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FINAL: Red Sox 2, Rockies 1

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Game Two of the World Series was not a blowout like Game One, and neither the Red Sox nor Rockies expected it to be last night at Fenway Park.

It’s baseball. It’s October. Anything can happen. But the second game of this seven-game set had a similar ending as the Red Sox beat the Rockies and take a two-game lead with a 2-1 victory.

After Boston pummeled Colorado on Wednesday, it was clear the Red Sox had momentum, but the home-town team wasn’t about to take anything for granted. The visitors proved they can quickly forget.

“Short-term memory is very important in this game,” said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. “One of the strengths of our ballclub is the ability to honestly self-evaluate and move on.”

Reflecting on the butt-whopping wouldn’t do any good for the Rockies, and the National League champions did a pretty good job keeping Wednesday’s game out of their minds in order to concentrate on the all-important Game Two.

Hurdle said his club was playing so well prior to Game One’s debacle, winning 21 of their last 22 games, so last night it was very important to get back in sync if Colorado had any chance to make this a competitive series.

Because the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, and celebrated the club’s first championship in 86 years away from Boston, it could have been easy for some to think this season would be much of the same due to the 13-1 drubbing the Red Sox handed the Rockies in the first game.

“We’re not concerned public opinion outside the clubhouse,” said Hurdle. “That doesn’t mean we don’t respect it, but we don’t give it any power. We don’t give it any energy. We know what we need to do to win ballgames.”

Hurdle and his club wasn’t about to make any excuses. They weren’t blaming their sub-par performance on the nine-day rest, especially since Red Sox ace Josh Beckett was so dominant. But the Rockies needed to win last night, probably more so than Game One just because heading to Colorado, trailing by two games, isn’t exactly how the Rockies drew this one up.

The Cardinals certainly learned that in ’04 as Boston completely dominated.

After the Rockies’ ace, Jeff Francis, was smoked in Game One, Colorado handed the ball to Ubaldo Jimenez for a chance to even the series.

On the opposite side, this is what Red Sox veteran Curt Schilling lives and breaths for as pitching in October makes his postseason legend grow every time he toes the rubber in the fall.

The one way the Rockies attempted to stifle the streaking Boston offense was to keep the hitters off balance by pitching in. Jimenez, the crafty right-hander, had no fear throwing up and tight on the Red Sox hitters, especially Kevin Youkilis and Julio Lugo as both almost had their heads taken off.

That game plan worked and Boston couldn’t produce offensively until the fourth inning when J.D. Drew’s one-out single snapped Jimenez’s no-hit bid. On that play, it was the hustle of Mike Lowell, who went from first to third on the hit to right-center field that proved crucial.

Lowell barley slid safely into the bag, but the heads-up play put the potential game-tying run 90 feet away. Varitek lifted a high fly ball to deep center field for a sacrifice fly, scoring Lowell to tie the game at 1-1.

It was obvious Jimenez was tiring in the middle innings and after he recorded two quick outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the right-hander walked Ortiz before Ramirez singled. Lowell provided an RBI-double to give Boston a 2-1 lead.

That was the end of Jimenez’s night. He worked 4 2/3 and surrendered two runs on three hits with five walks and two strikeouts. Because the Red Sox were able to run the Rockies’ starter early in the game, Boston took advantage of the bullpen for the second consecutive game.

Meanwhile, Schilling continued to cruise before he was given the hook in the top of the sixth inning. The right-hander allowed a one-out single to Matt Holliday, his third hit of the game, and Schilling followed with a walk to the always-dangerous Todd Helton.

So, Francona made the decision to pull the ace and replaced him with Hideki Okajima. The move worked to perfection as the crafty lefty recorded the last two outs to end the threat. Schilling’s night ended after 5 1/3 where he surrendered one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Okajima was perfect as he retired all seven batters he faced, including four strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings of work. Closer Jonathan Papelbon closed the door when he recorded the final four outs of the game.

Now the series shifts west to Colorado for Games Three, Four and possibly Five. This young Rockies team, however, is a lot different than the veteran Cardinals club of ’04, so don’t expect a sweep because the Red Sox are not thinking in those terms.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

INSIDE THE GAME BY STEVEN KRASNER: The early innings

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Willy Taveras is safe at third base on Matt Holliday's single off Mike Lowell's glove in the first inning.
BOSTON -- Baseball is called a game of inches, and that was an apt description of a first-inning play as the Rockies scraped together a run.

Leadoff hitter Willy Taveras’s hands were almost in the strike zone when Curt Schilling’s up-and-in 88-mph fastball nicked a finger or two on the center fielder’s left hand.

Taveras, who swiped 33 bases this season, took off for second on a 2-and-1 pitch to Matt Holliday, who that pitch sharply on the ground inside the third-base bag.

A diving Mike Lowell got his glove on the ball, but it ticked off the end of his leather and rolled into shallow left, close to the line.

Taveras, who was nearing second base as the ball got to Lowell, read the play beautifully, rounding second base and heading to third without breaking stride because with Lowell chasing down the ball, the third-base bag was uncovered.
Shortstop Julio Lugo, seeing what was happening, raced to cover the bag. So did Schilling. As they converged on the bag, Lowell threw to the base, but his throw to a couple of moving targets slipped past both of them and rolled toward home plate.
Taveras was safe at third, and would have been even if Lugo or Schilling had caught the throw from Lowell. Holliday moved up to second on Lowell’s error.

Taveras scored on Todd Helton’s grounder to first, putting the Rockies on top, 1-0.

* * *
Lowell, meanwhile, is not nearly as fast as Taveras.

But his baserunning instincts proved accurate in helping Boston pull into a 1-1 tie in the fourth.

Lowell drew a one-out walk. J.D. Drew followed with a frozen-rope single to right-center. As Lowell ran to second base, he looked back to find the ball and watch the approach of right fielder Brad Hawpe to the ball.

