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October 27, 2007

IN-GAME NOTES: From MLB

-- First pitch: 6:36 p.m., Temperature: 45 degrees.

-- Since 1982, tonight’s game-time temperature of 45 is tied for the 5th coldest in World Series play, with Game 2 of the 2005 World Series at Chicago.

-- JACOBY ELLSBURY and DUSTIN PEDROIA started tonight’s game in the top
two spots of the Red Sox order. They become 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. The only other rookies to ever hit back-to-back in the top of the order were JACK SHEEHAN (batting 2nd) and BERNIE NEIS (batting 3rd) for Brooklyn in Game Six of the 1920 World Series against Cleveland.

-- Ellsbury is the first rookie to hit lead off for a World Series game since TIMO PEREZ led off for the Mets in Game 4 of the 2000 World Series, Oct. 25, against the Yankees.

-- The Red Sox totaled 6 runs in the 3rd inning, the 3rd time in this World Series the team has scored at least 3 runs in an inning, also recording 3 in the 1st and 7 in the 5th of Game One. In 13 games this postseason, the Red Sox have scored 3 runs in an inning 15 times. The Red Sox have batted around 6 times this postseason, twice in the World Series.

-- JACOBY ELLSBURY hit 2 doubles in the 3rd inning, becoming the 2nd player in World Series history to collect 2 doubles in an inning. He joins MATT WILLIAMS (Ari.), Nov. 3, 2001 (3rd inning) as the only to do so in history. With 3 hits, Ellsbury becomes the first rookie to record a multi-hit game since Chicago’s TADAHITO IGUCHI on Oct. 25, 2005 against Houston (Game 3).

-- DUSTIN PEDROIA scored his 12th run of this postseason in the 3rd inning, tying DEREK JETER (1996) for most runs by a rookie in a single postseason.

-- DAISUKE MATSUZAKA retired eight straight batters after hitting GARRETT ATKINS with a pitch to lead of the 2nd inning.

-- DAISUKE MATSUZAKA recorded his first major league hit in the 3rd inning, becoming 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.

-- J.D. DREW has hit safely in each of his last 9 postseason games.

-- JOSH FOGG did not make it through the 3rd inning, surrendering six runs, his most allowed in a single start since giving up 8 on Aug. 22…His pitching line: 2.2 ip, 10 h, 6 r-er, 2 bb (1 ibb), 2 so…Threw 67 pitches/37 strikes…Fogg is the first starting pitcher to surrender 10 hits in less than 3 innings since ANDY ASHBY gave up 10 hits in 2.2 innings (7 r, 4 er) in a 9-3 loss at San Diego in Game Two (Oct. 18) of the 1998 World Series…The last pitcher to give up 10 hits was New York’s JAY WITASICK (in 1.1 relief innings) in Game Six of the 2001 World Series against Arizona (Nov. 3).

-- FRANKLIN MORALES worked 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, surrendering just one hit, his second relief outing of this series. His pitching line: 2.1 ip, 1 h, 1 so…Threw 35 pitches/23 strikes.

Posted by Art Martone at 11:55 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME UPDATE: Ronan's the best

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- With all due respect to the vocalists who have sung ''God Bless America" in the middle of the seventh inning in the first three games of this World Series, no one comes close to holding a candle -- or a high note, for that matter -- to Ronan Tynan.

If you've never heard him perform at Yankee Stadium, you've missed one of the great thrills in sports.

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

IN-GAME UPDATE: For stat geeks only

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- If we exclude Colorado left fielder Matt Holliday's 4-for-4 performance at the plate in Game Two, then catcher Yorvit Torrealba's single, leading off the bottom of the fifth, ended a string dating back to the sixth inning of Game One in which all other Rockies hitters were a combined 3-for-49.

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 10:38 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME UPDATE: Dice-K pitching as well as he's hitting

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka unloads on the Rockies in the fifth inning this evening.
BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Through four innings of Game Three, Daisuke Matsuzaka has gotten as many hits as he's allowed.

Dice-K had a two-run single (with two outs and the bases loaded) in a six-run third inning for the Red Sox. The way he's going, he may not need that much run support. Other than a leadoff single by his Japanese countryman, Kaz Matsui, in the bottom of the first, Matsuzaka hasn't given up another base hit.

Colorado third baseman Garrett Atkins was hit by a pitch in the second and walked in the fourth. He is the only other Rockies player to reach base (although a couple of others were on the basepaths, following a fielder's choice.)

