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Clubhouse Confidential from Southern Cal

*The Red Sox just completed their optional workout at Angels Stadium. The club arrived here at 6 a.m. this morning, but mostly everyone showed up at the ballpark.

"I almost didn't show up," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We got in late. I think the Angels got in about the same time we did. So, it's the same for both teams. You just do the best you can. . . That's just the way it is. You can sleep in the winter."

*Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedoria said his sore is a little sore today, but nothing to worry about. He still took BP this afternoon. His left shoulder popped out and popped back in when he was attempting to make a play in Game Two Friday night at Fenway Park. He remained in the game and showed no ill effects.

"It's the playoffs," he said. "You play through it."

Before and after the workout this afternoon he received treatment, and he said he'll be ready to go on Sunday.

Francona said this afternoon that he expected the rookie to be "a little more tender" than what he is.

"It's not something that will get in the way of him playing, which is great from our standpoint," said the manager.

Pedroia grew up in California and said he's expecting some family and a ton of friends to attend Sunday's game.

*After his subpar performance in his first major-league postseason game, Daisuke Matsuzaka was sitting in the clubhouse having a discussion with pitching coach John Farrell.

*After his walk-off heroics on Friday night, Manny Ramirez was sitting in the clubhouse this afternoon, watching video of his at-bats versus Sunday's Angels starter Jered Weaver. As he walked over to where the video equipment is set up, he did say he was tired.

Ramirez actually spoke with the media following Friday's victory and he said that he hasn't been right all season with his timing, but also alluded to something else that was bothering him.

He wouldn't go into specifics, so Francona was asked about it today. He said he didn't hear the press conference and did not want to comment. But he did say the slugger has been working on his timing for much of the season.

*Red Sox pitchers Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett traveled here Friday night and arrived at the hotel at the precise moment Ramirez hit his three-run walk-off homer. Schilling said they walked into the hotel bar all fired up about the win, which didn't sit too well with the Angels fans in the house.

"I was acting like a 2-year-old," said Schilling. "I was just screaming. I don't think they were all that excited. But we literally stepped out of the cab and Manny hit the ball. So, it was a pretty wild night."

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Curt Schilling on his transformation from a power to a finesse pitcher:

"It's like Josh (Beckett) goes through a lineup with a bazooka for the most part. Daisuke is like a machine gun. I've turned into a guy who has to use a sniper rifle; pick my spots and pick my targets and execute perfectly."

Schilling was done there.

In the midst of answering a question about his post World Series performances in '93, '01 and '04 and what he can carry into Sunday's start, he talked about Yankees' Alex Rodriguez.

This is his complete answer. You try to figure it out.

"Well, I think one of the main ingredients to being good at this time of the year is part of your internal makeup, I guess. I'm not afraid to make mistakes. I'm not afraid to fail. And I want to -- I've always wanted to be great on this stage, because the postseason is just so different in how I think I perceive it and how people look at it."

Ok, that's a pretty good answer. But in the same breath, Schilling adds this:

"Great example is you look at what Alex has done this year in New York. He had one of the single best seasons in the history of the game. And the media there couldn't wait for six at-bats. He's 0-for-6. They had three hits (Friday). The focal of the New York media is that Alex has srewed up again. We know, as players, that's not how it works. But, there's a preception in October that from a player's perspective, that's than you guys."

He added:

"When you can be thought of like a Josh Beckett, and those guys that suceed on the game's biggest stage, the biggest moments, to me it's always told you something different that's maybe not visible, they have some different makeup. It's comforting to know that you've got guys on the team with that makeup in them. This is the time that makes people see that."

Seems like Big Schil is contradicting himself a bit, eh?

LOS ANGELS ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

Angels slugger Vlad Guerrero, who was hit in the back of the left shoulder by Red Sox reliever in the seventh inning Friday night and was pulled from the game, had some tests done this morning and everything is normal, according to manager Mike Scioscia.

"It's just a contusion," he said. "He was in this morning for treatment and definitely looks like he's going to be able to play (on Sunday). We'll see if this thing keeps moving in the right direction. It's a little stiff, but knowing Vlad he'll come in tomorrow and he'll be ready to go."