Looking back to right-center as he rounded the bag, Lowell saw Hawpe glove the ball and decided that he could make it to third. So Lowell put his head down and ran as hard as he could to third. Hawpe made a strong on-the-fly throw, but Lowell’s head-first slide beat the tag of third baseman Garrett Atkins by a whisker.

He scored the tying run when Jason Varitek lofted a deep fly ball to center.

* * *
The Red Sox mentioned several times before the World Series that the Rockies’ lineup reminded them more of a power-packed, stacked-from-top-to-bottom lineup that they see every day in the American League than a typical National League team, which, of course, has the pitcher batting ninth.

But last night in a 1-1 game in the fifth, Colorado manager Clint Hurdle, clearly desperate for a win in Game Two after the Rockies had been drubbed in Game One, opted for more of a National League-like “small” ball offense.

Troy Tulowitzki, batting seventh, drew a leadoff walk from Schilling. Hurdle had number eight hitter Yorvit Torrealba drop down a sacrifice bunt, which moved Tulowitzki to second.

That brought up the number nine hitter, in this case, Ryan Spilborghs, the Rockies’ designated hitter, because pitchers don’t bat in the A.L. park in the World Series.
The strategy didn’t pay off for the Rockies. Spilborghs took a called third strike and Taveras grounded out, keeping it a 1-1 game.

That was just one indication that Hurdle was managing this game as if Colorado‘s season depended on winning last night’s game.

Another indication came in the bottom of the fifth. When Jiminez issued a two-out walk to Ortiz and surrendered a single through the left side to Manny Ramirez – only the second hit allowed by Jiminez -- Hurdle called to the bullpen and had left-hander Jeremy Affeldt warm up.

As soon as Lowell ripped a tie-breaking double into the left-field corner, putting Boston on top, 2-1, Hurdle bounded out of the dugout and called for Affeldt to face Drew, a left-handed hitter. That move didn’t work. Affeldt walked Drew on a 3-and-2 pitch.

So Hurdle summoned right-hander Matt Herges to face Varitek, a switch hitter.

This move worked for the Rockies. Varitek flied to left, keeping it a 2-1 game.

* * *
The first slider Ubaldo Jiminez threw last night was not a good one.

He yanked it on a 1-and-2 delivery to Drew in the second inning and he drilled Drew with the ball just above his right ankle. He threw another one to Julio Lugo in the third. Primarily Jiminez was throwing fastballs, in the 94-97-mph range, mixing in a few curveballs.

But when the rookie right-hander faced Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in a key spot in the third, Jimenez went to his changeup and slider and despite a long foul that just missed the Pesky Pole, he racked up an important strikeout.

Dustin Pedroia (walk) was at second and Kevin Youkilis (walk) was at first. Jimenez’s first two pitches to Ortiz were fastballs (a 1-and-1 count). Then he threw two changeups, the second of which had Ortiz out in front just enough that his drive deep down the right-field line curved foul at the last instant.

Ortiz barely got a piece of a nasty slider, staying alive with a Bernie-Carbo-esque foul, circa 1975. But the Sox’ designated hitter was unable to hold up on another nasty slider, this one a late-breaking 86-mph slider down and in, and was called out on strikes on the swing, ending the uprising.

* * *
Scouting reports touch on all aspects of the opposition.

Lowell, though, didn’t need a scouting report on Taveras. Lowell played against Taveras in the National League so he knows how fast Taveras is.

So when Taveras hit a two-hopper to Lowell’s left, a routine out, Lowell sped up his reactions, taking no time whatsoever between fielding the ball and throwing to first, not wanting to give Taveras a sniff of his specialty – infield singles – on this play in the third.

Lowell’s throw was true and in plenty of time to nail Taveras.

Likewise, the Rockies know that the Sox’ Jacoby Ellsbury is a speedster.
So when Ellsbury hit a rountine bouncer to second, Colorado second baseman Kaz Matsui put a hard charge on the ball and was able to throw out Ellsbury, who was hustling down the line.

Posted by Art Martone  at 10:34 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME FEATURE: The sport's biggest showcase is showcasing Ramirez' talents

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON – Years from now, Red Sox fans will want to tell their children just how well Manny Ramirez hit the baseball in the 2007 postseason.

Sox fans have seen Ramirez at his very best this October. In baseball jocular, he’s ‘locked in,’ driving the ball to all fields, working pitchers until they bleed and playing the part of the most feared right-handed hitter of this decade.

Consider this eye-popping stat. In 34 at-bats this post-season, Ramirez has 15 hits and 15 walks. His on-base percentage is a ridiculous .600. In Game One of the World Series, Ramirez kept rolling with three hits, three runs scored and two RBI in Boston’s 13-1 romp.

Ramirez had two homers in the ALCS to set the league record for most home runs in the playoffs (24) and the LCS (10). He entered last night with 64 post-season RBI, second all-time behind the Yankees’ Bernie Williams (80).

Those closest to Ramirez say that the hitter fans see every game may be blessed but he’s also a prodigious worker. He’s been known to arrive at the ballpark at 9 a.m. for a 7 p.m. game, working out and hitting hundreds of balls in the Sox indoor batting cage. He also enjoys lifting weights and works with self-made gadgets that help hone the amazing hand-eye coordination that is any hitter’s best friend.

“Well, I think Manny gets a bad rap,” said teammate Mike Lowell, who hits right after Ramirez. “I think people look at him and think he comes out on the field ten minutes before the game and starts hitting. His preparation is very routine. He does a lot of visualization drills that I think are unique to baseball players. He does a lot of things visually and he does very specific stuff on the tee. So there’s an absolute method to how he wants to approach the game. His talent is unbelievable.”

