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June 26, 2008
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 AP Photo | As the earlier post on this blog reported, David Ortiz was sworn in as an American citizen today in Boston. The Red Sox slugger denied the report when asked about it in the clubhouse -- even though photographers captured the moment at the courthouse (left) and Ortiz spoke to reporters there -- but Red Sox spokesman John Blake confirmed the story.
Francona didn't even know. When asked about it during his afternoon meeting with the local media, the manager asked, "Is that why he had a sports coat on? I didn't know." Fellow Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez became a U.S. citizen in May of 2004 and then ran out to left field to start the game with a small version of an American flag in his hand. |
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 4:25 PM | Permalink
Umpires need love, too
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- The game time temperature at Fenway Park tonight was a steaming 93 degrees. It felt much hotter on the field during batting practice.
If you want a true indication of how hot it is here, all you have to do is look at home-plate umpire Greg Gibson.
His blue shirt is completely soaked. Between each half-inning, Gibson drinks a complete 12-ounce bottle of water and Red Sox trainer Paul Lessard puts a cold towel around Gibson's head to cool him off.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:59 PM | Permalink
Murray helps to honor Manny
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Hall of Famer Eddie Murray stood at home plate tonight at Fenway Park and presented Manny Ramirez with a plaque to commemorate his 500th career home run. The Red Sox slugger reached the milestone on May 31 at Baltimore and entered tonight's game against the Orioles tied with Murray with 504 homers.
Ramirez told Murray before the game that he was planning on passing his former teammate -- they played together in Cleveland from 1994-96 -- in the career homer category. Either way Murray said he was honored to be part of the pregame ceremony.
"You knew once he learned to think with the pitchers and the catchers, this was something that was just going to happen," said Murray, referring to Ramirez’s 500 home runs. "He’s a hard worker when it comes to hitting."
Murray hit his 500th career home in September of 1996 at Camden Yards. Ironically, Ramirez’s landed in the same section in the right-field seats.
The days leading up to Ramirez’s milestone, he admitted he was thinking about it too much. Fans would ask him constantly when he thought he would hit 500. Murray admitted it’s tough to accomplish.
"It’s pain in the butt," Murray said. "I would walk up to the plate with my head down and then when I would look to see the pitcher, I would see a sea of orange. [The fans] think I can do this on command. That went on for about two or three long weeks. It’s a tough thing to do."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:49 PM | Permalink
Woo: As I did with Ramirez, person who caught the 600th home run should return ball to Griffey
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- There’s been some controversy surrounding who owns Ken Griffey’s Jr.’s 600th career home-run ball.
The Reds slugger notched the historic homer at Florida Monday night and already a few different fans say they caught the ball. Certainly a piece of memorabilia like Griffey’s ball will draw a lot of attention and could make some fan instantly rich.
Damon Woo doesn’t see it that way.
Woo, 40, is best known around these parts as the New York City resident and Red Sox fan who caught Manny Ramirez’s 500th career homer in Baltimore on May 31. Even before that game was over, Woo and his and brother, Jason, were escorted to the Sox’ clubhouse because Woo felt the honorable thing to do was to return the ball to its rightful owner.
The Brothers Woo presented Ramirez with the ball, took pictures and were able to meet the rest of the Red Sox players. The next day the brothers were invited by the club to sit right behind the visitors' dugout at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Along with the club’s hospitality, Damon Woo received a number of signed balls and bats from other Red Sox players, but ironically, he didn’t get anything signed by Ramirez.
It wasn’t that Ramirez wouldn’t sign anything; it was simply that everyone got caught up in all the excitement and Woo forgot to ask. The team told him to send along any pictures he had of himself and Ramirez in the clubhouse that night so Manny could sign them.
Everyone on the Red Sox, including bench coach Brad Mills, spoke the next day about how rare in today’s world it is that a person would give up a sure lucrative pay day to do the right thing as Woo did.
Woo spoke with the Journal this afternoon and he has some advice for the person who caught Griffey’s ball – give it back. He's confident he did the right thing and many people are telling him as much. He just hopes the lucky fan in Florida follows his lead.
"It’s better for baseball if people followed the course," said Woo.
In the days and weeks following his historic grab, Woo said his life has been filled with a lot of nice surprises.
"It was certainly an interesting week, to say the least," he said. "It’s been really great."
He’s received a ton of e-mails from friends around the globe, some of whom he hasn’t spoken with in a while.
"As [the story] slowly circled the globe, folks I have lost touch with over the years have called or dropped me an e-mail," he said. "People have been telling me I did the right thing and I’ve certainly been on a high from that."
That was the biggest question Woo faced over the last week-and-a-half. Newspapers and websites have asked readers to answer survey questions whether or not Woo did the right thing by giving Ramirez the ball back.
"The company I keep, [people approve by] about 98 percent," Woo said. "The responses from friends has been overwhelmingly that I did the right thing. That put me on a life’s high as well."
Still, there’s been that little dugout devil on his shoulder telling him he should have kept the ball.
"The first couple of days it hit me once an hour where I had the reflex, ‘Oh, God! What did I do?’ I’m now happy to say it’s down to about once a day."
His brother would call him at least once a day just to remind him that he did the right thing.
"He provided that moral support," said Woo. "The entire moment was priceless and God bless my brother was there to share the whole experience with me. We talked to our mom three days later and she was saying how proud she was of us. It would have been a tremendous event had I been there on my own, but having my brother to share it with me real made it special."
Since that special weekend in Baltimore Woo has not had any contact with the Red Sox organization, but he has an open invitation to Fenway Park later this summer. When that time comes he plans on bringing his girlfriend’s 15-year-old son, Ryan, to whom he dedicated the historic catch.
"It’ll be his first to Fenway and he’s looking forward to it," said Woo.
It will probably take a while for all of this to actually sink in for Woo and everyone involved. He’s just thrilled that he was sitting in Section 94, seats 15 and 16 at Camden Yards on May 31.
"They are memories of a lifetime," he said. "I will preserve them."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:20 PM | Permalink
Zink to be recalled?
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- This is just speculation at this point, but PawSox pitcher Charlie Zink was a last-minute scratch from his start tonight in Charlotte. Instead, relief pitcher Edgar Martinez made the start for Pawtucket.
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester began his five-game suspension Friday night, which makes him available to return on Thursday. Boston has the luxury of an off-day on Monday, so Josh Beckett will pitch on Tuesday, tonight's starter Bartolo Colon could pitch on normal rest on Wednesday and Lester could go Thursday.
It's just strange why Zink, a knuckleball pitcher, was pulled from his start.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:40 PM | Permalink
Crisp agrees that his reaction Thursday was 'bush league,' but said Bartlett's 'bush-league' block started it
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- The scrapes are still visible on the face of Coco Crisp after Thursday’s bench-clearing brawl, but he said he's fine and ready to hit in the lead-off spot and play center field tonight.
"Everything feels fine," he said. "I do have a stiff neck because I was down in the pile, but other than that I’m fine."
Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields, who got suspended six games and fined an undisclosed amount, called Crisp a "bush-league player" following Thursday’s game. When Crisp was told about it on Friday, he didn’t disagree.
"I believe that," he said. "I will agree with him. It’s true. But what Bartlett did was bush league, and he’s done it before. After he dropped the knee on me (Wednesday) I said, ‘OK. You want to play dirty?’ Especially with me sliding head-first and going in as hard as I can sliding head-first. When you put your knee down like that you’re blocking the plate like a catcher, so you should be taken out like a catcher. That’s how I feel. You can injure and end someone’s career by doing that."
Crisp jammed his thumb on the play.
"What (Bartlett) did was bush league, and I agree with what I did was bush league," said Crisp. "You did something that was shady, and I did something that was shady. I’m not going to disagree (with Shields’ comments)."
Shields said he did it the right way by hitting Crisp in the thigh and the Sox’ center fielder agrees.
"He throws hard and he didn’t try to throw it up near my head," said Crisp. "He did it the right way. There’s no hard feelings, but if he lost respect for me, then so be it. I have no loss of respect for anybody over there, even though some people were pulling my hair. I guess all is fair when you’re at the bottom of the pile."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:14 PM | Permalink
Ramirez says problem with Youkilis is "over with . . . straightened out"
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Manny Ramirez wants everyone in Red Sox Nation to know that everything is just fine with teammate Kevin Youkilis.
The two were involved in a scrum during Thursday’s game in the dugout and needed to be separated. Today, Kevin Youkilis quickly made his way out of the clubhouse, trying to avoid the media.
"It was nothing," said Youkilis. "It’s over. It’s a new day.”
Moments later, Ramirez walked into the middle of the clubhouse and answered every question he was asked about the situation.
"It was just a misunderstanding," he said. "Even in the best family, you find stuff like that. It’s done. It’s over with. We got it straightened out."
Ramirez wouldn’t discuss exactly what started it, and said the two still haven't talk about it, but said everything is just fine. ESPN Desportes reported that Ramirez confronted Youkilis about his habit of throwing equipment after making outs, which most players see as a selfish act, and Youkilis took exception.
"It’s in the past and we’re going to move on," Ramirez said. "It’s a new day."
As far as his ailing leg, Ramirez is out of the lineup tonight with Brandon Moss playing left field. Ramirez said he hoped to be back in the lineup Saturday.
He was on his way to take BP when he stopped to talk to the media about his sore leg, but everyone wanted to know about the other situation.
"Don’t worry about it," he said. "It’s nobody’s business what happened. We’re going to move on."
Manager Terry Francona downplayed the incident a short time ago in his daily press briefing when asked if he thought there might be some lingering after-effects from the intramural confrontation.
"We had a lot of emotions in the clubhouse," said Francona.
"A lot of things happen on a team that are not seen. I'm not saying we're trying to promote this, but it's not the end of the world. Sometimes you're better off for it. Things like that happen and we try to handle them and move on," said Francona, intimating that no clubhouse meeting was necessary to address the incident.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:07 PM | Permalink
Portsmouth's Ryan Westmoreland drafted by Red Sox
The Red Sox have selected Rhode Island native Ryan Westmoreland with the 172nd overall pick in MLB's First-Year Player Draft. The Portsmouth High School senior was taken in the sixth round.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:45 PM | Permalink
Moss removed from PawSox game
PawSox first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss has been removed from Pawtucket's game in Charlotte. He was serving as the DH when he was taken out in third inning.
Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury suffered a strained right wrist in the fourth inning at Fenway Park tonight and was removed from the game. Coco Crisp was ejected for charging the mound after getting hit by a pitch in the second inning.
So, it's a safe bet Moss will be on his way to Boston.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:24 PM | Permalink
Ellsbury update
Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was removed from the game in the top of the fourth inning after he made a diving catch. He suffered a strained right wrist -- his catching hand -- and X-rays taken at Fenway Park came back negative. He will be evaluated again on Friday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:43 PM | Permalink
MLB Draft: Red Sox select Kelly
The Red Sox selected Casey Kelly as their first pick (30th overall) in the first round. The 6-foot-3, 194-pounder is a shortstop/right-handed pitcher out of Sarasota High School in Florida. Casey is the son of former major-leaguer Pat Kelly.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:01 PM | Permalink
MLB Draft Day: Early notes
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft is underway.
Walking around the Red Sox clubhouse, however, you would never know it. The draft is on every TV, but it’s not like the players are watching intently as they do the NFL draft.
Tucked away in the bowels of Fenway Park is where the real action is happening.
General manager Theo Epstein, director of amateur scouting Jason McLeod and vice president of player personnel Ben Cherington are leading the way for the Red Sox. Minutes before the draft began at 2 p.m., the three were seen walking along the warning track in front of the Green Monster, maybe just taking their last breather before the long task of picking the organization’s future.
The Red Sox have enjoyed tremendous success in the draft under this current baseball operations department. Epstein has a passion the draft and the fruits of his labor – along with the rest of the staff – have certainly paid off.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona spoke briefly this afternoon about his experience with the draft when he was a special assistant to baseball operations for the Cleveland Indians in 2001. He called it a "humbling experience" and "really intriguing" how organizations prepare for the draft.
Case in point: The Red Sox selected Dustin Pedroia – the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year – as their first pick (65th overall) in the second round of the 2004 draft.
In 2005, the Red Sox struck gold. Jacoby Ellsbury was their first selection (23rd overall) followed by Craig Hansen (26th overall), Clay Buchholz (42nd overall), Jed Lowrie (45th overall) and Michael Bowden (47th overall).
"When they talked about Pedroia, they were right on," said Francona. "Buchholz, Masterson and every kid they talked about in spring training you could see they paint a pretty good picture. I guess that’s what scouts are supposed to do . . . Because it’s easy to fall in love with your players for sure, and rating your own players is difficult. Our guys have done a very good job of that."
The local media has been invited to meet with Epstein at 5:15 to discuss the Sox’ first two picks and I’ll have more later on.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:59 PM | Permalink
Taxi-cab confession
So I just got to the airport here in Baltimore and I’ve already received a few emails about the Red Sox calling up Chris Carter. Before I explain the situation a little better, let me first describe the horrific cab ride I just experienced.
This Baltimore cabby was wearing a Ravens’ Steve McNair jersey and told me that he was actually Steve McNair. After I gracefully declined his autograph and he found out I was from New England, he asked me if I was a Patriots fan. Fearing this guy would take me to the wrong airport if I gave him the wrong answer, I made the mistake of telling him I was a sports writer and had to be objective in my job.
“You’re a journalist?” he asked as he turned his head and was looking right at me in the back seat just as the cab was about to merge onto the highway.
I believe he was Jamaican and had this voodoo doll hanging from the rearview mirror. He asked me if I knew the meaning of ‘the pen is mightier than the sword?’
“Of course,” I told him.
He didn’t believe me and then this witch doctor slowed the cab down to about 45 MPH on the highway and began his rant.
He blamed me for the war in Iraq. He said something about Vietnam, but I couldn’t quite hear him because old-lady drivers in mini vans were flying past us on the right side. I tried to explain – again – that I’m a sports writer, but he didn’t want to hear it.
So, he switched his homily to baseball.
He told me it is my job to clean up the game. I should investigate Bud Selig, the players, and rid the game of steroids. I’m an easy-going guy. It’s take a lot for me to get aggravated. At this point I wanted to jump out of the cab. It’s not like I would have gotten hurt because we were going to damn slow anyway.
“You don’t think there is a steroid problem in the NFL?” I asked him.
“No,” he replied. “Not as bad as baseball. The biggest problem in football is marijuana.”
When we finally arrived at the terminal, he wouldn’t let me out of the cab until I began pulling on the handle at a furious rate so he would get the hint. He popped the trunk, grabbed my bags and before I could even pay him the $50 I owed him, he turned to some guy on the side walk and started an argument with him.
“Sorry, guy,” I said to him. “You’re on your own. I need to catch a flight.”
How ‘bout that for a taxi-cab confession?
I didn’t realize Steve McNair needed a job in the offseason as a philosopher, cab driver and witch doctor. As I post this my head will probably begin to shrink.
As far as the Sox calling up Chris Carter to Boston instead of Brandon Moss to replace the injured David Ortiz, it’s possible the club wants Moss to continue to play every day in Pawtucket because he’s playing so well right now. It wouldn’t make sense for him to sit in the dugout and only play sparingly.
The Red Sox will make four roster moves today. They will officially place Ortiz on the DL. They will activate Carter and pitcher Justin Masterson, who will start tonight. The final move will likely be sending Jeff Bailey back to Pawtucket.
That’s about it from the airport and it’s time to board.
--Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:08 PM | Permalink
Red Sox recall Carter fom Pawtucket
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Chris Carter takes a breather alongside J.D. Drew after a conditioning run during spring training at Fort Myers, Fla.
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox have recalled Chris Carter from Pawtucket. The outfielder left Charlotte this morning and is headed to Fenway Park today.
The 25-year-old is in his first full season with the Red Sox organization. Boston acquired the 5-foot-10, 210-pounder from Washington last August to complete the trade that sent Wily Mo Pena to the Nationals.
Carter is hitting .316 with 10 homers and 35 RBI for the PawSox in 56 games this season. After the Red Sox acquired him last summer, he hit .234 with one home run and four RBI in 12 games for Pawtucket.
He was devastated last September when he was told he would not be a late-season call up for the Red Sox. Now he's getting his chance to make major-league debut.
There was some thought that Red Sox prospect Brandon Moss would be recalled after the club placed slugger David Ortiz on the disabled list Monday with a torn tendon sheath in the left wrist. Moss was named the International League Batter of the Week yesterday after hitting four home runs, including three in one game last Saturday. He also recorded a .400 average.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:32 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Ortiz placed on disabled list
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE _ Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has been placed on the disabled list with what manager Terry Francona described Monday night as a “partially torn ECU (or extensor carpi ulnaris) tendon sheath" in his left wrist.
“It’s what holds the tendon in place,” described Francona. “Surgery is very unlikely, but he will be placed on the disabled list.”
The Sox’ manager said Ortiz will be placed in a split or soft cast and the club will have more information on Tuesday.
Prior to tonight's game team physician Thomas Gill met with GM Theo Epstein and had a conference call with Francona to discuss the situation. After the game the manager spoke with Epstein again, but Francona did not want to speculate how long Ortiz would be out of the lineup.
“All of us want a chance to talk with David, with the doctors and we’ll map this out to the best of their ability,” Francona said.
He had a MRI taken on his injured left wrist at 2:30 Monday afternoon in Boston. Ortiz suffered the injury during an at-bat on Saturday and said he felt a 'pop' when he hit a foul ball.
Because the news of Ortiz’s trip to the DL, most of the Red Sox players didn’t know about the situation immediately after Monday's game.
“We just have to keep playing the same way we’re playing until he gets back,” said Manny Ramirez, who always hits fourth in the order behind Ortiz. “He’s a big part of the team and we need him. What can you do? You don’t plan on getting hurt. When things happen you have to be patient. We’ll play like we’ve been playing and we’ll wait for him.”
Francona said the club will wait until Tuesday to make a subsequent roster move. At some point, it’s possible the Sox will recall outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss from Pawtucket.
With Ortiz on the shelf Ramirez will serve as the club's DH from time to time.
"I think it's nice to give him [a rest from playing left field] sometimes and keep his bat in there,” said Francona. “I don't think he wants to be a DH, nor do we want him to be."
Manny's hamstring, according to Francona, is a little sore, too.
"We pray that (Ortiz) gets better soon and move on," said Ramirez.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:20 PM | Permalink
Moss named International League Batter of the Week
PawSox first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss has been named the International League Batter of the Week.
The 24-year-old Red Sox prospect recorded a four-homer week and a .400 average. He belted three homers in one game on Saturday in Durham.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:08 PM | Permalink
Ortiz update
Red Sox PR man John Blake just informed us that the team is still evaluating the David Ortiz situation. The slugger, who injured his left wrist during an at-bat on Saturday, had a MRI today. Dr. Thomas Gill, GM Theo Epstein and Ortiz are deciding the next course of action.
This news doesn't sound good for Papi. He said he felt a 'pop' when he fouled off a pitch during his ninth-inning at-bat and had to be removed from the game.
If Ortiz lands on the disabled, it's likely the Sox will recall outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss from Pawtucket.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:31 PM | Permalink
Pregame notes: Still waiting on Ortiz
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz had a MRI taken on his injured left wrist at 2:30 this afternoon, but the team does not have the results at this point. As soon as the Sox release the information, I'll post it ASAP.
He suffered the injury during an at-bat on Saturday and said he felt a 'pop' when he hit a foul ball.
"I think he got scared initially," said Francona. "Then he went through a period where he tried to talk himself into thinking it's nothing. Then he started to worry, which is normal."
** Francona made it official that Justin Masterson will start for the Red Sox Tuesday at Fenway Park. The Red Sox will have to make a roster move to make room for the rookie right-hander. Francona said that will be announced on Tuesday.
**Francona is giving second baseman Dustin Pedroia the day off. The manager said Pedroia is a little beat up and felt it was a good time to finally give him a rest. "We want to give him a night to rebound," said Francona.
**With Ortiz on the shelf for now, Manny Ramirez will serve as the club's DH. "I think it's nice to give him [a rest from playing left field] sometimes and keep his bat in there. I don't think he wants to be a DH, nor do we want him to be."
Manny's hamstring, according to Francona, is a little sore, too.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:04 PM | Permalink
Pregame notes: Ortiz to have MRI
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz will have an MRI taken on his injured left wrist on Monday.
He said he felt a "pop" when he swung at a pitch during his ninth-inning at-bat on Saturday night at Camden Yards. He started treatment today and was sporting a removable brace, saying he's never had anything like this before. It's being defined as a strain and he's listed as day-to-day.
Ortiz said he could understand if he took a check-swing, but it was a full swing a "Big Papi swing."
There's no swelling, just a "clicking" going on.
Manager Terry Francona pulled Ortiz from his plate appearance and replaced him with Sean Casey.
"I wanted to (finish the at-bat)," Ortiz said. "I couldn't because it would have got worse. I've never felt anything like it before. . . Hopefully it's nothing too bad because I'm tired of (these injuries)."
***Outfielder J.D. Drew is back in the lineup today after missing a couple of starts due to a bout of vertigo. He was a late-inning defensive replacement on Saturday, and when bench coach Brad Mills asked him if he could play, Drew told Mills he was 100 percent.
***Francona will not be in the dugout today due to his daughter Leah's graduation from Brookiline High School. He will rejoin the club here tonight.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:14 PM | Permalink
Casey witnesses history -- again!
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- When Sean Casey signed with the Red Sox during the offseason, he knew he was coming to a special place.
For some reason, however, history-making events tend to follow the veteran where ever he goes. Casey was in the dugout Saturday night at Camden Yards when teammate Manny Ramirez hit his 500th home run. It’s the third time in Casey’s career he has witnessed such a feat.
Casey was playing for the Reds when he saw the Cubs’ Sammy Sosa hit his 500th at Cincinnati. Casey also experienced Ken Griffey notched his 500th at St. Louis. In fact, Griffey hit his 599th on Saturday.
“I feel really blessed and fortunate to see three players reach 500,” he said.
At Cincinnati, Casey said he remembers there were so many Cubs fans it was like being at Wrigley Field. He said he felt the same here Saturday night.
“It felt like we were at Fenway,” Casey said. “There was three-quarters Boston fans here. It was crazy.”
The main reason Casey wanted to sign with the Red Sox was because of the special group of players in the Boston clubhouse. When he witnessed the celebration the players gave Manny on Saturday, it was just another example of how close this team really is.
“It’s impressive,” said Casey. “We’ve got a great bunch of guys in here, and the guys here appreciate the history of baseball. To hit 500 home runs is not easy. That is a tough thing to do. Five-hundred times he’s rounded the bases – that’s amazing. We have a good mix of young guys and older guys and the appreciation is there. People should stop and take a minute to appreciate it because you may not ever see that again in your career. We watched history tonight. When our careers are over we can all look back and say ‘I saw Manny Ramirez hit his 500th homer.’ If that doesn’t give you the chills, you shouldn’t be playing this game. Every guy in this clubhouse appreciated what they saw.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:10 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Clubhouse reaction
***Dustin Pedroia, who received a Rolex watch from Manny Ramirez for winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2007, plans on getting something special for his good friend for hitting his 500th home run Saturday night. He wouldn’t reveal what it’s going to be, though.
Pedroia was excited for his buddy's accomplishment.
“It was great because you know how hard he works,” said Pedroia. “You can tell the last three or four weeks that he wanted to get it over with. To see it happen is special. There’s not a nicer guy, there’s not a guy who cares about everybody as much as Manny does. It’s awesome. It was awesome to watch.”
**Alex Cora was inserted into Saturday's game as a late-inning replacement for Julio Lugo at shortstop. Unfortunately, Cora didn't see Ramirez's homer. He was stretching in the tunnel when he heard a loud roar.
“It was amazing,” said Cora of the accomplishment. “As soon as I heard the crowd I went out. Like Tito always says, Manny’s so genuine and you can see the joy. He was relieved, too. He doesn’t show it, but you can tell all this weight came off his shoulders.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:04 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Ortiz injures wrist
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Almost lost in the celebration of Manny Ramirez's 500th home run Saturday night was the fact teammate David Ortiz injured his wrist and was removed from the game.
He suffered a left-wrist strain on a swing during his ninth-inning at-bat. He could not finish his plate appearance and was replaced by Sean Casey. Ortiz had X-rays taken at the park, which came back negative. He is listed as day-to-day.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:01 AM | Permalink
Woo Hoo for 500!
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE _ The Brothers Woo literally caught history last night.
Sitting in Section 94, seats 15 and 16 Saturday night at Orioles Park at Camden Yards, Damon and Jason Woo caught Manny Ramirez’s 500th home run ball. Actually Damon, 40, was the one who ended up with it. He caught the ball on the fly and dropped to the ground as his brother covered him until Baltimore police quickly made their way to their seats and escorted the two to the Red Sox clubhouse.
“Nobody was going to take it away from us,” said Woo.
The two brothers played golf earlier in the day at Andrews Air Force Base and Damon joked that he would be the way to catch it. He’s not going to hang onto it, however, because as soon as the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-3, Damon gave it back to Ramirez.
“It belongs to him,” said Woo. “It’s his accomplishment. It’s his achievement. It’s his ball. He said I could borrow it for the night, but it’s his. That’s the right thing to do.”
Actually Woo and his brother were hanging around the Sox’ clubhouse waiting for it to clear out so he could officially give it back to Ramirez, who plans on giving it to a local children’s charity in Boston.
A ball of this significance could make Woo a nice sum of money, but the Nahant, Mass., native and Manhattan resident felt it best to return it to the rightful owner.
“They are so nice, and I’m just happy to have the ball,” Ramirez said.
He said he wanted to take a picture with it with his children before handing over to his local charity. In fact, Ramirez is donating $1,000 for every homer he hits this season. No. 500 was his 10th of 2008.
Manny might have his ball back, but teammate Julio Lugo has the bat that Ramirez hit the homer with. Ramirez promised Lugo the bat a while ago, and before anyone could talk to Lugo he placed the bat in a white sanitary sock, tied it up and scooted out of the clubhouse.
Woo and his brother made a few phone calls, but they couldn’t get in touch with anyone back in Boston and New York.
“They must be out drinking in the bars, watching the game and enjoying it,” said Damon Woo. “Hopefully they saw me for a moment.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:55 PM | Permalink
Pregame notes: Dice-K talks
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka met with the local and international media just a few minutes ago and assured everyone he's fine.
The right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a mild rotator-cuff strain. He was removed from his last start in the fifth inning last Tuesday in Seattle. While the Red Sox traveled here Thursday, Dice-K returned to Boston where he underwent an MRI Friday morning.
He rejoined the team here Friday night and was working out at Camden Yards today. He admitted he wasn't too concerned with his shoulder, but was glad to know everything is fine after the testing.
"I know everybody on the team is tired," he said. "Even though I might feel okay, the club has told me to take this time and rest up and heal. Even though I appreciate the rest and protection I'm getting, I do feel bad I'm the only one getting rest at this time."
Matsuzaka is 8-0 this season, but he doesn't want to dwell on this setback too much.
"Dwelling on it won't help me heal any faster," he said. "It's too bad that no matter how hard I work out right now, it won't affect the outcome of the game. I'm going to treat this like a mini-camp."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:15 PM | Permalink
Pregame notes: Buchholz optioned to Pawtucket
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Pitcher Clay Buchholz has been reinstated from the disabled list and optioned to Pawtucket.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona made the announcement earlier today. The Sox held a conference call with Buchholz, GM Theo Epstein, Francona, pitching coach John Farrell and PawSox manager Ron Johnson.
"We just want to make sure he understood what we're trying to do," said Francona. "We're trying to take out the [element] of him concerning about the linescore. He can go be consistent and pound the strike zone with his fastball. He can work on his arm slot and things like that."
Buchholz finished spring training strong and made the rotation out of camp. The Red Sox didn't want him to think this was some kind of demotion. This will be a chance from the young right-hander to continue to hone his skills without any added pressure at this point.
"There were some things that needed to be worked on," said Francona. "This is probably the best opportunity to do it."
One of the main things, according to Francona, was Buchholz's ability to be consistent with his fastball.
"His off-speed stuff is probably as good as anybody's in the game," said the manager. "Again, some times you just need a little more time to finish up what you're doing. We'll continue to monitor it, because of how important he is to where we're going."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:57 PM | Permalink
Postgame notes: This and that
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was back with his teammates Friday night after undergoing an MRI in Boston the same morning.
The right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a mild rotator-cuff strain. He arrived here late Friday, but manager Terry Francona told Dice-K to go to the team's hotel instead of the ballpark.
***Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis snapped an 0-for-18 skid with a single in the 13th inning Friday night.
***The Orioles struck out a season-high 17 times Friday night. Red Sox starter Josh Beckett recorded 10 of them.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:28 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Lugo's defense
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo leads the majors with 12 errors this season, including five in the last 16 games. He almost cost the Red Sox again lFriday night with his defensive, but thanks to quick reflexes – and an extremely slow Kevin Millar – Lugo was saved.
In the bottom of the 12th inning with two runners for Baltimore, Millar hit a routine grounder to Lugo. It appeared to be an easy double play, but the shortstop bobbled the ball and was forced to hurry the throw to first to at least get one out, which he did.
The runners now stood at second and third, so with first open the Sox decided to intentionally walk the Orioles’ Luke Scott. That proved crucial because reliever Mike Timlin got Ramon Hernandez to fly out to left field to end the inning and threat.
“Sticking with that ball, I don’t want to say it had disaster written all over it, but he stayed with it enough and got the out. That was a huge play,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
Lugo, who did not start the game, felt pretty confident after the victory.
“I just want to get one out,” he said. “I was trying to get two, but then I bobbled it. I went to first and got the out.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:26 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Suicide what?
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox tried something Friday night that you don’t normally see.
In the second inning with one out and Coco Crisp standing on third base, Red Sox manager Terry Francona called for a suicide squeeze with Alex Cora at the plate.
Crisp had previously reached on a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He stole third when Francona gave the sign. Crisp broke for home, but Cora couldn’t execute the play successfully and missed the pitch. Crisp was tagged out only a few feet from home plate.
Francona explained that since Crisp did a lot of leg work to get to third, and since Cora is probably the team’s best bunter, the manager felt it was a perfect time to drop one down.
Unfortunately it didn’t work.
“Take note of it because you probably won’t see it again until spring training,” said Francona. “Next time you’ll see it is probably in Winter Haven, because it doesn’t work. You just need to stay out of the way and let good players play.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:18 AM | Permalink
Postgame notes: Sox set record
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox stole six bases Friday night against the Orioles to set a new franchise record. They had stolen five bases six times. Jacoby Ellsbury led the way with three, which is the most by a Red Sox player since Jerry Remy had a club record four on June 14, 1980.