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:21 PM | Permalink

Oh, Danny Boy

Good morning,

Just landed in Chicago as I'm on my way to Anaheim for Game Three of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Angels. Unless you've been leaving under home plate, you know all about 17-year-old Danny Vinik.

If you don't, make sure you get to know him and his story because he's not going away any time soon.

While I'm waiting for my flight, I decided to check my email and the unpublished comments made on projo.com, and so far it seems Red Sox owner John Henry is quite happy with young Danny since he left a comment. Another emailer wants to get in touch with Danny to offer him a shopping spree at a local sports retailer.

I have a feeling this story is only going to get bigger, especially if the Red Sox are able to clinch the series on Sunday for a trip to the ALCS.

I know Manny Ramirez should send the kid something for the assist on the Sox' victory on Friday night.

I'm sure I'll get more emails and comments about this story, and as soon as I do, I'll be sure to post them.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments 2

Updated game story

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ It was a night when anything could have happened.

And it did.

Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka made his major-league postseason debut. The New York Yankees suffered another loss in Cleveland as the Indians are one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. And, a 17-year-old boy helped the Red Sox score the game-tying run.

Yes, Game Two of the ALDS between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park had it all. In the end, the Sox’ Manny Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning that could have easily landed in New Hampshire to give Boston a 6-3 walk-off victory.

“That ball was crushed,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “He put a great swing on it and that’s why he’s one of the best right-handers of all time. He’s inside the ball all the time. His swing is short and powerful.”

So powerful that it gave the Red Sox a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series as both teams head to the West Coast for Game Three tomorrow.

After Ramirez crossed home plate and was completely mobbed by his teammates, the chants of “Man-ny. Man-ny. Man-ny” could be heard from the 37,706 in attendance.

“Wow!” said Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo. “It was amazing. I saw the whole swing and the ball coming in. Knowing you hit the ball that far and it’s going to go out is a great feeling. It’s great for us. . . Manny has been the best RBI man in the last decade.”

With one out and Lugo on second base, the Angels decided to intentionally walk Red Sox slugger David Ortiz to get to Ramirez.

Big mistake.

After the game Ortiz was asked if he thought the ball had enough to get out.

“C’mon, man,” he said with a smile. “It probably hit a car on the highway.”

There were no accidents reported.

The Red Sox enjoyed near perfection in every aspect of the game during Game One of this series on Wednesday. It was everything the Red Sox could have envisioned to take the early lead in the series.

Last night was a close second thanks to Ramirez and a solid job by the Sox' bullpen.

The Red Sox knew exactly what Game One starter Josh Beckett could or would give them, which was a complete-game four-hitter. Matsuzaka, however, was a different story.

Anaheim wore Dice-K out and he was lifted in the top of the fifth inning with the Red Sox trailing by a run. Before Red Sox manager Terry Francona came out to get him, Matsuzaka allowed a one-out single to Macier Izturis, who then stole second and reached third on a wild pitch.

That was it for Matsuzaka’s postseason debut. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits, including 96 pitches (62 for strikes).

“It was a lot of pitches,” said Francona. “He had a lot of deep counts. Even when he worked and started ahead, he found a way to get himself back into hitter’s counts. But, the one thing I will say, he didn’t cave; he didn’t give in."

After Matsuzaka pitched his way out of a jam in the first inning, Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning when J.D. Drew provided a two-out two-run single to give the Red Sox the early advantage.

It didn’t last long.

The Angels, who couldn’t muster any offense during the impressive outing by Beckett in Game One, got to Matsuzaka in the second inning yesterday. The Angels pushed across three runs, including a pair of two-out RBI-doubles from Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera.

With the Angels leading by a run, 3-2, that’s when young Danny Vinik comes into play.

He's 17-year-old who caught the foul ball hit by the Sox' Manny Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth inning. Young Danny was sitting in the front row just behind the Sox' on-deck circle when Ramirez lifted an easy foul ball into the first row of seats. Vinik reached up and snared it to keep Angels catcher Jeff Mathis from making the play.

It proved crucial because Ramirez ended up drawing a walk to load the bases as teammate Mike Lowell hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.

