May 11, 2008
PawSox manager Ron Johnson informed left-handed pitcher Abe Alvarez after Sunday's game in Pawtucket that he was being released. Alvarez was working out following PawSox' victory over Norfolk when he was called into the manager's office.
Originally selected by the Red Sox in the second round (49th overall) in the 2003 draft, Alvarez was 2-1 with a 6.46 ERA this season as a relief pitcher. The 25-year-old has been in the organization for six seasons and the one-time prospect has struggled the last few seasons.
The southpaw was originally a starter before he was moved to the bullpen after the All-Star break in 2007.
He was almost traded to the Colorado Rockies two years ago, but the deal fell through in the 11th hour. Ever since, it was obvious Alvarez wasn't happy and his performance showed that.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 7:33 PM | Permalink
Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon was sitting at his locker in the PawSox' clubhouse this morning as if he never left McCoy Stadium after his solid three-inning outing on Saturday night.
The veteran right-hander allowed one run on four hits with no walks and two strikeouts against the Norfolk Tides after being activated from the disabled list with an oblique injury. He threw 49 pitches (36 strikes).
Colon will start for the PawSox again on May 15 at Buffalo. He's slated to work 4 or 5 innings with a pitch count of 75.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:52 PM | Permalink
May 10, 2008
Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon didn't want to talk about his outing for the PawSox tonight, but rehabbing Red Sox players Alex Cora and Sean Casey were quite impressed with the right-hander's three-inning performance.
Colon allowed one run on four hits with no walks and two strikeouts. He threw 49 pitches (36 strikes).
"He had great movement," said Cora, who went 0-for-3 in his final game in Pawtucket. "I was really impressed with him. He had good arm speed and made some good pitches. His ball was really really moving. I know he's going to make a difference and really help us out. I don't know how soon, but I'll tell you what, he's going to help this team win a world championship."
"He looked great," said Casey, who went 1-for-2, including a double and two runs scored. "He'll be a big plus if he can continue to do that stuff. He's Bartolo Colon, a former Cy Young Award winner. He's got great stuff. When I looked up and he was throwing 97 and 95, that's going to play in the big leagues."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:46 PM | Permalink
Sean Casey (hip) just led off the bottom of the fourth inning for the PawSox with a double to right-center field. He showed no ill effects running the bases.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:02 PM | Permalink
The right-hander's final line: 3 innings. 1 run (earned). 4 hits. 0 walks. 2 strikeouts. 49 pitches (36 strikes).
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:54 PM | Permalink
Colon made quick work of the Tides in the third inning, retiring the side in order. He threw just nine pitches (seven strikes). Colon has thrown a total of 49 pitches (36 strikes). He was scheduled for 55.
Defensively, Cora made a play at short, but threw a one-hopper to first, which Casey was able pick out of the dirt.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:38 PM | Permalink
In the bottom of the first inning, Alex Cora grounded out to second base and Sean Casey popped out to left field.
In the top of the second inning, Colon allowed one run on two hits. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes).
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:22 PM | Permalink
Bartolo Colon threw 21 pitches (16 strikes) in the first inning. The right-hander allowed two singles and posted two strikeouts. He reached 97 MPH on the radar gun here at McCoy Stadium.
Colon is scheduled to throw 55 pitches.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:09 PM | Permalink
**Red Sox infielder Alex Cora (elbow) and Sean Casey (hip) will play Game One of tonight's doubleheader against Norfolk. Cora will play shortstop and Casey will play first base. After the game the two will rejoin their Boston teammates in Minnesota.
Cora spent about 15 minutes during BP this afternoon signing autographs for the young fans here. It was pretty impressive. Casey also spent some time signing after he was done hitting.
**Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) will start for the PawSox tonight. The right-hander is expected to throw 55 pitches.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:58 PM | Permalink
May 8, 2008
To say Brandon Moss is a gamer would be a huge understatement. The Red Sox outfielder, who had an emergency appendectomy last Saturday night, has already begun his rehab. He’s been at McCoy the last two days working on his cardio, which has included running and riding the stationary bike. He will leave for Fort Myers on Saturday to participate in extended spring training, and if everything goes well, he should be able to play in a rehab game for the PawSox on May 18.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:26 PM | Permalink
The PawSox have a 3-2 lead after six innings.
In the bottom of the sixth, Jeff Bailey led off with a infield single. Alex Cora hit the first offering and hit into a 4-6-3 double play. He's now 1-for-4 today.
Sean Casey followed and struck out on three straight pitches. He's 2-for-4 today.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:58 PM | Permalink
The PawSox have a 3-0 lead over the Bulls after three innings. Alex Cora hit a single and scored a run. Sean Casey also provided a single and scored a run. Cora is now 1-2 and Casey is 2-for-2 today.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:56 PM | Permalink
Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey (hip sprain) and infielder Alex Cora (elbow strain) are playing for the PawSox this afternoon as both continue their rehab assignments.
Cora, who went 2-for-4 in his first appearance on Wednesday, is batting second and will play second base again today against the Durham Bulls. He will play shortstop on Friday and will rejoin the Red Sox this weekend. He said this morning that he's 100 percent. He grounded out in his first at-bat.
Casey is serving as the PawSox' DH today and will play first base on Friday. He singled in his first at-bat.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:20 PM | Permalink
May 7, 2008
Red Sox infielder Alex Cora (elbow strain) just finished his first of three rehab games for the PawSox against the Durham Bulls.
Prior to the game Cora said he's healthy and ready to play. He went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He's hit second in the PawSox' lineup and played second base. He posted only one assist in the field, a 6-5-4-6 run down.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:33 PM | Permalink
Red Sox infielder Alex Cora (elbow strain) is scheduled to play three rehab games for the PawSox, beginning tonight against the Durham Bulls.
Prior to the game Cora said he's healthy and ready to play. He's batting second in the PawSox' lineup and playing second. He's already 1-for-1 with a single and run scored in the first inning.
PawSox manager Ron Johnson sat in his office at McCoy Stadium this afternoon and recalled the first time he saw Cora play.
It was in 1997 when Cora, in only his second professional season in the Dodgers organization, was playing for Double-A San Antonio and Johnson was managing in Wichita (Kansas City Royals).
“He was the same kind of player back then,” said Johnson. “He was always doing the right thing at the right time of the game. You would look at him and from physical skills you’d be like ‘well. . .’ but, God, this guy knew how to play the game. You can see why he’s got 10 years in the big leagues and why he’ll probably be a big-league manager.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:23 PM | Permalink
April 28, 2008
**Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon threw a 35-pitch bullpen session at Fenway Park today. The right-hander, who is battling an oblique issue, will be evaluated again Tuesday.
*After losing five straight games, the Red Sox have today off. Only Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and Alex Cora worked out today.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:19 PM | Permalink
April 27, 2008
It's only the third inning here at Tropicana Field and Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has eight strikeouts -- a season-high.
Sure, it's still early in the game to even consider the right-hander recording 20 strikeouts, but for a goof here are some eerie similarities to Roger Clemens' 20-K performance from April 29, 1986.
On that day in 1986 the NFL draft was being held. The Celtics were playing the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA playoffs. Clemens struck out the first three batters he faced, all swinging. The Seattle Mariners had a 1-0 lead on the Sox. And, as Hartford Courant beat writer Jeff Goldberg just pointed out, the Boston Bruins were eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Montreal Canadiens that spring.
Currently, the NFL draft is being held and the Celtics are playing the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Beckett struck out the first three batters he has faced today, all swinging. The Rays have a 1-0 lead. The Bruins were eliminated by the Habs last week.
Freaky? Maybe. Pushing it a little? Sure.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:24 PM | Permalink
**The Red Sox are ready for their much-needed day off on Monday. The flu bug is still lingering and the players can't wait for a little R & R.
**David Ortiz will sit out again today with a bruised right knee. Manager Terry Francona said the slugger's still sore. Ortiz told Francona Saturday night that he could go if needed, but they don't want to push it.
Francona, who dealt with knee problems during his playing career, knows all too well what Ortiz is going through.
"People who have knee problems, when you bruise it it hurts more," he said.
**Francona has finally decided on his next two starters. Lefty Jon Lester will start on Tuesday and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will go on Wednesday. Doing it this way will give Dice-K, who has been battling the flu back in Boston, an extra day to recover.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:26 AM | Permalink
April 26, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Almost!
All Red Sox rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz could do was stare into the right-field seats as he nearly repeated his no-hit performance from last September with a three-hitter against Tampa Bay Saturday night at Tropicana Field as the Rays narrowly defeated Boston, 2-1, on some late-inning heroics.
