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Red Sox roster move

Only three days removed from winning their second World Series title in four seasons, the Red Sox wasted little time getting back to business.

Late Wednesday evening, Boston announced it had purchased the contract of catcher Dusty Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room on the roster, the club designated veteran infielder Royce Clayton for assignment.

Brown split the 2007 season between Double-A Portland and Pawtucket, batting .260 with nine homers and 46 RBI in 77 games. The righthanded batter is currently playing for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League and is hitting .276 in nine games for the Solar Sox. Brown has spent his entire seven-year pro career in the Boston organization.

In his brief stint with the PawSox, Brown was impressive both behind the plate and offensively.

--Joe McDonald

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Another World Series ball fiasco?

BOSTON (AP) - The last ball from the Boston Red Sox's 2007 World Series victory might not get back to the team after all.

Jason Varitek caught the final strikeout to complete the four-game sweep of Colorado, then tucked the ball in his back pocket as he ran to the mound to celebrate.

Varitek said after the game that he would give the ball to the team, but on Wednesday he said he gave it to closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"I already gave it to Pap," Varitek said. "It's out of my hands."

The ball was the one Papelbon used to strike out pinch-hitter Seth Smith for the final out of Game 4 on Sunday night.

"I'll give it back to the team," Varitek said at Coors Field. "Maybe we won't have a controversy this time."

After the 2004 World Series, ownership of the last ball became an issue when Doug Mientkiewicz, the Red Sox first baseman who caught the final out, kept the ball. Team president Larry Lucchino wanted it back, and eventually a settlement was reached where Mientkiewicz loaned the ball to the Red Sox for a year and then donated it to the Hall of Fame.

Neither Lucchino nor Red Sox spokesmen immediately returned calls or e-mails seeking comment on Wednesday.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:06 PM | Permalink

Losers rally

DENVER (AP) - Hundreds of clapping and cheering fans turned out in chilly weather Wednesday to thank the Colorado Rockies for a nearly magical season, even though it ended abruptly with a four-game World Series sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

"I don't know if I expected this many people to show up, but I tell you what, it means a lot," pitcher Jeff Francis told the bundled-up crowd.

After Gov. Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper sang the team's praises, Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle responded: "We couldn't be more happy that a ballclub has been able to bring so much joy to so many people."

"Thank you for the unconditional love, and thank you for the conditional love we picked up this season," Hurdle said.

Left-fielder Matt Holliday, a potential MVP, had trouble making himself heard over the screaming fans.

"I wasn't around when we had sellouts every night," Holliday said, referring to the franchise's early years. "But now that you're here, I know what to expect next season."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:01 PM | Permalink

Sox take celebration to Mass. State House

AP photo / Elise Amendola
Jason Varitek at a ceremony this morning outside the Massachusetts State House.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox’s celebration goes into extra innings on Beacon Hill.

Cheered on by hundreds of fans, catchers Jason Varitek and Doug Mirabelli took to the steps of the State House to thank Red Sox Nation for their support. Without it, they say the team could never have captured their second World Series championship in four years.

Governor Deval Patrick says the team has given the city and the state a lift with their comeback American League pennant win and World Series sweep of the Colorado Rockies.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino also promised a statewide tour of the twin World Series trophies.

It was the second rally for the Red Sox in as many days, though the Statehouse
version was much calmer than Tuesday’s parade from Fenway to downtown Boston that drew tens of thousands of fans.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:34 PM | Permalink

JIM DONALDSON: Great minds think alike

Enjoyed reading colleague Steve Krasner's ''Dare to Compare'' piece in Wednesday's paper. Actually, my son read it to me as I drove him to school. I told him to let me guess how Kraz rated each position, comparing the 2004 Red Sox to the 2007 team. As it turned out, we differed on only two -- first base and starting pitching.

He called Millar/Youkilis a draw, giving Youk the edge as a player, but giving props to Millar as an emotional leader in the clubhouse. While not downplaying Millar's considerable contributions to the chemistry of the '04 club, if I had to choose between the two, I'd take Youkilis without having to think twice about it. He's a tougher "out" at the plate, and much better defensively.

As for the starting pitching, while Beckett deserves to the be the Cy Young winner this year, and was all but unhittable in the postseason, Schilling did win 21 games in '04 and also had the "bloody sock" win over the Yankees in Game Six of Boston's history-making comeback in the ALCS. But the big reason I give the nod to the '04 Sox in starting pitching, over this year's rotation, is that Pedro Martinez was 16-9 as the No. 2 starter and was much better than Schilling was as the #2 in '07. Derek Lowe was erratic during the regular season, but was lights out in the postseason, so I'd give him then nod over Dice-K, although Matsuzaka probably -- hopefully -- will be much better, long-term. I suppose Wakefield was better this season, before he developed shoulder problems, than in '04, but the '04 team also had Bronson Arroyo.

Anyway, such comparisons are fun for fans to think about and debate.

As for which team would have beaten the other, well, it's a series I would have paid to see. Steve chose the '07 team, but I'm inclined to go with the '04 aggregation, because it had better starting pitching, and because Big Papi and Manny were an awesome 1-2 punch in '04.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 12:10 PM | Permalink

Delcarmen drums through the streets of Boston

Manny Delcarmen, a member of the Red Sox drumming circle, works on the railing of a duck boat.


Journal Photo / Bill Murphy

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Scenes from the parade: Papelbon mugs; Schilling exults

Red Sox heroes Jonathan Papelbon, top, and Curt Schilling celebrate from the Duck Boats.
Journal photos Bill Murphy

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Along the parade route: 'Manny! Manny! Manny!'

BOSTON, Mass. -- A confetti hailstorm, the pounding guitars of the Dropkick Murphys, the erupting cheers for David Ortiz and the chants of "Manny! Manny! Manny!" are flowing fast through Boyleston Street this afternoon.

College students are near people taking time off from office jobs, who are next to construction workers holding up signs -- people from different status, backgrounds, incomes, but all united for the Red Sox victory parade. It will make its way to Boston Common and then City Hall.

People watch the action from atop the Atlantic Fish Company, where the fresh catch of Chilean sea bass lists for $34 -- for one person. And it's a day when Lord & Taylor, the staid clothing store, accomodates the Irish punk sounds of the passing Dropkick Murphys.

At one point, the parade appears as Manny Ramirez plays to admirers from the Duck boat on which he and Ortiz are riding.

Look: there are members of the "Impossible Dream" Red Sox of 1967 wound past the crowd.

There's former Sox pitcher Luis Tiant waving to the crowd.

Current manager Terry Francona draws cheers and there's a big outburst of support for Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youklis.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Comments 2

Galleries: More Red Sox Nation

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Nevermind the weather, Bostonians are hot for the Sox, who will march through town in about an hour.

Wish you could be in Boston to see the Red Sox' World Series victory parade?

We've got the next-best thing: live, streaming video of the noontime rally that will start at Fenway Park and will travel through Back Bay to the Commons and end at City Hall Plaza.

Our media partner, WPRI-TV in Providence, is providing the live feed via Fox. The link will be posted on our homepage closer to the start of the rally.

The “rolling rally” on World War II-era amphibious duck boats will take the same route as the 2004 championship parade, except they won’t go into the Charles River, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said.

Menino said pitcher Jonathan Papelbon will dance, and the Dropkick Murphys also will play along the parade route.

“He has to do a dance,” Menino said. “He promised the people he would do a dance.”

The Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies Sunday night with a 4-3 win in Denver.

And for more photos and Red Sox excitement, click below to see all the best photo galleries of the World Series and its aftermath:

The World Series: Red Sox homecoming

The World Series: The post-championship celebration

The World Series: The pitchers

The World Series: The fans

The World Series: Baserunning

The World Series: Game 4: Red Sox 4, Rockies 3

Your Turn: Upload your fan photos

Posted by Pam Cotter  at 11:17 AM to Projo Mannybeingmanny | Permalink | Comments 3

Kids today just don't understand

The Red Sox and Patriots are generating a region of sunny optimists so different from their parents.

For the second time in four years, the Red Sox won the World Series Sunday night, led by 23-year-old pitcher Jon Lester, who beat cancer in the offseason. And the Patriots, winners of three Super Bowls in the past six years, are flying over speed bumps like the Washington Redskins as they blaze along the fast lane toward another trip to the Super Bowl.

It's so different for sports fans coming of age today. These 10- and 12-year-old kids expect the Red Sox and Patriots to win. We expected them to lose.

We came of age when our teams were laughingstocks at worst, runnersup at best. Every now and then we'd get the whiff of a championship. We'd buy the shirts, and buy into the hope, then the Pats would get pummeled before a national Super Bowl audience, 46-10, or the ball would trickle through Bill Buckner's legs.

And, unfortunately, we could see all the ugly details since the games didn't start in the middle of the night and end in the early morning as they do now.

It left us cursing, believing in curses, and, I'm afraid, losing dimmed our view of life in general.

But now we can thank the Sox and Patriots for imbuing our children with a Norman Vincent Peale power-of-positive-thinking view of life. You play. You win. Life is simple and sunny.