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 10:14 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME UPDATE: Spacemen can hit, too

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka singles in two runs in the third inning this evening.
BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Daisuke Matsuzaka's two-run, two-out single with the bases loaded in the top of the third inning was the first base hit in a World Series by a Red Sox pitcher since Game Seven of the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds -- a span of 32 years.

Dice-K helped himself considerably by upping Boston's lead to 5-0. When Colorado starter Josh Fogg then gave up a run-scoring double to Jacoby Ellsbury -- the rookie's second of the inning, tying a World Series record -- Franklin Morales came on in relief.

Fogg left the game having given up 10 hits and six runs in just 2-2/3 innings, walking two and striking out two.

The pitcher who had gotten the hit in 1975? Bill Lee

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 10:01 PM | Permalink

INSIDE THE GAME BY STEVEN KRASNER: The early innings

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Dustin Pedroia greets David Ortiz at home plate after both scored on a Mike Lowell single in the third inning.
DENVER – The Red Sox weren’t able to score in the first inning, but the events of the inning offered promise for the game.

The reconfigured top of the order, even with Kevin Youkilis on the bench because David Ortiz is playing first with the pitcher in the batting order in the National League park, produced as the Sox were hoping.

Jacoby Ellsbury was moved to the leadoff spot with Dustin Pedroia dropped to number two in Youkilis’s absence, partly because of his speed. And Ellsbury showed off that speed, leading off with a swinging-bunt single down the third-base line.

Pedroia followed with an infield single to deep short, with Ellsbury taking away the possibility of a force at second, thanks to his speed.

The uprising fell flat after that. Ortiz waved and missed an 84-mph pitch on the outside for a strikeout. Ortiz looked to be more upright in his stance, no doubt trying to take the pressure off his balky right knee, making it difficult for him to stay on the pitch and drive it to the opposite field.

Manny Ramirez flied to left and Mike Lowell lined to center, so the Sox came up empty in their golden opportunity to take a lead and take the sellout crowd out of the game to some degree.

That Houdini-like escape by Colorado starter Josh Fogg was in keeping with his nickname of “Dragon Slayer,” built on his ability to beat more celebrated opposing starting pitchers.

But the good news in the inning from the Sox’ point of view was that it took 27 pitchers for Fogg to get out of the inning, no surprise because Fogg doesn’t have overpowering stuff, so he nibbles at the corners.

And Boston’s hitters have a deserved reputation for grinding out at-bats, boosting the pitcher’s pitch count early and forcing the opposition into its bullpen before it really wants to make a call to the relief corps because middle relief is every team’s Achilles’ heel.

The first inning turned out to be a foreshadowing of things to come – with much better results – in the third.

Once again Ellsbury was leading off. And while the Sox weren’t as patient as usual (three one-pitch at-at, all base hits), they scraped together seven hits for six runs and a commanding 6-0 lead, with even Daisuke Matsuzaka getting into the act with a two-out, two-run single through the left side.

Ellsbury’s speed produced a leadoff first-pitch single blooped down the left-field line, and when Pedroia beat out his sacrifice-bunt attempt, the Sox had runners at the corners. Fogg tried to surprise Ortiz with an inside fastball on his first pitch, and Ortiz was able to turn on it for a run-scoring double into the right-field corner.

That lit the Sox’ fuse. Fogg didn’t make it out of the inning and the Sox were in the driver’s seat for a Game Three victory and a 3-0 Series lead.

* * *
Third-base coach DeMarlo Hale gambled and lost in the big third inning.

With the Sox up, 3-0, he waved home Manny Ramirez on Jason Varitek’s single to left. The decision seemed questionable when Ramirez was gunned down by left fielder Matt Holliday. His throw was to the first-base side of the plate, but catcher Yorvit Torrealba had enough time to catch the ball, race back to the plate and make a diving tag on a sliding Ramirez.

It was a close call, but a correct one by plate umpire Ted Barrett even though Manny and manager Terry Francona questioned the call.

Had Hale not sent Ramirez the Sox would have had the bases filled with one out. Of course, it didn’t matter much as the inning played out and Boston kept scoring.

* * *
While Matsuzaka’s stuff has been inconsistent this season, particularly in the second half, one constant has been his ability to field his position.

The right-hander helped himself out in the first inning.