The only three hits Tampa was able to register off the talented right-hander was a double by B.J. Upton in the fourth inning, a pinch-hit single by Dioner Navarro and a two-run homer by Akinori Iwamura in the eighth inning.
“He was good,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He was throwing all of his pitches for strikes. He was changing speeds. He just left one breaking ball over the plate. . . I thought Clay was great. He just gave up a home run when we didn’t need him to.”
Other than those three hits, Buchholz was just as good – if not better – than he was during his history-making performance last year.
“You could see as the game progressed he was coming off the mound with jump,” said Francona. “I don’t mean he was jumping out of his delivery, he was aggressive with arm speed on his change-up. It was fun to watch. You’re not going to throw a two- or three-hitter all the time, but that’s the kind of guy we envision. His stuff was electric.”
It was Sept. 1, 2007 when he recorded a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in only his second major-league start. He threw 115 pitches that day and struck out nine for the 17th no-no in club history.
Saturday night didn’t have the drama, the edge-of-your-seat excitement, but he was just as good as he was last fall. He threw 113 pitches (76 strikes) but came up a bit short.
“I felt in control,” he said. “I never thought (Iwamura’s) at-bat would go down like that. I thought I had him struck out with a curve ball. He hit a good pitch, man. When I let it go I thought he would take it or swing over the top of it, but he was sitting all over it. Hats off to him because I threw a pitcher’s pitch and he hit it.”
Along with the no-hitter, last fall was bittersweet for Buchholz. The Red Sox shut him down for the remainder of the 2007 season due to arm-strength issues. That made Buchholz a bystander during the magical postseason run to a World Series championship. In fact, management had serious conversations with him about his preparation both on and off the field.
“In my opinion that’s in the past,” said Francona. “He’s done everything I’ve asked. He competes. He doesn’t back down from anybody. He’s exciting. He has good demeanor on the mound and he just wants to win.”
Buchholz was slow going to start the season, but he exploded onto the scene once again yesterday.
“Overall I felt great tonight,” he said. “It was just a little misfortune, I guess.”
Buchholz got two quick outs in the bottom of the first before issuing back-to-back walks. He got out of the jam by striking out the Rays’ Evan Longoria.
Buchholz then retired the next six batters he faced before Upton’s double in the fourth. He reached third on a ground out, but was left stranded.
With the way Buchholz was pitching, the Red Sox didn’t need much offense.
The Sox’ Coco Crisp led off the top of the fifth inning with a single, and reached third with some heads-up baserunning. Tampa starter Edwin Jackson threw a wild pitch and the speedy Crisp took off from first and reached third relatively easy. Crisp was stranded 90 feet from home plate until Jacoby Ellsbury’s two-out infield hit that gave Boston a 1-0 advantage.
Buchholz was extremely efficient in the bottom of the inning and quickly retired the side in order. He did the same in the sixth and again in the seventh. It was clear he was dialed in.
With one out in the eighth inning, and Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon warming in the bullpen, Navarro hit a soft liner to right field. Ellsbury, playing right field, attempted to make the play, but the ball just fell in at his feet.
The Rays weren’t done.
After Jason Bartlett flied out to center field, Iwamura scorched his two-run homer to deep right field to give Tampa a 2-1 lead. He said he was sitting on the curveball.
"Yes," said Iwamura. "I took a previous swing on his change-up and it carried pretty well to center field (in the third inning). I figured Jason Varitek knew I had timed his change-up."
After the game Buchholz admitted he knew the ball was gone as soon as it was hit. For a few seconds after it landed in the seats, Buchholz just stood there, glaring into right field.
“He pitched great,” said Sox’ Kevin Youkilis. “He just made that one mistake and got hurt on it. But, he threw the ball great and had a great outing. This is how baseball works sometimes.”
Buchholz was close to perfection, unfortunately almost only counts in horseshoes.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:14 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz missed Saturday's game with a bruised right knee and will not play on Sunday.
Ortiz attempted to stay out of a double play in the top of the 11th inning against the Rays on Friday as he slammed head first into first base. Manager Terry Francona said the play looked like a car accident.
"When I saw him get up, I knew it," Francona said. "I was hoping he wouldn't feel it (Saturday), but he does. So, we're going to give him a chance to get rid of the swelling."
With one out in the 11th inning, Dustin Pedroia singled before Ortiz pulled the ball to the right side of the infield. Rays first baseman Eric Hinske made the play and got the lead runner at second. Ortiz hustled down the line and dove into the bag to no avail.
"I'm glad he wanted to get to first that bad," said Francona "It was a big run and he wanted to get there and dove. His knee is bruised, so we'll give him a little time."
It's the same knee he had surgery on during the offseason.
Ortiz went 0-for-6 Friday night, snapping a seven-game hitting streak. During that stretch he posted a .370 average with 3 home runs, 2 doubles, 16 RBI and 7 runs scored. Francona said after last night’s game that Ortiz will not play again today.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:11 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Kevin Youkilis made history Saturday night.
The Red Sox first baseman has recorded 1,701 consecutive chances without making an error to pass Stuffy McInnis (1921-22) for the all-time record in that category. Earlier this season Youkilis broke Steve Garvey’s record for consecutive games without an error with 193 and he now has 205 games without a miscue.
Youkilis was quite humble regarding his record due to the fact the Red Sox lost their fourth straight game with a 2-1 defeat to the Rays at Tropicana Field.
“I didn’t even know when I did it,” he said. “I just go out there and play the game; it’s not a big deal to me. Winning ballgames is the biggest part of my concern right now. We need to get this team back on track.”
Even Red Sox manager Terry Francona was concentrating more on the team’s performance Saturday.
“I knew he was approaching it,” Francona said. “I only reason I do know is because (travel secretary) Jack McCormick came running down because MLB wanted the balls. The ball that tied it, Youk flipped into the stands. You’re in a one-run game and not really paying attention to it, but I was aware of it.”
Entering tonight's game Youkilis was nine shy of the mark, but his 10 chances against Tampa gave him the record.
“The whole time this has been happening, I didn’t really know until people have told me,” he said. Garvey’s record “in Oakland, I knew about that one, but that was it. Hopefully that’s it. Are there any more? I’ll just keep throwing the balls into the stands. It’s better if I don’t know.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:09 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ The Red Sox have placed Sean Casey on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip-flexor sprain.
Manager Terry Francona and Casey spoke numerous times on Friday night. The manager said Casey didn’t think the injury was that bad, but the medical staff was not convinced of that. He suffered the injury in the top of the second inning when he scored from second base on a base hit by Jacoby Ellsbury.
Casey will be examined when the team returns to Boston on Monday. As a result Brandon Moss has been recalled from Pawtucket.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:56 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is out of the lineup tonight with a bruised right knee. J.D. Drew will serve as the club's DH.
Ortiz attempted to stay out of a double play in the top of the 11th inning against the Rays on Friday as he slammed head first into first base. Manager Terry Francona said the play looked like a car accident.
"When I saw him get up, I knew it," Francona said. "I was hoping he wouldn't feel it today, but he does. So, we're going to give him a chance to get rid of the swelling."
With one out in the 11th inning, Dustin Pedroia singled before Ortiz pulled the ball to the right side of the infield. Rays first baseman Eric Hinske made the play and got the lead runner at second. Ortiz hustled down the line and dove into the bag to no avail.
"I'm glad he wanted to get to first that bad," he said. "It was a big run and he wanted to get there and dove. His knee is bruised, so we'll give him a little time."
It's the same knee he had surgery on during the offseason.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:07 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Red Sox just began an early BP session here at Tropicana Field and Brandon Moss is in the house.
The Red Sox have not made an official statement, yet, but it appears first baseman Sean Casey could be headed for the DL. He suffered a right hip-flexor sprain during the second inning on Friday and was removed from the game.
As a result the Red Sox have called up Moss.
During his BP session a few minutes ago, Moss put on a hitting display. The left-hander hit the Pepsi sign, which is about 450 feet from home plate. He then hit a ball to dead center field, high above the 404 mark.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:26 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has missed the last few games with a serious bout with the flu. In his place backup catcher Kevin Cash has filled in nicely.
Cash went 3-for-3, including a sacrifice fly Friday night, in his normal start as Tim Wakefield’s batterymate. It was his first three-hit game since June 24, 2004 when he played for Toronto. That game was also against the Rays.
Cash also showcased his heads-up baserunning talents.
With the game knotted at 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning, Cash provided his third hit of the night to lead off the inning. Sox’ Dustin Pedroia hit grounder to Akinori Iwamura, the Rays’ second baseman, who attempted to tag Cash. But, Cash stopped and began to retreat, which made Iwamura stall and allowed Pedroia to reach on a fielder’s choice. Cash was also safe at second.