“That was awesome,” said Pedroia. “I saw it from third base. That guy’s great. I don’t know what his name is, but he needs a tour around here. I heard he’s one of the owners’ sons; he’s probably sitting there on purpose.”

The Red Sox are sitting one victory away from going to the ALCS. Now, they’ll have ace Curt Schilling on the mound to attempt to close it out tomorrow in Anaheim.

Again, anything can happen.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 2:08 AM | Permalink

Manny of the Moment

BOSTON –- Mike Scoiscia was given a choice that no one would envy.
He could pitch to David Ortiz with the game on the line, or he could pitch to Manny Ramirez.
In other words, he could choose the firing squad or the hangman’s noose – one or the other.
``You really pick your poison,’’ said Scioscia.
In the fifth inning last night, Scioscia chose correctly. In the ninth, he wasn’t so fortunate.
With the winning run on second and first base open, Scioscia went with the percentages and walked Ortiz.
That backfired in a big way when Ramirez drove a 1-and-0 fastball from Frankie Rodriguez over everything in left for a three-run belt, sending the Red Sox to a 6-3 win.
It’s a decision no manager wants to face. So Scioscia played the percentages --- in every sense.
``Both guys are terrific,’’ said Scioscia. ``I just think in that situation and the situation before (in the fifth), we’re going to take our chances with some matchups. It just made sense not to go after David and it didn’t work tonight.’’
Don’t blame Scioscia, though. For all of Ramirez’s achievements, it’s been Ortiz who has delivered the bigger hits, the dramatic walk-offs, the late-inning game-winners. Argue if you will that some of those have been the result of pitchers not wanting to put Ortiz on with Ramirez due, but there’s no denying history: Ortiz has been the more clutch performer.
That changed last night, with a violent swing of the bat. At the second Ramirez connected, it was clear the game – and perhaps the Angels’ season – was over. Ramirez stood at home plate and lifted his arms skyward in celebration, admiring his handiwork the way a victorious boxer might stand over his defeated foe.
``It feels great, man,’’ said Ramirez. ``It’s been a long time (since I’ve done) something special like that. But I haven’t been right all year round. But I guess when you don’t feel good and you still get hits, that’s when you know you are a bad man.’’
This being the first time that Ramirez has made himself available to the media all season, he was asked to clarify his statement. Other than the strained left oblique which sidelined him for most of September, why was it that he didn’t fell good?
``Just my timing all year round hasn’t been right,’’ he said with a shrug. ``But like I said, even I’m not right, I get hits.’’
The 2007 season was, statistically at least, Ramirez’s worst since coming to the Red Sox seven years ago. He failed to knock in 100 runs for the first time since 1997 and his 20 homers were his lowest output since 1994, his rookie year in Cleveland.
The three-plus weeks missed with the oblique contributed of course, but even before he was injured in the final week of August, his numbers were off. Returning for the final week of the regular season, he had some good at-bats, but wasn’t driving the ball the way he usually does.
In Game 1, he had an infield single in four plate appearances. Last night, he lined out – hard – to center in the first, then struck out and worked two walks.
Then came the fateful ninth.
``In that moment,’’ he said, ``I’m just trying to see the ball and trust myself. I ain’t trying to do too much. I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself. (Rodriguez) is one of the greatest closers in the game and I’m one of the best hitters in the game. He missed his spot and I got good timing on the ball and that’s it.’’
Ramirez made it sound so simple. It’s not, of course. It takes extraordinary skill, to say nothing of hard work.
``He’s a guy a lot of people criticize (because they say) he doesn’t play hard,’’ said teammate Alex Cora. ``That guy works and that’s why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer He’s Manny Ramirez and he can do a lot of things on the field.’’
He had seen Ortiz do it so many times. He had been the welcoming committee, moving from the on-deck circle, to greet his friend rounding the bases.
But last night, when Mike Scioscia made the same painful decision anyone else would have, Ramirez decided that this time, it was his time.
``It feels good, man,’’ said Ramirez. ``One of the best feelings ever.’’
For the Red Sox. And this time, not for David Ortiz, but for Manny Ramirez.