Manager Terry Francona said after the team’s 5-2 victory, it’s not like he planned to run as much as the Sox did Friday night, it was just the right time to do son.
“It’s completely game situations,” said Francona. “A couple of them they weren’t going to throw through. A guy like Mike Lowell, we don’t ever tell him before a game that in the whatever inning he’s going to steal third. That’s just a heads-up guy taking advantage. We ran the bases aggressively, but smartly.”
Ellsbury now has 23 swipes this season.
“We weren’t scoring runs, but we were moving our legs and getting into scoring position,” he said. “We didn’t get the big hits, but we put ourselves in a position to.”
Even Mike Lowell stole a base in the 13th inning that set up a much-needed insurance run.
“Wheels,” joked Lowell.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:09 AM | Permalink
Lowell's the hero
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
If anyone listened very carefully Friday night at Camden Yards, you could almost hear the chants of “Sign Mike Lowell. Sign Mike Lowell. Sign Mike Lowell” that fans were screaming after he was named World Series MVP last October in Denver.
He obviously did resign with the Red Sox during the offseason, leaving a bigger pay check on the table to stay in Boston. And, he hasn’t let those fans down. Friday night was a perfect example.
The man fouled a pitch off the top of his foot in the sixth inning and was clearly in pain. That didn’t matter because he stayed in the game and provided the game-winning hit in the top of the 13th inning as Boston eventual won, 5-2.
With Manny Ramirez on second via a throwing error, Lowell delivered a RBI single off Orioles reliever Chad Bradford.
“I was just looking to get my hands out,” said Lowell. “Bradford is a really uncomfortable at-bat. He doesn’t throw hard – velocity-wise – but you don’t pick up the ball until real late. It gets on you quick and I can’t say I had a special formula or anything. I was just looking to put a good swing, maybe make him elevate it a little, and it worked out great. We were able to capitalize on some of their mistakes.”
Not only did Lowell provide the game-winning hit, he also stole third and later scored an insurance run because of his heads-up on the bases.
“I can talk about Lowell doing a lot of things,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “Running the bases, making plays at third and we needed a hit at some point because we were getting (pitching) thin. . . He’s a tough guy and always has been. He plays the game. He’ll play nine or 12 or 13 (innings). He’s a good baseball player and he’s a tough kid.”
The job Lowell has done and continues to do certainly doesn’t go unnoticed around the clubhouse. Red Sox starter Josh Beckett has played with Lowell in both Florida and Boston, and he’ll always sing his praise.
“He is one of the smartest baseball players probably to have ever lived,” said Beckett. “I don’t know what his success rate is on stealing bases (27-for-39), but he’s probably right up there with Ellsbury. He doesn’t have as many steals in a year as Ellsbury, but generally when he tries to steal a base he’s safe. He knows how to play the game. He made a great play in the 13th inning because that first out is always a big one.”
That play Beckett was talking about was the first out of the 13th inning for Baltimore. The Orioles’ Adam Jones hit a grounder to the left side, which Lowell snared and made an accurate throw to get the always crucial first out.
“It’s either going to end up in the 13th row or hit Youk right in the chest, so it worked out,” said Lowell. “The first out of the inning is very important with Pap because you’re able to squash anything they are able to get out of him.”
Most of the talk after Friday’s victory was the fact the Sox’ bullpen served up zeros after it came in relief of Beckett, who went six solid inning and allowed two runs on only four hits. But, it was the bullpen that credited Lowell with the victory.
“Mike’s awesome,” said Mike Timlin. “He plays the game right. He’s highly intelligent. He does the right thing at the right time. He doesn’t try to overdue anything. He stays calm in pressure situations and I love having him there.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:07 AM | Permalink
Boston 5, Baltimore 2 (13 innings)
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE _ When you’re not scoring runs, your pitchers can’t allow them.
That’s exactly what the bullpen was able to do for Boston last night as the Red Sox defeated the Orioles 5-2 in a four hour and 49-minute marathon that needed 13 innings to play here at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
Entering the 13th inning the Boston Red Sox had scored a total of only five runs in the previous 43 innings of this current road trip. Not a very flattering statistics.
In the fourth extra frame last night, Boston scored three unearned runs the hard way en route to victory. After Manny Ramirez, who is still one homer shy of 500 for his career, reached on an error and advanced to second on the same play, Mike Lowell provided the would-be game-winning hit. The Red Sox pushed across two more before Jonathan Papelbon earned his 15th save of the season.
After a torrid trip (1-6) through Oakland and Seattle, the Red Sox were back at their home away from home at Orioles Park at Camden Yards last night. A sea of red, white and blue Red Sox jerseys and hats overwhelmed the Baltimore fans as a good number of the 46,199 in attendance were part of The Nation.
“This feels a lot better than losing,” said Lowell. “Our bullpen did a great job. . . Giving up only two runs in 13 innings is a pretty good job.”
The score was knotted at 2-2 from the fourth inning on, and after Josh Beckett worked six solid innings, allowing just two runs on four hits with only three walks and 10 strikeouts, his bullpen put up enough zeros to allow the offense to finally do something in the end.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona used a total of six relievers, including Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Craig Hansen, Mike Timlin (3-3) and Papelbon.
“I think both the bullpens did a really good job,” said Beckett. “I was obviously happy with the way our guys did, but they had some guys do some good things, too.
The Red Sox needed their ace to come though in a big way last night.
Early yesterday afternoon Boston placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with a mild rotator-cuff strain, so Beckett wanted to give the Sox something to be happy about during this tough three-city, 10-game road trip.
“They made him work,” said Francona. “He’s facing a lineup that pretty much one through nine he has faced him a lot. They made him work and he was able to pitch out of a big jam late, and they made him throw a lot of pitches. Other than the home run and the other run early, he kept them at bay. That was good because after we scored those two runs (in the first inning, it took us about four and a half hours to get another one.”
This victory was key for the struggling Sox, and even though Francona always talks about living and play for that day only, everyone in the clubhouse after the game was relieved.
“This was a big win,” said Julio Lugo. “We needed it. Definitely we needed it.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:47 AM | Permalink
Pregame notes: Drew not playing
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew is out of the lineup tonight with a bout of vertigo.
Drew first felt something Thursday night and he was put on medication this morning. This is the second time he's had it. Fellow outfielder Coco Crisp had it earlier this season, too.
“I’ve had it a couple of times before,” said Drew. “It’s just one of them things that you hope doesn’t stick around for a while. Fortunately, it hasn’t stuck around in the past.”
**With Daniel Cabrera pitching for the O’s, Alex Cora will play short tonight. He’s had success against Cabrera, going 11-for-23 (.478) with one home run.
**When Jeff Bailey walked into the clubhouse this afternoon, almost every Red Sox player and coach went out of their way to say hi. Bailey is one of the most respected players in the Sox' organization, and the players in Boston are very happy he's been called up for the weekend.
The right-handed hitter is clearly locked in at the plate for the PawSox. At the time of his recall, he was hitting .318 with 16 homers and 44 RBI in 50 games for Pawtucket.
“He’s doing great,” said Francona. “He knows this could be short term. When we send guys down we always tell them that if they do good there’s a chance they’ll get called up. He’s a great kid and has always made a good impression on the staff during spring training. He does his work, goes about his business and doesn’t complain.”
Bailey, a catcher by trade when he first began his pro career, has played mainly first base and the outfield for the PawSox. It will be that versatility that will come in handy for the Red Sox this weekend, especially with J.D. Drew out with vertigo.
“There’s not much more I can ask for,” Bailey said. “I had to earn it, and I feel like I have. It will probably be only three days, but that’s fine. It’s just nice to be recognized.”
The 29-year-old made his major-league debut with the Red Sox last summer, and went 1-for-9 in three games. His one hit was a home run at Detroit.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:09 PM | Permalink
Matsuzaka placed on 15-day DL with 'mild rotator-cuff strain'
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BALTIMORE -- The Red Sox have placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with what they're describing as "a mild rotator cuff strain."
Jeff Bailey, as was reported earlier today, has been recalled from Pawtucket and will take Matsuzaka's roster spot for the weekend. On Tuesday, the Sox will recall a pitcher -- Justin Masterson is the likeliest candidate -- to take Dice-K's spot in the rotation.
Dice-K was examined by team doctor Thomas Gill earlier today and he underwent an MRI in Boston.
"The real good news was there is no structural changes, which is really good news The final diagnosis is a mild deltoid rotator cuff strain,” said Francona. “The best way we can see to attack this is to take the time to strengthen it and get him ready to pitch the rest of the season.”
Francona spent about a half hour with his office door here at Camden Yards closed during a conference call with GM Theo Esptein and Matsuzaka.
Francona was asked if the right-hander, who was removed from Tuesday's start in Seattle due to fatigue, tried to fight his trip to the DL.
"A little bit, which is good," Francona said. "That's good news because that means he feels good about himself. That's what good pitches and good players do. That's part of the reason they're good."
Posted by Art Martone at 4:19 PM | Permalink
Bailey called up to Boston
PawSox first baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey has been called up to Boston. He's expected to join the team in Baltimore today. It's likely he'll remain with the Red Sox through this four-game series against the Orioles and then be sent back to Pawtucket come Tuesday when Boston will need to call up a pitcher.
Bailey is hitting .318 with 16 homers and 44 RBI for the PawSox. He's second on the team with 27 walks. He's been on a tear of late. Three times on the team's last home stand he produced a two-homer game. In fact, he had four in the month of May.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:17 PM | Permalink
Masterson to start Tuesday for Red Sox in Dice-K's spot?
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
PAWTUCKET -- Justin Masterson was originally scheduled to make his Triple-A debut on Saturday in Durham. But now the Red Sox pitching prospect will start for Pawtucket on Thursday at McCoy Stadium, perhaps as preparation for another appearance in Boston next week.
Daisuke Matsuzaka had to leave Tuesday's game in Seattle because of shoulder fatigue, and both Matsuzaka and manager Terry Francona said they were unsure if Dice-K would be able to make his next scheduled start. By moving up Masterson's start, it would put him in line to pitch Tuesday, which -- because of Thursday's off day -- could be Matsuzaka's next turn in the rotation. Tim Wakefield, who is pitching tonight for the Sox in Seattle, could work Monday in Baltimore -- Matsuzaka's actual day to pitch -- on normal rest because of the off day.
Clay Buchholz, who is in Pawtucket on rehab assignment, will pitch Friday in Durham and thus would be unable to work either Monday or Tuesday.
If the Red Sox do, in fact, place Matsuzaka on the disabled list, don't be surprised if the club recalls hot-hitting Jeff Bailey from Pawtucket, especially since Kevin Youkilis has been hampered with a sore right hand. Bailey could help the Sox this weekend then sent back to Pawtucket once a pitcher (Masterson) is needed early next week.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:14 PM | Permalink
Red Sox pregame notes: Varitek not playing
Interestingly, Jason Varitek has been given today off. The explanation from manager Terry Francona seems reasonable, saying today’s day game after a night game, along with the cross country travel to Oakland later today has something to do with it. Plus, Tim Wakefield is pitching Friday, so this will give The Captain two days off.
“I fight this one because Wake is pitching tomorrow,” said the manager. “But he’s been catching a lot and we’re flying to the coast. We won’t start him and let Cash catch, and we feel good about that. In the next two days if we have to use Jason off the bench then I’m a little more comfortable doing that. He’s not really crazy about the two days in a row, but I think sometimes I just think you need to step in and do what’s right. We don’t want to wear him down.”
In the last six games Varitek has been on an offensive tear. He’s had multi-hit games in five of the last six games, raising his average from .255 to .295. In that stretch he’s posted 3 homers, 3 doubles and 4 RBI.
Francona said this morning he's been thinking about giving Tek the two days off for a while.
"Unless Jason would have fought me on this, I knew what I wanted to do," said the manager.
Backup catcher Kevin Cash has been swinging the bat very well, so that made Francona's decision a little easier.
-- Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:32 AM | Permalink
Buchholz will make rehab start in Pawtucket
Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz will make a rehab start for the PawSox at McCoy Stadium on Sunday. The right-hander, who has been on the DL since May 15 with a torn fingernail on his throwing hand, will work four innings or 65 pitches against Rochester.
He injured his hand during his last start in Minnesota on June 12. He went 3-4 days without throwing a baseball, according to manager Terry Francona.
Buchholz will be evaluated again on Monday before a decision is made. The Red Sox don't want to rush him. Plus, with Bartolo Colon making an impressive debut with the club on Wednesday night, when Buchholz does come off the DL, it's quite possible he could be sent to Pawtucket.
Francona said he was also very impressed with the way Buchholz handled the situation during his last start against the Twins. Even though he was struggling, he never told the manager of his injured finger until after the game.
"He didn't show us his nail," said Francona. "And, it didn't look like he was gripping the ball any different. To his credit, he didn't show it. It's not like he came out of the game holding his hand. He sucked it up and just pitched. He didn't pitch real well, but he took it and tried to give us as many innings as he could. It's a hard thing not to admire."
-- Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:12 AM | Permalink
Red Sox pregame notes: Colon makes debut
**Bartolo Colon will finally make his Red Sox debut tonight. Ever since the club signed the veteran right-hander at the start of spring training, GM Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona have been looking forward to this.
"He's done everything we have asked," said Francona. "His arm looks terrific. He's logged a lot of innings. He's pitching his first game on May 21 and sometimes you need to catch a break, and maybe this will be our break. Everybody is looking for something and pitching is hard to find. This guys seems excited to be here and we're excited to have him here."
**Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew is out of the starting lineup tonight. He smoked a foul ball off his knee during Tuesday's game against the Royals, but manager Terry Francona said this afternoon Drew still could have played tonight. Due to Thursday's matinee game, the manager thought it best to give Drew a rest tonight.
Plus, Francona said he's really happy with the way the outfielder rotation of Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Ramirez and Coco Crisp has worked this season.
**Speaking of Manny, he's stuck on home run No. 498, but Francona doesn't feel like the slugger is pressing. The manager joked that he would rather have Manny at 498 instead of 14 (Francona hit 16 career homers during his playing days).
"He's not pressing, but his timing has been off a bit," said the manager. "On some of his swings you can tell he doesn't have all of his balance or leveragem, but that will change."
**Red Sox third-base coach DeMarlo Hale could rejoin the club in Oakland this weekend. He is back in Orlando, Fla. to attend to his wife, who is undergoing undisclosed medical exams. Francona said Hale has the club's blessing to take as long as he needs. In the meantime, bench coach Brad Mills has been filling in at third.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:49 PM | Permalink
Tavarez heading to Pawtucket
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Julian Tavarez has cleared waivers and accepted his minor-league assignment. The right-handed reliever will join the PawSox at some point in the next couple of days. He was designated for assignment on May 12.
Some teams showed interest in the versatile pitcher, but did not grab him. The Red Sox are still responsible for Tavarez's contract, which he's still owed about $2.8 million for the rest of the season.
In another roster move, the Red Sox optioned reliever Chris Smith back to Pawtucket.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:43 PM | Permalink
Lester still riding high
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Jon Lester has received a ton of e-mails, phone calls and text messages to congratulate him on his no-hitter against the Royals Monday night at Fenway Park.
Through it all, the Red Sox’ left-hander still hasn’t had time to relax and let his accomplishments sink in.
"Not yet," he said Tuesday afternoon. "It’s probably one of those things that I’ll get to enjoy a little bit later on."
Lester spent most of the day talking to his parents and actually got to say hello to fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong during an ESPN SportsCenter standup from Fenway Park early Tuesday afternoon.
After he met with the local media, following Monday’s heroics, he said he would be interested to see how he felt this morning due to the fact he tossed a career-high 130 pitches during his no-no.
"Physically I’m tired from not sleeping,'' he said. "Right now it’s just kind of the normal soreness and it’ll be nice because we get an extra day with the way the rotation is set up. I don’t have to do anything today and I’ll get back to my normal routine (on Wednesday)."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:31 PM | Permalink
Sox win second game, complete doubleheader sweep
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Seven errors. Six unearned runs. A parade of seven pitchers to the mound who combined for 11 walks and 326 pitches in three-plus hours. Add it all up, and it spells U-G-L-Y.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As far the Red Sox are concerned, their come-from-behind 7-6 victory over the Brewers in the nightcap of Saturday's day/night doubleheader was a sight to behold.
"It’s not easy to do,” manager Terry Francona said of sweeping a doubleheader, which -- thanks to their 5-3 win in the first game -- the Sox accomplished with Saturday night's comeback. "We used every pitcher that was available and we found a way to win that second game."
Tim Wakefield started the nightcap and was staked to a 5-0 lead after five innings. He departed with one out in the sixth after having thrown 108 pitches, and watched as the bullpen -- specifically David Aardsma and Craig Hansen -- gave it all back and then some, as the Brewers surged ahead, 6-5, with three runs in the sixth (all of which were charged to Wakefield) and three more in the seventh.
Still, Wakefield was happier with the Sox' subsequent rally -- they scored twice in the bottom of the seventh to move back ahead, 7-6, at which point Javier Lopez and Mike Timlin nailed it down -- which completed the sweep, than he was disappointed at losing a chance for a personal victory.
"It’s huge, especially with [Hideki] Okajima and [Jonathan] Papelbon [unavailable] for the second game," he said. (Okajima will be sidelined several days because of a sore wrist, and Papelbon had pitched in the opener on Saturday evening.) "The offense did a great job coming back and Mike Timlin got the save. It’s been a while, but I’m glad to see he got an opportunity to get a save and we won.”
With that save, Timlin, 42, became the oldest major-league pitcher to record a save since John Franco did it for the Mets against the Dodgers on Aug. 24, 2003.
The Sox had built their lead on a two-run double by Mike Lowell in the first, a two-run homer by Lowell in the third, and an error by third baseman Billy Hall which allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to score from third base with two outs in the fifth.
The Brewer comeback began in the sixth when, with one out, Corey Hart launched a rocket shot off Wakefield over the Monster Seats and out of the ballpark, making it 5-1. After Wakefield allowed a single to former teammate Gabe Kapler (1-for-5 with two runs scored and a rousing ovation in his Fenway return) and hit Hall, he was lifted in favor of Aardsma.
Aardsma started well enough, freezing Mike Rivera with a called third strike on the inside corner. But he hit Craig Counsell, loading the bases, and Richie Weeks won a long battle by fouling off several pitches and then spiking a two-run single to left on a 3-and-2 offering. Aardsma reloaded the bases when he walked Mike Cameron before escaping further damage by inducing Braun to foul out to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
The further damage arrived in the seventh when Hansen took over, though he was wasn't helped by his defense. He gave up a leadoff single to Prince Fielder and struck out Hart. Lowell, at third base, then committed a rare throwing error on a slow chop by Kapler, putting runners at first and second. Shortstop Alex Cora compounded the problem by booting the in-between hop on a slow grounder by Hall, loading the bases.
The Brewers made it 5-4 on a fielder's choice grounder by Rivera, putting runners on first and third. Rivera soon made it into scoring position on a wild pitch by Hansen. Kapler held at third, but he wasn't there long; Counsell ripped a two-run double down the right-field line, scoring both runners and putting Milwaukee ahead, 6-5.
The Brewers entrusted the lead to Salomon Torres, whom they brought on in relief of starter David Bush, and it didn't take long for the Sox to jump on the 36-year-old right-hander . . . though, like Hansen, Torres had a case for defensive non-support. Ellsbury reached on an error by Weeks at second base. Dustin Pedroia hit a grounder to third and Hall's throw to second in an attempt to force Ellsbury went into right field, putting runners at second and third.
David Ortiz tied the game with a grounder to short, moving Pedroia to third. The Brewers then brought their infield in, which put them out of position to catch a popup into short right field by Youkilis. It fell for a hit, Pedroia scored, and the Sox were back ahead to stay,
"It’s always a battle," said Youkilis, who provided the would-be game-winning RBI in the seventh inning. "It’s a long day and by the end of the second game your body is tired."
It was clear late Saturday night that the Red Sox players were drained. It won’t get any easier, however, as the two teams play at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday.
"It’s baseball, you’re going to get something different every time you watch the game," said center fielder Coco Crisp. “It’s not like ice skating, where you know what you’re going to get where they have to do the mandatory jumps."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:26 AM | Permalink
Sox option Van Every, call up Smith
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- After the Red Sox won both games of Saturday's day/night doubleheader over the Brewers at Fenway Park, they optioned outfielder Jonathan Van Every back to Pawtucket and purchased the contract of reliever Chris Smith.
Smith will join the Red Sox on Sunday in his major-league debut.
The right-hander has been outstanding for the PawSox this season, recording four saves in six relief outings with a 0.90 ERA. He's allowed one earned run in 10 innings out of the pen. Smith started four games at the beginning of the season in Pawtucket, and overall is 1-2 with a 1.45 ERA in 31 innings.
The Sox needed to make this move due to their bullpen being taxed. Every member of the relief corps except Hideki Okajima, who is temporarily sidelined because of a wrist injury, worked in one of the games in Saturday's doubleheader.
Here's the feature story I wrote about Smith last week at McCoy Stadium.
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PAWTUCKET - Pawtucket Red Sox pitcher Chris Smith doesn’t like to waste time.
When he’s on the mound, he works quickly and usually gets the job done. Smith, a seven-year pro in the Red Sox organization, has always faced adversity in his career but now he feels he’s back where he needs to be.
Originally selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2002 draft, the one-time pitching prospect suffered a compound fracture in his right pitching forearm prior to the 2003 season. He had just completed a promising rookie campaign with Single-A Lowell, but the injury, which required surgery, halted his development.
He returned to the mound in 2003 in a dramatic comeback. Smith began the 2004 season with Double-A Portland, but after 14 starts he suffered a bout of tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and was shut down for the remainder of the year.
The summer of 2005 was much the same as he continued to battle the shoulder problems. He eventually needed surgery to repair a torn labrum. For the last two seasons he has split time between Portland and Pawtucket.
He began this season with the Sea Dogs but never threw a pitch until he was called up to Pawtucket on April 7 to replace Bartolo Colon, who suffered an oblique strain. Since his arrival at McCoy Stadium, Smith has worked as both a starter and reliever and compiled a 1-2 record with one save and a 1.65 ERA.
Smith was impressive Thursday night, working two perfect innings of relief against the Durham Bulls to help Pawtucket to a 3-2 victory. PawSox manager Ron Johnson called Smith’s outing "dirty" and he expects to see much more of that this season.
"I feel really good," said Smith. "Actually, I feel 100-percent great. I’m high on confidence and it’s the best I’ve felt post-surgery. I feel like nothing has ever happened. I understood it would take a little time, and that’s what they told me, and I figured out it does take time. I can’t wait to throw every day and I feel healthy."
Smith said he was a little impatient at first because the shoulder was not responding as quickly as he hoped. In fact, it took 2 1/2 years before he felt back to normal. The process, he says, was long and arduous, something he had to get used to. Still, Smith didn’t think it would take this long.
"Not a chance," he said. "I was ready for a year-and-a-half (rehab), and here I am almost four years after the surgery [before I got back to] 100 percent. After a year-and-a-half, I was competing but not getting guys out. I wanted to see some conviction behind my pitches and that’s what I’m seeing now."
Smith is 27 now and he hasn’t been considered a prospect for a few years. That’s not to say he’s out of the loop because with the way he’s pitched of late he has put himself back on the radar.
"Yeah, when you’re younger you want to hear that you’re a prospect," he said. "When you get older, you’re not a prospect anymore. You might be a name that gets mentioned, but you’re no where near a prospect. Some people say they don’t want to be on the radar; they want to be below the radar. Now it’s time for me to be on the radar. I want people to start knowing that I’m doing well."
Not only has Smith had to deal with the shoulder injury and long recovery period, his role has changed, too. The right-hander has been a starter. He’s been a reliever. It’s flip-flopped so many times now it must be hard to figure out what he’s actually doing.
"Whatever role they put me in, I just want to go 100 percent," he said. "If I’m a starter, I want to make a long impact, and if I’m a reliever, I want to make a short impact.
Smith’s repertoire includes a fastball -- usually between 88 and 92 mph -- a nasty curve ball and an above-average changeup. His velocity is back to where it was pre-surgery and Johnson said he couldn’t be more pleased with Smith’s performances.
Johnson managed Portland when Smith was blowing away opposing hitters in 2004, recording 85 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings of work. Now, to see the kind of success he’s having makes it even better for the Pawtucket manager.
"I couldn’t be more excited about a player as I am with him in a long time," said Johnson. "He has above-average game awareness when he pitches. He always had above-average command, but the thing he was lacking was getting that velocity back after the surgery. I couldn’t be more excited about the guy."
The Boston Red Sox felt that earlier in Smith’s career that he had the potential to be a major-league pitcher. Even though his career suffered a detour, it appears he’s worthy enough again to be considered.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:07 AM | Permalink
Sox will keep close eye on Okajima
Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima has a sore wrist and will be shut down for a couple of days. The left-hander has been complaining about discomfort, but has been able to pitch through it. Manager Terry Francona said the team will be cautious.
"He's okay," said Francona. "We're certainly going to keep a close eye on him in the next couple of days."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:04 PM | Permalink
Crisp has mild case of vertigo
Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp had to leave Tuesday's game in Baltimore after feeling dizzy, and while manager Terry Francona said today that Crisp is feeling better, the outfielder just admitted he's suffering from a "mild case" of vertigo.
Crisp said he really can't describe the feeling, which he called a pounding sensation, but said it ranks as a seven on a scale of 1 to 10.
He's been taking medication for it and he joked about it, saying maybe he's taking too many pills.
Crisp dealt with an inner-ear issue last season, which caused dizziness and nausea. He said this latest bout feels similar to that.
"I'm still feeling a little lightheaded," he said. "But I feel like tomorrow or the next day I'll be back to 100 percent."
He was able to take BP today and was planning on running to see how he feels.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:49 PM | Permalink
Red Sox pitching prospect getting promotion?
It appears Red Sox pitching prospect Daniel Bard is heading to Double-A Portland. The Red Sox selected the right-hander as their second pick (28th overall) in the 2006 draft.
He posted a 3-7 mark with a 7.08 ERA in 2007, his first pro season split between Lancaster and Greenville. He played winter ball in Hawaii and that proved crucial as he's dominating in Greenville this season. The reliever is 1-0 with a 0.67 ERA in 14 appearances for the Drive. He's posted 42 strikeouts in 27 innings.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:52 PM | Permalink
Snyder placed on minor-league disabled list
PawSox pitcher Kyle Snyder has been placed on the seven-day DL with a right groin strain. The right-hander suffered the injury during his last start in Buffalo on Tuesday.
Snyder began the season with the Red Sox, but was designated for assignment on April 14 to Pawtucket.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:38 PM | Permalink
Red Sox minor-leaguer diagnosed with cancer
Red Sox minor-league first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been diagnosed with limited stage classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
The Red Sox just released a statement, saying the 18-year-old is being treated as an out-patient at Massachusetts General Hospital's Oncology Unit. Rizzo will return home to Miami in the next few days to continue his treatment, which is expected to take 6-8 months, according to the release.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony and his family at this very difficult time," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. "We are optimistic about his recovery and look forward to the day he can return to the playing field."
The Red Sox selected Rizzo in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. He was hitting .373 with 11 RBI at Single-A Greenville.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:11 PM | Permalink
The Tarp is being put on the field at Fenway
Just arrived at Fenway Park about an hour ago and the BP cages and nets were on the field. Well, the grounds crew just came sprinting out to remove the equipment and put the tarp on. The forecast doesn't look good for tonight, but we'lll keep you updated.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:21 PM | Permalink
Red Sox release Alvarez
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
Colon: The Day After
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
Colon impresses teammates
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
Casey at the bat
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
Colon done for the night
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 in the third inning
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
Cora, Casey and Colon update
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
Colon in the first inning
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
Pawtucket pregame notes
**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
Brandon Moss update
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
Another Cora, Casey update
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
Cora, Casey update
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
Rehab continues for Cora, Casey
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
Cora finishes first rehab game
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
Cora begins rehab in Pawtucket
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
Off day notes: Colon throws bullpen session
**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
An eerie possibility?
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
Pregame Notes: Quiet morning at the Trop!
**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
Tampa 2, Boston 1
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
Postgame Notes: Ortiz update
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
Postgame Notes: Youkilis breaks record
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
Pregame notes: Casey sent to DL
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
Pregame notes: Ortiz out with a bruised knee
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
Moss called up
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
A big night for Cash
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
Casey heading to the DL?
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
Update: Casey pulled from game
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
Pregame notes: Colon to throw side session
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
Corey rejoins Red Sox
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
Final: Red Sox 8, Rangers 3
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
Ramirez Named Co-Player of the Week
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
Wakefield rooting for Bruins
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
Who was right Ramirez or the ump: Go with Manny
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
Boston 6, Texas 5
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
Ramirez ejected
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
Flu bug forcing Sox to make roster move?
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
Ramirez could get Monday off
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
Pedroia gets a day off
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
Lester continues to hone skills
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
Boston 5, Texas 3
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 Red Sox catcher Marzano passes away
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
Manny Reacts to Farnsworth Suspension
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
Jacoby Off and Running
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
Boston 7, New York 5
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
Another long one tonight?
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
Red Sox Pregame Notes: Youkilis will play
*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
Corey becomes free agent
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
Sox notes: Crisp out with sore hamstring
*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
Boston 8, New York 5
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
Ortiz given the night off
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
New York confidential
*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
New York 4, Boston 1
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
Yankees clubhouse confidential
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
Weather update from Fenway
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
For Papelbon, it's all about respect
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
Corey still in town
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
Lowrie makes it to the majors
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
Lowell update
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
Corey designated
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
Lowell placed on DL
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 the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Tigers.
This is Lowrie's first trip to the majors.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:32 PM | Permalink
Casey ready for anything
The Red Sox wanted to sign Sean Casey because of his veteran presence and personality. Plus, he's a pretty darn good player, too.
The veteran first baseman proved that Wednesday night when he was inserted into the lineup after third baseman Mike Lowell injured his thumb. Because of the injury, first baseman Kevin Youkilis moved to the left side of the infield, and Casey played first and provided two hits offensively.
"Hopefully I can step in and play some good baseball until Mike gets back," Casey said.
"You could tell Case in December to go hit and he could put a good swing on it," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He's a good hitter. "This is why we got him. It's hard to find guys who can sit the bench, and are good enough hitters to come off the bench and get hits. He's one of them and he has the attitude to match that."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:37 PM | Permalink
Lowell/Cora update
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell had an MRI on his injured thumb this afternoon and the team should have the results at 5 p.m. He suffered the setback during the first inning on Wednesday when he made a diving play against the Tigers. He was removed from the game.