Kids growing up in New England today won't wait for balls to bounce through legs. Curses? Leave them to their pathetic uncles who still insist on babbling about '78 and '86.

They won't fret about blizzards or hurricanes. And if it does rain, they will step dance like Jonathan Papelbon until the skies clear.

As they grow into adults, these New Englanders will laugh at those mysterious economic indicators that help move the Dow.

"Social Security is insolvent," they will be told.

"That's OK. My 401k is kicking butt," they will say.

"Are you worried about the troubles in the Mideast?," they will be asked.

"No, we have faith that President Jenna Bush will get us out of the war."

Yes, even we conditioned pessimists are optimistic today that our sons and daughters will live in a world full of possibilities, a place where a kid can battle cancer and win the World Series.

-- Jack Perry

Posted by Jack Perry  at 8:34 AM | Permalink

Carcieri seeks Ocean State Sox celebration

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri is hoping that Rhode Island will once again be able to join in the celebration of a Red Sox championship.

The governor says his office will be in contact with the team over holding a rally similar to the one in 2004, when then-Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo brought the World Series trophy to the State House in Providence.

Carcieri points out that Rhode Islanders make up a big part of Red Sox nation.

The World Series champions are being honored today with a Duck Boat parade in Boston.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 6:58 AM | Permalink | Comments 3

Victory scene: Sox return to Fenway with trophy

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
David Ortiz gives the fans a glimpse of the World Series trophy as the Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park Monday afternoon from Colorado.

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin gives his daughter a ride on his shoulders and greets fans. The team bus arrived at Fenway shortly after 5 p.m.

BOSTON -- While flashbulbs popped at him and his World Champion teammates, Sox pitcher Curt Schilling pointed a camcorder at the faithful hundreds as he and family drove by the cheering crowd outside Fenway Park this evening.

For the faithful lining Yawkey Way, it was about sightings. Look, there was Jon Lester. And catcher Jason Varitek. And team owners John Henry and Tom Werner appeared for the crowd.

David Ortiz, a.k.a. Big Papi, held aloft the World Series trophy as exited the team bus that arrived around 5 p.m. outside the park.

Pitcher Mike Timlin walked through the crowd with a little girl sitting on his shoulders. And There was Kevin Youklis.

Besides cheers for the 2007 World Series champion Red Sox, the crowd on Yawkey Way chanted: "Don't Sign A-Rod!"

The Yankees -- remember them? -- and slugger Alex Rodriguez have apparently parted ways.

As the afternoon unfolded, about 1,000 fans lined Yawkey Way, batting around beach balls, as they awaited the return of the Sox, who batted around the Rockies in a quick four-game sweep.

Media at the scene were hearing the team's flight might have been slightly delayed. The team was due to land at Logan Airport about 3:30 p.m.

A Direct TV blimp floated overhead. And on Van Ness Street, next to the 95-year-old stadium, fans noted the cars of their favorite stars.

Fans said the white Escalade parked on the street belongs to David Ortiz. The minivan nearby is probably the one driven by Curt Schilling’s wife.

Among the crowd, wearing a red Sox cap and a green jersey is Greg Martakos, from Salem, N.H.

Martakos, a police officer in Hooksett, said he watched the game last night while he was working the overnight shift at the dispatch center.

After work – at 8:30 a.m. – he drove straight to Fenway.

Martakos had tickets to Game Six, but now, of course, there won’t be a Game Six.

He doesn’t say, directly, that he wanted Boston to lose just so he could see a game, but, he doesn’t flat out deny that he’s torn.

He admits, he said, he’s a little greedy.

“I wish I went to the game,” he said, “but this is just as great.”

But if this isn't enough, he can come back tomorrow at noon for the Boston Red Sox World Series victory parade.

-- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims

Posted by Sheila Lennon  at 7:21 PM | Permalink

Fans lining up at Fenway to greet the champions

BOSTON -- About 1,000 fans are lining Yawkey Way, batting around beach balls, as they await the return of the World Series champion Red Sox, who bat around the Rockies in a quick four-game sweep.

Media at the scene are hearing the team's flight might have been slightly delayed. The team was due to land at Logan Airport about 3:30 p.m.

A Direct TV blimp is floating overhead.

On Van Ness Street, next to the 95-year-old stadium, fans say the white Escalade parked on the street belongs to David Ortiz. The minivan nearby is probably the one driven by Curt Schilling’s wife.

Among the crowd, wearing a red Sox cap and a green jersey is Greg Martakos, from Salem, N.H.

Martakos, a police officer in Hooksett, said he watched the game last night while he was working the overnight shift at the dispatch center.

After work – at 8:30 a.m. – he drove straight to Fenway.

Martakos had tickets to Game Six, but now, of course, there won’t be a Game Six.

He doesn’t say, directly, that he wanted Boston to lose just so he could see a game, but, he doesn’t flat out deny that he’s torn.

He admits, he said, he’s a little greedy.

“I wish I went to the game,” he said, “but this is just as great.”

But if this isn't enough, he can come back tomorrow at noon for the Boston Red Sox World Series victory parade.
-- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 4:40 PM | Permalink

Photo: Hanging the banner at Fenway

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Tony Lafuente, with Flagraphics of Somerville, Ma., hangs the "2007 World Series Champions" banner on Yawkey Way outside Fenway Park.

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments 3

Download a special photo of the championship celebration

Click here to download a pdf of Julian Tavarez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jason Varitek, Jonathan Papelbon and Josh Beckett celebrating the triumph in Denver.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments 5

Sox parade is set for tomorrow in Boston

BOSTON, Mass. -- Jonathan Papelbon will take his wacky Irish gig on the road Tuesday when the Boston Red Sox hold their World Series victory parade.

The parade will start at noon from Fenway Park and will travel through Back Bay to the Commons and end at City Hall Plaza, according to Boston.com.

The “rolling rally” on World War II-era amphibious duck boats will take the same route -- beginning at Fenway Park and ending near City Hall -- as the 2004 championship parade, except they won’t go into the Charles River, Mayor Thomas Menino said Monday.

Menino said Papelbon will dance, and the Dropkick Murphys also will play along the parade route.

“He has to do a dance,” Menino said. “He promised the people he would do a dance.”

The 2004 rally fell on a rainy day, but tomorrow's forecast is for a clear sunny day tomorrow with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 46 degrees. There will be northwet winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 25 miles per hour around noon.

Menino acknowledged having the celebration on a week day would inconvenience some businesses and school children away, but he said players were eager to get home to their families and begin their vacation.

The Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies Sunday night with a 4-3 win in Denver. The team was expected to arrive back in Boston about 3:30 p.m. Monday and head over to Fenway Park.

Menino also said a “rolling rally” was easier for city officials to manage, because it spread out the crowds. He estimated security would cost $500,000.

Fans began celebrating immediately after the Red Sox won their second World Series title in four years.

Police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said 37 arrests were made early Monday in the city, mostly for disorderly conduct. No serious injuries were reported.

Thirteen people were arrested after they refused to leave the Kenmore Square area near Fenway Park, police said. After police told a large crowd of people to disperse, several officers were struck by rocks and bottles. Sixteen cars parked along Newbury Street were vandalized, with broken side view mirrors and windows, or damaged windshield wipers.

The police department had announced it would have more than 50 cameras trained on the city to record any vandalism. Boston authorities cracked down on rowdy sports celebrations after an Emerson College student was struck and killed when police fired a pepper pellet into an unruly crowd celebrating the Red Sox’ 2004 victory over the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.

-- The Associated Press and projo.com staff reports

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 1:21 PM | Permalink

Where's The Ball? The Captain's Got It/Photo

Right after he caught the final strike, Jason Varitek stuck the ball in his pocket. And as anyone can see, it stayed there.
Journal Photo Bob Breidenbach


So who's got the baseball that sealed the Red Sox World Series victory last night?
It's impossible to know for sure but Sox catcher (and El Cap-i-tan) Jason Varitek quickly tucked the ball into his back pocket before jumping into the arms of pitcher Jonathan Papelbon. Catcher and pitcher were quickly engulfed by a swarm of players, coaches and staff.
The whereabouts of the ball is an issue only because of what happened in 2004. When the Red Sox beat St. Louis, Keith Foulke tossed the third out into the glove of reserve first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. As mayhem played out, Mientkiewicz held onto the ball and brought it back to Boston.
But when Mientkiewicz claimed ownership of the ball, the Red Sox had a problem on their hands. The Sox ended up suing the player over the ball, which the team claimed was its property and belonged to the long-suffering fans of the club. The two sides eventually agreed to end their legal fight over ownership of the ball, which was ultimately sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
"An amicable agreement was reached many weeks ago, and it provides a permanent home at the (Hall of Fame), with opportunities for some public display as well at Fenway Park," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said at the time.
When Mientkiewicz held onto the ball, he gave it to his wife and then secured it in a safe deposit box. He also publicly claimed that it was his "retirement fund." His stance eventually softened and he gave up the ball.
What will Varitek do? He's quoted on msnbc.com as saying that he intends to give the ball to the team.

The Red Sox (and the ball) are currently jetting home to Boston. The parade is tomorrow starting at noon at Fenway Park.