With a runner at second and one out, the Rockies’ Matt Holliday hit a sharp bouncer to the shortstop side of the mound.

Matsuzaka, who had fallen off a little to the first-base sound of the mound in his follow-through, was able to reach back and snag the ball. And his instincts were sharp. He immediately wheeled and looked back at the runner, Kaz Matsui.

Matsui, thinking the ball would get past Dice-K, had taken a few steps toward third, so he was trapped off the bag. Matsuzaka then made the correct fundamental play, running right at Matsui, making him commit one way or the other. Matsui was put out in the rundown, 1-4-5, if you’re scoring at home.

* * *
At most ballparks, fans are reminded that they should watch out for baseballs and other objects that may fly into the stands.

Fogg must have heard the warning. Somehow, he wasn’t hit when the barrel of Jason Varitek’s bat shattered and sailed right at the Colorado pitcher. The bat went between Fogg’s legs and settled on the infield grass. The ball, meanwhile, rolled to the grass to shortstop. Troy Tulowitzki raced in, fielded the ball and threw out Varitek by a step.

* * *
There are times when hitters will take a bad at-bat out to the field with them, costing them on defense.

Make of this what you will, but Matsuzaka fanned with a runner at second and two outs in the second, taking a weak, ugly swing for a strikeout. And on his first pitch in the bottom of the inning, he drilled Garrett Atkins on the top of the left shoulder, barely missing Atkins’ helmet.

Posted by Art Martone at 9:55 PM | Permalink

IN-GAME MUSING: Home-field advantage?

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Is there a home-field advantage in the World Series?

Not for National League teams, apparently.

Going into Game Three at Coors Field, a total of 299 World Series games had been played in N.L. parks, with each league winning 149 and one game ending in a tie. By comparison, 300 World Series games have been played in A.L. parks, with the home teams holding a decided, 180-118-2 advantage.

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

IN-GAME TIDBIT: Ellsbury makes history

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Jacoby Ellsbury slides safely into second with a lead-off double in the third inning. Ellsbury went on to score in the 6-run third. Playing second base for the Rockies is Kazuo Matsui
DENVER -- Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury just hit a pair of doubles in the same inning to become only the second player in World Series history to achieve the feat. Matt Williams did the same on Nov. 3, 2001 for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

-- JOE McDONALD

Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments 2

PREGAME: Biggio wins Roberto Clemente Award

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros has been named the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award for outstanding play and devoted work in the community. Major League Baseball began presenting this award in 1971, but renamed it in honor of Clemente in 1973. The legendary Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder died in a plane crash on his way to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua on New Year's Eve 1972.

Biggio became the national spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation in the early 1990s and he has helped the organization raise nearly $2.5 million for the non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer.

Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:43 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Royce reveling in Series

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- He’s not on the World Series roster, but Red Sox veteran Royce Clayton is truly enjoying his time being a part of the postseason.

After the Toronto Blue Jays gave him his release in August, numerous teams sought his services, including the Red Sox and Yankees. His ultimate decision to sign a minor-league deal with the Red Sox was very simple – he thought Boston had a better chance to win the World Series.

His gut feeling paid off.

Boston is Clayton’s 11th major-league team, the others being Colorado, San Francisco, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Washington, Arizona, Toronto, Cincinnati, Texas, and the White Sox. But prior to this year he’d never made it to baseball’s promised land.

''There’s no better feeling in the world,'' said Clayton. ''I’ve played a long time to get to this point. I’ve worked extremely hard and this is what you play for. You [don't] write the script, and if I could, I would obviously be out there playing doing my thing. It doesn’t always work out that way. I never thought I would ever say this, but I’ve found a way to enjoy this just as much. These guys have made me feel comfortable and make me feel like I lend something here. Everybody lends a little something and that’s what makes a championship ballclub.''

Because of his veteran presence in the Red Sox clubhouse, the everyday players treat him as one of their own. Case in point: When Boston clinched the ALCS by beating the Indians, Kevin Youkilis poured champagne on Clayton’s head and said ''a quarter of a century, but you made it.''

Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:21 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Lineup woes for Sox

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Because the Red Sox lost the designated hitter now that the World Series has shifted to the National League park, manager Terry Francona had to get creative with his lineup.

He had to decide whether to sit David Ortiz, Mike Lowell or Kevin Youkilis, and he chose Youkilis. Therefore, Ortiz is playing first and Lowell is at his normal third-base position.