When Lowell arrived at Fenway Park this afternoon he was stiff and sore, which was expected. Dr. Thomas Gill will read the MRI in about 30 minutes before the team decides the next course of action for the veteran third baseman.
Due to Lowell's injury, utility infielder Alex Cora went out earlier this afternoon to take some ground balls at third. During his fungo work he felt a "twinge" in his right elbow and was clearly in pain. After a few moments of attempting to shake it off, he made one throw before leaving the field.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he spoke with Cora after Wednesday's game about the possibility of playing third and he agreed to it. After he felt the pain today, he went to the trainer's room and received ice treatment.
Francona said he's hoping this is nothing, but the team will pay attention to it.
There is a possibility the Red Sox will call up a player from the PawSox tonight. If that's the case, veterans Joe Thurston and Keith Ginter, along with rookie Jed Lowrie are all possibilities.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:21 PM | Permalink
Cora injured while taking ground balls at third
Mike Lowell hurt his left wrist Wednesday night and was taken out of the game. Alex Cora was just working on ground balls at third and was injured when he took a grounder off the right wrist. After a few minutes of attempting to shake it off, he made one throw and walked off the field.
At this point a player from Pawtucket has not been called up. If both Lowell and Cora can not go, the Red Sox could recall either veterans Joe Thurston and Keith Ginter or rookie Jed Lowrie.
I'll have more soon. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:02 PM | Permalink
One first baseman to another
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Kevin Youkilis made it a point to quickly make his way through a crowd of players because he wanted to shake Bill Buckner’s hand. The current Red Sox first baseman – a winner of two World Series Championships – wanted the former Red Sox first baseman – the goat of one World Series defeat – to know how impressed he was of his Opening Day actions.
Boston invited Buckner to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park yesterday, and after much thought, he accepted. He walked out from under the Red Sox championship banner in left field to the mound to a standing ovation from the 36,567 in attendance, along with players from both teams.
The emotion of the moment was long overdue for everyone involved and Youkilis was blown away with the event.
“To be honest,” he said. “I have almost never been close to tears for someone else on a baseball field. But that was the most unbelievable thing. It shows how great of a man Bill Buckner is. There aren’t too many people who can do what he did today. He faced thousands of people who booed him, threatened his life and did horrific things towards him. When they think of his name, they think horrible things.”
Youkilis recently set a new major-league record for 194 consecutive games at first base without an error, surpassing Steve Garvey. Buckner’s career will forever be remembered for his one miscue during Game Six of the 1986 World Series.
“For a man to step out there on the field, it shows how much of a man he is,” said Youkilis. “I tip my cap to him and I just wanted shake his hand because that’s a true man in life. . . He’s been through some tough times in his years.”
Youkilis said it’s a funny thing to hear fans talk about overpaid athletes who just play a game. He thinks that’s simply not true and yesterday was a perfect example of that.
“I think if you ask Bill Buckner, part of his life wasn’t a game,” Youkilis said. “People threatened his life over a game. Sometimes this is more of a game. It’s life here in Boston. To me, it was awesome. I was literally almost in tears for the guy because for Bill Buckner to come out here and throw out the first pitch it says a lot for the man.”
Youkilis wasn’t the only one touched by the moment. Every Red Sox player, including manager Terry Francona thought Buckner deserved it.
“That was one of the most special things I think I’ve ever seen,” said Francona. “To watch his reaction and to watch the fans reaction was very special. I was happy for him. I was thrilled for our fans. I was happy for the organization. I thought it was a very special moment. It actually lasted more than a moment, which I think is also appropriate.”
Youkilis was impressive himself yesterday. He continues to be an offensive force this early in the season, including his 3-for-3 performance with two RBI yesterday. He has now hit safely in six of seven games this season with 2 doubles, 2 triples and three RBI. It’s becoming familiar territory for Youkilis to begin the season strong, but he couldn’t really answer why he always seems to get off to a fast start time and again.
“I’m basically just putting some good at-bats together,” he said. “I’m having some balls fall in for me, but right now I’m just trying to concentrate. I play the game the same way every day from Game One to Game 162. Sometimes it just falls my way.”
Yesterday was his second three-hit game this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:54 PM | Permalink
Buckner on the mound
Red Sox legend Bill Buckner returned to Fenway Park today for the first time since September of 1997. He just threw out the first pitch and was given a standing ovation. Dwight Evans served as his catcher.
Current Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis just had a brief conversation with Buckner.
Your Turn: Have you forgiven Bill Buckner?
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:59 PM | Permalink
Buckner to throw out first pitch, and more stuff about today
Here is the official Red Sox pregame release on the Opening Day ceremonies:
Some quick highlights: The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by former Red Sox Bill Buckner. Along with the World Series trophy, the Stanley Cup, Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Lombardi Trophy (NFL) will be on hand today.
The Boston Red Sox celebrated their 108th Home Opener, and the 96th for Fenway Park, on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 with a pre-game ceremony that celebrated the Club’s 7th World Championship Title and ushered in the 2008 season at home. The ceremony featured the presentation of the 2007 World Championship Rings, the hoisting of the 2007 World Championship Banner, a parade of flags from 62 countries representing the breadth and diversity of Red Sox Nation, a flyover of F-16 jets, and a Ceremonial First Pitch from a Red Sox Alumnus making his long-awaited return to Fenway Park.
The following is a detailed description of each aspect of the pre-game ceremonies.
Videos of Memorable Moments from 2007: The ceremonies were kicked off with three videos recapping the most memorable moments from the 2007 season. The first video featured game clips from the 2007 regular season that ended with the Sox winning their first American League East Championship since 1995. The second video showcased clips from the 2007 American League Division and Championship Series, the last video highlighted clips from the 2007 World Series where the Red Sox swept the National League Champion Colorado Rockies in four straight games to win their seventh World Championship title.
The Parade of Nations: The recap videos were followed by a parade of flags in front of the Green Monster from 62 different countries that represented the wide-spread appeal of the Red Sox throughout the globe. The nations represented by these flags either count Red Sox Nation members as its residents or have citizens who have been in touch with the Red Sox Front Offices via letters and emails professing their love for the ‘Olde’ Towne Team’. The countries represented were: Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela and Vietnam.
The Banners: All seven World Championship banners were ceremoniously unfurled on the Green Monster to the Theme from Jurassic Park, composed by John Williams, which was chosen because of its gentle yet celebratory grandeur. The 2004 and 2007 championship banners spanned the length of the entire left field wall. The Sox are the only Major League Baseball team to win two World Championships in the 21st century. The large 2004 and 2007 banners were all hand-stitched and created by Heritage Flag of South Boston, MA. The swallow-tail banners representing championships in 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916 and 1918 were made by Flag Graphics of Somerville, MA. All flag and banner related logistics were handled on Opening Day by John Coyne of USA Sign in Boston, MA.
Champions of Boston: The pre-game ceremony featured an impressive array of athletes from the Bruins, Celtics and Patriots. The ‘Champions of Boston’ ceremoniously carried the World Championship Rings to be presented to the 2007 Red Sox and handed them over to Red Sox Ownership for presentation.
From the Boston Bruins
Left Wing John ‘Johnny’ Bucyk
Left Wing Ken Hodge
Left Wing Donald ‘Don’ Marcotte
Right Wing John ‘Johnny’ McKenzie
Defenseman Bobby Orr
From the Boston Celtics
Guard/Current Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge
Guard/Forward M.L. Carr
Guard/Forward John Havlicek
Guard K.C. Jones
Center Bill Russell
Guard/Current Director of Special Projects Jo Jo White
From the New England Patriots
Linebacker Tedy Bruschi
Running Back Kevin Faulk
Linebacker Larry Izzo
Long Snapper Lonnie Paxton
The 2004 Boston Red Sox
Infielder Brian Daubach
Pitcher Curtis Leskanic
Infielder/Pitcher Dave McCarty
The Championship Trophies: The Champions from each of the four Boston sports franchises were accompanied by one of the Championship trophies that each of those franchises won.
The Stanley Cup: National Hockey League
The Larry O’Brien Trophy: National Basketball Association
The Lombardi Trophy: National Football League
The Commissioner’s Trophy: Major League Baseball
By our research, this is the first time that all four trophies have been in one location at the same time.
The 2007 World Championship Rings: The 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series Championship ring is cast in brilliant white gold. The top of the ring has twenty-eight round brilliant-cut diamonds channel-set around the bottom of the bezel. On the top of the bezel, recessed in black letters, are the words “World Champions”.
Centered on top of the ring is the Red Sox logo, (a pair of red socks) cast in brilliant white gold each set with four custom fitted natural rubies mounted on a diamond base crest depicting a baseball diamond. The diamond base crest is inlaid with fourteen princess-cut diamonds. The baseball diamond overhangs an inner bezel and is set on a field of four custom faceted synthetic blue sapphires.
The left side of the ring has “7th World Series Championship” in raised relief on a black background. Underneath is a depiction of Fenway Park with “4-0 Sweep” at the bottom of the panel.
There are two versions of the right side of the ring. For those players’ who played on both the 2004 and 2007 World Championship teams, their rings have a panel with the recipient’s name in raised relief on a black background above a maroon-enameled initial “B” between two World Series Trophies. For those players who played only on the 2007 team, their rings have one trophy on the right and a maroon-enameled initial “B” on the left. For all rings, at the bottom of the panel in raised relief is the recipient’s uniform number with the year “2007”.
The inside of the ring is engraved with: “Boston Red Sox” and “10-28-07”.
The ring features a total of 42 diamonds with a total weight of 2.33 carats. The total weight of the ring is 50 dwt.
"The ring is stunning! Clearly reflecting the great care the Red Sox take in recognizing their organization,” said Tim Larson, president and CEO, Jostens. "Jostens is honored to work with Red Sox on the entire process that culminates in the delivery of the World Championship rings for today's historic ceremony."
The Ring Presentation: The rings were presented in nine distinct groups in order: Manager and Coaches; Trainers and Clubhouse Staff; Catchers; Starting Pitchers; Infield; Outfield; Bullpen; Closer; and the Designated Hitter.
The rings for the Manager and the Coaches were given out as the Boston Pops played the Main Theme to the Magnificent Seven, originally composed by Elmer Bernstein, chosen to collectively represent Manager Terry Francona and his team of six coaches.
When the Saints Go Marching In was played during the distribution of rings for the Trainers and Clubhouse Staff.
The Main Theme to Superman, composed by John Williams, was performed by the Boston Pops when Captain and Catcher Jason Varitek, Catcher Kevin Cash and former Catcher Doug Mirabelli received their rings to represent Varitek’s signature at-bat song Kryptonite by the band 3 Doors Down.
The Main Theme to Raiders of the Lost Ark, composed by John Williams, was played as the starting pitchers received their rings. The song was chosen to embody the ‘go-getter’ spirit of the pitching staff that was best embodied by the Indiana Jones character.
The 2007 Infield received their World Championship rings to the tune of the popular James Bond Theme, originally composed by Monty Norman, representing their slick defensive and dashing offensive capabilities.
The 2007 Outfield received their rings to the strains of the John Williams masterpiece The Throne and End Titles in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, which was selected because of its regality and splendor reflecting the myriad personalities of the Red Sox’ spectacular outfield last season.
The Bullpen from last season received their rings to the tune of He’s a Pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which was chosen to appropriately represent the ‘pirate’ theme that the bullpen went by the entire season last year.
Closer Jonathan Papelbon received his ring to his signature song, Shipping Up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys
Designated Hitter David Ortiz, responsible for so many exciting walk-off wins during his tenure here in Boston, received his ring to the Red Sox’ victory song at Fenway Park, Dirty Water by the Standells.
2007 World Championship Flag: Created by Flag Graphics of Somerville, MA, the 2007 World Championship Flag was hoisted on the centerfield banner. The flag went up as the Boston Pops played A Hymn To New England, composed by John Williams and played as a tribute to New England, its people and Red Sox fans who have stuck with the team through the good times and bad.
Flag Military: Members of the Electronic Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA assisted with the giant United States Flag draped on the Green Monster. They were led by Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds.
National Anthem: The National Anthem was performed by members of the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble led by James Orent.
Flyover: The Flyover was presented by the 158 Fighter Wing ‘Green Mountain Boys’ of the Vermont Air National Guard. Four F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’ jets flew in and out of Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA for the Opening Day presentation.
Ceremonial First Pitch: The Ceremonial First Pitch was delivered by former Red Sox First Baseman Bill Buckner. Buckner amassed 2715 hits and 1208 RBI in a 21-year career in which he wore the uniform of five different Major League teams. He won the National League batting title with the Chicago Cubs in 1980 with an average of .324 and was named to the National League All-Star Team in 1981. He recorded only 453 strikeouts in 2,517 games and had one of the best at bats-per-strikeout rates in the history of the game. In 1986 he drove in 102 RBI during the regular season to help the Red Sox win the American League Pennant. In Game 6 of the World Series, Mookie Wilson’s grounder through his legs led to Ray Knight scoring the winning run for the Mets, capping a 3-run rally, and pushing the series to a 7th game in which the Sox once again surrendered a 3-0 lead. Marty Barrett made the last out for the Sox with Buckner on-deck as the Mets won the World Series. Buckner played part of the 1987 season before being released on July 23, 1987.
Buckner made a return to the Red Sox in 1990 and played in 22 games before retiring from baseball. Buckner makes his first visit to Boston since September 1997 when was at Fenway as a Hitting Coach with the Chicago White Sox.
Buckner walked out to the Closing Credits theme from the movie Glory, composed by James Horner. The movie is based on the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment during the American Civil War and was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African American soldiers.
Play Ball: The ceremonial pronouncement of “Play Ball” was made by 88-year old Johnny Pesky, who first donned a Red Sox uniform on April 14, 1942, almost 66 years ago.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:05 PM | Permalink
Beckett's Day One
Josh Beckett returned to the rotation on Sunday in Toronto and suffered the loss. Right now he's playing catch in right field with team trainer Mike Reinold. Bench coach Brad Mills is looking on.
The veteran right-hander allowed five runs on three hits in 4 2/3 innings of work against the Jays. He missed the majority of spring training with a sore back and hip.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:03 PM | Permalink
So much for a day off
Just arrived at Fenway Park and pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is running sprints in right field. The right-hander will start the home-opener Tuesday. He also stood on the mound here at Fenway and threw a few shadow pitches.
Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:29 AM | Permalink
PawSox postponed
Tonight's PawSox game has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up Saturday as part of a twin bill against Indy, beginning at 1 p.m.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:40 PM | Permalink
Colon finished
This is a recording. . .
Bartolo is leaving the mound at McCoy to a standing ovation after finishing his five-inning outing with a 95 MPH fastball. He completed the start with 74 pitches (45 strikes) and allowed one hit with five strikeouts and one walk. Basically, he was very impressive.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:08 PM | Permalink
Colon in the fourth
Wow!
Again, Colon retired the side in order and threw just 13 pitches (eight strikes). He's up to 63 total pitches and has one inning remaining before he's taken out. He's allowed just one hit, a single in the second inning.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:54 PM | Permalink
Colon in the third
Boston bound?
With the way Bartolo Colon is throwing tonight, I don't think he'll be in Pawtucket for long. In the third inning, he thew just 11 pitches and retired the side in order again.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:33 PM | Permalink
Colon in the second inning
Colon continues to impress. In the second inning he threw 12 pitches (seven strikes) and allowed one hit. He was able to get a ground ball up the middle for a unassisted double play to end the inning. He's still reaching 94 on the gun.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:28 PM | Permalink
Colon in the first inning
Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon just completed the first inning of his start for the PawSox and looked very impressive.
The right-hander threw 17 pitches (10 strikes) and retired the side in order. He reached 94 on the radar gun. He's scheduled to work five innings or 75 pitches.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:11 PM | Permalink
Colon is in the house
Bartolo Colon arrived at McCoy Stadium at 4:50 ready to make his start for the PawSox tonight. He walked past manager Ron Johnson's office and said "I'm here."
The right-hander is slated to work five innings or 75 pitches against the Indy. RJ spoke with Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell earlier today and there's a lot of anticipation for Colon.
I'll have a inning-by-inning account starting at 7:05.
Here's tonight's lineup for Pawtucket:
Joe Thurston, 2b
George Kottaras, c
Jed Lowrie, ss
Chris Carter, lf
Brandon Moss, 1b
Bobby Kielty, rf
Keith Ginter, 3b
Jeff Bailey, DH
Jonathan Van Every, cf
Bartolo Colon, SP
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:13 PM | Permalink
Colon, Thurston headed for LA
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon and utilityman Joe Thurston will leave Florida on Thursday and join the team in Los Angeles for the exhibition games against the Dodgers.
The addition of Thurston maybe a precautionary move because of the back problems experienced by J.D. Drew in Japan and the nine-hour flight to the West Coast, but the Red Sox have not confirmed that.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:02 PM | Permalink
Josh Beckett update
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. _ After the PawSox completed their camp day intrasquad game this morning at the minor-league complex, manager Ron Johnson was quite impressed with rehabbing Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett.
The right-hander worked two innings and threw 35 pitches, but it wasn’t his on-field presence that caught the eye of Johnson, it was Beckett’s approach to the rehab start that was impressive.
“He approached it like he was pitching at Fenway Park,” said Johnson. “He was high-5ing the guys in the dugout, and it’s a good thing for the younger guys to take notice.”
It was Beckett’s first game action since he suffered back spasms prior to his scheduled start against the Marlins on March 8. In the meantime he’s been throwing bullpen sessions. He was quick and efficient today.
“There were no problems,” he said. “The back is healthy and I’m still day-to-day. I’ll come in [Monday] and hopefully I’ll feel good so I can do normal Day One stuff.”
IEven though he looked and felt good during his brief outing today, Beckett still wants to be cautious.
“It’s just one of those things where you go out there everyday you feel good and progress yourself back,” he said. “I think [Sunday] was a good mental hurdle to get over to prove to yourself that your back’s not hurt. I got past that and now I get into the building-up stage.”
His next scheduled start will be Thursday and he could increase his workload to 50 pitches, depending how he feels between now and then.
Even though Beckett does not know when he’ll rejoin the club, manager Terry Francona said the other day in Japan that it’s likely Beckett will start the season on the disabled list.
“Absolutely it’s a possibility,” he said. “I think it’s been a possibility the whole time. I think that’s what everyone was preparing for – it is what it is. There’s nothing we can do about it. This thing happened and as frustrating as it is, I don’t think it’s something that I can control. I’m just focusing on what I’m trying to do. I can’t worry about missing a couple of starts. The most important thing for me, and for the team too, is for me to be healthy in July. Obviously we don’t want it to take that long, but if that’s how long it took then that’s what we need to do. There’s no sense going out there and killing yourself to get back for an April 1 start when you’ve only thrown seven innings.”
Beckett said he needs another 14 more innings in Florida and then he’ll be prepared.
There’s no doubt the 27-year-old is older, wiser and more mature than he was after his first World Series championship as a member of the Florida Marlins in 2003.
It was during that Fall Classic when he turned in a legendary performance by beating the Yankees with his complete-game five-hit shutout on just three days rest in the decisive Game Six of the Series. For his efforts he was named World Series MVP.
The following season he struggled a bit and faced a little more adversity than he was used to. Plus, he wasn’t alone as most of the Marlins seemed banged up both emotionally and physically from the World Series victory.
Beckett said he’s seeing the same kinds of things with the Red Sox this spring.
The difference between the 2003 postseason and the 2007 postseason was the length of the playoffs. In ’03 the Marlins were done with the celebrations and already resting at home on Oct. 15. Last season the Red Sox didn’t get home until Nov. 5, making the offseason a rather short one.
“That’s not much of an offseason,” said Beckett. “You take a couple of weeks off and you’re right back out. I really can’t compare the two [offseasons] but after 2003 I remember there were a lot of knick-knack injuries in ’04 with the guys coming back off the World Series during spring training. It’s just enough time for you to go home and relax for a couple of minutes, but you really don’t get to mentally relax because you know you’re starting your workout two or three weeks later. In ’04 we had a lot of knick-knack injuries, just like we had this year.”
Since coming to Boston via trade prior to the 2006 season, Beckett has thrown back-to-back seasons of 200-plus innings for the Red Sox. It is the only two times during his major league career he’s reached such a plateau.
There’s also a possibility his latest injury had something to do with his workload last season, including the short offseason due to the World Series victory.
“I think that definitely could have played a role in it,” he said. “The only reason I say that, and I’m not using it as an excuse, but I remember in ’04 when we came to spring training there were some guys who were banged up. During the course of spring training you get little aches and pains, but most people still end up starting the season with the team. I threw a lot of innings in October last year, and I threw a lot of innings in ’03, and ’04 wasn’t exactly a healthy year for me. I’m not saying this year is going to be like that, but you have to prepare a little bit different because you don’t have that full offseason to work out.”
Is that why you’re being more cautious this time around?
“This is such a freak deal for me because I’ve never had back issues at all,” he said. “I’m older now, so I’m a little wiser. I know the most important thing isn’t my April 10th start. It’s later on down the road and I have to be healthy once I get back with the big-league team, you need to be healthy for the rest of the time and not a stint here and a stint there. That’s doesn’t help the team and it doesn’t help you. It’s very hard to go out and pitch every fifth day when you’re going through a knick here and a knick there.”
Basically, Beckett doesn’t want to keep his teammates hanging. He wants to be there for them come October, just like he was last season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:11 PM | Permalink
Colon update
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon threw three scoreless innings for Single-A Lancaster this morning at City of Palms Park. The game was called in the top of the fifth inning due to rain.
The veteran right-hander allowed four hits with two strikeouts. He threw 34 pitches (23 strikes), including five first-pitch strikes.
"I thought overall it was a very good outing," said Red Sox GCL pitching coach Goose Gregson. "He warmed up extremely well, he elevated a few fastballs that
put him in some hitters’ counts thus there was a little hard contact early in the game, but what I liked most was he stayed in his delivery, made some adjustments, got big outs when they had runners on base, which is ultimately part of his getting back in the swing of things. . . I would assess it as a very good outing, a positive in the right direction."
There was no radar gun on Colon during his outing, but Gregson said he showed plus velocity with a good two-seam fastball.
The uncle of Red Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez was in attendance and spoke with Colon for several minutes after the game. Frank Rodriguez said Colon, and his arm, felt good.
Colon will leave Fort Myers on Thursday and meet the Red Sox in Los Angeles to pitch one of the exhibition games against the Dodgers.
"He's going to do all right," said Rodriguez.
Added Gregson: "You have to be encouraged by the arm strenghth and his
ability to stay in his delivery, the ball is coming out of his hand exceptionally well."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:08 PM | Permalink
Sox release R.I.'s Barry Hertzler
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox released pitcher Barry Hertzler this morning.
The East Providence native was selected by the Red Sox in the 11th round (324th overall) in the 2003 draft and spent five seasons in the minor-league system. The right-hander pitched for the PawSox in 2006 and in 2007.
In 186 minor-league games in the organization, he compiled a 24-15 record with a 4.26 ERA, mostly working out of the bullpen.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:39 PM | Permalink
Josh Beckett update
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett (back) went through his normal rehab routine this morning at the minor league complex and he says he feels good.
The right-hander played long toss and then threw a 45-pitch bullpen session and said it went great. The reason he didn't throw more today is because he's slated to pitch in an intrasquad game on Sunday. He's been able to progress slowly since first feeling the spasms in his back on March 8.
"There are still some peaks and valleys," he said. "That first week I felt better every other day, and then every other day I felt worse. Now I'm at a point where I can do every thing I need to do in between starts or bullpens. I've progressed, but it's only been in the last week where I can start to put a time table when I can get on the mound."
Even though the Red Sox are in Japan, Beckett, pitching coach John Farrell and trainer Mike Reinhold set up a plan before the team left last Wednesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:36 PM | Permalink
Lester shines
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jon Lester just completed his last spring training start here at the Sox minor league complex. The left-hander worked five hitless innings in a intrasquad game against Double-A players and struck out eight. He threw 58 pitches during the game before finishing his work in the bullpen. He threw a total of 80 pitches, his highest this spring.
He will fly from here to Dallas to Japan on Friday and is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“I guess it served it purpose, more or less,” said Lester. “I was able to get my pitch count up, got the innings and got my work. I would have liked to have been on the plane with the team, but it’s alright. Now that I’ve got my pitch count up I don’t have to worry about anything. There are no limitations going into the season and I’m ready to go.”
As he leaves for Japan he’s right where he needs to be.
“As far as I know,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a normal spring training. . . I feel good, healthy and strong. Everything went without a hitch this spring.”
During Lester’s final spring tune up today, another left-hander showed some impressive stuff.
Red Sox first-round selection in last June’s draft, Nicholas Hagadone, was outstanding in the intrasquad game. The powerful southpaw reached 95 MPH on the radar gun and showed a nasty slider, complement by a devastating change-up.
“He looked good,” said Lester. “That’s the first time I’ve seen him. He’s young and still learning. He threw a lot of strikes, and whatever his out pitch was, it was effective and he got a lot of guys out on bad swings. He throws the ball hard and he’s left-handed, which always helps. He looked smooth, like he wasn’t trying to throw 100.”
If today's performance was any indication, Hagadone will be a phenomenal pitcher for the Red Sox.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:41 PM | Permalink
Red Sox still in Florida
Just because the big club is just about to land in Japan, it doesn't mean Red Sox baseball isn't being played in Fort Myers.
I'm at the club's minor-league complex right now waiting for Jon Lester to make his final spring training start in a Triple-A game for the PawSox. Lester will leave for Japan after today's work. I'll post a complete entry when he's done.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:50 PM | Permalink
Youkilis speaks
Red Sox player rep Kevin Youkilis spoke just a little while ago about today's events, concerning the compensation for the coaching staff.
He said an allotment of money has now been set aside for the 15 Red Sox personnel in question, including coaches, training staff and clubhouse attendants.
Youkilis didn't point any fingers, he just said there was a lot of miscommunication on behalf of Major League Baseball, MLBPA and the Red Sox on this matter. It was resolved early yesterday afternoon and now the Red Sox just boarded a bus to the airport for their trip to Japan.
“There’s a reason why we have one of the strongest unions in the world and that’s because we have guys who are willing to fight,” said Youkilis. “The coaches are a huge part of our success and have been for many years. This was just something, as players, that we felt very strongly about. We want to apologize to all the fans at the game who had to sit around a little longer, and to other fans who might have been upset at first, but this is something we felt strongly about.”
Unity was a big theme at City of Palms Park today.
“We have a lot of different personality and a lot of different players from around the world, but the one thing we have is unity on this team,” said Youkilis. “We stick together and we try to set our personal differences for the good of the team, and that’s what we did [yesterday].”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:44 PM | Permalink
Red Sox will go to Japan
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A resolution has been reached between the Red Sox players, Major League Baseball and MLBPA in regards to the compensation for the coaching staff. As a result the team will travel to Japan. Red Sox player rep Kevin Youkilis will address the situation later this afternoon and we'll have more as it becomes available.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:30 PM | Permalink
More on Varitek
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- More on the conversation Red Sox captain Jason Varitek had with reporters earlier . . .
''We have to make a stand because that’s part of our unit,'' said Varitek. "It isn’t just players, it’s staff members, too.''
Are you going to Japan?
"We’ll see, don’t know yet,'' said Varitek.
On playing today?
"It all depends on how long [MLB] will wait,'' said Varitek. "It depends on how quickly we get a decision and depends on a lot of things. [Toronto] may be ready to go home. There are a lot of different factors, but the first factor is, and we hate to put [Toronto] in jeopardy and the fans, but in our viewpoint this is a needed thing."
When asked if the Blue Jays understood the Sox' position, Varitek said, "My understanding is they do."
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:15 PM | Permalink
Red Sox threaten to boycott today's game unless coaches' pay addressed
By JOE McDONALD
and SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writers
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox players today voted unanimously in a closed-door meeting that they will not take the field today against the Toronto Blue Jays unless major league baseball agrees to compensate coaches for the coming trip to Japan. The game, the last before the team leaves on its season-opening trip to the Far East, is scheduled to be televised at noon on ESPN.
The controversy arose Tuesday morning when manager Terry Francona found out that the coaching staffs from both Boston and Oakland would not be paid the extra $40,000 that the players and managers will get for traveling to Japan.
There has been a lot of confusion between Major League Baseball and MLBPA in the last 24 hours, and Francona is still waiting for answers.
“I was promised some answers yesterday and I didn’t receive them,” said the manager. “We’re trying to get ready to play a game and I spent the morning apologizing to the coaches and being humiliated. The players are pretty adamant that something be done.
“This is a touchy situation for me,” added Francona. “It’s a big deal. I don’t appreciate that coaches are [viewed as] second-class citizens. That has never sat well with me. We’re over there representing Major League Baseball, and we’ve talked about doing it with class, but this is disheartening. This is hard to understand. We were told [they would be paid] and the players believed it to. I double-checked on this this winter. This isn’t something I take for granted.”
Blue Jays shortstop David Eckstein said his teammates would understand if the Red Sox did not take the field.
"They have to do what they have to do. They are one [united] team," Eckstein said.
Francona said he is embarrassed by the entire situation.
The Red Sox players are, too.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff in this game, but this is unbelievable,” said Red Sox player rep Kevin Youkilis prior to the team meeting this morning. “It was brought to my attention (Tuesday) and it was something I thought would never even be a problem. To have this as a problem is embarrassing. For what these coaches do for baseball, I mean, the players play but in order to have order and run these teams, they put all the hardest work in. They deserve as much as much as the players. . . For them not to be getting paid for this trip is a disgrace. It’s a disgrace to the game.”
No matter if the issue is resolved before the team leaves this afternoon, Youkilis said the coaches will be taken care of internally by the players.
“But for Major League Baseball not to step up . . . this is unbelievable,” added Youkilis. “It’s wrong. We all get a per diem and all that, but I thought we were all under the same thing.”
Youkilis is also under the impression that when the Yankees and Rays made a similar trip to Japan to start the 2004 season, players voted on who would be compensated and he believes everyone was, including the coaching staffs.
“This time around it’s not like that,” he said. “We didn’t know that, so for us it’s very tough. We had meetings about going over there, and obviously [MLB] is not living up to their word. I don’t know who exactly is not living up to their words, but the players’ association can’t intervene in matters like this.”
The MLBPA does not represent coaches other than pensions and postseason compensation.
“This is a time where we wish we could help,” said Youkilis. “Tito is going to fight and battle and that’s his personality. And, he’s doing the right thing by fighting for his coaches. It’s ridiculous because these guys are the ones who make it happen and they need to reap the benefits. There is a lot of money to be made on this trip, in a lot of different aspects, so everyone who is involved should be handled in the proper way. Hopefully we can get this resolved.”
