed to roll his eyes in response,'' writes Sean.
LONG TIME COMING: The eighth-inning homer allowed by Hideki Okajima (top picture) was the first he's given up since Opening Day. (projo.com notebook) Also worth noting: Julian Tavarez is working with Jason Varitek to get out of his slump, I WOULD HAVE LIKED IT HERE: Mark Buehrle wound up staying with the White Sox, but said he wouldn't have minded if the rumored trade to Boston had come through. (Boston Herald) IN THE HUNT: The Kansas City Star reports the Red Sox are one of a number of teams -- the others include the Dodgers, Indians, Tigers and Braves -- who have interest in Octovio Dotel. The Sox are also said to be monitoring Rockies reliever Brian Fuentes (Denver Post). MEANWHILE . . . The lead is still seven because the Yankees let one get away yesterday, squandering a 2-0 seventh-inning lead and losing to the Blue Jays, 3-2. (New York Post) It was only their fourth loss in 15 games, but it prompted immediate warnings from Bill Madden of the Daily News and Larry Brooks of the Post that, in the situation they're in, the Yankees can't afford to be giving games away. MAYBE IT'S ALL THOSE VOODOO DOLLS IN RED SOX NATION: Johnny Damon says he feels great, so he can't understand why he's in such a deep slump. (New York Daily News) But even though his average is down to .233, he wants to remain in the leadoff spot. (New York Post) BORE-ING: More and more, we're hearing this may be one of the dullest trade-deadline periods ever. Jayson Stark of ESPN explains why. HAND 'EM OVER: The Yankees are aggressively seeking help in the trade market, but one N.L. scout says, ''The Yankees don't want to give up the kids, and if they don't do that, they aren't going to get anything.'' (New York Post) GETTING CLOSER: Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald recounts a strange day at Wrigley Field, where Barry Bonds hit two home runs and moved within two of Hank Aaron's record. GHOST TALES: Major league teams tell tales of a hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla., that's alleged to be haunted, and the Angels have stories to add to the lore. (Riverside Press-Enterprise) YOU'RE A WRITER, NOT A FAN: A Japanese sports writer had his credentials revoked by the Baseball Writers Association of America for asking Roger Clemens for an autograph. (sportingnews.com) HAIRY SITUATION: The blog Bugs and Cranks looks at the best Afros in baseball history. Some contemporary players actually make the grade. HOME SWEET HOME: That's how Julio Franco feels about Atlanta. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU JUST DON'T SAY: Pirates starter Ian Snell apologized to the Rockies for saying he would ''kill that dude'' -- a Colorado player he wouldn't name -- who he thought was stealing his signs in Wednesday night's game. Even so, MLB is launching an investigation and discipline may follow. (Denver Post) TO THE SIDELINES: Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter needs Tommy John surgery. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) TO THE FIELD: The Dodgers' Randy Wolf is eyeing an Aug. 1 return (Los Angeles Daily News) . . . Moises Alou could be back in the Mets' outfield by next week (New York Post). ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER: The pool of available relievers diminished by one when the Rangers put Akinori Otsuka on the disabled list, all but guaranteeing they won't be able to trade him by July 31. WHISPERS: Many teams would like the Nationals' Chad Cordero as a setup man in their bullpen, but a N.L. executive thinks the Nats should attempt to get closers' value for him (Washington Post) . . . Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press wouldn't be surprised if the Twins trade closer Joe Nathan, if not now then in the offseason . . . Dmitri Young to the Twins? (St. Paul Pioneer-Press) . . . The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano reports the Yankees are interested in the Royals' Zack Greinke, and have rebuffed the Mariners' inquiries about Andy Pettitte . . . OLD FRIENDS: Derek Lowe said he was pitching ''live batting practice'' when he got lit up by the Mets last night . . . So was Mike Maroth in the Cardinals' loss to the Braves (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) . . . Mike Myers is back in the groove in New York (New York Daily News) . . . On the same day he returned to the lineup, the Cubs' Cliff Floyd was forced back to the bench because of a sore neck (AP via projo.com) . . . Bobby Howry recorded his seventh save for the Cubs, but will probably move back to a setup role when Ryan Dempster returns today (AP via projo.com) . . . The ever-recovering Wade Miller will make another minor-league rehab start tonight (Chicago Tribune) . . . Dustan Mohr is out of a job in Tampa Bay (Tampa Tribune) . . . Josh Bard had his three-game suspension reduced to two games, and he began serving it last night (AP via projo.com). And this is the last word you'll hear from me until August 6; I'm headed out to vacation. Mike McDermott will be handling this portion of the blog for the next two weeks, so check back daily. See you when I return. -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone FINAL: Chicago 4, Boston 2By JOE McDONALD BOSTON -- There’s no need for anyone to Google directions for how to tie a noose. Or is there? Despite losing their third game in a row, the Boston Red Sox are not showing signs of panic. Prior to their 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox last night at Fenway Park, the players were calm and collective and the clubhouse was much of the same following the defeat. Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka dropped his record to 11-7 after allowing three runs on two hits in five innings, plus four batters, of work as Boston’s offense once again failed to drive in runs. The Sox were able to bang out 11 hits, but couldn’t produce in the crucial situations. ''In his first couple of hitters he was in his delivery so well,'' said Boston manager Terry Francona about Matsuzaka. ''The ball was coming out of his hand so crisp and then he ran through some spots where all his walks were grouped in innings where he didn’t command for say 15 pitches. He pitched himself into a box where he gave up a single and it was a couple of runs. They certainly weren’t hitting him all over the ballpark.'' Because Matsuzaka is so regimented in his preparation, and was not used to games being delayed while he played in Japan, last night’s 1:56 delay could have had an affect on his performance but he wasn’t about to make any excuses. ''Just from the outset tonight I wasn’t able to throw any strikes,'' said Matsuzaka, who finished with 109 pitches (63 for strikes). ''That was the difference. . . I didn’t feel there was a particular affect [due to the delay]. I felt my stuff was okay tonight, I just wasn’t able to control it very well.'' Even though he only allowed two hits, Dice-K said because of his season-high six walks, it felt more like he surrendered eight hits. Speaking of hits, Boston had plenty of them. The Sox just didn’t have the runs. With two runners on and the Sox trailing by a run in the seventh inning, Manny Ramirez smoked a high liner to deep center field that looked like it had enough to get out. Unfortunately, it was to the deepest part of the field and White Sox centerfielder Jerry Owens was able to track it down right at the corner of the Red Sox bullpen for the second out of the inning. ''Unfortunately, a lot of hits and not a lot of runs,'' said Francona when asked about the offense. ''It’s something we need to . . . if Manny’s shot goes another foot the other way then I’m up here, saying ‘wow it’s nice to get a big hit like that.’ That was a very, very good swing. We just came up empty and it hurts.'' There’s been one common theme around these parts of late. Can the Red Sox right the ship, stop the surging New York Yankees and keep their lead in the A.L. East standings safe? While Red Sox Nation and the local sports-talk shows dwell on this more than if there was a third gunman on the grassy knoll, the proof could be found in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday afternoon. The Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays played a day game and New York was trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Almost everyone in the Red Sox clubhouse were intently watching the game, waiting to see if the Bronx Bombers could come back and cut their deficit in the standings even closer. Those people paying attention to the game were the 50 or so media members. Not one Red Sox player was watching, only a handful of team personnel. In fact, it was almost an hour later when Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon walked through the clubhouse and asked who had won the game. When told it was the Blue Jays, he turned and said sarcastically to the wall of media members, ''Can we all breathe now?'' and followed that statement up with an expletive. It was an interesting scene. The fact of the matter remains, however, if the Red Sox can’t get a winning streak started and the Yankees continue to roll, well . . . somebody needed to get things going for Boston. The Red Sox looked to Matsuzaka to stop the bleeding. Dice-K has an army-like regimen when it comes to his game preparation, but because of last night’s inclement weather the game was delayed 1:56. It didn’t seem to bother him too much. The first-year Red Sox pitcher made his 20th start of the season against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway and after a shaky 32-pitch first inning where he allowed one run and issued two walks, Dice-K settled down. He retired 12 of the next 13 batters he faced and thanks to a two-run second inning for Boston, Matsuzaka held a one-run lead after five innings. He also posted six strikeouts through the first five. In the top of the sixth, however, Matsuzaka faltered. He walked the bases loaded before surrendering a two-run single to Chicago’s A.J. Pierzynski and Francona had seen enough and gave his starter the hook, replacing him with reliever Manny Delcarmen. Dice-K finished five innings plus four batters, allowing a total of three runs on two hits with six strikeouts and a season-high six walks. Chicago held a 3-2 lead until the top of the eighth inning when Paul Konerko belted a leadoff homer off Sox lefty Hideki Okajima that landed in the Monster seats. It was the first home run he had allowed since his major-league debut on April 2 at Kansas City when John Buck hit a roundtripper. Konerko’s blast also snapped Okajima’s 17-inning scoreless streak. Even before that point, the Red Sox needed a solid outing from Dice-K. Matsuzaka entered last night’s game with an 11-6 record with a 3.94 ERA with the Sox in his first season in the majors. He began the season as expected as a firestorm and completed dominated en route to a 7-2 record in his first nine starts. Entering last night’s game, however, he evened off a little bit and posted a 4-4 mark in his last nine starts. Is there a trend here? Opposing clubs obviously have better scouting reports on Matsuzaka now that the season is into the second half. He had the advantage at the start of the season, but now he’s had to make adjustments and proved he can do that successfully last night against the White Sox. After Boston won the bidding war last offseason and subsequently signed the Japanese sensation, there was a lot of pressure on the Sox and their newest pitcher to produce. There were a lot of outside distractions to deal with, but there hasn’t been any negative effect on the baseball side of the deal. When asked if he thought Dice-K and the club have finally reached a point where the sides have jelled, Francona said it tough to figure. ''Because of the language barrier we’re still getting there,'' he said. ''We’re still learning because we can’t have that conversation in the outfield [during batting practice] about your hometown. It’s a project and it’s a lot of hard work on his part because he’s the one [trying] to speak English.'' Francona wanted to make it clear the most important thing on the club’s mind at the start of Dice-K mania, and all of the outside distractions, the Red Sox put winning first and foremost. ''I think we’ve accomplished that right from the beginning,'' added the manager. ''The comfort level is getting stronger and stronger. I don’t know if you ever get to 100 percent with anybody, we’re always trying to get better.'' Just in case anyone is wondering how to make a noose, make a simple knot and . . .
Posted by Joe McDonald July 19, 2007
Game on!Tonight's game will start at 8:55.
Posted by Joe McDonald That's the Rule!Since we're in a rain delay at Fenway Park let's have a little bit of fun. I'm thinking we can make this a permanent thing with obscure rules of the game. So here we go. I'll post two questions now and the answers later, but if you think you know the answer you can email me (jmcdonal@projo.com) or place your answer in the comments section on this site. This will be on the honor system, so don't go checking the rule book. 1) If a batter hits the ball off the rubber on the pitcher's mound, and nothing else, and rolls into foul territory before first or third base, is it fair or foul? 2) How many legal outs can a team get in one half of an inning? Explain why. Good Luck.
Posted by Joe McDonald Weather update from Fenway ParkPer the Red Sox: The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) as of 7:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for rain showers to move out of the area between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m..
Based on that current forecast, the Red Sox anticipate that tonight’s game with the Chicago White Sox will be played but will not begin until at least 8:15 p.m.
The Red Sox will do everything possible to make certain tonight’s game is played. However, the Red Sox would like to alert our fans to the current forecast and the possibility of further delays this evening.
Posted by Joe McDonald Weather update from FenwayPer the Red Sox: The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) as of 6:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for rain showers to move out shortly to be followed by a period of relatively dry conditions.
Based on that current forecast, the start of tonight’s game with the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park will be delayed. No starting time has been set.
The Red Sox will do everything possible to make certain tonight’s game is played. However, the Red Sox would like to alert our fans to the current forecast and the possibility of further delays this evening.
Posted by Joe McDonald Maybe he was playing too shallowBOSTON -- There’s been a lot of talk of late concerning how shallow Manny Ramirez has been playing left field. It has cost Red Sox pitchers a few runs over the last week, but Wednesday night he was back to normal depth. Francona admitted yesterday he spoke with Ramirez after Tuesday’s game where he cost Tim Wakefield two runs. Francona said he felt Manny kept creeping in a little of late, but not purposely. ''He actually took some routes (Wednesday) that were very aggressive and he did a good job,'' said the manager. ''He’s always aware of not allowing teams to score on base hits to left, which is good. There are a lot of different ways to approach our left field; you always try to take away something. But at different times of the game you have to be aware of what can hurt you worse, or what you want to take away.'' -- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Peter Phipps Clubhouse confidentialBOSTON -- If you looked at the previous post you'll notice the struggling J.D. Drew is out of tonight's lineup. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the left fielder's hamstring, which has hampered him for much of the season, is acting up again so the club thought it best to take a night off. ''He’s kind of stuck in between,'' said Francona. ''He wants to play and we want him to play; it hurts.'' Francona said Drew slipped when catching a fly ball during Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. ''We’re trying to do what’s right and it’s not very easy,'' added Francona. ''We’d love to play him, but at the same time we don’t want to hurt him. We’re going to do the best we can, and I don’t know if that means he plays tomorrow.'' The manager said the situation is a little perplexing because Drew doesn’t know the status of his hamstring, either. ''This is something that we don’t want to linger,'' said Francona. ''We want him to be okay. We thought we got there [last month], but evidently we didn’t.'' Francona was asked if he thought it was best to give the right fielder extended time off, possibly placing him on the disabled list, but the manager doesn’t think that’s an option. ''He feels that’s not necessary,'' Francona said. ''We thought about playing him today, so it’s that close.'' ---- -- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineupsCHICAGO BOSTON
Posted by Joe McDonald Latest weather update from FenwayThe Red Sox just released this statement: The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for rain showers to move through the area this evening.
This forecast is of course subject to change as the day progresses. Additional updates will be provided as necessary.
Posted by Joe McDonald Game Story: PawSox comeback falls shortPAWTUCKET – As the sold out crowd began leaving McCoy Stadium yesterday after Ottawa had taken a 9-1 lead by scoring three runs in the top of the eighth inning, Pawtucket showed the fans that stayed why it should no longer be considered a team that is going to roll over and go away quietly after falling behind in a game. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Jeff Bailey hit a three run home run, Bobby Scales hit a two run home run, and Alex Prieto hit a solo home run to cut Ottawa’s lead to 9-7. “It got real exciting there towards the end,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. “I think that was one of our better innings offensively this year as far as driving the ball. That was something special right there.” Johnson said that the PawSox showed a lot of courage by nearly pulling off what would have been a remarkable comeback. “It was just one of those things where we gave up a few too many and came up just a little bit short at the end but I was real proud of the ball club,” Johnson said. “You’d like to do it in a win,” Scales said about hitting two home runs against his former team. “We had opportunities to win the game and that is the main thing. I know this is the minor leagues and I know that we are here for development purposes but as long as they keep a scoreboard, the aim is to win the game.” With the score tied 1-1, Ottawa took control of the game in the top of the sixth inning. After Gary Burnham put Ottawa on top, 2-1, with an RBI single, the Lynx loaded the bases for Jim Rushford who hit a grand slam home run on a Mike Burns (2-7) changeup. It was Rushford’s first home run of the season. “That was probably the longest drought I’ve been in and I was starting to think that I wasn’t going to hit one all year but I came up in the right situation, got a pitch that I could handle, and put a good swing on it,” Rushford said. Ottawa added three insurance runs in the top of the eighth on Danny Sandoval’s RBI double and Pedro Swann’s two RBI single. Burns did everything asked of him in the first five innings, limiting Ottawa to just one run on two hits. “He actually dominated through the first five innings of the ball game,” Johnson said. “His pitches were very low.” Ottawa, however, batted through the order and exploded for five runs on five hits against a tiring Burns in the momentum-turning sixth inning which forced Johnson to pull him. The game was close prior to the sixth inning. Ottawa jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Joe Thurston hit a one out double to deep right-center field. Jason Jaramillo drove him in with a single hit up the middle. Burns calmed down and got the next two batters to ground out and end the inning. Burns (5 1/3 innings, 6 hits, 6 runs, 2 strikeouts) did not give up another hit until sixth inning, but the PawSox couldn’t amount much of an offense either. Pawtucket didn’t get a hit until the fifth inning. Scales, who entered yesterday’s game tied for third place in the International League with a .316 batting average, sent the first pitch of the PawSox fifth into the bullpen in left field for a solo home run, tying the score, 1-1. Pawtucket, however, only got one more hit off of Ottawa starter J.A. Happ (2-4), who pitched six innings and limited Pawtucket to just one run with six strikeouts. “Happ, he’s pretty good,” Scales said. “He wasn’t doing anything particularly tricky, but he’s got a surprise fastball. You see it, you feel like you’re on it, but then you get beat by it. He’s pretty good.” --ROB LEE
Posted by Corey Bourassa Tarp on the fieldWith a 50 percent chance for rain tonight at Fenway, the grounds crew just put the tarp on the field. In fact, a light rain just started so we'll have a weather update as soon as it becomes available.
Posted by Joe McDonald Projo SoxTalk: Is it officially a slump?Is it officially a slump? Art Martone and Sean McAdam discuss the recent Red Sox slide on today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. Also, continuing to look at the upcoming Major League Baseball trade deadline, they discuss the now unlikely scenario that onetime trade target Jermaine Dye will trade his White Sox for red ones.
Posted by Pam Cotter Baseball Today: Thursday, July 19IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE . . . 2004. At least that's what the Red Sox hope. Or 2002. That's what they fear.
SCOUTING REPORT: One A.L. scout's take of the Red Sox, as reported by the New York Daily News: ''They're not a good offensive team right now. And without a healthy (Curt) Schilling, their pitching isn't great. (Daisuke) Matsuzaka isn't dominating anybody -- he's just a solid No. 3 starter. Their bullpen is very good, but as a team, they're not playing with the confidence I saw early in the season.'' DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: In his look at what teams need to do at the trading deadline, FoxSports.com's Dayn Perry says the Red Sox don't need to do anything.
EASY DOES IT: The Sox are forcing Daisuke Matsuzaka to work less hard than usual, hoping to keep him fresh for the second half. (Boston Herald) YUCK: SI.com's Tom Verducci puts Dustin Pedroia (''little man with a big man's swing'') on his list of players with the ugliest swings in baseball. OUT OF THE RUNNING: In the election for president of Red Sox Nation -- one of the more contrived gimmicks of the usually savvy P.R. department -- Jerry Remy did a very public trashing of old friend Bill Simmons' nomination (Boston Dirt Dogs), leading some to believe there was bad blood between RemDawg and The Sports Guy. But on last night's broadcast Remy said he and Simmons are friends, having worked together in radio some years back, and that it was all in fun. STANDINGS? WHAT STANDINGS?: The Yankees claim they're not paying attention to no stinkin' standings, not at this stage of the season, but they're inching closer nevertheless. Last night's 6-1 win over the Blue Jays (New York Daily News) was their 11th win in 14 games and pushed them four games over .500 for the first time all season. Alex Rodriguez provided some of the late-inning heroics, which prompted the Pavlovian cry of "SIGN HIM!!!'' from the New York Post's Jay Greenberg. FROM THE OTHER DUGOUT . . . : We feel your pain, Tao. And that was before the Blue Jays parlayed 10 hits through the first seven innings into one run, and watched the Yankees blow things open in the seventh and eighth. AND THE GOOD NEWS -- FOR THE YANKEES, ANYWAY -- JUST KEEPS ON ROLLING: Phil Hughes, who threw four innings for the Trenton Thunder last night, says he's 100 percent physically and on track for a late July return to the Bronx. (New York Post) WELL, IT'S NOT ALL GOOD: Kyle Farnsworth may have finally pitched himself out of the main setup role in the Yankee bullpen. (New York Daily News) VOICE OF SUPPORT: Tom Gordon said that, unlike Gary Sheffield, he had no problem with Joe Torre during his time with the Yankees. (Philadelphia Inquirer) KILLING THE MESSENGER: Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that Tony La Russa ''[finds] it more convenient to jump a media person rather than hold his players accountable. It continued a season-long pattern: La Russa initiating a conflict with the media while waving off his players' lapses in the commitment to fundamentally-sound baseball.'' OFF THE MARKET: The Astros now say they won't trade Brad Lidge. (Houston Chronicle) DON'T BE FOOLED: Dontrelle Willis may or may not be available from the Marlins; if he is, he'll certainly be the most sought-after starter at the deadline. But Baseball Musing's David Pinto thinks that, right now, Willis simply isn't very good. The Miami Herald's Greg Cote agrees, saying D-Train ''is off the rails.'' BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Braves, as expected, signed Julio Franco. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) His ex-Mets teammates don't sound like they'll miss him too much. (The Journal News) WHISPERS: Troy Glaus has heard the rumors that have him heading from Toronto to the Dodgers, but says he hasn't been approached about waiving his no-trade clause (Toronto Sun) . . . The Cubs are said to be interested in Royals' left-hander Zack Greinke (Daily Southtown) . . . Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes says reports that Arizona was showcasing Conor Jackson for the White Sox are ''ridiculous'' (East Valley Tribune). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 18, 2007
Game Story: Royals 6, Red Sox 5BOSTON -- It’s no secret Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez and pitcher Julian Tavarez are buenos amigos. The pair’s on-field and off-field antics are regularly televised, laughed about and talked about. Since Tavarez was turned into a starting pitcher this season and placed into the club’s fifth spot in the rotation, it just seems like Ramirez gives a little more of an effort every fifth day when his friend toes the rubber. That was quite evident in the first inning last night against the Kansas City Royals when the Sox’ left fielder made a tremendous catch on the first play of the game, robbing the Royals’ David DeJesus of a hit and possibly extra bases. What makes Ramirez’s play interesting is he has been recently criticized for playing too shallow, but last night he was playing a little deeper and gave more of an effort. On Tuesday with Tim Wakefield on the mound, Ramirez was too shallow on a ball hit in the fourth inning and allowed two runs to score. Call it a conspiracy theory, but the naked eye sees Ramirez in a different light when Tavarez pitches. Despite the Sox’ 6-5 loss to the Royals at Fenway Park last night, Ramirez went 2-for-3, including a solo home run. In fact, he’s hitting .323 (20-for-62) with 17 RBI and six homers in Tavarez’s 18 starts this season. After the pitcher dropped his record to 5-8 he placed the blame on himself and not what Ramirez or the rest of the order did offensively. “Manny makes a lot of nice catches out there and he’s been helping the team with the bat, too,” said Tavarez. “Manny is one of the best players in the second half of the season and proves what type of player he is. He makes good plays, hits home runs and RBI; he’s been doing everything. If I can go out and pitch six or seven innings with two or three runs, I should be able to win some games because my team is scoring runs for me.” Tavarez cruised through the first three innings of the game, retiring nine of the first 10 batters he faced. “The first time through the order he was very good,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He was Julian we’ve seen for the majority of the year. The second time through the order his location, it seemed like it abandoned him. He was living on one side of the plate and all of a sudden they were getting hits in a hurry.” Tavarez allowed two runs in the top of the fourth inning, but the Red Sox responded with four in the bottom half for a 4-2 advantage. Then the wheels came off in the top of the fifth for Tavarez as the Royals scored four runs. “I changed my game plan,” he said. “I wasn’t attacking hitters . . . it’s hard to figure out what happened because it happened so quickly.” Tavarez isn’t the only one to blame here. The Red Sox have been too inconsistent at the plate of late, especially with runners in scoring position. Even Francona said as much during his pregame scrum with the local media yesterday. Boston has failed to come up with the big hit in crucial spots and last night was no different. With the Sox trailing by a run in the bottom of the eighth inning, Coco Crisp provided a two-out triple and was left stranded 90 feet away when Julio Lugo popped out to center field. “No one cares about one loss,” said Crisp. “We’re in first place by a lot and overall we still have the best winning percentage. If you start pressing when you’re in first place with the best record in baseball it makes no sense.” The Yankees beat Toronto again last night and now the Sox’ lead is down to seven games. Ramirez didn’t only have a chance to help out his friend last night he also had a chance to make things interesting for the Red Sox in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, he popped out to shallow right field Tavarez has struggled in his last few outings and has not lasted more than six innings in his last five starts. Because of his recent sub-par performances, it’ll make things interesting when Curt Schilling (shoulder tendinitis) returns to the rotation. Because rookie Kason Gabbard has been successful in his two brief stints with Boston this season, including his current one, it’s possible Tavarez could be shifted to the bullpen and replaced with the young southpaw in that fifth spot when Schilling returns. Pawtucket pitcher Jon Lester could also be an option as he worked seven innings for the PawSox last night against Ottawa, allowing just three runs on seven hits to improve to 4-5 in his comeback from cancer. --JOE McDONALD
Posted by Chris Venditto Lester gets the win in 9-4 defeat of LynxPAWTUCKET – A strong performance from lefty Jon Lester and some late-inning heroics led to a 9-4 victory for the Pawtucket Red Sox over the Ottawa Lynx last night at McCoy Stadium. Lester pitched seven strong innings, scattering seven hits and allowing three runs with three strikeouts to earn the win. “I liked his outing,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. “I thought he was throwing real good stuff…I liked the way he stayed composed in this outing…I liked everything about Jon’s outing.” Lester said that he relied on his fastball and cutter to confuse the Lynx batters. “I really didn’t have a feel for my curveball early on,” Lester said. “Later in the game it came around better but mainly I was throwing fastball and cutter and I mixed in a couple of changeups, hit some spots and got some outs.” Pawtucket, which did not get a hit until the fifth inning, produced nine runs on eight hits over the final four innings to secure the win. With the score tied, 3-3, entering the bottom of the seventh, Pawtucket batted through the order and scored six runs on five hits to take control of the game. George Kottaras extended his hitting streak to six games with an RBI double he crushed to the wall in right-center field, scoring Brandon Moss (2-for-3, walk, 2 runs scored) to break the tie. Ed Rogers (2-for-4, 2 RBI) drove in Bobby Scales with an RBI single to put runners on first and third. After Alex Prieto fouled out to third base, Jacoby Ellsbury hit an RBI infield single, scoring Kottaras. Then David Murphy (1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI), who hit a home run in Tuesday’s game, blasted a three-run home run over the right-field fence to break open the game. “That was a big three-run bomb,” Johnson said. “That was a beautiful thing to see.” Lester dominated the Lynx their first time through the order, only allowing one hit with two strikeouts, but their second time through the order, the Lynx got the best of Lester. Five of the Lynx nine batters reached base against Lester their second time up. Dusty Wathan hit an RBI single to right field that scored Gary Burnham to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead. Lester, however, got help from his defense to get out of the inning before the Lynx could do any more damage. After Jim Rushford fouled out to third base, Lester got Randy Ruiz to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. Ottawa starter Landon Jacobsen owned the PawSox through the first four innings, but when Moss produced Pawtucket’s first hit in the bottom of the fifth, it ignited the PawSox bats. Rogers tied the game for Pawtucket when he hit an RBI bloop single to left field, scoring Moss. Ottawa’s left fielder lost the ball in the sky and Rogers ended up on second base while Scales, who was hit by a pitch, sprinted to third base. Alex Prieto hit a broken-bat single to the shortstop, scoring Scales. Ottawa shortstop Carlos Leon scooped up the ball with his bare hand and fired it to first base. His throw was off target and Rogers scored on the error, giving Pawtucket a 3-1 advantage. Ottawa slashed Pawtucket’s lead to 3-2 in the top of the sixth when Rushford blasted a two-out RBI double to right field, scoring Wathan. Ruiz led off the seventh inning with a solo home run to tie the game, 3-3. Because Curt Shilling (right shoulder tendonitis) is scheduled for his first rehab start on Saturday when the PawSox host Louisville at 6:05 p.m., Clay Buchholz’ second appearance for the PawSox will be pushed back to Sunday. Schilling, who is 6-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 15 games for Boston this season, has been on Boston’s disabled list since June 19. Schilling is scheduled to throw three innings or 45 pitches and Buchholz is slated for five innings or 75 pitches. Brad Hertzler (1-1, 1.32 ERA), a former East Providence All-State pitcher; the 2004 R.I. Gatorade Player of the Year; and the brother to Pawtucket pitcher Barry Hertzler, pitched a rain-shortened perfect-game for Class A Vancouver (Oakland A’s affiliate). The Canadians defeated Spokane, 1-0. Brad Hertzler had been a 32nd round choice of the Boston Red Sox in 2004 but he elected to play for CCRI before transferring to Maine. “I got a call down in the bullpen so it’s pretty exciting,” Barry Hertzler said of his brother’s performance. “In the minor leagues, if you throw five and it’s perfect then it goes down as a perfect game so it’s pretty exciting, especially because it’s his first year playing pro ball so I’m happy for him…On the ride home he’ll be getting a phone call and a congratulations, that’s for sure.” When Jeff Bailey got caught stealing second base in the bottom of the second inning, it snapped a 16-for-16 PawSox successful stolen base streak that they compiled over a span of six games.