Francona said Youkilis understood the situation.

So the Sox’ batting order changed due to Youkilis’ absence. Speedy outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is now leading off, followed by Dustin Pedroia and Ortiz.

Francona said he thought about putting Coco Crisp back into the lineup, but because he’s been struggling offensively, and Ellsbury has contributed, the manager thought it best to go in this direction.

''We’re hoping he’ll give us a guy who gets on base a bunch of times tonight, and maybe a couple of stolen bases and runs scored,'' he said. ''You don’t know until the game is over. The feeling was, though, to break up (Ellsbury) and Ortiz to not have back-to-back left-handed hitters. Since Youkilis isn’t playing, we’d like Pedroia to hit second.''

It’s not like Youkilis won’t play, because if the Red Sox do gain a decent lead, he will likely be inserted for defensive purposes. Plus that will give Ortiz a chance to take it easy on his ailing knee.

Francona has always made his dislike known for losing the DH during spring-training games and interleague play.

''I'd rather have a DH,'' he said. ''And some of that is not just because of the game, it's just because we're set up that way. We have a very special guy in David Ortiz, so some of it is personal wanting us to win. It's not just the rules of the game.''

When asked about it further, Francona quipped: ''I can't call the commissioner and tell him Youk is a good player and a good kid, and he should play. It doesn't work like that.''

Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:11 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Rockies seeking 'an edge'

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Colorado manager Clint Hurdle, while acknowledging that center fielder Willy Taveras isn't the only member of the Rockies who has struggled in the World Series, said that Cory Sullivan, his replacement in center, brings something extra to the lineup.

''He plays with an edge and he plays to win,'' said Hurdle of Sullivan, who has had only three at-bats (1-for-3) in the postseason after batting .286 with 2 homers and 14 RBI in 72 games during the regular season.

''His offensive game was rebuilt a little bit this year. He became a lot more disciplined hitter. He opened up the other field and had some gap power, and if he gets on base, he can sneak (steal) a base. I just wanted to mix it up a little bit and give him some playing time,'' said Hurdle.

Posted by Steven Krasner at 6:44 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Cook a survivor, too

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The spotlight Sunday, and with good reason, will fall on Boston pitcher Jon Lester when he starts Game Four of the World Series.

Lester, as everyone who follows the Red Sox knows, is a cancer survivor. A year ago at this time he was being treated for anaplastic large cell lymphoma and baseball was on the back burner of his young life.

But Lester is not the only starting pitcher tonight who has been confronted with a life-threatening issue.

Colorado's starter is Aaron Cook, a left-hander who underwent surgery for blood clots on both lungs, which were discovered during the 2004 season. The left-hander bounced back, going 7-2 for the Rockies in 2005, returning to action about a year after the clots had been discovered.

Cook's comeback earned him the Boston baseball writers' Tony Conigliaro Award at their annual dinner in January, 2006, an award given to a "major league player who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage."

The Lester-Cook matchup goes beyond your basic pitcher-versus-pitcher matchup, said Colorado manager Clint Hurdle this afternoon. It's almost spiritual in its nature and timing.

''I think this game (of baseball) drips with irony at different times for different reasons,'' said Hurdle.

Cook agreed.

''It is kind of ironic, with him going through what he went through and what I went through, both of us working our way back up to the top level of professional baseball," Cook said Saturday afternoon.

''It's tough enough to get here and what we've been through, just to keep our focus, keep our faith . . . I'm sure he realizes, too, without me talking to him, that baseball is not the most important thing in the world. You're able to relax, put it in perspective, play it like a game and have fun, and I'm sure that's what he's been able to do, too,'' said Cook.

Hurdle, though, is not starting Cook because it's a feel-good story.

''Once we gave him the assignment, sentimentality didn't come into play. I had to stay removed from that. We want to do the right things for the right reason at the right time,'' said Hurdle.

The right reason, of course, is that Hurdle and his staff feel that starting Cook gives them their best chance to win Game Four. But to some degree, neither the Rockies nor Cook know what to expect from Cook when he takes the mound.

Cook hasn't made a start in the big leagues since Aug. 10, when a strained oblique sent him to the disabled list. He reinjured it during a rehab assignment, and has been trying to round back into form through Instructional League work and simulated games against the Rockies.