Youkilis talked to the players this morning. If MLB doesn’t settle the situation, then the players would take care of it in house.
“This isn’t a good thing,” he said. “We’re going to Japan and we don’t want to deal with all of this. We’ll make it work because we have great players.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:51 AM | Permalink
Red Sox announce Japan roster
The Red Sox just announced the travel roster for Japan:
PITCHERS (13): David Aardsma, Clay Buchholz, Bryan Corey, Manny Delcarmen, Jon Lester, Javier Lopez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez, Mike Timlin, Tim Wakefield.
CATCHERS (3): Dusty Brown, Kevin Cash*, Jason Varitek.
INFIELDERS (8): Sean Casey, Alex Cora, Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie*, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis.
OUFIELDERS (6): Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Bobby Kielty*, Brandon Moss, Manny Ramirez.
60-DAY DISABLED LIST (1): Curt Schilling.
*Non-Roster Invitee
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:56 PM | Permalink
Colon update
Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon didn’t seem fazed by his sub-par performance against the Yankees today.
The newly-acquired right-hander allowed four runs on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 2/3 of an inning of work. He threw 41 pitches (21 strikes). In his first start against the Rays on March 13, Colon worked two solid innings, allowing one run on two hits with one walk and one strikeout. He said the game that he actually felt stronger yesterday, it was just his command that was off.
Francona strongly agrees.
“That’s exactly what we saw,” said the manager. “We got to a point in the first inning where we started to worry about leaving him out there. We wanted to get him to 50 pitches, but not in the first 10 minutes of the game. His arm strength is good and his attitude is outstanding.”
Colon will remain in Florida when the team heads to Japan and pitch a minor-league. He will join and pitch for the Red Sox in Los Angeles when the team returns from Japan for a set of exhibition games against the Dodgers.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:56 PM | Permalink
Hansen, others optioned to Pawtucket
Reliever Craig Hansen was optioned to Pawtucket following today's game. Francona said he wanted to see the hard-throwing right-hander pitch again this spring because pitching coach John Farrell has been very impressed with Hansen’s mound presence.
“We’ve got a kid who has had his ups and downs,” said Francona. “We think the ups are on their way. . . He’s going to be the Manny Delcarmen of this year; he’ll go back do great and then come back and help us.”
Hansen took the news rather well today.
“They told me they were proud of what I did this spring training,” Hansen said. “I came in here ready to compete, and they were proud of that. When I get to minor-league camp I just need to continue what I’ve been doing.”
Also optioned to Pawtucket was catcher George Kottaras, infielder/outfielder Chris Carter, and pitcher Lincoln Holdzkom.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:53 PM | Permalink
Fans set record
The 11,036 in attendance today set a new record at Legends Field. The previous mark of 10,972 was set on Sunday against Cleveland.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:43 PM | Permalink
Coco/Kielty update
Coco Crisp (groin) and Bobby Kielty (calf) both participated in a pair of minor-league games today in order to get some much-needed at-bats.
Terry Francona said Crisp felt “very good” but the team still doesn’t know if he'll will be able to make the trip to Japan. Crisp went 1-for-5 and Kielty went 1-for-4 during their at-bats, three in a Triple-A game and two in a Double-A game at the team’s minor-league complex in Fort Myers. The Red Sox have Tuesday off, so both will play in a camp game and face left-handers at the minor-league complex.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:41 PM | Permalink
Colon finished
Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon was scheduled to work three innings against the Yankees today in Tampa, but the newly acquired right-hander was just given the hook with two outs in the bottom of the first inning with New York leading, 4-0. He threw 41 pitches and allowed four runs on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Julian Tavarez is now in the game.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:45 PM | Permalink
Good morning from Tampa
It's another beautiful day in Florida. The Red Sox just arrived in Tampa for their game against the Yankees at Legends Field.
With the amount of media outlets here today, one might think it was a regular-season game. Francona just finished his daily scrum with the local guys and actually had some news this morning.
Francona announced that Dice-K will officially be the team's Opening Day starter in Japan. Jon Lester will pitch the other regular-season game against the A's over there. Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz will start the two exhibition games.
Ailing center fielder Coco Crisp (groin) will play for the PawSox today in a rehab appearance. He's scheduled to get in at least four at-bats. Francona said this morning that Crisp had a good morning and now there's a chance he could make the trip to Japan. It's also possible he could play in the team's final spring training game in Florida on Wednesday against the Blue Jays.
Pitcher Josh Beckett (back) played long toss this morning at 120 feet. Francona said the right-hander felt good. Beckett, who will not travel to Japan, will likely make a rehab start for the PawSox in Florida.
After the birth of his second child over the weekend, Dice-K returned to the spring training facility this morning and threw 58-pitch side session in preparation for his start in Japan.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:24 AM | Permalink
More on Wakefiled's perfect outing
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield worked five perfect innings in a minor league game for the PawSox this afternoon. Since Boston released his personal batterymate, Doug Mirabelli, last Thursday, the team felt it would be best to have Wakefield and catcher Kevin Cash worked together in a minor league game instead of traveling to Bradenton today.
Wakefield struck out three and threw 64 pitches (48 strikes).
"Today was as good as I have ever seen him pitch," said Cash, who also caught Wakefield last season when Mirabelli was on the DL. "I don't care who he's facing, when he's down i nthe zone, he's hard to hit."
The PawSox played to a 1-1 tie with Louisville.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:46 PM | Permalink
Wakefield perfect
Buddy Steve Hyder, the PawSox' broadcaster, just called from Fort Myers with an outstanding report on Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. The knuckler, starting for the PawSox today in order to get comfortable with new batterymate Kevin Cash, tossed five perfect innings. He threw 63 pitches (47) strikes.
Doug who?
I'll have more later. . . Thanks, Steve.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:00 PM | Permalink
Beckett update
Red Sox manager Terry Francona just made it oficial that Josh Beckett will not travel to Japan with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Instead, the right-hander will stay in Florida to continue to rehab his ailing back.
"He will not go to Japan, which I think we're using common sense," said Francona. "We're trying to do things in the correct order, and he completely understands."
Beckett played catch with pitching coach John Farrell back in Fort Myers this morning and Francona said the pitcher felt no pain. Beckett played catch at 60 feet and then progressed to 75 on flat ground with "no concerns."
"He did fine," said Francona this morning from Bradenton where the Red Sox will face the Pirates. "He had no concerns and that's what we were shooting for. He'll ramp it up a little more (Monday)."
Beckett will play long toss on Tuesday, and best case scenario, he'll throw a side session on Thursday. Farrell reported to Francona and told the manager the ball came out of Beckett's hand good.
There's still no timetable on his return at this point, but the Red Sox will use caution and progress slowly with this.
While the Red Sox are barnstorming around the globe, Beckett will remain at the spring training facility. The team is trying to figure out which members of the medical and training staff will stay behind to work with Beckett at City of Palms Park. There was some discussion about sending him back to Boston, but the team decided it was best to keep him in Florida, probably for the warm weather.
If he continues to progress, there is a possibility he could make a minor-league rehab start.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:28 AM | Permalink
Beckett will throw Sunday
Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett will return to action as the ailing right-hander is scheduled to play catch on flat ground on Sunday morning.
Beckett has been sidelined with back spasms for a week. He was scratched from his scheduled start on March 8 after throwing just a few warmup pitches and he’s expected to throw at 60 feet at City of Palms Park today.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:55 PM | Permalink
Wakefield speaks
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield isn’t too thrilled about the team’s decision to release Doug Mirabelli, but the knuckleball pitcher broke his silence yesterday and said he’s turned the page.
The Red Sox gave Wakefield’s personal batterymate his unconditional release on Thursday to the surprise of every player in the clubhouse.
“Shocked,” said Wakefield yesterday morning at City of Palms Park. “Very shocked. I don’t know what else to say about it. . . I’m saddened by the whole situation, but it’s a business decision on their part. I feel like (Kevin) Cash can do a really good job, but I’m going to really miss Doug, not only his professionalism and the way he handled me, but also his friendship.”
Wakefield wouldn’t elaborate on his conversation with Mirabelli, but did say his former catcher was also caught off guard by the transaction.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:43 PM | Permalink
Dice-K's a dad!
Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and his wife, Tomoyo, welcomed a baby boy into the world this morning. Both mom and son are doing well. The child, whose name is not being released, weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces. He's the couple's second child. Dice-K is expected to be back in camp in the next couple of days and now it appears he'll be able to make the trip to Japan with the Sox next week.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:40 PM | Permalink
Good morning from Fort Myers
My wife just called to tell me it's snowing in Rhode Island. When I got off the phone I had to laugh because I've been down here just over a week now and today is the best day of weather to date. It's sunny and very warm at City of Palms Park where the Red Sox are working on the drills this morning.
A couple of quick notes from a quiet morning here:
Terry Francona said injured center fielder Coco Crisp (groin) is getting frustrated with his lack of baseball activity, which is a good thing.
Julio Lugo (back) is back in the lineup today for the first time in about 12 days. He's scheduled to play a few innings today and will DH tomorrow.
Josh Beckett (back) is getting better not worse, according to Francona.
That's pretty much it this morning. Enjoy the snow!
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:33 AM | Permalink
Game called: Boston wins, 7-4
*Today's Red Sox game against the Orioles was called in the top of the seventh due to inclement weather. Boston won 7-4.
*Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen was taken out of the game with two outs in the top of the seventh inning yesterday after he tweaked his right knee. He said he felt a sharp pain after making a throw to second base, but the sensation quickly went away and he’s fine.
The right-hander admitted, however, that he has tendinitis in right knee, something he said he’s had since last season, and every once in a while it flares up.
It began to rain at City of Palms Park in the sixth inning and it picked up in the seventh. Delcarmen made a fine defensive play on a chopper back to the mound, and assisted on the out at second base. After the play, Francona sprinted to the mound followed by head trainer Paul Lessard to check on the reliever, who has been very impressive this spring.
As Delcarmen left the field and Craig Breslow came in from the bullpen, Francona signaled to the grounds crew, calling for some Quick Dry. At that point the tarp was placed over the field and a few minutes later the game was called.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:54 PM | Permalink
Early morning happenings: Manny takes Dougie's locker
**The Red Sox have already started to pack for their trip to Japan next Wednesday. In the corner of the clubhouse here at City of Palms Park, there are five large boxes of gum that are all ready to go.
**It didn't take long for Manny Ramirez to change lockers. Catchers always have the biggest stalls because of all the equipment, so after Doug Mirabelli was released on Thursday, Manny moved into the larger living quarters.
**Second baseman Dustin Pedroia still can't believe Manny bought him a $10,000 Rolex watch for winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2007. Ramirez told Pedroia this spring that if he hits .300 this season then he'll buy him the matching bracelet.
"Heck, if he's going to continue this, I'll hit .300 for the next 20 years," said Pedroia. "By the time my career is over I'll look like Mr. T."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:14 AM | Permalink
Lugo update
Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo was scheduled to play today, but he's not in the lineup. He's been bothered with a lower back injury, and with the team leaving for Japan on Wednesday, it appears Lugo may not be going.
The Red Sox have told rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie to be prepared to go on the trip.
BTW: It's a beautiful day here at City of Palms Park.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:11 AM | Permalink
Colon update
Pitcher Bartolo Colon made his Red Sox spring debut today and looked good during his two-inning, 26-pitch outing. He allowed one run on two hits, including a solo home run to the Rays' Jon Weber.
The Sox signed him to a minor-league contract at the start of spring training and the club feels he could be a diamond in the rough.
Colon loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the first inning, but retired the next three batters to end the inning unscathed.
“I feel very good,” he said. “My control was good and it was what I was looking for, and I felt really strong out there today.”
Colon said he was pleased with his velocity.
“I’m thrilled with the way my arm has been responding,” he said. “I don’t know how hard I was throwing, but it felt very good.”
Even though he feels strong and confident, he doesn’t want to place a target date on a return, he’ll let the Red Sox make that decision.
“I feel great and the trainers have done a great job with me,” he said. “I’ve seen a great improvement from where I began [spring training] to where I am right now.”
The one-time Cy Young winner (2005 for the Angels) has battled injuries the last few seasons, but he's hoping he can return to form in 2008.
“The past two years have been tough,” he said. “But it’s that more gratifying to see the results finally starting to pay out. More than anything it’s great to be able to go out on the mound, even for a brief stint, and have some success. It’s very rewarding and shows that the hard work is paying off.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:25 PM | Permalink
Colon finished
Bartolo Colon just completed his first outing with the Red Sox and looked good. The right-hander threw 26 pitches (18 strikes) and allowed one run (solo homer) on two hits with one walk and one strikeout.
He retired the first two batters he faced in the second inning before surrendering a solo homer to the Rays' Jon Weber, who crushed the first offering over the right-center field wall. Tampa leads 1-0.
Kyle Snyder will replace Colon in the third.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:26 PM | Permalink
Colon makes Red Sox debut
Right-hander Bartlolo Colon just completed his first of two innings of scheduled work for the Red Sox. He threw 20 pitches (13 strikes) in the first inning, looked good and threw hard. After allowing a lead-off single to the Rays' Akinori Iwamura, Jason Bartlett reached on an error by Sox shortstop Alex Cora.
Colon then walked Carlos Pena before striking out B.J. Upton. Colon got Jonny Gomes to pop out to catcher Dusty Brown and then Colon showed his range when he covered first on a ground ball to the right side and recorded the final out of the inning on John Rodriguez.
Colon will work one more inning.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:05 PM | Permalink
Mirabelli released
The Red Sox have placed catcher Doug Mirabelli on unconditional release waivers.
Tony Massarotti reported on his blog earlier that he saw Mirabelli leaving City of Palms Park in street clothes. The Journal has just confirmed the veteran receiver has been placed on waivers. Tim Wakefield's personal catcher was originally in today's lineup to catch Bartolo Colon.
That leaves George Kottaras, Kevin Cash and Dusty Brown backing up Jason Varitek in camp. Cash was called up from Pawtucket last season when Mirabelli was placed on the DL and proved he can handle the backup role.
Cash, 30, can catch the knuckleball and manager Terry Francona has always liked him. In fact, Cash crushed a three-run homer Wednesday against the Twins. He has worked with minor-league knucklers Charlie Zink and John Barnes. Cash has 126 games of major-league experience with Toronto, Tampa and Boston.
Cash also caught Wakefield last August when he tossed 22 consecutive scoreless innings.
Brown, 25, can also catch the dancing doozy and has also impressed management this spring.
It doesn't appear the Red Sox are in the midst of making a trade for a backup at this point.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:29 PM | Permalink
More roster moves for the Red Sox
The Red Sox made a few more transactions this morning. Right-hander Devern Hansack and outfielder Jonathan Van Every were optioned to Pawtucket.
The club assigned right-hander Lee Gronkiewicz and left-handers Jon Switzer and Michael Tejera to the minor-league camp.
Just in case you missed it earlier today, Curt Schilling was placed on the 60-day DL. And, the Sox signed right-hander Lincoln Holdzkom to a major-league contract and placed him on the 40-man roster.
With all of today's moves, Boston has 40 players in major league camp.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:25 PM | Permalink
Where's Mirabelli?
Tony Massarotti of the Boston Herald just reported on his blog that backup catcher Doug Mirabelli just left City of Palms Park in street clothes. He was originally scheduled to play today. . . We'll have more as it becomes available.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:20 PM | Permalink
Schilling placed on DL
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Not surprisingly, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has been placed on the 60-day DL today with an arm injury. The veteran right-hander has been rehabbing at the club’s spring training facility here early in the mornings and then leaves.
As a result of Schilling's departure from the active roster, the Red Sox signed right-hander Lincoln Holdzkom and placed him on the 40-man roster. He split time between Portland and Pawtucket last season. He was a six-year free agent at the end of last season, and was picked up by the Phillies in the Rule V draft. Philadelphia then offered him back to Boston, and because of that, he had the option to become a free agent. He decided to sign with the Red Sox.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:24 AM | Permalink
Baldelli breaks silence
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Rocco Baldelli has gone public.
The Rhode Island native decided it was time to reveal the serious health issue that has kept him sidelined for much of the last few seasons. The 26-year-old Rays center fielder said he has metabolic and/or mitochondrial abnormalities, which causes severe fatigue and muscle cramping.
After dismissing rumors about him having MS or a rare blood disorder, and denying that he was a steroids user, in an interview with the Journal last Saturday, Baldelli decided to discuss his health issues publicly in an attempt to stop all the speculation. He met with the Tampa-area media this morning and, in a phone interview this afternoon, said he was relieved he was able to finally talk about it.
''When I wake up tomorrow, I’m going to feel a lot better than I did today,'' he said. ''It’s been difficult for me not knowing what the problem is, and having to hear other people speculate. That was frustrating.''
What remains frustrating is that doctors still don't have a specific diagnosis . . . or a specific treatment plan.
''I still don’t have a specific diagnosis,'' he said. ''I wish I did, because I would feel better knowing exactly what it is,” he said.
''It’s causing me fatigue and muscle cramps to a point where I can’t function as a ballplayer, so I’ve decided to put my health No. 1 and step back.”
He will be placed on the disabled list indefinitely and he said he’ll stay on the DL until something changes, or he learns something new.
When asked if this was a life-threatening issue, Baldelli was cautious with his answer but believes that it is not.
“It’s difficult for me to comment on that,” he said. “I’m not worried about it being extremely serious and I don’t like to use the term [life-threatening]. Doctors are fairly certain this is not serious to that point. It’s a problem, a serious problem, but not something I’m worried about.”
He visited numerous doctors around the country during the offseason searching for answers. He wanted to know the stem of his medical problems because he knew something was wrong.
''My muscles weren’t functioning like they were supposed to,'' he said. ''I was pulling muscles and having cramps, and I wanted to figure out where this general feeling was coming from.''
Baldelli has no plans on retiring because he said he still loves the game and wants to play again. His contract expires at the end of the 2008 season, and indications are the Rays -- who must exercise a 2009 option by April 1 -- will not extend the contract.
''While on April 1 we may decline the option, when the time comes we'll do anything and everything to make sure he's part of this organization," said the Rays' executive vice president of baseball operation, Andrew Friedman.
''I’m not even worried about that,'' said Baldelli. ''I don’t know necessarily what I’m going to be doing as a player right now. I don’t know what my function is going to be whether I’m going to be working out (in Tampa) or back at home. The only thing I’m going to be worried about this season is trying to figure out what’s going on health-wise, and that’s all I’m worried about.
''It helps when my team, everyone from the manager (Joe Maddon) to the training staff to everyone on the club, is behind me and trying to help me health-wise. They have put everything else aside and said this is their No. 1 priority, which is very good for my sake.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:13 PM | Permalink
Back to work: Beckett stiff after workout, Kolb sent to minors
After having my computer shattered by a foul ball Monday at Port St. Lucie, the IT guys at the Journal did a tremendous job getting me a brand new one. It arrived in Fort Myers this morning so I'll be able to blog and work once again.
A couple of quick notes:
Pitcher Josh Beckett (back) did some rehab work on Tuesday and arrived at work this morning "a little stiff" according to Terry Francona. The stiffness is due to the exercises Beckett was put through on Tuesday, but the manager said he's doing ok.
"We talk every morning when he comes in," said Francona. "The big thing I stress to him is that there's no timetable (on a return). It's when he's healthy and that's all I want him to worry about. He understands that."
There are still questions regarding Beckett's availability for the Japan trip. There is a very good possibility he could remain in Florida when the team leaves next Wednesday.
*Red Sox newcomer Bartolo Colon will make his spring debut Thursday against the Rays. The veteran right-hander is scheduled to work two innings.
*The Red Sox assigned right-hand pitcher Dan Kolb to minor-league camp.
*Shortstop Julio Lugo hit in the cage this morning and took some ground balls, too. He should be able to play soon, and if that happens and suffers no set backs, he should be able to make the trip to Japan. If he's not ready, or even close to it, he will remain in Florida.
*Center fielder Coco Crisp is still being bothered by a groin injury, but he's been able to hit in the cage. Francona said this morning when the switch hitter bats from the right side that's when the groin bothers him most. Crisp has been spending most of his time in the training room.
*Curt Schilling can be seen around the clubhouse, but he hasn't been heard from much this spring. The veteran has a serious arm injury in his biceps and there's a chance he may not be able to pitch this season. Or at least until later in the summer. He wants to make the trip to Japan with the team, but Francona said this morning that's still up in the air.
"Our thinking is what's in his best interest," said the manager. "That's what we care about. The appearances are secondary to what we're tyring to do here, and we're trying to remind people that. He wants to go, but again, we need to sit down and talk to everybody."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:16 PM | Permalink
Lester outstanding
It may only be a spring training game, but Jon Lester is pitching more like it's a meaningful regular-season game in September. The Sox’ lefty is completely dominating the Mets this afternoon at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie.
Lester was the last player off the team’s bus early yesterday morning and it was clear he was definitely in the zone. It translated into his third start this spring.
He completed four innings of work he has allowed just two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. He threw 66 pitches (42 strikes).
More to come. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:25 PM | Permalink
Sneak peek
The Red Sox just faced Mets pitcher Johan Santana in the top of the first inning here in Port St. Lucie. The left-hander allowed a lead-off single to Jacoby Ellsbury before striking out Jed Lowrie. Jason Varitek reached on an error, Kevin Youkilis struck out and Brandon Moss popped out to left field. Santana threw 17 pitches and looked good.
Obviously, the Red Sox were top contenders in the Santana sweepstakes during the offseason before he was traded from Minnesota to the Mets.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:18 PM | Permalink
Lester: Survivor to savior?
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jon Lester is already a key factor for the Red Sox’ starting rotation for the upcoming season, but his role could become a little more important with questions surrounding the ailing Josh Beckett.
Team physician Dr. Thomas Gill arrived in Florida on Sunday, probably to exam Beckett first-hand, and manager Terry Francona said this morning that the right-hander was pretty sore Sunday night and again today.
''He had a good day (Sunday) but a tough night," Francona said.
While the Red Sox are in Port St. Lucie to play the Mets, Beckett was back in Fort Myers getting treatment.
''He's resigned himself to do the right thing and not something silly," said Francona. ''We'll be ok, we just have to get [Beckett's back] calmed down.''
Beckett was scheduled to start against the Marlins on Saturday, but felt the spasms after throwing just one warmup pitch and let the field. Francona said the right-hander will not resume baseball activities until the spasms go away. Now that he's had a little bit of a setback, Beckett's availability for the Japan trip is in question.
''There's no reason to make that assessment today," said Francona. "It doesn't make sense. We just want to get him better.''
Facing a 19-hour flight to Japan in just nine days would be difficult for someone with a back issue. Francona said the team will use caution with this.
''We’re going to do what’s in the best interest of our ballclub – short term and long term,” Francona said. “We always do. I can’t imagine a 17-hour flight is good for anybody.”
By now everyone in the baseball world, and beyond, knows Lester’s story of successfully beating cancer and winning the clinching game of the World Series last October in Denver against the Rockies. With this latest situation with Beckett, it’s very possible Lester could be the Sox’ Opening Day starter.
''We viewed him as an innings eater for a lot of years,'' said Francona. ''He’s a big strong kid. He’s durable and he’s got a good delivery. If he pounds that strike zone those 100-pitch five-inning games will turn into the seventh inning because his stuff is plenty good. There are a lot of good things going in his favor.''
Today is just another interesting facet to Lester’s career as he's facing the pitcher he was almost traded for in the Mets’ Johan Santana. All throughout the offseason the Red Sox were a major player in the Santana sweepstakes, but in the end GM Theo Epstein decided the price was too high and didn’t want to sell the organization’s top prospects in order to acquire Santana.
During the winter Lester was asked time and again about the possibility of being traded, and time and again he would say he wanted to stay in Boston and if he was traded then he would show up to work for his new employer and give 100 percent.
After the Mets acquired Santana from the Twins, Lester was quite thrilled to remain in Boston. At this point, the Sox are fortunate, too.
Lester has learned to live with the stamp of ''cancer survivor'' and every time the Red Sox visited a new ballpark where the left-hander is pitching, he’s always asked about his successful battle against the disease.
The Red Sox do their very best to downplay the inspirational story, too. But it’s easy to get emotional when hearing just what the last two years have been like for Lester.
''It was an unbelievable story,'' said Francona. ''I think our guys like him already. They already cared about him, and what we’re looking for, and he had a good grasp of this, is once you get on the field you have to win. For a young kid, he grasps that really well. I’m sure it was emotional, and it was for me, but once you take the field you’ve got to try to win the game. The other hitters, their job is to beat you, regardless of what you’ve gone through. He did a really exceptional job of that.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:28 PM | Permalink
Report on Beckett not good
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona just said Josh Beckett (back) was pretty sore last night and again this morning.
"He had a good day (Sunday) but a tough night," said the manager.
While the Red Sox are in Port St. Lucie, Beckett was back in Fort Myers getting treatment.
"He's resigned himself to do the right thing and not something silly," said Francona. "We'll be ok, we just have to get [Beckett's back] calmed down."
Beckett was scheduled to start against the Marlins on Saturday, but felt the spasms after throwing just one warmup pitch and let the field.
Francona said the right-hander will not resume baseball activities until the spasms go away. Now that he's had a little bit of a setback, Beckett's availability for the Japan trip is in question.
"There's no reason to make that assesment today," said Francona. "It doesn't make sense. We just want to get him better."
Facing a 19-hour flight to Japan in just nine days would be difficult for someone with a back issue. Francona said the team will use caution with this.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:27 AM | Permalink
Colon will start Thursday
Pitcher Bartolo Colon threw a simulated game during a BP session of 40 pitches this morning and looked good, according to Red Sox manager Terry Francona. Colon is slated to start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday at Fort Myers. The veteran right-hander will work two innings.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:47 AM | Permalink
Beckett update
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett is listed as day-to-day with back spasms in the lower back. The right-hander was scheduled to start yesterday in Fort Myers, but after throwing one warmup pitch, he grabbed his back and walked off the mound.
When the Red Sox arrived at Vero Beach today to face the Dodgers at Dodgertown, manager Terry Francona was pleased with this morning’s report on Beckett.
“He actually looked way better then we anticipated,” said Francona. “He was tested thoroughly, and it’s been determined [the injury] is muscular in nature. His lower back is having spasms right now, and we need to ease that off and then get back him back to doing what he’s been doing.”
There’s no timetable on when he'll return to his normal routine.
“I don’t think it’s going to be terribly long,” said the manager. “But it’s not like he’s going to go out and run a marathon tomorrow. He’ll be okay. . . We were all relieved today to see him moving around the way he was. I think he was even surprised.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:33 AM | Permalink
Sox arrive in Vero
The Red Sox made the cross-state trek this morning via the friendly skies and it took the team 23 minutes to fly from Fort Myers to Vero Beach. Manager Terry Francona said this morning that the players greatly appreciate ownerships generosity. In the past the Red Sox have always bused here.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:18 AM | Permalink
Crisp, Lugo update
Coco Crisp, who has been hampered with a dual groin injury, is slated to run some sprints on Saturday morning before the team makes a decision on the next course of action. . . Shortstop Julio Lugo, who was originally penciled into yesterday’s lineup, but scratched due to a sore back will be examined again on Monday. He was able to work on some drills and hit in the cage Friday morning, but the team wants to hold him back for a few more days for precautionary reasons.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:54 PM | Permalink
Buchholz done
Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz just conclulded his second spring start, allowing three runs on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings of work. The right-hander threw 41 pitches and allowed two home runs. Jonathan Papelbon is now pitching for Boston in the top of the fourth inning.
After the Twins defeated the Sox 7-2 this afternoon at City of Palms Park, manager Terry Francona said this was just another valuable learning experience for Buchholz.
“He has great stuff and I think he’s learning, even if it’s spring training,” said Francona. “If you make a mistake with major league hitters they make you pay a price, and maybe that’s a good thing. We don’t want to see anybody get hit around, but I think, even at this early stage of his career, he knows when he makes good pitches he has the ability to make even good hitters look silly, not just get them out.
“You don’t want to see guys struggle, but because of this [outing] he’ll get better,” added Francona. “He didn’t give in and then went back out and had a good inning.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:04 PM | Permalink
That's more like it
Buchholz responded in the second inning, retiring the side in order with a strikeout.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:33 PM | Permalink
Tough first inning for Buchholz
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz allowed three runs on three hits in the top of the first inning, including a pair of back-to-back homers to the Twins' Justin Morneau (two-run shot) and Craig Monroe (solo).
Buchholz allowed four runs on five hits in two innings of work against the Twins on March 2.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:16 PM | Permalink
Watch out for Manny
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Manny Ramirez just made Dustin Pedroia’s day.
The Red Sox slugger presented the second baseman with a Rolex watch for winning the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007. Ramirez handed Pedroia a box and then hit it pretty hard with his bat, denting the box. When Pedroia opened it all he could say was “Damn!”
“He’s the best,” Pedroia said before he walked around the clubhouse showing his teammates the generous gift. Along with the watch Ramirez wrote Pedroia a little note, prompting Pedroia to comment, “Now I finally have your autograph.”
Ramirez told Pedroia in the middle of last season that if he continued to play well and won the Rookie of the Year award he would buy him a watch.
“He’s a great kid with a great heart,” said Ramirez, who also bought Pedroia a few new suits to wear on the road last season. “I love him. He’s got a great personality and I don’t care what he does on the field because, as a person, he’s such a great guy. You can talk to him and he’s always happy and working hard.”
Ramirez also plans on keeping the incentives coming for Pedroia.
“If he hits .300 this year, I’ll give him something else,” Ramirez said. “I want him to keep it going.”
The two, along with teammate Kevin Youkilis, worked out together at the Athletes’ Performance Institute in Arizona during the offseason. Ramirez was there for almost three months and said he loved it there and plans on returning next winter.
When told that it was a nice watch, Ramirez shrugged and said, “Ah, it’s okay.’’
Just for the record, he didn't buy it in Times Square for $10.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:14 PM | Permalink
Colon looks sharp
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon just completed his third bullpen session of spring and looked sharp during the 50-pitch workout. He was able to mix in his offspeed stuff for the first time, including 10 sliders to his session with Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell looking on.
''He threw the ball very good,'' said Farrell. ''He kept the endurance and the tempo of his session consistent through the 50 pitches he threw this morning. The breaking ball and slider he added was a solid pitch for him. . . It was another good workday for him.''
Next up, Colon will toss a 40-pitch BP session on Sunday. After that the Red Sox will decide if March 15 is still a realistic starting point for game action.