-- Kevin McNamara

Posted by Kevin  at 12:20 PM to McNamara | Permalink | Comments 2

Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Kings of the baseball world

Click here to listen to today's version of projo SoxTalk with Sean McAdam. The topics: putting the Red Sox' latest triumph in perspective; many players deserving of MVP honors; keeping the nucleus of the 2007 team together; the feel-good story of Mike Lowell; Alex Rodriguez's big announcement; why you shouldn't expect the Sox to try to hard to land A-Rod; and how the 2004 Sox would match up with the 2007 Red Sox (hint: They'd do better than the Rockies).

Following are some excerpts from Sean's comments.

Postseason kings: "The funny thing is that for all the stumbling and bumbling the Red Sox did in the postseason for so many years, and so many heartbreaking defeats, now it seems like they've really got the hang of this October thing, and have had two great postseasons for themselves in the span of four years."

Gazing into the future: "They have a nucleus that is younger, and I guess more established at the same time [than the 2004 Sox]. The 2004 team within weeks had lost 40 percent of the starting rotation when Derek Lowe and Pedro Martinez left via free agency. There are a couple of decisions -- Lowell, Schilling ... -- but for the most part the core of these guys is going to be back, and I think in general the Red Sox find themselves in more stable shape than they were three years ago."

Third-base plans: "I actually don't think they're going to be significant players in the A-Rod sweepstakes. I thought differently a half-season ago ... when people were talking about it, forecasting that A-Rod may yet land in a Red Sox uniform. I just think that they understand that it would take such a significant chunk of the payroll, even for the Red Sox, to get involved in this. ... They clearly would like to retain Mike Lowell, and I think they will try to do that. But if somebody comes in and blows them out of the water with a four-year, $50 million contract, then I think the Red Sox are going to have to think twice about matching that."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:06 AM to McAdam | Permalink | Comments 1

Updated: Sox travel plans

The Red Sox are flying out of Colorado today at 10 Mountain Time (noon Eastern Time) and will arrive in Boston around 3:30, then continue to Fenway Park, where they will arrive at around 4. We'll have a photographer there to capture the fans' welcoming the champs back.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

Front page treatment for the champs

Here's a quick sampling of some newspaper front pages on the morning after the Red Sox' clinching win.

Had to throw in the New York Post's cover featuring A-Rod, with an acknowledgment of the Sox' title down across the bottom.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:21 AM | Permalink

Download today's sports cover

It's one to keep, celebrating the Red Sox' second world championship in four years.

Download a copy of the page in PDF format

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 7:44 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Sox Send Stuff to Hall of Fame

DENVER -- The Red Sox donated several items to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown to commemorate their winning the 103rd World Series.
Rookie sensation Jacoby Ellsbury donated the bat he used in Game Three, when he was 4-for-5, with three doubles (two of them in Boston's six-run, third-inning outburst), two RBI and two runs scored.
Manager Terry Francona donated the warm-up pullover he wore throughout the Series.
Jon Lester contributed the cap he wore as the winning pitcher in Game Four, as did third baseman Mike Lowell, the Series MVP.
Daisuke Matsuzaka, the first native-born Japanese player to appear in a World Series, sent the spikes from his winning start in Game Three to the Hall of fame, bullpen ace Jonathan Papelbon donated his glove, catcher and team captain Jason Varitek contributed his road jersey, while rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia sent along the bat he used to hit his home run in the first inning of Game One at Fenway Park.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 3:14 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: J.D. Drew Comes Through -- Finally

DENVER -- This wasn't the best of years for J.D. Drew.
Signed in the offseason to a highly-publicized -- and widely criticized -- $70 million, five-year contract, he was seen for much of the year by most Red Sox fans to be an overpaid, underachiever.
Only a late-season surge enabled him to raise his batting average to .270, and he hit just 11 home runs, driving in 64.
"It was one of those years," he said Sunday night in the Red Sox clubhouse, "when I had three or four stretches when I didn't play as well as I'd have liked to -- especially swinging the bat."
But he more than made up for that in the postseason, when he was swinging the bat very well.
He hit .314 in Boston's 14 postseason games and drove in 11 runs, including a grand slam in Game Six of the ALCS, as the Red Sox, down three games to one, rallied to beat Cleveland for the A.L. pennant.
In the four World Series games against Colorado, Drew's batting average was .333, as he went 5-for-15, with two doubles and two RBI.
"I felt like I carried my weight," he said. "I had a postseason people can't complain about. I was able to do some things that made my postseason exciting."
Drew had been excited about coming to Boston, not because of the big money he was getting, but because he knew the Red Sox had a good chance to win a championship.
"From day one, when I was looking at teams in the offseason, the Red Sox were in the mix," he said. "Coming to Boston made complete and total sense."
Even when the Sox fell into a deep hole against the Indians in the ALCS, Drew never doubted that they would come back to win.
"Everybody was very relaxed," he said. "We just played one game at a time. We kept winning because of pitching, defense, and getting hits when we needed them. That's how you win every year.
"We have a lineup full of smart hitters who grind out at-bats. And teams having to face our strong pitching rotation and bullpen -- that's `advantage Boston' right there. We've got guys on the mound who can shut people down."
It's a team that Drew is delighted, and proud, to be a part of.
"Being part of this team, helping to bring a world championship to the city of Boston, is a great accomplishment," he said. "It's definitely been an exciting year for the city of Boston."
Red Sox fans can only hope that next year is equally exciting and, as far as Drew is concerned, even more productive.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 2:48 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Running On Clouds

DENVER -- It was the top of the eighth inning when Bobby Kielty bounded off the Boston bench to pinch-hit for Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin.
"I went up there feeling like, if was going to get a World Series at-bat, I wanted to make a good swing," he said.
Kielty swung at the first pitch from Brian Fuentes and drilled it on a line over the left-field fence.
"It was a fastball," Kielty said. "I knew right away I'd hit it out. It was such a great moment.
"I felt, as I was going around the bases, like I was running on clouds. It was an amazing feeling. You think about being a kid, dreaming of doing something like that."
Kielty's season seemed like a nightmare in late July, when he was released by the Oakland A's. But, less than a week later, he was signed by the Red Sox, who sent him to Pawtucket for 12 days before bringing him to Boston on Aug. 18.
He played in 20 games down the stretch for the Sox -- starting six games in left field and five in right -- batting .231, with a homer and 9 RBI.
He hadn't played at all in the World Series until manager Terry Francona sent him up to pinch-hit Sunday night.
When Kielty, a switch-hitter who was batting right-handed against Fuentes, hit the ball out, it seemed like merely an insurance run for the Sox, increasing their lead to 4-1.
But, after Garrett Atkins hit a two-run homer for the Rockies in the bottom of the eighth, Kielty's blow turned out to be the winning run in the game that won the World Series for Boston.
"I was so excited, so fired up," Kielty said on the field during the Sox's post-game celebration -- one that included thousands of fans who stayed long after the final pitch to savor the joy of Boston's second World Series win in four years, after having gone 86 years without a championship until finally winning in 2004.
"It made me feel like I was a big part of this. How could there be a better moment? This is what you dream about your whole life.
"This season has been such a roller-coaster ride for me. At one point, this year was probably the worst in my life. Now, with one swing, it's going from being the worst to being the best."

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 2:27 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Finally, they have this World Series thing down pat

DENVER -- In winning two World Series by sweeps in the last four seasons -- 2004 against the St. Louis Cardinals and 2007 over Colorado -- the Red Sox have played 72 innings worth of baseball and trailed in exactly four of those.

-- SEAN McADAM

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 2:05 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: The youth movement pays off

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The stamp the young players for the Boston Red Sox put on this World Series season will never be forgotten.

Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen all played significant roles for the Red Sox this season, especially in the playoffs. The home-grown talent showcased their abilities and helped Boston win its second championship in four seasons.

They’re not done.

This postseason was only a glimpse of what’s to come.

''That’s a great part of this year,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. ''It was a true organization triumph with a lot of kids who were scouted here and developed here. They did a lot of hard work coming up through the system, and we had great veteran leadership, too. It was a great mix and we’re proud of the whole organization. All the scouts and all the field people bust their tails to find players like that and develop them. So, we couldn’t be happier about that.''

Even though Papelbon, Youkilis, Delcarmen and Lester have more major-league time than Pedroia and Ellsbury, it’s a pretty special group of players.

''The organization did a great job with all of us, preparing us at each level,'' said Pedroia. ''It helps out when you all get called up together because we've been through a lot of things. We played Double-A together, Triple-A and now here. So I think everybody is comfortable with each other, and it makes it that much more special.''

While Pedroia’s old-school style of play quickly messed on and off the field with the Red Sox, Ellsbury was the late-season sparkplug the club needed. Because of that, his teammates were dousing him in the clubhouse with libations after the victory at Coors Field Sunday night.

''I’ve only been in the big leagues for a couple of months, but when you’re that little kid in the back yard you always put yourself in that situation,'' said Ellsbury. ''Getting that big hit or whatever it is. I still can’t believe this.''

When will this sink in?

''I don’t know,'' he said. ''I still can’t believe this. Everyone is celebrating and I can’t believe this.''