That play gave Red Sox slugger David Ortiz to chance for his typical late-inning heroics. He just missed his pitch and flied out to center. He would finish the night 0-for-6. The hot-hitting Manny Ramirez followed, but Warwick native and Tampa reliever Dan Wheeler struck him out.
Boston eventually lost in 11 innings, 5-4, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona didn’t want Cash’s performance to go unnoticed.
“It’s a lot more fun when you win to talk about guys, but I don’t want it to get lost how we feel (about Cash),” said Francona. “This kid has been thrown in to a situation where he’s catching every night, and he hasn’t done that in a while. Rather than coming in and say ‘I’m stiff’ he’s loving every minute of it. He’s doing things to help us win games.”
Wakefield, who was clearly upset when the Sox released his longtime personal catcher Doug Mirabelli during spring training, has had nothing but good things to say about Cash’s performances both defensively and offensively.
“He did a great job,” said Wakefield. “There’s nothing negative to say about the job he’s done since he got the job in spring training. He’s a big asset to this team.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:26 AM | Permalink
April 25, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – It appears the Red Sox will be without first baseman Sean Casey for awhile.
Casey suffered a right hip-flexor sprain in the top of the second inning Friday night when scoring from second base on a Jacoby Ellsbury base hit. As Casey rounded third and was half way home, it was clear he pulled up a little bit. After he crossed the plate, to give Boston a 3-1 lead, he was limping back to the dugout.
Following the Sox’ 5-4 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field, Boston manager Terry Francona did not like the outlook for Casey.
“He’s sore,” said Francona. “When he came around third – I saw him right away – he was dragging his leg. Even before he hit home plate I told Jed Lowrie to get loose because I figured something was wrong. On examination it was horrible, but I’m sure we’re going to lose him for some time. We’ll get that figured out.”
If Casey does, in fact, head to the disabled list it's likely Brandon Moss will get the call from Pawtucket. The rookie, who is an outfielder by trade, has been playing first base since last September.
Francona said he would talk to Red Sox GM Theo Epstein tonight to figure out what to do.
Casey has been an integral part of the lineup since third baseman Mike Lowell was placed on the 15-day DL with sprained left thumb. Casey entered Friday’s game with a .346 average with eight RBI this season. In fact, he’s hitting .407 in his last nine games with 3 doubles, 4 walks, and 4 runs scored.
Lowell made his first of three rehab appearances for the PawSox Friday night and went 1-for-5 with two RBI as Pawtucket’s DH. He slated to play third on Saturday and DH again on Sunday. Francona said Friday night there is no way the team will recall him before he’s ready.
“We’re not going to do that,” he said. “It didn’t surprise me that I had two text messages from Mike Lowell; that was not the shocker of the evening. We don’t want to make a mistake. If we do something like (bringing him back early) and he hurts that thumb then that would be a poor decision. We have to let it run its course.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:50 PM | Permalink
Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey just left the game with a right hip-flexor sprain and is listed as day-to-day. Jed Lowrie is now playing third base and Kevin Youkilis has shifted to first base.
Casey scored from second on a Jacoby Ellsbury base hit in the top of the second inning. As Casey rounded third and was half way home, he pulled up a little bit. After he crossed the plate to give Boston a 3-1 lead, it was clear he was limping as he made his way into the dugout.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:49 PM | Permalink
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Today the Red Sox spoke with pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) and he’s on track to throw a side session in a couple of days. Actually, the team has scheduled the right-hander to throw three side sessions, barring setbacks, prior to May 5.
Colon’s out-clause in his contract is May 1, so, knowing he wouldn’t be able to pitch before then, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke with Colon’s representatives, while manager Terry Francona spoke with the pitcher to make sure he understands how the team feels about him.
"We wanted to make sure he understood that we want to keep him,'' said Francona.
The Red Sox and Colon’s representatives, said Francona, "have worked some things out where (the opt-out date) has been moved back, and I don’t anticipate any problems. He wants to stay and we want him to stay.''
The best case scenario for Colon is he would be able to pitch in a game on or around May 5. Francona said everyone feels comfortable with this situation.
* * *
Francona gave his flu report today and everyone in the clubhouse appears to be a lot better. He said catcher Jason Varitek spent Thursday’s game at Fenway in the bullpen and "tolerated'' it. At one point Francona called the bullpen to check on Varitek's availability, but bullpen coach Gary Tuck said that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
Varitek still looks beat up from the bug, but Francona said he would be available to play tonight if needed. With Tim Wakefield pitching, Kevin Cash is behind the plate. The manager also said Varitek should be back in the lineup on Saturday.
Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who remained in Boston due to the flu, felt good enough today to work out at Fenway Park. The right-hander will throw a side session on Saturday.
* * *
Relief pitcher Bryan Corey has returned. The right-hander will be in the bullpen for tonight's game against the Rays. He began the season with Boston before he was designated for assignment on April 11. He decided to become a free agent, but re-signed with the Sox on a minor-league deal on April 22. To make room on the roster for Corey, The Red Sox sent Justin Masterson back to Double-A Portland after he made his major-league debut on Thursday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:32 PM | Permalink
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Red Sox purchased the contract of pitcher Bryan Corey from Pawtucket today. The right-hander will be in the bullpen for tonight's game against the Rays. He began the season with Boston before he was designated for assignment on April 11. He decided to become a free agent, but re-signed with the Sox on a minor-league deal on April 22.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:18 PM | Permalink
April 21, 2008
Now that the Red Sox game is over, the 37,539 in attendance at Fenway Park just started chanting "Let's Go Bruins!"
The Bruins will face the Canadiens in Game Seven of their first-round playoff series tonight in Montreal.
The Red Sox dispatched the Rangers, 8-3.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:35 PM | Permalink
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez has been named the American League Co-Player of the Week, sharing the honors with the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera.
Ramirez, who has today off, hit .417 (10-for-24) with four homers and eight RBI in seven games. It is the 16th time Ramirez has earned this honor, which is the the most by any player in history.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:53 AM | Permalink
Tim Wakefield likes the Bruins’ chances tonight.
The Red Sox pitcher is a casual hockey fan and he’s quite interested in Game Seven between the Bruins and Habs tonight in Montreal.
The veteran knuckleballer and the Red Sox know all too well what it means to be the underdog. The Sox had one of the greatest comebacks in the history of professional sports during the ALCS in 2004. Boston was 0-3 to the Yankees, but won four straight, including Games Six and Seven in New York to win. Then the Sox swept the Cardinals for their first World Series title in 86 years.
Last season, the Cleveland Indians had a 3-1 advantage on the Sox in the ALCS and, again, Boston came back to win.
Wakefield believes the Bruins can do the same tonight.
“It’s a must win,” he said. “It was a must win in Game Six. You either win or you go home. That was our philosophy here in 2004 against the Yankees and against last year against the Indians. Sometimes you play your best when your backs are against the wall. You never want it to come down to that.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:09 AM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez has questioned a lot of calls this season, probably more than usual. It’s also no secret he has a keen eye when it comes to the strike zone and he doesn’t argue that often. When he does it’s a safe bet he’s probably right.
He was ejected from today's game in the bottom of the second inning by home-plate umpire Paul Emmel. Ramirez was called out on strikes and as he left the batter's box he said something to Emmel. Put it this way, you don't have to be a good lip reader to figure out what Ramirez said. It's the fourth time in his career he's been tossed. Joe Thurston took his spot in the lineup.
“I think there may have been something said there,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who came out to talk with Emmel to no avail. “Maybe they were balls. Manny doesn’t usually say much unless he’s got a pretty valid point. He knows that strike zone pretty well. We all agree with that.”
His ejection almost proved crucial in the eighth inning, but his teammates came through.
The Red Sox were in the midst of a comeback and were down a run when the No. 4 spot in the order came up, which is almost always Ramirez’s spot. Thurston was 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch in Ramirez’s place and was scheduled to come up with two outs in the eighth. Francona elected to give Dustin Pedroia, who was originally given the day off, an opportunity to pinch-hit.
Fortunately for the Sox the second baseman drove in the game-tying run and later scored the eventual game-winning run in the 6-5 win.
Speaking of days off, Ramirez was originally scheduled to have today off – only if Coco Crisp (hamstring) is able to play – since he’s played in all 20 games so far this season. Because of the ejection Francona said he didn’t know if Ramirez would be back in the lineup today.
The Rangers will start lefty Kason Gabbard, which makes the decision a little tougher. Plus, Ramirez is locked in like crazy right now.
Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield picked up his second win of the season today. The knuckleballer worked a season-high eight innings and allowed five runs on seven hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He threw 86 pitches and 68 of them were strikes. Wakefield did surrender two home runs, including a lead-off shot to the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler in the first inning and a three-run blast to Milton Bradley in the sixth.
“That’s the most strikes I’ve ever seen him throw,” said Francona. “He was throwing strike after strike and the ball had movement and that’s a good formula.”
The Red Sox offense scored a total of six runs in the seventh and eighth inning to give the veteran the victory.
“I was hoping for a comeback, obviously,” said Wakefield.
*************************************
It’s that time of year again when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts celebrates Patriots Day. The Boston Marathon takes place tomorrow, and the Red Sox will play their annual 11 a.m. game. Francona actually enjoys this day for a number of different reasons. His last major-league at-bat came on Patriots Day in 1990 when he was playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, who beat the Red Sox 18-0. Francona played in one more game after that and served as a pinch before he was sent to the minors where he career ended.
Now as a manager he enjoys this day.
“I wouldn’t want to do it every day,” he said. “But I think it’s kind of a neat day with all the stuff that goes on. The atmosphere and the game is part of that, so for one day it’s okay. For the coaches it’s no big deal because we’re here anyway. I think getting your engine revved up as players can be a little different.”
The Red Sox are 64-48 all-time on Patriots Day. The club has been scheduled to play on this day every year since 1959.
**********************
Francona mistakenly thought Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon would take today off from playing catch, but the veteran right-hander, who has been dealing with an oblique issue, was in right field toss the pearl around with trainer Mike Reinold. Francona said he got the days mixed up. Colon will take today off and begin his throwing program at 90 to 120 feet on Tuesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:33 AM | Permalink
April 20, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia spent most of the day sitting on a water cooler in the corner of the dugout while his teammates fell behind five runs to the Texas Rangers today at Fenway Park.
Pedroia had been given the day off by manager Terry Francona since he has played in all 19 games of the regular season. Make that all 20 games now because Pedroia delivered a pinch-hit RBI-double that tied the game and he later scored the eventual game-winning run en route to a 6-5 victory over the Rangers.
“It was a good game, a good win,” said Pedroia. “I was just trying to get a pitch out over the plate. I know (Rangers reliever) C.J. Wilson throws real hard, so I didn’t try to pull it because he would jam me. I ended up getting a pitch where I wanted it and hit it well.”
The Red Sox were in the midst of a comeback and were down a run in the eighth inning when the No. 4 spot in the order came up. Usually Manny Ramirez is locked into the clean-up spot, but he was ejected in the second inning for arguing with the home-plate umpire. Joe Thurston, who replaced the slugger in left field, was 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch. He was scheduled to come up with two outs in the eighth, but Francona elected to give Pedroia an at-bat.
It worked.
He lined an RBI-double to left-center field that scored David Ortiz from first base to tie the game at 5-5. Boston then loaded the bases before Sean Casey drew a bases-loaded walk, providing the eventual game-winning run.
“That guy is an absolute gamer,” said Casey. “You’re proud to say he’s your teammate. You feel he’s going to come through every time; he has the presence about him. He’s fun to play with and fun to watch.”
The Red Sox have now won four in a row.
“It’s just how we drew it up,” said Francona with a roll of his eyes. “We didn’t have the lead for very long, but we seemed to get it at the right time. There’s something to be said for just plugging away and some good things happened. Actually, some great things happened.”
Part of what the manager was talking about was the play of Pedroia and rookie infielder Jed Lowrie.
Francona also called Pedroia’s pinch-hit at-bat the game-changing play, saying he’s the right guy to have in that situation.
“He has the perfect mentality for everything,” said Francona. “He just likes to play. He’ll play at 11 o’clock in the morning or 11 o’clock at night. He doesn’t care.”
The manager was also very impressed with the way Lowrie has handled himself since his call up from Pawtucket. He went 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, one RBI and two runs scored. Overall, he’s now hitting .417 with three doubles and five RBI in five career major-league games.
Francona is always careful with his words when it comes to rookies no matter how much of an impact they have early in their careers in Boston. He’ll say “Let’s not put them in the Hall of Fame just yet.” That statement hasn’t been used, yet, when talking about Lowrie, but everyone has been impressed with his abilities.
Lowrie is a true professional in every sense of the word. The versatile infielder was called up from Pawtucket on April 10 to replace Alex Cora, who was placed on the DL with an elbow strain. Lowrie has now played second, third and short for Boston and has contributed in a big way every game he’s played.
“To get an opportunity like this, especially at the beginning of the year, you want to do well,” he said. “I’m not trying to impress everybody. I’m just going out and playing my game. You can try too hard sometimes, and I’ve had to learn to stay within myself and that’s part of the development process.”
Casey, who has been playing first on a regular basis since third baseman Mike Lowell was placed on the DL with a sprained left thumb, will have Monday off. Kevin Youkilis will shift back to first and Lowrie will play third.
“He has a great glove. He has a great bat. He’s a great kid,” said Casey. “He can play anywhere. You can tell the guys who have it – he has it.”
The future was on display today with the effort and ability in which Pedroia and Lowrie delivered.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:37 PM | Permalink
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez has been ejected from today's game against the Rangers by home-plate umpire Paul Emmel.
Ramirez was called out on strikes and as he left the batter's box he said something to Emmel. Put it this way, you don't have to be a good lip reader to figure out what Ramirez said.
It's the fourth time in his career he's been tossed. Joe Thurston is now playing left field.
Manager Terry Francona said earlier today that he was planning to give Ramirez Monday off. We'll see if that holds true now.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:08 PM | Permalink
PawSox pitcher David Pauley was a last-minute scratch from his scheduled start today at McCoy Stadium. The right-hander was seen in the clubhouse prior to today's game ready to pitch, only to be lifted in favor of Edgar Martinez.
No word if there's been, or will be, a roster move today.
Clay Buchholz (0-1 with a 3.27 ERA) is scheduled to start Monday against the Rangers.
The flu bug is making its way around the Sox' clubhouse, so keeping Pauley on standby only makes sense. He 1-1 with a 1.17 ERA in three starts for Pawtucket this season. He made his major-league debut with the Sox in 2006 when he made three starts in place of the injured David Wells.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:17 PM | Permalink
It appears slugger Manny Ramirez will be given his first day off on Monday. If Coco Crisp (hamstring) is able to play then Francona will give Ramirez a rest. The manager said it won’t be an easy decision due to the fact the Rangers are starting left-hander Kason Gabbard. Plus, Ramirez is so locked in right now it’s crazy.
“Manny has played every game and there’s certain days that are better to give a guy a day off, and to me, Monday is the perfect day,” Francona said. “But we have to have Coco available and we’re hopeful that will be the case.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:32 AM | Permalink
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has played all 19 games so far this season. So, manager Terry Francona informed him after Saturday's game that he will have today off. As a result, Jed Lowrie will play second.
“Thought it would to his advantage,” said Francona. “A lot of times when I look at days off, or a player not starting a game, it’s not so much who is pitching, it’s more of rest, recovery and what does a guy’s body some good.”
Francona is the type of manager who will tell a player the day before that he won’t be in the lineup. There have been a few occasions with Pedroia when the manager will tell him he’s getting a day off, but because the second baseman is playing so well, especially at the plate, he’s never given that rest.
“He laughs when I tell him because he’ll say ‘If I get three hits there goes that day off.’ I think telling guys in advance actually helps them because they relax a little bit. I don’t know if it helps them get hits, but I think it helps knowing what the plan is for them.”
No one likes to be out of the lineup and Pedroia is a perfect example of that. He said jokingly that he plans to be a pain in the butt in the dugout during the game.
Pedroia, last year's Rookie of the Year, is hitting .325 with one homer, eight RBI and six doubles.
Lowrie can play second, shortstop and third base. Before his call up from Pawtucket he played mostly short for the PawSox and has not played second since spring training. The right side of the infield isn't unfamiliar for the rookie. He was an All-American second baseman at Stanford.
He and Pedroia, who went to Arizona State, played against each other in college. Ironically, Pedroia played shortstop.
Since his promotion to Boston, Lowrie has played three of the four infield positions.
"Being able to play more than one position is a position," he said.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:59 AM | Permalink
April 19, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Jon Lester is still a work in progress.
The Red Sox starter lasted 6 1/3 innings last night against the Texas Rangers and allowed three runs on 10 hits. Those 10 hits match a career-high, and is the most allowed by a Boston pitcher this season. The left-hander was dealt with a no-decision and is 1-2 in five starts this season.
“Tonight was a step forward,” said pitching coach John Farrell. “The only time he got hurt was when he elevated the ball up around the thigh.”