Farrell said it would be ideal for Colon to pitch twice in games before the team heads to Japan.
''The work he’s been doing here every day has been very diligent and his work ethic has been tremendous,'' Farrell said. ''He’s making every progressive step we were hoping to see, and the next one will be batting practice.''
The one noticeable aspect of Colon’s session this morning was how fast he was working. The right-hander would throw, get the ball back and quickly deliver again.
''He has a tendency to get a little rapid fire, which a lot of pitchers do,'' Farrell said. ''He even acknowledged the other day that he needs to slow himself down a little bit because when you get too quick it can cause him to rush a little in his delivery, and lose command of the baseball.''
When Colon arrived at camp there was some concern with his body type, but he’s always been short and stocky. Even Farrell was quick to point out that Colon has been able to make it work to his advantage.
''He’s been pitching a long time very successfully,'' said Farrell. ''He has a very good feel for his body and when he does misfire with a pitch he can quickly make the adjustment that’s needed.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:20 AM | Permalink
Sox sign Casey
ESPN.com is reporting the Red Sox have signed first baseman Sean Casey to a one-year deal worth $700,000.
An 11-year major-league veteran, Casey will serve as a backup for Kevin Youkilis. Casey is a career .301 hitter and played for the Detroit Tigers last season. He's outgoing and his personality will add to the chemistry in the Red Sox clubhouse.
The Red Sox have been looking for a player to backup up Youkilis. Last season the team had outfielder Brandon Moss working at first base, but with Casey now in the mix it appears Moss will remain in Pawtucket.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:13 PM | Permalink
Mirabelli signs
The Boston Red Sox just announced the official signing of Doug Mirabelli to a one-year contract extension.
A backup catcher, and personal batterymate for veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, Mirabelli will return for a his eighth season with the Red Sox. The 37-year-old hit .202 with five homers and 16 RBI in 48 games in 2007.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:12 PM | Permalink
Rice reacts
Former Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice just released a statement about not being selected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America for enshrinement into the Hall of Fame.
"Today's are obviously a disappointment,” Rice said in a statement released by the Red Sox. “I believe my accomplishments speak for themselves, and a majority of the voters seem to agree. It is tough to come this close, but I remain hopeful for the 2009 results. I appreciate all the kind words from so many players, including Rich Gossage, and I congratulate Goose on his well-deserved election today.”
Rice received 72.2 percent of the necessary 75 percent in order for enshrinement and he now has only one year remaining of eligibility before he has to wait for a possible Veterans’ Committee vote to get in.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:33 PM | Permalink
Ellsbury checks in
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
While the Red Sox and Twins try to hammer out a possible trade, involving Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana, Boston rookie sensation Jacoby Ellsbury is eagerly awaiting word on whether he’s staying or going.
“I’m been trying not to pay too much attention to it,” he said. “But it’s hard when all your friends, my parents and brothers are calling me because they want the inside scoop on everything. It’s tough just knowing that I have no control over where I play or anything like that.”
The Red Sox selected him in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2005 draft and because of that he has a certain comfort level within the organization that extends from the front office to his teammates, managers, coaches and fans.
“It’s something I hope gets done sooner rather than later and I’m sure Johan feels the same,” he said. “I’m just working out here in Oregon and staying in shape for anything possible. Where ever I go I’ll obviously give them my 100 percent.”
Do you want to stay in Boston?
“Definitely,” he answered. “Definitely. Coming through the minor-league system, winning the World Series and with the team we have coming back, I want to be a part of that next year. I would love to come back but unfortunately I don’t have any say, whatsoever, where I end up next year. Where ever I do I will definitely give 100 percent, but I would like to stay a Red Sox.”
The one thing that reportedly the Twins do not like about the highly talented outfielder is the fact he just switched agents and is now represented by Scott Boras. The super agent represents nine Red Sox players, including Ellsbury so the rookie felt it was in his best interest to make the change.
“Theo (Epstein) and Scott have a very good relationship and I was basically looking for the best representation available to me,” said Ellsbury. “Going with Scott allows me to be the best player that I can be. [Now] I can just go out there and play and not worry about too much.”
Boras actually contacted Ellsbury while he was in college, according the center fielder. At the time Ellsbury felt being represented by Boras was not the right fit for him, but after this past season things have changed dramatically.
“We’ve talked for a while,” said Ellsbury. “This wasn’t a rash decision. A lot of thought has gone into it.”
Ellsbury said he has talked with other Boras clients, including his teammates and decided it was finally a good fit.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:58 PM | Permalink
No news to report -- yet!
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein just held a conference call with the Boston writers in preparation for the upcoming winter meetings in Nashville, and no, he didn't announce a trade involving any of his players for Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana.
"We have nothing to announce," he said. "Nothing imminent. We're going to keep on working right up until the meetings, but if I had to guess I would say probably nothing to announce before the meetings."
Even though he would not get into specifics with any one certain deal, Epstein did say he's still looking to address the team's bench and bullpen during and after the winter meetings.
"Just because we're focused on those two elements of the club doesn't mean we're not going to look at other opportunities to get better," he said. "We'll see if anything presents itself and we'll be aggressive as we usually are . . . We're pleased with the position we are in. We think we have a really nice mix of veterans and young players at the big-league level, and another wave or two of talented young players coming through our farm system who should make an impact."
Epstein went on to explain he's very satisfied with the organizational depth, but would not "ignore" any opportunities that would make the team better in both the short and long term.
Blockbuster trades aside, the Red Sox still have some internal work to do with their own arbitration eligible free agents, including Mike Timlin, Bobby Kielty, Doug Mirabelli and Eric Hinske. Epstein said there will likely be some news to report on that front come Saturday, and that he was looking to bring back some of the role players from the 2007 team.
The team is also looking to extend the contract of manager Terry Francona.
Currently the talks between the sides still remain in the preliminary stages, but Epstein did say an extension is something that the Red Sox would like to get done at some point this winter.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:22 PM | Permalink
Pedroia one of many to want Lowell back
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
The Red Sox players under contract have made no secret of their desire to have veteran Mike Lowell back playing third base in Boston next season and beyond.
Lowell, the World Series MVP, is a free agent and has been in negotciations with the Red Sox and other clubs, too. The 34-year-old produced a career year for Boston and is seeking a four-year deal, but the Red Sox want to sign him for three years.
His Red Sox teammates want him back, but they also know this is a business.
Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, the A.L. Rookie of the Year, has been in contact with Lowell via text messages a few times since the players returned home after the World Series celebrations, but the subject of the veteran’s future has not come up in their conversations.
Pedroia said half-jokingly today that he was going to call Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and tell him to hurry up and get the deal done.
“(Lowell) has to make the right decision for what’s best for him,” said Pedroia. “He’s earned the right to be a free agent, but obviously we want him back. He was the biggest part of our team last year.”
Pedroia has said all along that he wouldn’t have had the type of season if it were not for the help of Lowell and Alex Cora.
As for Pedroia, who had surgery to remove his hamate bone in his left hand two weeks ago, had the cast removed on Friday and only has stitches remaining. He said it’s a little stiff, but he feels normal and that he’ll be 100 percent ready for spring training.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:36 PM | Permalink
Pedroia checks in
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia was named the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year yesterday and afterwards answered questions via a conference call from Arizona State University, where he starred for three seasons during his collegiate playing days.
He talked about proving all his doubters wrong. He spoke about what the honor means for him and his family. He discussed the World Series, the entire season and the Yankees. He was able, however, to downplay the fact that he played the final two months of the season with a cracked hamate bone in his left hand.
Pedroia said he doesn’t know exactly when the injury happened, but he knew something wasn’t right.
“I was flying out to right field a lot and my hand was killing me,” he said yesterday. “So I went in and had a MRI done.”
The hand specialist told him about the fracture and said it was possible to play with the injury, but it would be painful. He toughed it out and finished the season and was an integral part of the Sox’ World Series Championship.
Pedroia had surgery last week to remove the bone and he said he’ll be 100 percent ready for spring training.
Other than having this procedure, his life has been a hectic one since the Sox clinched their second World Series title in four seasons against the Rockies on Oct. 28 in Denver.
“It’s been unbelievable,” said Pedroia. “Anytime you win the World Series, I didn’t know what to think of it at first because everything went by so fast, but once you get home you miss your teammates. I’ve talked to pretty much all of them throughout the last week or two. We do the same thing every day for seven or eight months, and you get accustomed to that environment. When you get home you have some time off before workouts, but you definitely miss those guys you shared those special times with.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:56 PM | Permalink
Pedroia earns top A.L. Rookie
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia didn’t get much sleep Sunday night.
He said it had nothing to do with Monday’s scheduled announcement of the American League Rookie of the Year Award, but because he was busy moving into his new home in Chandler, Ariz.
Truth be told, Pedroia and his wife, Kelli, celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on Sunday, and the couple had reason to rejoice again Monday when it was officially announced that Pedroia did, in fact, win the A.L. Rookie of the Year Award presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
“It’s kind of been a dream come true this whole year,” said Pedroia. “You definitely want to make an impact your first year in the big leagues, and establish yourself as an everyday player – a good player. Once the season carried on I started to have some success and the only thing I cared about was helping the team win because that was our ultimate goal.”
The Red Sox wanted to win the A.L. East title and they did. They wanted to win the World Series and they did. Pedroia was a big reason why the club accomplished both feats and for that he was named to this honor.
“If you’re dedicated to team goals then individual goals will come later,” he said. “You’re going to play your best baseball trying to do anything you can to help your team win.”
Pedroia said after winning the World Series he didn’t give too much thought to the notion of possibly being named Rookie of the Year.
“I’m not too big on personal accomplishments,” he said via conference call Monday afternoon. “I just want to help my team win. There have been some great players to get this award and it’s been such a fun and exciting year for me and my teammates. I’m so happy for the people who stuck with me through this whole thing. . . It’s definitely a huge accomplishment.”
More to come. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:36 PM | Permalink
Lowell next?
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Now that Curt Schilling is signed, sealed and delivered, the Red Sox will now focus their attention to free-agent third baseman and World Series MVP Mike Lowell.
After GM Theo Epstein officially announced Schilling’s one-year deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in incentives, he was asked if the Red Sox and Lowell were close on a possible deal.
“We’re working at it and hopefully moving the ball forward each day,” said Epstein.
Lowell did file for free agency today, but did say following the club’s World Series victory that he wanted to return to Boston. His teammates have made their feelings known to management that they want him back.
The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.
“Mike’s been our staple in our lineup all year,” said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek after the club’s Game Four sweep in Colorado. “He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.”
Would you like to see him back next season?
“I would love to,” said Varitek. “He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.”
Even Schilling finished his blog item announcing his signing by saying: "Sign Mike Lowell!"
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:31 PM | Permalink
Schilling deal done
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
With the free-agent market for pitchers pretty thin this baseball offseason, the Red Sox decided it was best to sign someone the club knows, respects and feels will be reliable.
Veteran Curt Schilling, who will turn 41 on Nov. 14, and the Sox have agreed on a one-year incentive-driven deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in bonuses. Epstein said the negotiation process went smoothly and it only took a couple of days following the club’s second World Series title in four seasons, for the two sides to agree on a deal.
“Curt wanted to stay here and we wanted him back as long as we could get some protection in the contract, and we were able to accomplish that pretty quickly,” said Epstein.
It’s very possible that Schilling could have made more guaranteed money with another club – one of the many other teams he recently said he would play for – but he also knows that he has cemented his baseball legacy in Boston with two World Series Championships.
“I think it says a lot about Curt that he was willing to take less to come back here,” said Epstein. “It’s easy for a player to say it’s not about the money, but it’s hard to actually prove it. In Curt’s case, he put his money where his mouth was and really made a statement about what’s important to him right now. He deserves a lot of credit for that, and we benefit from that as an organization and our fans will benefit as well. It’s not too common in this day and age someone who can get guaranteed money was willing to take the risk associated with performance bonuses and other bonuses. He did a rare thing and we’re proud of him.”
Epstein said he is not allowed to get into specifics about the incentives included in Schilling’s contract, but it’s been reported that he has a $2 million weight clause, along with $3 million if he pitches a certain amount of inning and $1 if he receives a Cy Young vote.
“We’re not allowed to go into detail,” said the Sox GM, “but generally there were some incentives added to the contract as a method to bridge the gap between the guaranteed money we were willing to offer and what he was looking for. Curt recognizes the importance of reconditioning his body so he can get into the best possible shape and give his the best chance to stay healthy throughout the year. That’s something we certainly welcome.”
Epstein was quick to add that the veteran of four World Series appearances (three wins) was not in the best shape entering spring training last season, which led to Schilling going on the disabled list during the regular season (June 19 to Aug. 6) with tendinitis in his right shoulder.
“This should provide some incentive for him to work really hard this winter and get in great shape,” said Epstein. “Hopefully he can have a very solid season we can benefit from.”
With Schilling staying in Boston, it could mean some significant changes to the Sox’ rotation in 2008.
When asked during the regular season about the possibility of the Red Sox going to a six-man rotation – something Daisuke Matsuzaka was accustomed to in Japan and due to the organization’s pitching depth – manager Terry Francona pooh-poohed the notion. But, Epstein said on Tuesday there has been some discussion given the team’s pitching personnel to accept that concept.
“It’s premature to commit to any usage pattern” he said. “But certainly we’re in a little bit of a unique situation where you could say a number of our starters could benefit from something like that in one way or another.”
Epstein did say that if the club decides to go in that direction, that’s when a pitcher could go down with an injury in spring training then the Sox would be forced to find another player to fill that role. But, he did say that topic will likely be discussed in internal meetings prior to spring training.
“It’s an interesting concept given the personnel we have,” he said. “But it’s not something we’ve fully explored, yet.”
With such depth that obviously proved crucial for the club in 2007, Epstein said looking ahead to 2008 the club will be able to again structure the pitchers’ schedule to the team’s benefit, such as giving guys time off if needed, while effectively managing all the pitchers during the season will be a luxury.
“Given the age of our pitchers both on the very high end and on the low end, it’s important to have significant depth so you can make moves with that foresight rather than out of desperation. The importance of pitching depth we were always cognizance of, but the more we see just how dependant our season is on having effective, healthy pitchers the more we prioritize.”
If everyone is healthy come spring training, the Sox will have seven starting pitchers to fill the five-man rotation, including Josh Beckett, Matsuzaka, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez.
Immediately following the club’s four-game sweep of the Rockies in the World Series on Oct. 28 in Denver, the Red Sox players said they wanted Schilling and free-agent third baseman Mike Lowell back with the team next season. Now that one of the two deals is complete, the players are quite happy with the situation.
“Curt Schilling is one of the most prepared pitchers in this game,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who won a Gold Glove this past season. “We all know he’s not throwing 95 or 97 MPH like he used to, but the velocity doesn’t change how well he can go out there and perform and get guys out. His hard work and dedication to the game is huge and it’s a big deal to have Curt back on the team because he’s a born winner and you need guys on the field who want to win, and know how to win on a daily basis.”
One down. One to go.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:22 PM | Permalink
Ortiz has surgery
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz had successful arthroscopy surgery on his ailing right knee at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The procedure was performed by Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill.
According to a club press release, Ortiz will begin his rehab immediately and this surgery will not interfere with his offseason workout program. He is expected to be ready for spring training, according to the release.
Ortiz recorded a .332 batting average in 2007, while posting 35 homers and 117 RBI in 149 games.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:19 PM | Permalink
Youkilis wins Gold Glove
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis has been selected to the 2007 American League Gold Glove team. He becomes just the second first baseman in team history to earn the accolade, joining three-time winner George Scott.
"I would like to congratulate Kevin on this much-deserved honor," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. "It says a lot about him and his work ethic. He came up as a third baseman and he was able to make a smooth transition to first. He makes it look easy over there, but he works extremely hard at his craft. What he was able to accomplish this season defensively was extremely impressive. We're proud of him."
A third baseman by trade, Youkilis recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage, while posting 1,080 chances without making an error in 135 games. His consecutive errorless games set an A.L. record.
"It's quite an accomplishment," said Youkilis. "To have a great year and to win a Gold Glove means so much to me. It's definitely a boost in the confidence level, knowing this award is the highest award you can get for fielding. I'm so proud for playing defense for all the pitchers and the other guys across the diamond."
Youkilis was also a force offensively, compiling a .288 average with 16 homers and 83 RBI in 145 games. He's just the second Boston player to earn a Gold Glove in the last 16 seasons (beginning 1992) with catcher Jason Varitek being honored in 2005.
Other A.L. Gold Glove winners include: Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco, Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre, Minnesota outfielder Torri Hunter, Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore and Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:04 PM | Permalink
Red Sox roster move
Only three days removed from winning their second World Series title in four seasons, the Red Sox wasted little time getting back to business.
Late Wednesday evening, Boston announced it had purchased the contract of catcher Dusty Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room on the roster, the club designated veteran infielder Royce Clayton for assignment.
Brown split the 2007 season between Double-A Portland and Pawtucket, batting .260 with nine homers and 46 RBI in 77 games. The righthanded batter is currently playing for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League and is hitting .276 in nine games for the Solar Sox. Brown has spent his entire seven-year pro career in the Boston organization.
In his brief stint with the PawSox, Brown was impressive both behind the plate and offensively.
--Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:05 PM | Permalink
POSTGAME: The youth movement pays off
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- The stamp the young players for the Boston Red Sox put on this World Series season will never be forgotten.
Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen all played significant roles for the Red Sox this season, especially in the playoffs. The home-grown talent showcased their abilities and helped Boston win its second championship in four seasons.
They’re not done.
This postseason was only a glimpse of what’s to come.
''That’s a great part of this year,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. ''It was a true organization triumph with a lot of kids who were scouted here and developed here. They did a lot of hard work coming up through the system, and we had great veteran leadership, too. It was a great mix and we’re proud of the whole organization. All the scouts and all the field people bust their tails to find players like that and develop them. So, we couldn’t be happier about that.''
Even though Papelbon, Youkilis, Delcarmen and Lester have more major-league time than Pedroia and Ellsbury, it’s a pretty special group of players.
''The organization did a great job with all of us, preparing us at each level,'' said Pedroia. ''It helps out when you all get called up together because we've been through a lot of things. We played Double-A together, Triple-A and now here. So I think everybody is comfortable with each other, and it makes it that much more special.''
While Pedroia’s old-school style of play quickly messed on and off the field with the Red Sox, Ellsbury was the late-season sparkplug the club needed. Because of that, his teammates were dousing him in the clubhouse with libations after the victory at Coors Field Sunday night.
''I’ve only been in the big leagues for a couple of months, but when you’re that little kid in the back yard you always put yourself in that situation,'' said Ellsbury. ''Getting that big hit or whatever it is. I still can’t believe this.''
When will this sink in?
''I don’t know,'' he said. ''I still can’t believe this. Everyone is celebrating and I can’t believe this.''
Get used to it.
The impact the young guys had on this club did not go unnoticed with the veteran players, including captain Jason Varitek.
“We’ve have some extremely young players, and some extremely old players,” said Varitek. “We thrive on communication and coaching. You can never be older enough to be coached or young enough to be coached.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:04 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Lester loving it
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- The first thing Jon Lester wanted to do after the Red Sox won the World Series was to grab the Commissioner’s Trophy and bring it to his parents out on the field.
He wasn’t able to snag it right away, but the family shared a special moment because of what the Lester family has been through ever since Jon was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2006. Last night was the culmination of an intense year, and Lester earned the victory on the mound for the Red Sox.
''That’s probably the single most important thing that happened if you look at the broad picture,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. ''This kid was facing the most serious challenge any of us will ever face, and in just a little over a year he comes back and is the winning pitcher in the World Series deciding game. It’s a fairy tale. It’s not an accident. He’s a great kid and was a model for our entire organization with the courage he displayed in tackling his illness, and now it’s fitting he led us to victory.''
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said recently when asked about Lester, that it’s fitting this young man will pitch in Game Four of the World Series.
''God has his finger prints on this one,'' said the Rockies manager.
Lester, sporting the biggest smile anyone has seen on him since he’s been in the organization, agrees.
''You couldn’t have written a better story,'' he said. ''It’s unbelievable how this turned out. A year ago I knew I would be back in baseball, but I didn’t know when. In this situation with these guys it just unbelievable. I’m just glad I could go out there and help and compete and do well.''
The celebration was no doubt a team effort, but every player in the Sox’ clubhouse felt a little something extra for Lester and what he’s been able to do.
“I’m tremendously proud and happy of the performance of Jon Lester because that’s what is closest to me,” said catcher Jason Varitek.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:53 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Teammates and fans back a Lowell return
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Mike Lowell was asked prior to Game Two of the 2007 World Series if he thought about the fact it could be his last game at Fenway Park.
His contract expires at the end of the season and like a true professional, he said he wasn’t concerned with that scenario because he, and his Red Sox teammates, were concentrating on the task at hand. He would wait for the offseason to deal with it his contract situation.
The offseason officially began at 12:06 Eastern time Monday morning when the Red Sox completed the four-game sweep of the Rockies to win their second World Series Championship in four years. And, Lowell was named the MVP of the Fall Classic.
''I’m on cloud nine,'' he said. ''It’s unbelievable.''
Lowell hit .400 (6-for-15) with a team-high six runs scored and four RBI. In Game Four Sunday night his offense was pivotal, including a double and solo home run.
''You’ll trade a 0-for-20 to win the series,'' said Lowell. ''We’ve got such a great group of guys, we all deserve this. We played some really good baseball this whole postseason.''
With the champagne and beer dripping from his 2007 World Series Champions hat, he was asked if he wanted to return to Boston in 2008.
''For sure,'' he said, ''but I don’t want to hop on that right now because I’m celebrating.”
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has shown in the past that he doesn’t allow his heart-felt emotions get in the way of doing his job. Just ask Johnny Damon and Pedro Martinez.
Both the former Red Sox players’ bodies began to break down at the tail end of their careers in Boston, but because both were significant contributors for the 2004 World Series Championship, popular public belief was to re-sign both players.
Epstein didn’t think so.
Damon signed with the Yankees and Martinez to the Mets. Lowell, however, is different. He recorded a career year with a .324 average, including 21 homers and 120 RBI.
''He’s great,'' said Epstein. ''He’s one of the few veteran leaders we have. We’ve got a clubhouse full of guys who rise to the occasion, and Mike was so consistent for us all season.''
It’s going to be tough for the GM and the Red Sox to let a World Series MVP just walk away .
''Offseason stuff will come another day,'' said Epstein. ''We’re going to enjoy this one for a while then we’ll worry about the offseason.
The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.
''Mike’s been our staple in our lineup all year,'' said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek. ''He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.
''I would love to [see Lowell back in 2008],” said Varitek in response to a question. ''He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.''
This is the second World Series title for Lowell as he and Josh Beckett won with the Florida Marlins in 2003.
''They are both very satisfying,'' said Lowell. ''No one expected us [to win in Florida] and we kept proving people wrong. Here, some people think if you don’t win the World Series you’ll disappoint a lot of people. To do something people expect you to do is very difficult to do, so this is extra rewarding. They’re both satisfying, but obviously this one feels better because we’re in the present.''
First-year Red Sox outfielder and veteran J.D. Drew also hopes Lowell is back with Boston next season.
''He’s had a great season and a great postseason,'' said Drew. ''He had one of those fantastic years and a guy you love to have on your team. Absolutely [we want him back] and I think everybody would. He’s one of those competitors and teammates that you’ll never forget. He’s been great.''
MVP great.
During the onfield postgame celebration at Coors Field Sunday night, the thousands of Red Sox fans began to chant, ''Bring back Lowell. Bring back Lowell'' and ''Don't sign A-Rod. Don't sign A-Rod. Don't A-Rod,'' with Red Sox owner John Henry walking by.
''That's a player no way you can lose,'' said David Ortiz. ''He did everything for us this year. He took care of business. You can't let a player like that go.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:25 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Papelbon ready
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Jonathan Papelbon said last night's victory came down to one thing. It was the Red Sox' ability to respond when the Rockies began to chip away at Boston's six-run lead.
With Boston holding a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rockies scored two in that inning, and pushed three across in the bottom of the seventh to make things interesting.
But Boston responded with four runs over the last two innings en route to victory.
''In my opinion, the way our lineup showed up [in the eighth inning] when we were put through that little point of adversity was the turning point of the game,'' said Papelbon. ''Our bullpen had to battle tonight and we’re going to have to keep battling. Our lineup tonight did a special and great job of going back out there and setting the tone again, and keeping that momentum in our dugout.''
A victory on Sunday would give the Red Sox a World Series title, but the players aren't getting ahead of themselves.
''It feels good, obviously,'' said Papelbon. ''We’re not really thinking about that. We have to go out there and take care of business against one of the best lineups in baseball. We have to play them one at a time just like we’ve been doing.''
It might take only nine more innings.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:21 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Youth prevails, again
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER – Coco who?
With the way rookie Jacoby Ellsbury has played when called upon all season for the Red Sox -- more importantly, in the postseason – it’s a safe bet once the World Series is over and the offseason begins, general manager Theo Epstein will be on the phone looking to deal Crisp.
Currently Crisp, who was replaced in the lineup with Ellsbury for Game Six of the ALCS against the Indians, is signed through the 2009 season. Because of Ellsbury’s abilities it was obvious he would be the future center fielder in Boston, but some might not have thought it would happen this quick on this stage.
Ellsbury went 4-for-5 including three doubles, a single, two RBI and two runs scored in Game Three of the World Series last night to help Boston to a 10-5 victory. The Red Sox are one victory away from winning their second championship in the last four seasons and the 24-year-old rookie has played a significant role.
Another interesting tidbit from Game Three is the fact Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury are the first two rookies ever to have hit Nos. 1-2 in the order during a World Series game. They’ll probably do it again in another postseason, only next time they’ll be seasoned pros. Pedroia was also dialed in at the plate with his 3-for-5 performance, including a pair of singles and a two-run double.
''Man, Ellsbury and Pedroia did a great job,'' said Red Sox veteran Mike Lowell. ''They have really good talent and they’re not overmatched.''
The young talent doesn’t stop with Ellsbury and Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen have all made solid contributions to this club. If the core of young talent remains teammates for a long time, it’s going to be very interesting to see them develop.
''Throw age out of the question,'' said Papelbon. ''Age means nothing to me and I don’t think it means anything to anybody in this clubhouse. They have a bunch of 20-year-olds over in their clubhouse as well. If you can play at this level then you can play at this level, bar none.
''We’re obviously showing that as a young group of guys, and hopefully we can stay together, stick together and keep that in this clubhouse.”
The job Ellsbury did in the lead off spot Saturday night was very impressive. During the four previous games – Games Six and Seven of the ALCS and Games One and Two of the Series – he batted at the bottom of the order. With no DH in the National League park, Youkilis was forced to sit early in Saturday’s game as David Ortiz played first.
''The thing with our lineup I feel like I just have to get on base,'' said Ellsbury. ''With Dustin behind me, and he’s been playing great, he’s going to do the job. He’s going to move runners and with David and Manny behind him, and Mike Lowell as well, you’ve got to like your chances when you get on.''
Crisp was inserted into last night’s game as a defensive replacement for J.D. Drew, and when he batted in the top of the eighth innin he provided a single up the middle. He later scored on a Dustin Pedroia two-run double that gave Boston a 9-5 lead. The hit was Crisp’s first since Game Two of the ALCS.
It wasn’t only Ellsbury’s bat that proved crucial last night.
With the Red Sox leading 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Colorado began to threaten. With two on and one out, the Rockies’ pinch-hitter Ryan Spilborghs crushed a not-too-fast fastball off Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin that first appeared to possible be a home run.
Ellsbury showed his ability to stay in control of the situation when he made his way back to the center-field wall, right at the 415 mark, and easily made the catch for the second out.
''He’s done well,'' said Timlin. ''He’s come in and infused a lot of enthusiasm. He plays the game hard. He’s consistently moving. He runs balls out and he’s trying as hard as he possible can just to play the game right. When you do that, when you play the game correctly, you’re going to have a good time. And, he’s having great success.''
After the play the close-up shot on TV showed him smiling, pointing and winking at right fielder J.D. Drew, while blowing a bubble.
''I wasn’t sure if I had enough room,'' said Ellsbury. ''I was getting ready to climb the wall if necessary, but I was happy I didn’t have to do that.''
Ellsbury exudes confidence but he’s not cocky.
''To be on the postseason roster and to be here in the World Series has definitely been great,'' he said.
Safe to say he’s not playing like a rookie.
Ironically, the last rookie to have such an impact in the World Series is Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who was named the 2003 World Series MVP while he was pitching for the Florida Marlins. The right-hander was 23 at the time when he pitched on three days rest to clinch the Fall Classic in Game Six against the Yankees, and that performance was the cornerstone for what he’s been able to do for the Red Sox this postseason run.
Ellsbury appears to be on the same track.
''He’s good,'' said Beckett. ''He’s going to be great. I wasn’t as fresh in the league [in 2003] as he is now.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:10 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Red Sox 10, Rockies 5
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Now it's down to one.
The Red Sox dispatched the Rockies again Saturday night with a 10-5 victory in Game Three of the 2007 World Series. Boston can win its second championship in the last four seasons with a win in Game Four Sunday night at Coors Field. Jon Lester will start for the Red Sox against the Rockies' Aaron Cook.
Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury stared for Boston Saturday night with an impressive 4-for-5 performance, including 3 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Fellow rookie Dustin Pedroia added three hits and two RBI. Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka worked 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits to earn the victory.
Oh, how momentum can change.
After the Red Sox scored six runs in the top of the third inning, everyone in Red Sox Nation were sending text messages to their friends probably celebrating a World Series championship.
But, as one Rockies employee said in the press box here tonight in the bottom of the seventh inning: ''Hold the phone!''
Colorado began to chip away at the Sox' massive advantage and by the end of the inning, its deficit was down to one, 6-5.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, Ellsbury provided an RBI-double and Pedroia contributed his two-run double in the top of the eighth inning to give Boston a 9-5 lead. Just for good measure, the Red Sox pushed across one run in the top of the ninth for a 10-5 mark.
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon recorded the final four outs en route to victory.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:50 AM | Permalink
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
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: 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
WORKOUT DAY: Dice-K ready
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka hasn't had the best of luck during his first major-league postseason, but the Japanese right-hander will get another chance in Game Three on Saturday.
Dice-K played catch and took batting practice today and said he'll be ready to go on Saturday.
''I was feeling things out,'' he said. ''I felt like I might have to work a littel harder on my command while I'm here, and the one thing that I want to be particularly careful about is leaving the breaking ball up."
His last outing in Game Seven of the ALCS against the Indians, Matsuzaka began to come around when he worked five innings and allowed two runs on six hits with no walks and three strikeouts. He said he feels like he can build off that momentum and carry into Saturday against the Rockies.