The one skill that’s helped make Ramirez’s month is his ability to grind opposing pitchers and wait for the pitch he likes most. He owns the ability to foul off a bevy of good pitches and then jump all over a mistake. It’s a trait followed by the rest of the Red Sox lineup but perfected by Ramirez.

In one daily drill, he wears a Hula Hoop-type device with numbered balls attached. He then calls out the numbers as he moves, improving his hand-eye skills and quickness.

“I think Manny, however you put it, I think he’s one of, if not the very best, at that that I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing to me,” manager Terry Francona said of his star’s mastery of the strike zone. “As far as being a sophisticated hitter, I’d love for you guys to be able to see what he does pre-game. His ability to recognize, it’s a joke. There are some things that he can do that other people can’t do. But he also spends a lot of time watching pitchers, and he’s got an unbelievable idea of what people are going to try to do against him.”

Ramirez is also greatly assisted by hitting between Ortiz and Lowell. With Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis setting the table, Ortiz and Ramirez have loads of chances to rack up RBI’s. Opposing pitchers haven’t found a way to pitch to either Ortiz or Ramirez, who’ve combined to reach base 58 of 100 times in the first 11 games of the playoffs, a .580 on-base percentage.

Lowell has played on several good teams through his career, including the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins. He says the Ortiz-Ramirez combination easily separates the two teams.

“This lineup is much more formidable than the ’03 Marlins in the sense that with the two guys (Ortiz, Ramirez) in the middle, you have two guys other teams are absolutely scared that they can hit the ball out of the park,” Lowell said.

Fans know all about the quirks that make Ramirez a true spectacle, whether he’s jogging to fly balls in left field, failing to advance to an open base or teasing teammates in the dugout. But with a bat in his hands, no one can take their eyes off Ramirez.

“I think he recognizes pitches a lot earlier than a lot of guys because it seems like he does not even intend to swing at some pitches and they look like they’re two inches off the plate,” Lowell said. “I don’t know, he might be guessing, but it’s happened too many times to think that he’s guessed right all those times. I think he recognizes pitches and I think when he’s on, he doesn’t have any weaknesses.”

Posted by Art Martone  at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

IN-GAME TIDBIT: Comparing the center fielders

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Jacoby Ellsbury got his fourth straight start last night in center field, but Francona has had a practice of inserting Coco Crisp in the late innings as a defensive replacement, believing that Crisp is still the superior defender, thanks to his experience.

''Ellsbury is very, very athletic,'' said Francona. ''He's at a point where he can outrun his . . . I don't want to say mistakes . . . but maybe his lack of knowledge of the hitters. Coco is pretty polished, with the same amount of speed.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 9:28 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

IN-GAME UPDATES: Lineup in Denver dependent on Ortiz's health

Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson
BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- It had been assumed that when the World Series shifts to Denver and National League rules (i.e. no DH), the Sox would go with the rotation plan they used in road interleague game, playing David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell two games apiece.

But that isn't the necessarily the case.

Ortiz' balky right knee is a concern, but if he can deal with the swelling and discomfort, he could be in the lineup for all three games.

''Oh, yeah,'' said manager Terry Francona when asked about the possibility of Ortiz playing Games Three, Four and Five. ''His bat is so impactful. There'll be plenty of time to rest pretty soon.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 9:20 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME UPDATES: Credit where it's due

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- When the Red Sox fizzled offensively during the regular season, their was some criticism aimed at Dave Magadan, serving in his first season as the team's hitting instructor after replacing the popular Ron Jackson.

But now that the Sox are on a historic roll, scoring in double figures for the last three games and hitting a collective .316 for the post-season, Magadan is being cited as one of the factors.

''Never, ever did I feel Dave Magadan was fault,'' said manager Terry Francona. ''Now, when things are going good, I'm glad to see him mentioned. He's had a really big impact on how the guys prepare. He words his (tail) off. So now that we're having some success, I'm glad people are bringing his name up.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 9:13 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Special guest at Fenway Park

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Andrew Madden, a Texas native, fell in love with the Red Sox in 2004. He was 10 at the time.

Less than a month ago, Andrew, now 13, underwent a successful heart transplant at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. And his doctor promised to take him to a game in Boston if the Red Sox reached the World Series.

So last night -- not quite four weeks after his Sept. 30 surgery -- Andrew and his surgeon, Dr. Kristine Guleserian, a Boston native, were here.

''I just wanted to go to Fenway Park just once,'' Andrew said. ''But to watch a World Series game is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.''

As Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino escorted Andrew and his mother, Lauren, around Fenway Park, it was obvious Andrew was in awe of his surroundings.

''The Red Sox helped me recovery and get my mind off my sickness,'' Andrew said. ''After my surgery I don’t remember much, but I saw the very last Angels game [in the ALDS] when they won. I watched all the Cleveland series and stayed up for every game, and now we’re here.''

Andrew plays baseball and said his favorite Red Sox player is fellow Texas native Josh Beckett.

As a special treat, Andrew threw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday night.

Since Andrew and his doctor met, they’ve shared a love for the Red Sox. During the postseason they’ve been in constant communication about their team.

''It’s been a great partnership,'' said Dr. Guleserian. ''He’s my patient, but he’s also my friend.''

Andrew was the 100th heart transplant recipient at Children’s Medical Center.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 8:06 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Rockies aim to move on from Game One beating; other notes

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- After getting whacked around to the tune of 13-1 in the first game of the World Series, the best thing the Colorado Rockies could do was get a decent night’s sleep and forget they even showed up at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

That, essentially, was what manager Clint Hurdle prescribed for his team. He noted that while 'outside forces' were pushing for a complete dissertation on the reasons for the Rockies’ poor play, Hurdle could not disagree more.

''After a game like [Wednesday] night, I think the last thing you need to do is get your boys together and explain what went wrong. I think that's the last thing you need to do,'' he said. ''There seems to be some people outside of our clubhouse that think that's going to add value to what we do and I think it's more for their comfort zone than our comfort zone.