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:52 AM | Permalink

Pedroia feeling no pain

BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia was feeling no pain.
Which, considering that his left shoulder popped out when he dove for a ground ball in the second inning last night, was a bit surprising.
But perhaps it shouldn't have been, because Manny Ramirez's three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning turned what would have been a very long and painful flight to the West Coast into a joy ride.
"That was a great game," the exultant Pedroia said in Boston's joyous clubhouse after the Red Sox took a commanding, 2-0 lead over the Angels in their best-of-five, American League Division Series. "That was awesome."
The game was awesome, and so was Ramirez's homer -- a towering shot to left that everybody in Fenway Park knew was gone the second it left the bat.
Manny posed at the plate with his arms over his head. The ball went over the Green Monster. The game was over. And the ALDS may be, too.
"He crushed that ball," Pedroia said. "The swing he put on that ball was beautiful. He's one of the best right-handed hitters of all time.
"Watching him hit, day in and day out, is awesome. He works hard every day. People don't realize how hard he works. And to see his face when all that works pays off -- that's everything."
Ramirez was out of the lineup for much of September because of a strained oblique muscle. Mike Lowell moved into the cleanup spot in the batting order and did a fine job, but, for the Red Sox, having Manny batting fourth is like the Patriots adding Randy Moss to their receiving corps.
"He makes everybody that much better," Pedroia said.
Manny, just by being Manny -- carefree and eccentric -- also keeps everybody in the Boston clubhouse that much looser.
"It's fun to be part of this team with him on it," Pedroia said. "Just being around him every day makes you smile. He keeps everybody loose. It creates an atmosphere where we're not pressing.
"I know, my first five or six at-bats (in the postseason), I was a bit nervous. But, as he'd run out to left field, he'd go past me and whisper something. He reminds us that this game should be fun."
It's fun to watch Pedroia, a leading candidate -- arguably, THE leading candidate -- for A.L. Rookie of the Year. After batting just .191 in 31 games last year, he hit .317 this season in 139 games. Only 5-9 and 180 pounds, he hit 8 homers, drove in 50 runs, and struck out just 42 times in 520 at-bats. He also takes many hits away from the opposition -- most memorably, a diving, backhanded stab of a hot grounder up the middle by Miguel Tejada that preserved Clay Buchholz's no-hitter.
It was while trying to make another diving play early in the game last night that Pedroia's left shoulder popped out.
"He obviously jammed it when he dove," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "Because, when you don't see him get up and go chase the ball down, you know he's hurting.
"But we had not only our trainers, but also our doctor come down and really run him through some strength things down in the tunnel. We were very concerned. But he wasn't coming out of that game. I bet you he's going to be sore (Saturday.)"
Pedroia, like all of the Sox, was feeling good last night, however.
"It came out," he said of his shoulder, "and went back in when I landed."
He grimaced in obvious pain as he hit the ground, but the trainers would have had to drag him off the field to get him out of the game.
"It was tough," he admitted. "I went through that before in spring training. But it's the playoffs, and I'm not coming out."

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 1:35 AM | Permalink

The Sox' Bullpen Is Lights Out

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The titanic home run launched by Manny Ramirez with two outs in the ninth inning, the monstrous rocket that gave the Boston Red Sox a walkoff 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five ALDS, was the dramatic, memorable moment that will live on from last night's game at Fenway Park.

But lost in Ramirez's exultant home-run trot and the resulting raucous home-plate celebration was the work of the Boston bullpen, which no-hit the Angels for the final 4 1/3 innings after starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was lifted.

Javier Lopez, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon combined for the stellar relief work, shaking off whatever rust they may have had in pitching for the first time in at least five days.

"We pride ourselves on being one of the best bullpens in the league," said Lopez, who retired the only batter he faced. "We've been doing it all year and we showed it again today. For some of us -- myself, Manny and Okajima -- this was our first playoff experience. It was exciting for all of us. And then Pap came in. He can dominate. And even when he doesn't have his best stuff he can get outs."

"We all feel we can do the job," said Delcarmen, who retired four of the five batters he faced. "Tonight we just picked each other up, the way we've been doing it all year."