''It is a different lineup," he said. ''But I know they are a very aggressive lineup throughout. Even though I know that, I'd like to go in there and pitch without hesitation, throw strikes and get outs."
Matsuzaka did not face the Rockies during the three-game series at Fenway Park in June, so Colorado has been watching plenty of video.
"He has an elaborate mix of pitches," said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. "We have five on the record. He challenges the strike zone . . . I think we can put some pressure on him, maybe get him into some offensive counts. When we get opportunities to score we need to capitalize on those. We've seen all the tape we need to see, and now we need to see him in person."
If he's able to keep the Rockies' offense at bay just like Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling have been able to do, then the Red Sox could find themselves one victory away from sweeping the series with Jon Lester scheduled to pitch Game Four on Sunday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:39 PM | Permalink
WORKOUT DAY: Mile High, baby!
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Playing at Coors Field definitely presents some interesting issues for opposing pitchers. Because Denver is a mile above sea level, the air is thin and that can do some crazy things to the baseball.
Former Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo, now with the Reds, has pitched here before and knows exactly what kind of obstacles the Boston staff faces.
''Ever since they put the balls in the humidor they say it’s been pretty fair,'' said Arroyo. ''The pitchers might notice it a little bit on their breaking balls, obviously the air is really thin and they say the ball doesn’t move quite as much. But it’s playoff time and the weather is cold anyway, and that can do funny things to a pitcher. So, I don’t think they are going to notice it that much and I think it’ll be a pretty fair game.''
Colorado's Game Three starter, Josh Fogg, said prior to the club placing the balls in the humidor, the ball felt like a billard cue ball, very slick.
The humidor was put into place to keep the baseballs within MLB's specs, and it's worked.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:24 PM | Permalink
WORKOUT DAY: Ortiz and Lowell to play, Youkilis to sit in Game Three
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona just announced that David Ortiz will play first base, and Mike Lowell will play third for Game Three at Coors Field on Saturday. That means the hot-hitting Kevin Youkilis will not start.
''David is a really good hitter. Lowell is a really good hitter. And Youk is a really good hitter, too. But, they won't let us play all three,'' said Francona. ''We hope to have a lead and put Youk in later in the game. . . We just felt this was the best thing to do. It's a difficult situation to be in, but I'm not second-guessing what we're doing.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:51 PM | Permalink
WORKOUT DAY: Red Sox pitchers taking BP
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Now that the series has shifted to the National League, there's no more designated hitter. So, that means the Red Sox pitchers have to hit. Right now Boston's staff is in the cage and Josh Beckett is putting on a hitting display.
Red Sox lefty Jon Lester, who will pitch Game Four on Sunday, was informed when he walked into the clubhouse earlier today that he needed to take some swings.
''For me, it’s a little nerve-racking,'' he said. ''It should be fun. I hit a little bit last year. . . I’m not expecting to go up there and drive in any runs. If I go up there and get a bunt down then I’ve done my job. I just have to concentrate on pitching and getting outs.''
Daisuke Matsuzaka, hitting right-handed, isn't exactly showing Kaz Matsui skills at the plate. Dice-K is having a lot of problems in the cage. Lester, a left-handed hitter, has a nice fluid swing.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:40 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Red Sox 2, Rockies 1
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Game Two of the World Series was not a blowout like Game One, and neither the Red Sox nor Rockies expected it to be last night at Fenway Park.
It’s baseball. It’s October. Anything can happen. But the second game of this seven-game set had a similar ending as the Red Sox beat the Rockies and take a two-game lead with a 2-1 victory.
After Boston pummeled Colorado on Wednesday, it was clear the Red Sox had momentum, but the home-town team wasn’t about to take anything for granted. The visitors proved they can quickly forget.
“Short-term memory is very important in this game,” said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. “One of the strengths of our ballclub is the ability to honestly self-evaluate and move on.”
Reflecting on the butt-whopping wouldn’t do any good for the Rockies, and the National League champions did a pretty good job keeping Wednesday’s game out of their minds in order to concentrate on the all-important Game Two.
Hurdle said his club was playing so well prior to Game One’s debacle, winning 21 of their last 22 games, so last night it was very important to get back in sync if Colorado had any chance to make this a competitive series.
Because the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, and celebrated the club’s first championship in 86 years away from Boston, it could have been easy for some to think this season would be much of the same due to the 13-1 drubbing the Red Sox handed the Rockies in the first game.
“We’re not concerned public opinion outside the clubhouse,” said Hurdle. “That doesn’t mean we don’t respect it, but we don’t give it any power. We don’t give it any energy. We know what we need to do to win ballgames.”
Hurdle and his club wasn’t about to make any excuses. They weren’t blaming their sub-par performance on the nine-day rest, especially since Red Sox ace Josh Beckett was so dominant. But the Rockies needed to win last night, probably more so than Game One just because heading to Colorado, trailing by two games, isn’t exactly how the Rockies drew this one up.
The Cardinals certainly learned that in ’04 as Boston completely dominated.
After the Rockies’ ace, Jeff Francis, was smoked in Game One, Colorado handed the ball to Ubaldo Jimenez for a chance to even the series.
On the opposite side, this is what Red Sox veteran Curt Schilling lives and breaths for as pitching in October makes his postseason legend grow every time he toes the rubber in the fall.
The one way the Rockies attempted to stifle the streaking Boston offense was to keep the hitters off balance by pitching in. Jimenez, the crafty right-hander, had no fear throwing up and tight on the Red Sox hitters, especially Kevin Youkilis and Julio Lugo as both almost had their heads taken off.
That game plan worked and Boston couldn’t produce offensively until the fourth inning when J.D. Drew’s one-out single snapped Jimenez’s no-hit bid. On that play, it was the hustle of Mike Lowell, who went from first to third on the hit to right-center field that proved crucial.
Lowell barley slid safely into the bag, but the heads-up play put the potential game-tying run 90 feet away. Varitek lifted a high fly ball to deep center field for a sacrifice fly, scoring Lowell to tie the game at 1-1.
It was obvious Jimenez was tiring in the middle innings and after he recorded two quick outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the right-hander walked Ortiz before Ramirez singled. Lowell provided an RBI-double to give Boston a 2-1 lead.
That was the end of Jimenez’s night. He worked 4 2/3 and surrendered two runs on three hits with five walks and two strikeouts. Because the Red Sox were able to run the Rockies’ starter early in the game, Boston took advantage of the bullpen for the second consecutive game.
Meanwhile, Schilling continued to cruise before he was given the hook in the top of the sixth inning. The right-hander allowed a one-out single to Matt Holliday, his third hit of the game, and Schilling followed with a walk to the always-dangerous Todd Helton.
So, Francona made the decision to pull the ace and replaced him with Hideki Okajima. The move worked to perfection as the crafty lefty recorded the last two outs to end the threat. Schilling’s night ended after 5 1/3 where he surrendered one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Okajima was perfect as he retired all seven batters he faced, including four strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings of work. Closer Jonathan Papelbon closed the door when he recorded the final four outs of the game.
Now the series shifts west to Colorado for Games Three, Four and possibly Five. This young Rockies team, however, is a lot different than the veteran Cardinals club of ’04, so don’t expect a sweep because the Red Sox are not thinking in those terms.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:51 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Special guest at Fenway Park
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Andrew Madden, a Texas native, fell in love with the Red Sox in 2004. He was 10 at the time.
Less than a month ago, Andrew, now 13, underwent a successful heart transplant at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. And his doctor promised to take him to a game in Boston if the Red Sox reached the World Series.
So last night -- not quite four weeks after his Sept. 30 surgery -- Andrew and his surgeon, Dr. Kristine Guleserian, a Boston native, were here.
''I just wanted to go to Fenway Park just once,'' Andrew said. ''But to watch a World Series game is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.''
As Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino escorted Andrew and his mother, Lauren, around Fenway Park, it was obvious Andrew was in awe of his surroundings.
''The Red Sox helped me recovery and get my mind off my sickness,'' Andrew said. ''After my surgery I don’t remember much, but I saw the very last Angels game [in the ALDS] when they won. I watched all the Cleveland series and stayed up for every game, and now we’re here.''
Andrew plays baseball and said his favorite Red Sox player is fellow Texas native Josh Beckett.
As a special treat, Andrew threw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday night.
Since Andrew and his doctor met, they’ve shared a love for the Red Sox. During the postseason they’ve been in constant communication about their team.
''It’s been a great partnership,'' said Dr. Guleserian. ''He’s my patient, but he’s also my friend.''
Andrew was the 100th heart transplant recipient at Children’s Medical Center.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:06 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: The step-dancing fool
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox fans have always known Jonathan Papelbon was a special talent. His ability to throw a baseball past hitters is second-to-none in the majors.
But over the last couple of weeks, Boston's closer has showcased his other talents.
When the Red Sox clinched the A.L. East title in the final weekend of the regular season, Papelbon step-danced his way around the infield grass at Fenway, wearing next to nothing, with fans going crazy as his theme song ''Shipping up to Boston'' by the Dropkicks Murphys blasting over the PA.
It was much of the same when the Red Sox beat the Indians in Game Seven of the ALCS here on Sunday.
''His personality is unique,'' said manager Terry Francona. ''The fact that he throws 94 to 97 MPH with command is probably more important. He's the best. I do think it's kind of rare to have a young guy like that. He's carefree, in a good way, but you give him the ball in the ninth inning and it's amazing the trust that we all have in him. He's earned it. He competes and it is rare to be that young and that advanced.''
In the postseason the hard-throwing right-hander has worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings in four playoff games.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:12 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Lowell staying in the moment
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell considers himself a throw-in with the deal that brought pitcher Josh Beckett to Boston from Florida prior to the 2006 season. But, with the way Lowell has played here or the last two seasons, he's selling himself short with his feelings.
He hit .284 in 2006, and posted a career year this season with a .324 mark to go along with his 21 homers and 120 RBI.
Lowell is in the final year of his contract with the Red Sox, so prior to Game Two of the series on Thursday, he was asked to comment on the possibilty of this being his last game at Fenway.
''I'd rather not,'' he said. ''I'm really focused on the World Series. I think the offseason is the offseason and I'll tackle that when it comes. But it's really the farthest thing from my mind right now. I think Game Two is the most important thing that we should be thinking about personally and collectively.''
His 120 RBI this season became a club record for third baseman, surpassing Butch Hobson's 112 mark set in 1977.
''I was very happy with the RBI this year,'' he said. ''I kind of look at each year as opportunities. I think there are some years you're supposed to drive in 100. If you have that many opportunities and that many chances, you should.''
Certainly hitting behind David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez has helped Lowell with those opportunities this season, especially in the playoffs.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:50 PM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Ellsbury focused
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- If you attend a Red Sox game – and it doesn’t have to the World Series – to quickly realize Jacoby Ellsbury receives one of the loudest ovations when he’s introduced over the PA at Fenway Park.
The rookie sparkplug has quickly proven to his teammates and fans that he is the real deal, and that’s why he has played the last three games (Game Six and Seven of the ALCS and Game One of the Series), replacing the struggling Coco Crisp.
It’s been an interesting season for the phenom, who began the season in Double-A Portland, was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket and had three different stints with Boston before making the playoff rosters for good reason.
Now, he’s playing on baseball’s biggest stage and enjoying every single moment of it.
''This is awesome,'' he said, following Wednesday’s game. ''This is what you play for. Any player from Little League to high school has a dream to play in the World Series. I’m here and I’m definitely having a great time.''
It’s amazing how relaxed and confident he presents himself all the time, but he did admit he was a bit anxious to start a World Series game in center field for the Red Sox.
''It was fun,'' he said. ''I’m sure everyone had butterflies out there, but that’s normal.''
During Boston’s offensive output against the Rockies, Ellsbury was the lone starter not to get a hit, but he wasn’t too upset about it.
''I’ll take it for a win,'' he said. ''That’s fine with me. Anytime you win a World Series game, those guys who don’t get a hit are just fine with it. Obviously you want to get a hit, but it’s a win.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:45 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Pedroia, Youkilis lead the way, again.
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- It’s not hard to figure out if a team can keep the Sox’ top two hitters – Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – off the base paths, then there’s a pretty good chance the opposition has a chance to win.
The problem with that formula, however, is the Colorado Rockies couldn’t execute that too well Wednesday night as Boston’s two hottest hitters are clearly dialed in right now.
Even though Pedroia went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, it was his solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning that jumpstarted the offensive barrage for Boston.
''I wasn’t thinking too much about it,'' said Pedroia. ''I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit and get on base. I was fortunate enough that it got out.''
Red Sox captain Jason Varitek talked about how important that at-bat really was.
''Petey set that tone,'' he said. ''Petey can handle the bat.''
Youkilis, who started to come around in Game Four of the ALCS against the Indians, went 2-for-5 Wednesday, including a pair of doubles and three runs scored.
''We went out and put some good at-bats together,'' said Youkilis. ''We made (Colorado starter Jeff) Francis work a little bit and we just jumped out early. That was the biggest thing to score early and often. Getting a huge lead for Josh is always comforting . . . We did an unbelievable job tonight.''
Boston banged out 17 hits and scored 13 runs, but it was the performance by Pedroia and Youkilis early in the game that proved crucial.
''Youk and everyone else was swinging the bats great,'' said Jacoby Ellsbury. ''It’s perfect timing.''
It certainly was.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:43 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Sox open with a bang
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- The Red Sox wanted to win Game One of the World Series very badly. And so, on Wednesday night, they treated Colorado's pitching staff very badly.
Boston absolutely pounded the Rockies into submission with an offensive barrage the National League champions couldn't handle. The Sox banged out 17 hits en route to a 13-1 victory to gain the early advantage in the seven-game series with Game Two Thursday night at Fenway Park.
Historically the club to win the first game has gone on to win the championship 62 times in the first 102 World Series, including 9 of the last 10. So, right now the odds are in Boston’s favor.
Entering Wednesday’s game, the Rockies hadn’t played a game in a nine-day span, while the Red Sox had two days off before the series began. So the question was whether the time off would hurt Colorado or the rest would be a good thing as the club was riding a serious streak, winning 21 of its last 22 games.
''I don’t think whether they won 21 of 22 or it was facing Josh (Beckett), we wanted to win Game One to set the tone,'' said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. ''It’s important. You don’t want to be down 0-1, especially when you’re holding the first two games at your park. I don’t think Josh or the way they were playing changes how important this first game was.''
The Rockies certainly showed their rust Wednesday and Boston continued its momentum as Beckett worked seven innings and struck out nine.
''I’m sure that’s the easy thing to say,'' said Lowell. ''They’re facing Josh, one of the best pitchers in the game, so you have to ask them. I wouldn’t want any extra days, when we had four (prior to the ALDS) everyone was asking if that was too much, but we didn’t miss a beat. Having eight days is something that so unique during the season that, I don’t know. You have to ask them.''
After Beckett struck out the side in order in the top of the first, Red Sox leadoff man Dustin Pedroia continue his hot streak with a solo home run in the bottom of the first.
''It’s tough having nine days off and then coming in and facing the best pitcher in baseball,'' said Pedroia. ''That’s definitely not easy. They took care of their business in the National League early, but I don’t think they were that rusty. We had some good at-bats and we have to continue to play like that.''
That’s the plan, obviously, for the Red Sox with Game Two Thursday night when Curt Schilling takes the mound for Boston and Ubaldo Jimenez toes the rubber for Colorado. Again, the Red Sox are looking for another power surge to keep their momentum cruising along.
''This game is over,'' said Pedroia. ''If it was a 1-0 win or 13-1, it doesn’t matter. It’s a best-of-seven series and the score tomorrow when we come out is 0-0, so I don’t think the score of one game will dictate how a team will come out the next day and play.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:39 AM | Permalink
IN-GAME UPDATE: Record night w/photo
Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson
Dustin Pedroia gets the Red Sox off to their record-setting night with a lead-off homer in the first inning.
The Red Sox and Rockies have combined for 13 doubles so far in Game One of the World Series here at Fenway Park, which is the most ever in a World Series game. Also, the 13 runs Boston has scored so far is the most ever in a Game One.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:30 PM | Permalink
IN-GAME TIDBIT: Ba-Boone
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Obviously when the World Series rolls around, current and former major-league players always show up for baseball's biggest event. It's very common to see the players walking around on the field during BP, and throughout the respective ballparks.
It was a bit strange, however, to see former Yankees third baseman and Red Sox killer (remember the 2003 ALCS) Aaron Boone standing by himself in the corner of the Roof Box level here tonight.
Hopefully for Red Sox Nation, Boone doesn't bring back luck this time around.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:15 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Bronson Arroyo's in the house
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Former Red Sox pitcher and fan favorite Bronson Arroyo is attending tonight's Game One of the World Series.
The right-hander, now with the Reds, never keeps his love for this city and the Red Sox a secret, and that didn't change tonight. It was clear earlier tonight that he was having a lot of fun being back at Fenway with the Red Sox in the Series.
''Just being in the ballpark is unbelievable,'' he said. ''I tell people all the time, I miss it every time I turn on the TV, and it’s a Tuesday night, it’s pouring rain, the playing the Devil Rays and it’s still a packed house. And I’m playing in a ballpark somewhere in the National League that’s only half full.''
He visited the Red Sox clubhouse and all his former teammates, including Manny, Papi and Youk.
''It’s great to be back here,'' he said. ''This atmosphere, and when it starts to get cool, you can start smelling that the fall is here. It’s almost like déjà vu of ’03 and ’04 and being in the playoffs and having those big runs against the Yankees.''
When asked if he would want to play in Boston again, he quickly answered.
''Yeah,” he said. ''It’s hard for guys who haven’t played here to understand how much it gets into your blood being around here. It wouldn’t matter who I was playing for, the honest truth is I would love to play back here. Maybe not now, but at some point before I hang up the spikes I want to play in this ballpark again.''
Most athletes don’t like to give predictions, but Arroyo isn’t playing so he was asked who he liked in the Series.
''I think the Rockies are a team that has a lot of no-name guys, who are pretty darn good,” he said. ''I really think they have a much better lineup than most people realize. I think their starting pitching will be a problem and trying to hold Boston’s lineup down, so I got the Sox definitely winning before Game Seven.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:08 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: World Series Fever!
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Unlike 2004, this World Series has a different feel to it for some reason.
Fenway Park was a madhouse three seasons ago for Game One of the series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The day of that game on Oct. 23, 2004, fans spent all day around Fenway, but today is different.
It's actually kind of quiet outside the ballpark, but no doubt things will begin to pick up around here once it gets closer to first pitch, which is scheduled for 8:35.
Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, who won Baseball’s Triple Crown and the American League Most Valuable Award in 1967, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game One tonight.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:51 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Game One lineups
COLORADO
Willy Taveras, cf
Kaz Matsui, 2b
Matt Holliday, lf
Todd Helton, 1b
Garrett Atkins, 3b
Brad Hawpe, rf
Troy Tulowitz, ss
Yorvit Torrealba, c
Ryan Spilborghs, DH
----
Jeff Francis, SP
BOSTON
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
Kevin Youkilis, 1b
David Ortiz, DH
Manny Ramirez, lf
Mike Lowell, 3b
Jason Varitek, c
J.D. Drew, rf
Julio Lugo, ss
Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
----
Josh Beckett, SP
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:45 PM | Permalink
World Series correction
Today I wrote that Chris Iannetta was the first Rhode Island native to play in the World Series since Davey Lopes. Well, I was wrong.
Warwick native, and former Pilgrim High School standout, Dan Wheeler pitched in the World Series for the Houston Astros in 2005. I really can't explain how I forgot about Dan's performance.
Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:10 PM | Permalink
Red Sox announce roster
PITCHERS (11): Josh Beckett, Manny Delcarmen, Eric Gagne, Jon Lester, Javier Lopez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Curt Schilling, Kyle Snyder, Mike Timlin.
CATCHERS (2): Doug Mirabelli, Jason Varitek.
INFIELDERS (7): Alex Cora, Eric Hinske, Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis.
OUTFIELDERS (5): Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Bobby Kielty, Manny Ramirez.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:55 PM | Permalink
The Rematch is on!
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The last time Jeff Francis faced Josh Beckett, the Colorado Rockies starter out-dueled the Red Sox ace.
It was June 14 this season when the surging Rockies came to Fenway Park with Beckett sporting a 10-1 record, but Francis pitched a gem as Colorado beat Boston, 7-1. The 26-year-old lefty worked five-plus scoreless innings and allowed just seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
Beckett, 27, who was pitching at the top of his game at the time, surrendered six runs on 10 hits in five innings of work.
“I don’t know him personally,” said Beckett. “I’ve obviously watched him in October and he pitched against me here during the season. He competes and throws all of his pitches for strikes. The thing that really impressed me about Jeff, watching him in October, was that he never changes his moods. It was really impressive to watch him pitch in both of those playoff games. . . It impressed me how even keel he was.”
While Beckett is a strong candidate for the Cy Young Award in the American League with a 20-7 regular-season mark, Francis finished with a 17-9 mark, including his victory over Beckett in June.
During the respective press conferences yesterday, Beckett and Francis proved to be two completely different individuals, at least publicly. Beckett is curt, quick and clearly does not like to deal with the media in this type of setting. Francis gave the old ‘golly-gee’ response to everything he was asked, like a kid at a carnival with a fist-full of quarters waiting for his turn at the radar gun. Beckett probably wished he had a gun.
Back in June was Francis’s first time at Fenway and he pitched pretty well. He said he’ll take that experience with him when he toes the rubber in Game One of the World Series tonight.
“Now we can come here and concentrate on the game,” said Francis. “We’re not in awe of the stadium. We’re not kind of blown away.”
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said Francis was able to stay within his skill set and stayed with his strategies during his only outing at Fenway in June. If Francis can do the same tonight, the Rockies will have a chance, according to the manager despite the Fenway crowd.
“He worked both sides of the plate, keeping it down and elevated when he wanted to,” said Hurdle. “He was throwing some secondary pitches on offensive counts. He’s got a pretty slow heartbeat.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:54 PM | Permalink
Rockies announce starting rotation
GAME ONE
LHP Jeff Francis vs. RHP Josh Beckett
GAME TWO
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. TBA
GAME THREE
RHP Josh Fogg vs. TBA
GAME FOUR
RHP Aaron Cook vs. TBA
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:25 PM | Permalink
Iannetta World Series bound
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Not since Davey Lopes has a native Rhode Islander participated in the World Series – until now.
Providence native and St. Raphael Academy standout Chris Iannetta is the backup catcher for the Colorado Rockies and he’s in town to face the Red Sox in the October Classic, which begins tonight at Fenway Park.
Growing up a Red Sox fan, Iannetta returned “home” last June when the Red Sox hosted the Rockies in a three-game series that Colorado won, 2-1. Unfortunately, he did not get to play and manager Clint Hurdle took some heat for it from Rhode Islanders, but everything is going very well for the kid who grew up just a hit-and-run away from Fenway Park.
When he was here in June, Iannetta – the Rockies’ fourth-round pick in 2004 – never imagined he would return in October for the World Series.
“No,” he said. “But it’s been great. It’s been an exciting ride and it’s been fun to be a part of. Experiencing the whole thing has been awesome. It’s really hard to explain in a few words.”
Especially tough for a local kid who imagined his backyard was Fenway Park, and now he’s playing here on baseball’s biggest stage. He’s come a long way from Little Rhody.
“It’s something that you can’t even imagine,” he said. “You can put yourself in factious situations where you’re in it, but to say this is how you’re going to get here and this is the process you’re going to take, you can never really fathom that. To experience this for the first time is really exciting.”
While the rest of the Rockies squad arrived at Fenway around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, Iannetta had already hit in the batting cage and worked out. It’s that work ethic, combined with his obvious talent, are the reasons Iannetta finds himself in the World Series.
The 24-year-old was the Rockies opening-day starting catcher, but struggled during the season before he was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Aug. 6. He played 16 games for the Sky Sox and produced a .296 average in 54 at-bats before the Rockies recalled him for good Aug. 26. He hit .348 for the Rockies during his final 16 games of the regular season to finish with a .218 average with four homers and 27 RBI.
“He’s handled this very well,” said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. “This has been a challenging year for Chris. He has very solid skills, and we do believe that he’s going to be an important part for us as we moved forward.”
Iannetta made his pro debut with Single-A Asheville in 2004, he spilt 2005 between Single-A (High-A) Modesto and Double-A Tulsa. He played 44 games for Tulsa last season before making the jump to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
In August of 2006 he was told he was being called up to the big club and he would be making his major-league debut. He started 20 of Colorado’s final 33 games of the season and he made the big club out of spring training this season.
Now he’s participating in the World Series.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on a great team,” he said. “Things have been good, but obviously I didn’t have the offensive year that I’m capable of, and the one I would be happy with. But it was a good step and a good experience, and hopefully I can build from it."
Participating in the World Series at Fenway Park would be a hair-raising experience for any young player, especially Iannetta.
“We like Chris,” said Hurdle. “We actually like him with a beard. Have you seen him with a beard before? He’s got more hair on his face than he does on his head. But we like him a lot.”
Native Rhode Islanders do, too.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:15 PM | Permalink
UPDATE: Wakefield will not pitch in Series
Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Red Sox manager Terry Francona, center, stands in shallow center field with pitchers Curt Schilling, left, and Tim Wakefield.
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Tim Wakefield’s season is over.
During in impromptu press conference yesterday afternoon, as the Boston Red Sox were preparing to face the Colorado Rockies in Game One of the World Series that begins tonight at Fenway Park, the veteran knuckleballer announced he was done for the season.
Due to recurring shoulder problems, the veteran knuckleballer said he spoke with Red Sox management and the club's medical staff, and the decision was made in Wakefield's best interest to shut it down for the remainder of the year.
It is believed that he will not need offseason surgery, but he will undergo extensive testing at season’s end, including an arthrogram MRI where dye is injected into the shoulder. It’s not known at this point whether it’s a rotator cuff issue or a torn labrum.
According to Wakefield, the injury began with inflammation in his shoulder, posterior shoulder and back two months ago. While Wakefield addressed his situation with the media, lefty Jon Lester was on the mound throwing a simulated game in preparation for a start that is yet to be determined.
“I really wish I was up here talking about starting Game Two,” said Wakefield. “But unfortunately that’s not the case today. After long talks with Tito, (pitching coach) John Farrell, Theo (Epstein) and advice from the doctors, with my health, it’s not going to happen.”
Wakefield said he could probably pitch in Game Two, but he would not be at 100 percent, and that’s not fair to his teammates. While dealing with this shoulder injury, he said his recovery after starts has been getting longer and longer.
“Trust me,” he said. “This stinks. As a competitor I want to be out there competing. This is the ultimate stage and this is what I’ve worked hard for since spring training and through the course of the season to get to this point.”
Wakefield, Red Sox management and the medical staff have been discussing the pitcher’s health behind closed doors for some time, according to Francona. And, at this point everyone was in agreement this move was best for Wakefield’s health and the impact it would have on the club.
During this decision-making process Wakefield said he has thought about his future and his potential to pitch again.
“Yeah, I have," he said. "If I continue to do this, based on the information I'm getting from the doctors, I'm seriously at risk of injuring myself for the rest of my life. So, that had a lot of weight in the decision. Even though it's the World Series, and Tito has been around me, a lot of you guys have been around me long enough to know I'll go out there 50 percent -- I don't care. I don't think it's fair to the organization or to me that I go out there and injury myself and I'm not available for next year or the year after that.”
He said he attempted to throw a side session on Monday because doctors wanted to have a gage for how he felt the next day, but he couldn’t even get through the session without pain.
“I was at a maximum of 75 percent, maybe 60 percent,” he said. “Trust me, this stinks. As a competitor I want to be out there competing. This is the ultimate stage and this is what I’ve been working hard for since spring training and now I’m not available. It sucks to put it bluntly.”
Wakefield missed a start in September and received a cortisone shot, which he said helped. The problem wasn’t when he was pitching it was the days in between when the shoulder really bothered him to a point where he couldn’t play catch, he said.
Because of the injury, the Red Sox decided to keep Wakefield off the ALDS roster against the Angels in order for him to get the proper rest in case the team reached the ALCS, which it did and he was able to pitch Game Four against the Indians. He allowed five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings which proved to be his last outing of the 2007 season.
Until early last month, this season was a good one for Wakefield, his 13th with the Red Sox. He matched a career-high in wins with a 17-12 record, along with his 4.76 ERA.
"It wasn't a lot of fun," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona when asked about the decision to keep Wakefield off the World Series roster. "That's part of the reason Wake is sitting here now, because of our respect and regard for him. It wasn't just a move made on paper and we'll go on. Sometimes doing the right thing is certainly not the fun thing, but it comes back to having respect for the organization, for the team and for the players. That will never change."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:49 PM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Beckett earns ALCS MVP
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Curt Schilling fought his way through a crowded clubhouse to find Josh Beckett.
The pair of Red Sox aces found each other near the door in the midst of champagne and beer. They embraced, and for once the always-confident Beckett appeared humble, asking the veteran why he won the Most Valuable Player Award for the ALCS.
''Because you are the MVP,” Schilling told him. ''In the postseason [the voters] actually get it right.''
Beckett pitched a complete-game four-hitter in Game One of the ALDS against the Angels, then tossed six solid innings in Game One of the ALCS against the Indians when he surrendered two runs on four hits. In was lights out again in Game Five of this series, working eight strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits.
The right-hander finished the ALCS with a 2-0 record and a 1.93 ERA to become the third Red Sox player in LCS history to win the honors, joining David Ortiz (2004) and Marty Barrett (1986).
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:09 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Taking it all in
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- He played two games, and the Boston Red Sox won both of them.
Coincidence? Probably not.
Every time this season the Red Sox summoned the duties of Jacoby Ellsbury, he shined. Not just on one occasion, he performed at a major-league level every time he stepped onto the field. Because of his success during the regular season, and with the struggles of Coco Crisp in the postseason, Red Sox management decided it was time for a change.
Ellsbury made things happen in Boston’s Game Six victory, and again in Game Seven to help the club to its second World Series appearance in four years.
He’s a rookie, but there he was standing in the middle of the clubhouse celebration, getting drenched with champagne and beers. He’s part of the team now. A big part.
''Words can’t explain this,” he said. ''This is awesome. To come like this is awesome. We stayed relaxed and had confidence. This is awesome. We’re tight and we never had our backs to the wall. The veterans and everybody, we all had confidence in ourselves. We stayed true to ourselves.''
Someone asked Ellsbury if the champagne tasted sweeter at Fenway, a veiled remark to Ryan Garko.