Posted by Thom Cahir FINAL: Kansas City 6, Boston 5BOSTON -- Red Sox starter Julian Tavarez struggled again and allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits as the Kansas City Royals defeated Boston tonight at Fenway Park, 6-5. Tavarez has struggled in his last few outings and has not lasted more than six innings in his last five starts. Because of his recent sub-par performances, it’ll make things interesting when Curt Schilling (shoulder tendinitis) returns to the rotation. Because rookie Kason Gabbard has been successful in his two brief stints with Boston this season, including his current one, it’s possible Tavarez could be shifted to the bullpen and replaced with the young southpaw in that fifth spot when Schilling returns. Pawtucket pitcher Jon Lester could also be an option as he worked seven innings for the PawSox tonight against Ottawa, allowing just three runs on seven hits to improve to 4-5 in his comeback from cancer.
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse ConfidentialRed Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (right forearm) was in the clubhouse this afternoon after his trip to California where he was examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum. There's no further damage to the arm and Donnelly will continue his rehab. “Basically Yocum confirmed what we already knew,” said Donnelly. “Basically he just made sure nothing more severe was going on, so that’s absolutely relieving to know that I will be able to come back and help this team at some point.” Donnelly has been on the DL for the last month and suffered a set back during his rehab, hence the trip to the west coast. “Maybe I was just to do a little too much too soon,” he admitted. “That’s my fault because I want to get back out there as soon as possible. I should have taken it a little bit slower and been more sure about things. That’s what I’m going to do now, we’re going to make absolute sure everything is fine before I move forward with any kind of intense activity.” The veteran right-hander also said it may take two weeks or a month before he returns, but he does knows he’ll be back this season. He made a joke of it, saying he’ll wait for fellow reliever Mike Timlin to make his 1,000th appearance before he’s activated. Timlin currently stands at 14th all-time with 985 appearances. Donnelly is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 27 appearances this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald The tarp is coming offThe rain has stopped and the grounds crew here at Fenway is beginning to take the tarp off the field.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineupsKANSAS CITY BOSTON
Posted by Joe McDonald Projo SoxTalk: Talking trade possibilitiesArt Martone and Sean McAdam take a look trade possibilities for the Red Sox on today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. They discuss the Sox' apparent lack of interest in right-handed hitter Reggie Sanders of Kansas City, and the chatter surrounding a possible return of Kevin Millar to Boston.
Posted by Pam Cotter Baseball Today: Wednesday, July 18
TREADING WATER: About three weeks ago, things never looked better for the Red Sox. They had just completed their longest, and most grueling, road trip of the season and were beginning a stretch in which they'd play 18 of 21 at home (projo.com SoxBlog), with all but three of the games against teams with losing records. Sixteen of those 21 games are now in the books and the Sox are a pedestrian 8-8 after last night's ugly 9-3 loss to the Royals. (Joe McDonald's game story on projo.com) The damage in the standings has been minimal -- they still have an eight-game lead, only a game worse than when this 8-8 stretch started -- but it begs the question: What's going to happen when the schedule gets more demanding . . . as it will next week, when they play four in Cleveland? LOOKING FOR HELP: So thoughts turn, naturally, to the trade deadline, which is only two weeks away. But Sean McAdam has talked to people inside the organization and out and it doesn't seem anything major is in the offing. (projo.com) Sean says the Sox' main focus is the bullpen (Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, Scott Linebrink, Salomon Torres?) and an outfield bat (Jermaine Dye?). Kansas City's Reggie Sanders would seem to be a natural option -- he's right-handed (providing an alternative to J.D. Drew against tough lefties), experienced and very available -- but Boston doesn't seem to be interested. For his part, Sanders would love to come here (Boston Herald); in fact, he says, ''I have never played there, but I have felt like I have just because of the way they embrace everybody.'' COWBOY UP! Among the most unexpected tidbits in Sean's story: The Sox have had internal discussions about reacquiring Kevin Millar. That sound you hear is Seth Mnookin's head exploding. WE LIKE MIKE: When talk arises of a truly big transaction, something that would net the Sox another powerful bat, it invariably involves a first baseman (Mark Teixeira? Todd Helton?), which also involves moving Kevin Youkilis back to third base and somehow disposing of free-agent-to-be Mike Lowell. But the Red Sox players, virtually to a man, want the team not only to keep Lowell but to sign him to a contract extension. (Boston Herald) ''We like Mikey all the way around and he’s doing a great job. I don’t think they should wait any longer,'' said David Ortiz. ''He’s a great guy on and off the field.'' To drive home his point, Ortiz added: ''You can say Manny (Ramirez) feels the same way.'' NOT AS POPULAR: In his Inside The Game feature, Steven Krasner notes that not many Sox pitchers may have the same affection for Ramirez; his insistence on playing an extremely shallow left field is costing them unnecessary extra-base hits, and runs. In the photo above (by the Journal's Bob Breidenbach), Ramirez is waiting for the carom of a catchable fly ball by Billy Butler that fell behind him on the warning track and allowed a runner (Mark Teahan) to score all the way from first base. It was only the most egregious of several such misplays by Ramirez in the game and in the homestand, and Steve notes: ''If he’s playing a more normal left field, balls may fall in front of him, but they’d be singles. If he’s in close and they go over his head, they’re extra-base hits. Also, by playing in shallow, it limits his side-to-side range, so a hard-hit ball that should be a single can end up scooting past him for extra bases'' -- which happened on a leadoff double by Sanders during the five-run Royal uprising in the seventh that decided the game. Terry Francona's explanation: Playing shallow is Manny's ''comfort zone'' and ''if a guy is out of his comfort zone, he’s not going to make a lot of plays.'' THE GOOD NEWS: Julio Lugo is hitting again. (projo.com) His 3-for-4 night has his average, which had dipped to .189 on July 2, up to .217. ON THE RISE: The Yankees cut the Sox' lead to eight with a comeback win over the Blue Jays (New York Daily News), a comeback aided in no small part by Jeremy Accardo balking home the tying run in the ninth, which he described as the ''dumbest thing I've ever done.'' (Toronto Sun) Even so, the Daily News' John Harper says the victory shouldn't overshadow the fact that the Yankee bullpen is still a major source of concern. THAT'S AWESOME!: Peter Abraham couldn't let the Yankees' signing of minor-leaguer Chris Farley go unnoticed. (LoHud Yankees Blog) 'WORSE NEWS THAN I THOUGHT': Brewer ace Ben Sheets will be sidelined four to six weeks after doctors found a partial tear of the band of tissue that connects the tendon to the bone in the middle finger of his pitching hand. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) JOY TO THE WORLD: Miguel Tejada says he's ''never felt so happy in my life'' after resuming workouts as he comes back from a broken wrist. (Baltimore Sun) Speaking of the Orioles, SI.com's Tom Verducci thinks the team has the right man in the dugout in Dave Trembley, whom he thinks could be the next Tom Kelly. WE'RE WAITING: The Marlins' Dontrelle Willis says suspended teammate Scott Olsen needs to apologize after his latest altercation with a teammate. (Palm Beach Post) IN COURT . . . Elijah Dukes' estranged wife says the Devil Rays' rookie smokes marijuana daily and drinks to the point of passing out and she thinks his aggressive behavior is caused by steroid use, though she admits she's never seen him take steroids. (Tampa Tribune) NOW WHAT? Earl Weaver always said he never held team meetings because what do you do if you lose after the meeting? That's the problem facing Jim Tracy and the Pirates today. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) WHISPERS: The Diamondbacks played Conor Jackson in left field, apparently showcasing him for the White Sox (Chicago Tribune) . . . The San Francisco Chronicle reports the A's and Yankees have discussed a Dan Johnson-for-Scott Proctor deal . . . The New York Post, meanwhile, reports that the Yanks are also dangling Proctor to the Dodgers for Wilson Betemit . . . The Dodgers are the latest team to show interest in Octavio Dotel (Kansas City Star) . . . Kenny Lofton, back in Cleveland? Could happen, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. SHOUTS: There are lots of rumors but little action, and FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal says that's because teams ''are going overboard in hoarding prospects,'' even though a lot of them never pan out. LOCAL BOYS: It looks like ex-Providence College star John McDonald has lost his job as the Blue Jays' starting shortstop to Royce Clayton (Toronto Star) . . . Warwick's Dan Wheeler is no longer the closer in Houston, as Brad Lidge has the job again. In his first game back in the role, Lidge got the save in the Astros' victory at Washington. (Both stories Houston Chronicle) OLD FRIENDS: Nomar Garciaparra is in a three-month slump and there's no indication he'll be pulling out it anytime soon (Los Angeles Times) . . . Tony Graffanino will be getting more playing time in Milwaukee (Wisconsin State Journal) . . . Bronson Arroyo continued his recent resurgence in Cincinnati with seven shutout innings against the Braves (Cincinnati Enquirer) . . . Tom Gordon says he has a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder but he's going to try to pitch through it (Philadelphia Daily News) . . . Hanley Ramirez has almost matched his home-run total of last season (South Florida Sun-Sentinel). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 17, 2007
Game Story: Royals thump Sox, 9-3At one point earlier this season when the Boston had a comfortable double-digit commanding lead in the A.L. East standings, Red Sox ace Curt Schilling strolled through the clubhouse and announced that the New York Yankees had won an afternoon game. “Watch out,” he screamed in jest. “The Yankees won.” With the Red Sox losing to the Kansas City Royals, 9-3, at Fenway Park last night and the Yankees beating the Toronto Blue Jay, Boston's lead is now eight games. Sure, it's still the middle of July and there's plenty of baseball to be played, but the Red Sox can't seem to string together a winning streak these days. After a three-game losing skid prior to last week's All-Star break, Boston has followed each win with a loss in its last six games. “We've played good up until this point,” said last night's starter Tim Wakefield. “I didn't pitch great tonight and unfortunately, coming off a great win (Monday) night with Kason Gabbard's shutout I tried to keep us in the game as long as I could. I didn't have my best stuff tonight.” Wakefield drops to 10-9 on the season as the Red Sox can't seem to give him much run support when the veteran knuckleballer is struggling during an outing. In fact, the club has scored just 10 runs in Wakefield's nine losses this season. On the flip side, the Royals banged out nine hits off him en route to the victory. Basically the Kansas City hitters weren't being patient with Wakefield as they swung early in the count. “They are an aggressive team,” said Wakefield. “I pitched well for the first three innings, it was 3-1 going into the seventh, and I kind of lost the feel for the ball. [The knuckleball] just didn't go down at the end. I don't know why. I was talking with Doug (Mirabelli) after the game and I felt I had pretty good movement on the ball. . . It was just one of those situations where I couldn't make the right pitch at the right time.” Wakefield only threw 76 pitches and issued no walks. Entering last night's game Boston's bullpen saw limited action in the previous three games. Thanks to solid outings by Red Sox starters Daisuke Matsuzaka, Josh Beckett and Kason Gabbard, the club's relievers have only worked four innings during that stretch. That has allowed bullpen kingpins Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima to get some rest. “I would say any rest the bullpen gets, especially at this time of the year, is always a bonus,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “Obviously there will be times when we have to lean on them; you can't get around that sometimes. So, the more they rest the better. This isn't April when you're trying to get work and there aren't too many guys down there complaining about not pitching.” After Wakefield was tagged for six runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings of work in his 19th start of the season last night, the bullpen was summoned and couldn't stop the bleeding. Javier Lopez surrendered two runs and Joel Pineiro allowed one as the Royals had an eight-run lead. While Boston's pitching staff and offense struggled last night, the Red Sox made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth. Boston was trailing 9-1 as it put together a two-out surge off Kansas City reliever Joel Peralta. Sox' Mike Lowell began things with a single, followed by an RBI-triple by Coco Crisp to deep center field before Doug Mirabelli provided an RBI-single. Julio Lugo doubled off Peralta before the right-hander was given the hook and replaced with Joakim Soria, who ended the threat by striking out J.D. Drew to end the inning. After Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder retired the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, Boston couldn't muster any kind of dramatic comeback. Boston doesn't want this win-lose-win-lose-win-lose mentality to continue and its hoping tonight things will begin to change. “We're not firing on all cylinders right now,” said Wakefield. “Hopefully we can change that and start a winning streak.” --JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa Game Story: Lynx snap PawSox winning streakPawtucket looked like it was going to match its season high four-game winning streak early on last night in its game against Ottawa. The PawSox were up 4-0 after three innings and starter David Pauley was cruising right along in those innings. But Ottawa figured Pauley out in the fourth inning and rallied to win, 6-5, to halt Pawtucket's three-game winning streak. “I thought he pitched pretty good,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said of Pauley. “They got pretty aggressive on first pitch fastballs the second and third time up through the batting order and you know what I'm not going to take anything away from them. They squared some balls up to get back in this thing.” With the score tied, 5-5, Pawtucket brought in former catcher turned pitcher, Edgar Martinez, to start the sixth inning. Jason Jaramillo, the first batter he faced, hit a solo home run off of him to give Ottawa a 6-5 lead. It turned out to be the game-winning hit. "The first slider he through Jaramillo hit it in the right-center field bleachers and that was it,” Johnson said. Pawtucket jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Brandon Moss ignited the PawSox bats with a leadoff single. He sprinted to third base on a Bobby Scales single, and George Kottaras drove him in with a double he hit down the first base line. Scales scored from third base on an Ed Rogers ground out to the shortstop, and Alex Prieto drove-in Kottaras with a double he crushed to left-center. Jacoby Ellsbury drove him in with a triple he hit to center field but the PawSox left him stranded on third. Joe McEwing looked like he was going to score Ellsbury when he blasted a line drive towards left field, but Ottawa shortstop Danny Sandoval made a terrific diving catch to save the run. “That turned out to be a really big run,” Johnson said. Ottawa caught up to Pauley in the fourth inning when it cut Pawtucket's lead to 4-2. Pauley walked Gary Burnham and then Brennan King put runners on second and third base with a double. Jim Rushford plated both runners with a single to left field. Chris Roberson led-off the fifth inning with a solo home run he sent over the fence in right field to slash Pawtucket's lead to 4-3. Pauley hit Burnham with a pitch with two outs and that came back to bite him. King singled and Burnham scored from second base on a close play at the plate on Jim Rushford's single to center field. Ellsbury's throw was just a split-second too late and the crowd booed in unison when home plate umpire Dusty Dellinger called Burnham safe when he slid under Kottaras' tag to tie the score, 4-4. David Murphy quickly put Pawtucket back on top, 5-4, by leading off the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run. “The pitch was up and away and I just tried to put a good swing on it,” Murphy said. “The ball was flying well here tonight. It was one of those nights where it feels good to help out in any way possible…I think offensively it was a great game for both teams. They came out on top but I feel like we played a great game.” Pedro Swann answered for Ottawa with a solo home run he hit over the fence in right field in the top of the sixth inning to even the score. “We came out early but they finished up late and they got one more run than we did,” Johnson said. “It was like we won the first three innings and after that they won the middle frames and then both of us just kind of stayed dormant the last couple [of innings]…I still like the way we are playing right now. I like what's going on.” --ROB LEE
Posted by Corey Bourassa FINAL: Kansas City 9, Boston 3BOSTON -- The string of solid pitching performances for the Boston Red Sox ended tonight as the Kansas City Royals tagged Tim Wakefield for six runs on nine hits en route to a 9-3 victory at Fenway Park. Entering last night’s game Boston’s bullpen saw limited action in the previous three games. Thanks to solid outings by Red Sox starters Daisuke Matsuzaka, Josh Beckett and Kason Gabbard, the club’s relievers have only worked four innings during that stretch. That has allowed bullpen kingpins Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima to get some rest. “I would say any rest the bullpen gets, especially at this time of the year, is always a bonus,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “Obviously there will be times when we have to lean on them; you can’t get around that sometimes. So, the more they rest the better. This isn’t April when you’re trying to get work and there aren’t too many guys down there complaining about not pitching.” After Wakefield was tagged for six runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings of work in his 19th start of the season last night, the bullpen was summoned and couldn’t stop the bleeding. Javier Lopez surrendered two runs and Joel Pineiro allowed one as the Royals had an eight-run lead. While Boston’s pitching staff and offense struggled last night, the Red Sox made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth. Boston was trailing 9-1 as it put together a two-out surge off Kansas City reliever Joel Peralta. Sox’ Mike Lowell began things with a single, followed by an RBI-triple by Coco Crisp to deep center field before Doug Mirabelli provided an RBI-single. Julio Lugo doubled off Peralta before the right-hander was given the hook and replaced with Joakim Soria, who ended the threat by striking out J.D. Drew to end the inning. After Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder retired the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, Boston couldn’t muster any kind of dramatic comeback in the bottom half. JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald Donnelly updatePrior to tonight's game Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he had no news on reliever Brendan Donnelly, who took a trip to California to have his strained right forearm examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum. The Red Sox just announced that Dr. Yocum concurred with the original diagnoses of a strained right forearm and prescribed that the pitcher return to Boston to continue his strength and conditioning program as planned. Donnelly has been on the DL for the last month. The veteran right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 27 appearances this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald Clubhouse ConfidentialIt's July 17 and the Red Sox are nine games in front of the Yankees in the A.L. East and it's just way too quiet at Fenway Park today. The clubhouse is quiet. The players are quiet. The manager is quiet. The media is quiet. It almost feels like the calm before the storm, which is never a good sign. Still, it's the middle of July and maybe I'm still in vacation mode. Anyway, the small talk around the clubhouse was still the impressive complete-game shutout Red Sox starter Kason Gabbard threw over the Royals Monday night at Fenway. With Gabbard's recent success, plus when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation does that mean Julian Tavarez finally gets shifted back to the bullpen and the rookie remains in Boston? "I think in this market a game like (Monday) night has a way enshrining somebody in Cooperstown," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "Things happen and you try to stay ahead of things and have plans A, B and C. . . I think Gabby said it pretty well. He'll pitch when he's supposed to, go where he's supposed to and do the best he can. That's the best way to look at it. "We do have confidence in his ability to pitch," added Francona.
The 22-year-old righty allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, including a monster home run. "A couple of balls were not hit real well and one was hit real well," said Francona. "He had a lot of swings and misses, which is always good. I think he had 12 swings and misses, which is very good. Again, three innings is a real small sample size, but I think there's a lot of hope and optimism for this kid. He's going to be a good pitcher and it's exciting to watch." *Francona said he had no news on reliever Brendan Donnelly, who took a trip to California to have his strained right forearm examined. His been on the DL for the last month. The manager did say he should have an update after tonight's game.
Posted by Joe McDonald Tonight's lineupsKANSAS CITY BOSTON
Posted by Joe McDonald projo SoxTalk: Rookie pitcher Kason Gabbard steals the showArt Martone and Sean McAdam take a look at last night's Red Sox win on today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. They discuss what's likely to happen once Kurt Schilling returns from his injury break -- around Aug. 1 -- and future prospects for Julián Tavárez in light of Gabbard's strong start. It's only two weeks until the trade deadline, so stay tuned.
Posted by Pam Cotter Baseball Today: Tuesday, July 17
THE GIFT OF GABBARD: He hadn't thrown a complete game since high school, let alone a shutout, so -- even though the opponent was only the lowly Kansas City Royals -- there was no reason for the Red Sox to expect what they got from Kason Gabbard last night: A nine-inning three-hitter with no runs allowed. ''That,'' concluded manager Terry Francona in Sean McAdam's game story, ''was a well-pitched major league game.'' (projo.com) Steven Krasner breaks down Gabbard's performance further in Inside The Game, noting that only about 50 of Gabbard's 107 pitches were fastballs and that he did most of his damage with curves and changeups. (His fastball, in fact, topped out at 89.) When it was over, a smiling Gabbard accepted the congratulations of teammates like Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka (above, Journal photo by Bob Breidenbach) for authoring the Sox' second complete-game shutout of the season. ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: The author of the first, Schilling, is set to make his first rehab start Saturday in Pawtucket after an encouraging, 31-pitch simulated game yesterday. (projo.com) A FIRST . . . FINALLY: A little bit further down in the Krasner/McAdam notebook is the tidbit that last night marked the first time David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez had homered in the same game at Fenway Park this season.