Manager Terry Francona's first call to the bullpen went to Lopez. He brought in the situational left-hander to face Kendry Morales with runners at first and third with two outs in the fifth and the Red Sox trailing, 3-2.

That forced the switch-hitting Morales to turn around and bat from the right side, where he hasn't been as successful. It took Lopez only two pitches to escape the jam, getting Morales to bounce into a forceout.

Delcarmen was next. With the score tied at 3-3, Delcarmen took over in the sixth. The right-hander from nearby Jamaica Plain worked a spotless inning, notching one whiff, and retired the first batter in the seventh. He was lifted in favor of Okajima after hitting Vladimir Guerrero with a pitch.

Okajima nailed down the final two outs in the seventh, one on a whiff. And after retiring the first two Angels in the eighth, the last one on another strikeout, Francona called for Papelbon with the game still tied at 3-3.

Papelbon should have had a one-pitch inning, but Mike Lowell bounced a throw to first on Howie Kendrick's grounder for an error, and a short time later, thanks to three stolen bases and a walk, Papelbon was pitching with runners at second and third and two outs.

But he won a battle with leadoff man Chone Figgins, freezing him with a splitter for a called strike three.

"That was the biggest pitch of the night," said Papelbon. "That was a momentum shift for us."

Papelbon worked around a two-out walk in the ninth, but he ended the inning by retiring Macier Izturis on a popup, and wound up the winning pitcher when Ramirez crushed the walkoff homer.

"I think from top to bottom the bullpen was lights out," said Papelbon. "It all started with Javier going out there and setting the tone and then everybody follows suit. Once we get the ball rolling down there in the bullpen, we feed off each other as go along."

And partly as a result of the bullpen's solid performance, the Red Sox were able to taste victory last night.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:26 AM | Permalink

Quick reaction: Manny Ramirez

-- First, I want to thank God for the talent He gave me. In that situation, I'm just trying to see the ball and not do too much.

-- It feels great, man. It's been a long time since I did something special like that. I haven't been right all year. But you don't feel right and you can still hit, you know you are a bad man.

-- I tried to be patient. Patience is the key. Sometimes I don't get good pitches to hit, and they want you to chase.

-- I'm one of the best players in the game. I have confidence in myself. The train doesn't stop there.

-- My timing all year round hasn't been right. But even when I'm not right I get hits, so I got to keep battling.

-- One of the best feelings ever. I never look for pitches. That man got me so many times, but sometimes you get me and sometimes I get you.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:11 AM | Permalink

Updated game story: Red Sox 6, Angels 3

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- It was a night when, it seemed, anything could happen.

Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka made his major-league postseason debut. The New York Yankees suffered another loss in Cleveland, putting the Indians one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. A 17-year-old boy helped the Red Sox score a run.

But in the end, it all took a backseat to Manny Ramirez.

With two outs and two on in the bottom of the ninth, Ramirez launched a Francisco Rodriguez fastball over the left-field wall for a game-winning three-run home run, giving the Red Sox a 6-3 victory over the Angels and a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

It was the ninth walkoff win in Red Sox postseason history and their first since Game Five of the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees. It capped a four-hour-and-five minute marathon before a record post-World War II crowd of 37,706 at Fenway Park.

“Man, it feels great. This is the best ever,” Ramirez said in an interview piped over the public-address system. “The fans, I love ‘em, man. That’s why I came here.”

The Red Sox enjoyed near perfection in every aspect of the game during Game One
of this series on Wednesday. It was everything the Red Sox could have envisioned to take the early lead in the series.

Not last night.

The Angels did a complete role reversal and played their type of game – small ball. Now the series shifts cross country with Game Three to be played tomorrow in Anaheim.

The Red Sox knew exactly what Game One starter Josh Beckett could or would give them, which was a complete-game four-hitter. Matsuzaka, however, was a different story.

The Japanese right-hander embarked on his first major-league season this year, and he suffered through his peaks and valleys. He’s been on the big stage before, but nothing like October baseball state-side.

“He’s a polished pitcher,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “I know he’s a rookie by our standards, but he’s not a rookie pitcher.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia called Matsuzaka a unique pitcher, but a talented one with a variety of pitches. Still the visiting club had yet to face him prior to last night, which did not seem to worry Scioscia too much.