''It does,'' said Ellsbury. ''It definitely tastes sweeter at home.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:04 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Pedroia the Destroy-a
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- The toss of the bat told the entire story.
Red Sox rookie Dustin Pedroia put bat to ball in the seventh inning, and as soon as he did he immediately tossed the bat end-over-end. He knew he had just hit a two-run homer into the Monster seats to break open a 3-2 game. That homer put Boston in front 5-2, and the Sox added six more in the eighth -- three riding home on a bases-loaded double by Pedroia -- as they coasted to an 11-2 victory and the American League pennant.
''I was excited,'' he said with a bit of a sinister laugh. ''I hit it real well and I was just worried because the wind was pushing it towards center, and I was thinking, ‘Oh, no,’ because I didn’t want it to hit off the top of the wall. I was just trying to get the run in and put a good swing on the ball.''
As he rounded first base and knew it was gone, Pedroia unleashed one of his vintage vocal fist-pumps because he just ignited a team. He had ignited a city. He had ignited a Nation.
''I really don’t think too much,'' he said when asked what he was thinking about running the bases. ''I just try to play the game, have fun and go on from there. This year has been such a grind. It’s my first full year of playing and the veteran guys have taken care of me and shown me how to do things. It’s been unbelievable.''
When Pedroia was struggling in the first half of the month, he knew he would finish the season strong. There was a time when David Ortiz pulled him into the batting cage, not only to work on hitting, but just to talk about the game in general. The hour-long talked worked.
''I’ve been through a lot,'' said Pedroia. ''Everyone has been through a lot. That’s why we’re a team. This is special. It’s a special time right now.''
Mike Lowell has been in this game for a long time, and he and the rest of the older players on the club quickly realized how special this Pedroia was . . . and is.
''You get contributions from guys you don’t always expect,'' said Lowell. ''I’m not saying we didn’t expect him to do well, but he’s gone beyond the call of duty and today he had two huge hits. We are very proud of him.''
When things weren’t going so well for Pedroia at the start of the season, manager Terry Francona fielded a ton of questions why he continued to stick with the pint-sized infielder. Francona kept preaching patient, and it paid off just like the organization knew it would.
“That’s why we don’t run away from guys,” said the manager. “He’s a winning player. Again, that doesn’t assure that you’re always going to get hits, but he still knows how to play the game, and his hits were welcome and they were clutch.”
Pedroia finished Game Seven 3-for-5, including five RBI and three runs scored.
Up next: The World Series.
''I’m tired, man,'' he said. ''We’ve been locked in for so long and you don’t real get a chance to sit back and enjoy it. Everything happens so fast and you work so hard for this opportunity, this is just a great night for us.''
From the time the Red Sox drafted him in 2004 -- the same year the Red Sox won their first World Championship in 86 years -- Pedroia was always considered an underdog in some peoples’ mind. Not in his own. Not in the minds of Red Sox management. And even though he started the season slow, he finished strong and proved why he’s one of the best young players in the majors.
''I don’t think about it,'' he said of the slow start. ''If you start slow that just means you have to finish strong. I just go out there and play the game hard, and play the game it is supposed to be played.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:48 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Boston 11, Cleveland 2
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The Red Sox belong where they’re going!
After trailing three games to one in the American League Championship Series, Boston pulled off another dramatic postseason comeback and pounded the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven at Fenway Park last night, 11-2.
Now, it’s on to baseball’s holy grail as the Red Sox will have a chance to win their second World Series Championship in the last four years when they face the National League’s Colorado Rockies, beginning Wednesday at Fenway Park.
From the time new ownership took control of this organization in December of 2001, principal owner John Henry and his partners promised to change the landscape and the philosophy of the organization that had not won a championship since 1918. The Red Sox accomplished that feat in 2004, and now they have another chance for Fall immortality.
Momentum in last night’s game shifted back and forth with nail-biting intensity before Red Sox rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia delivered the crushing blow with a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning off Cleveland reliever Rafael Betancourt en route to victory. Pedroia then added a base-clearing double in the bottom of the eighth.
Kevin Youkilis added a two-run homer in the eighth inning.
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was called upon to record the final six outs and he did just that.
In order to reach the World Series of America’s Pastime, the Red Sox handed the ball to a Japanese pitcher to get the club to the promised land as Daisuke Matsuzaka, who had struggled in his other two postseason starts, tried to mimic what fellow starters Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling have been able to do.
He showed signs of brilliance in the first three innings, but needed fellow Japanese reliever Hideki Okajima to keep the Indians at bay in the later innings before Papelbon took over in the eighth with two on and no outs.
Matsuzaka finished five innings and allowed two runs on six hits, while Okajima worked two-plus innings and allowed three hits. Papelbon earned the save.
Like Games Five and Six, the Red Sox received a huge jumpstart from their top two hitters – Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – in the first inning. After Matsuzaka retired the Indians in order in top of the first, the Red Sox pushed a run across in the bottom half for a 1-0 advantage.
Pedroia led off with a single to left, followed by a Youkilis single to left. David Ortiz struck out before Manny Ramirez provided an RBI-single. Mike Lowell singled to left to load the bases, but J.D. Drew couldn’t repeat his Game Six grand-slam performance, and grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Again, Matsuzaka retired the side in order in the second and the Sox’ offense responded in the bottom half with another run for a 2-0 lead. The third was much of the same, this time the Red Sox starter surrendered his first hit, a two-out single by the Indians’ Casey Blake, but Cleveland couldn’t convert.
Boston scored its third run in the bottom half after Youkilis led off with a double, reached third on an infield ground out by Ortiz and was stranded when the Indians intentionally walked Ramirez. Lowell answered with a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.
Matsuzaka began to struggle in the fourth when he allowed one run on two hits, and then Cleveland pushed across another in the top of the fifth to cut its deficit to one run, 3-2. He was finished after five innings and replaced with Okajima, who was solid in his two innings of work.
The lefty reliever was helped out big time with a couple of solid defensive plays, to go along with a few miscues by Cleveland.
With one out in the top of the seventh inning, Lugo committed an error when he dropped a Kenny Lofton pop up to shallow left field, allowing the runner to reach second. The Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez lined a base hit down the third-base line, and with Lofton rounding third in an attempt to tie the game, was held up by third-base coach Joel Skinner.
That proved crucial because Casey Blake grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the threat.
The Red Sox responded.
After Jacoby Ellsbury reached, and advanced to second, on an error by Blake at third that set up Lugo sacrifice bunt. That’s when Pedroia delivered his crushing two-run homer into the Monster Seats for a 5-2 lead, before the Red Sox scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning for an 11-2 final.
This team was built for the postseason. It was built for the World Series. That’s exactly where Boston is heading.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:38 PM | Permalink
PREGAME w/photo: First Mueller, now Millar
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Former Red Sox player Kevin Millar greets Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli during team warmups. Millar is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch tonight.
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Former Red Sox utilityman, and current Baltimore Oriole, Kevin Millar will throw out the first pitch tonight. His former World Series teammate in 2004, Bill Mueller, tossed out the first pitch prior to Game Six on Saturday.
The weird thing here is, Millar is still playing. And, for an A.L. East team. How he and the Red Sox were able to pull this one off is crazy.
"I don't get it," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona with a huge smile. "This is another one of those things where he can pull it off. He's a member of the Baltimore Orioles and he's going to be spurring on the Red Sox, and nobody is going to say a word. He'll probably bring the house down.
"I don't get it. I love it, but I don't get it. It's Millar. The whole place will be coming down. It's hilarious."
Since Millar left the Red Sox, he has kept in close contact with many remaining players, including Francona. Usually, when the Red Sox are on the road and going to a city where the Orioles just left, Francona will always find a "treat" on his desk. It usually stinks and is placed in a brown bag.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:07 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Westbrook offers a challenge
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- All the talk heading into this ALCS was the starting pitching from the No. 1 and 2 spots in the both club's rotations. It turns out, at least for the Indians, their best starter in this series has Jake Westbrook, who stifled the Red Sox in Game Three.
The veteran worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed just two runs on seven hits, and he's getting the ball again tonight.
"I don't think our approach was bad," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "I thought his approach to us was tremendous. He threw strike one and never threw down the middle. He was really good. I think we have to expect him to be really good again tonight."
If, for some reason, Westbrook isn't as good, Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said everyone in his bullpen is available to pitch, besides Fausto Carmona and Aaron Laffey.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:00 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Confidence high for Dice-K
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he didn't check with Daisuke Matsuzaka, tonight's Game Seven starter for Boston, when the right-hander arrived at the ballpark today, but the manager and the rest of the club has faith in him.
The Japanese import struggled in his two other postseason starts against the Angels in the ALDS and the Indians in Game Three of this series. Now, with a World Series berth on the line, the Red Sox will give him the ball.
"Daisuke is very excited about pitching and we're excited for him," said Francona. His teammates legitimately wanted to give him another crack. It honestly means a lot to us to play another game tonight and try to win."
Following Game Five in Cleveland, Matsuzaka sat at his locker in the clubhouse in disgust due to his brief 4 2/3 innings of work where he allowed four runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. He didn't talk with the local, national or even the Japanese media, only releasing a statement that said he was disappointed.
"Daisuke is taking this kind of personally," said Francona. "He wants to do something to help our cause."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:53 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Ellsbury earns praise
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury made his postseason debut in Game Six on Saturday and played well as Boston blew out Clevleand at Fenway Park, 12-2.
A smart move on his part, Ellsbury wasn't available after the game to talk to the media, saying today he just wanted to get out of here. Meaning, he wanted to act as a classy individual and live by the moto of rookies should be seen and not heard, especially in the ALCS.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he was quite impressed with Ellsbury's performance.
''I thought he handled himself fine,'' said the manager. ''If you pick it apart a little bit, he probably could have got back to the wall [on a play in which he missed a ball hit off the wall] because he's athletic enough to make those plays. I didn't think he looked overwhelmed by what was asked of him, or we wouldn't have played him.''
Ellsbury went 1-for-5, including a RBI-single in the third inning.
''He had a real good at-bat against the left-hander and he didn't crush, but he stayed back and let the ball get to him,'' said Francona. "I think all the things we've talked about with Jake are true. He competes, and for a young player, put in that situation, I think that's pretty high praise. Just the fact we played him shows the amount of confidence in him.''
So much so, Ellsbury is back in the lineup tonight, replacing the struggling Coco Crisp again.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:42 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Everyone available except Schilling and Wakefield
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona said everyone is available to pitch tonight's Game Seven against the Indians, besides Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield.
That means there is a good chance ace Josh Beckett, who pitched Thursday's Game Five in Cleveland, will pitch if needed. Today would be the right-hander's normal day to throw a side session, so there's no reason he can't work tonight.
''Because he says he's available or wants to be available, doesn't mean we will create a situation for him to be available,'' said Francona. ''Saying that, you could see him in this game, but those are two different things. It's a lot to ask. We think he can do it, but we're not just going to try to create that situation.''
If Dice-K struggles, it's likely Francona will empty the bullpen in order to win. If the Japanese import pitches well, it will be business as usual.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:32 PM | Permalink
UPDATED GAME STORY: Red Sox 12, Indians 2
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- All the Red Sox needed was to get back to Boston. Back to Fenway Park. Back in front of their fans.
Saturday night they showed why they love calling this place home.
Facing elimination from the American League Championship Series at the hands of the Cleveland Indians, the Red Sox responded in a monumental way en route to a 12-2 victory in front of 37,163 fans. The club is now one win away from advancing to its second World Series appearance in four seasons, with Game Seven of this series tonight at Fenway Park.
After winning Game One of this series, Boston dropped the next three before forcing the series back here with a victory in Game Five at Jacobs Field. Everything the Red Sox needed to happen Saturday night did. Every player the Red Sox needed to contribute did.
''To play in this environment, in this stadium in front of these people,” said Red Sox starter Curt Schilling, ''I would argue that you’ll never hear home-field advantage being pooh-poohed against this city. The crowd tonight from the first inning on, I thought had an incredible effect on me. I don’t know they effect other people, but it’s a privilege to be able to play here and experience this.''
The oft-booed J.D. Drew agreed.
He provided his biggest hit as a Red Sox, a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning. Then, in the third inning, he provided a RBI single and another single in the eighth inning. He certainly had his peaks and valley, mostly low points in his first season in Boston, and the fans made sure he knew how they felt. Red Sox Nation feels differently now.
''The atmosphere here was great,'' said Drew. ''It has been a tough year (personally). My expectations were high and I didn’t have the year I would have liked to have. I feel like I had a good September, I was getting things turned around, and just wanted to go into the playoffs and get good at-bats. In that situation, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It was just one of those situations and I was very relaxed in the at-bat. With two outs I didn’t want to walk off the field without any runs. I was trying to hit the ball hard and it worked out great.''
Schilling was spotted a nine-run lead after three innings and cruised to victory, working seven strong innings and allowed just two runs on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts. The veteran right-hander threw only 90 pitches (60 strikes).
''We’re playing a Game Seven,” said Schilling. ''There’s nothing more fun in sports then a Game Seven, regardless of the venue.”
The Red Sox’ top two hitters – Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – needed to get on base in order for the club to have success offensively. The Indians did a pretty good job keeping those two hitters off base earlier in the series, but both have come alive the last two games.
The pair combined for five hits and four runs to lead the way.
In fact, Pedroia sat in the Red Sox’ dugout prior to last night’s game and exuded confidence. Youkilis said after Game Five in Cleveland that the entire team was finding its groove. Those guys got it going again Saturday night, and the rest of the lineup followed.
''We scored 10 runs tonight,” said Schilling. ''This was just about our offense doing a phenomenal job of working counts, not being overly aggressive”
Boston pounded Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona for seven runs on six hits in two (plus three batters in the third) innings before the Sox took advantage of the Indians bullpen.
After Boston scored four in the first thanks to Drew’s grand slam, the Indians scored their first run off Schilling on a solo homer by Victor Martinez in the second inning. The Red Sox then pushed across six runs in the third and never looked back. Schilling surrendered only one other run in the seventh before his night was over.
Boston reliever Javier Lopez retired the side in order in the top of the eighth inning, before the Sox pushed across two more in the bottom half for a 12-2 advantage. The let reliever Eric Gagne finish things up in the ninth.
Now it comes down to one game. One team will advance to face the Colorado Rockies in the World Series, beginning Wednesday in either Boston or Cleveland.
The Red Sox go with Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese import who has struggled in his first major-league postseason. If he has problems early, it’s a safe bet Tim Wakefield and Jon Lester -- and perhaps even Josh Beckett -- could work out of the bullpen. For the Indians, Jake Westbrook takes the hill after beating Dice-K and the Sox in Game Three of this series.
''We’re confident,” said Schilling. ''We’re going to lean on Daisuke and I believe he’s going to come out and do something special (today).”
It’s up for grabs. Fortunately for the Red Sox, they’re playing at Boston in front of their fans. As Red Sox manager Terry Francona said prior to the game, there’s nothing like Fenway Park.
''Tonight these fans brought something special,” said Mike Lowell. ''We’re going to need the same thing tomorrow. If you don’t enjoy playing in this atmosphere, you have to have your pulse checked.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:07 AM | Permalink
POSTGAME: Ellsbury follows rookie protocol, makes himself scarce in postgame crunch
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Like a true rookie, the Red Sox’ Jacoby Ellsbury did not address the local and national media following tonight's Game Six victory for Boston.
Ellsbury, who made his postseason debut as he replaced the struggling Coco Crisp, decided it was best to sneak away from Fenway Park unnoticed after his 1-for-5 performance, including his RBI and run scored. After all, rookies should be seen and not heard, especially in the ALCS.
But even though Ellsbury pulled a no-show in the clubhouse, his efforts this season have not gone unnoticed to his veteran teammates.
''Even the first day he was here he didn’t look overmatched,'' said third baseman Mike Lowell. ''I think what is impressive about him is he hasn’t seen live pitching in a while. He has something special. He has a different spark. The speed factor and not too many guys score from first base on a ball down the line in left field at Fenway, and he made it look easy. He definitely brings a different element to the game that’s exciting, and I think the fans feed off that. They like it a lot.''
The Red Sox do, too.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:44 AM | Permalink
INDIANS VS. RED SOX: Youth is being served
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Jacoby Ellsbury emerged from the tunnel underneath the dugout at Fenway Park early Saturday evening oozing with confident.
The Red Sox rookie was penciled into the lineup to play center field and bat eighth in the order, replacing the struggling Coco Crisp as Boston prepared to face the Cleveland Indians in Game Six of the ALCS.
Not exactly the time of the season to give a 24-year-old his first postseason start, not when your club trails in the series three games to two and one loss means elimination.
But it was indicative of the confidence the Red Sox have in their young players . . . and symbolic of how much things have changed in recent years.
The ability to incorporate young players into this roster in Boston is a little more challenging than it is some places because of the stakes, according to vice-president of player personnel Ben Cherington.
Kevin Youkilis was the very first of the farmhands to arrive, in 2004. He's still around and has played an important role for this club. So, this season, have Pedroia, Brandon Moss, Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen, Ellsbury, Jon Lester and, before they were traded to Texas, Kason Gabbard and David Murphy.
''All of them have been great,'' said Pedroia. ''A lot of us played together in the minor leagues and we’ve all gone the same route. It’s huge when you have home-grown guys coming up. If you look at a lot of teams, like the Indians and Twins, they rely on their home-grown guys. It’s huge for the Red Sox to start doing that and with our payroll it makes us that much better.''
Obviously, talent and hard work are the main factors why young players reach this level. But staying and being accepted by the players, coaches and the manager, also factor into rookies being able to contribute.
''Our veteran players get it,'' said Cherington. ''They understand how to win and understand that they were young once, too and needed a hand with certain things. We have guys who go out of their way to do that.''
Cherington feels another aspect of the organization’s successful formula lies with the club’s manager and the entire coaching staff in Boston.
Manager Terry Francona, pitching coach John Farrell, bullpen coach Gary Tuck, first-base coach Luis Alicea, hitting coach Dave Magadan, third-base coach De Marlo Hale and bench coach Brad Mills all have one thing in common.
''Every single one spent time in the minor leagues as either a coach or manager,'' said Cherington. ''So they really understand what development is all about, and it doesn’t necessarily stop when a guy gets to the big leagues. We’re fortunate to have veteran players and a coaching staff that gets it and helps along the way.''
The players the Red Sox have drafted and brought up through the organization are not your typical run-of-the-mill developmental players, according to Moss, who was a September call-up but is not on the playoff roster.
''All these guys have special talent,'' he said. ''To come up in a system like this, and make it to the major leagues with a team like this, it takes a little more than just your everyday player. Because when you come up and play for a team like this, you’re expected to perform right away.''
That’s not exactly how every organization treats its young guys, but fortunately for the Red Sox, all the players they draft very quickly get accustomed to how the things work in Boston.
''A lot of guys have that rookie cushion a little bit,'' said Moss. ''Not here. It says a lot about these guys.''
All the aforementioned players have been successful when called up, so the future appears bright for the Red Sox.
''It definitely shows now that they are going to give guys opportunities,'' said Pedroia. ''It’s another way to make the organization that much better.''
And Saturday night, it was Ellsbury’s chance.
He served as a sparkplug during the season and posted a .353 average with three homers and 18 RBI. Every time he’s played, he’s contributed in a big way. So with Crisp struggling at the plate, Francona felt he needed to make a change.
''Tito is trying to put the best lineup together that he can,'' said Cherington. ''The lineup he thinks gives the team the best chance to win the game. I understand that’s very generic answer, but it’s true in this particular case.''
Prior to the game Ellsbury appeared to be in complete control of his emotions, knowing this is a tremendous opportunity for him.
''I'm feeling good," he said during batting practice. "I've been preparing for this since the start of the postseason. I'm just happy to get the start. I feel ready. . . On the days we don't play we take batting practice just like everybody else, so I'm ready.''
Nervous?
''I’m anxious,'' he said. ''There’s a nervousness but that’s good. It’s keeps you on your toes.''
Even though Francona has said during the postseason that he was not going to deviate from his lineup, from the players who helped the team reach the postseason, Ellsbury proved during the regular season that he can handle any situation. He has the ability to take control of the game in every aspect.
''I don’t like talking about tools,” said Pedroia. ''I see him as a baseball player. He does a lot of things well. He obviously runs well and plays great defense, and being able to run the way he does, he’s an offensive threat all the time. If he’s not swinging the bat well, he’s still a threat. With the ability he has, he can take over a game in an instant with his speed.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:24 PM | Permalink
IN-GAME TIDBIT: Sox player, exec back decision to replace Crisp with Ellsbury
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Members of the Red Sox backed manager Terry Francona's decision to replace center fielder Coco Crisp with Jacoby Ellsbury.
''It takes everybody to win,'' said rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia. ''(Jacoby) is going to get a chance to come out and help us, like everybody has. We support everything.
''Everybody’s been through a tough bump in the road this year, and every year. This is baseball and the game is hard. This isn’t easy, especially at this time of the year. You’re tired mentally, physically and now you have to face a guy who throws 97 MPH sinkers. It’s not easy, man, and I don’t think people realize, especially in our situation now (down three games to two). We have no room for error. If we don’t come out good tonight, we go home.”
Red Sox vice president of player personnel Ben Cherington said the manager has to put the best lineup on the field that he feels can win. Tonight, with the club one game away from elimination, Crisp is out and Ellsbury is in.
''Obviously, Coco is a very important part of the team and without him we don’t get to the playoffs,'' said Cherington. ''So I’m sure it was a tough decision for Tito, but overall he’s trying to do what’s best for the team. If he feels like Jacoby being in there is the right thing, and it’s an opportunity for Jacoby to go out there and be the player he is; not more than that. He needs to let the game come to him a little bit and have some fun.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:14 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Ellsbury ready to go
BY JOE McDONALD -- Jacoby Ellsbury emerged from the tunnel beneath the dugout, looking confident and in complete control of his emotions.
''I'm feeling good,'' he said. ''I've been preparing for this since the start of the postseason. I'm just happy to get the start. . . I feel ready. On the days we don't play we take batting practice just like everybody else, so I'm ready.''
Tonight will be his first postseason start for the Red Sox and he just completed batting practice, saying he's ready to go.
''I’m anxious,'' he said. ''There’s a nervousness but that’s good. It’s keeps you on your toes.''
Ellsbury getting the nod in Game Six of the ALCS proves the organization has confidence in its young players.
''It's nice that they have confidence in me to get the job done," said Ellsbury. ''I've promised myself to do the same.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:41 PM | Permalink
RED SOX 7, INDIANS 1: Clubhouse reaction
Dustin Pedroia on Josh Beckett's outing:
''He was awesome. He’s been doing it all year long. He was outstanding, man. That’s why he’s one of the best in the game. He dealt tonight.''
Pedroia on Manny Ramirez's long single:
''Manny’s ball could have gone either way.''
Pedroia on heading back to Boston:
''We’re grinding it out, man. Our backs are still against the wall. We’re just concentrating on winning Saturday. We have to play it pitch-by-pitch.''
Kevin Youkilis on Beckett:
''It’s definitely exciting to watch. It’s fun to play behind a guy who can dominate a game. It’s a little more relaxing being on the field.''
Youkilis on his ailing wrist and hand:
''My health reasons were definitely tough. My whole entire wrist and hand were feeling 100 percent. When I hit I’m more of a handsy hitter, I try to use more hands than body a lot of times. It was tough just to get the swing back and the feel of facing live pitching again. When you’re out for over a week, it’s tough to go out there and face live pitching, and timing and feeling comfortable at the plate. Luckily, I felt comfortable in the box and I’m just trying to stick to the little things.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:50 AM | Permalink
RED SOX 7, INDIANS 1: Youkilis, Pedroia find groove
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians’ game plan entering the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox was to try to keep the club’s top two hitters – Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis – off the base paths.
The plan worked for a while. But not Thursday night. Both Pedroia and Youkilis found their groove, and combined for four hits, three RBI and three runs scored.
With the Indians sending ace C.C. Sabathia to the mound for Game Five Thursday night at Jacobs Field, Boston needed to score first and Youkilis got the job done with his solo homer in the first inning. It was hit third roundtripper of the season. He added an RBI triple in the seventh.
''Getting ahead was a huge factor for us in this game,'' said Youkilis. ''Gaining confidence and getting that first run was huge for this team, and knowing when Josh Beckett is on the mound, maybe that one run is all we needed in the game. I think a lot of guys were pretty pumped to get on top and it eased a lot of peoples’ minds.''
After producing big time at the start of the season (.377 in 77 games), Youkilis flattened out in the second half, hitting .238 following the All-Star break. Then he missed seven games due to a wrist injury he suffered when he was hit by a pitch on Sept. 15 against the Yankees.
It’s October and he says he’s healthy.
''My health reasons were definitely tough,'' he said. ''My whole entire wrist and hand [are] feeling 100 percent. When I hit I’m more of a handsy hitter, I try to use more hands than body a lot of times. It was tough just to get the swing back and the feel of facing live pitching again. When you’re out for over a week, it’s tough to go out there and face live pitching, and timing and feeling comfortable at the plate. Luckily, I felt comfortable in the box and I’m just trying to stick to the little things.''
Red Sox manager Terry Francona also knows in order for Boston to advance to its second World Series in the last four years, Youkilis will need to produce.
''I think some of the aches and pains go away,” Francona said. ''Youk has really taken some good swings and has had some good at-bats. The way Youk plays he can somewhat wear down at times. Maybe the wrist injury was a blessing in disguise after it’s all said and done. Some of his aches and pains go away, and his bat speed looks like it’s where it was at the beginning of the year.''
Youkilis wasn’t the only one feeling comfortable at the plate.
Pedroia, who said he had been pressing a little too much at the start of the postseason, has been squaring balls up of late, and he finally busted out last night with two hits, including a double.
Following Boston’s victory, Pedroia was sporting a brown pinstripe suit that he said teammate Manny Ramirez bought for him when the club was in Anaheim. Alex Cora and Julio Lugo have also bought him suits this year, and if he continues to contribute, Pedroia just might be the best-dressed guy in the clubhouse.
''I don’t get too down when things don’t go my way,'' he said. ''I try to stay away from all the negativity that can go on around here. I knew during the course of the year if I got 500 at-bats I could hit .300, so I don’t think having 12 or 13 at-bats (in the playoffs) means I stink. Other people may think so sometimes, but that’s okay. I’ll grind it out.''
It’s his spunky attitude and old-school style of play that allows the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder to have as much success that’s he’s enjoyed this season, and appears to be coming around in October.
''I have to [play with that attitude],'' he said. ''I’m 5-foot-2 and 115 pounds and any edge I get I have to use it. That’s just how I have to be.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:40 AM | Permalink
IN-GAME COMMENTARY: Bench-clearing scrums in baseball are a joke
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
The benches cleared when Josh Beckett, center, had words with Cleveland's Kenny Lofton, not pictured, in the fifth inning.
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- I posted this item to the blog when the Red Sox and Angels had one last month. So, with it happening again tonight, I figured to bring it back.
Have you ever seen anything more ridiculous than a bench-clearing "brawl" in baseball?
Red Sox starter Josh Beckett had words with the Indians' Kenny Lofton in the fifth inning on the infield grass after Lofton popped out to left field.
Both benches cleared and, my favorite, the pitchers in the bullpen run all the way in to join the scrum on the diamond. If anything, don't you think they would get into it in the outfield instead of running all the way in?
To stop such silly behavior, and to have baseball players stop thinking they're hockey players, here's a simple solution to stop such events in baseball:
If a pitcher hits a batter and then decides to charge the mound, let them battle it out. If anyone leaves their position, including the catcher, or leaves the dugout and bullpen then it's an automatic suspension.
This way the pitcher knows he'll have to protect himself if he decides to intentionally hit a batter. And, if the dugouts do empty, then please make it worth it -- old-school hockey.
I can picture it now: Francona walking through the clubhouse one day and he spots Dustin Pedroia putting on the foil.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:34 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: No peck on the cheek
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Danielle Peck sings the National Anthem.
Tonight's National Anthem singer is country singer Danielle Peck, the former girlfriend of Red Sox starter Josh Beckett. Safe to say there won't be any interaction between the two. Maybe the Indians scheduled this on purpose (wink-wink).
Following the game, a reporter actually asked Beckett what he thought about the Indians bringing Peck in to sing. He was quite animated.
"I don't get paid to make those (expletive) decisions," he said. "She's a friend of mine. That doesn't bother me at all. Thanks for flying one of my friends to the game so she cokuld watch it for free."
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:38 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Papelbon ready
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox star closer Jonathan Papelbon has only worked in one game of the ALCS, posting two scoreless innings in Game Two on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Red Sox haven't given him a chance to work because of their lack of offense in the two games at Jacobs Field, but manager Terry Francona is not concerned heading into Game Five tonight.
''He threw two innings in an extra-inning game and that's pretty major for me,'' he said. ''When you give up seven runs in two separate games, that can be part of the dilemma. We need Pap to be part of this game. I think that's stating the obvious.''
Papelbon, who recorded 37 saves and a 1.85 ERA this season, has worked 7 1/3 scoreless innings in four career postseason games with the Red Sox.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:25 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Francona talks about Joe Torre
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- The news of Joe Torre stepping down as manager of the Yankees is the talk around Jacobs Field today. As the Red Sox prepare to face the Indians in Game Five of the ALCS (Cleveland leads series, 3-1) Terry Francona said he respects Torre's decision.
Obviously, Francona is focused on tonight's game, but he did discuss the Yankees' situation a little.
''I hope Joe is happy,'' he said. ''He deserves the respect and I think you're going to hear people in baseball, every area of baseball, say probably very, very kind, respectful things about Joe the next couple of days. And, they are all deserved. I just hope he's happy.''
The Sox manager was asked to comment further, but he declined.
''You'll have to forgive me,'' he said. ''That's not on the front burner tonight. There will be a time for that, but we really have other things on our plate right now. No disrespect to any organization or any person. . . This is sort of a big day for us to try to win this game. This isn't the time. We need to try to win this game tonight, or I might be getting phone calls. Joe might be calling me.''
Cleveland manager Eric Wedge added his props.
"I think Joe Torre is one of the greatest managers of all time," said Wedge. "I've got a great deal of respect for him as a human being, as well as a baseball man, and with what he's accomplished. I think he should manage as long as he wants to manage. I know there's a business side of it, but from what I understand, for him to look at that and say 'no' good for him. He's earned and deserves to do whatever the hell he wants to do."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:13 PM | Permalink
Cleveland scouting report
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND _ The Red Sox have proven over the course of the last few seasons to be one, if not the toughest lineups to pitch against in the majors.