STEPPING OVER THE LINE: The New York Daily News' Lisa Olson says ''there's quite a difference between being outspoken and being wildly irresponsible'', as Gary Sheffield demonstrated with his ludicrous charges of racism against Joe Torre. BE A REAL LEADER: The Bergen Record's Bob Klapisch thinks Derek Jeter, in his role as Yankee captain, should have more to say than 'no comment' regarding Sheffield. WUSSES: They didn't have to throw at him in retaliation for his bush-league "Ha!" call last month in Toronto, but they could have a) shut him down and b) beat his team. The Blue Jays, however, did neither against Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees last night, and the Tao of Stieb blog is disgusted. (And thanks for the mention!) BRONX ZOO: The Yankees are going out of their way to aid a fan who suffered a fractured vertebra below his skull when a drunk fell on him in the upper deck at Yankee Stadium, chartering a plane to fly him home to Kirkland, Wash. (New York Daily News) The fan, who was attending the game with his wife and 13-year-old son, wasn't paralyzed, and is hoping for a full recovery. The team is also appealing for witnesses to the incident to step forward so they can find the man who fell on him. WHY JUST JACKIE? Linda Ruth Tosetti would like to see MLB retire No. 3 in honor of her grandfather, Babe Ruth, the way it retired No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. (Hartford Courant) CHANGE OF TUNE: Now Carlos Zambrano says there's a 90 percent chance he'll re-sign with the Cubs. (Chicago Tribune) ENOUGH! Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon thinks maple bats should be banned from the major leagues. (Tampa Tribune) KEEPING THEIR FINGERS CROSSED: That's what the Brewers are doing, as they'll find out today how long ace Ben Sheets will be sidelined. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) OPENING NIGHT: The midseason trade marathon began yesterday with the Cubs picking up Jason Kendall from the A's. (Chicago Tribune) Of course, ESPN.com's Rob Neyer wants to know how, exactly, this helps them. (Insider only) AND IN THIS CORNER . . . The Marlins have suspended reliever Scott Olsen for ''insubordination,'' though they won't give details. (Florida Sun-Sentinel) Rumor has it he had to be restrained by police in a dugout altercation with teammate Sergio Mitre in an incident that began because Olsen ''became unnerved over a problem with a button on his jersey.'' It's not the first time Olsen has had problems with teammates . . . Shortstop Jack Wilson and pitching coach Jim Colborn had angry words in the dugout during the Pirates' 10-8 loss to the Rockies last night. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) WHISPERS: The Houston Chronicle's Kirk Bohls says insiders think Astros free-agent-to-be Jason Jennings wants to sign with San Diego, so he suggests Houston should trade him there now . . . A raft of rumors from Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal . . . Omar Vizquel may be placed on the block by the Giants (yahoo.com) . . . The Dodgers' trade focus has shifted from hitting to pitching (Los Angeles Daily News) . . . The Royals would love somebody, anybody, to take Reggie Sanders off their hands (Kansas City Star). OLD FRIENDS: Tom Gordon has been activated off the 60-day disabled list and is excited to be back with the Phillies (Philadelphia Inquirer) . . . Kevin Millar is hitting .386 since June 14 and the Orioles believe he'll be one of their most marketable players at the trading deadline (Baltimore Sun). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 16, 2007
Game story: Red Sox 4, Royals 0BY SEAN McADAM BOSTON -- It was, in all respects, a win-win day for the Red Sox yesterday. In the afternoon, the team was encouraged by a simulated game thrown by Curt Schilling, who's been sidelined with a weak shoulder for exactly a month. Then, in a bit of perfect symmetry, Kason Gabbard, Schilling's replacement in the rotation, threw the best game of his professional career, a three-hit, 4-0 shutout of the Kansas City Royals. The effort was just the second complete game shutout for Red Sox starters this season. The other? That would be Schilling, of course, in his one-hitter in Oakland on June 7. ''That,'' concluded manager Terry Francona in admiration, ''was a well-pitched major league game. Right from the very first inning, he established his changeup to righties and his breaking ball to lefties and commanded his fastball with a lot of movement. He attacked the strike zone right from the first inning and got them in swing mode. ''He pitched a very, very solid game.'' Gabbard struck out a career-high eight and walked just one. He faced the minimum number of hitters in every inning but one in becoming the first Red Sox rookie to throw a nine-inning shutout since Paul Quantrill blanked Seattle on July 4, 1993. Not since John Curtis (1972) had a rookie lefty recorded a shutout. ''He did an excellent job,'' said catcher Jason Varitek, whom Gabbard singled out for his success. ''That was well-needed for the staff, to give the bullpen a rest.'' Gabbard had thrown 93 pitches after eight innings. The Sox had had lefty Hideki Okajima warming that inning, but Francona's faith in Gabbard never waivered. ''After the eighth,'' said Gabbard, ''they didn't come over and say anything. I didn't know how many pitches I had. (But the idea of a complete game) starts hitting you a little bit. ''The only complete games I've thrown were in high school. It's great to do it here, I'll tell you that, in fromt of these fans and some of my family, too. It's great.'' Gabbard, who struck out eight, fanned five of the first nine hitters he faced and didn't allow a hit until Emil Brown singled to right with one out in the fifth. That inning, a walk and a two-out hit batsman loaded the bases for the Royals. But Gabbard got Tony Pena to hit a chopper behind the mound that second baseman Dustin Pedroia charged. ''I was playing up the middle,'' said Pedroia, ''so I got a good jump. Pena runs real well, so it was a matter of getting to the ball as quickly as I could.'' Pedroia's throw nipped Pena at first and Gabbard had escaped the only jam he would face. In his five starts this season -- four since being inserted as a fill-in for Schilling -- the Sox have won three times. In another start, the Sox lost in 13 innings after Gabbard had limited the Detroit Tigers to just two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Schilling may be only two weeks away from returning to his spot, but Gabbard seemed unfazed by the prospect of surrendering his role. ''My next start is Saturday,'' he said, ''and I'm going to prepare for that. I'm going to pitch when they tell me to. I'm going to do what they tell me to. That's all I can do. I'm not worried about it.'' With performances like this, he shouldn't. It's conceivable that when Schilling returns, Gabbard could remain in the rotation by bumping the struggling Julian Tavarez into the bullpen. Gabbard got all the support he needed when Dustin Pedroia and Manny Ramirez launched solo homers in the fourth. ''The pitch to Pedroia,'' said Kansas City starter Brian Bannister, ''was exactly where I wanted it to be. It was letter-high, but he just swung up and got enough of the barrel of the bat on it.'' The Sox doubled their margin of comfort in the sixth when Pedroia singled with one out and David Ortiz drove a pitch into the seats in right. Of the Ortiz clout -- the Sox DH's second homer in the last three days -- Bannister ruefully conceded: ''I got my first taste of the Pesky Pole.''
Posted by Art Martone High praises for BuchholzEven though Red Sox pitching prospect Clay Buchholz worked only three innings against the Ottawa Lynx tonight, the opponents were quite impressed with the 22-year-old righthander. The PawSox’ righthander worked three innings and exactly 50 pitches against Ottawa last night and suffered a no-decision as Pawtucket erased an early three-run deficit en route to a 6-4 victory at McCoy Stadium. After Buchholz retired the side in order in the first inning, the Lynx scored three runs (two earned) on four hits in the second. Russell said he didn’t think his hitters made any adjustments after seeing the PawSox pitcher in the first, it was just Buchholz had trouble with his location. “He probably didn’t throw the ball exactly where he wanted it,” said the Ottawa skipper. “That’s what happens and you’re going to have a lot of those [innings] at Triple-A and in the majors because location of your pitches is key a big key, obviously I didn’t talk to him, but I think he would feel the same way that he didn’t quite hit his spots. He has a very good arm and I see him being a very good pitcher.” Ottawa’s Pedro Swann, who went 0-for-4 on the night and 0-for-2 against Buchholz was quite impressed. “He had three great pitches working – fastball, curveball and change-up,” said Swann. “He has promise. He has a good arm and three great pitches. With the first three hitters, we got a little bit of a scouting report. I think he got some pitches up against the second group of guys and no matter what kind of stuff you have, you’re going to get in some trouble. He’s young. He’ll learn to keep the ball down, but he has a great future.” Ottawa’s Randy Ruiz was the batter who belted a two-run homer off Buchholz and also said the young righthander pitches with guts and confidence. “I tell you what,” said Ruiz, “this guy being a young guy he came right after people. He was really good and he had good stuff tonight. He worked his off-speed a lot and a guy who throws good change-ups and good curveballs, you just have to go out there and try to battle. Sometimes you have to tip your cap to a pitcher like that.” Ruiz belted a two-run homer off the first offering Buchholz served him in the top of the second inning, but this wasn’t the first time the two have faced each other. Ruiz played for Double-A Altoona and Buchholz for Double-A Portland, so the two have a bit of history and Ruiz said he was ready waiting on a fastball. “I faced him a few times in the Eastern League and he liked to get ahead of me with his fastball then throw me a lot of off-speed,” admitted Ruiz. “It was just one of those days. I just tried to turn it around and he threw me a nice fat fastball down the middle of the plate and I got a good swing.” Just because Ruiz faced Boston’s top prospect in the past it’s not like he held court with his teammates before last night’s game to give in in-depth scouting report. “Everybody has their own plan up there,” he said. “You just got to go out and try to stick to it. For me I just try to see the ball and hit the ball, especially right now because I’m slumping. . . I heard a lot about (Buchholz) and I read a lot about him and when I faced him in Altoona he had some good stuff and shut us down in our ballpark. You can always tell a guy who throws hard and has some good stuff.”
Posted by Joe McDonald Buchholz in the thirdThe righthander settled down in this inning and retired the side. He did allow a one-out double to Gary Burham and finished the inning with 15 pitches (10 for strikes). Buchholz is done for the night after throwing 50 pitches (35 for strikes). He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks. He allowed a home run, three singles and a double. Just some quick thoughts since this is the first time I've seen Buchholz in person: At first sight in the clubhouse earlier today, he didn't look very big. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, but it doesn't appear he's going to be the type of player who "fills out" as he gets older. Still, he certainly has all the makings of a major league pitcher. It's clear he has above-average velocity, which he reached 95 on the gun with ease. His 12-to-6 curveball is nasty. His change-up bottoms out in the low 80s and he's able to mix in a slider, too. I'll have manager Ron Johnson's comments, along with Buchholz after tonight's game. Currently, the Lynx are winning in the top of the fourth inning, 3-2.
Posted by Joe McDonald Buchholz in the secondEventful. That's the best way to describe Buchholz in the second inning. He allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits, including a home run, a balk and the PawSox made an error behind him. The homer by Ottawa's Randy Ruiz was a blast to dead center field and off the wall, some 410 feet from home plate. Two of the four hits were bleeders to the opposite field, and PawSox pitching coach Mike Griffin has already made a trip to the mound. Buchholz threw 22 pitches (16 for strikes).
Posted by Joe McDonald Buchholz in the firstIt's only been one inning at the Triple-A level, and already Clay Buchholz has been very impressive. The righthander threw just 13 pitches (nine for strikes) and reached 95 on the gun, including a pair of strikeouts. Not only can he throw the ball hard, he's able to locate it with laser-like accuracy. Plus, his off-speed stuff was really good. One scout in attendance -- there are a lot of them here tonight -- said Buchholz is the best pitcher he has seen this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald Clay Buchholz's Triple-A debut tonightRed Sox pitching prospect Clay Buchholz will make his Triple-A debut for the PawSox tonight at McCoy Stadium. The righty phenom, who is considered one of the brightest prospects in the minors, will throw just three innings or 50 pitches against the Ottawa Lynx. The 22-year-old righthander was 7-2 with a 1.77 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) for Double-A Portland prior to his recent promotion to Pawtucket. We'll have updates during and after the game. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald Leskanic Returns to Sox
Leskanic, who retired after the 2004 season, pitched in a total of 603 games with Colorado, Milwaukee, Kansas City and Boston from 1993-2004. He went 50-34 with a 4.36 earned-run average and 55 saves. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Pregame Tid-Bits, July 16
The only items of note were contained in the starting lineup. J.D. Drew, who left Friday night's game in the fourth inning because of a tight right hamstring, is back in the starting lineup tonight in right field, batting first. That dropped Coco Crisp from first to eighth in the order. Crisp went 4 for 7 with two walks, two runs scored and an RBI in the two games Drew missed. Catcher Jason Varitek, who was held out of Sunday's game because he was banged up from Saturday night's game, also is back in the lineup. Varitek had been hit on the right hand by a Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch in a bit of miscommunication between the pitcher and the catcher. Dustin Pedroia, who was given Sunday off to get over his All-Star-break illness, is back at second base. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Schilling feels "great" after simulated game
And if that outing goes well, Schilling, a 40-year-old right-hander, will make another rehab start for the PawSox five days later in Toledo, according to manager Terry Francona. Schilling, on the disabled list since June 22 (retroactive to June 19) because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, will throw three innings and/or around 45 pitches Saturday at McCoy Stadium in a game that will begin at 6 o'clock. Francona didn't want to get ahead of himself beyond that point in detailing the Sox' plan for Schilling, but, if Schilling were to need only two rehab starts, that would put him in line to pitch either July 31 or Aug. 1 at Fenway against Baltimore. Indeed, Schilling, who said his plan to return may be quicker than that of the protective Red Sox, hinted at that very timetable. "I want to be healthy when I get back. I want to come back and have an impact, be a trading deadline pickup, in effect," said Schilling. The trading deadline is July 31. While that all has to play out, Schilling said after throwing to Alex Cora, Wily Mo Pena, Eric Hinske and Doug Mirabelli that he felt like a different pitcher relative to the one who made 15 starts before having to be placed on the DL. "I felt great today. My arm didn't feel like it did today at any point earlier in the year. I was throwing 84 (miles an hour) so obviously there was an issue. Everything is working together better now. I'm more in sync," said Schilling, who was 6-4 with a 4.20 earned-run average when he was disabled. Even when he came within an out of a no-hitter in Oakland on June 7, Schilling said he didn't "feel extraordinary." Schilling made two more starts, lasting only five innings against Colorado (June 13)and 4 1/3 against Atlanta (June 18), surrendering a total of 11 earned runs on 19 hits in those 9 1/3 innings before going on the DL. Francona said he saw a different pitcher yesterday than he had been seeing earlier this year. "He threw the ball better in the bullpen (Friday) and today than at any point since the moment he arrived in spring training," said Francona. "He pitched some good games (earlier this season), but he wasn't bouncing back like we need him to." Schilling said the Sox training staff has altered his workout program for shoulder strength and stability, and that the change has brought his arm around "quicker than expected." So now Schilling will throw a normal between-starts side session on Wednesday and get ready for his Saturday start in Pawtucket. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 16BOSTON Drew rf Gabbard p KANSAS CITY DeJesus cf Bannister p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Schilling to Rehab in Pawtucket Saturday
The right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since June 19, said he was feeling "great" after the workout, in which he threw to Eric Hinske, Alex Cora, Wily Mo Pena and Doug Mirabelli. Manager Terry Francona said the next step for Schilling, after a side session on Wednesday, will be a rehab start in Pawtucket on Saturday night, a 6 o'clock game at McCoy Stadium against Louisville. He will work three innings and/or 45 pitches, roughly. Francona said that, if all goes well with that outing, Schilling will be pitching for the PawSox in Toledo on Thursday, July 26. He was not ready to announce any plans beyond that. More to come. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sorry, no SoxTalk todayThere will be no Projo SoxTalk with Art Martone today. Our audio show should be back tomorrow, and as always, there's our archives to check out.
Posted by Pam Cotter Baseball Today: Monday, July 16
NOW HERE'S SOMETHING YOU DON'T SEE EVERY DAY: Prior to yesterday, the Red Sox had lavished plenty of offensive support on Josh Beckett: 6.8 runs per start, the highest of any Boston pitcher. But that wasn't the case on a windy, sunny Sunday afternoon at Fenway, as the Sox squandered chance after chance and fell to the Blue Jays, 2-1, making a hard-luck loser out of their ace. (Above, Alex Cora reacts to being wiped out on a double play in the third inning; Journal photo by Bob Breidenbach.) Strange, too, because the night before the power was on in a 9-4 victory. Another sight you don't see every day: Doug Mirabelli being allowed to bat in the ninth inning with the game on the line. But, as Steven Krasner explains in Inside The Game, Jason Varitek was still hurting from a tough Saturday night and manager Terry Francona said using him wasn't an option. (All stories projo.com) AS ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS: A frustrated Brendan Donnelly is headed to California to try and find out what's wrong with his ailing forearm. But his job is being handled nicely by Manny Delcarmen, so the Sox bullpen hasn't missed a beat. (Both stories projo.com) COME SEE THE FUTURE: Clay Buchholz makes his PawSox debut tonight at McCoy Stadium. (projo.com) If you can't make it there, come here; we'll post live blog reports from Joe McDonald. MBM, AGAIN: Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer shares some Manny being Manny stories from Ramirez' days in Cleveland. NEW MEANING: Writing for foxsports.com, Chad Finn says MBM really means Manny Being Mediocre. DO IT: Writing this time on his own blog (touchingallthebases.blogspot.com), Finn says if the Rangers offer Mark Teixeira for Jon Lester, Theo Epstein shouldn't hesitate to say yes. WHAT IF . . . all the transactions the Red Sox talked about in the 2003-04 offseason had happened? Then, Seth Mnookin points out, the Sox would currently have a 3-4-5 batting order of Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Magglio Ordonez. (sethmnookin.com) IT COULD STILL HAPPEN: At least the A-Rod-to-Boston part could, according to the blog Fire Brand of the American League. WE MADE IT: The Phillies finally lost their 10,000th game. (Philadelphia Inquirer) HERE WE COME . . . AGAIN: The Twins, who made stirring second-half comebacks in 2003 and 2006, think another one's in the offing. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) AND HERE WE COME: The Yankees now trail the Red Sox by nine games (eight in the loss column) after yesterday's 7-6 win over the Devil Rays. (New York Daily News) YOU TELL ME, BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW: Writing on the LoHud Yankees Blog, Peter Abraham wonders why the Yankees continue to use Kyle Farnsworth in tight games. NO SURPRISE: Joe Torre tells the New York Daily News this has been the toughest of his 12 seasons as Yankee manager. It didn't get any easier when Kenny Lofton backed up Gary Sheffield's assertion that Torre treats black players different than white players. (New York Post) BUYER BEWARE: Brad Lidge, the subject of many trade rumors (including some that have him landing in Boston), will likely have to wear a knee brace for the rest of the season. (Houston Chronicle) YOU'RE ONLY AS OLD AS YOU FEEL: The Braves are interested in 48-year-old Julio Franco. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) And the more he thinks about it, AJC beat writer Dave O'Brien likes the idea. FATHERLY PRIDE: Cecil Fielder follows the exploits of his son Prince closely, even though the two are estranged. (Florida Today) HERE AND THERE: Worcester's own Tanyon Sturtze, known as WOTS on various bulletin boards and who was front and center in the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry of 2003-04, could be resurfacing with the Braves very soon (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) . . . Elijah Dukes has been away from the Devil Rays for three weeks dealing with personal issues, and it doesn't sound like he'll be back anytime soon (Tampa Tribune) . . . Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News says it's time for Giants GM Brian Sabean to clean house . . . Brewer ace Ben Sheets may miss his next start because of an injured middle finger (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) . . . The Astros are easing Craig Biggio out of the lineup, and Baseball Musing's David Pinto thinks that's a good idea. TAKE ME HIGHER: Baseball Reference now has a tool in which readers can place players' seasons and careers into different historical environments, so Joe Posnanski took some of the greatest individual years in history and placed them in Coors Field, 2000. (thesoulofbaseball.blogspot.com) Among the highlights: Barry Bonds would have hit 98 home runs in 2001, and Stan Musial would have hit .429 in 1948. WHISPERS: Jose Contreras says the swirling trade speculation doesn't bother him (Chicago Tribune) . . . The Rangers' Kenny Lofton and Sammy Sosa are beginning to draw trade interest (Dallas Morning News) . . . The Royals' Octovio Dotel is raising his trade value (Kansas City Star) . . . The Tigers are on the prowl for relief help (Detroit Free Press) . . . The Padres are looking for a starting pitcher and a bench player (San Diego Union-Tribune) . . . OLD FRIENDS: Eric Wedge is about to get a contract extension from the Indians (Cleveland Plain Dealer) . . . A four-hit day yesterday lifted Edgar Renteria's overall average to .327, and his average in day games to .385 (Tlanta Journal-Constitution) . . . John Wasdin has been designated for assignment by the Pirates (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) . . . Doug Mientkiewicz probably won't return to the Yankees until mid-August (Newsday) . . . Pedro Martinez is close to being ready to pitch in a minor-league game (New York Daily News) . . . David Eckstein says his bad back is feeling better (St. Louis Post-Dispatch). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 15, 2007
Hansack leads PawSox to 8-2 victory over Chiefs That was so earlier in the season, when PawSox righthander Devern Hansack owned a lowly 1-6 record although he had clearly pitched better than that. And it’s still true, even as Hansack has managed to square his record after having helped hurl Pawtucket to an 8-2 trouncing of the Syracuse Chiefs, before 5,110 at Alliance Bank Stadium, last night. Hansack, who had a sizable group of friends and family on hand, threw 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, to win his fifth straight decision and even his mark at 6-6. It also allowed the PawSox to emerge from their nine game road swing that included stops in Scranton and Rochester (and an All-Star break to boot) with six wins. “I had a big crowd of fans,” said Hansack, “so I just tried to put it together and go hard.” Pawtucket seized a 2-0 lead in the top of the second, when Jeff Bailey and George Kottaras slugged consecutive pitches from Chiefs starter Jeremy Cummings over the right field fence. Alex Prieto added a run in the third with a solo shot to left. Meanwhile, with his changeup proving hard to hit, Hansack sailed through the sixth inning, allowing just two base runners, and at one point setting down 11 Chiefs in a row, even as his mates were building a 5-0 lead. “He’s got outstanding stuff,” said Kottaras, his catcher. “Tonight, he was on. He could throw anything for strikes, anytime he wanted to. He was mixing up his pitches, and didn’t really get into a pattern.” Hansack lost steam in the seventh, and allowed two runs before giving way to Craig Hansen, who took it home from there. Pawtucket put the game away with three more runs in the top of the ninth. AROUND THE BASES: The rabid PawSox faithful who will flock to McCoy Stadium tonight for the Triple-A debut of righthander Clay Buchholz aren’t the only ones the chomping at the bit to see for themselves what the highly touted Bosox pitching prospect can do. You can count Pawtucket pitching coach Mike Griffin among that number, too. “Absolutely,” said Griffin, who has tutored the likes of current Red Sox hurlers Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen, and Kason Gabbard in his five years with Pawtucket. “We’ve all heard what he’s been doing. It’s no secret. I’m very excited about seeing him pitch. I can hardly wait.” Griffin’s plan with Buchholz will be a simple one. Don’t mess with success, but be ready with a guiding hand when one is needed. “Right now,” said Griffin, , “I’ve just to to watch and let him pitch for a couple of times out. He’s had so much success down in (Double-A) Portland, you just have to let the guy go out and pitch. We know he’s got the stuff. We know he’s got everything to pitch at the major league level. I’m going to tell him ‘go do your thing’. Hopefully, there won‘t be a lot to correct.” --DAN HICKLING
Posted by Chris Venditto Game Story: Blue Jays 2, Red Sox 1BOSTON — For different reasons, Josh Beckett and the Red Sox lineup found themselves in unfamiliar territory yesterday. Beckett went into yesterday with the best run support — 6.8 runs per outing — of any Red Sox starter this season, but not until the sixth inning did the Sox manage a single run to back him in his search for his 13th win. In a not-unrelated development, the Red Sox lineup was facing Toronto Blue Jays rookie Jesse Litsch for the first time — and it showed. The Sox collected 11 hits on the afternoon — nine against Litch — but only one at the right time, while Beckett, working with little margin for error, made enough to result in a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays. “He pitched so well,’’ said manager Terry Francona of Beckett. “Other than (the two runs in the second), he was tremendous. And most nights, I’m sitting here saying, ‘Well, it was a couple of bad pitches early in the game, but overall, it was a great game.’ But when you score one, it ends up being one too many.’’ Beckett’s lone stumble came when he surrendered three straight, two-out hits — one double to Lyle Overbay, one to Aaron Hill and a single to Royce Clayton. “I was trying to go in (on Hill),’’ said Beckett, “and I got it in, but left it up a little bit. And Clayton, I was trying to go down and away and it was right down the middle.’’ Beckett, who lost for the second time in his last three starts and tossed a season-high 118 pitches, wasn’t one to feel sorry for himself. “I was the second-best pitcher today,’’ he shrugged. “Bottom line — you get out-pitched, you lose. And that’s what happened today. I definitely think I battled through some other innings. But I was the second-best pitcher in that inning and sometimes, that’s enough to lose a ballgame.’’ Meanwhile, Litsch was continually working himself out of trouble in his sixth major-league start. “He can pitch,’’ said Toronto manager John Gibbons. “He hasn’t had any jitters since Day One he’s been here. That’s one thing about the kid — he’s overflowing with confidence.’’ The Sox put the leadoff man on three times and had multiple hits in the first and third innings, but couldn’t score until the sixth. The Sox stranded eight base-runners and were just 4-for-15 with runners on base. With runners in scoring position, they were just 2-for-9. “We didn’t put our hits together,’’ said Julio Lugo, who extended his hitting streak to a modest five games. “We hit some balls well; we just didn’t do it when we needed to. (Beckett) deserved to win. He had one bad inning, but we just couldn’t seem to hit the ball at the right time.’’ Case in point: the third inning, when Lugo and Crisp produced singles to start what looked like a promising rally. But Alex Cora’s sacrifice-bunt attempt resulted in Lugo getting cut down at third and David Ortiz followed with an inning-ending double-play. In the sixth, the Sox finally cashed in when Cora doubled over head of Vernon Wells in center and Aex Rios misplayed Ortiz’s sinking liner into a run-scoring double. But with the potential tying run in scoring position, Manny Ramirez popped to second, and after a walk to Kevin Youkilis, Lowell popped to Phillips. Eric Hinske singled to right, but Ortiz was cut down at the plate by Rios. “Sometimes,’’ said Mirabelli, “when you face a guy for the first time, you don’t know what to expect.’’ Things didn’t get any better after Litsch left in the seventh and the Sox faced more familiar reliever. They were 2-for-9 against Scott Downs, Casey Janssen and Jeremy Accardo and lost their sixth straight one-run decision. --SEAN McADAM
Posted by Chris Venditto Pregame Notes, July 15
-- Jason Varitek is out of the starting lineup mostly because he took a beating behind the plate in last night's game. He was crossed up on a pitch from Daisuke Matsuzaka and was hit on the hand, and he also took a foul ball off the chin, which caused him to bite his tongue. -- J.D. Drew is out of the lineup for the second straight start because of tightness is his right hamstring. He may be able to start tomorrow night. -- Curt Schilling's workout tomorrow has been altered somewhat. Schilling (right shoulder tendinitis) still will be throwing the same number of pitches in his side session on the field, but will parcel them out over two simulated innings instead of one, as had originally been scheduled. -- Second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was ill over the All-Star break, was given the day off from the starting lineup, replaced by Alex Cora, who has recovered from his similar All-Star-break illness. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 15BOSTON Crisp cf Beckett p TORONTO Johnson lf Litsch p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 15Note: Sox Streakers will be on a hiatus over the next week as Mike McDermott is off on vacation. It will be back Monday, July 23, when the Red Sox visit Cleveland. But continue checking Projo's SoxBlog in the week ahead for Art Martone's daily baseball column, pregame reports from our writers at Fenway, and all the other breaking baseball news. Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Blue Jays vs. Josh Beckett Red Sox vs. Jesse Litsch More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott July 14, 2007
J.D. Drew "hamstrung"
Drew felt a strain on the hamstring while stretching a hit into left field into a double in the third inning last night. He missed a few games in early June because of the same problem. He was replaced by Eric Hinske in the game. Hinske gets the start tonight in right field over Wily Mo Pena because the Blue Jays are starting a right-handed pitcher -- Dustin McGowan. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Donnelly to seek second opinion
Donnelly is expected to see noted orthopedist Lewis Yocum, the Angels' team orthopedist, on Tuesday. Donnelly spent four years with the Angels before signing with the Sox last winter, so Yocum is very familiar with the right-hander. The plan for Donnelly, who had a very encouraging side session in Detroit last Sunday, was to start and throw an inning for Lowell. The game was delayed at the start because of rain, but Donnelly didn't throw once and have to stop because of the delay. After he finally played long toss and snapped off a few splitters and curveballs, though, he knew he'd be unable to pitch. "It's in the same area. I'm just not there. Everything was progressing fine. I had a setback," said Donnelly, getting emotional in the Sox' clubhouse before batting practice. Donnelly hasn't pitched since June 10. He has been on the disabled list since June 17. He had good words to say about Boston's training staff but thought it would be wise for him and the Red Sox to solicit Yocum's opinion. "So the next step is to see someone who knows me inside and out," said Donnelly, who turned 36 on July 4. "It just hasn't gotten back to normal. We'll see what he says Tuesday." -- Steven Krasner;
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 14BOSTON Crisp cf Matsuzaka p TORONTO Wells cf McGowan p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 14Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Blue Jays vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox vs. Dustin McGowan More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott July 13, 2007
Pineiro returnsRight-hander Joel Pineiro was activated from the disabled list today by the Sox, who had informed first baseman Jeff Bailey after Thursday night's game that he was going to be outrighted to Pawtucket. The addition of Pineiro brings the Sox' staff back up to 12 pitchers, which provides manager Terry Francona with a better comfort level when it comes to available arms. Pineiro, who suffered a sprained right ankle on June 25 in Seattle when teammate Eric Hinske inadvertently stepped on him during the pregame stretching drills, threw one inning in Lowell on Wednesday and was pronounced ready to return by the Sox. He hopes to improve upon his first-half numbers -- 1-1, 5.04 earned-run average. "Maybe this is a fresh start, like a new season for me," said Pineiro. "It's a clean slate. I have to go out and do what I need to do. Thank God it (the injury) had nothing to do with my arm."