The numbers seem lopsided, but fortunately Lester was able to strand runners in scoring position and work out of jams. Still, the Red Sox would like to see him not get into those jams so often.
“We striving hard to make sure he doesn’t have to,” added Farrell. “But that’s become kind of his trademark. For him, it speaks to his competitiveness.”
Manager Terry Francona was asked after Boston’s 5-3 victory if he thought Lester is getting frustrated.
“He gave up a lot of hits, but I think he only had two walks,” said Francona. “He maneuvered his way through the lineup. When he first came up (to Boston) we saw him do that. He’d get himself into trouble and he’d compete and find a way to get out of it. He competed tonight and didn’t give in.
“There’s always room to get better,” added the manager. “But he’s trying. He’s working hard. He got us deep in that game where we could win it.”
Lester realized he was better tonight, especially in the first couple of innings. He said he was able to attack the zone better and was able to throw a lot of first-pitch strikes.
"This was definitely a big step forward for me," said Lester. "My mindset going into the game was they're going to beat me swing the bats. I'm not going to give these guys any free passes. So if that means throwing the ball down the middle then that's what I did."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:56 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Manny Ramirez has earned most of the headlines so far this season. With the way he’s playing, that may not change.
Ramirez actually had a quiet game against the Texas Rangers last night at Fenway Park. Wait a second. . . he almost had a quiet night until he provided the heroics once again with a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Boston a 5-3 victory. Until that blast he was 0-1 with two walks.
“That is a pretty swing isn’t it?” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona with a smile. “It’s nice just to get the game tied. . . We didn’t have the lead for long, but it was long enough and it was at the right time.”
Another Manny, however, almost stole Ramirez’s spotlight.
Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen came into this season with a lot of promise and proved his worth during spring training. In fact, management took notice late last season that the hard-throwing right-hander finally turned the corner with his development and was on path to make a permanent impact in the bullpen.
Last night was a perfect example of that.
Boston starter Jon Lester lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed three runs on 10 hits as Texas led 3-2 in the top of the seventh inning. Delcarmen entered the game with one out and one runner on and did exactly what he’s supposed to do – strike batters out.
“We want him to assume that responsibility,” said Francona. “After the couple of hiccups in Toronto he didn’t hang his head and he didn’t doubt himself. He’s getting big outs for us. We talked about him all spring. He’s growing into a veteran and by saying that I’m being complimentary of the way he acts and the way he works. Again, he’s assuming responsibility and that’s a good way to put it.”
Even though his pitch count was a little high with 21 pitches, Delcarmen struck out two and walked only one. As he walked off the mound, he gave a little fist pump because entering the game he had allowed six of nine inherited runners to score.
Not last night.
“Just to get out there and get a couple of punch outs was good,” said Delcarmen. “I threw the ball well. Lester battled through 6 1/3 and just to be able to help him out was pretty good. I got the job done and felt good.”
Lester got off to an interesting spot as he retired two quick outs to begin the game before the Rangers’ Josh Hamilton crushed a solo homer into the Monster seats for a 1-0 Texas lead.
Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning as Jacoby Ellsbury led off with a double to deep center field. Dustin Pedroia followed with a sacrifice bunt and reached on a throwing error by the pitcher to put runners on the corners. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, who pulled out of his hitting slump with a grand slam on Friday night, hit into a 4-6-3 DP as Ellsbury scored to tie the game at 1-1.
For obvious reasons, Texas starter Jason Jennings wanted to stay clear of Manny Ramirez, so he walked him. Kevin Youkilis extended his hitting streak to eight games with an RBI-double to give Boston a 2-1 advantage.
Lester, however, surrendered a run in the top of the second inning and another in the top of the third as the Rangers gained a 3-2 lead. The middle innings, for both teams, were scoreless as Lester lasted 6 1/3 innings.
Delcarmen entered the game and retired two of the three batters he faced to leave two runners stranded. He wasn’t the only reliever to come up big for the Sox. Veteran Mike Timlin and Javier Lopez did their jobs in order to get the Sox’ offense jump started in the eighth inning.
Ellsbury led off the inning and popped out to short before Pedroia doubled off the left-field wall. Ortiz scorched a line drive base hit to right to score the game-tying run at 3-3. Then Ramirez did it again. He crushed his 6th homer of the season – 496th of his career – way over the Monster and way up on the light tower to give Boston a 5-3 lead. Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon closed it out in the ninth to record his sixth save of the season.
Ramirez stole Delcarmen’s headline, but the reliever’s work did not go unnoticed.
“Manny is seeing the ball like the size of a basketball right now,” said Delcarmen. “He is just unbelievable right now and it’s pretty good. Our bullpen right now, like last year, is picking guys up and it’s good.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:40 PM | Permalink
Former major league and Red Sox catcher John Marzano passed away this morning. Details still aren't clear at this point, but it appears to be a heart attack. He was 45. Red Sox manager Terry Francona just spoke about it during his daily press conference with the local media.
Marzano played for the Sox from 1987 to 1992.
He was scheduled to appear at Fenway Park on Monday since he played for both the Red Sox and Rangers.
The Red Sox just released this statement:
The Boston Red Sox organization joins all of Major League Baseball in mourning today’s passing of John Marzano. It is a great loss.
John was selected by the Red Sox in the first round of the June 1984 amateur draft and made his major league debut with Boston in 1987. He spent all or parts of the next six seasons with the Red Sox and was a valuable contributor to the club on and off the field.
Over the last few years, John covered a number of Red Sox games in his role as a television, radio and internet journalist. The same preparation and engaging personality that marked his time as a player in Boston carried over to his duties with the media.
We express our heartfelt sympathies to John’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Here's my story about Marzano:
Marzano also played for the PawSox in 1987-1990 and 1992.
When he was playing for the PawSox he was one of my favorite players, so I waited for him after a game one night to ask for an autograph. I waited and waited and waited. Finally an attractive woman asked who I was waiting for. When I told her, she just smiled and introduced herself as Marzano's wife. So, I asked her for her autograph and she gladly signed my ball.
I never did get John's.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:10 PM | Permalink
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez just learned that Yankees pitcher Kyle Farnsworth has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount of money for throwing at Ramirez during Thursday night's game in New York.
"I don't think he deserves that," Ramirez said of the suspension. "He was just trying to protect his players. We hit A-Rod (Wednesday) night. When you've got a guy on your team like that on your team, you're going to protect him."
Red Sox pitcher David Aardsma drilled Alex Rodriguez in the back during the sixth inning on Wednesday after A-Rod hit a solo home run off Clay Buchholz in the first inning.
On Thursday, Ramirez was 3-for-3, including two homers when Farnsworth threw a 97 MPH fastball behind his head. After the game Ramirez wasn't too upset about the incident, and even today he still wasn't bothered by it.
"To be honest with you, I didn't even see the pitch," he said. "I just stay in the same place. . . That's just how the game is played. You hit one of their guys, they are going to hit one of yours."
Farnsworth's suspension was scheduled to start today, but he has asked for an appeal.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona stayed away from questions concerning the incident.
“That’s not my area,” he said. “I try to keep those guys away from me. That’s none of my business.”
When pressed further about if he was surprised there was a suspension when Farnsworth wasn’t ejected during the game, Francona said he wasn’t about to rate the umpires or the people who rate them.
“I was just a bystander,” he said. “An interested bystander.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:44 PM | Permalink
April 17, 2008
Red Sox rookie sensation Jacoby Ellsbury stole two bases Thursday night in New York. He's been successful on all 13 attempts to start his major-league career, dating back to last season.
It is the longest streak of consecutive steals for a Red Sox player to begin his career since Lee Tinsley began his career with 15 steals in 1994 and 1995.
Former Red Sox player, and current player development consultant, Tommy Harper still holds the single-season record with 54 stolen bases in 1973. He has always said that if his record is to be broken, Ellsbury will be the one to do it.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:29 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
NEW YORK _ The Yankees obviously took exception to Manny Ramirez tearing into them last night.
The Red Sox slugger showcased his offensive prowess and dealt New York’s pitching staff a huge blow with a pair of home runs, a single, three RBI and three runs scored to lead Boston to a 7-5 victory at Yankee Stadium.
New York’s disgust was evident in the top of the seventh inning when Yankees reliever Kyle Farnsworth threw his first offering to Ramirez high and tight, which made home-plate umpire Larry Vanover issue warnings to both dugouts. Maybe it was the two homers that caused Farnsworth to throw a fastball near Ramirez’s head, or maybe it was a little retribution for the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez getting drilled on Wednesday.
Either way it didn’t seem to bother Ramirez.
“We hit one of the best players here (Wednesday) night, so I guess they just want to send a message,” he said. “They need to back up their players and compete. . . I just like to compete and I like challenge.”