Get used to it.

The impact the young guys had on this club did not go unnoticed with the veteran players, including captain Jason Varitek.

“We’ve have some extremely young players, and some extremely old players,” said Varitek. “We thrive on communication and coaching. You can never be older enough to be coached or young enough to be coached.”

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 2:04 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: David Ortiz reaction

DENVER -- ''It can't get any better than this,'' said David Ortiz. ''We were always in first place, year-round. We had a lot of ups and downs, more ups than downs.''

But, insisted Ortiz, who batted .332 with 35 homers and 117 RBI, it was a team effort.

''You definitely can't point to one guy who did it for us," said Ortiz. "Everyone worked together.''

-- STEVEN KRASNER

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:58 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

POSTGAME: Dynasty? Wasn't that a bad 80's soap opera?

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- General manager Theo Epstein wasn't in mood for heavy statements after the Red Sox clinched their second World Series in the last four years.

When someone asked if the Sox had built a dynasty, Epstein cut off the question mid-point.

''Whenever teams win championships and the champagne starts to flow,'' said Epstein, ''somebody inevitably makes some stupid proclamation. I promised myself I wouldn't be that guy.

''All I'll say is I'm proud of being a part of this organization and what we've accomplished and I hope we can continue doing great things.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:57 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Lester loving it

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The first thing Jon Lester wanted to do after the Red Sox won the World Series was to grab the Commissioner’s Trophy and bring it to his parents out on the field.

He wasn’t able to snag it right away, but the family shared a special moment because of what the Lester family has been through ever since Jon was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2006. Last night was the culmination of an intense year, and Lester earned the victory on the mound for the Red Sox.

''That’s probably the single most important thing that happened if you look at the broad picture,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. ''This kid was facing the most serious challenge any of us will ever face, and in just a little over a year he comes back and is the winning pitcher in the World Series deciding game. It’s a fairy tale. It’s not an accident. He’s a great kid and was a model for our entire organization with the courage he displayed in tackling his illness, and now it’s fitting he led us to victory.''

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said recently when asked about Lester, that it’s fitting this young man will pitch in Game Four of the World Series.

''God has his finger prints on this one,'' said the Rockies manager.

Lester, sporting the biggest smile anyone has seen on him since he’s been in the organization, agrees.

''You couldn’t have written a better story,'' he said. ''It’s unbelievable how this turned out. A year ago I knew I would be back in baseball, but I didn’t know when. In this situation with these guys it just unbelievable. I’m just glad I could go out there and help and compete and do well.''

The celebration was no doubt a team effort, but every player in the Sox’ clubhouse felt a little something extra for Lester and what he’s been able to do.

“I’m tremendously proud and happy of the performance of Jon Lester because that’s what is closest to me,” said catcher Jason Varitek.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:53 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Papelbon shares the credit

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Jonathan Papelbon notched the save in the World Series-winning game, punching out pinch hitter Seth Smith for final out on a 94-mph fastball, touching off a wild celebration on the mound.

Forgotten for a moment was a deep drive to left by Jamie Carroll that was hauled in by left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury a split second before he bumped into the fence.

''It took all 25 of us to get this job done. It's just phenomenal, man,'' said Papelbon, casting aside the question of whether he thought Carroll's ball was going to be a game-tying homer.

Papelbon was unscored upon in his three appearances in the World Series, totaling 4 1/3 innings. He gave up only two hits.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:53 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: He opted out, but don't invite him in

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- As general manager Theo Epstein was being interviewed by a Boston TV station in front of the visitor's clubhouse, the crowd of several thousand Red Sox fans who remains in the stands at Coors Field sent him two messages.

First, they chanted ''Re-sign Lowell,'' a reference to the Sox' third baseman and newly-minuted World Series MVP, who is eligible free agency.

When that chant began to die down, the fans took a different approach and attempted to steer Epstein away from a possible Plan B.

''Don't sign A-Rod! Don't Sign A-Rod!'' they said by way of warning.

The chant reduced some in the Baseball Operations department to fits of laughter as they stood nearby on the infield.

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:51 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Beating cancer is better than beating the Rockies

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- John Lester stood on the dirt near the backstop at Coors Field, looking proudly at his son Jon, who, as the winning pitcher in the game that brought the Red Sox their second World Series championship in four years, was doing a television interview.

He shifted his gaze toward the mound, where young Jon, only 23 years old, had held the Rockies scoreless through 5-2/3 innings, giving up just three hits.

Then he looked out toward the outfield, which, despite its expanse, wasn't nearly big enough to contain the emotions he was feeling.

''When I look back to where we were this time last year,'' he said, shaking his head slowly, ''we were in Washington, and Jon was going through his third session of chemotherapy. It was the worst time of my life.''

Last summer, life couldn't have been better for Lester's son, Jon. Called up to Boston in early June from Pawtucket, he was rolling along with a 7-2 record in late August when he received stunning news -- he'd been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Cancer. The Big C.

Suddenly, W's and L's didn't seem so important.

''His mother, Kathie, and I tried to instill in him that there was never any doubt he was going to beat it. But, honesstly and truthfully, I don't know if I could have done what he did.

''Even when he was sick, even after throwing up, he'd go out in the garage and throw. He said: 'I'm going to be there in spring training.' "

Nearby, a man with a microphone was asking Jon Lester what he'd have said if somebody had told him last March that, come October, he'd win the game that would win the World Series for the Red Sox.

''I'd have told him he was crazy,'' Jon Lester said. ''I would have believed the Red Sox would win the World Series, but not with me pitching in Game Four.''

''We talked about that,'' his father, John, said, ''for a couple of hours this morning over breakfast. I told him he could write the final chapter in this remarkable story -- that, if he won, Hollywood couldn't write a better script.

''I also told him we'd be proud of him, no matter what happened. This has been a great year for him, and our family. Being here is the icing on the cake

''I can't believe we're here,'' the elder Lester said, looking at the celebratory scenes going on around him near the Red Sox dugout. ''We went to a lot of so-called World Series [of youth leagues] when he was 12, 13, 14 years old, but we never won. We had to go the real one to finally win.''

From the first pitch Sunday night, John Lester knew his son had a chance to be a winner.

''I could tell he was in the zone,'' he said. ''I think it benefitted him from having 'debuts' in Cleveland (July 23, when he pitched six innings, giving up five hits and two runs, and got the win in his return to the majors) and another one at Fenway (Aug. 14, when he gave up just two hits and one run in seven innings, although he wound up with no decision.)

''Although,'' John Lester added, ''I don't know if anything prepares you for the World Series. But he wasn't intimidated.''

When you've stared down cancer, throwing a breaking ball on a full count doesn't seem so scary.

''His winning this game, in the World Series, is one of the best things that's happened in my life,'' John Lester said. ''The best thing was hearing that he was cancer-free.''

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 1:44 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Farrell proud of his pitchers

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Pitching coach John Farrell looked like the proud papa as he talked about his pitching staff, which helped lead the Red Sox to their second World Championship in four years.

''The starting pitching did such a great job in this postseason as things played out. Their ability to go through some very good lineups that you find in the postseason multiple times was impressive,'' said Farrell.

And, of course, the Sox had Jonathan Papelbon for multiple-inning situations in the postseason because of the care they took with him during the regular season. Papelbon had saves of three outs, four outs and five outs in the World Series. Last night he worked 1 2/3 innings.

''That's the way it played out,'' said Farrell. ''We wanted to make sure he would be ready to handle this load if we needed him to in the postseason. And he was strong enough to do it. Tonight we asked him to do it again and he was as strong out there as he was all season.''

Farrell, though, side-stepped any questions about his chances to land a mangerial position somewhere. He has been mentioned as a candidate for the Pittsburgh Pirates' managerial vacancy.

''No offer has been made,'' he said. ''But this is a day and night for this organization to celebrate, not about any one person.''

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:42 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Not-so-jealous guy

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- More than most, Alex Cora had a special appreciation for last night's clincher.

After parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues, with three different organizations, Cora could finally taste the champagne of a champion.

''This is unreal,'' he said as he stood in the infield of Coors Field. ''This is what you dream about.''

Two years ago, Cora watched his older brother, Joey, a coach with the Chicago White Sox, experience a World Series triumph.

''I was jealous,'' admitted Cora. ''Very jealous. I had to let it go. I mean, you're a baseball fan and you watch a great Series. At the same time, you want to be one to do it. It was great for him; at the same time, I wished it could have been me.

''And now? People can be jealous of me.''

Cora took time to remember a number of players who contributed, but weren't present, including Kason Gabbard, David Murphy, and J.C. Romero.

''They all played a part,'' said Cora. ''It doesn't take 25 guys to win a World Series; it takes a whole organization.''

This weekend, Cora is scheduled to attend wedding of Alex Cintron, the White Sox utility infielder. His brother Joey will be present, along with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Cora said he's supposed to deliver the toast. And yes, he said, he might be tempted to fit the Red Sox' victory last night somewhere into the speech.

`

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:41 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Teammates and fans back a Lowell return

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Mike Lowell was asked prior to Game Two of the 2007 World Series if he thought about the fact it could be his last game at Fenway Park.