“You can watch all the video you want, but until you get in the batter’s box you get a quick study,” he said. “I think all that novelty, hopefully his motion and his pitches, you get on him and they’ll wear off.”

Anaheim did wear Dice-K out and he was lifted in the top of the fifth inning with the Red Sox trailing by a run. Before Francona came out to get him, Matsuzaka allowed a one-out single to Macier Izturis, who then stole second and reached third on a wild pitch.

That was it for Matsuzaka’s postseason debut. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits.

However, he wasn’t alone in the spotlight for Boston.

For most of this season, his first in Boston, Drew has been booed and ridiculed for his sub-par performances at the plate. Beginning last month, however, he began to find that much-needed consistency at the plate. He was drawing more walks, which is a sure sign of patience at the plate, and he began to hit the ball with authority.

In fact, in the final 18 games of the regular season he hit .393 to lift his average from .252 to .270. During that solid stretch, Drew collected 6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 15 RBI, 14 walks and 14 runs scored. It was clear he found his swing and his confidence to the delight of general manager Theo Epstein.

“He’s played pretty well in September,” said Epstein prior to this ALDS. “It would be important for this club to have him keep it up going forward. He seems to be locked in. He’s had a consistent approach for a long stretch for the first time all year.”

Drew responded again last night.

After Matsuzaka pitched his way out of a jam in the first inning, Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning when Drew provided a two-out two-run single to give the Red Sox the early advantage.

It didn’t last long.

The Angels, who couldn’t muster any offense during the impressive outing by Beckett in Game One, got to Matsuzaka in the second inning yesterday. The Angels pushed across three runs, including a pair of two-out RBI-doubles from Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera.

With the Angels leading by a run, 3-2, that’s when young Danny Vinik comes into play.

He’s 17-year-old who caught the foul ball hit by Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth inning. Young Danny was sitting in the front row just behind the Sox’ on-deck circle when Ramirez lifted an easy foul ball into the first row of seats. Vinik reached up and snared it to keep Angels catcher Jeff Mathis from making the play.

It proved crucial because Ramirez ended up drawing a walk to load the bases as teammate Mike Lowell hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Red Sox broke through. Julio Lugo led off with a single and was advanced to second by Dustin Pedroia. After Kevin Youkilis struck out, David Ortiz was intentionally walked.

And Ramirez then sent everyone home.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:10 AM | Permalink

Quick reaction: Jonathan Papelbon

-- I think from top to bottom our bullpen was lights out. It all started with Javier [Lopez] going out there and setting the tone. That's what we do, and that's what we've done all year.

-- Mikey Lowell actually said we're going to have a party at home plate in a little while. I don't know if that's calling it, but with our fans here, it's never over.

-- The whole goal is to go out and win these first two games at home. But this isn't all said and done. We got the big guy, Curt Schilling, going out for us tomorrow to seal the deal and hopefully we can get it done.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:04 AM | Permalink

Quick reaction: Terry Francona

-- On the mood of the team
The mood of the team? I bet it's good. We accomplished what we set out to do today. It wasn't very easy; we got into our bullpen a little earlier than we'd like, but everybody in our bullpen . . . was outstanding.

-- Whether Manny Ramirez was motivated by the Angels walking David Ortiz three times to get to him
I'm sure he did. What Manny did was a great swing, but I think part of the reason he got a chance to swing was because of David. It's hard to let David beat you. But Manny's such a great hitter that he made them pay.

-- On Daisuke Matsuzaka
A lot of pitches, a lot of deep counts. Even when he started ahead, he found a way to get back into hitter's count. But he didn't cave, he didn't give in.

-- On how the team feels being up 2-0
I think we'd be silly to ever change our approach as to how we play the game.

-- On Dustin Pedroia's shoulder injury
We were very concerned. I bet he's going to be sore tomorrow.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:59 AM | Permalink

Quick reaction: Mike Scioscia

Angels manager Mike Scioscia
Early, we did a great job of situational hitting to get those runs across. Then their pitching settled down and we couldn't get anything . . . I think both teams played well.