Not everyone was as laid back as Ramirez after the brush-back pitch and eventual victory for the Red Sox.
“I don’t know if he was throwing at him or what,” said second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “He just throws so hard, he’s throwing 100 MPH and that’s a career-ender if he gets hits.”
His two homers last night were career numbers 494 and 495. Ramirez was asked if he was getting excited about 500 and he shrugged it off.
“Not really,” he said. “Because I’m going to 600.”
What about 700?
“The sky’s the limit,” he answered. “Why not?”
Ramirez wasn’t the only one to keep the Yankees at bay as Red Sox starter Josh Beckett improved to 2-1 this season after working eight solid innings, allowing just three runs on six hits with five strikeouts. Not one for public speaking, the right-hander gave all the credit to Ramirez.
“He’s pretty good, huh?” he said. “Hopefully he’ll invite me to his Hall of Fame speech.”
Whenever Ramirez’s career is over, he’ll be able to look back and enjoy the statistics he put up against the Yankees. In fact, he could go down as one of the best Yankee killers of all-time and last night he continued his streak.
His 160 career RBI against the Yankees are his most versus any other club. It’s also the highest total against a single team by any active player. That’s not all because his numbers against New York since 2006 are staggering. Ramirez is hitting .452 (55-for-115) with 14 homers and 38 RBI in 33 games. Ramirez now has 55 career homers against the Bronx Bombers, which is the most against any opponent in his career.
Not bad for the New York City native.
“Maybe I’m just lucky,” he said.
Of course it’s still early in the season, but there were whispers at Yankee Stadium last night that if Ramirez can continue this pace maybe he’ll become the first player since Carl Yastrzemski to win the Triple Crown.
“You don’t look at that, yet,” said Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey. “If anyone is capable, he has the ability to do that. There are a handful of guys who can do it and Manny is one of those guys. He’s an RBI machine and he still hits a lot of home runs. With his swing and how he can hit to all field, he can hit for average, too.”
It quite clear Ramirez is locked in right now, but by talking to him you would never know it.
“I don’t think much,” he said. “I just love my job and love to compete.”
Even when a fastball is surging towards his head.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:18 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
NEW YORK _ It’s no secret the Red Sox and Yankees play long games.
When the storied rivalry takes place there’s a pretty good chance the game will take close to four hours or more to play. The Red Sox players laugh and roll their eyes when asked about the marathon games that take place at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, but you won’t hear anyone complain.
Entering Thursday's game the teams have played four games this season with each one lasting 2:59, 2:49, 3:55 and 4:08 respectively. That’s a lot of baseball. Wednesday’s game at Yankee Stadium, a 15-9 victory in favor of New York, was tiring.
“I looked up Wednesday night in the fourth inning and it was 10 minutes of 10,” said Francona. “I was hungry and I was tired.”
Francona explained one of the reasons is due to the fact the Red Sox play so many nationally televised games, especially with the Yankees.
“I don’t want to exaggerate, but I know you have to add on 45 seconds to a minute in between half innings,” he said. “That’s a lot. You’re looking at 20 minutes and that’s significant. We beat the heck out of each other. Both teams work the count and grind out at-bats. There are numerous pitching changes. They run enough where we’re throwing over to first all game. I don’t think anybody is complaining about the quality of baseball. There are just long games. We’ve had some long ones, but it’s not like everybody is playing in slow motion.”
Plus the fact both lineups are so good and patient at the plate, which equals long innings and high pitch-counts.
“Anytime you have 18 hitters going up there with good approaches it’s going to be a long game,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “The pitchers have to have a plan for each guy and try to find a way to get them out. It takes a long time.”
Last night concluded the brief two-game set between New York and Boston and earlier in the day the players in the Sox’ clubhouse appeared tired and banged up.
“These games are draining,” added Pedroia. “After you play the Yankees you’re sorer than if you played someone else. The games are a lot longer. The atmosphere is a lot different than just a normal game. Maybe they can try to speed it up, but I don’t know how they would.”
When Sean Casey signed with the Red Sox during the offseason, he was told by some of his new teammates wait until a Yankees series. The veteran first baseman was told the games were long and he said yesterday he now knows exactly what his teammates were talking about.
“It’s living up to its expectation so far,” he joked. “That just the way it is because you have two good teams with good-hitting lineups that get on base. . . I looked up Wednesday night at 10:15 it we weren’t even through six innings. It’s crazy.”
It doesn’t matter how long the games last, the players don’t want anything to change. No gimmicks. No time clocks. No keeping the hitters in the batter’s box. As an experiment, minor-league baseball instituted a rule a few seasons ago that hitters had to keep at least one foot in the box. The hitters didn’t like it and the umpires don’t enforce it.
Baseball “can’t do that,” said Pedroia, who was in the minors at the time. “Everybody has their own way of getting ready to hit. That’s ridiculous. They can’t try to take control over a guy’s at-bat. When a guy goes up to hit, it’s his time and nobody else’s. That whole rule is kind of stupid.”
Red Sox rookie Jed Lowrie has spent a total of seven days in the big leagues and five of the seven games he’s been a part of since his recall from Pawtucket have been against the Yankees. He said yesterday he’s used to playing long games when he was playing in Single-A Wilmington and Double-A Portland.
“You get so programmed as a player to never look at the time, you’re always looking at the innings,” said Lowrie. “There are times with four-hour games you think ‘man, this is dragging on’ but you just need to pay attention to the situation and the innings.”
Just because the minutes turn to hours during these games doesn’t mean the product is bad because there’s nothing boring about a New York and Boston series.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing,” Lowrie said of the long hours. “I think it’s better baseball. You get up there and it’s more of a skill to take a tough pitch rather than swing at anything. I think the real fans would appreciate it. The real fans of baseball would be able to distinguish between a good hitter and a good at-bat. That’s why these games take so long because there are so many good players on these two teams. I don’t think it’s bad for the game at all.”
There could be worse things to do than watch the Great American Pastime for four hours.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:09 PM | Permalink
*Kevin Youkilis contacted manager Terry Francona early this morning and informed him he was ready to play. The Sox' third baseman fouled a ball off his left big toe in the sixth inning on Wednesday. X-rays were negative.
“He made it very clear to me that if I didn’t play him he would be a pain in the butt,” said the manager. “That’s good news because when a guy has that kind of outlook at 10 in the morning and he’s laughing about it he’s probably feeling a little better than expected.”
Francona admitted he thought Youkilis would be feeling it this morning, but was relieved he was able to pencil him into the lineup tonight.
*Outfielder Coco Crisp has been hampered by a hamstring injury and is out of the lineup again tonight. Francona said this afternoon that Crisp could play if needed, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The manager said Crisp’s range-of-motion is fine.
*Infielder Alex Cora was placed on the 15-day DL Wednesday with a right-elbow sprain. He was scheduled to have an MRI but according to Francona the test could not be completed because Cora experienced a little anxiety in the tight quarters. He went back today to try again, this time in an open MRI machine.
*Pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) continues to just be. He was sitting in the visitor’s clubhouse earlier today, flipping a baseball. Francona said he still has no new information on when the veteran right-hander will begin to throw again. “I know he’s feeling good and he wants to get in there,” Francona said.
*Rookie infielder Jed Lowrie is celebrating his 24th birthday today at Yankee Stadium. He said his family is in town and they shared a birthday cake at his agent's office here in New York.
Line of the day comes from Francona when asked about the now famous unearthed David Ortiz jersey that was buried at the new Yankee Stadium and is up for auction.
“No one in the Francona household will be bidding on it. I’ll go and get him to sign one of his own.”
More to come. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:55 PM | Permalink
Former Red Sox pitcher Bryan Corey has elected free agency instead of accepting his minor-league assignment. The right-hander was designated on April 11 after posting a 14.55 ERA in six appearances for Boston.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:20 PM | Permalink
April 16, 2008
*Coco Crisp, who is not in the lineup, has a sore hamstring. Manager Terry Francona said "it's not much of anything" and should be fine. Crisp missed the majority of spring training due to a groin injury.
*Alex Cora has been placed on the 15-day DL with a right elbow strain. As a result Joe Thurston has been recalled from Pawtucket. Cora is having an MRI right now.
"He's a terrific kid," said Francona talking about Thurston. "Every spring training game he had energy and he showed up and played the game right. He worked hard at being valuable at a lot of different positions, and because of that he finds himself in a major-league uniform. There are a lot of coaches in here who are very excited, not to mention his teammates."
*Shortstop Julio Lugo, who twisted his ankle in Cleveland Tuesday night, is fine.