His contract expires at the end of the season and like a true professional, he said he wasn’t concerned with that scenario because he, and his Red Sox teammates, were concentrating on the task at hand. He would wait for the offseason to deal with it his contract situation.

The offseason officially began at 12:06 Eastern time Monday morning when the Red Sox completed the four-game sweep of the Rockies to win their second World Series Championship in four years. And, Lowell was named the MVP of the Fall Classic.

''I’m on cloud nine,'' he said. ''It’s unbelievable.''

Lowell hit .400 (6-for-15) with a team-high six runs scored and four RBI. In Game Four Sunday night his offense was pivotal, including a double and solo home run.

''You’ll trade a 0-for-20 to win the series,'' said Lowell. ''We’ve got such a great group of guys, we all deserve this. We played some really good baseball this whole postseason.''

With the champagne and beer dripping from his 2007 World Series Champions hat, he was asked if he wanted to return to Boston in 2008.

''For sure,'' he said, ''but I don’t want to hop on that right now because I’m celebrating.”

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has shown in the past that he doesn’t allow his heart-felt emotions get in the way of doing his job. Just ask Johnny Damon and Pedro Martinez.

Both the former Red Sox players’ bodies began to break down at the tail end of their careers in Boston, but because both were significant contributors for the 2004 World Series Championship, popular public belief was to re-sign both players.

Epstein didn’t think so.

Damon signed with the Yankees and Martinez to the Mets. Lowell, however, is different. He recorded a career year with a .324 average, including 21 homers and 120 RBI.

''He’s great,'' said Epstein. ''He’s one of the few veteran leaders we have. We’ve got a clubhouse full of guys who rise to the occasion, and Mike was so consistent for us all season.''

It’s going to be tough for the GM and the Red Sox to let a World Series MVP just walk away .

''Offseason stuff will come another day,'' said Epstein. ''We’re going to enjoy this one for a while then we’ll worry about the offseason.

The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.

''Mike’s been our staple in our lineup all year,'' said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek. ''He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.

''I would love to [see Lowell back in 2008],” said Varitek in response to a question. ''He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.''

This is the second World Series title for Lowell as he and Josh Beckett won with the Florida Marlins in 2003.

''They are both very satisfying,'' said Lowell. ''No one expected us [to win in Florida] and we kept proving people wrong. Here, some people think if you don’t win the World Series you’ll disappoint a lot of people. To do something people expect you to do is very difficult to do, so this is extra rewarding. They’re both satisfying, but obviously this one feels better because we’re in the present.''

First-year Red Sox outfielder and veteran J.D. Drew also hopes Lowell is back with Boston next season.

''He’s had a great season and a great postseason,'' said Drew. ''He had one of those fantastic years and a guy you love to have on your team. Absolutely [we want him back] and I think everybody would. He’s one of those competitors and teammates that you’ll never forget. He’s been great.''

MVP great.

During the onfield postgame celebration at Coors Field Sunday night, the thousands of Red Sox fans began to chant, ''Bring back Lowell. Bring back Lowell'' and ''Don't sign A-Rod. Don't sign A-Rod. Don't A-Rod,'' with Red Sox owner John Henry walking by.

''That's a player no way you can lose,'' said David Ortiz. ''He did everything for us this year. He took care of business. You can't let a player like that go.''

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:25 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Henry says title proves '2004 wasn't a fluke'

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The 2004 World Series title was great, especially the way the Boston Red Sox came back in unprecedented fashion, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to the New York Yankees and then flattening St. Louis in a four-game sweep.

But this world championship, accomplished in a four-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies, went beyond being sweet. In some way, said owner John Henry, it was validation.

''At least for our organization, this proves that 2004 wasn't a fluke,'' said Henry amidst the team's celebration in its clubhouse at Coors Field after Boston had edged Colorado, 4-3, polishing off the Rockies in four straight.

''This proves we're an organization to be reckoned with. This shows we're a well rounded organization. We're not just stat geeks. We're aggressive. We're a bold organization. We have a bold general manager (Theo Epstein), a bold CEO (Larry Lucchino) and a bold partnership,'' said Henry.

Henry had kind words for his manager, Terry Francona.

''He is unbelievable,'' said Henry. ''He gets so much grief during the season from Red Sox Nation. I don't understand that. I think he has done a great job. I think he needs to get more benefit of the doubt. I think he will start to be more highly regarded next year.''

The team also came in for praise from its owner, especially because it was the second time the Red Sox have overcome adversity in the postseason and wound up taking the championship trophy back to Boston. In 2004, of course, there was the 3-0 hole against the Yankees in the ALCS. This year, the Red Sox were down, 3-1, to the Indians in the ALCS before rallying to win three straight and earn a World Series berth.

''To do that two times show that we have players who know how to focus on what they need to do. It's incredible what they did,'' said Henry. ''To come back from the brink of elimination it takes focus from a special group of players.''

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:25 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Notable World Series accomplishments, from MLB

WORLD SERIES NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ROOKIES ABOUND: Boston started a pair of rookies in Game One – DUSTIN PEDROIA and JACOBY ELLSBURY – the first World Series team since the New York Mets in 2000 (Timo Perez and Jay Payton) to start two rookie position players in Game One of a World Series. Colorado’s TROY TULOWITZKI became the fifth rookie shortstop to start a World Series game since 1969, joining DAVE CONCEPCION (1970), WALT WEISS (1988), KEVIN STOCKER (1993) and DEREK JETER (1996).

DUSTIN PEDROIA: Became the second player to lead off the first game of the World Series with a home run, joining DON BUFORD, who homered for Baltimore in Game One of the 1969 World Series against the Mets (October 11). In addition, Pedroia became the first rookie to hit a leadoff home run to start any World Series game.

JOSH BECKETT:
• Beckett’s four consecutive strikeouts to begin Game One were the third most ever to start a World Series game, behind SANDY KOUFAX (LA, Oct. 2, 1963 vs. NYY) and MORT COOPER (STL, Oct. 11, 1943 vs. NYY), who both had six straight strikeouts to begin a World Series game.
• Became the 19th pitcher to start a World Series game in both leagues, as he previously opened for Florida in 2003. He is the first to do so since ROGER CLEMENS and ANDY PETTITTE for Houston in 2005 after starting for New York (AL) on multiple occasions.
• Recorded his fourth victory of the postseason in Game One, becoming the ninth pitcher to win four games in one postseason as a starting pitcher. Beckett joins BURT HOOTON (1981), DAVE STEWART (1989), JACK MORRIS (1991), OREL HERSHISER (1995), JOHN SMOLTZ (1996), DAVID WELLS (1998), RANDY JOHNSON (2001) and CURT SCHILLING (2001). No pitcher has ever won five games as a starter in a single postseason.

UBALDO JIMENEZ: With his Game Two start for Colorado, he became the fifth pitcher ever to start a World Series game with fewer than 90 regular season innings of major league experience, the first since MARTY BYSTROM made a Game Five start for the Phillies in 1980.

MATT HOLLIDAY collected four hits in Game Two, the 57th time in World Series history a player has collected four or more hits in a game.

CURT SCHILLING: With his Game Two victory, he became just the second pitcher over 40 (40 years, 11 months, 11 days) to start and win a World Series game, joining KENNY ROGERS, who started and won Game Two of 2006 Series against St. Louis at 41 yrs, 11 mos, 12 days. He is the fourth pitcher overall over 40 to win a World Series game, with two winning in relief: DOLF LUQUE, 43 years, 2 months, 3 days when he defeated Washington in relief for the Giants in the 5th and deciding game of the 1933 World Series on October 7, and JOHN FRANCO, 40 years, one month, 7 days when he defeated the Yankees in relief with the Mets on October 24, 2000, Game 3.

1-2 PUNCH: JOSH BECKETT and CURT SCHILLING combined to go 7-0 this postseason, the first time a pair of teammates have gone 7-0 in a single postseason since DAVE STEWART (4-0) and MIKE MOORE (3-0) guided the 1989 Oakland A’s to a world title…Information courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau.

ROOKIE TANDEMS: JACOBY ELLSBURY and DUSTIN PEDROIA started Game Three in the top two spots of the Red Sox order. They became the first set of rookies in World Series history to hit 1-2 in a lineup. The last rookies to hit back-to-back in a lineup were TIMO PEREZ (batting 7th) and JAY PAYTON (batting 8th) in Game Five for the 2000 New York Mets. ELLSBURY and PEDROIA also became the first pair of rookies in World Series history to each collect at least three hits in the same Fall Classic game with their Game Three performances.

ROOKIE LEAD-OFF MAN: Ellsbury was the first rookie to hit lead off for a World Series game since TIMO PEREZ led off for the Mets in Game Four of the 2000 World Series, October 25, against the Yankees.