''What we need to stay in touch with is our comfort zone. We know exactly where we are, we know exactly what happened [Wednesday] night, we lived it, we wore it, and we've showered it off. We're going to get ready for Game Two and get out there and try and even this thing up and get home.''

Hurdle said 'short-term memory is important in this game' and his focus is more on getting a well-pitched game out of starter Ubaldo Jimenez than lamenting what went wrong in Game One.

''I think you always look for reasons why people don't do well, and we kind of focus on was there emotional adrenaline overflow or something like that,'' he said. ''All I know is, mechanically, neither one of the first two pitchers (starter Jeff Francis and reliever Ryan Speier) were really in sync, and I'm not a psych major,'' said Hurdle. ''We talked about mechanics, about slowing things down, making pitches one pitch at a time with everybody.''

Asked if he was leery that some of his young players appeared a bit wide-eyed, Hurdle said, ''There's a lot of first-time things going on for this ballclub and that's how you build an organization's value and how you build tradition and you build all those things that they have going on in Boston. They had a first time. We've got some guys that are experiencing some things for the first time, some of them better than others so far. But we've got more games in front of us.''

* * *
Ever since the Rockies won the wild-card playin game against the Padres, they’ve adopted a consistent message throughout the playoffs. Reliever LaTroy Hawkins had written the words 'Not Done' on the blackboard in the clubhouse, a theme that remains with the club.

''LaTroy Hawkins wrote 'not done' after the tie-breaker game, so that's been in the clubhouse, a little sketch board wherever we've gone,'' said Hurdle.

* * *
Hurdle said he met Terry Francona years ago in a winter league in Venezuela and admires what Francona's accomplished with the Red Sox. He’s also friendly with Sox coaches Brad Mills and Dave Magadan. He and Magadan played together with the New York Mets and stayed close while Hurdle managed in the International League (Tidewater, Norfolk) and as a hitting instructor with the Rockies.

''He became a hitting coach and we've had running commentary and conversation for a number of years now,'' Hurdle said of the Red Sox hitting coach. ''One of the things we used to share as hitting coaches, we would kid each other, whoever was hot at the time, I would say, 'So-and-so is listening to you now, huh?’ So I said to him yesterday behind the cage, 'You've got the whole team listening to you now; how did that happen?’ ''

Posted by Kevin  at 6:33 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Providence trails only Boston in TV ratings for Game One

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Fox Sports just announced that ratings for Game One of the Series were the best for the network since 2004 and really big in the Providence market.

Game One earned a 10.5 rating (16.9 million viewers). That's up 31 percent over the rating (8.0) of last year's first game between Detroit and St. Louis.

Fox also released numbers for local markets. In Boston, the game drew a 50.4 rating and a 70 share, meaning 70 percent of all TV's on were tuned to the game.

Providence was the second-highest market with a 40.5 rating and 72 share. That was ahead of Denver (35.8/51).

Posted by Kevin  at 6:26 PM to McNamara | Permalink

PREGAME: Rockies have short memories

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Yes, Todd Helton was well aware that the Rockies were clobbered, 13-1, in Game One of the World Series Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

But the veteran first baseman said Colorado won't be feeling any effects from a first-game blowout as they got ready for Game Two. He said Thursday afternoon that Rockies are focused on the fact that this wasn't a one-game series, but a best-of-seven.

''It's not hard (to put the blowout in the rear-view mirror),'' said Helton. ''I think once we stepped off the field and got to the locker room that that game was over with. We realize it's a best-of-seven. It's fastest to four (wins) basically. But there is a sense of urgency.

''We know what it's like to win Game One and how important that is,'' said Helton, whose Rockies swept Philadelphia and then Arizona in the first two rounds of the postseason. ''But we've had our backs against the wall all year and we know how to respond. We've used the word resilient a lot of times this year and I think that definitely applies to this ballclub. We have a very short memory.''

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 6:26 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: The step-dancing fool

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Red Sox fans have always known Jonathan Papelbon was a special talent. His ability to throw a baseball past hitters is second-to-none in the majors.

But over the last couple of weeks, Boston's closer has showcased his other talents.

When the Red Sox clinched the A.L. East title in the final weekend of the regular season, Papelbon step-danced his way around the infield grass at Fenway, wearing next to nothing, with fans going crazy as his theme song ''Shipping up to Boston'' by the Dropkicks Murphys blasting over the PA.

It was much of the same when the Red Sox beat the Indians in Game Seven of the ALCS here on Sunday.

''His personality is unique,'' said manager Terry Francona. ''The fact that he throws 94 to 97 MPH with command is probably more important. He's the best. I do think it's kind of rare to have a young guy like that. He's carefree, in a good way, but you give him the ball in the ninth inning and it's amazing the trust that we all have in him. He's earned it. He competes and it is rare to be that young and that advanced.''

In the postseason the hard-throwing right-hander has worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings in four playoff games.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:12 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Lowell staying in the moment

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell considers himself a throw-in with the deal that brought pitcher Josh Beckett to Boston from Florida prior to the 2006 season. But, with the way Lowell has played here or the last two seasons, he's selling himself short with his feelings.

He hit .284 in 2006, and posted a career year this season with a .324 mark to go along with his 21 homers and 120 RBI.

Lowell is in the final year of his contract with the Red Sox, so prior to Game Two of the series on Thursday, he was asked to comment on the possibilty of this being his last game at Fenway.

''I'd rather not,'' he said. ''I'm really focused on the World Series. I think the offseason is the offseason and I'll tackle that when it comes. But it's really the farthest thing from my mind right now. I think Game Two is the most important thing that we should be thinking about personally and collectively.''

His 120 RBI this season became a club record for third baseman, surpassing Butch Hobson's 112 mark set in 1977.