Posted by Steven Krasner Schilling progresses
Manager Terry Francona, who doesn't routinely watch Schilling's side sessions (the last one he witnessed was in 2004, he said, when he watched to see if the right-hander's injured right ankle "would explode" prior to a postseason start), was thrilled with what he saw today. "He was able to throw without a whole lot of effort behind it. The ball was coming out of his hand good. It was a really good day. I think we thought it was going to be. He worked really hard and it showed. I think he was happy and he should be," said Francona. The Sox have mapped out a tentative plan for Schilling that could include a rehab stint next Saturday if all goes well. Schilling will throw a similar side session on the field at Fenway Park on Monday and then will follow that up by throwing a simulated inning so he can "ramp it up" against hitters, Francona said. Next Wednesday would be a small side session, said the manager, and then, "on Saturday we'll see where he's at," said Francona. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Ortiz in lineupDavid Ortiz, who disclosed after Thursday night's game that he is suffering from a torn meniscus in his right knee, is in tonight's lineup in his customary designated hitter position, batting third. Manager Terry Francona was not inclined to elaborate on the condition of Ortiz, who said he suffered the injury last June in New York; has discomfort every now and then, and could need surgery after the season. "He's fine," said Francona when asked about Ortiz. When pressed, Francona dismissed the follow-up question with a terse answer. "He's okay," said Francona. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 13BOSTON Drew rf Tavarez p TORONTO Wells cf Marcum p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 13Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Blue Jays vs. Julian Tavarez Red Sox vs. Shaun Marcum More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk: A good start to the second halfArt Martone and Mike McDermott take a look at last night's Red Sox win on today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. They discuss the latest on David Ortiz's injured knee, Tim Wakefield's unusual streak of 18 straight starts with a decision, and the surprising (to some, but not to Art) performance of Dustin Pedroia. A reminder that we will not have a Sports Chat today. And next week, Sean McAdam is back as our regular guest on SoxTalk.
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Friday, July 13
OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT: For all the talk of improvements the Red Sox need to make before the trade deadline, one theme recurs in every conversation: David Ortiz (above left) and Manny Ramirez (above right) (Journal photos by Bob Breidebach) have to start hitting like, well, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. And last night, in the first game after the All-Star break, they did. Steven Krasner provides the details (projo.com) of their combined 5-for-9, 5-RBI effort in the Sox' 7-4 win over the Blue Jays. Also hitting again is Julio Lugo, whose 2-for-4 night made him 8-for-22 over the last nine games and lifted his average over .200. (Boston Globe) The Sox also did the little things right last night, and Jim Donaldson says the biggest such effort came from the littlest player of all, Dustin Pedroia. (projo.com) All in all, not a bad start to the second half. MBM: On his ESPN.com blog, available to subscribers only, Peter Gammons reports that Ramirez ''gets custom-made clothing at a chic Boston store . . . [and] instead of his actual initials . . . [has] 'MBM' sewn into his shirts and jackets. Yup. Manny Being Manny.''. MVP: Seth Mnookin's first-half Red Sox MVP is Coco Crisp. NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY: David Ortiz cleared up the confusion regarding his right knee problems after last night's game, saying a) he has a torn meniscus, b) he originally hurt it in 2006, not earlier this year, and c) it hurts more than it did last year but he can play through it.
GET IT STRAIGHT: The Herald's Tony Massarotti says the Sox need insurance, not reinforcements, for the stretch run. IT'S ALL ON YOU: SI.com's Jon Heyman identifies each team's key individual for the second half. For the Red Sox? Curt Schilling. For the Yankees? Joe Torre. 'THINGS I HEARD':Careless and/or uniformed announcers -- such as last night's Blue Jays crew -- are prime targets for old friend Allan Wood. (joyofsox.blogspot.com) MR. HATFIELD, MEET MR. McCOY: Dave Stewart has made clear his dislike for Roger Clemens over the years, but he reveals in an interview with Todd Devlin of MLBlogs that the Red Sox pursued him as a free agent in the 1992-93 offseason, which would have made them teammates. IN FOR A DIME, IN FOR A DOLLAR: The Yankees' attempt to negotiate a contract extension with Alex Rodriguez goes against team policy of holding contract talks during the season, leading some to wonder how the Yanks could break their rule for A-Rod and not for some of their other free-agents-to-be, specifically Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Joe Torre. (New York Post) But, according to the New York Daily News, the Yankees are talking to Rivera and Posada, too. Rivera seems receptive to the idea of negotiations, but Posada insists he's going to test the free-agent waters. NOW OR NOT AT ALL: The Daily News also reports the Yankees have warned A-Rod that if he opts out his contract after the season, they won't attempt to re-sign him. That would, theoretically, lower Rodriguez' open-market value, since he and his agent, Scott Boras, wouldn't have the Yankees to drive up the bidding. Neither of them seems too concerned, though, and both reiterated they have no intention of negotiating during the season. KEY TO THE SEASON: Peter Abraham, on the LoHud Yankees Blog, says that for the Yanks, it appears to be Bobby Abreu. ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: The Yankees' Jeff Karstens, sidelined since late April when his leg was broken by a Julio Lugo line drive, pitched five strong innings in a rehab start for Staten Island. (New York Post) CHOOSE YOUR ENEMIES CAREFULLY, BECAUSE THAT'S WHO YOU END UP RESEMBLING: The Daily News' Anthony McCarron writes the Mets' firing of hitting coach Rick Down made Omar Minaya seem a lot like George Steinbrenner Classic. And in another bit of Yankee Flashback, Willie Randolph distanced himself from Minaya on the decision to fire Down, saying it was ''their'' call. (New York Post) THAT OLD DETERMINATION: Julio Franco will turn 49 next month and has just been released by the Mets, but he thinks he can still play. (New York Daily News) MAVERICK BID: Mark Cuban, owning the Cubs? The Chicago Tribune's Rick Morrissey doesn't think MLB will let it happen. AS DON CORLEONE WOULD SAY, LET US REASON TOGETHER: Eric Byrnes says he'll give the Diamondbacks a hometown discount -- ''within reason'' -- to remain in Arizona. (Arizona Republic) NOT GOING TO HAPPEN: Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi shot down all Troy Glaus trade rumors by saying Glaus will remain in Toronto (Toronto Globe and Mail) . . . The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold thinks that if the Cardinals trade Scott Rolen, as some rumors are suggesting, it probably won't happen until the offseason . . . The Reds called Ken Griffey Jr.'s agent to deny Griffey-to-the-Brewers rumor. WHISPERS: The Mets have asked about the Astros' Roy Oswalt (Houston Chronicle) . . . Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle speculates that Yankees, Twins and Angels might have interest in the A's Mike Piazza . . . The Orioles are shopping Jay Gibbons, Kevin Millar, Steve Trachsel and Corey Patterson, though none are expected to fetch more than a mid-level prospect in return (Baltimore Sun) . . . Jermaine Dye, Tadahito Iguchi and Jose Contreras could be had from the White Sox (Chicago Tribune) . . . The Dallas Morning News says the Rangers have a host of suitors for Mark Teixeira, and the Red Sox are one of them. -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 12, 2007
Sox game story, Wakefield gets 10th win in 7-4 decision over JaysBOSTON – Over the last few days, as Red Sox enjoyed the break and got ready for the second half of the season, the team’s offensive struggles became one of the few “needs improvement” marks on Boston’s first-half report card. And while a few members in the Sox’ batting order hadn’t been producing as expected, any time the focus is on Boston’s offense, two names pop to the top of the list. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Neither one had a stellar first half, especially in terms of home runs. Ortiz’s problem (14 homers after a club-record 54 a year ago) may be partially attributable to a right knee injury that he said could require postseason surgery, though no MRI was scheduled, according to manager Terry Francona. Ortiz had 52 RBI, 11 fewer than team leader Mike Lowell. Ramirez had only 11 homers and 45 RBI, well below his norms. So the second half dawned last night. Ortiz and Ramirez loudly answered the bell. Neither one homered, but the duo accounted for five RBI, including a key two-out ribbie apiece in the sixth as the Red Sox trimmed the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-4, at Fenway Park. “This team hasn’t played to its capablities (offensively),” said shortstop Julio Lugo, whose 2-for-4 night raised his average to .201. “Everybody hasn’t gotten hot yet. Manny and David haven’t gotten hot yet. This is the time for them to get hot. Everybody’s got to get hot sometime,” added Lugo. Clearly there is no time like the present for Ortiz and Ramirez to heat up. It was last night’s type of production that the Red Sox have been seeking lately. They ended the first half of the season having scored four runs or less in 16 of their 32 games before the break. And if they are going to put pressure on the opposition over the stretch run, it has to be the big boppers in the middle of the order, Ortiz and Ramirez, who have to begin carrying this offense. They started doing that almost immediately last night. In the first, Ortiz ripped an RBI single to right and Ramirez followed with a run-scoring double into the left-field corner, giving the Sox a 2-1 lead at the expense of Blue Jays’ ace right-hander Roy Halladay. They teamed up in inflicting a little more damage in the second. Ortiz ripped another single to right, sending J.D. Drew to third, and Ramirez delivered Drew with a sacrifice fly to right, putting Boston ahead, 5-1. The game tightened up after that, though. Tim Wakefield served up back-to-back gopher balls in the sixth to Matt Stairs and Alex Rios, cutting what had seemed to be a comfortable cushion into a one-run lead, at 5-4. It was a time in the game that cried out for Ortiz and Ramirez to do something. Ortiz, facing left-hander Brian Tallet, crushed a sizzling liner to center that played tricks on Vernon Wells, the ball somehow eluding his lunge as he backed up to the fence. Pedroia scored easily, and it was 6-4 game. Ramirez then greeted Casey Janssen with a ground-ball seed up the middle that glanced off the glove of diving second baseman Aaron Hill and zipped into center field for an RBI single – Ramirez’s third RBI of the game – and a 7-4 advantage for Boston. While Ramirez got good wood on the ball, it was Ortiz who was especially impressive at the plate last night. In addition to his three hits, he also scalded a lineout before fanning in the eighth after having fouled a ball of his sore right knee. “David didn’t elevate the ball, but he got two balls through the infield and had that lineout and the ball to center,” said manager Terry Francona. “He’ll hit home runs by mistake like that.” Ortiz and Ramirez gave the Sox the breathing room they desired and then the bullpen trio of Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon (21st save) made that lead stand up. “I know there are a lot of reasons every game in important to win, but it’s nice to come out of the gate (for the start of the second half) and get a win,” said Francona. It also was very nice to see Ortiz and Ramirez produce, albeit without the long ball. “They’re going to do it at some point,” said Kevin Youkilis of contributions from the heretofore dynamic duo. “You’re not going to hold those guys down all year. They’re going to drive in runs. If they don’t have 80 or 70 RBI in the first half people think they’re having a bad year. But there still are a lot of games to go,” added Youkilis. And Ortiz and Ramirez got off to good start in the second half, helping the Red Sox do likewise. ----STEVEN KRASNER
Posted by Thom Cahir Pauley, McEwing, Prieto fuel PawSox victory over Chiefs Which is to say that their batters battled, and their starter, David Pauley did, too. Joe McEwing (4-for-5) and the suddenly resurgent Alex Prieto (3-for-4) knocked in three runs apiece to pace the 16-hit Pawtucket attack. “The three days off was good for them,” said PawSox skipper Ron Johnson. “These guys really picked it up.” Pauley (6-3), who gutted out 5 2/3 innings of five hit ball, hit one trouble spot after another in the early going. Yet he managed to keep the PawSox in a 1-1 tie through three innings. He battled his way out of one bases loaded jam in the first, the promptly fell into another in the second. But he slipped out of that one with just minimal damage. “He started focusing, again,” said Prieto, “and threw his stuff. It makes you want to win the game for him.” Pauley’s mates supplied him with a 5-1 lead in the fourth, with a four run outburst that was highlighted by Joe McEwing’s two run homer. Bobby Scales and George Kottaras whacked back to back doubles off Chiefs starter Josh Banks (7-6) to get Pawtucket started. One out later, the hot-hitting Prieto (7 for his last 15) singled in Kottaras, setting the table for McEwing. The PawSox upped the lead to 7-1 in the sixth, thanks to run scoring hits from Prieto and McEwing. Syracuse made matters interesting in the seventh, when they scored three runs off reliever Craig Hansen to make it 7-4. But Pawtucket tacked on two runs in the ninth to put the game out of reach. “It was fun,” said Moss. “It was a nice place to play. It kind of spoils you.” “In any park in this league,” he said, “that would have been a double.” -- DAN HICKLING
Posted by Chris Venditto Youkilis Returns
Youkilis started only one of the Sox' final seven games of the first half. He started against Tampa Bay on July 3. His only other action over that stretch was a pinch-hitting appearance on July 7 (he flied out) in Detroit. While he probably could have played, and while he definitely would have been playing had it been late in the season and the games were crucial, Manager Terry Francona opted to be patient with Youkilis, giving him the extra rest in the hope he would be more healthy at the start of the second half. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Injured Pitchers Update
Schilling hasn't thrown off the mound since June 18, when he was scorched for 6 runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings in Atlanta. He has been on the disabled list because of tendinitis in his right shoulder. "He has been doing well, how we hoped. The ball has been coming out of his hand well. I'm excited to see him off the mound. That's the next test," said Boston manager Terry Francona. Two other injured right-handers are on the verge of returning to Boston's bullpen. Joel Pineiro, who pitched an inning for Lowell last night on a rehabilitation assignment, is expected to be activated tomorrow. That transaction likely will result in Jeff Bailey's return to Pawtucket. Bailey, a first baseman, went 1 for 9 in three games in Detroit -- his hit was a homer -- in his first big-league action in an 11-year career in professional baseball. Bailey is not in tonight's lineup. Brendan Donnelly will throw an inning for Lowell tomorrow night. After that session, the Sox will decide if he will be ready to return to action in Boston. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner No scheduled MRI for Ortiz
That, at least, was the word a short time ago from Boston manager Terry Francona. "He didn't get an MRI. He didn't have one lined up. There was not one scheduled," said Francona. "I'm not sure I should be lending credence to something that's not there. It's hard to give credence to something that didn't happen." That is not to say, however, that Ortiz isn't feeling discomfort in his right knee, a condition that no doubt is one reason the Sox' designated hitter had only 14 homers at the break. Ortiz told the Boston Herald in San Francisco that he may need surgery after the season. He was not sighted in the clubhouse prior to batting practice. Francona talked about Ortiz having cramps in his legs in Texas earlier this year, and Ortiz also has said that his right quadriceps has been barking on him, too. Still, Francona didn't seem worried that he would be losing Ortiz from the lineup any time soon. Ortiz is batting third tonight. "I don't think David feels like he's going to miss any games in the second half, and if he has to, I'll give him a rest," said Francona. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 12BOSTON Drew rf Wakefield p TORONTO Wells cf Halladay p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 12Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Blue Jays vs. Tim Wakefield Red Sox vs. Roy Halladay More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk: Ortiz's knee; A-Rod's contractToday on projo SoxTalk, sports editor Art Martone and sports producer Mike McDermott look back on a newsy All-Star break. Click here to listen to the audio file. The topics include David Ortiz's knee injury, and how the Red Sox can avoid a collapse like the one they suffered last year; Alex Rodriguez's contract status (the Yankees are now offering to talk during the season to prevent his opting out of his current deal); and this weekend's Blue Jays-Red Sox series at Fenway Park. Here are some excerpts from Art's comments. This year's team vs. last year's, and the injury problems: "Theo Epstein made a point to say last year that the injuries just kind of exacerbated teamwide problems that had been kind of hidden by the team's first half, and I don't know if he feels the same way this season. ... If this knee injury is actually going to affect Ortiz's power, I think they're going to have trouble generating runs. Youkilis -- all along they've been saying this isn't that serious; it shouldn't sideline him longer than it already has, however if we come back tonight and we see he's out of the lineup, it could very well be that they put him on the DL, backdated to whenever he last played, because they just can't afford to play this shorthanded. That said, the depth of this team is pretty good right now. .. I think that overall right now they're in a little bit better shape than they were last year to sustain this, but even so, it's not a slam dunk that they can just sail on through. They're going to have to address these problems if they become chronic." Will A-Rod opt out? "I would be stunned if he didn't opt out ... Scott Boras sees the biggest pot of gold ever at the end of this rainbow, and he's not going to get it if he doesn't get a bidding war going. There are a lot of well-heeled teams lining up for this guy -- the Angels; the Red Sox will be in this, you know they will; the Giants. ... The criticism is all nonsense; this guy is the best player in baseball. If he came to Fenway Park -- I've been saying this forever -- he'd hit 60, 70 home runs a year for the next couple of years ... He would be an offensive force almost unlike any other at Fenway Park. The Red Sox should break the bank for this guy."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Thursday, July 12
READY TO ROLL: The second half starts tonight, and Steven Krasner says health -- particularly the health of David Ortiz (above, Journal photo by Mary Murphy) -- will be the key for the Red Sox over the last 2 1/2 months. (projo.com) Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald agrees. BEWARE FATHER TIME: Ortiz' health has been an issue the last few days, ever since he revealed he may need knee surgery. And the Boston Herald's Steve Buckley raises the notion that the knee problems are''a warning sign'' that Big Papi -- who turns 32 in November -- isn't getting any younger. SETTLING IN: The Boston Globe's Gordon Edes has a midseason profile of Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has embraced everything in Boston except the lack of privacy. NO, THEY NEVER RETURNED: Tony Massarotti says the shortstop position has become the Red Sox' version of the Bermuda Triangle, though Theo Epstein -- noting Julio Lugo's ''track record in the American League East over the last three-and-a-half years is pretty good'' -- still thinks Lugo will pick up his game. QUICK HITS: More and more, Coco Crisp's defense is getting noticed (Boston Globe) . . . Clay Buccholz 2007 may bear a striking resemblance to Jonathan Papelbon 2005 (Boston Herald) . . . The rehabbing Joel Piniero pitched a scoreless inning last night for the Lowell Spinners (Boston Herald). IS THAT GRADING DONE ON A BELL CURVE? SI.com has handed out its midseason report card, and the Red Sox got a B-plus. The rest of the A.L. East, needless to say, won't be making any Honor Rolls. TRADE TALK: The Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice says the Red Sox are still in hot pursuit of the Astros' Brad Lidge . . . Mark Teixeira wants to play for a winner, and specifically mentions the Red Sox and Yankees as teams that ''want to compete and win'' in discussing his future with the Dallas Morning News. Teixeira, of course, becomes a free agent at the end of 2008 and could be traded between now and July 31. BACK TO THE BRONX? The New York Daily News' staff thinks the Yankees will make a run at Mike Lowell, who began his career with the Yanks, if Alex Rodriguez becomes a free agent. The New York Daily News' Mike Lupica, for one, thinks A-Rod would be wise to leave. BREAKING ALL THE RULES: Understanding that all bets are off if he hits free agency, the Yankees are abandoning their policy of not negotiating during the season and are willing to talk contract extension with Rodriguez right now, according to the Daily News. Problem (for them) is, A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras -- salivating over the potential pot of gold that could result from a postseason bidding war -- has no interest in talking. SEASON TO REMEMBER, THOUGH NOT THE WAY THEY THOUGHT: The Village Voice's Allan Barra says the Yankees may become the first team in history to have a losing record despite four Hall of Famers on the roster. The four he cites: Roger Clemens, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. (He also lists Jorge Posada as a marginal HOF candidate, and thinks Chien-Ming Wang has HOF potential.) ''How does a team with this kind of talent,'' he wonders, ''struggle to win half their games?'' SINCE YOU ASKED . . . Barra provides the answer: ''The rest of the team.'' HOT STUFF: FoxSports.com's Dayn Perry lists 10 burning questions -- ''Oven mitts recommended'' -- for the second half. HARDWARE-FREE ZONE: The Sox were shut out of Tom Verducci's midseason awards (SI.com) . . . except for Julio Lugo, named the A.L.' s Breakdown Player. PICTURE THIS: Last month, the Padres' Chris Young and the Cubs' Derrek Lee were duking it out at Wrigley Field. On Tuesday, they stood next to each other for the N.L. All-Star team picture. (San Diego Union-Tribune) STATS, SCHMATS: Andruw Jones may be hitting only .211, and striking out about once every four at-bats, but Boras (there's that man again) still thinks he can get Jones a six or seven-year deal worth more than $120 million. (mlb.com) OFF THE ITINERARY: Newsday reports that MLB is cooling on the idea of opening next season in China, though a Japan trip is still on the table. INTERESTING INSIGHTS: Mike Piazza gives an in-depth interview to beliefnet.com, a spiritual web site, in which he discusses his Roman Catholic faith, baseball's steroids scandal, and how he feels about Barry Bonds breaking the all-time home-run record. CAN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN: Rickey Henderson is returning to the major leagues as hitting coach for the Mets, who fired ex-Yankee and Red Sox hitting instructor Rick Down. So how long before Rickey begins lobbying manager Willie Randolph, his ex-Yankee teammate, for a chance to play? DON'T COUNT ON IT: Newsday's Wallace Powell says the Mets are in trouble if they're relying on the recovering Pedro Martinez to do anything more than carry his own weight when he returns next month. YOU THINK WHAT??? Albert Pujols is stunned that people believe there's a rift between him and manager Tony La Russa, despite Pujols' critical comments about La Russa not playing him in the All-Star Game. HEADING TO THE SIDELINES? Deposed Rockies closer Brian Fuentes may be placed on the disabled list because of a strained ''lat muscle under his left arm.'' (Denver Post) DON'T BE SURPRISED IF . . . The Orioles put Miguel Tejada on the trading block when he returns from his broken wrist in August, writes the Baltimore Sun's Rick Maese. SO WHERE'S PRONKVILLE? ''Start the party in Pronkville. Travis Hafner is staying.'' So writes the Cleveland Plain-Dealer's Paul Hoynes as he reports the Indians and Hafner have reached agreement on a $57 million contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland through 2012. WHISPERS: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien addressed, and shot down, a Mark Teixeira-to-the-Braves rumor . . . Contrary to other reports, the New York Post says the Marlins will trade Dontrelle Willis. The Seattle Times reports that Willis-to-the-Mariners reports are circulating . . . Now the Rangers aren't so sure they'll trade Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka (Dallas Morning News) . . . The Twins have interest in the A's Dan Johnson, who may be traded to make room for prospect Daric Barton (St. Paul Pioneer Press) . . . The Yankees have ''moderate interest'' in Victor Zambrano, who was waived by the Mets last week. (New York Post) . . . The same story says the Yanks have cooled on Shea Hillenbrand, mainly because the younger and cheaper Andy Phillips (now hitting .316) is doing the job they envisioned for Hillenbrand, and may be doing it better than Hillenbrand could. -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 11, 2007
Ortiz says he probably needs knee surgeryRed Sox slugger David Ortiz yesterday said that surgery will probably be necessary to correct soreness in his right knee, the Boston Herald reports today. The Herald says that Ortiz is expected to have an MRI on his knee after he returns to Boston from the All-Star Game to determine the cause of his soreness. Ortiz told the newspaper that he believes the issue goes back to last season. He also described the problem as "minor." The Herald also quoted an ESPN report in which Ortiz speculated that surgery would probably be necessary after this season has ended.