''Our lineup is pretty good, so I've been fortunate to face those guys,'' said Cook, who was 8-7 with a 4.12 earned-run average before the injury. ''I think I've had three simulated games. I feel pretty comfortable with where I'm at. (Game Four) will be the real test. It's the biggest stage.''

One Colorado concern is that Cook, a sinkerballer, might be too strong for the start. Traditionally, sinkerball pitchers are most effective when tired, which results in better sink on the ball instead of powering the ball through the strike zone, which might leave the ball up.

''It's true. I think sometimes a sinkerball pitcher can be too strong,'' said Cook. ''The way I'm going to try to guard against that is just go out there and try to be as calm as possible and just worry about executing pitches, which I was able to do up until the time I got hurt and not really worry about throwing the ball by guys because I know I'm going to feel strong. I have to throw it and let the 'sink' take over.''

That issue certainly pales in comparison to the life-scare he endured because of the blood clots. While he may be stronger than normal with his fastball, it is his inner strength that now fuels him even more than in the past, he said.

''A lot of my strength comes from my faith in God,'' said Cook. ''I grew up in church. I believe that God has a plan for us all. There's a verse in the Bible that says, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because testing of your faith develops perseverence.' That's one verse I really held onto.

''You can't really become the person you're supposed to be until you deal with something, and you never know how you deal with it until you go through it,'' said Cook.

Cook clearly has persevered away from the field, surviving his serious health scare, and Sunday he'll be trying to help his teammates persevere against the difficult Red Sox' lineup.

Posted by Steven Krasner at 6:02 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Red Sox are from Boston, not Mars

By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- The outfield at Coors Field is very expansive. Obviously the ballpark here doesn’t have the same kind of quirks as Fenway Park, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona feels the club’s outfielders are prepared to cover a lot of real estate.

''It’s Denver, not Mars,'' Francona said. ''It would be a problem if we didn’t have guys who could run.''

Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez is a lot better defensively in left field than some fans give him credit for. Both speedy center fielders Jacoby Ellsbury, who is starting again tonight, and Coco Crisp can track anything down. Right fielder J.D. Drew is very solid defensively and also covers a lot of ground.

Center fielder at Coors is 415 feet, while it’s 350 down the right-field line and 347 to the left-field corner. Francona said this afternoon the Red Sox plan on sticking with the scouting reports on each Colorado hitter, and won’t change the outfielders’ positions.

Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:02 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Rockies are rugged at home

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Since July 1, the Rockies have lost three games in a row just once -- from Sept. 13 thru 15, when they lost at Philadelphia, and then two straight at home to the Marlins.

It's not often that the Rockies lose at Coors Field. They are 3-0 here in the postseason going into Game Three of the World Series and, beginning with a win over the Mets on July 2, they are 42-15 at home -- a winning percentage of .737.

They have won six in a row in Coors Field, and 11 of their last 12.

The last time Colorado lost three straight games to the same team was June 25-27, when they dropped three in a row to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Posted by Jim Donaldson at 5:49 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Odds long for Rockies

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- Colorado is the 51st team to lose the first two games of a World Series.

Of those previous teams, only 11 have rallied and won the Series, though 28 of those teams did win Game Three.

Posted by Steven Krasner at 4:57 PM | Permalink

PREGAME: Rockies make lineup switch

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

DENVER -- In an effort to jump-star his offense, Colorado manager Clint Hurdle has made a few lineup changes for tonight's Game Three.

Hurdle has pushed second baseman Kaz Matsui up to the leadoff spot from his number two slot in the batting order and brought hot-hitting shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (.400 against Boston) up to second from seventh, where he batted in the first two World Series games.

Those changes forced out Willy Taveras not only from the leadoff spot, but from a start in center field. Taveras is batting only .120 and has an on-base percentage of .214 in the postseason. He also has fanned 10 times. Taveras is being replaced in center field by Cory Sullivan

Taveras had missed the final 21 games of the regular season because of a quadriceps injury. His absence caused Hurdle to put Tuolowitzki in the number two stop with Matsui leading off, and the Rockies went 17-1 with that lineup. Taveras returned to the lineup in the NLCS.

Hurdle has felt the need to shake up his lineup because the Rockies, who led the National League in hitting during the regular season, batted only .180 (11-for-61) over the first two games of the Series. And with Colorado down, 2-0, in the Series, there's no time like the present, he figured, to make some changes.

Posted by Steven Krasner at 4:47 PM | Permalink