''I was very happy with the RBI this year,'' he said. ''I kind of look at each year as opportunities. I think there are some years you're supposed to drive in 100. If you have that many opportunities and that many chances, you should.''

Certainly hitting behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez has helped Lowell with those opportunities this season, especially in the playoffs.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:50 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Game Two Lineups

ROCKIES
Willy Tavaras CF
Kaz Matsui 2B
Matt Holliday LF
Todd Helton 1B
Garrett Atkins 3B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Yorvit Torrealba C
Ryan Spilborghs DH
---
Ubaldo Jimenez P

RED SOX
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
David Ortiz DH
Manny Ramirez LF
Mike Lowell 3B
J.D. Drew RF
Jason Varitek C
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Julio Lugo SS
---
Curt Schilling P

Posted by Kevin  at 4:36 PM to McNamara | Permalink

Papelbon's post-game steps impress the expert

Here's the scouting report on Red Sox' closer Jonathan Papelbon: The kid displays plenty of talent, but he's a little raw and could benefit from coaching.

We're talking about Papelbon's dancing, of course.

Papelbon has delighted Red Sox fans with his pitching all season, and more recently, with his version of an Irish step dance to celebrate big victories, such as winning the American League pennant.

So we requested a review of Papelbon's post-game moves from Terry Songini, a Sox fan and Irish dance expert who teaches at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland.

"I was very impressed with his timing. It was spot on. Timing is very important in Irish step dancing," Songini wrote in an e-mail after watching Papelbon on videotape uploaded to YouTube.

"He also appears to be light on his feet, making it easy for him to prance around doing heel to toe movements. He really did not do an actual traditional Irish step. I think if he took a class or two, he could pick it up very quickly. Go SOX."

Posted by Jack Perry  at 12:25 PM | Permalink

Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: This is the World Series?

Click here to listen to today's edition of projo SoxTalk with Sean McAdam. The topics: the Rockies' poor showing in Game One; Pedroia and Youkilis jump-starting the lineup; Curt Schilling taking the hill tonight; Ubaldo Jimenez's big chance; and Josh Beckett proving his doubters wrong (again).

We'll endeavor to post excerpts from the conversation later today.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:07 AM to McAdam | Permalink

POSTGAME: More postgame notes

COLORADO STREAK SNAPPED: The Rockies lost for the first time in 11 games, snapping their postseason winning streak at 7 games.

FIVE STRAIGHT SOX SERIES WINS: The Red Sox have won five straight World Series games.

BECKETT WINS: JOSH BECKETT recorded his fourth victory of this postseason, becoming the 9th 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 5 games as a starter in a single postseason. With 9 strikeouts and just one walk allowed tonight, Beckett has fanned 35 batters and walked just two in 30 innings. Beckett’s line: 7 ip, 6 h, 1 r-er, 1 bb, 9 so…Faced 27 batters…Threw 93 pitches/62 strikes.

RUNS RECORD: The Red Sox' 13 runs are the most ever in a World Series opening game, one more than the previous best of 12, by Atlanta, 12-1, over New York in 1996 and New York (AL) over Chicago NL), 12-6, in 1932. The 14 combined runs are the most in a World Series game since Boston beat St. Louis, 11-9, in Game One on Oct. 23, 2004. The Red Sox seven runs in the 5th inning are the most scored in the 5th inning in World Series history, surpassing the twice-totaled six runs, by the Yankees over the Giants.

DOUBLE UP: The Red Sox tied a World Series record with 8 doubles in this game, matching a feat done twice previously (Chicago (AL), Oct. 13, 1906 & Pit (NL), Oct. 15, 1925). The teams combined for 12 doubles, a World Series record, one more than Chicago (AL)/Chicago (NL), Oct. 13, 1906. The Red Sox also matched a World Series record with 9 e

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:52 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Ellsbury focused

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- If you attend a Red Sox game – and it doesn’t have to the World Series – to quickly realize Jacoby Ellsbury receives one of the loudest ovations when he’s introduced over the PA at Fenway Park.

The rookie sparkplug has quickly proven to his teammates and fans that he is the real deal, and that’s why he has played the last three games (Game Six and Seven of the ALCS and Game One of the Series), replacing the struggling Coco Crisp.

It’s been an interesting season for the phenom, who began the season in Double-A Portland, was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket and had three different stints with Boston before making the playoff rosters for good reason.

Now, he’s playing on baseball’s biggest stage and enjoying every single moment of it.

''This is awesome,'' he said, following Wednesday’s game. ''This is what you play for. Any player from Little League to high school has a dream to play in the World Series. I’m here and I’m definitely having a great time.''

It’s amazing how relaxed and confident he presents himself all the time, but he did admit he was a bit anxious to start a World Series game in center field for the Red Sox.

''It was fun,'' he said. ''I’m sure everyone had butterflies out there, but that’s normal.''

During Boston’s offensive output against the Rockies, Ellsbury was the lone starter not to get a hit, but he wasn’t too upset about it.

''I’ll take it for a win,'' he said. ''That’s fine with me. Anytime you win a World Series game, those guys who don’t get a hit are just fine with it. Obviously you want to get a hit, but it’s a win.''

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:45 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Pedroia, Youkilis lead the way, again.

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- It’s not hard to figure out if a team can keep the Sox’ top two hitters – Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – off the base paths, then there’s a pretty good chance the opposition has a chance to win.

The problem with that formula, however, is the Colorado Rockies couldn’t execute that too well Wednesday night as Boston’s two hottest hitters are clearly dialed in right now.

Even though Pedroia went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, it was his solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning that jumpstarted the offensive barrage for Boston.

''I wasn’t thinking too much about it,'' said Pedroia. ''I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and get on base. I was fortunate enough that it got out.''

Red Sox captain Jason Varitek talked about how important that at-bat really was.