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Wednesday, July 11
STAR POWER: The Red Sox had it in last night's All-Star Game (projo.com), as Josh Beckett was the winning pitcher (Boston Herald), Mike Lowell had a hit and scored a run, and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a scoreless eighth in the A.L.'s 5-4 victory over the N.L. (AP via projo.com) Jayson Stark breaks down the night on ESPN.com. EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES: Ichiro Suzuki was the MVP (AP via projo.com) -- his two-run, inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning put the A.L. ahead to stay -- and he'll soon have more good news to celebrate: He's about to sign a five-year contract extension with the Mariners. (Seattle Times) The Times' Larry Stone thinks Ichiro should have his own TV series, since he continues to stage a series of ''Can You Top This?'' events. BAFFLED: It's been 11 years since the National Leaguers won one of these things, and they don't understand why the American League has their number. (AP via projo.com) Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal thinks the streak will end next year, since ''[the] A.L. has just about run out of ways to torture the N.L.'' But SI.com's Jacob Luft thinks last night was a simple case of Jim Leyland outmanaging Tony La Russa. YOU GOT THAT RIGHT, BROTHER: Albert Pujols isn't too happy that he sat on the bench the whole game, a decision made by La Russa, his own manager. (AP, via projo.com) HURTING PAPI: David Ortiz thinks he'll need knee surgery at season's end. (Boston Herald) He says the problem, which occurred while fielding bunts after batting practice at Yankee Stadium earlier this year, may have led to the quad and leg soreness that has hampered his power production. WE ALL NEED A LITTLE CHAD JOHNSON IN US: Jonathan Papelbon tells AOL Sports that when he's on the mound ''it's not Jonathan Papelbon pitching, it's Cinco Ocho pitching. I get a little revved up some times, and Cinco Ocho doesn't know how to control himself when he's out there.'' Johnson, the Cincinnati Bengals' talented but eccentric wide receiver, calls himself Ocho Cinco; apparently, Papelbon wanted to avoid a copyright controversy. Baseball Musing's David Pinto thinks Jonathan Killington Closer would be a better nickname. THIRD, AND CLIMBING: The Red Sox are the third most-popular team in baseball, behind the Yankees and Braves, according to a recent Harris poll. It's their highest ranking ever; they were fourth in 2006. The least popular team? The Toronto Blue Jays. Interesting note: The Mets, the second-popular team in '06, plummeted to seventh this time around. YOU ASKING ME? Good luck getting an answer from Bud Selig as to whether or not he'll be there when Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. (AP via projo.com) FIGHTING WORDS: Derek Jeter says there's ''no question'' the Yankees can catch the Red Sox in the second half. (New York Post) LET'S BET ON IT: In Las Vegas, odds on the Yanks winning the World Series -- they were the preseason favorites at 7-2 -- have dropped to 15-1 (New York Post). Still, that could indicate people still believe the Yankees could make a comeback. ''Toronto has basically the same record as them and Toronto is 250-1,'' said Jeff Stoneback, the sports book manager at MGM Mirage. ''Obviously people have a lot more faith that the Yankees have the potential to catch fire and go on a run here.'' John Avello, director of race and sports operations at Wynn, also believes bettors will flock to them if they get on a hot streak in the second half. MEET THE NEW BOSS: The new favorite to win the World Series? The Red Sox, who are 11-5 at Mirage and 4-1 at Wynn. ACCORDING TO WIN SHARES . . . The MVPs at this point of the season are Vladimir Guerrero in the American League and Eric Byrnes in the National League. (hardballtimes.com) The Red Sox' co-MVPs are David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis. NOTABLES: The interesting tidbits out of the Red Sox list: Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Beckett both have 10 Win Shares, which place them in a tie for 11th among all starting pitchers (with, among others, Derek Lowe) . . . Coco Crisp (9 Win Shares) is having a better year than Manny Ramirez (8), which shows that WS obviously accounts for defense . . . Jonathan Papelbon (7) is in a tie for ninth among all relievers . . . Wily Mo Pena and Doug Mirabelli -- confirming the suspicions of many angry fans -- have contributed nothing to the Sox so far; both have 0 Win Shares. WHAT OF THE YANKEES, YOU ASK? Alex Rodriguez (19 WS) is their MVP, with Derek Jeter (15) second and Jorge Posada (11) third. (All stories hardballtimes.com) 'A MODEST PROPOSAL': Ex-Astros pitcher and manager Larry Dierker thinks major-league umpires are so bad at calling balls and strikes that MLB should let Questec do it. WHISPERS: Torii Hunter, who can be a free agent at the end of the year, admits he's thought about playing for the Yankees (New York Daily News). Just what they need, another 33-year-old (which is how old he'll turn in July of '08) center fielder . . . It appears Lastings Milledge is about to get the call from the Mets (New York Daily News) . . .
Posted by Art Martone Sox in the All-Star GameThey didn't win any awards or grab any headlines, but the Red Sox were right in the middle of the American League's 5-4 All-Star Game victory at AT&T Park last night. Josh Beckett, the second A.L. pitcher of the night, worked two scoreless innings and earned the victory, as he was on the mound when Ichiro Suzuki hit the two-run, inside-the-park home run that gave the American League a lead it never relinquished. And Mike Lowell led off the eighth with a single and rode home on the two-run homer by Victor Martinez that proved to be the margin of victory. They were two of the six Boston players who were on the A.L. roster. Hideki Okajima, who earned the last roster spot in fan voting, didn't play in the game, but the other five Sox participants did. Their contributions: BECKETT: His night -- which began when he replaced starter Dan Haren in the bottom of the third with the A.L. trailing, 1-0 -- started inauspiciously, as a routine grounder to third by the Mets' Jose Reyes took a strange, sideways hop past Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees and went for a leadoff double in the bottom of the third. Barry Bonds then brought the hometown San Francisco crowd to its feet with a long fly to left that looked, for a moment, as if it might get out of the park. But it was caught on the warning track by the White Sox' Magglio Ordonez. From then on, Beckett cruised. He retired the Mets' Carlos Beltran on a grounder to second, and struck out Ken Griffey Jr. of the Reds to end the inning. In the fourth, he got David Wright (Mets) on a grounder to second, Prince Fielder (Brewers) on a line drive to center, and struck out Russell Martin (Dodgers). He was rewarded for his efforts with a victory when Ichiro homered in the top of the fifth to put the A.L. on top, 2-1, and it held the lead the rest of the way. LOWELL: He entered the game as a replacement for Rodriguez in the bottom of the sixth and played the rest of the way. He led off the eighth inning with a single, his only at-bat, and scored two batters later when Martinez homered to left, increasing the A.L. lead to 5-2. JONATHAN PAPELBON: He pitched the eighth inning, the sixth A.L. pitcher of the night and the first reliever; he followed Haren, Beckett, C.C. Sabathia, Jason Verlander and Johan Santana. He allowed a bloop single to center by the Cubs' Derek Lee leading off -- the Twins' Torii Hunter was playing so deep he couldn't get to the ball in time -- but retired the next three hitters in order: Orlando Hudson (Diamondbacks) and Aaron Rowand (Phillies) on strikeouts, and Freddie Sanchez (Pirates), an ex-Red Sox farmhand, on a fly to center. DAVID ORTIZ: He started the game at first base for the American League and batted twice. He reached on an error by Fielder in the first inning, and then flied out to Griffey in right field with two on and two out to end the third. MANNY RAMIREZ: His on-field contributions were limited to a pinch-hitting appearance in the top of the third when, batting for Haren, he flied out to Griffey. But he was on camera later in the night, fanning Ichiro with a towel in the dugout after the Mariners' star had completed his inside-the-park home run.
Posted by Art Martone July 10, 2007
Projo SoxTalk: Art's Second-half previewSean McAdam is on vacation, so it's sports editor Art Martone and sports producer Mike McDermott doing the honors today on projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the audio file. Today they look ahead to the second half of the season, and particularly at how the Red Sox will address the problems that we saw over the last couple of weeks of the first half. Here are some excerpts from Art's comments: On the team's problems: "They have to address, certainly, offense. They've been unable to generate offense against quality pitching for the most part this season, and that's mainly because people they depend on in the middle in their order are not as productive as they have been, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez specifically, but also a few others. Also, with Curt Schilling out, you would think their starting pitching could be a bit deeper. Right now you're looking at two guys at the back end of the rotation, in Julian Tavarez and Kason Gabbard, who won't necessarily give them the kind of pitching they got in the first part of the year, for the most part. You wonder if Beckett is going to stay at the level he's pitching at. And the bullpen, while very effecive, is a little bit thin right now; they could be looking for other arms there as well." Will Clay Buccholz be a relief pitcher this season in Boston? "The Red Sox haven't said too much. What they have said, at the beginning of the year, is that they're not going to rush this kid. They're not going to bring him up until he's ready. But in this situation they did a very similar thing with Papelbon in 2005. He had been in the rotation, they saw him as a starter, but because they needed bullpen help, they kind of put him into the setup role, and he actually filled it very well. When they went into the playoffs in 2005, Papelbon was arguably the best relief pitcher ... This could happen with Buchholz as well. Depending on what he does in Pawtucket, it's a possibility -- I don't know if it's a probability -- it might be something they'd look at six weeks down the road or so." On the next 30 days in the American League East: "I think within the next month or so we're going to know if we're going to have a race or not. The Yankees are playing 29 straight games against teams that are presently under .500. Now that includes Toronto, which is only a game under .500, so it's not quite as easy as it looks, but they have a very easy road ahead, and the Red Sox do for the most part as well. So if the Red Sox can just hold their serve, keep the lead where it is, or right around where it is -- eight, nine, 10 games -- and a month passes, then I think they're going to be in pretty good shape, because once they finish that last road trip in August they're home virtually the entire month of September, they shouldn't have a problem. I think the key to whether or not there'll be a race will be the Yankees. If the Yankees can finally begin to get hot, finally be able to put together some sustained streaks that they haven't shown they're capable of yet, they can probably make a little bit of a run at this, because they seem to have too much talent to be kind of piddling along at .500."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Tuesday, July 10REFLECTION TIME: Steven Krasner looks at the good, the bad and the surprises of the first half as the Red Sox -- or most of them, anyway -- enjoy the three-day All-Star break. (projo.com) Many of the Sox get call-outs in SI.com's Jon Heyman's first-half awards, including Josh Beckett (Cy Young Award), Daisuke Matsuzaka (Rookie of the Year) and Terry Francona (Manager of the Year). (Theo Epstein finished second in Heyman's Executive of the Year category.)
FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH: As he's sometimes wont to do, Curt Schilling (a.k.a. Gehrig38) dropped into a Sons of Sam Horn discussion about himself and talked about his injury and his rehab. Nothing earth-shattering, but he refrained from firing back at critics who accused him of being out of shape and instead focused on what hurts and what he and the Sox are doing to get him back on the field. LIVE, FROM AT&T PARK . . . SI.com's Jacob Luft blogged the Home Run Derby, which was won by Vladimir Guerrero. NO VILLAIN HERE: FoxSports.com's Randy Hill says Barry Bonds won't be booed tonight by his adoring home crowd and doesn't think he should be. Our own Jim Donaldson disagrees. PLACE YOUR BETS SOON: The New York Daily News, handicapping the field as to where Alex Rodriguez will be playing in 2008, lists the Red Sox as 5-1 to land the Yankee star. That's better odds than they give the Yanks, whom they have at 8-1. The favorite? The Angels, at 4-1. As for A-Rod himself, he says he's at ''peace with myself'' after finally learning how to handle New York. Still, he gave the New York Post a classic non-answer -- ''I know there is a lot speculation going on, but New York is a special place'' -- when asked about his future plans. YOU STILL THINK THERE'S A QUESTION THAT HE'LL LEAVE? The Daily News' Bill Madden doesn't, quoting ''one baseball person claiming to have knowledge of A-Rod's mind-set'' as saying, ''I don't think there's any question, he's out of there.'' AND THE PLACE WHERE HE LANDS . . . will eventually be the home of baseball's all-time home-run king, says Barry Bonds, who thinks A-Rod will break whatever record Bonds winds up setting. (Newsday) NOT DEAD YET: That's the consensus opinion of the A.L. All-Stars concerning the Yankees, including many members of the Red Sox. (New York Daily News) That's also the party line among the Yanks themselves. (New York Post) WANNA BET? The blog Vegas Watch predicts the Yanks will finish 87-75 and miss the playoffs. Their A.L. division champions: The Red Sox, Tigers and Angels, with the Indians winning the wild card. They also predict the Sox, at 95-66, will finish with the best record in baseball. (They don't have a single N.L. team winning 90 games.) Your N.L. winners: Mets, Brewers and Padres, with the Dodgers taking the wild card. BUT YOU JUST WAIT: The New York Times profiles the Yankees' pitching-rich farm system, and quotes Indians GM Mark Shapiro as saying, ''[Their] system is now one of the stronger ones in the minor leagues, and at some point, as those players become major-league-ready, the Yankees will have the most deadly combination of depth of young talent combined with elite payroll resources at the major league level.'' WHY NOT WATCH THE REAL THING? SI.com's Alex Belth says the true story of the 1977 Yankees comes not from the ESPN mini-series, but from A&E's new box set of the '77 World Series, which shows them -- and their city, which was a far different place 30 years ago than it is today -- in all their unshaven, shadowy glory. ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: Yankee phenom Phil Hughes made his first mound appearance since May 1 last night as he returns from a sprained ankle. (LoHud Yankees Blog) THEY'RE HELPING US: The Justice Department doesn't want the names of players who obtained performance-enhancing drugs from a former Mets clubhouse attendant released because some of them are cooperating with the investigation and the Feds fear they'll stop if their identities become public. (New York Daily News) REMEMBERING CHARLIE LAU: Twenty-three years after his death, the controversial batting coach still stirs a lot of emotion, positive and negative. (New York Daily News) THE DOWNSIDE: The Rockies worry that Kaz Matsui's superlative first half will increase his free-agent value to the point that they won't be able to afford him. (Denver Post) BACK TO THE BENCH? It sounds like A's general manager Billy Beane is resigned to not having Rich Harden back for a long time, if at all, in the second half. (San Francisco Chronicle) WHISPERS: The Indians are on the prowl for relief help (Akron Beacon Journal) . . . Andruw Jones thinks the Braves need another starting pitcher (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) . . . Tim Marchman of the New York Sun thinks the only Yankees who might be dealt by the trading deadline are Bobby Abreu and Andy Pettitte. OLD FRIENDS: Shea Hillenbrand was finally released by the Angels (Los Angeles Daily News). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone Manny being Manny at the All-Star Game(AP) One side of the room was lined with Red Sox: David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. There was one empty table though, as Manny Ramirez didn't show up for the media availability. "I just made sure he got to San Francisco," Ortiz said. "After that, I have no control." Ramirez usually skips the Monday media availability so this was no surprise. He also was held out of the lineup Sunday at Detroit because of a stomach ailment. The 11-time All-Star is expected to play in the game tonight. Ramirez, one of six Red Sox players in the game, is hitting .284 with 11 homers and 45 RBI. "I think he was a little surprised to be here," Lowell said. "He didn't have the same numbers he usually has, but I do know he's happy to be here. Manny is hard to talk to about a lot of topics. He's a hard worker but he's in his own world."
Posted by Mike McDermott July 9, 2007
Today's Manny file: Yup, it looks like he's gonna playSo, despite the conspiracy theories, Manny Ramirez will suit up tomorrow night for the American League All-Stars. He'll do so as a reserve, the first time since 1998 that Ramirez has not been voted onto the American League's starting lineup. For his career, Ramirez is 3 for 9 with a home run (off Roger Clemens in 2004), four RBI and three walks in All-Star appearances. The last time Ramirez was not selected to the All-Star team was in 1997. Those are pretty good statistics, but of course Ramirez is better known for his history of skipping out of the All-Star Game than for his exploits during the midsummer classic. On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Ron Kroichick reviewed some of the history, and he includes a funny quote from Frank Thomas about Ramirez's selection to play in this game, despite his subpar season. "I think they're punishing him," Thomas said. It's not much of a punishment: Ramirez gets a $75,000 bonus for making the team.
Posted by Mike McDermott Full All-Star starting lineupsAmerican League National League
Posted by Mike McDermott Beckett passed over for All-Star startJosh Beckett won't start the All-Star game for the American League, as A.L. manager Jim Leyland gave the nod to Oakland's Dan Haren.
Posted by Art Martone Projo SoxTalk will be back tomorrowProjo SoxTalk will not be posted today, but we will be back tomorrow, as Art Martone and Mike McDermott look ahead to the All-Star Game and to the second half of the season.
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Monday, July 9
THREE DAYS CAN'T WIPE OUT THREE MONTHS: Still, the Boston Herald's Jeff Horrigan points out that ''the Sox [head] into the three-day All-Star break with plenty to be proud of in the first 87 games. They demonstrated enough resolve to overcome several hurdles and carry the largest divisional lead in the majors (10 games) into the second half.'' Colleague Tony Massarotti hands out a Honor Roll-level report card to the Sox, while noting ''the pitchers have done a disproportionate amount of the work.'' WHY, THEN, GO AFTER MORE PITCHING? Because no one is really sure what Curt Schilling will provide in the second half, says the Boston Globe's Gordon Edes, who thinks it's possible the team will pursue another starter between now and the trade deadline. DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME: We haven't heard much from Schilling on his 38pitches.com blog since the injury but he returned yesterday, mostly to host a reader Q-and-A but also to assure fans that his recovery has ''gone great'' and ''the goal right now is to be back on the mound by next weekend.'' SECRET WEAPONS: Edes writes that the Sox won't part with Jacoby Ellsbury or Clay Buchholz in any deals, and SI.com's Jacob Luft, who saw them play in the Futures Game in San Francisco yesterday, says there's a reason: The Red Sox ''might be planning to use them both as secret weapons come playoff time.'' Luft also quotes Buchholz as confirming what we first reported here last week, that he apparently is headed to Pawtucket. (projo.com) TAKING NOTICE: The New York Times, of all newspapers, profiles Ellsbury.
QUIET SATISFACTION: The Tigers weren't strutting around boastfully after completing the sweep, but Jim Leyland seemed proud of the way his team played against the Red Sox. (Detroit News) WHAT IF? On his Touching All The Bases blog, Chad Finn wonders how different life might have been if the Red Sox had Gary Sheffield and not J.D. Drew in right field, as seemed possible for a time last fall. ONE FOR THE AGES: He probably never thought he'd get over the thrill of simply being called up to the big leagues. But career minor-leaguer Jeff Bailey topped that yesterday with his first major-league hit -- and a home run, to boot -- in what might have been his last game with the Red Sox. (Both stories projo.com) If Kevin Youkilis is healthy enough to return to the lineup when the season resumes Thursday, odds are Bailey will be shipped back to Pawtucket. Still, judging by his comments yesterday, he'll always remember his three days in what fellow career minor-leaguer Crash Davis called "The Show.'' THE THRILL GOES BOTH WAYS: Bailey doesn't have the most talent in the world, but his attitude and determination have earned him a host of fans in the Boston organization. One of them is PawSox manager Ron Johnson, who admits almost lost sleep because of the excitement he felt in finally being able to tell Bailey he was going to the big leagues. (projo.com) AT THE OTHER END OF THE TALENT SPECTRUM . . . Alex Rodriguez completed a half-season for the ages with his 30th home run in the Yankees' rout of the Angels. (New York Daily News) Baseball Musing's David Pinto notes this is the 10th straight season A-Rod has hit at least 30 homers. THE DREAM LIVES: The New York Post's Jay Greenberg lays out a scenario by which the Yankees can make the postseason. But it will only work, warns the Daily News' Lisa Olson, if they get off the win-one-lose-one treadmill and start consistently playing the way they played yesterday. THE MELKY WAY (OR IS IT, THE MELKMAN DELIVERS?): Either absurd John Sterling phrase is fine with the Yankees, who look like they're handing their center-field job to Melky Cabrera. (New York Post) ESPN CAN ONLY STIR IT BAD: The ESPN mini-series on the 1977 Yankees begins tonight, but it doesn't sound like Reggie Jackson will be watching. (Both stories New York Times) ONCE MORE, WITH CLARITY: Joe Posnanski is starting a new feature on his Soul of Baseball blog entitled ''What in the hell is this manager talking about?'' The latest entry: Joe Torre's statement that Derek Jeter is ''as good as I’ve ever seen going out there and sometimes making acrobatic plays.'' Ponders Joe: ''OK, seriously, what the hell does that mean? I’ve read [it] 20 times, and I still have no idea.'' WHEEZING TO THE BREAK: The Mets are now 14-21 since June 1 after their 8-3 loss to the Astros yesterday. (New York Daily News) STAR GAZING: FoxSports.com's Dayn Perry thinks this might be the National League's year in the All-Star Game. STARRY, STARRY NIGHT: Tony La Russa is looking forward to managing the N.L. All-Star team. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) ONE UP, ONE DOWN: Two members of the Sox -- Julio Lugo and Hideki Okajima -- earn hardware in ESPN.com's Jayson Stark's first-half awards. You can probably guess which mention is positive and which is negative. LATEST OF MANY: The Seattle Times' Larry Stone writes that Mike Hargrove isn't the first manager to be worn down by the pressures of the job. BAD SIGN: Rich Harden said he didn't feel right in his return to the A's starting rotation Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle) WELL, THAT'S THREE WEEKS OF OUR LIFE WE'LL NEVER GET BACK: In the end, Mark Buehrle stayed with the White Sox. (Chicago Sun-Times) WHISPERS: Torii Hunter says he'd consider signing with the White Sox when he hits free agency (Chicago Sun-Times) . . . The Mets have interest in White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, but the teams may not find a trade match (chicagosports.com) . . . Newsday reports the Mets are ''monitoring'' reliever Hector Carrasco, who was designated for assignment by the Angels . . . The Nationals thought that American League teams seeking a DH would inquire about Dmitri Young, but so far the only sniff has come from the Braves (mlb.com). OLD FRIENDS: David Wells can 't figure out why he gets thrown out of so many games (San Diego Union-Tribune) . . . Tom Gordon could return to the Phillies as early as next weekend (Philadelphia Inquirer). LINE OF THE DAY: From David Pinto of Baseball Musings, who, went noting shortstop Chin-Lung Hu was named MVP of the Futures Game, commented, ''I thought Hu was on first!'' -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 8, 2007
Game Story: Tigers 6, Red Sox 5DETROIT — On the whole, Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox’ $103-million Japanese import, turned in a very solid, very consistent first half in his first taste of major-league baseball in this country. -- STEVEN KRASNER
Posted by Chris Venditto Red Wings 6, PawSox 4ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Pawtucket Red Sox went their separate ways for the annual three-day All-Star break after suffering a 6-4 loss yesterday to the Rochester Red Wings. --DAN HICKLING
Posted by Chris Venditto Traveling in styleThe Red Sox six representatives to the All-Star Game will be flying from Detroit to San Francisco in style. Josh Beckett, David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell and Hideki Okajima will be flying on owner John Henry's private jet, making the trip from Detroit to San Francisco in 4 hours, 7 minutes, according to traveling secretary Jack McCormick. They will not be using the private jet to return, though. Each player will be on whatever flights they wanted to arrange given family considerations. Each player on the All-Star team receives two first-class tickets from Major League Baseball for their use to travel to and from the event. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 8Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. Nate Robertson Tigers vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott No "starting" news
"Haven't heard anything," said Beckett as he left the clubhouse to play catch. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Ramirez is sick
"He's sick," said manager Terry Francona. "He was sick last night. He said he has the flu. Intestinal turmoil. Call it what you want." Of course, being out of the lineup the day before the All-Star break with the Red Sox in Detroit is nothing new. In 2003, Ramirez seemingly was miffed because Pedro Martinez was allowed to go home to the Dominican Republic on the day before the break while the Sox were on the road, playing the Tigers. Martinez was not scheduled to pitch that day. So Ramirez came down with what he called "flu in the throat," a condition he informed manager Grady Little about in the early morning hours before the game and did not play in it. And then there's the All-Star Game factor. Several times Manny has come down with an ailment or disclosed a family illness that kept him from going to the All-Star Game. Not this year, apparently. Francona said he expected Ramirez to join his five teammates for the trip to San Francisco for the All-Star Game, which will be played Tuesday. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 8BOSTON Crisp cf Matsuzaka p DETROIT Granderson cf Robertson p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Late Notes -- Tigers 3, Red Sox 2, 13 inningsBy STEVEN KRASNER DETROIT -- A day of rest, apparently, did wonders for Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz. In his first at-bat, Ortiz took advantage of a fat changeup from outstanding Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman (9-1) and launched it into the right-field seats, giving the Red Sox a quick 2-0 lead. It was the 14th homer of the year for Ortiz but his first in 14 games and his first in 55 at-bats. "I may see my pitch once a night, so when I see it, I can't miss it, especially from a pitcher like that guy," said Ortiz, who has been frustrated lately by a power outage and a sore right quadriceps. Ortiz didn't see many pitches to hit, or even swing at last night, for that matter. He pulled a double into the right-field corner in his sixth-inning at-bat, but he walked in his four other plate appearances. The last three were intentional walks. "I'm not frustrated," said Ortiz of the walks. "You've just got to deal with it. I just have to be patient and take my walks." Detroit manager Jim Leyland was rolling the dice by walking Ortiz intentionally because then the Tigers had to pitch to Manny Ramirez, the Sox' cleanup hitter. The strategy worked for Detroit. In the eighth, after a free pass to Ortiz put runners on first and second with one out, Ramirez hit a hard bouncer to third that should have been a double play, but was bobbled by Brandon Inge, who was able only to get a forceout. The Sox didn't score, though. In the 10th, another intentional walk to Ortiz again put runners at first and second with one out. This time Ramirez hit a first-pitch grounder to Inge, who started an inning-ending double play. In the 12th, Ramirez followed Ortiz's intentional walk by drawing an unintentional walk, filling the bases. But again the Sox came up empty.