DOUBLE MAN: JACOBY ELLSBURY hit two doubles in the third inning of Game Three, becoming the second player in World Series history to collect two doubles in an inning. He joined MATT WILLIAMS (Ari.), Nov. 3, 2001 (3rd inning) as the only player to accomplish the feat. With four hits in the game, Ellsbury became the first rookie to record a multi-hit game since Chicago’s TADAHITO IGUCHI on Oct. 25, 2005 against Houston (Game 3). It was the third time a rookie had four hits in a game in World Series play, joining FRED LINDSTROM (1924 Game Five for New York Giants) and JOE GARAGIOLA (1946 Game Four for St. Louis). Ellsbury totaled three doubles, tied for second most ever in a World Series game, behind FRANK ISBELL (CWS), October 13, 1906.

DAISUKE WITH THE BAT: In Game Three, DAISUKE MATSUZAKA became the first pitcher to record a hit in a World Series game since JEFF SUPPAN (STL) recorded a hit in Game Three of the 2004 World Series (10/26/04). He’s the first Red Sox pitcher to get a hit in World Series play since BILL LEE in Game Seven of the 1975 World Series.

MANY RUNS: With 25 runs over the first three games of the series, the Red Sox have matched the second-highest total for runs scored in the first three games of a World Series. In 1911, Philadelphia scored 25 runs in three games, while the 1960 Yankees scored 30 runs, most ever in three games.

BOBBY KIELTY became the 32nd player in World Series history to homer in his first World Series at-bat, when he led off the 8th inning with a pinch-hit home run on the first pitch to lead off the 8th inning off BRIAN FUENTES. He is the 21st player in World Series history to hit a pinch-hit home run. In both cases, he is the first since Chicago’s GEOFF BLUM hit a game-winning 14th inning home run in Game Three of the 2005 World Series at Houston (Oct. 25).

WINNING STARTERS: Red Sox starting pitchers recorded the win in each of the four games of this series, just the 2nd time in World Series history four starting pitchers won the first four games for a winning team, joining the 1927 Yankees staff of WAITE HOYT (Gm. 1), GEORGE PIPGRAS (Gm. 2), HERB PENNOCK (Gm. 3) and WILCY MOORE (Gm. 4).

MIKE LOWELL: Lowell is the eighth third baseman in World Series history to win the MVP Award, the first since Anaheim’s TROY GLAUS in 2002, the most represented position with the MVP. Lowell is the second Boston MVP in history, joining MANNY RAMIREZ in 2004. The Red Sox World Series championship roster features four World Series MVPs: Lowell (2007), Ramirez (2004), JOSH BECKETT (2003) and CURT SCHILLING (2001).

TERRY FRANCONA becomes the 19th manager to win 2 World Series, the second consecutive year a manager has won his 2nd, joining TONY LaRUSSA with St. Louis (2006). Francona is the 11th manager to win his 1st two World Series appearances. Francona joins BILL CARRIGAN (1915 and 1916) as the only managers to win multiple World Series for the Red Sox.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:11 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

POSTGAME NOTES: From MLB

BOSTON WINS WORLD SERIES: The Boston Red Sox have captured their 7th World Series title, the team’s second in three years (1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918 and 2004). The Red Sox are the first team of the 21st century to win multiple championships. The Red Sox have won consecutive World Series via a sweep, also winning four straight against St. Louis in 2004. This is the 3rd sweep in the last 4 World Series (Boston – 2004, Chicago, AL – 2005 and Boston – 2007). There have been 17 World Series games played in the last four years, the fewest in any four-year span in World Series history. With Colorado’s loss, expansion teams are 5-5 in World Series debuts. The Rockies are the 2nd team to be swept in their World Series debut, joining the Astros in 2005. The Red Sox become the 23rd team to complete a four-game sweep in the history of the World Series.

MIKE LOWELL NAMED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Boston Red Sox third baseman MIKE LOWELL has been named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 World Series. In the World Series, Lowell hit .400 (6-15) with a team-high 6 runs scored and 4 RBI. Lowell is the 8th third baseman in World Series history to win the MVP Award, the first since Anaheim’s TROY GLAUS in 2002, the most represented position with the MVP. Lowell is the 2nd Boston MVP in history, joining MANNY RAMIREZ in 2004. The Red Sox World Series championship roster features four World Series MVPs: Lowell (2007), Ramirez (2004), JOSH BECKETT (2003) and CURT SCHILLING (2001).

EIGHT STRAIGHT WINS: The Red Sox have won 8 straight World Series games, matching the 1921-1923 New York Giants for the 5th longest winning streak in World Series history.

14 New York Yankees 10/22/96-10/22/2000
12 New York Yankees 10/5/27 – 10/2/32
10 New York Yankees 10/10/37 – 10/1/41
9 Cincinnati Reds 10/22/75 – 10/20/90
8 New York Giants 10/11/21 – 10/10/23 (includes 1 tie)
8 Boston Red Sox 10/23/04 – 10/28/07

TERRY FRANCONA becomes the 19th manager to win 2 World Series, the second consecutive year a manager has won his 2nd, joining TONY LaRUSSA with St. Louis (2006). Francona is the 11th manager to win his 1st two World Series appearances. Francona joins BILL CARRIGAN (1915 and 1916) as the only managers to win multiple World Series for the Red Sox.

JON LESTER earned his first career postseason victory, the fourth straight Boston Red Sox starter to win a game of this World Series. The win is Lester’s first since Sept. 7.

WINNING STARTERS: Red Sox starting pitchers recorded the win in each of the four games of this series, just the 2nd time in World Series history four starting pitchers won the first four games for a winning team, joining the 1927 Yankees staff of WAITE HOYT (Gm. 1), GEORGE PIPGRAS (Gm. 2), HERB PENNOCK (Gm. 3) and WILCY MOORE (Gm. 4).

PAPELBON AGAIN: JONATHAN PAPELBON recorded his 3rd straight save in this World Series, all for more than 1.0 inning. Papelbon worked 1.2 scoreless innings in Game Four, after recording 1.1 scoreless frames in both Games Two and Three. Papelbon has pitched 10.2 scoreless innings in 7 postseason games in 2007 and has not allowed a run in 14.1 lifetime postseason innings.

GARRETT ATKINS hit his first postseason home run, an 8th inning two-run home run to pull Colorado to within a run, 4-3. The estimated distance on Atkins home runs was 385 feet.

BOBBY KIELTY became the 32nd player in World Series history to homer in his first World Series at-bat, when he led off the 8th inning with a pinch-hit home run on the first pitch to lead off the 8th inning off BRIAN FUENTES. He is the 21st player in World Series history to hit a pinch-hit home run. In both cases, he is the first since Chicago’s GEOFF BLUM hit a game-winning 14th inning home run in Game Three of the 2005 World Series at Houston (Oct. 25).

BRAD HAWPE connected on his first World Series and postseason home run to lead off the 7th inning on a 3-2 count, giving the Rockies their first run of the night. The home run traveled an estimated 378 feet. It was just the 2nd home run for Colorado in the World Series.

MIKE LOWELL hit a solo home run to lead off the 7th inning on a 1-0 pitch from AARON COOK. The home run was Lowell’s 1st home run of this World Series, his 2nd home run this postseason.

MARGIN OF VICTORY: The Red Sox outscored the Rockies, 29-10, in this series. The 19-run differential is the largest in a World Series since 2002, when Anaheim defeated San Francisco by a total of 55-30. The 29 runs scored by the Red Sox are 3rd most ever for a 4-game series:

37, New York Yankees, 1932 vs. Cubs
32, Oakland Athletics, 1989 vs. San Francisco
29, Boston Red Sox, 2007 vs. Colorado

The Red Sox totaled 99 runs this postseason, second all-time for a single postseason behind the 2002 Anaheim Angels (101).

AVERAGES: The Red Sox finished this World Series with the 2nd best team batting average in World Series history at .333, second only to the 1960 New York Yankees (.338). The Red Sox also totaled the 2nd best on-base percentage in World Series history at .411, 2nd only to the 1932 New York Yankees (.421). Red Sox pitchers finished this World Series with a 2.50 era with 36 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. Six of the Red Sox regulars finished this World Series with a batting average of .300 or better.

WINNING ON THE ROAD: This is the 12th time in World Series history a team has completed a sweep on the road and seven of the last 8 such scenarios.

TROY TULOWITZKI struck out 3 times tonight and is 1-for-11 since Game One.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:09 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME QUOTES: Terry Francona

AP photo / Jack Dempsey
Terry Francona: "...we beat a very good team. I hope nobody forgets that because they gave us a battle to the end. They're classy people and a classy organization."

How about the job Jon Lester did tonight?
TERRY FRANCONA: So proud of Jon Lester. There's so many things to talk about with Jon. But the way he pitched, the way he composed himself, the way he competed, I thought it was very appropriate that he got the win.

Congratulations. How does it feel to win a title without having to talk about the curse? That's all done. For 80 years the team couldn't win one, and now you've won two in four years.
TERRY FRANCONA: I don't know that that was ever a big deal to us, maybe a long time ago. But when our organization started adding pitching, the curse kind of went away. I'm supposed to have a lot of things to say and maybe be a little bit profound, but it's hard to come up with the right words. To go through this from day one until now with people that you really, really care about makes it really special.