*Pitcher Bartolo Colon (oblique) was playing catch today, but has not been cleared to start pitching. He was riding the stationary bike in the clubhouse early today.
*Rookie Clay Buchholz will make his Yankee Stadium debut tonight. The right-hander faced the Yankees for the first time at Fenway Park last weekend and pitched well. Francona said he's expecting the same tonigh.
"We try not to deviate from the norm, regardless of who we're playing," said the manager. "He's not a real excitable kid. He handles things pretty well. If he does get charged up hopefully he uses that to his advantage."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:37 PM | Permalink
April 14, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The Boston Red Sox said they didn’t want to use any excuses.
The ballclub had a short offseason due to their World Series championship. They had an abbreviated spring training due to their season-opening three-country 19-day trek through Japan, the West Coast and Canada. To make the schedule tougher, Boston finally opened at home against the Detroit Tigers, followed by the first regular-season series against the Yankees.
When the Red Sox returned from their around-the-world trip with a 3-4 mark, and posted a 4-2 record on the team’s home stand that concluded last night with an 8-5 victory over the Yankees.
No excuses needed now that the team is back to its regular grind. It won’t get any easier, however, as the Red Sox play two in Cleveland, beginning tonight, and then two at New York.
“We’ll get ourselves into that grind of the season,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “That doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but you can see how good you can be. We’ll see. We’re playing some really good teams. We did what we wanted to tonight and now we’ll pack up and play another good team and see how we do there.”
The one aspect of Boston’s series against New York at Fenway Park was the solid starting pitching in the first two games of the three-game set. Rookie Clay Buchholz had to deal with a no-decision on Friday after working six good innings where he allowed one run on four hits in a 4-1 loss. Ace Josh Beckett earned his first win of the season in Saturday’s 4-3 win, working into the seventh inning and allowed three runs on five hits.
Last night Daisuke Matsuzaka was given the ball.
It was a night when the Sox’ bullpen needed a break, so the right-hander needed an efficient outing. His teammates gave him a 7-1 advantage after three innings, but Matsuzaka allowed three runs in the top of the fourth and lasted only one more inning. He threw a total of 116 pitches over just five innings, but still ended up with his third victory of the season.
“We had some long innings when we were hitting, it was cold and his command wasn’t very good,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “It was a struggle to get him through five. We were getting to a point where we were getting kind of antsy of pitch counts going up in a hurry. He gave it every thing he had there just wasn’t a lot of command there. He would make a pitch and wouldn’t follow it up.”
When he left the game the Red Sox held a 7-4 lead and reliever David Aardsma followed with two scoreless innings before Mike Timlin started the eighth and surrendered a solo homer by the Yankees’ Jason Giambi that cut New York’s deficit, 7-5.
Timlin then allowed back-to-back singles to Jose Molina and pinch-hitter Melky Cabrera before he was given the hook. Left Javier Lopez got Johnny Damon to ground into a well-executed double play by second baseman Dustin Pedroia before Robinson Cano grounded out to second to end the inning and threat.
Boston scored the all-important insurance run in the bottom of the eighth for an 8-5 lead. Lopez faced one batter in the ninth and retired Bobby Abreu. Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen recorded the final two outs with a huge strikeout on Alex Rodriguez and a ground out by Hideki Matsui to finish it out.
Even though he earned the victory, it wasn’t the best outing for Matsuzaka.
He entered the game with a 2-0 record and a 1.47 ERA in three starts this season, his second in the majors. Because all of his “firsts” were taken care of in 2007, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said yesterday afternoon that Matsuzaka is more in sync and relaxed this season.
“Because of that the ball is coming out with some life to it and without a lot of exertion,” the manager said.
Rewind to 2007 and all the hoopla and attention the Japanese import was getting. The entire year, and still to today, the Matsuzaka Media Mafia follows his every move. All the off-field distractions eventually got to him.
“Last year when he came to spring training he didn’t have the ability to give up a run without having Red Sox Nation or his nation asking a ton of question,” said Francona. “He threw the ball well. He used all of his pitches and it was exciting. Then as the season progressed he got into some ruts, trying to overthrow.”
The Red Sox expect things both on and off the field should be a little less stressful for Matsuzaka this season.
Speaking of stress, the heart rate for Red Sox personnel must have been racing prior to this season due to the anticipation of the early adversity they would face. It hasn’t been a problem and they don’t want it to be.
“Everything seems like it’s going into key right now,” said Delcarmen. “You can see our bats coming around and our pitching is getting better. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
Many Red Sox players, including Francona, have admitted to being tired prior to the club’s home-opener last Tuesday. Still, they weren’t going to blame anything or anyone for a possible hiccup.
They haven’t needed to.
At some point the schedule must get a little easier for the Red Sox. It won’t happen this week as they travel to Cleveland for two and New York for two.
The Red Sox wanted a normal routine and now they have it.
“I think everybody has gotten adjusted from that long road trip we were on,” said Coco Crisp. “Everybody has settled in and now we can just go out there and play the game.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:57 AM | Permalink
April 13, 2008
As expected Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has been given tonight off.
Manager Terry Francona hinted after Saturday's game that it would be a possibility. The two met late Saturday and the manager told him of the decision.
“I just think it’s the right thing to do,” said Francona. “When he came in today he had a little more bounce to his step and a little more lighthearted than he’s been. He’ll have a good work day and then he can take a little bit of a mental break. It got to a point where he needed a break, and that’s the best way to put it. . . You can see it's weighing on him. This is done to help him take a deep breath."
It was clear when Ortiz walked into the clubhouse he was in a good mood, almost relieved that he wasn't playing.
“It’s never a lot of fun to not have his presence in the lineup, but I think it’s the best thing to do,” Francona said.
Papi is hitless in his last 17 at-bats and he's 1-for-his-last 29. His .070 average is the lowest in the majors.
Ortiz had surgery on his right knee during the offseason, and even though Francona said tonight he doesn't think that has anything to do with it, Ortiz was sitting in the dugout prior to Friday's game with a huge ice pack on his knee. He said he felt okay and this day off could be just what he needs.
He will hit in the cage and probably watch video with hitting coach Dave Magadan.
Teammate Sean Casey said he knows how Ortiz feels.
"We've all been there," he said.
Manny Ramirez will serve as the DH with Jacoby Ellsbury in left field and Coco Crisp in center.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:17 PM | Permalink
April 12, 2008
*Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (thigh) will miss the remainder of this series. Manager Joe Girardi said Jeter would take ground balls today, but it's unlikely he'll play on Sunday. And, there's no timetable on his return. Girardi said his captain his willing to play hurt -- as he's done so many times befroe -- but they don't want to rush him.
*Catcher Jorge Posada (arm) will serve as the DH again today. He was able to play long toss on Friday, but did not throw today.
*Red Sox slugger David Ortiz continues to struggle at the plate, but Girardi knows it's only a matter of time before Papi launches one out. "We still approach him very carefully," said the manager.
*Josh Beckett will start for the Red Sox and face the Yankees' Mike Mussina. Girardi spoke highly of the Sox' right-hander today. "He's got great stuff," he said. "He knows how to pitch. He's a pure power guy and when he's on he's tough to beat."
*Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui has been given today off.
*Alex Rodriguez's wife, Cynthia, is expecting the couple's second child next week. A-Rod currently has 520 career home runs. His next one will tie him with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey for 15th on the all-time list.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:43 PM | Permalink
April 11, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ On a night when most of the focus was on Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz, Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang was outstanding.
He recorded a complete-game two-hitter to lead New York to a 4-1 victory at Fenway Park. The right-hander improves to 3-0 on the season and needed only 93 pitches to finish the job. The Sox' J.D. Drew hit a solo homer in the fifth inning and Coco Crisp dropped down a bunt single in the ninth for Boston's only two hits.
"Coming into the game we certainly wanted to stay in the middle of the field," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We wanted to try to get him to elevate. If you look at the end of the game and you see fly balls, you would think the results might be different. We went through a period in the middle of the game where we squared up four or five and we had nothing to show for it. We didn't get anything started. (Wang) rarely pitched out of the stretch. In a game that tight (1-1) we never got anything going."
Buchholz, on the other hand, was also solid in his first meeting against the Yankees.
"He did great," said Francona. "He really did. he competed and threw all of his pitches. He threw his fastball with conviction. He threw some great offspeed pitches and got himself out of that one jam. He got us to a point in the game where we had a chance, even if we weren't scoring we had a chance to win that game."
He worked six innings and allowed just one run on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
“I think this a step you want to take,” he said about facing the Yankees for the first time. “I don’t know if it’s one that I had to take, but at the same time this is what you dream about when you dream about pitching in the big rivalries when you’re growing up. It was something I wanted to do, and they gave me a shot to do it tonight. I felt good overall, but they had a bit better night than we did. You have to tip your cap sometimes.”