Rookie left-hander Kason Gabbard pitched well enough to win, but he was up against one of the Tigers' aces, and he was partially undone by his only two walks of the game. Gabbard walked Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen, the first two batters he faced in the fifth. They ultimately scored on Craig Monroe's two-out double over Ramirez in left, tying the game at 2-2. Overall, Gabbard gave up only three hits in 6 1/3 innings. HERE AND THERE The Sox went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position, failing on their last 11 opportunities after Ortiz's first-inning homer. J.D. Drew had a particularly tough time. He took a called third strike on a full-count fastball down the middle with Ortiz at third and one out in the sixth, and he flailed and missed three sliders from Jeremy Bonderman for an eighth-inning whiff with runners at first and third and two outs. Kevin Youkilis, who was held out of the starting lineup for the fifth time in the last six games because of a strained left quadriceps, was called on to pinch hit for Drew with the bases full and two outs in the 12th. He flied out to right. The Sox made three outstanding defensive plays in support of Gabbard. Rookie Jeff Bailey, playing first base, and catcher Jason Varitek had communication issues on a foul popup near the Boston dugout with the bases loaded and two outs in the 11th. Bailey, who had entered the game in the top of the inning as a pinch hitter, reached out at the last second and gloved the ball about thigh high.
Posted by Steven Krasner Red Sox Fall, 3-2, in 13 inningsBy STEVEN KRASNER DETROIT -- When the Tigers' Ivan Rodriguez made solid contact with a chest-high cutter from Jonathan Papelbon, propelling the baseball into right-center field, the Red Sox' Coco Crisp got a great jump and began racing after the ball in the spacious Comerica Park outfield. Crisp, Boston's speedy center fielder, ran as hard as he could, giving every ounce of effort he could coax from his tired body in trying to track down Pudge's missile with the game on the line in the 13th inning. Crisp dove, stretching out his glove as far as he could. But, not for lack of effort, Crisp came up a few inches short. The ball landed safely on the turf just past him, the base hit allowing Gary Sheffield to trot home from second base with two outs as Detroit edged Boston, 3-2, in a tense game between two of the American League's top two teams. "I didn't know when he hit it if I had a chance or not," said Crisp. "I went after it and when I looked up, it was right there. I thought I was going to catch it. Then it was like slow motion when I was falling down and reaching for it. It was like an inch out of my reach. That's why they call this a game of inches." Papelbon, who entered the game in the 13th and promptly drilled Sheffield with his first pitch of the night, and manager Terry Francona were two of the people in the ballpark holding their breath as Crisp, who has made highlight-reel catches routine, tried to chase down Rodriguez's drive. "I thought it was a sure hit, but at that point (with Coco going after it) you don't know," said Papelbon. "That would have been a sensational catch if he had made it," said Francona. "And he got very close to it." Instead, the ball fell safely, Rodriguez was credited with a single, and Boston had dropped the first two games of this series with only today's matinee remaining before the three-day All-Star break. It was a game that featured outstanding starting pitching, from the Tigers' Jeremy Bonderman (8 innings, 7 hits, a first-inning two-run homer to David Ortiz) and the Sox' rookie left-hander Kason Gabbard (6 1/3, three hits, including a two-run double by Craig Monroe in the fifth after his only two walks). There also was air-tight relief pitching, though ineffective hitting could have been part of that equation, too, as the Red Sox and Tigers took turns squandering glittering scoring chances in the extra innings. Detroit used five relievers, who combined for five scoreless innings. Francona also called on five relievers, who worked a combined 6 1/3 scoreless innings before Papelbon coughed up a run and the game. "That was a war of attrition kind of thing," said Red Sox lefty Javier Lopez, who retired the only two batters he faced. "Any time you have the ability to save Papelbon until -- what was it, the 13th? -- it's nice to have him at the back end still," said Lopez, acknowledging, of course, that it didn't end well in this instance. As such a game drags on -- this one lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes -- playing in it becomes a grind, said Eric Hinske, who started at first base and stayed in the game until he was pinch-hit for in the 11th. "A game like that is intense," said Hinske, who contributed an outstanding catch of a foul ball, grabbing the ball as he draped himself over the tarp with runners at second and third and one out in the fifth. "There's more energy in the park than normal," he said. "It's fun. Then it gets to be the 11th and 12th and 13th, and it gets to be a mental grind. You really have to try hard to make sure you have good at-bats. Tonight their bullpen did well, so did ours. It was a great game." Well, it wasn't so great for Papelbon. The flame-throwing right-hander is used to coming in with a lead. This time he came in with the game tied. "It's different," he said of the two situations. "Not necessarily mentally different, but there are different situations to go over. It's not easy, man. But I've still got to be able to deal with those situations and come out ahead. Live and learn. It's part of the growing experience." Papelbon's outing took an immediate downward turn when his first pitch nailed Sheffield around the left shoulder. "I was trying to get the pitch in, but I just bailed out and didn't stay through my delivery," said Papelbon. "That's absolutely not what you want to do with your first hitter." Papelbon kept a close eye on Sheffield at first, not wanting the Tigers' stolen-base leader, to get a walking lead on him. The Sox right-hander retired Magglio Ordonez on a fly ball to right, but Sheffield took off on a 2-and-1 pitch to Carlos Guillen and when catcher Jason Varitek's throw to second was high and wide, Sheffield was in scoring position thanks to his 12th stolen base of the year. Papelbon slipped a called third strike past Guillen for the second out of the inning, but Rodriguez got on top of a 1-and-0 cutter and the Tigers claimed the win. "I left that ball up," sighed Papelbon. "That's not what I wanted to do. You can't be leaving balls up like that. If I get it down he either misses it or hits it on the ground to the right side. "This was one of those games where neither teams deserves to lose and the first team to make a mistake loses," said Papelbon. "I made a mistake by hitting Sheff and I left a pitch up to Ivan and we lost. Just have to deal with it."
Posted by Steven Krasner July 7, 2007
Pregame Notes, July 7
Some tid-bits: -- Curt Schilling (right shoulder) played long toss and is making progress. -- Brendan Donnelly (right forearm) threw a bullpen session and will play catch again tomorrow. -- Kevin Youkilis's strained left quadriceps continues to improve. He is out of the lineup again today, for the fifth time in six games, and isn't likely to play again tomorrow, giving him a good rest before the All-Star break so he can be ready to go full bore on Thursday, when the second half commences. -- Joel Pineiro (sprained right ankle) is working toward a rehab assignment in Lowell on Wednesday. -- Francona still was waiting to hear word as to whether Jacoby Ellsbury will be able to play in the Futures Game tomorrow in San Francisco as part of the All-Star festivities. Ellsbury had to give up his spot when he was called up to Boston last week, but now that he's back in Pawtucket, he might be able to replace an injured Futures player if that situation arises. -- The Sox also still are waiting to hear whether assistant trainer Mike Reinold will be able to go to the All-Star Game to keep tabs on Sox pitchers Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima. Reinold specializes in working with the pitchers. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 7BOSTON Crisp cf Gabbard p DETROIT Granderson cf Bonderman p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner July 6, 2007
No Lobbying from Francona
"That's his business. He's the manager," said Francona, the All-Star manager in 2005. "I did that a couple of years ago. That's his job now." -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Ortiz Rests; Other Lineup Switches
The Tigers are starting a tough left-hander (Andrew Miller) and Ortiz, as a member of the Sox' All-Star contingent, isn't going to be getting any rest during the break, either. As a result, Francona is able to give Ramirez a little bit of a break by keeping him out of the outfield and starting him as the designated hitter, in place of Ortiz. That opens up a spot in left field for Wily Mo Pena, who in the past has had more success against left-handed pitchers than right-handers. The batting order also underwent a change with Lowell, fresh off his 5-for-6, 5-RBI game against Tampa Bay, vaulting from sixth into Ortiz's number three spot. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Youkilis Still Out
Manager Terry Francona said that it's possible Youkilis could be available to pinch hit tonight, but not if it's a situation where he might have to run hard to beat out the back end of a double play. That, said Francona, would defeat the purpose of sitting Youkilis, as he has been doing. Picking up the slack at first base in this series will be 28-year-old rookie Jeff Bailey and Eric Hinske. Bailey, a right-handed hitter, is expected to start against left-handers Andrew Miller (tonight) and Nate Robertson (Sunday). Hinske, a left-handed hitter, likely will start tomorrow night, against right-hander Jeremy Bonderman. -- Steven Krasner.
Posted by Steven Krasner Bailey's Debut
Bailey, as expected, had his contract purchased by Boston from Pawtucket and is in the starting lineup, at first base. Bailey has swapped Red Sox roster spots with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Bailey had to be added to the organization's 40-man big-league roster and that spot was opened up by pushing rehabbing right-hander Matt Clement to the 60-day disabled list. The call-up news took Bailey surprise, especially since it was given to him by Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson at a truck stop between Scranton and Rochester at 1:30 this morning on the PawSox' road trip. "I was getting a gumball out of the machine. I put the gumball in my mouth and RJ told me and I told him he was lying to me and walked away. He had to tell me a second time," said Bailey a few minutes ago. To say the news shocked Bailey is an understatement. "If you had my numbers, wouldn't you be surprised, too? It came out of nowhere," asked a smiling Bailey, who was batting a mere .250 with 9 homers and 40 RBI in 74 games for the PawSox. There have been times when Bailey, who also has been in the Florida and Montreal organizations, thought this big-league day would never come. "But getting to play baseball every day at any level is better than going back to school or working in the paper mill at home. I'm still having fun. That's what it's all about. This (promotion) means a lot. Rather than say I played 15-20 years in the minor leagues, now I can say I played 15-20 years in the minor leagues but I made it to the big leagues. And especially being able to say I made it with the Red Sox means a lot more. This is pretty special," he said. There is no timetable on the length of Bailey's stay in the big leagues. It may be only for these three days in Detroit as the Red Sox try to protect Kevin Youkilis (left quadriceps strain) and feature Bailey's right-handed bat in the lineup (Bailey was batting .301 against left-handers in Pawtucket). But Boston manager Terry Francona has liked Bailey's swing since first seeing him in camp as a non-roster player in 2005. Welcoming him to the big leagues is a lot better than sending him back to the minor-league camp, which is what Francona has done the last three springs. "That's pretty cool to be able to do this," said Francona. "We wouldn't make decisions on "pretty cool," but it is, there's no denying it." -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Lineups -- July 6BOSTON Crisp cf Tavarez p DETROIT Granderson cf Miller p -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Sox Streakers for July 6Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Red Sox vs. Andrew Miller Tigers vs. Julian Tavarez More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Report: Detroit player suspended for failing drug testThe Detroit Tigers will be playing the weekend series without utility infielder Neifi Perez, according to reports today in the Detroit Free Press. Perez, who has played 33 games this year at shortstop, second base and third base, was suspended for 25 games, effective immediately, after testing positive for a banned stimulant, according to the newspaper report.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Those trusty Devil RaysSean McAdam takes a break from today's appearance on WEEI to join us for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. In today's conversation with Art, Sean talks about the woeful state of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who will start the All-Star Game for the American League, the decision to call up Jeff Bailey and what that means about Kevin Youkilis' quad injury, Jacoby Ellsbury's short and memorable stay, and the coming showdown series with the Tigers. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: On the Devil Rays: "If you had some sort of fire sale, there would be people lined up to bid for the likes of Carl Crawford and Delmon Young and Scott Kazmir and, of course, Rhode Island's Rocco Baldelli when he's healthy. But for whatever reason the pieces fitting together are not moving the team as a whole forward anymore, and it seems their ignominious achievement of not having ever won more than 70 games is not about to change this season either." On who starts the All-Star Game: "To me it's down on merit to probably four guys: Sabathia, Dan Haren from Oakland, Verlander from Detroit and Beckett. It lines up so that three of those guys -- Verlander, Sabathia and Beckett -- all pitched yesterday, so they would have plenty of rest. So that's not going to be the deciding factor ... I don't know. It's a tough decision, and Terry Francona was saying he doesn't envy Jim Leyland going through it, because he did it a couple of years ago as the manager of the American League champions in the 2005 All-Star Game. My guess is that it is either Beckett or Sabathia, but that's just totally a gut feel, and I don't have any hard evidence to back that up." Is Youk more hurt that we thought? "I don't know if it's hurt more than we thought, but it's certainly an opportunity for them to rest Youkilis for the final three games of the first half, and not have him make that any worse by playing in three games leading up to the break. Bailey is a converted catcher who has been mostly a dh and first baseman the last couple of years, a little bit of power from the right side, and Terry Francona has always liked him. He goes out of his way to sort of make note of him in spring training every year. And he'll get an opportunity to, I don't know about start, although I think Detroit has three lefties going this weekend, but at the very least it gives them some depth if they want to continue to play Hinske, which they'll do at first."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Friday, July 6
WORTH THE WAIT: The Red Sox didn't play their first game of the season against the Devil Rays until Tuesday night, and one can only imagine what their record -- back to a season-high 22 games over .500, at 53-31 -- would be if they'd had. Last night's 15-4 romp completed a three-game sweep and gave Josh Beckett his 12th win of the season, tying him with Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia for the major-league lead in victories. (projo.com) It also positioned him for possible selection as the starting pitcher for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, which Beckett admits is ''exciting . . . it’s completely out of my control but it’s exciting.'' Also headed to San Francisco next week is Hideki Okajima, who earned both the final A.L. All-Star berth in online voting by fans and a rousing ovation from the crowd -- which he returned with bows to all corners of the ballpark (AP Photo, above) -- when it was announced last night. (projo.com)
BREAK TIME'S OVER: The road gets considerably tougher tonight: The Sox now head to Detroit for three games with the defending A.L. champ Tigers, who are eagerly awaiting Boston's arrival. (Detroit News) So are their fans; the club anticipates sellout crowds all weekend. (Detroit Free Press) READY TO GO: The Tigers are feeling pretty good about themselves heading into the series after routing Sabathia yesterday. (Detroit Free Press) ROSTER MOVES: True to their word, the Sox sent Jacoby Ellsbury back to Pawtucket immediately after last night's game (Boston Herald), which Terry Francona had said they'd do in order for him to continue his development by playing every day. They'll announce his replacement today and it's expected to be Jeff Bailey (projo.com) . . . which is indication that Kevin Youkilis' quad problem could keep him out of some, if not all, of the games this weekend. MORE ROSTER MOVES: If the possibility of seeing Ellsbury again isn't enticement enough, PawSox fans have yet another reason to get out to McCoy Stadium: Clay Buchholz, the organization's top pitching prospect, is expected to be promoted from Portland any day now. (projo.com) I LIKE MIKE: Sean McAdam wonders if the Red Sox shouldn't look into re-signing Mike Lowell, which everyone assumes they won't do. (projo.com) AT LAST, ACCORDING TO PLAN: The Yankees finally won a game yesterday in the manner everyone expected them to win lots of them -- a relentless offense overcoming mediocre pitching, both the opposition's and its own. (New York Daily News) The Yanks' mediocre pitcher, Kei Igawa, trashed his locker after being lifted (New York Post), joining Scott Proctor and Kyle Farnsworth as Yankee hurlers who vented frustration over their failures in, ah, unique ways. COMING BACK: Peter Abraham writes that Phil Hughes could be back with the Yankees by the end of the month. (yankees.lohudblogs.com) MAN BITES DOG: Umpire Lance Barksdale apologized to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel for blowing a call that led to a Philadelphia defeat. (Philadelphia Inquirer) Manuel -- who had been ejected by Barksdale for arguing the call -- was gracious, saying, ''I told him, 'Even I made a mistake one day.' '' FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS: In a season fraught with injuries, the Blue Jays learned yesterday that Troy Glaus may not be hurt as badly as originally feared. In the meantime, two other members of the team's walking wounded -- Reed Johnson and Lyle Overbay -- are ready to return. (Both stories Toronto Sun) ERROR, PHILLIES: Rhode Island native Jim Salisbury, the main baseball writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, calls the signing of Pat Burrell a $50 million mistake. CALM BEFORE THE STORM: Many people in Chicago expect the White Sox to be active in the trade market in the next three weeks. (Chicago Sun-Times) WHISPERS: A major-league executive says there's ''a pretty good chance'' Bobby Abreu will attract interest from a National League team this month, assuming the Yankees are willing to pay a significant portion of the $10 million he's still owed (Bergen Record) . . . If the White Sox trade Tadahito Iguchi, they may inquire about Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson (Daily Record) . . . Shawn Chacon would like a contract extension from the Pirates (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) OLD FRIENDS: Ex-Sox farmhand Matt Murton, now with the Cubs, has drawn interest from the Padres (San Diego Union-Tribune) . . . Scott Williamson doesn't understand why the Orioles got rid of him (Baltimore Sun). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 5, 2007
Ellsbury sent back down to PawtucketAfter the game the Red Sox sent young phenom Jacoby Ellsbury back to triple-A Pawtucket. Before the game, Terry Francona said the team would do what is best for the outfielder's development, and that means getting at-bats. With a (very expensive) starting outfield of Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp and J.D. Drew here and healthy, there would not be enough opportunities for Ellsbury to get into games. In his six-game Major League debut stint, Ellsbury hit .375 (6-for-16) and a .444 on-base percentage. He also gave the Red Sox fan base a tantalizing look at what they'll see from him when he does become a full-time player -- a few of his hits were on balls that never got out of the infield, and he even impressed his teammates on Monday when he scored from second base on a wild pitch.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young FINAL: Red Sox 15, Devil Rays 4The Red Sox won their fourth straight and claimed a sweep of the punchless Devil Rays last night, walloping their visitors, 15-4. Their season-high 21-hit barrage included a grand slam from Coco Crisp (the sixth given up by Tampa Bay this season) and a three-run homer from Mike Lowell. The 15 runs scored are also a season high, and the most since Sept. 20, 2005 against....the Devil Rays. That was also the last time they had 21 hits. Josh Beckett got his 12th win of the season; after looking dominant through the first two innings, he turned in an average performance, giving up nine hits and three runs over six innings. Beckett is tied with Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia (12-3) for most wins in the majors. Derek Lowe was the last Boston pitcher with 12 wins before the All-Star break in 2002. Mike Lowell's five-hit game was a new career high. ... Dustin Pedroia now has a nine-game hit streak. ... David Ortiz's second-inning double, his 28th of the season, was his first extra-base hit in 12 games and his first double in 15 games. ... The Red Sox now lead the A.L. East by a season-best 12 games over New York and Toronto. It is the earliest that that they have ever been up by a dozen games; on July 30, 1946, after 98 games, they were up by 12 1/2 games.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young New season highMike Lowell's sixth-inning bases-loaded single was the 19th hit of the game for Boston, setting a new season high. The previous high was May 19 in the first game of a double-header with Atlanta. The four-hit game for Lowell matches his career high and is his second 4-hit game this year.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Okajima gets his momentThe big board here at Fenway just flashed the announcement that Hideki Okajima had won Final Vote, and as he received a standing ovation from the crowd (and with Denise Williams' 80s classic "Let's hear it for the boy" being played), Okajima stood up in the bullpen with a big smile on his face. He brought his hands together and bowed to every corner of the field, at least a dozen times during the prolonged ovation.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Work it out, MannyThe man is just a character. With the bases loaded (again) and Manny on third, Jason Varitek was at the plate. After fouling off five of the first seven pitches he saw, Varitek had a chopper in front of the mound. Jon Switzer, Tampa Bay's third pitcher and making his first appearance of the season, could not field the ball, which was to his right (glove hand). Switzer did pick up the ball and looked at Manny, who was several steps off the bag. Switzer held the ball, and Manny did a tap dance/hop type of thing on the base line back to third. When he got on base in the first, Manny was doing high-knee lifts at first and again at second, frantically running in place for a couple of seconds each time. And he playfully wrapped his arms around both David Ortiz and Mike Lowell near home plate after Lowell's three-run homer; Ortiz was already giving Lowell his customary hug.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Stop the madness!!We know it's the Devil Rays. We know they've lost 10 straight. But this is going to get really ridiculous really soon, if it hasn't already. Starter J.P. Howell was chased after two-thirds of an inning, after surrendering a grand slam to Coco Crisp, not exactly a slugger. And now the Sox are up 9-0 after a three-run shot by Mike Lowell, whose blast to left landed almost in the same spot in the Monster seats as his two-run homer yesterday. Lowell was met at home plate by David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, who gave him a hug sandwich. For those of you keeping track at home, it is Lowell -- not Papi, not Manny -- who is leading Boston in home runs, with 14. Ortiz has 13.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Coco's grannyCoco Crisp's grand slam was the second of his career, coming on an 1-0 pitch, and his fifth home run this season. It was the third granny of the season for the Sox. Coco certainly has found his groove in recent weeks since making adjustments with hitting coach Dave Magadan. He now has a seven-game hitting streak, and has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games, hitting .444 with 3 doubles, yesterday's leadoff triple, 4 homers and 10 RBI. He has raised his batting average from .223 to .266 in that time.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Okajima wins Final VoteLefthanded rookie Hideki Okajima has won the final spot on the American League All-Star team, winning the A.L. All-Star Final Vote over Detroit's Jeremy Bonderman, Minnesota's Pat Neshek, the Angels' Kelvim Escobar and Toronto's Roy Halladay. Okajima received 4.4 million votes via online balloting and text messaging and is the first-ever rookie to win Final Vote. But he is the third Red Sox player to capture the vote since Final Vote began in 2002, joining Johnny Damon in 2002 and Jason Varitek in 2003. Okajima (2-0, 0.88 ERA in 38 appearances) is the ninth Sox rookie to make the All-Star team, joining such luminaries as Walt Dropo, Carlton Fisk, Fred Lynn and Jonathan Papelbon. Five other Red Sox will play in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday -- Papelbon, Josh Beckett, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Mike Lowell. Padres pitcher Chris Young won the N.L. Final Vote.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Sox sign top pick HagadoneThe Red Sox signed top draft pick Nick Hagadone today, as well as eight amateur international free agents. Hagadone, a left-handed relief pitcher taken 55th overall out of the University of Washington, was assigned to single-A Lowell. A first-team All-Pac 10 pick this spring, Hagadone, listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, went 6-1 with 11 saves and a 2.77 ERA in 25 games (two starts) for the Huskies. He had 72 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings and opponents batted .235 against him. Boston had now inked 19 of the players they selected in this year's draft. The team also signed eight international free agents, with all but one of the contracts starting in 2008. Outfielder Che-Hsuan, an 18-year old from Chinese Taipei, signed a 2007 contract and is assigned to the Rookie League Gulf Coast Red Sox. The rest of the international signings: Michael Almanzar, 3b, Dominican Republic
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Remembering Teddy BallgameWe were reminded earlier that today is the fifth anniversary of the death of Red Sox great Ted Williams, who passed away on July 5, 2002 at the age of 83. A friend of ours who writes for the Boston Metro, Jeff Howe, wrote a lovely piece in today's edition of Game Day remembering Williams. Howe talked to Johnny Pesky about his former teammate as well as Dr. Charles Steinberg, who got to know the Splendid Splinter during his days in San Diego. Williams was born in San Diego in 1918.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Talking with TitoTerry Francona just wrapped his pre-game chat, and as to the hot topic of the afternoon - the finals hours of Final Vote and the push to get Hideki Okajima on the AL All-Star team, Francona said he hasn't voted enough, but has his kids logging votes for the lefty reliever. "The last time I tried to do something like that, I think I voted for someone by accident," Francona said. "So I may not be the one to help him." Voting online at mlb.com and via text messaging - text "A5" to 36197 - ends at 6 o'clock and the results will be announced later tonight. Francona said Kevin Youkilis called him earlier today and didn't feel as good as it had been hoped he would after a day of rest yesterday. "We're trying to keep this from being a 10-12 day thing and keep it a 2-3 day thing," Francona said. Rookie Jacoby Ellsbury will be back on the bench tonight, and while Francona likes what he sees from the young outfielder so far, he cautioned, "he's not on his way to Cooperstown - yet. His future is very bright, but he's not a finished product yet. He's not supposed to be." Injured reliever Brendan Donnelly will play long toss tomorrow and is then slated for a bullpen session, while Joel Piniero is a bit further along in his recovery and will make an appearance with Lowell on Wednesday.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Thursday lineupsKevin Youkilis is once again out due to his strained left quadriceps, and Manny Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia are back in the lineup: J.D. Drew rf Starter: Josh Beckett (11-2, 3.38) For Tampa Bay: Starter: J.P. Howell (1-2, 5.19)