If I could ask a follow-up to that, how does it feel different this time having won one already and now to come through and win it in the same fashion but different circumstances?
TERRY FRANCONA: You know what, what happened in '04 we'll never forget. I won't ever forget it. So many people we're indebted to, so many good players. But this is '07, and we said that from day one. And we accomplished our goal, and it's not easy to do. And then like I said, when you do it standing next to people, and the players that you rely on and you depend on and you see them go through the ups and downs, it makes it really, really special.

Could you talk about the job Timlin did coming in, getting his fourth, then Oki and Pap might very well have been tired from the night before?
TERRY FRANCONA: Yeah, it would have been interesting to see who would have pitched tomorrow. Timlin got a huge out. You know what, and Oki ended up giving up a home run, but he -- the fact that he was even available and wanting to be available kind of shows I think why we ended up being here. Pap making some great pitches. I mean, everybody has to do something special for us to be here, and a lot of guys did from top to bottom.

There are a couple of points where this could have turned. Could you just talk a little bit about what Manny does when he comes in there as a guy -- Manny Delcarmen does and he doesn't have a lot of experience, and then Kielty, as well, a couple guys coming up with some big stuff?
TERRY FRANCONA: Yeah, Bobby sitting around being a professional like he is, knowing what his job is and putting a beautiful swing ends up making a difference. Manny Delcarmen is growing up right in front of our eyes. It's fun. You watch the veterans act like little kids, and then you see the young kids starting to act like veterans. It's gratifying.

Anything you want to say about this Rockies team that you faced?
TERRY FRANCONA: Thank you for bringing that up. I thought the run that they went on, and in this city, having a little bit of background here, it's such a special place, and you saw the way the fans reacted, and they're so classy. I mean, we beat a very good team. I hope nobody forgets that because they gave us a battle to the end. I know when you look at 4-0 it may get lost. It won't on us. They're classy people and a classy organization.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:55 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME QUOTES: Mike Lowell

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Jason Varitek, right, congratulates Mike Lowell on his home run in the seventh inning of Game 4.

Congratulations. How does it feel, you've been through this before, but to do it with these guys, with all they went through this year. What's it feel like now to win this second ring and be the MVP?
MIKE LOWELL: You know, I'm on cloud nine. It's unbelievable. I think in '03 no one expected us to do anything so we were kind of beating the odds each time. But I think it's a little different when from the onset a lot of people are expecting you to win a World Championship, and if you don't it's a disappointing year. For us to come through and do what we thought we were capable of doing is unbelievable. We've got a lot of people to give credit to.

As well as you guys have played in the spotlight and with what's all on you guys, what does Terry bring to this? How big a part of it is he? What's on him? I mean, you guys see what he does for this team every day?
MIKE LOWELL: He's a huge part of this team. I know he doesn't hit or pitch or do any of those things anymore. But I think he provides an atmosphere for our clubhouse and for our guys to be able to use our talents to the best of our abilities. That's not easy to do in the market we're in. A lot of things are being scrutinized, a lot of things are being second-guessed, and he sticks with his guys all the time. That's a very comforting feeling as a player, and you want to win for him.

You talk about the toughness of playing in that market. Late in the season when the Yankees were getting close, Terry didn't panic, he got people ready for the postseason. How much did that have to do with what you guys did and the way you played in the postseason?
MIKE LOWELL: I think it had something to do with it, definitely. But I think the most important thing during that time was our manager didn't panic, the players didn't panic, the coaches didn't panic. We knew if we just kept playing the baseball that we know we can play, we'll be all right. And it proved to be true all the way throughout the end of September and to each round of the playoffs and the World Series.

Do you want to comment on the job Jon Lester did tonight?
MIKE LOWELL: I'm ecstatic for him. I don't think too many people expected him to be in that situation, and against a very good hitting team in a tough park to pitch in. He did an excellent job. I know we all know the story of what he's had to overcome. And personally, I feel that we have a little bit of a link because of what both of us have gone through. I'm just so happy for him. He's got a bright future, and not only that, he's a great person.

Can you talk about the team's offense? We've heard so much about the pitching and Schilling and Beckett and Matsuzaka, but you guys just put together the greatest run differential ever in a four-game series. You won by 19 runs. That's new.
MIKE LOWELL: I think we definitely have the ability to put together a lot of consecutive professional at-bats. I think even when we're not scoring runs in those first three, four, five innings sometimes, we work the count, we're patient, we're selective, and we can get to the bullpen before maybe most our teams do. But you can be selective but you can have talent. You can swing
the bats and come through. In the postseason here, the first two guys in the order when it was Pedroia or Youk or now with Ellsbury, they got on base, and we needed them to get on base to be able to drive in runs. It seemed like one through nine everyone was doing their part to put some runs on the board.

Theo talks a lot about the process and sort of believing in the way you guys do things. After being here a couple years, to what extent do you see the value in that sort of constant belief in the way we do things, it's going to work, it's going to happen?
MIKE LOWELL: Well, I think from Theo's standpoint it's worked before, and I think he had that same mindset in '04. And once you have success doing something, I think you believe in what you're doing a little bit more. But I think it also starts from the top. It starts from our owner John Henry providing the players and doing the things that we need to do during the course of a season to put together a playoff team, and then it all trickles down to the upper management, the staff and the players. We're all one big unit that's trying to accomplish the same goal. But it's -- there's more than just the nine guys on the field, and I think you have to give credit to a lot of people.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:50 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME QUOTES: From trophy and MVP presentations

AP photo / David J. Phillip
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, left, presents Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell with the World Series MVP trophy after Game 4.

COMMISSIONER SELIG: Well, on behalf of Major League Baseball, after waiting 86 years, a second time in four years, great comeback in the American League Championship series, congratulations, Jon, Tom, Larry, Theo, wherever he is here, and Terry. You've had a magnificent season, and I congratulate you. And enjoy, and I know you will.

Mr. Henry, 2004, the Red Sox Nation lost, and they were almost waiting for someone to steal the title away from them, waiting for the curse to resurface. How was 2007 different?
JOHN HENRY: Well, I'll tell you, 2007 was a great year for baseball. It was a great, great year. I want to say, this Colorado team, what they accomplished, 21 out of 22, to get to the World Series was incredible, so we want to congratulate them. The people of Denver have been terrific to us.But for this organization to win, we were here three years ago last night. To win the second trophy is just an incredible accomplishment.

So important for you to be back in the game, to be with a legendary franchise, to get it back to the surface to notoriety. Very long way from San Diego, would you say?
TOM WERNER: Long way, but 2004 was for our parents and grandparents and those people who suffered through eight decades before a World Championship. This is for us and for our children and for everybody in Red Sox Nation that we can do it again.

Mr. Larry Lucchino, your club grabbed first place in early April and never really seemed to look back, backs against the wall in the LCS. Was there ever any doubt that you would be standing on this podium, maybe not in Colorado but standing on this podium collecting this trophy?
LARRY LUCCHINO: Absolutely. There was plenty of doubt from time to time, absolutely. But the guys in uniform played like a band of brothers the entire season, and we are a grateful ownership and organization tonight to these players, to the fans, to the Red Sox Nation, from the Dominican Republic to Japan, all over the continental U.S., this is for you, as well, thank you and congratulations to you all.

COMMISSIONER SELIG: Our most valuable player trophy, presented by Chevrolet. Congratulations, a great World Series, you hit .400, you got big hits. On behalf of baseball and Chevrolet, congratulations, Most Valuable Player in the 2007 World Series, and to all of Red Sox Nation and fans all over, congratulations on this great victory. Really just an all-around effort by you.

Q. Talk about the long ball.
MIKE LOWELL: Just in that situation I was in a 1-one-0 count and Aaron has got a good sinker and just tried to get him to put it up a little. I got my hands inside, I got through and I knew I hit it well, and it went out and it was a great feeling.

This is not your first ring. I think people are aware of that. You did it before with the franchise. It was really just making a mark. How different is it to win a World Championship wearing this Red Sox uniform?
MIKE LOWELL: Really different. I think with the Marlins no one expected you to do it, and with the Red Sox people expect you to win. Very satisfying. To come through when everybody thinks you won't win a championship and to still win that championship is very rewarding.

I know you're going to tell me you just want to bask in this championship right now, but obviously you have a contract that is expiring I think any second now. Where is your heart at? Is your heart in Boston? Are you desirous of shopping yourself around a little bit?
MIKE LOWELL: Well, free agency to me is very new, so I'm going to take it step by step, but I've never hid the fact that I enjoy playing here in Boston. I have great teammates, a great manager, great coaches, so we'll see what happens, but I'm more focused on celebrating right now.

Terry Francona, I don't think we have enough time to give you credit for what you've accomplished here. You set the bar so high. You come in first year on the job, you get this nation a World Championship. How different is it being back here again?
TERRY FRANCONA: It doesn't get old. I'm so proud of our organization. I mean, I don't know how to say it because I know I'm supposed to find words, but it's hard. This is a time when I just want to watch our players enjoy what they did because what this organization accomplished is so special.

This is something we find ourselves asking players. Do you look at your numbers, do you see what you're doing? Do you see your dominance in the postseason, it's Hall-of-Fame atmosphere and back-to-book sweeps?
TERRY FRANCONA: I couldn't breathe the last inning. It doesn't feel like that. You're fighting so hard to get through that game, and so many guys had to dig deep. There will be a time when we can sit back and enjoy it, but not when you're playing. It's so hard.