Even though it was the Yankees, Buchholz said he wanted to treat it as just another game.
“I try to go in as a regular start,” he said. “I’ve found out in the past that if you go in and try to do too much then that’s the outcome. I did that a couple of time tonight where I felt like I had to throw the ball harder or make a breaking ball break harder and they ended up being outside the zone. When I was calm and let the ball go out of my hand it worked out a whole lot better for me.”
The last time he started at Fenway Park he recorded a no-hitter against the Orioles last Sept. 1. That feat really wasn’t on his mind last night because it’s an entirely different season.
“Somebody brought it up [yesterday],” he said. “My comment was ‘it was last year and I need to forget about it.’ It might not ever happen again. At the same time this was a good step in the right direction as far as pitching out of trouble and learning a few new hitters.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:35 PM | Permalink
New York's Joe Girardi makes his managerial debut at Fenway Park tonight. The new skipper just met with the local media:
*Yankees' Johnny Damon has been given the night off and Hideki Matsui will play left field.
*Shortstop Derek Jeter (thigh) is not in the lineup tonight and he's doubtful for the series. Girardi said Sunday could be a possibility, but the poor conditions expected at Fenway this weekend won't help the matter. Jeter is slated to stretch and throw today. He doesn't take sitting on the bench very well and Girardi said: "He's already driving me nuts."
*Jorge Posada (arm) will DH tonight. He's scheduled to play long toss today. Girardi said it's not out of the question that Posada could, at some point, play first base, but the club wants to make sure his arm is fine before taking that chance.
*Since Jeter is on the shelf, the Yankees recalled shortstop Alberto Gonzalez from Triple-A Scranton. Girardi called him a traditional shortstop who looks comfortable and is playing great.
*Girardi recalled his time as a player and the wonderful atmosphere that surrounded this series. He remembers the high intensity and also said it's probably at an all-time high right now.
*Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is 1-for-his-last-22 but the Yankees aren't about to take him too lightly. "When great players are struggling," said Girardi, "they're going to turn it around quick."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:36 PM | Permalink
The Red Sox just released the area update:
The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for rain showers to move into the area later this evening.
The Fenway Park gates will open at the regularly scheduled time of 5:05 p.m., and the Red Sox hope that tonight’s game with the New York Yankees will be played. However, the Red Sox would like to alert our fans to the current forecast and the possibility for delay.
This forecast is of course subject to change as the day progresses. Additional updates will be provided as necessary.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:35 PM | Permalink
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The Yankees’ Mariano Rivera is one of greatest closers in Major League Baseball history. The 14-year pro has accumulated 446 saves and when No. 42 enters the game a victory for New York is all put in the bag.
He’s considered the Godfather among his fellow closers and even though there’s a storied rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox, Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon has the utmost respect for Rivera.
“Even though we’re rival teams we’re still in the same boat,” said Papelbon. “We’re playing the major-league game and we’re trying to do good things for the major-league game. I would love to follow in his footsteps for what he’s done for the game of baseball. It’s a fraternity and we have to stick together as closers. Not that we need to have each others back, but we need to know what’s going on with each other.”
During the offseason Rivera signed a staggering three-year deal with the Yankees for $45 million, making him the highest paid closer in the game. Papelbon inked a one-year deal worth $775,000 during spring training, the most money ever given to a non-arbitration eligible reliever.
The two will face each other at some point this weekend with the teams playing the first regular-season series of 2008.
Papelbon, the one-time starter turned closer, loves the role he’s in and he gives Rivera a lot of credit for keeping this specialty role in the game at the forefront.
“We can’t let the momentum go when it comes to signing a contract, sign with a team or whatever it may be,” said Papelbon.
Rivera is considered the best of his generation and that doesn’t go unnoticed with the rest of the closers in the league.
“I think he shows a awareness for everybody who is in this role,” admitted Papelbon. “He’s the Godfather of today’s closer. Goose (Gossage) was the past generation who sealed the deal as a closer, but with (Mariano) he’s set the tone. Guys like me, Joe Nathan and Frankie Rodriguez, I feel like it’s our time. It’s our duty to follow in the footsteps and keep what closers have become going because it’s up to us to do this in the game of baseball. And, not let a guy like Mariano, who has done so much for this role, to just kind of make him feel like he’s doing it for nothing.”
Papelbon didn’t get a chance to see Rivera during spring training, but he’s hoping the two will both be elected to the All-Star game this July at Yankee Stadium so they can sit down and talk.
“He’s doing a great job and he’s doing it for a reason,” said Papelbon. “I have nothing but good things to say about that guy, obviously.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:50 PM | Permalink
Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced after Thursday's victory over the Tigers that the club would officially designate reliever Bryan Corey for assignment today. It's 2 p.m. here at Fenway Park and the right-hander is running sprints in right field.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:13 PM | Permalink
April 10, 2008
By Joe McDonald and Paul Kenyon
Journal Sports Writers
BOSTON -- Jed Lowrie was working out at McCoy Stadium yesterday afternoon after the PawSox defeated the IronPigs when Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson called him into his office.
The skipper told the rookie shortstop that Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell’s injury to his left thumb was still questionable, so Sox management wanted Lowrie to go to Fenway just in case. So, he started his drive to Boston and 10 minutes before he arrived GM Theo Epstein called and told him he would be activated.
“On the drive up there were still a lot of questions,” Lowrie admitted. “RJ told me they wanted me to be up here just in case about 10 minutes before I got here Theo called me and told me they were going to activate me, so there were some mixed emotions driving up here because there was some uncertainty whether I was going to get the opportunity or not.”
Lowrie got to Boston just in time to put on his uniform (No. 12) and make it to the dugout for game time.
“I got my first taste today and ust watching from the dugout, it’s been a dream of mine since I’ve been playing baseball," he said. "I didn’t get a chance to be in there today, but it was still awesome just to be up here. Just the opportunity to help this team would be pretty awesome.”
Lowrie is versatile and can play second, short and third.
He was given a ton of playing time during spring training due to Julio Lugo’s back injury. Lowrie proved during camp that he can be an everyday shortstop at the big-league level, and with a couple of different options in Pawtucket – veterans Joe Thurston and Keith Ginter – Red Sox management decided to go with the rookie.
What’s interesting about Lowrie’s major-league debut is the fact that Boston’s top four selections in the 2005 draft have all reached the big leagues, including outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (23rd overall), pitcher Craig Hansen (26th overall) and pitcher Clay Buchholz (42nd overall).
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:58 PM | Permalink
Red Sox manager Terry Francona gave us an update following tonight's 12-6 victory over the Tigers.
Lowell was placed on the 15-day DL Thursday afternoon with a sprained left thumb.
“He’ll be in a splint for approximately a week,” said Francona. “He needs to keep it immobilized for about a week. The hope is when the DL stint is over he’ll be able to play. It will all be determined on how it responds. Anybody that knows him knows he plays through all kinds of bumps and bruises. He has an extremely high pain threshold.”
Lowell was in the clubhouse after the game and spoke to the media:
``I’m frustrated because I’m not going to be playing for a little while, but I think I was encouraged with the MRI that it wasn’t a complete tear of anything,’’ he said, adding that the affected ligament is not the same one he injured last season. ``I think then it would have been significant time. . . . They want me to immobilize it for like four or five days before I do anything, so I think the smart thing was to go on the disabled list and we’ll take it from there. I’m hoping the swelling goes down a lot more in the next couple days. I’m really looking forward to waking up tomorrow and hopefully feeling better than today because I was a little disappointed this morning. I thought I was going to wake up a lot better and I didn’t.’’
Following Lowelll’s injury, Kevin Youkilis was moved from first to third and Sean Casey took over at first. Both did a tremendous job in both the field and at the plate last night.
``Youk put on a show defensively and they’re both swinging a really good bat," said Lowell. "That makes you feel good that we’ve got depth on this team and guys that can produce and still help us win. I know it’s April, but there’s a lot of important games in April. It doesn’t really matter what month you’re in.’’
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:29 PM | Permalink
Red Sox manager Terry Francona just announced that the team will designate pitcher Bryan Corey for assignment on Friday.
The right-handed reliever worked in six of the team's 10 games this season and compiled a 14.54 ERA. After allowing just one run in his first four games, he has surrendered six runs over his last 2/3 of an inning of work in his last two outings.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:19 PM | Permalink
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has been placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained left thumb. Jed Lowrie has been recalled from Pawtucket.
Lowell walked into the clubhouse around 5:45 tonight with a removable cast on his right arm. He injured the thumb in