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: All the tools in the boxSean McAdam joins us once again today for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. The Red Sox are not a perfect team but, as days like yesterday show, they have a lot going for them, and they are not a team that has a whole lot of glaring weaknesses right now. Today, Sean talks about the reserves coming through once again, the possible emergence of Manny Delcarmen as a right-handed setup man, and why the team doesn't have an urgent need to trade for a replacement for the injured Curt Schilling. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: On yesterday's win, despite an unusual starting lineup: "It shows their depth, particularly at a time when the middle of the order -- guys like Ortiz and Ramirez -- don't seem to be contributing much. ... Sitting out a player or two for a couple of games is not catastrophic, because they have people who are comfortable coming off the bench in a reserve role and contributing when they're asked." On Delcarmen: "They could use someone from the right side [to get to Jonathan Papelbon], and they've been talking about maybe targeting that as their top trade wish as the July 31 deadline gets closer, but it's conceivable that in the next three and a half weeks or so, Delcarmen could emerge as that guy internally, and have the Red Sox focus elsewhere on filling needs when July 31 rolls around. Certainly he's pitched well enough. You can see that Terry Francona has confidence in him to bring him into big spots." On filling in for Schilling: "I think they believe they're going to be OK. They get through the end of this weekend in Detroit, that's the end of the first half, and then really you're only looking at about three weeks in the second half before Schilling would come back. And I think that when you look at the margin of error that they have in the standings, with their double-digit lead over their closest competitors, the fact that even back-end-of-the-rotation guys like Julian Tavarez and Kason Gabbard, who filled in and took Schilling's spot, have performed far better I think than anyone could have hoped for, and then consider that Jon Lester is only a short trip up 95 away ... there certainly isn't the sense of urgency that you've got to go out and get somebody to come in for a month or so."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Thursday, July 5
MAKING HIS PITCH: Sometimes things happen in a game that have meaning far beyond their impact in the game itself, and the Sox may have had one of those moments yesterday. Manny Delcarmen (above, Journal file photo by Bob Breidenbach) had another solid outing in the 7-5 win over the Devil Rays and Sean McAdam notes the Red Sox may have found the power arm for the bullpen they thought they'd have to seek in the trade market. ''Since being recalled from Pawtucket on June 17,'' Sean writes, ''Delcarmen has allowed only two runs in 7 1/3 innings over seven appearances. His velocity has improved to the point where his fastball consistently registers from 95-97 mph, and critically, Delcarmen is consistently locating it in the strike zone.'' Yesterday's performance wasn't as dramatic as his strikeout of Sammy Sosa in a crucial spot last Friday night, but it was crucial for the Sox, who managed to subdue Tampa Bay without their 'A' lineup. A couple of other key moments, as related by Steven Krasner in his Inside The Game feature: A nice catch by J.D. Drew and a perfectly executed safety squeeze by Alex Cora. (All stories projo.com) ON THE SHELF: The Sox said it wasn't that serious when they first put him on the disabled list, but now they're saying Curt Schilling probably won't pitch again until at least Aug. 1. (projo.com) The Sons of Sam Horn bulletin board has a thread in which Schilling's Wednesday appearance on WEEI is discussed, where he said he hasn't felt right all year, is frustrated and disappointed, and has no timetable for his return. That being the case -- and especially in light of Delcarmen's rise, which lessens the need to acquire relief help -- you wonder if they'll make starting pitching a priority as the trade deadline approaches. YES, BUT . . . FoxSport's Ken Rosenthal says Todd Helton is no longer an impact hitter -- he notes Helton has a lower slugging percentage than Brandon Phillips -- and says the Red Sox ''were better off sticking with Kevin Youkilis than making a deal for Helton.'' Using the Runs Created formula, Youkilis has, indeed, been a more productive hitter; he's created 64.7 runs to Helton's 61.5. But the Sox would have kept Youkilis had they traded for Helton; they would have moved him to third base and traded Mike Lowell. And Helton has been more productive than Lowell, who has created only 47.2 runs. Which is not to say the Sox should have sent Colorado the boatload of talent it would have taken to acquire Helton -- Manny Delcarmen would have been on that boat -- but just that Youkilis would have stayed had they gotten him. FURTHER PROOF: If you didn't live through 1967 and are sick of hearing geezers like me rave about it, listen to Joe Posnanski -- who's not as old and who doesn't even come from New England -- as he goes through the incredible stretch run of Carl Yastrzemski in that magical season. HONOR ROLL: Chad Finn hands out a sterling midseason report card to the Sox on his Touching All The Bases blog. YOUR EYES AREN'T DECEIVING YOU: Yes, the Red Sox batboy is a little older than you'd expect. (Boston Herald) PARTNERS: The Red Sox announced yesterday they've signed a working agreement with the Chiba Lotte Marines to aid in scouting information, statistical analysis and player evaluation of players in the Pacific Rim. (projo.com) I CHOOSE . . . The Red Sox are pulling out the stops to get Hideki Okajima on the All-Star team, but Rob Neyer's vote is going to Pat Neshek. (ESPN.com, Insider only) On his blog, Neshek has a campaign blitz going that would do a professional politician proud (eteamz.active.com/PatNeshek) OUT OF THE SHADOWS: George Mitchell gives a rare interview to the Boston Globe, in which he says no players will go to jail as part of his investigation of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, and that cheating will always be a part of the game. THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick says Mike Lowell has helped his free-agent chances and Andruw Jones has almost destroyed his in his examination of players in their walk years. EXAMPLE NUMBER TWO: Remember two months ago when Cleveland sports writer Sheldon Ocker expressed disgust at ''the sense of entitlement that prevails in New York''? (He was talking about widespread speculation in the New York media that the Yanks could swoop in and obtain C.C. Sabathia from the Indians because Sabathia with the Yanks, Ocker sneered sarcastically, ''of course . . . would be of more value to the nation".) Well, Johan Santana beat the Yankees yesterday and the New York Daily News' John Harper immediately wrote ''How does a [Yankee] rotation [in 2009] with Santana, Phil Hughes and Chien-Ming Wang sound?'' GOTTA LOOK TO THE FUTURE, 'CAUSE THE PRESENT'S PRETTY UGLY: FoxSports.com's Mark Kriegel thinks ''the 2007 Yankees could well be remembered as the worst team money could buy.'' 'THE TAO OF STEINBRENNER': ESPN.com's Mike Philbrick, on the occasion of George Steinbrenner's 77th birthday, looks at some of the lessons The Boss has taught us over the years. Two of my favorites: His warning that a May series with the Blue Jays in 1988 ''is the whole season right here,'' and his (right on) declaration that ''I will never have a heart attack. I give them.'' DEJA VU: The Mets suffered the same fate in Colorado as the Yankees. (New York Daily News) SETTING THE BAR: Rosenthal reports that Mark Buehrle's agent says his client won't sign a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the White Sox unless it includes a no-trade clause, which Chicago has thus far refused to do, and won't sign an extension with anyone if he's traded but will instead opt for free agency. This has the double effect of a) almost forcing the White Sox to trade him and b) greatly reducing his value on the open market (since no one will surrender much if they won't get an opportunity to sign him prior to free agency). BUT AS FOR ME . . . Tadahito Iguchi says he wants to stay with the White Sox. (Chicago Sun-Times) DIDN'T HAPPEN: The Cubs denied a national report that commissioner Bud Selig nixed the trade of Jacque Jones to Florida. (The Daily Herald) FINISHED: Jon Lieber's career with the Phillies is over, as the veteran pitcher, in the final season of the three-year contract he signed in 2005, will undergo surgery for a ruptured tendon in his foot and won't return this year. (Philadelphia Inquirer) NOT QUITE FINISHED: John Smoltz will miss his next start, and the All-Star Game, but doesn't think he'll have to go on the disabled list because of his sore shoulder. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) NOT FINISHED, BUT DELAYED: Alex Rodriguez thinks he may have to go on the DL (New York Daily News) . . . The Royals' Mike Sweeney will undergo knee surgery and be sidelined for two to six weeks (Kansas City Star). WHISPERS: The Padres don't sound like they're interested in Adam Dunn (San Diego Union-Tribune) . . . Odalis Perez, Octavio Dotel and Emil Brown are among the Royals who may soon be put on the trading block by general manager David Moore (Kansas City Star) . . . In his ESPN.com blog (available to Insiders only), Peter Gammons says (among other things) that ''The Marlins continue to tell inquiring teams that they are not trading Miguel Cabrera or Dontrelle Willis this season. Period.'' . . . A scout thinks the Yankees will be able to dump Kyle Farnsworth if they eat a portion of his contract (New York Post) . . . Bob Brenly would love a shot at the Reds' managerial job, but says he hasn't heard from Cincinnati (Chicago Sun-Times). OLD FRIENDS: Orlando Cabrera can't understand why he's not on the All-Star team. (Los Angeles Daily News). Me, too, O-Cab . . . Scott Williamson was designated for assignment by the Orioles, but the Baltimore Sun's Roch Kubato will remember him fondly . . . The Cardinals released Tomo Ohka (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), but rotoworld.com thinks he's Philadelphia-bound . . . Newsday speculates that Pedro Martinez could be back in the Mets' rotation by Aug. 12. -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 4, 2007
FINAL: Red Sox 7, Devil Rays 5The Red Sox won their third straight game, 7-5, with an Independence Day matinée against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Fenway Park. Tim Wakefield earned his ninth win of the season despite leaving in the seventh with the bases loaded and one out. Javier Lopez allowed all three of the inherited runners to score plus one more. Manny Delcarmen came in to stem the tide and struck out pinch-hitter Jonny Gomes to end the inning. Delcarmen also pitched the eighth inning before Jonathan Papelbon came on in the ninth to slam the door, earning his 20th save of the season. Offensively, Boston had nine hits; slumping catcher Doug Mirabelli delivered a 2-run single in the fourth, and Mike Lowell had a two-run homer in the fifth.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Tommorow last day for Final VoteVoting in Major League Baseball's Final Vote -- to determine the last All-Star for both the American and National Leagues -- closes tomorrow at 6 p.m. At last report, Boston's Hiedki Okajima is the A.L. leader as he vies to become the Red Sox' sixth All-Star. To vote for Okajima -- or Detroit's Jeremy Bonderman, the Angels' Kelvim Escobar, Toronto's Roy Halladay, or the Twins' Pat Neshek, the other finalists -- go to redsox.com or mlb.com. Fans can also vote via text message using their cell phone. To vote for Okajima, text "A5" to 36197.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Ellsbury's first RBIOutfielder Jacoby Ellsbury -- who started in left field today with Coco Crisp healthy and Manny Ramirez getting the day off -- just recorded his first major league RBI and first extra-base hit, lining a double to the gap in left-center that scored David Ortiz and gave the Red Sox a 2-1 lead.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Complete lineupsThe Devil Rays' lineup hadn't been posted when we first put up the Red Sox lineup, so here are the complete lineups for both teams: Tampa Bay Starter: Edwin Jackson (1-8, 6.88 ERA) Boston Starter: Tim Wakefield (8-8, 4.31)
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Francona on Ortiz's strugglesDuring his pre-game chat, manager Terry Francona was asked about David Ortiz's recent difficulties at the plate -- he's hitting just 12-for-61 (.197) over his last 18 games, and his average had dropped from .338 on June 13 to .307 today. Francona, as is his way, doesn't want to make a big deal out of it. "David is...if not the, one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. Right now he's just going through a rough spot," Francona said. "The day you hear me (criticize) David Ortiz, I'll take a urine test. It won't happen." Francona was asked about Ortiz's legs -- he recently told a Boston Herald reporter that he's having quadriceps troubles -- and once again the manager downplayed it, saying that the red-hot media focus in Boston means everything can get blown out of proportion. Ortiz did miss a couple of games in late May due to sore hamstrings, apparently brought on by dehydration from illness. "He's done a good job with his legs," Francona said. "At times he's not incorporating his legs like he should, I agree with that. But he's doing a good job of taking care of himself."
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Talking with TerryTerry Francona just wrapped up his pre-game chat, and said that Manny Ramirez is basically getting a day off. "He's played a lot - he's on pace for 156 games. That's a bit extreme. We talk about this every time Manny doesn't play - I can come up with 100 reasons why he should play because he's such a good hitter, and even when he's not hitting, he's such a threat," Francona said. "But you have to do it." Kevin Youkilis was sore today after playing last night with his sore left quad, and Francona said the team wants to get to the All-Star break and get Youkilis the three-day break. Francona wouldn't definitively say its an off-day for Dustin Pedroia, saying that "he might get in later."
Posted by Shalise Manza Young July 4 lineupHere's today's Red Sox lineup: Coco Crisp cf Tim Wakefield is the starer As you can see, there are several changes here. Kevin Youkilis is once again out, likely due to his sore left quad that kept him out of Monday's game. We'll find out what's up with Youk and Manny and Pedroia in a few minutes, when Terry Francona has his chat.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Sox Streakers for July 4Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Devil Rays vs. Tim Wakefield Red Sox vs. Edwin Jackson More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott July 3, 2007
FINAL: Red Sox 4, Devil Rays 1
BOSTON - Daisuke Matsuzaka dominated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays tonight and pitched the Red Sox to a 4-1 win at Fenway Park.
Posted by Kevin Dice K is Dealing
Posted by Kevin Sox Tidbits BY KEVIN McNAMARA BOSTON -- Tuesday night Sox Droopings:
Posted by Kevin Red Sox-Tampa Bay; Tuesday lineupsBOSTON -- Starting lineups for tonight's Red Sox-Tampa Bay game: (For the not-paying-attention set, Cumberland's Rocco Baldelli is on the 60-day disabled list and isn't traveling with the Rays these days.) BOSTON TAMPA BAY Game Time: 7:05. KEVIN McNAMARA
Posted by Kevin Sox Streakers for July 3Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Devil Rays vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox vs. Scott Kazmir More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Electrifying EllsburySean McAdam joins us once again for today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. Leading off the conversation today is the topic of Jacoby Ellsbury, who helped provide fans a night to remember last night. We also look at more evidence that this is not 1978, and the fans' surprising tribute to Julio Lugo. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: On Ellsbury: "He brings some excitement to the ballpark with his speed and athleticism, and the kind of things that Red Sox fans have not seen a lot of in recent history. He's an exciting guy, someone who can beat out a routine groundball for an infield hit and more remarkably, as we saw last night, score from second base on a wild pitch. I'd venture to say that's probably happeed less than five times in Red Sox history." On the team's depth: "They've had Kason Gabbard make three starts this year, and he's won two of them. Hinske hasn't played a whole lot, but he comes through with a bases-loaded triple that essentially wins the game last night, after Texas had come back to close within a run. And then the excitement provided by Ellsbury, the draft pick from a couple of years ago. It does speak to the fact that, you know, this is not roll the balls out there and run the same nine guys into the ground from April to October. On the reaction to Lugo hitting leadoff: "There really wasn't much in the way of boos. There was kind of muted applause [for Lugo's first at-bat], but they weren't really outwardly booing him. And then he had the walk, he had the sacrifice, he had another walk, and when he came out for the last at-bat in the seventh, people were really getting behind him. There was a chant of 'Let's go Lugo' during the at-bat. And then he grounded out, and then he heard some boos, so the sentiment returned. But I'd say for a guy who hasn't gotten a hit in two and a half weeks, they've been going pretty easy on him so far."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Tuesday, July 3
ONE TO REMEMBER: Games come and games go and, win or lose, most of them fade from memory. But then there are moments, the best of which stay with us forever. Jacoby Ellsbury delivered one last night, when he soared home from second base on a wild pitch (Above, Journal photo by Mary Murphy) during the Red Sox' 7-3 win over the Rangers. "Blink, and you'll miss him,'' writes Sean McAdam, referring to both Ellsbury's speed -- the kind that's rarely been seen around Fenway Park for lo these past 95 years -- and the fact that he probably won't be here much longer. (Coco Crisp may return to the lineup tonight, and while that doesn't mean Ellsbury will be shipped back to Pawtucket immediately, he probably will only stay until Joel Piniero comes off the disabled list.) But Sean notes: ''[While] waiting for the Red Sox’ offense to resuscitate itself, Jacoby Ellsbury is a coming attraction, a sneak preview of the future.'' Lucky us; even after he's gone from Boston, albeit temporarily, we'll still get to watch him. WE PROBABLY WON'T REMEMBER THE REST, BUT MAYBE WE SHOULD: At season's end, a 7-3 win over Texas on July 2 won't be recalled as much reason for celebration. But in light of the offensive struggles of the last two nights, the Sox had reason to feel better about things when it was over, particulary since the scuffling regulars were picked up by the support staff. The loudest of the unsung heroes was Eric Hinske, who didn't even know he was going to play until about three hours before gametime. It seemed particularly apt for the Sox to coast to victory on the backs of Hinske, Ellsbury and Kason Gabbard since Terry Francona had raved about the team's depth in his pregame talk with the media. YOU'RE OUR GUY: Many people -- including yours truly -- felt that Julio Lugo might have lost the fans forever through a combination of offensive ineptitude, his bloated contract, and a Steve Lyons-like baserunning blunder for the ages on Saturday, but they couldn't have been more supportive last night. Even Francona seemed a little worried about that before the game, saying one of the reasons he was putting Lugo back in the lineup is that he ''can't manage like a fan.'' Lugo still didn't get a hit, extending his slump to 0-for-33, but he did walk twice and have a sacrifice bunt. (All above stories from projo.com and projo.com's Sox Blog.) 'I FEEL BANANAS EVERY DAY': That's what's Lugo says playing for the Red Sox does for him, and apparently that's a good thing. (Boston Herald) BUT THE SOX DON'T: ESPN.com's Rob Neyer notes that Lugo is continuing a strange Boston tradition: ''Every year the Red Sox change shortstops, and every year the new shortstop is worse than the old one.'' REMEMBER WHEN: RockCatsNews.com takes a look at the history of Double-A baseball in their neck of Connecticut over the last 25 years, much of which involved the Red Sox, who played in first Bristol and then New Britain before moving their AA franchise to first Trenton and finally Portland, Maine. GOODBYE NESN, HELLO REDS?: Ken Macha's name has surfaced, though without attribution, in the Reds' managerial search. (Cincinnati Enquirer) WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES: Ashley Papelbon says that while she could never do it (Boston Herald), she understands what might have driven Cynthia Rodriguez to wear an obscene shirt to Yankee Stadium Sunday, apparently in support of her husband. (New York Post) The Yankees are now dealing with the aftermath of Mrs. A-Rod's little statement. (New York Daily News)
for their sake he'd better; the Post's Joel Sherman points out that without A-Rod, the Yankees ''are the Devil Rays.'' Sherman had advocated trading Rodriguez if the Yanks determine they're out of the playoff hunt, in order to speed up the rebuilding process, and says: ''If Rodriguez is lost to a DL stint, it is the worst of both worlds: The Yanks' wild-card chances would vanish and the chance to contemplate dealing him would all but evaporate.'' BOMBSHELL COMING? A columnist for the Times Herald-Record writes that Roger Clemens' and Andy Pettitte's names may have been among those blacked out in Jason Grimsley's statement on players accused of using performance-enhancing drugs. NATTERING NABOBS OF NEGATIVISM: The New York Sun's Tim Marchman says that, contrary to popular belief, Joe Torre isn't working the Yankee bullpen too hard. SILVER LINING IN EVERY CLOUD: Folks in Seattle wonder if Mike Hargrove's surprise resignation means the Mariners will now be able to re-sign Ichiro, who reportedly didn't get along with his former manager. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) GIVE HIM A BAT: Mike Piazza is still sore from the shoulder injury he suffered in Boston in early May, but he is able to hit. Thus the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser wonders if the time hasn't come for the A's to forget about him catching and give Piazza the job -- full-time DH -- he's capable of doing. BUEHRLE MAN: It may have been Mark Buehrle's last start in Chicago, and it wasn't exactly one to remember . . . though not because of anything he did. Meanwhile, the Sun-Times' Jay Mariotti excoriates the White Sox for not signing the left-hander. (Both stories Chicago Sun-Times) Ken Williams, however, is still talking optimistically about getting a deal done with Buerhle. (AP, via Toronto Globe and Mail) The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the Buerhle-to-the-Dodgers rumors aren't accurate. TRADE TALK: Brian Cashman says that if he was willing to trade Philip Hughes, the Yankees could already have acquired an impact player to help them immediately. (New York Daily News) The fact that he hasn't (made such a deal) indicates he won't (trade Hughes) . . . . . Salomon Torres has filed a grievance against the Pirates and asked to be traded (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) . . . DAMAGED GOODS?: A.J. Burnett is on the DL, and the fact that the Blue Jays are releasing so little information raises concerns that his shoulder injury is serious. (Toronto Star) One of the reasons for their silence could be that they're trying to trade him. (Toronto Globe and Mail) MONEYBALL: In an interview with the blog The Biz of Baseball, Indians GM Mark Shapiro talks of the challenges of running a mid-market franchise and makes several flattering references to the Red Sox and the way they do business. OLD FRIENDS: Bill Mueller will stay on as Dodgers' hitting coach for the rest of the year (Los Angeles Daily News). -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 2, 2007
FINAL: Red Sox 7, Rangers 3The Boston Red Sox snapped a two-game losing streak, beating the Texas Rangers, 7-3, in the finale of their four-game series. Starter Kason Gabbard, making his third start in relief of the injured Curt Schilling, didn't give up a hit until the fifth inning, but gave up a single and three-run homer on back-to-back pitches. Mike Timlin, Javier Lopez, Kyle Snyder and Hideki Okajima combined for the final four-plus innings. Dustin Pedroia's ground-rule double in the third plated two runners, and Eric Hinske had a three-run triple in the fifth for the final runs of the game. While Boston had 10 hits, it left 10 runners on base.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young They really, really want to like youMany a player has groused about the pressure of playing for the Red Sox. Some respond to it, and some don't. But it doesn't seem as though Julio Lugo has reason to complain about his treatment. The shortstop -- who came into tonight mired in an 0-for-31 slump and with a terrible base-running error on Saturday -- heard chants of "Let's go Lugo!" when he was at the plate just now with the bases loaded and two out. The Fenway faithful were dying for him to get a hit. But Lugo grounded out to second and is now 0-for-2 on the night (he did draw a first-inning walk and had a sac bunt in the third), 0-for-33 in his slump and hitting just .189 for the season. His playing weight is listed at 175....
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Gabbard's night overAfter allowing a two-out double to Marlon Byrd, Kason Gabbard's night is over after 5 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs on three hits but once again struggled with his pitch placement, walking four batters. Of his 100 pitches, just 53 were strikes. In his last start, against Seattle, Gabbard walked six men in 3 1/3, including four walks (and a hit batsman) in the first inning alone. He is being replaced by Mike Timlin, who has struggled since returning to the bullpen after coming off the disabled list.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young PawSox drop 4-1 decision to CharlotteThe Pawtucket Red Sox took the field tonight looking to rebound from their worst loss in nearly three years, but failed to get the redemption they were looking for, dropping a 4-1 decision to the Charlotte Knights at McCoy. Facing 6-foot-10 lefty Andrew Sisco with two outs and a 1-and-2 count, catcher Kevin Cash hooked a ball around the right-field foul pole to put the PawSox on the board. But Casey Rogowski cleared the right-field wall with an Abe Alvarez offering in the fifth to tie the game. And that’s the way it would stay until the eighth inning, when Danny Richar smacked a two-run triple to right off of Pawtucket reliever Bryan Corey and then scored on Ryan Sweeney’s sacrifice fly to left to give Charlotte a lead it would not relinquish.
Posted by Carolyn Thornton No more no-noWell Kason Gabbard got rid of that no-hitter in a hurry. Shutout too. After going 4 1/3 without allowing a hit to the Rangers, Gerald Laird got Texas' first hit of the night, a single to left field. On the very next pitch, Brad Wilkerson sent the ball into the Rangers' bullpen for a three-run homer (Gabbard had walked leadoff man Marlon Byrd), and Boston's lead is now 4-3.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Matsuzaka is Boston's player of the monthDaisuke Matsuzaka was named Boston's player of the month for June. Matsuzaka had a 1.59 ERA with 42 strikeouts in five June starts, though he was just 2-2 because his teammates gave him very little in the way of run support: the Sox scored just five runs in the five starts. Josh Beckett was player of the month in April, and Kevin Youkilis won the honor in May.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Find thee a detourWe have been asked to pass along this information by the Red Sox. Storrow and Memorial Drives will be closed for the Fourth of July festivities along the Charles River, and that will impact fans headed to Fenway for Tuesday and Wednesday's games. ** The westbound lanes of Storrow Drive will close at noon tomorrow and will not re-open until 5 a.m. on Thursday. ** The Eastbound lanes of Storrow will close at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday and remain closed until 5 a.m. on Thursday. ** Various parts of Memorial Drive will close at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Obviously, alternate routes should be found if you normally travel to Fenway on these roads. The Red Sox encourage fans to use public transportation whenever possible. Tomorrow's series opener with Tampa Bay starts at 7:05 p.m., while Wednesday's game is slated for 1:30 p.m. The finale with the Devil Rays on Thursday begins at 7:05 p.m.; early versions of the team's schedule listed the game as an afternoon start.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Schilling updateWe're told that Curt Schilling made approximately 35 throws while playing catch today during range-of-motion exercises, and according to Sox' PR maven John Blake, Schilling is expected to repeat the exercise "several more times before graduating to a more advanced throwing program."
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Sox extend contract with PortlandThe Red Sox announced today that they have extended their Player Development Contract with the Portland Sea Dogs for an additional four years; the deal now goes through 2012. Boston vice president-player personnel Ben Cherington and Sea Dogs' president and general manager Charlie Eshbach made the announcement this afternoon at Portland's Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs, who play in the double-A Eastern League, began their relationship with Boston in September 2002, after nine years with the Marlins. The original two-year deal has now had two four-year extensions added on. Portland won its first-ever Eastern League championship last year, averaging a franchise-record 6,358 fans per game. In the four-plus seasons since the Boston-Portland relationship began, 29 Sea Dogs have played with the Red Sox, including Manny Delcarmen, Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia and tonight's starter, Kason Gabbard. Josh Beckett also played for Portland, though it was when the Sea Dogs were the Marlins' affiliate.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Rangers make late lineup changeTexas has made a change to its lineup -- second baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. has been scratched with a left knee injury and Desi Relaford will take his place, both in the field and in the batting order. Relaford will bat second. Here's the Texas lineup: Kenny Lofton cf starter: Brandon McCarthy
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Ray Allen throws out first pitchThe Celtics' newest player, Ray Allen, threw out one of tonight's ceremonial first pitches here at Fenway Park. Allen, in a Red Sox jersey with his name and the number 20 on it, threw a decent pitch to Coco Crisp. He was well-received by the fans on hand.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young PawSox add utility infielder Zach Borowiak to the rosterUtility infielder Zach Borowiak was transferred from Portland to Pawtucket today. This marks the Triple-A debut for the 26-year-old, who hit .229 with two home runs and 21 RBI in 51 games for the Sea Dogs. He played 23 of those games at second, 21 games at third, 5 at first and 2 at short, committing just five errors. Borowiak spent all of last season with Portland, batting .216 in 107 games.