-- On why the Angels walked David Ortiz and pitched to Manny Ramirez in the ninth
It's really pick your poison [between David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez]. We wanted to take some chances with makeup and it made sense not to challenge David. It didn't work out.

-- On being down 0-2
Naturally it's not a desireable position, but the series isn't over until one team wins three games. We have to scratch and claw our way back into the series. It can be done . . . This can be done. We just have to stay short focus and go pitch to pitch.

-- On Daisuke Matsuzaka
He made some good pitches. He settled down and put up some zeroes after we got those three runs.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:55 AM | Permalink

FINAL: Red Sox 6, Angels 3

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ It was a night when anything could happen.

And it did.

Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka made his major-league postseason debut. The New York Yankees suffered another loss in Cleveland as the Indians are one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. And, a 17-year-old boy helped the Red Sox score a run.

Yes, Game Two of the ALDS between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park had it all. In the end, Boston summoned its typical late-game heroics as Manny Ramirez crushed a three-run homer en route to a 6-3 victory.

The Red Sox enjoyed near perfection in every aspect of the game during Game One of this series on Wednesday. It was everything the Red Sox could have envisioned to take the early lead in the series.

Not last night.

The Angels did a complete role reversal and played their type of game – small ball. Now the series shifts cross country with Game Three to be played tomorrow in Anaheim.

The Red Sox knew exactly what Game One starter Josh Beckett could or would give them, which was a complete-game four-hitter. Matsuzaka, however, was a different story.

The Japanese right-hander embarked on his first major-league season this year, and he suffered through his peaks and valleys. He’s been on the big stage before, but nothing like October baseball state-side.

“He’s a polished pitcher,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “I know he’s a rookie by our standards, but he’s not a rookie pitcher.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia called Matsuzaka a unique pitcher, but a talented one with a variety of pitches. Still the visiting club had yet to face him prior to last night, which did not seem to worry Scioscia too much.

“You can watch all the video you want, but until you get in the batter’s box you get a quick study,” he said. “I think all that novelty, hopefully his motion and his pitches, you get on him and they’ll wear off.”

Anaheim did wear Dice-K out and he was lifted in the top of the fifth inning with the Red Sox trailing by a run. Before Francona came out to get him, Matsuzaka allowed a one-out single to Macier Izturis, who then stole second and reached third on a wild pitch.

That was it for Matsuzaka’s postseason debut. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits.

However, he wasn’t alone in the spotlight for Boston.

For most of this season, his first in Boston, Drew has been booed and ridiculed for his sub-par performances at the plate. Beginning last month, however, he began to find that much-needed consistency at the plate. He was drawing more walks, which is a sure sign of patience at the plate, and he began to hit the ball with authority.

In fact, in the final 18 games of the regular season he hit .393 to lift his average from .252 to .270. During that solid stretch, Drew collected 6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 15 RBI, 14 walks and 14 runs scored. It was clear he found his swing and his confidence to the delight of general manager Theo Epstein.

“He’s played pretty well in September,” said Epstein prior to this ALDS. “It would be important for this club to have him keep it up going forward. He seems to be locked in. He’s had a consistent approach for a long stretch for the first time all year.”

Drew responded again last night.

After Matsuzaka pitched his way out of a jam in the first inning, Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning when Drew provided a two-out two-run single to give the Red Sox the early advantage.

It didn’t last long.

The Angels, who couldn’t muster any offense during the impressive outing by Beckett in Game One, got to Matsuzaka in the second inning yesterday. The Angels pushed across three runs, including a pair of two-out RBI-doubles from Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera.

With the Angels leading by a run, 3-2, that’s when young Danny Vinik comes into play.

He's 17-year-old who caught the foul ball hit by the Sox' Manny Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth inning. Young Danny was sitting in the front row just behind the Sox' on-deck circle when Ramirez lifted an easy foul ball into the first row of seats. Vinik reached up and snared it to keep Angels catcher Jeff Mathis from making the play.

It proved crucial because Ramirez ended up drawing a walk to load the bases as teammate Mike Lowell hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Red Sox broke through

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments 1