''Petey set that tone,'' he said. ''Petey can handle the bat.''

Youkilis, who started to come around in Game Four of the ALCS against the Indians, went 2-for-5 Wednesday, including a pair of doubles and three runs scored.

''We went out and put some good at-bats together,'' said Youkilis. ''We made (Colorado starter Jeff) Francis work a little bit and we just jumped out early. That was the biggest thing to score early and often. Getting a huge lead for Josh is always comforting . . . We did an unbelievable job tonight.''

Boston banged out 17 hits and scored 13 runs, but it was the performance by Pedroia and Youkilis early in the game that proved crucial.

''Youk and everyone else was swinging the bats great,'' said Jacoby Ellsbury. ''It’s perfect timing.''

It certainly was.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:43 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Postgame notes

DUSTIN PEDROIA hit a home run to lead off the bottom of the 1st inning, the 18th time in World Series history a player has hit a lead off home run to start a World Series game for his team, the first since JOHNNY DAMON did for the Red Sox on October 27, 2004 (Game 4). He is the 2nd player to lead off the 1st game of a World Series with a home run, joining DON BUFORD, who homered for Baltimore in Game 1 of the 1969 World Series against the Mets (Oct. 11). Pedroia is the 1st rookie to hit a leadoff homer to start a game.

BEC-K-ETT: JOSH BECKETT struck out the side in the 1st inning, the 24th time in World Series play a pitcher has struck out all 3 batters in the 1st inning and the first since the Yankees’ ORLANDO HERNANDEZ struck out the first three Mets in Game 3 of the 2000 World Series (Oct. 24). Beckett’s 4 consecutive strikeouts are the 3rd 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). Beckett surrendered just his 2nd walk of this postseason with a 5th-inning pass to RYAN SPILBORGHS.

STARTING GAMES IN BOTH LEAGUES: JOSH BECKETT became the 19th pitcher to start a World Series game in both leagues, as he previously opened for Florida in 2003. He is the 1st to so since ROGER CLEMENS and ANDY PETTITTE for Houston in 2005 after starting for New York (AL) on multiple occasions.

JEFF FRANCIS pitched 4.0 innings, his shortest start since lasting 3.1 innings on Sept. 13 at Philadelphia. The 10 hits allowed by Francis were his most surrendered since July 23 against San Diego. Francis line: 4.0 ip, 10 h, 6 r-er, 3 bb -2 ibb, 3 so, 1 hr., 25 batters, 103 pitches, 62 strikes. FRANKLIN MORALES relieved Francis to start the 5th inning. His pitching line 0.2 ip, 6 h, 7 r-er, 1 bb, 0 so, 1 Balk…Morales was called for a balk with JACOBY ELLSBURY on 1st base in the 5th inning. It is the 1st balk since New York’s DAVID WEATHERS in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series (Oct. 23).

BIG INNING, BIG RUNS: The Red Sox scored 3 first inning runs in the 1st and 5th innings, now 14 times this postseason the team has scored 3 or more runs in an inning…Boston scored 3 runs in each of its 3 ALDS victories over the Angels and scored 3 or more 9 times in games in the ALCS against Cleveland. The Red Sox have scored 10 or more runs in 3 straight postseason games, becoming the 1st team to do it in history.

ROOKIES ABOUND: Boston started a pair of rookies in tonight’s game – DUSTIN PEDROIA and JACOBY ELLSBURY – the 1st 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. TROY TULOWITZKI became the 5th rookie shortstop to start a World Series game since 1969, joining DAVE CONCEPCION (1970), WALT WEISS (1988), KEVIN STOCKER (1993) and DEREK JETER (1996).

SHORTS: The Red Sox totaled 9 extra base hits through 5 innings, matching a World Series record for most in a single-game, done once previously by Pittsburgh against Washington on Oct. 15, 1925. MANNY RAMIREZ collected his 63rd career postseason RBI in the 1st inning, tying DAVID JUSTICE for 2nd most ever in postseason play, behind DEREK JETER (80).

DOUBLES RECORDS: Through 5 innings, the teams combined for 11 doubles (Boston – 8, Colorado – 3), tying a Series record for most by both clubs combined (Chicago (AL)/Chicago (NL), Oct. 13, 1906). The 8 doubles by Boston match the most-ever in a World Series game, done twice previously, (Chicago (AL), Oct. 13, 1906 & Pit (NL), Oct. 15, 1925).

BATTING AROUND: Four Red Sox players batted twice in the 5th inning, with the last, KEVIN YOUKILIS, becoming the 101st player in World Series history to hit twice in an inning.

THREE STRAIGHT WALKS: The Red Sox drew three consecutive walks in the 5th inning off RYAN SPEIER, matching a World Series record for most consecutive walks issued, done by Boston’s TIM WAKEFIELD on Oct. 23, 2004 in the 4th inning against St. Louis.

RUN DIFFERENTIAL: Through 5 innings, the Red Sox held a 12-run lead, 13-1. The record run differential for a World Series game is 14, 18-4 Yankees over the Giants, Oct. 2, 1936. The last games to end with a 12-run differential came on October 24, 2002, San Francisco 16, Anaheim 4.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:40 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Sox open with a bang

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox wanted to win Game One of the World Series very badly. And so, on Wednesday night, they treated Colorado's pitching staff very badly.

Boston absolutely pounded the Rockies into submission with an offensive barrage the National League champions couldn't handle. The Sox banged out 17 hits en route to a 13-1 victory to gain the early advantage in the seven-game series with Game Two Thursday night at Fenway Park.

Historically the club to win the first game has gone on to win the championship 62 times in the first 102 World Series, including 9 of the last 10. So, right now the odds are in Boston’s favor.