Posted by Carolyn Thornton Changing times: Help is now availableBY PAUL KENYON BOSTON -- While the Sox have been relatively injury-free this season, the recent problems with Curt Schilling, Brendan Donnelly and Coco Crisp have pointed out how the team’s farm system is better prepared to offer reinforcements. ''I think we’re better equipped to handle things now, that’s for sure,'' manager Terry Francona said today. Francona singled out Manny Delcarmen for his recent work, but spoke about how more help is available, too. ''There are other pitchers down there (in Pawtucket) that could certainly help us. There are outfielders down there that could help us,'' he said. ''They’re not veteran guys, but that’s kind of exciting, too. We’re showing it now.'' In the recent past, he said, replacing injured players was not exactly easy. ''We actually had a Plan B. We would never not have a Plan B,'' he said. ''We didn’t like it. I think I admitted it. If we missed starts, we weren’t feeling too good about things.'' Delcarmen did not have impressive numbers at Pawtucket, but he got himself in position to help if needed. ''He did work really hard. His body looks good. He’s strong. His off-speed, at least to this point, gives him a different look,'' Francona said. ''He’s a got a little extra something on that fastball that we all see. We’re trying to integrate him into kind of a role of importance and also develop, which is not always the easiest thing.''
Posted by Paul Kenyon Francona to Ortiz: 'Don’t take every at-bat with the weight of the world on your shoulders'BOSTON -- Terry Francona related that he had a conversation with David Ortiz today about his current struggles at the plate. ''We actually talked about it a little today in a relaxed atmosphere. I think he does feel responsibility,'' Francona said. ''He’s raised the bar so far off the charts that sometimes he can’t match himself. Because we’re not scoring runs in bunches it’s more glaring when we leave runners on. We all know that. Sometimes, I think even the best players need to be reassured that, 'Hey, you are real good. Don’t take every at-bat with the weight of the world on your shoulders.' ''David’s a very good listener. For one of the better players in the game of baseball, he’s one of the more coachable guys I’ve ever seen. You guys probably can see that part of his attitude, his demeanor that shouldn’t be a surprise.'' -- PAUL KENYON
Posted by Art Martone All-Star talkBY PAUL KENYON BOSTON -- The All-Star game came up for much discussion with Sox manager Terry Francona today. Most of it was positive, but Francona also offered news on how the club is working on one of the few negative aspects -- the traveling. Francona said he would be thrilled if Josh Beckett started the game. ''I would be honored. I think Beckett would be honored,'' Francona said. ''That’s a call I have no business making. I can be a cheerleader and I will be. But that’s all that there is. I certainly understand who else is out there and what they’ve done, but because Beckett is our guy, we’d love it.'' Also, all indications are that Manny Ramirez will go to the all-star game this year. Three times in the past he has opted out after being named.
Posted by Paul Kenyon A new lineup: Youkilis is out, Lugo moved to top of the orderBOSTON -- The Red Sox have announced a late lineup change. Kevin Youkilis has been scratched because of tightness in his left quad. His absence will bring on several changes, the biggest moving Julio Lugo, who was going to bat ninth, back to the leadoff spot. J.D. Drew, who was going to lead off, is back to the fifth position, where Youkilis has been listed. At the bottom of the order, Eric Hinske will replace Youkilis at first base and hit eighth and Jacoby Ellsbury will move from the eight to the nine hole. The new lineup: Julio Lugo ss
Posted by Paul Kenyon Lugo's back in the lineup because Francona 'can't manage like a fan'BY PAUL KENYON BOSTON -- Julio Lugo is back in the lineup tonight, batting ninth and playing shortstop. Manager Terry Francona did his best to downplay the focus on Lugo and his 0-for-31 slump. He used himself, and his love of University of Arizona Wildcat basketball, to make his point. ''As a manager or a coach, you can’t. You have to look at the big picture also. You try to balance everything the best you can. It’s not always easy. It’s not always perfect. I admit that. But sometimes you take a step back and then you go forward. ''The thing that happened the other night'' -- Lugo's attempted steal of third base with two outs and Kevin Youkilis at bat in the eighth inning, with the Sox trailing by a run --''was tough to take, for him and for us,'' Francona went on. ''But then you end getting to do some communicating that hopefully really helps. . . Maybe barriers come down a little bit where you can make some points that are important and maybe the kid feels like he’s getting another little burst of energy and a fresher start. We do need him to play well, we know that.'' Francona is one manager who does not seem to have a doghouse. He used Lugo as a pinch-runner Sunday, less than 24 hours after Lugo made his baserunning gaffe. ''For me, that would have been a horrible mistake on my part,'' Francona said of not putting Lugo in again when his team needed him. ''Here’s a guy that has stolen 20 out of 20 bases . . . [He] made a mistake and I’m going to put him in the penalty box in an obvious situation where you need a runner? That would be a horrendous mistake on my part. ''I told him, that was our conversation, 'I want you to go out and have a good day of work then I’m going to put you back in there.' ''
Posted by Paul Kenyon The injury report: Crisp is better, Schilling is being testedBY PAUL KENYON BOSTON -- Sometimes, when you least expect it, you end up with more than you thought you would get. So it is with Terry Francona today. As everyone was filing in to his daily meeting with the media, the discussion was whether we could come up with anything interesting to talk about. It turns out, there is plenty of news. THE INJURY REPORT ''He had an ALS thing he had to do,'' Francona said, ''with our blessing . . . We’re not trying to hide anything. It’s something he probably needed to take care of. It means some pretty significant money to a nice cause.'' Schilling, of course, is heavily involved with raising money for the ALS Foundation which is fighting for a cure for what is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease. Schilling is undergoing the tests as we speak. A report on what is found likely will be made available before the end of the night. There is good news on Coco Crisp’s injured thumb. The center fielder is not playing again tonight. Jacoby Ellsbury will hit eighth and play center. But Crisp could be back soon. ''[Sunday] was probably significantly better, which is good news,’’ Francona said. ''The day before I think it was slightly (better). He made some big gains yesterday which is always the hope . . . The hope is this guy turns the corner quickly. It didn’t look like that two days ago. Yesterday it did.''
Posted by Paul Kenyon Sox Streakers for June 2Hot Streaks Cold Streaks Rangers vs. Kason Gabbard Red Sox vs. Brandon McCarthy More Stuff
Posted by Mike McDermott Red Sox lineupThe Rangers have not posted their lineup yet, but here's the Sox' for tonight: J.D. Drew rf Starter: Kason Gabbard
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Today's Manny file: Will he play?The word in today's Boston Herald is that Manny Ramirez will actually travel to San Francisco to play in this year's All-Star Game. While reporter John Tomase had no quotes from Ramirez himself (who does?), he reports that multiple teammates say Manny will play. Ramirez skipped the midsummer classic in 2000, 2003 and 2006. That's why Scott Miller, on CBS Sportsline, lists the possible reasons Ramirez might beg out of the game this year ("Sore knee? Ill relative? Hair-extensions appointment?"). On projo SoxTalk today, Sean McAdam discussed some of the factors behind Ramirez making the All-Star team while Kevin Youkilis did not. Nick Cafardo writes about the same subject in today's Boston Globe. But Rob Duca of the Cape Cod Times is just plain disgusted by the outcome. On another note, Tony Massarotti wrote over the weekend in the Herald that while Manny's stats are down this year, he has given it a good, professional effort. One more thing about the All-Star Game: This is the first time since Ramirez has joined Boston that he did not get voted into the game by the fans. On the other hand, it's hard to overlook the fact that Ramirez is 3 for his last 27. Still, there is chatter out there among the fandom about moving him to third in the batting order, and dropping partner-in-crime David Ortiz (2 for his last 17) to fourth. The Red Sox heavy hitters, by the way, do not exactly have glorious histories against tonight's Rangers starter, Brandon McCarthy. Where's Tim Hudson when you need him? We saw a glimpse of the good Ramirez in the field yesterday, when he made a back-handed stop of a base hit by Ramon Vazquez, helping hold Vazquez to a single.
Posted by Mike McDermott Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Hitting woes don't get them downSean McAdam joins us once again for today's edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. Sean says that despite the team's horrendous hitting struggles, there's no despondency in the lockerroom (maybe that's because no one else in the American League East is applying any pressure to the first-place Sox). He also discusses the promotion of Jacoby Ellsbury, the All-Star snub of Kevin Youkilis and Coco Crisp's injured finger. Here are some excerpts from Sean's comments: On the club's reaction after yesterday's game: "I didn't sense any dejection. I think, first of all, people were a little preoccupied with the All-Star announcements, and the five Red Sox players who made it and the one who still might. In terms of the offense not producing, you know, you heard a lot of the same, 'We know we're better than this; we know were capable of scoring runs, we're just in a bad spell and inevitably we're going to break out of it.' And so it was kind of brave talk and not a lot of worry. But this has gone on more than this series, longer than this homestand, and longer than they would have liked." On Ellsbury's promotion: "I was a little surprised, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It gives Ellsbury a little exposure to the big leagues. He's played a couple of games, already got his first hit out the way. You bring him in to sort of a friendly environment while they're at home here, leading up to the All-Star break, and then he can go back in the second half and return to Pawtucket. I'm sure he'll be back in September when the rosters expand." On the severity of Crisp's injury: "It's the kind of thing that seems to have gotten more serious in the last couple of days ... initially they didn't think it was going to be any more than waiting to see how it looked on Friday, after the day off. Now he's missed three games. They do have the ability, of course, to go back and put him on the disabled list retroactively, and I guess with each passing day that becomes more of a possibility."
Posted by Mike McDermott Baseball Today: Monday, July 2
'SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF BASEBALL, GIVE OR TAKE 65 PERCENT': That's what Bill James once wrote about the hoary old saying that baseball 'is 75 percent pitching'. He has always asserted baseball is, in fact, a nearly 50/50 combination of offense/defense . . . and if one of those elements breaks down, you've got a problem.
SMALL PAPI: It was the second time in the three games against Texas that they'd scored two runs -- they'd managed to win 2-1 Friday night thanks to a head's-up play by Kevin Youkilis (projo.com) -- and yesterday's ''goat,'' if there is such a thing, was David Ortiz (Above, Journal photo by Mary Murphy). He struck out with the go-ahead runs on base to end the seventh and popped up with the tying run on base to end the game. (He'd also flied to left with two men on and a run in during Boston's lone run-scoring rally in the fifth.) His frustration was evident after the game, as the normally affable slugger declined to speak to the media. (projo.com) On his Touching All The Bases blog, Chad Finn wonders where Papi's mojo has gone. FoxSports.com's Kevin Hench says Papi's ''power mojo'' is blowin' in the wind . . . and once the Fenway winds turn, it'll be back. THANKS FOR TAKING THE PRESSURE OFF ME: Ortiz' struggles remove the spotlight from the drowning Julio Lugo, who compounded his two-month offensive slide with an abysmal baserunning decision Saturday night. He, too, isn't talking to the press, but Terry Francona's talking to him. (Both stories projo.com) One of the things he said: Lugo probably will return to the lineup tonight. ''We need to get him going. I told him that. That’s why we got him here,'' Francona told the media. Writing this time for FoxSports.com, Chad Finn says Lugo has been historically bad this season. Another disconcerting note: Since last July 31, when he was traded from the Devil Rays to the Dodgers, Lugo is batting .201 with a .265 OBP and a .545 OPS in 424 at-bats. QUIET DEBUT: The Sox' struggles have overshadowed the surprising arrival of Jacoby Ellsbury. (projo.com) A STARRY FIRST HALF: The good news from yesterday is that five members of the Red Sox (David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon) were named to the A.L. All-Star team (projo.com), with a sixth -- Hideki Okajima -- a finalist in the fan balloting for the final spot. (That will be determined later this week.) A surprising, and disappointing, omission: Kevin Youkilis. (Boston Globe) Youkilis made SI.com's Jacob Luft's All-Snub Team. FIVE FOR US, TOO: The Tigers also had five All-Stars. (Detroit Free Press) AWARD TIME: And writing this time for Boston Metro, the busy Chad Finn hands out some midseason Red Sox hardware. KEEP ON PUSHING: In his third blog entry, Youkilis says the Sox ''need to keep building on our lead . . . There’s no such thing as enough cushion in the AL East with the quality of our opponents.'' THAT'S OVERSTATING IT A BIT, DON'T YOU THINK? Their lead in the A.L. East remains in double figures, but the Boston Herald's Tony Massarotti says that's ''as much a part of opposing ineptitude as it has been of any Red Sox radiance. And truth be told, the Sox haven’t exactly shone in quite some time.'' True enough: They're 13-16 since May 30. But they had a 10 1/2-game lead after games of May 30, and they still have a 10 1/2-game lead today, which indicates the division race is . . . well, if not over, certainly not much of a race. The Sox handed their pursuers a month-long opportunity to whittle down the deficit, and they did nothing with it. Unless Boston continues to stumble long at the same sub-.500 pace for another month or so, it would appear the Yankees and Blue Jays missed their opportunity to insert themselves back into the chase. YOU GOT THAT RIGHT: The always insightful Peter Abraham agrees, pointing out that if the Yankees had gone 5-4 on their recent road trip and won two of three from Oakland over the weekend, they'd be six games out. ''The Red Sox have been asking to get caught and the Yankees went the other way.'' (yankees.lohudblogs.com) THE BRONX IS BURNING: At least it was Saturday, when Scott Proctor set fire to his equipment after yet another dismal performance and Jorge Posada accused his teammates of going through the motions in a 7-0 loss to the A's. (New York Daily News) The Yanks were still dealing with the aftermath of Posada's comments yesterday. (New York Post) O-V-A OVA: The New York Daily News' John Harper thinks the Yankees are toast. The New York Post's Joel Sherman agrees and says they should start their rebuilding process by shopping A-Rod before the trade deadline. YOU HAVE YOUR WORK CUT OUT FOR YOU, CASH: In another LoHud Yankees Blog post, Abraham writes ''This is a big mess. The bill has been coming due for years and now it has arrived. It’s going to take some slick moves by Brian Cashman to fix this for 2008, never mind 2007.'' IF ALL ELSE FAILS . . . Maybe the Yankees can turn to The Hexman. (yankeetradition.com) AND IF EVEN THAT DOESN'T WORK . . . The Replacement Level Yankees Weblog gives 10 reasons to keep watching the Yankees this season. GATHER UP WHAT'S LEFT OF YOUR DIGNITY AND GET OUT: That's MSNBC.com's Bill Chuck's advice to Roger Clemens. BAD DAY TO BE A MANAGER: Mike Hargrove resigned in Seattle (Seattle Post-Intelligencer), and Jerry Narron was fired in Cincinnati (Cincinnati Enquirer). QUICK HITS: Brian Fuentes has lost his job as the Rockies' closer (mlb.com) . . . The Pirates' fan protest, not surprisingly, turned out to be much ado about nothing (yahoo.com). TRADE TALK: Mark Buehrle trade speculation may resume soon; contract extension talks with the White Sox apparently have broken down over Chicago's refusal to grant a no-trade clause, so the left-hander could be making his final appearance in a White Sox uniform tonight. (Chicago Sun-Times) . . . Eric Gagne's performance at Fenway this weekend may have raised his trade value (Dallas Morning News). OLD FRIENDS: Mike Myers can't get left-handers out this season, which makes him more or less useless in the Yankee bullpen (New York Post). QUOTE OF THE DAY: When told that Baseball Prospectus had calculated the White Sox' postseason chances at 0.013 percent, Paul Konerko responded: ''So you're telling me there's a chance.'' (Chicago Sun-Times) -- ART MARTONE
Posted by Art Martone July 1, 2007
Game Story: Sox offensive woes continue in 2-1 loss to RangersWhen it happens every once in a while, its expected. When it happens a few times, its a trend. When it goes on for as long as it has, its downright troubling. For the past month, the Red Sox have had difficulty scoring runs. And while it hasnt cost them greatly in the standings, it has cost them some games. Including yesterdays. Limited to nine hits and a solo run, the Sox lost to the Texas Rangers 2-1 yesterday, the 13th time since June 5 that the Sox have mustered two runs or fewer. ``You go through cycles where it seems like scoring runs is very difficult, said Terry Francona. ``Well straighten it out and well put a bunch up. Its frustrating on a day like today because weve got enough pitching and were having a tough time putting runs across the plate. That would seem to be an understatement. In dropping five of their last six, the Sox have scored two runs or fewer three times. And against the Rangers, who came into the series ranked next-to-last in the American League in ERA, the Sox have scored just one run over the last 16 innings. The lone sign of line yesterday came in the fifth when singles by Alex Cora, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis accounted for the only Sox run. Otherwise, they were unable to break through, leaving a runner on third in the fourth, two runners on in the first, seventh and eighth. For the game, Red Sox hitters were a woeful 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. For this series, which concludes tonight, the Sox are 5-for-34. A one-out walk to Pedroia brought David Ortiz to the plate in the ninth, representing the winning run. But Ortiz popped out to first, stranding a runner and typifying the Sox ineptitude in scoring chances. ``Were not having the kind of at-bats were capable of, remarked shortstop Alex Cora. ``Its not always going to work for you, said J.D. Drew of his teams offensive malaise. ``When our pitching staff only gives up a couple of runs like this, we need to score more runs. We have to find a way to get some more runs. We know what were capable of. Weve got a good lineup, up and down. Its just a matter of getting going again. You dont know what its going to be. But then something just clicks and youre off. Not soon enough for a team that is two games under .500 since June 1 about the time the offense went into hibernation. --SEAN McADAM
Posted by Corey Bourassa Five Red Sox selected to All-Star gameAs befits the team with the best record in baseball, the Red Sox were rewarded with five spots on the American League All-Star roster yesterday with the potential for one more before the week is out. David Ortiz was chosen as the first baseman in voting by fans, while outfielder Manny Ramirez, third baseman Mike Lowell, starter Josh Beckett and closer Jonathan Papelbon were chosen in voting by managers, coaches and players. Yet another possible participant, Hideki Okajima, is one of five finalists for the final spot on the roster. Fan balloting on MLB.com began last night and continues until Thursday at 6 p.m. “I’m proud of them and proud for our organization,” said manager Terry Francona. “We’re going to be well represented as we should be. We have a lot of good players and I hope we get a sixth.” Ortiz (.314-13-49) will be appearing in his fourth straight All-Star Game, including three in a row as a starter. He drew more than 2.8 million votes, fifth most along players. Beckett, who received the most votes of any starting pitcher in the A.L., will make his first All-Star appearance. “It’s a big deal and I’m really excited,” said Beckett. “It’s going to be fun and I’m looking forward to it.” At 11-2, 3.38, Beckett could be chosen as the starting pitcher. He’ll likely contend with C.C. Sabathia and Justin Verlander for the honor. “It’s not up to me,” said Beckett. “I don’t have any control over it, but it would be another exciting feat for me.” Papelbon (19 saves, 1.50) was chosen for the second straight year, making him only the fourth Red Sox player to make the squad in each of his first two seasons. The others: Frank Malzone (1957-58), Carlton Fisk (1972-73) and Fred Lynn (1975-76). “This is a huge milestone for me, said Papelbon. “Obviously, you want to be one of those guys on the All-Star team, year in and year out.” Lowell (.297-12-55) was chosen for the fourth time, but first time in the A.L. He finished second in player voting at third base behind Alex Rodriguez and becomes the first Red Sox third baseman since Shea Hillenbrand to make the team. “It’s a tremendous honor,” said Lowell. “It was really good news. It’s definitely something that is fun to do.” Ramirez (.285-11-43), who finished sixth in player voting among outfielders and fourth among fans, was named to his 11th All-Star team. He’s been selected in each of his seven years with the Red Sox, though he declined to take part three of those times. Finally, there’s Okajima, who eclipsed his more famous countryman, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and has a one-in-five shot at being named. “I appreciate all the Red Sox fans and fans in Japan for their support,” said Okajima. “I hope everyone keeps supporting me and cheering for me. If I’m selected into the All-Star game, it will be a great honor.” SEAN McADAM
Posted by Corey Bourassa Game Story: Five errors send PawSox to 14-2 lossDropped fly balls, overthrows, a base running blunder and not nearly enough offense to make up for all of the mistakes. There’s no way to sugarcoat this one, says Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson: ``We were just bad today.’’ ``The bottom line is today we didn’t catch it and we didn’t hit it, and we got what we probably deserved,’’ Johnson said following his team’s 14-2 loss to the Charlotte Knights before a McCoy Stadium crowd of 8,289. ``The only thing we can do is turn the page on that one. We had a little talk afterward . Everybody in that room knows how poorly we played today, so we’ll see if we can regroup (tonight).’’ Managing just four hits, while committing five errors that resulted in nine unearned runs, the PawSox suffered their worst defeat since dropping a 21-5 decision at Rochester on Aug. 30, 2004. The errors represent the most the club has committed in a game in more than two years. Pawtucket also had five against Durham on June 23, 2005. The outcome was decidedly different than yesterday’s, however, as the PawSox won that game, 13-2. The Knights got on the board in the first when a throwing error by right fielder Brandon Moss allowed Tomas Perez to score from second. Wiki Gonzalez then banked the first pitch Mike Burns served up in the third inning off the Amica Insurance sign behind the left-field walkway. Three errors by third baseman Chad Spann proved costly to the PawSox in the fifth inning. He began by overthrowing first base on an infield hit by Jason Bourgeois. Bourgeois, who went to second on the bad throw, then stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jerry Owens deep in foul territory behind third. Perez ended up at second base when Spann misplayed the Knights shortstop’s grounder and then committed another overthrow. A two-out bloop single to right by former 2004 PawSox All-Star Earl Snyder drove in Perez to make it 4-0. Loading the bases courtesy of a walk to Alex Prieto and singles by David Murphy and Bobby Scales, Pawtucket picked up two runs in the fifth when Knights right-hander Gavin Floyd issued run-scoring walks to Michael Tucker and Jeff Bailey. That’s all the PawSox would get out of that inning, though, as Moss struck out and a struggling George Kottaras flew out to left field. Charlotte got one run back in the sixth when reliever Edgar Martinez gave up a two-out RBI single to Gonzalez that scored Casey Rogowski. Then the floodgates opened in the seventh, as the Knights batted around the order – and then some - rallying for seven more runs, all but one of them unearned. They picked up two more runs off of PawSox righty Barry Hertzler in the eighth. Outhit 13-4, Pawtucket left nine men on base. In addition to not capitalizing more in the fifth, the PawSox failed to push anyone across when the club also had the bases loaded in the third. ``It was a lot of physical stuff today,’’ said Johnson, whose club falls to 35-45. ``We just couldn’t catch the ball today and we couldn’t hit it. It’s a different story if we get a bunch of runs and we’re firing the ball all over the place and (throwing) to the wrong base or we’re doing things at the wrong time. When you really break it down, we got four hits, we made five errors, they’re all physical. So turn the page, go enjoy your evening, try to forget it – if you can – and see you (tonight).’’ --CAROLYN THORNTON
Posted by Corey Bourassa PawSox fall to Charlotte; suffer worst defeat in nearly three yearsDropped fly balls, overthrows, baserunning blunders and not nearly enough offense to make up for all of the mental and physical miscues resulted in a 14-2 defeat to the Charlotte Knights for the Pawtucket Red Sox today at McCoy Stadium. This is the PawSox' worst defeat since dropping a 21-5 decision at Rochester on Aug. 30, 2004. Pawtucket, which managed just four hits, committed five costly errors. That's the most the club has committed in a game in more than two years. Pawtucket also had five against Durham on June 23, 2005. The outcome was decidedly different than yesterday’s, however, as the PawSox won that game, 13-2.
Posted by Carolyn Thornton Red Sox Updates, Pregame Notes
Manager Terry Francona said the team still hasn't decided whether to place Crisp on the disabled list, hoping his thumb will heal quickly enough to have him back on the field before too long. Jacoby Ellsbury is making his second big-league start. -- Eric Hinske, meanwhile, is starting at first base because he has been swinging well, said Francona. Third baseman Mike Lowell will be available off the bench because Kevin Youkilis has moved to third base for today's start. -- The All-Star team will be announced today. Francona said he was not consulted in the process. -- Curt Schilling (right shoulder) will be re-evaluated tomorrow. -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Lugo still on the bench
Manager Terry Francona had a chat with him earlier today, and one topic of conversation was Lugo's ill-advised and unsuccessful attempt to steal third with two outs in the eighth, the Sox trailing by one run and .326 hitter Kevin Youkilis at the plate. Lugo was thrown out by catcher Gerald Laird, on a one-hop throw, ending the inning. Lugo did not slide and was tagged out in a collision with third baseman Travis Metcalf. Lugo did not make himself available to the media last night. "He was trying to make something happen that wasn't there," said Francona a short time ago, noting that he spoke with Lugo today as opposed to right after last night's game when emotions would have been running higher. "He didn't slide. That made it look bad. He thought it was a foul ball. He had his head down. A lot of things went wrong, but we were able to talk, which is good. You want to have those lines of communication open." One major point Francona said he made with Lugo is that the Sox aren't quitting on him. "We need to get him back in there, probably tomorrow, depending on what happens today," said Francona. "We need to get him going. I told him that. That's why we got him here." -- Steven Krasner
Posted by Steven Krasner Starting Lineups, July 1BOSTON Pedroia 2b Tavarez p TEXAS Lofton cf Loe p -- Steven Krasner
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