Let me ask you, what is the Red Sox Nation supposed to do? We've got a couple of titles here. We're supposed to wait a long time, yes?
TERRY FRANCONA: We'll figure it out. We'll get back home tomorrow and celebrate with the fans and the organization.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:44 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME QUOTES: Varitek and Papelbon

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon shakes hands with catcher Jason Varitek at the conclusion of Boston's 10-5 win in Game 3.

JASON VARITEK

This team has got a lot of heart. We worked real hard from the staff to the scouts to the teammates to everybody. We just beat a very, very good team, an excellent team. We had to do the little things, and we were able to.

Unfortunate not being able to celebrate at Fenway, so what do you say to Red
Sox Nation everywhere?
I thank them. Every guy, every woman, whoever it was, they've always been there. It makes it a special place to play, and I'm just happy right now.

When we asked fans which team was better, the 2004 team or this team?
I don't know, there's no comparison, different battles, different things to go through. This team didn't hit quite as well as the other one, but we hit well late. It doesn't compare.

How was the performance by Jon Lester, Mike Lowell?
You know, it was phenomenal. We were in some tough spots and he made some pitches and stayed aggressive through the zone, and it was such a big part. He
hadn't pitched since Cleveland, and to have that kind of performance, it was just a testament to him.

JONATHAN PAPELBON
The Red Sox are celebrating here on the mound you just came off of. Did you think it was out?
It took all 25 of us to get this job done. It's just phenomenal, man.

Really two one-run games against this Rockies team.
Yeah, this team did everything they could to stay in it, and we had to
do everything we could to keep the lead. It's just a phenomenal team.

You talked about the river dance Red Sox fans said they want to see.
I'm going to do that, too, believe me.

Just a thought on the way that this team rallied from being down 3-1 against
Cleveland.
I think that was the turning point in this entire postseason for us.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:35 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: In-game notes from MLB

CORRECTION: The Red Sox have scored 10 or more runs FIVE times this postseason, not six times, as incorrectly stated in today’s pregame editions.

-- AARON COOK retired 10 consecutive batters from a 1st-inning ending double play through the 4th inning. He surrendered a leadoff double to MIKE LOWELL to start the 5th inning. Cook became the first Rockies pitcher to pitch at least 5.0 innings in this series. Previous length of starts: Gm. 1 – Jeff Francis (4 ip) Gm. 2 – Ubaldo Jimenez (4.2 ip) Gm. 3 – Josh Fogg (2.2 ip) Cook also collected one of the Rockies’ 3 hits through 6 innings tonight.

-- FEW HOME RUNS: Through 5 innings tonight, only 1 home run had been hit in this World Series, by each team. DUSTIN PEDROIA to lead off Game One for Boston, MATT HOLIDAY in Game Three for Colorado. Should no more home runs be hit, it would mark the fewest Home Run totals for one club since Atlanta hit one home run in 1999. The two home runs by both clubs would mark the fewest combined since 1950 (Phillies – 0, Yankees – 2).

-- JON LESTER pitched 5.2 innings in his first start since Sept. 26. He threw 92 pitches/59 strikes.

-- JACOBY ELLSBURY scored his 4th run of this World Series in the 1st inning, tying DAVID ORTIZ for 2nd most on the team, one behind MIKE LOWELL, who scored his 5th run in the 5th inning. Ellsbury led off the game with his team-leading 4th double of this World Series, two shy of the most in a single World Series by a rookie (6), established by Detroit’s PETE FOX in 1934.

-- JASON VARITEK collected his team-leading 5th RBI of this World Series with his 5th inning single.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:31 AM | Permalink

INSIDE THE GAME BY STEVEN KRASNER: Late-inning wrapup

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Red Sox closer Jonathon Papelbon put Boston on the fast track to the World Championship.

BOSTON — It was clear when he came into last night’s game that, in Jonathan Papelbon’s mind, if the Rockies were going to beat him, they were going to have to beat him on his best pitch — the fastball.

And despite a couple of heavy-duty scares, Colorado wasn’t up to the challenge as Papelbon and the Red Sox held on for a 4-3 victory and a sweep of the World Series for Boston’s second crown in four years.

Papelbon ended the game by sizzling a 94-mph heater past pinch-hitter Seth Smith for a game-ending strikeout and then threw his glove high into the air as catcher Jason Varitek rushed out to the mound and jumped into Papelbon’s arms.

The right-handed flame-thrower entered the game in the eighth with one out, none on and Boston on top, 4-3, only five outs away from winning the World Series.

He threw 12 pitches in the eighth. The first 11 were fastballs, ranging from 94-96 mph. That netted him a groundout and a 1-and-2 count on Ryan Spilborghs. He tried to fool Spilborghs with his next pitch, a changeup at 88 mph. Spilborghs put a charge into it, sending a deep drive to center.

The Sox and their fans held their breath, but Coco Crisp ran the ball down for the catch in deep center. As Papelbon walked off the mound he pounded his fist into his glove, no doubt in irritation at the location of the changeup, if not the pitch selection.
In the ninth, Papelbon threw 11 pitches, 9 of which were fastballs, most either 94 or 95 mph. The only two pitches that weren’t fastballs were an 0-and-1 splitter and a 2-and-1 changeup to Smith before the punchout, which followed a groundout by Yorvit Torrealba and a hold-your-breath flyout to the fence in left by Jamie Carroll.

* * * *
As Boston manager Terry Francona said several times heading into last night’s game, Red Sox starter Jon Lester had gotten past the point where he was thinking about the cancer scare he survived last year.

That, said Francona, wasn’t a concern when Lester was on the mound. In a game, said Francona, Lester is only thinking about the game, and what he has to do to hold the opposition at bay.

So Francona handed the ball to his 23-year-old left-hander last night in Game Four with the Red Sox one win away from claiming the World Series crown.

And Lester, making his first start in the postseason, competed. While Lester showed great maturity and presence on the mound, attributes that belie his relative big-league inexperience, he also was very successful because of the command he had with all three of his pitches.

Lester blanked the Rockies on three hits over 5 2/3 innings. His fastball was in the low 90s, his slider in the 82-85 mph range and his curveball was dropping in around 73 mph.

All three pitches helped him in his 92-pitch outing last night. He twice fanned Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado’s Rookie of the Year candidate, with biting sliders down and in. He whiffed Matt Holliday, the Rockies’ MVP candidate, with a high heater. And his curveball had Yorvit Torrealba and Kaz Matsui way out in front for fifth-inning popups to shortstop.

In short, Lester had it all going for him despite not pitching for 11 days. It was an impressive performance for any pitcher, let alone a youngster only one year removed from a life-threatening health issue.

* * * *
Mike Timlin overpowered Matsui and Tulowitzki, the Rockies’ top of the order, with a runner at first and the Sox up, 3-1, in the seventh.

So Boston manager Terry Francona had a decision to make. Should he pinch hit for Timlin, who was scheduled to lead off the top of the eighth and turn to Hideki Okajima for the bottom of the inning, even though the left-hander had thrown 28 pitches on Thursday and 28 more Saturday night?

Or should he send Timlin back out to start the eighth, with the Rockies sending the middle of their order to the plate?

Francona opted to pinch hit for Timlin, sending up Bobby Kielty, who hadn’t appeared in the World Series and hadn’t swung a bat in a game since Oct. 18.

When you’re hot, you’re hot. Francona pushed the right button again.

Kielty crushed the first pitch he saw from Colorado left-hander Brian Fuentes into the the left-field seats, his no-doubt-about-it homer giving the Red Sox a little extra breathing room at 4-1. The switch-hitter, in the first World Series at-bat of his career, threw up his arms in triumph and pure joy about four steps out of the batter’s box.
And the breathing room proved vital.

* * * *
Well, maybe Francona didn’t push all the right buttons.

Maybe he pushed Okajima a little too far. Before the game he talked about not wanting to use Okajima because of his heavy load in the previous two days.

“We’ll have to keep our eye on him,” said Francona, saying he wanted to see how Okajima felt during warmups.

Apparently, Francona liked what he saw. At least in warmups. But not in the game.
Okajima, who had been given a long rest at the end of the regular season because of fatigue, retired Matt Holliday on a grounder to start the eighth, but then coughed up a single to Todd Helton and a homer to Garrett Atkins, cutting the Sox’ lead to 4-3.

Okajima was lifted at that point, having thrown 15 more pitches, for a total of 71 in a four-day stretch. Papelbon replaced him.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:14 AM | Permalink

FINAL: Red Sox 4, Rockies 3

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
The Red Sox celebrate their World Series title.

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER — The Red Sox capped another banner year last night with . . . another banner.

The Sox completed a sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 4-3 victory to win their second World Series in four years.

After solid pitching performances in the first three games of the Series by Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka, respectively, the Red Sox last night handed the ball to 23-year-old lefty Jon Lester.

The story surrounding Lester all season has been his recovery from cancer last summer, but beating the disease has been the furthes