Entering Wednesday’s game, the Rockies hadn’t played a game in a nine-day span, while the Red Sox had two days off before the series began. So the question was whether the time off would hurt Colorado or the rest would be a good thing as the club was riding a serious streak, winning 21 of its last 22 games.

''I don’t think whether they won 21 of 22 or it was facing Josh (Beckett), we wanted to win Game One to set the tone,'' said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. ''It’s important. You don’t want to be down 0-1, especially when you’re holding the first two games at your park. I don’t think Josh or the way they were playing changes how important this first game was.''

The Rockies certainly showed their rust Wednesday and Boston continued its momentum as Beckett worked seven innings and struck out nine.

''I’m sure that’s the easy thing to say,'' said Lowell. ''They’re facing Josh, one of the best pitchers in the game, so you have to ask them. I wouldn’t want any extra days, when we had four (prior to the ALDS) everyone was asking if that was too much, but we didn’t miss a beat. Having eight days is something that so unique during the season that, I don’t know. You have to ask them.''

After Beckett struck out the side in order in the top of the first, Red Sox leadoff man Dustin Pedroia continue his hot streak with a solo home run in the bottom of the first.

''It’s tough having nine days off and then coming in and facing the best pitcher in baseball,'' said Pedroia. ''That’s definitely not easy. They took care of their business in the National League early, but I don’t think they were that rusty. We had some good at-bats and we have to continue to play like that.''

That’s the plan, obviously, for the Red Sox with Game Two Thursday night when Curt Schilling takes the mound for Boston and Ubaldo Jimenez toes the rubber for Colorado. Again, the Red Sox are looking for another power surge to keep their momentum cruising along.

''This game is over,'' said Pedroia. ''If it was a 1-0 win or 13-1, it doesn’t matter. It’s a best-of-seven series and the score tomorrow when we come out is 0-0, so I don’t think the score of one game will dictate how a team will come out the next day and play.''

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:39 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Sean McAdam -- Sox' offense is all aces against opponents' No. 1 this postseason

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON – It’s one thing to score runs at will during the regular season, when the schedule frequently offers up bad teams and worse pitching.

But in October, it gets more difficult.

That’s the theory, anyway. But somebody had better tell the Red Sox lineup.

Against the best pitchers from baseball’s best teams, the Red Sox are seemingly scoring at will.

It happened again last night when the Sox tattooed Colorado Rockies’ ace Jeff Francis for six runs on 10 hits in four innings on their way to a 13-1 romp in Game One of the 2007 World Series..

''It gives us a lot of confidence,'' said shortstop Julio Lugo, ''knowing that we can hit anybody.''

Indeed, this phenomenon didn’t start last night -- it’s been a hallmark of the Sox’ surge through the postseason.

In the American League Division Series, the Red Sox rocked 19-game winner John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for four runs in the first three innings.

It was more of the same in the American League Championship Series when the Sox chased Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia – a certain candidate to finish in the top three for the A.L. Cy Young Award -- with seven hits and eight runs in just 4 1/3 innings in the series opener.

Sabathia then got a second chance in the ALCS in Game Five. But with an opportunity to clinch the Indians’ first pennant in a decade, he stumbled again and was knocked around for 10 hits and four runs in six-plus innings.

Finally, there was Francis, whose stock in trade is throwing the ball to both sides of the plate without leaving it in the middle. But last night, Francis fell behind to Red Sox’ hitters and when he tried to get even, they predictably took advantage.

''We’ve got a good offense,'' said Dustin Pedroia, whose leadoff homer in the bottom of the first began the barrage. ''We find ways to grind out at-bats. We’ve got guys who work walks and see a lot of pitches, and (the opponents’) starters are up to 100 pitches by the fifth inning. That’s the biggest thing – we wear down their starters.''

And how. The Sox had three runs in the first, sending eight hitters to the plate. They added another in the second, then finished off Francis two more runs in the fourth. He did not come back out for the fifth, having thrown 103 pitches.

As has been the case throughout October, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez helped lead the way. Ortiz had a run-scoring double and a single in his three at-bats against Francis while Ramirez had an RBI-single, a walk and a double in his three plate appearances against the lefty.

But they weren’t the only ones doing damage.

''We’re getting contributions from everybody in the lineup,'' said hitting instructor Dave Magadan. ''That’s what you have to do to put up runs like we’ve been doing – everybody needs to do their part.’’

For a stretch in the middle of the ALCS, the Red Sox became too dependent on the long ball. From the middle of Game Two through the end of Game Four, every run the Sox scored against Cleveland came as a result of home runs.

But starting in Game Five, the Sox got back to their usual approach – wearing down opposing pitchers, exercising selectivity at the plate and taking a relentless approach.

The result? The Sox have totaled 43 runs in the last four games, an average of nearly 11 runs per contest.

''We’re getting back to having big innings,'' said Magadan, ''scoring six and seven runs at a time. To do that, you’ve got to get guys one through nine (in the order) doing some damage. When you can’t pitch around David (Ortiz) and Manny (Ramirez), it’s tough on pitchers.''

As the Sox continue to pile up runs at a record-setting pace, their confidence is correspondingly sky-high. One offensive breakout leads to another, and the Sox fear no one.

''Confidence,’’ said Magadan, ''is huge in hitting. When you have that, everything becomes easier at the plate. You feel that, in any situation, you can hit any pitch.''

And, he might have added, any pitcher – as the Sox have demonstrated in all month long.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:17 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Role call

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- When Kyle Snyder left Fenway after the Red Sox' workout Tuesday, he assumed that he would once again be left off the team's active roster, as had been the case for the American League Division Series and American League Championship Series.

''Had that been the case,'' said Snyder last night after the Game One 13-1 victory for Boston, ''I would have been just as happy to part of this club as I would be to be part of the bullpen.''

Snyder had turned his cell phone off around 4 p.m, but a half-hour later, checked his messages and discovered that pitching coach John Farrell had called.

Snyder returned the call and Farrell gave the phone to manager Terry Francona, who told Snyder that he had been a last-minute addition to the roster after the team determined that Tim Wakefield wouldn't be available.

''It was as exciting a phone call as I've ever had,'' he said. ''It's every kid's dream to take part in the World Series.''

Thanks to a series of arm injuries, this marked the first year that Snyder was healthy enough to be part of an Opening Day 25-man roster. But that paled in comparison with the thrill of being on the active roster for a pennant-winning team.

''To be part of a World Series team,'' said Snyder, ''with a chance to win a title is a very difficult thing to put into words.''

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:17 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Beckett living in the moment

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The last time Josh Beckett faced the Rockies, he was shelled at Fenway Park, coughing up six runs on 10 hits in a 7-1 loss. It was his first setback of the year.

So you might think that he had gone over the video of that poor outing before facing Colorado again last night in Game One of the World Series.

If you thought so, you would have been wrong.

''I didn't look at it one time, no,'' said Beckett after limiting the Rockies to one run on six hits in seven innings of the Sox' 13-1 romp.

''I try not to harp on those negative things too much. Obviously that wasn't a start that I want to go back and replay in my mind. I think I just kind of go with my strengths and execute those, and when you need to, you exploit their weaknesses,'' said Beckett, who fanned nine and walked only one in his 93-pitch outing.

Beckett is 4-0 with a 1.20 earned-run average in the postseason this year. But don't expect him to become overly analytical or get caught up in his superb performances under the most pressure-packed of situations.

''I hope my teammates are happy," said Beckett. ''That's who I'm really here to please. If they're happy, I'm happy. They go out there and bust their tail for me all the time and I feel like I need to really do my part and help carry my load.''

The right-hander was appreciative of what the Sox' offense did for him last night -- leads of 3-0 after the first and 6-1 after the fourth. It was typical of the offense's approach, he said.

''They really work pitchers,'' said Beckett. ''When you have a team plan like we have every night it's kind of fun to watch. There's not a lot of teams, very few, that do what we do and have that team approach. Every time they go up there they're trying to see five or six pitches and they grind pitchers out. Not many (pitchers) last until the sixth inning against us.''

''What we try to do is get to the middle guys in the (other teams') bullpens. Those are the guys that are not good enough really to be closers and not really starters. If we can get to those guys, that's where we usually score the runs," he said.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:06 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: Hurdles for Hurdle and his Rockies

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- It seems safe to that their long layoff cooled off the red-hot Rockies, winners of 21 of 22 games, including seven straight in the N.L. playoffs, heading into the World Series.

The downside of their NLCS sweep of Arizona was that it concluded Oct. 15 -- a week ago Monday.

The Rockies' starting pitcher in Game One against the Red Sox, lefty ace Jeff Francis, hadn't started since beating the Diamondbacks in the opening game of the NLCS on Oct. 11.

But Colorado manager Clint Hurdle refused to say his team was rusty.

''We're a no-excuse ballclub,'' he said. ''Always have been. We just got outplayed.''

The Red Sox rocked the Rockies for 17 hits, 12 of which came with two outs.

''You saw our inability to shut down innings,'' Hurdle said. ''I think they scored all but two runs with two outs. What was it -- nine straight guys? -- got on base with two outs in the fifth. So we've got some things we can work on.''

Like the Angels and Indians before them, the Rockies struggled against Red Sxo starter Josh Beckett.

''He's been effective for a while now,'' Hurdle said. ''His fastball has got good late life. He pitches both sides of the plate when he wants to, and he gets ahead, and he can start spinning the ball effectively well. As advertised, we've seen it before. We saw more of it tonight.''

The Rockies won't see Beckett again until Game Five in Denver.

If, that is, the Series lasts that long. Lest we forget, the Sox swept St. Louis in four when they won the World Series in 2004.

Despite losing, 13-1, in the opening game, Hurdle insists the Rockies' confidence isn't shaken.

''One of the strengths this club has had throughout the season is our confidence hasn't been shaken by the results of a game. Or a series of games.

''That being said, that's not the way we drew it up. But, you know what, we have to go out and play. We've got some pitchers that have to make some pitches. We've got to see some pitches (at the plate.) I feel real confident we'll get back out there and get after it (in Game Two.)''

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 12:55 AM | Permalink

POSTGAME: A winning offensive approach

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox had their way with the Rockies' pitching staff, to the tune of 17 hits, 9 of which were for extra bases. They featured especially good approaches against Colorado starter Jeff Francis, said Boston manager Terry Francona.

''I think that offensively the whole night we did a good job taking what he gave us, laying off pitches out of the zone,'' said Francona.

''And even a couple of innings when he got a couple outs, we didn't let him off the hook and have quick innings. We prolonged innings with two strikes and two outs. We took our walks and when the ball was in the zone we took some pretty good swings,'' he said.

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 12:54 AM | Permalink

FINAL: Red Sox 13, Rockies 1 w/photo

Boston starter Josh Beckett unloads on the Rockies
Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson
Josh Beckett struck out nine and allowed only one run over seven innings, and every player in the Red Sox’ starting lineup contributed at least one hit or one RBI as Boston crushed Colorado, 13-1, in Game One of the 103rd World Series.

The Red Sox:
-- Become the first team in history to record its third consecutive 10-run game in the postseason.
-- Set a franchise record for runs in a World Series game, with 13.
-- Tied a World Series record for doubles in a game (8) and doubles in an inning (3, in the fifth)
-- Tied a World Series record for extra-base hits in a game (9).
-- Won Game One by a bigger margin (12 runs) than any team in history, breaking the record of 11 set by the 1959 White Sox and tied by the 1996 Braves. A cautionary note for the Red Sox: Chicago and Atlanta both lost the World Series.

Posted by Art Martone  at 12:10 AM | Permalink