All of a sudden, however, the Cleveland Indians have found a way to stifle Boston’s lineup as the Indians have taken a three-games-to-one lead in the ALCS with Game Five tonight at Jacobs Field. A member of the Indians who spoke on the condition of anonymity sat down with the Journal and broke down the club’s approach against the Red Sox, which has obviously worked.
The nine every-day players for Boston are very similar when it comes to breaking down the scouting reports. Plus, the Cleveland bullpen has done a solid job at keeping the Red Sox offense a bay during this series, especially at Fenway Park because giving the Red Sox extra outs is like giving them extra runs at home.
“They are a patient lineup and you can’t fall behind them. When you get them in a hitter’s count, they will hurt you and we’ve seen that already in this series.”
**Dustin Pedroia:
The Indians want to be aggressive with the Sox’ rookie lead-off man and make him work as much as they can. In seven postseason games, he’s hitting just .172.
“He hasn’t shown enough pop to where he can really hurt you. If he gets his hits, leave them at singles because Boston won’t do a lot of running in front of their big guys. He’s a guy we want to throw strikes to and keep him off base, because we don’t want anyone on base with the big fellas behind him.”
**Kevin Youkilis:
He’s hitting .333 in seven postseason games and he began to hit the ball hard during Game Four of this series. The last thing the Indians want is Youkilis to get locked in.
“He’s a good hitter with very good command of the strike zone. He very rarely swings and misses. He’s a tough guy to pitch to because he doesn’t swing at junk outside the zone. When you do throw it in the zone, he has very good bat-to-ball skills. With him you need to stay out of the middle of the plate. He’s aggressive at balls in the zone.”
**David Ortiz:/Manny Ramirez
There’s not much you can do with Big Papi. He’s hitting .500 with three homers and four RBI in the postseason, and even if the opposition puts the shift on, he can still do some damage. Cleveland has done a good job at pitching him away, especially with the sinker.
“You just need to catch him on the right day. If you catch him on the wrong day, then there’s nothing you can do. You need to be careful and you don’t want to let him beat you. Obviously, depending on the pitching matchup, it’s so tough with him and Manny (Ramirez) back-to-back. It’s not like you can pitch around David to get to Manny because he’s just as good of a hitter. Really, it’s damn near luck.”
The biggest thing with Ortiz and Manny is opposing pitchers have to decide how much damage they are willing to deal with in Boston’s 3-4 punch. Both hitters have very few holes and if you do beat them, it’s unlikely teams will have success twice in a row. It’s really about controlling rallies with the pair, which is why it’s key to keep Pedroia and Youkilis off the bases.
**Mike Lowell:
Hitting behind Ortiz and Ramirez has actually helped Lowell break out this season, especially in the playoffs as he enters tonight’s game with a .280 average with one homer and nine RBI.
“Last year he wasn’t nearly the hitter he was this season. He was still a good hitter last year, but he shored up some things this year with his swing and he’s going the other way a little bit more. He’s been a little more patient. He’s an aggressive hitter.”
**J.D. Drew:
The Indians don’t have too much experience against the Sox’ right fielder, but they have kept him pretty quiet during the ALCS. Of his four hits, only one has done any damage, which was a two-run single in Game One.
“He likes the ball up and over the middle of the plate. He wants a fastball he can get after and likes the ball away from him a little bit. You need to pitch him basic and safe.
**Jason Varitek:
The Sox’ switch-hitting captain is hitting at a lowly .192 clip (.333 from the right side and .174 from left) in the postseason. His three hits against the Indians are an RBI-double in Game One, a solo homer in Game Three and a single in Game Four.
“He’s different from both sides of the plate. On one side of the plate, he likes the ball up. On the other side he likes it down. Obviously, he’s a big strong man and you don’t want to leave anything sitting there in the middle of the plate. You want to keep the ball down. He’s not running as well as he has in the past, so if he hits a single that’s okay because with him no first with the guys behind him (the speedy Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo) gives you a chance for a double-play ball. The threat of the two-run homer is not nearly as big, although every one over there can pretty much put it out of the yard.”
**Coco Crisp:
The former Indian recorded a career year when he was in Cleveland during the 2006 season, his last year here. The switch-hitter posted a .300 average with 16 homers, 69 RBI, 42 doubles and 4 triples. He’s been pretty much silent in this series.
“That has a lot to do with [us] knowing him so well. We got to see him at his best, so we know where to stay away from him. We treat him as a speed guy and he’s the one guy we don’t want to walk by any means necessary because he can turn a walk into a double just like that. Attacking him has to be on our priority list, because we can’t give him the opportunity to run. We need to get him to hit the ball in the air. The last thing you want to do is walk a guy like him, even though he does have some thump, you want him to hit the ball and put it in play.”
**
Julio Lugo:
The Indians consider Lugo as the Sox’ true lead-off man. He swings the most, and like Crisp, he’s another speed guy teams want to keep off the base paths.
“He’s a bigger part of their offense than a lot of people give him credit for. Hitting at the bottom, you would think most nine-hole hitters would be your weakest player, but it’s a fit for him down there. He can hit in a lot of places, and he’s proven that in the past. He’s a fastball hitter and he wants to be aggressive. He might be the most aggressive guy in their lineup, and he should be. He can extend innings and roll that lineup around. With him being in the ninth spot really works into their lineup pretty well. Once the game starts, he’s kind of like the lead-off hitter with Pedroia and Youkilis hitting second and third.”
Even though the Cleveland pitchers have done a very good job with the Red Sox, the Indians are not about to breath a sigh of relief because you never want to wake a sleeping offensive monster.
“There no doubt there’s depth in their lineup. They are pretty dangerous, obviously. It’s not rocket science.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:38 PM | Permalink
Manny being Manny
The Red Sox trail the Indians three games to one in the ALCS and Manny Ramirez isn't worry.
Prior to today's workout at Jacobs Field, as Boston prepares for Thursday's Game Five, Ramirez spoke with the media and seemed calm as could be.
“We’ve been in this situation before,” he said, referring to the 2004 postseason. “We’ve got nothing to lose. Everybody is playing great and we’re just going to go in there and see what happens.
“We’re not worried about 2004. We worried about Thursday. We’re just here to have fun and play the game. We’re going to play and if it doesn’t happen, we’ll come back next year and try to do it again.”
The Red Sox slugger extended his LCS-hitting streak to 14 games with his single in the second inning Tuesday night. The streak is the second-longest in LCS history, one shy of Pete Rose, who compiled a 15-game hitting streak from 1973 to 1983.
Ramirez didn't stop his record-setting pace there.
His homer in the fifth inning, his 10th career in the LCS, established a new record for most all-time to surpass George Brett. Still, Ramirez said he would rather focus on winning another World Series.
“It’s good,” he said of the postseason accolades. “If I would have known I was going to be in the World Series and not have those records, I would trade that in a heart beat. I don’t care about those records. I just want to have fun and win.”
Looking ahead to Game Five and his matchup against Indians' ace C.C. Sabathia, Ramirez was quite complimentary about his former club.
“C.C. is one of the best pitchers in baseball,” said Ramirez. "You have to give the other team credit. They are pitching great and playing great. They are a good team.”
Ramirez came of age here in Cleveland before he signed with Boston as a free agent in December of 2000, and he said he always enjoys coming back here -- albeit a different feeling being a visitor.
“I enjoy (being back) but once you play in Boston for a few years and come back, it doesn’t feel the same," he said.
When Ramirez smoked his solo home run the Red Sox were trailing by five runs, but he still pimped it up around the bases to the dislike of many Cleveland players. It's not the first time he's done that here, but he said he wasn't trying to shove it in anyone's face.
“I’m not trying to show up anybody,” he said. “I’m just trying to have fun. If someone strikes me out and shows me up, that’s just part of the game. I love it. I like to compete. It’s all good.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:45 PM | Permalink
INDIANS 7, RED SOX 3: A bounce here and there . . .
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- The Red Sox are used to having things go in their favor.
From late-inning heroics to walk-off home runs and solid pitching performances, the Red Sox have had it all.
Not the last two games, though.
With a berth to the World Series on the line, Boston has faltered at the most inopportune time here in Cleveland, and as a result the Red Sox find themselves one loss away from elimination.
First and foremost, the club’s offense has gone astray. The starting pitching in the last two contests has been borderline poor. But, it probably wouldn’t have mattered much last night because the ball definitely didn’t bounce the Sox’ way.
The club seemed snakebitten from the get-go and that was especially true in the seven-run fifth inning. A pop up in foul territory down the right-field line was mishandled by first baseman Kevin Youkilis and second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who collided softly at the warning track.
That play proved crucial because the Indians’ Grady Sizemore eventually reached on a fielder’s choice. The next Cleveland batter, Asdrubal Cabrera, hit a chopper back up the middle and when pitcher Tim Wakefield couldn’t make the play and kept the inning going.
''That ball back to me, if I let it go it’s a double play,'' he said. ''If I catch it it’s a double play. It was just one of those things where the breaks went their way in that inning.''
As the ball bounced around the back of the infield grass, Pedroia and Wakefield were clearly stunned by what was happening around them.
''I was right there,'' said Pedroia. ''I was playing up the middle and Wake just reacted. He knows I’m back there, but if he can get it then we turn two. It was just a tough break for us.
''It happened quick,'' added Pedroia about the implosion in the inning. ''There were a lot of weird things. On that pop up to Youk, he slipped then I slipped and the ball was bouncing every where. If he catches that ball and the runner doesn’t go home, then maybe we’re out of that inning on the next batter. A lot of things just didn’t go our way tonight.''
It has to on Thursday or the Red Sox’ season is over.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:08 AM | Permalink
INDIANS 7, RED SOX 3: Lester a bright spot
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- If there was a bright spot in Tuesday night’s Red Sox debacle at Jacobs Field, it was the pitching performance of Jon Lester.
The left-hander entered with the game seemingly out of reach for Boston and he was able to keep the Red Sox within striking distance, though to no avail. Lester worked three solid scoreless innings and allowed just one hit and struck out four.
The outing was quite different then his previous one when he made his postseason debut in Game Two of the ALCS and surrendered two runs on two hits, including a home run to the Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez in the 11th inning on Saturday at Fenway Park.
Lester was back in fine form Tuesday.
''It was big,'' he said of his performance ''Just being able to pitch was nice. I just went out there and tried to do my best to keep the team where we can be in striking distance.''
Even though he was pleased with his night of work, he said he would rather have not been in that situation because that meant the club was losing.
After starter Tim Wakefield suffered the loss, while allowing five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings of work, reliever Manny Delcarmen struggled, too. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits, including a home run before Lester was summoned to start sixth inning.
''It’s tough,'' said Lester. ''Wakey pitched his butt off, and Delcarmen came in and tried to control the damage. Stuff like that happens.''
The last time Lester pitched at this park was back in July when he made his triumph return to a major-league mound after a courageous victory over cancer. He earned the win that night against the Indians, but it wasn’t about to dwell on the past, especially not in October.
''This is a great park,'' he said. ''If you can’t get up for a game here then there’s something wrong with you. There was a lot of energy tonight and it’s a great place to play. Hopefully the outcome on Thursday will be a little bit better. It will always be in the back of my mind, but it’s not something that comes up on common occurrences. It’s something that was in the past and I’ve moved on.''
When asked what he thought of Boston’s chances now that the club is down three games to one with Game Five on Thursday, Lester said the Red Sox will be ready.
''A lot of these guys here have done it before,'' he said. ''They had their backs up against the wall [in 2004], even worse than this. I think tonight spirits are down a little bit, come Thursday spirits will be back up and we’ll be ready to get after it and hopefully put up a good fight.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:43 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Indians 7, Red Sox 3
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- At the tail end of the regular season, and during the first round of the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox were clearly locked in offensively. The bats were electrified, charged up and producing.
What happened?
Ever since Boston’s three-run fifth inning, including back-to-back homers by Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell, in Game Two of the ALCS at Fenway, the Red Sox’ explosive barrage quickly became a dud when the club arrived at Jacobs Field.
In Game Three, a 4-2 loss to Cleveland, Boston produced two runs on seven hits, and it didn’t get much better in Game Four early on last night as the Indians pummeled the Red Sox into submission en route to a 7-3 victory. Cleveland leads the best-of-seven series, 3-1.
The Indians’ pitchers have made some adjustments, plus their bullpen has been tremendous. Red Sox manager Terry Francona even said Tuesday afternoon that the Tribe’s relievers have stuck it to the Boston batters pretty good.
The focus in the ALDS against the Angels, and in the first two games of this series, was the fact Ramirez and David Ortiz were reaching base in record numbers. The 3-4 hitters in the order for Boston entered last night’s game by reaching base in 37 of 54 plate appearances. And, the hitters around them were producing to equal a pretty potent lineup.
It fizzled.
The Red Sox could not maintain that momentum in Cleveland as the Indians are now the ones who are producing offensively.
Just ask Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield.
The knuckleballer, who was left off the ALDS roster due to a sore shoulder, was solid through four innings last night. His knuckler was dancing uncontrollably against the Indian batters, so much so that he didn’t allow a hit until Jhonny Peralta’s two-out double in the fourth.
It was the fifth inning, however, when the veteran faltered.
He allowed a lead-off solo homer to the Indians’ Casey Blake, followed by a Franklin Gutierrez single. Then Wakefield hit Kelly Shoppach before Grady Sizemore reached on a fielder’s choice. Asdrubal Cabrera singled before Travis Hafner struck out. With two outs, Wakefield allowed a RBI-single to Victor Martinez and that ended his outing.
Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen didn’t fair too well.
The right-hander surrendered a three-run homer to Peralta, a single to Kenny Lofton before Blake posted his second RBI of the inning as Cleveland climbed out to a 7-0 lead.
As quickly as it appeared the Red Sox had lost their offensive prowess, they regrouped, made some adjustments and fired it back up.
For the first time in LCS history, a club hit back-to-back-to-back home runs as Kevin Youkilis, Ortiz and Ramirez crushed solo homers to cut the Sox’ deficit to four, 7-3.
It was the second time in postseason history that a team belted three consecutive blasts. The Yankees’ Tim Raines, Derek Jeter and Paul O’Neil accomplished the feat in the 1997 ALDS against the Indians.
That sign of life was brief for the Red Sox and they couldn't keep it going as Boston lost its third straight game. If the Red Sox can't find what's missing in Game Five on Thursday, their season will be over.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:09 PM | Permalink
IN-GAME UPDATE: Record set with homers
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
David Ortiz greets Manny Ramirez after they both homered, following a home run by Kevin Youkilis, in the sixth inning tonight.
For the first time in LCS history, a club hit back-to-back-to-back home runs as the Sox' Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez crushed solo homers in the top of the sixth inning. It was the second time in postseason history, however, that a team belted three consecutive blasts. The Yankees’ Tim Raines, Derek Jeter and Paul O’Neil accomplished the feat in the 1997 ALDS against the Indians.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:47 PM | Permalink
IN-GAME STORY: Matsuzaka revisted
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- The image of Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka sitting in corner of the clubhouse in complete disarray, following Monday night’s loss in Game Three of the ALCS, was still very real Tuesday afternoon.
It was the second time this postseason, his first in the majors, that Matsuzaka has struggled and it was clear he was very disappointed. At no time did a teammate, coach or manager try to console the “rookie” leaving him to mediate on his own.
Sure the language barrier doesn’t help the situation, but things would have been no different if it was Josh Beckett sitting in disgust at his locker. Actually, the Red Sox’ ace had to deal with similar adversity last season, his first in Boston, and just look at the type of season he’s produced in 2007.
“I see some of the same stuff,” said Beckett when comparing situations. “You have to make a lot of adjustments here, whether you’re coming from the National League to the American, and obviously I have never played in Japan, but I would assume that you still have to make some adjustments.”
Beckett explained because the A.L. East is such a tough division, the best in baseball, Matsuzaka has to make adjustments almost on a pitch-to-pitch basis. No doubt he’s struggled in October, but his teammates still believe in his ability.
“We back Daisuke,” said Beckett. “We still believe every time he goes out there that we’re going to win. It doesn’t have anything to do with the money that they are paying him or anything like that. We believe in him because we know he’s trying. He’s really giving it all.”
As frustrating as it may be for Matsuzaka, his teammates can empathize with him because the support system is quite different. It’s not like they can sit down in the clubhouse and talk, or enjoy a postgame meal with friendly conversation.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who said he did not see Dice-K sitting by himself, doesn’t think it makes much difference if players sit in plain view at their lockers or go and hide to feel shame.
“I don’t think it matters,” said Francona. “What’s the difference if he goes and sits in a room? That doesn’t mean you’re going to hang a curveball next outing or you’re going to pitch well. If a guy chooses to sit in front of his locker, that’s what he did. It’s like a guy coming out with an ice pack and everybody panicking. If the guy had it on in the other room, it’s still the same ice pack.”
Matsuzaka, after all, is a professional and should be able to file away his last two starts in order to be effective his next time out, whenever that is.
“I don’t think he was very happy with his outing,” said Francona. “Then you’re going to have some of the barriers of the language where you have to ask somebody else to ask him, and he has to tell somebody else to tell you. So, it’s not that easy, even on good nights because of the language barrier. I just think he was disappointed with the way things went.”
Because of Matsuzaka’s subpar performance, his second of the postseason, Francona said he did not talk to him on Tuesday because pitching coach John Farrell already had, so there was no need to revisit the situation.
When the season is finally put to rest, that’s when the Red Sox will evaluate Matsuzaka’s performance. Even Red Sox GM Theo Epstein has said in the past that he fully expects Matsuzaka to improve in 2008.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:24 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Farrell being courted
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell is reportedly up for the vacant manager's job in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have not contacted the Red Sox, but the Sox expect to hear from them once the season is over.
Terry Francona said this afternoon he has heard the reports and he's not surprised Farrell is being courted.
''Any time jobs open up, and justifiable so, you’re going to hear his name,'' said Francona. ''He’s a star. I wish to see (bench coach Brad Mills) name, too. I don’t think that’s a surprise. His name is going to get linked because he’s too good.''
Farrell, in his first season with the Red Sox, served as the Indians' director of player development from 2001 to 2006. He's highly regarded as one of the best judge of talent in the baseball world and Francona believes it's only a matter of time before Farrell becomes a manager in the majors.
''People like that, their name is going to come up; it’s supposed to,'' added Francona.
He was asked if he feels a little bit selfish, wanting Farrell to stay in his current role, but the manager said he doesn’t look at it like that.
''I don’t know how the hell we would replace him, but I don’t feel the selfish part,'' he said. ''We’re too close for me not to want to have the best for any of these guys. I would never feel like that. Whatever they ultimately desire, I’ll be thrilled with. That is if we can replace him.''
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:25 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Change -- in the lineup -- is not good, according to Francona
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona sat in the visiting manager’s office late Monday night with bench coach Brad Mills, and the two discussed the possibility of changing the lineup for Game Four. But Francona said they ultimately came back to letting the lineup stay as is.
Center fielder Coco Crisp is 5-for-22 in the postseason, and 3-for-12 in the ALCS against the Indians. Dustin Pedroia is 4-for-25 in the playoffs and 2-for-12 in this series from the leadoff spot. But Francona is quite adamant about staying with the players who got the club to this point.
When a reporter asked him the question about a lineup change, the manager disagreed with the thought process of replacing Crisp with Jacoby Ellsbury.
''You’ve got a fly-ball pitcher (in Tim Wakefield) and you’re taking a Gold Glove center fielder out of the game?'' said Francona. ''I don’t know if I agree with that. Part of my responsibility is when you think you know what’s right, stay with what’s right. That’s doesn’t mean guys are going to get 15 hits every night, but if you go away from what got you there, I think I’m somewhat cheating the players a little bit, and I don’t want to do that.''
Every time Ellsbury was in the lineup for the Red Sox this season, he has contributed in some aspect of the game, giving the club life on most nights.
''Yes he did,'' said Francona. ''He did a great job, but Pedroia has been our leadoff hitter. I kind of promised myself that if I ever (managed again after being fired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies) I would do what I thought was right . . . I’m not trying to be stubborn, I just feel strongly about doing things a certain way. There were times (in Philly) I wavered a bit from the things I felt strongly about.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:15 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: It's pouring in Cleveland, and the tarp is back on the field
CLEVELAND -- The tarp is back on the field since it started to pour about 30 seconds ago. The forecast shows periods of light rain throughout the night, so it should be an interesting night here at Jacobs Field.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:11 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: The rain has stopped and the tarp is coming off the field in Cleveland
CLEVELAND -- It's been raining here for much of the day, but it has stopped at the moment and the grounds crew is taking the tarp off the field. Both clubs will take BP inside this afternoon.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:15 PM | Permalink
INDIANS 4, RED SOX 2: Pedroia frustrated
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona continuously talks about the importance of keeping the line moving, meaning the batting order needs to hit around in order for the club to be successful.
Well, in order for that line to keep moving, it has to get started.
Rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia is the one in charge of doing just that from the lead-off spot in the order. Throughout the regular-season he was solid in that role and thrived on a consistent basis. In the postseason, however, he said he’s been pressing a little too much and it showed again last night with his 0-for-4 performance.
“I just stunk tonight,” said Pedroia. “You play this game all year for this and it’s tough. We’ll bounce back. That’s why it’s a seven-game series.”
He struck out in his first at-bat, grounded out in the third and sixth innings, and finished his night at the plate with another ‘K’ in the seventh.
“I got some pitches to hit tonight, I just didn’t hit them,” he said. “This is all on me. (Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook) kept us off balance with his sinker, change-up and slider. He was good.”
Pedroia faced Westbrook three times and Indians reliever Jensen Lewis once.
“They blew the ball by me,” Pedroia said. “I have to go back to drawing board and figure some things out.”
Pedroia is 4-for-25 in the postseason and if there’s anyone who can quickly turn it around, it’s the gutsy rookie who plays the game like a 10-year veteran.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:27 AM | Permalink
INDIANS 4, RED SOX 2: Dice-K silenced
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Daisuke Matsuzaka seemingly sat emotionally and physically drained at his locker in the corner of the Red Sox’ clubhouse at Jacobs Field following Monday’s 4-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians in Game Three of the ALCS.
Hours after his night was over -- 4 2/3 innings (101 pitches, 59 strikes), 4 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts – the right-hander was leaning back in his chair, hands folded behind his head, clearly in deep meditation probably trying to figure out what happened.
It was only his second postseason start in the majors and he remains winless. The Indians’ hitters worked the count early and often as Matsuzaka reached the 101 pitches in only the fifth inning, which makes for a long night.
Both Red Sox manager Terry Francona and catcher Jason Varitek said after the loss – which now finds Boston trailing in the best-of-seven series, 2-1 – they thought Dice-K wasn’t as bad as the numbers may look.
“He threw some good pitches,” said the manager. “He had some depth to his slider and his fastball was good. He just got into some deep counts.”
Varitek never sugar coats anything and he agreed with what Francona said about Matsuzaka’s performance.
“He was pretty good,” said Boston’s captain. “I thought he threw the ball pretty well, we just couldn’t get it done with earlier pitches, but the ball came out of his hand pretty good. . . Dice just missed. He was just missing in some situations and that’s all it was.”
When Matsuzaka did make a mistake, Cleveland definitely made him pay for it, including the Indians’ Kenny Lofton, who crushed a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning. It was the only the third time in his career the veteran faced the Japanese import, and Lofton didn’t waste any time as he drove the first pitch he saw and deposited it into the right-field seats.
“The fans are pretty excited when I come up to the plate, and that’s a good thing for me,” said Lofton. “I just try to enjoy it and also try to do something. Once you’ve got the fans out there cheering for you, you want to make something happen. I just wanted to try to be aggressive at that point and I got lucky.”
Cleveland needed only one other inning – the fifth – to push the Boston starter out of the game as the Indians’ scored two more in the fifth for a 4-0 lead that they would not relinquish.
“I’d think he probably would have preferred to pitch better,” said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. “He wasn’t getting ahead probably the way he wanted to, and good teams are going to exploit that.”
Even though Cleveland only scored four runs, Boston was held to just two runs on seven hits, and other than Varitek’s two-run homer in the seventh inning, the Red Sox couldn’t carry their offensive momentum from the first two games of this series over to last night.
“We got beat up, plain and simple,” said rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “We didn’t hit and our pitching staff did a good job; we just didn’t do anything. I thought (Matsuzaka) was fine. There were a couple of pitches that could have gone our way, but they didn’t and it changed a couple of guys’ at-bats.”
Matsuzaka would not talk to the media after the game, not even to the Matsuzaka Media Mafia, only releasing a quick statement, saying he was disappointed. Then it was back to his seat in the corner of the clubhouse. Again with his hands folded behind his head, only this time he was leaning forward in disgust.
Varitek said he fully expects to see Dice-K pitch again this postseason.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:03 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Indians 4, Red Sox 2 (updated with Francona, Lofton and Wedge reaction)
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND — Because both the Red Sox and the Indians have outstanding starting pitching in the No. 1 and 2 spots of their respective rotations, it was almost a given this ALCS could be decided by the No. 3 and 4 guys from each side.
Advantage: Cleveland.
While Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka struggled, the Indians’ Jake Westbrook was sound as the right-hander helped Cleveland to a 4-2 victory at Jacobs Field Monday night. The Indians now lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
Matsuzaka’s first postseason in the majors hasn’t gone very swimmingly for the Japanese import. In his first appearance in Game Two of the ALDS against the Angels, Matsuzaka allowed three runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in only 4 2/3 innings of work. Monday night again he worked only 4 2/3 innings (101 pitches, 59 strikes), allowing four runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
“When you look at his pitch count (101) . . . it’s a lot of pitches, a lot of deep counts,’’ said manager Terry Francona. “He [only] made the one glaring mistake, to [Kenny] Lofton” — a two-run homer in the second inning that gave Cleveland the lead for good — “but the more pitches you throw, especially to dangerous hitters, the better chances you give them.”
On the other side, Westbrook, also making only his second postseason start, worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed only two runs – a two-run homer by Jason Varitek –on seven hits.
“The strategy . . . with guys who are sinking the ball is to get the ball up so you can handle them,’’ said Francona. “But we couldn’t do it [last night]. Work ahead [in the count], stay out of the middle of the plate, that’s why guys [like Westbrook] are effective.’’
It wasn’t only the pitching that proved crucial.
During the first two games of the ALCS, both the Red Sox and Indians produced an explosive offensive barrage. Monday night, in Game Three, the clubs proved how things can change so quickly in this game.
After David Ortiz hit into a double play to end the first inning, the Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the second. Jason Varitek then lifted a fly ball to left field. Lofton made the catch and threw a frozen rope to the plate to keep Manny Ramirez standing on third.
Coco Crisp hit into an unassisted 6-3 double play to end the inning and the threat.
In the bottom of the inning, Lofton — who tried to rattle Matsuzaka by taking his time getting into the batters’ box — crushed a two-run homer to give Cleveland the lead, his seventh career postseason roundtripper
“Whatever I got to do to keep them rattled,’’ said Lofton, “I’ll keep doing it.”
''He's a big-game player,'' said Indians manager Eric Wedge. ''He understands what it takes to play in a big game. For him to go out there and get us going like that, our first game here in this series, it really got us kick-started.''
Westbrook kept the Boston bats at bay until Ortiz led off the fourth inning with a double off the left-field wall. Ramirez followed and hit a chopper to the left side of the infield where Ortiz could not avoid the ball as it hit him in the upper thigh for the out.
Westbrook then retired the next six batters he faced before Kevin Youkilis provided a one-out single in the top of the sixth inning. Boston added another base runner when Ortiz walked, but it didn’t matter much because Ramirez grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning, leaving the Red Sox still scoreless. The twin-killing was Cleveland’s third of the game.
For good measure, the Indians added a pair of runs in the fifth inning off Matsuzaka for a 4-0 advantage that also ended his night.
Westbrook’s clean outing got a little bit soiled on his 90th pitch of the game. Varitek deposited it 407 feet from home plate for a two-run homer, cutting Boston’s deficit to two, 4-2.
But, that was all the offense the Red Sox could muster as Cleveland’s bullpen finished the job.
Indian relievers Jensen Lewis and Rafael Betancourt along with closer Joe Borowski kept Boston hitless over the last 2 1/3 innings en route to victory.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:42 PM | Permalink
IN-GAME UPDATE: PHOTO -- Ken-ny! Ken-ny! Ken-ny!
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Cleveland's Kenny Lofton watches the flight of his 2-run home run in the second inning this evening in Cleveland.
CLEVELAND -- It's only the bottom of the second inning and already the Indians' Kenny Lofton has had a huge impact.
He just crushed a two-run homer off Daisuke Matsuzaka to give Cleveland the early lead with his seventh career postseason roundtripper. But, it was his defensive play in the top of the second inning that proved crucial.
Boston loaded the bases, and with Manny Ramirez standing on third, Jason Varitek lifted a fly ball to left field. Lofton made the catch and threw a frozen rope to the plate to keep Ramirez standing 90 feet away.
Lofton glared at his former teammate and shook his finger, telling Ramirez, ''I don't think so.''
The Sox' Coco Crisp followed and hit into an unassisted 6-3 double play to end the inning and the threat.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:47 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Nixon in starting lineup
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- After his late-inning and early-morning heroics in Game Two of this series, The Indians' Trot Nixon is in the starting lineup tonight. The former Red Sox delivered what proved to be the game-winning hit in the 11th inning on Saturday.
Indians' manager Eric Wedge decided to give Nixon another shot at his former club tonight and inserted him into right field to replace Franklin Gutierrez.
"Trot's playing time has been somewhat limited here the last couple of months, but when we have had him in there, he's given us some good at-bats. I look at Gutierrez, and we've thrown a lot at him for a young kid, and he's done a great job."
Wedge said because Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka throws a lot of breaking pitches, the manager felt it best to have Nixon in the lineup.
"Getting another left-hander in there with some experience, I think, is the best way to go tonight."
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said this afternoon that he expected Wedge to make a lineup change.
"I can't sit and tell you that I knew what their lineup would be," said Francona. "But I don't think we were surprised when they sent it over today."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:13 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: My flag is bigger than yours
CLEVELAND -- Fenway Park is known for a lot of things, including the large American flag the club drapes every once in a while from the Green Monster. The Red Sox are quite proud of their flag, but the Indians did one better Monday night.
For the National Anthem in Cleveland, the Indians had youngsters hold Old Glory that took up 90 percent of the outfield at Jacobs Field. It was pretty impressive.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:41 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Byrd, like Wakefield, has a personal catcher
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Tim Wakefield has Doug Mirabelli. The Indians' Paul Byrd has Kelly Shoppach.
The one-time catching prospect for the Red Sox, Shoppach was traded to Cleveland prior to the 2006 season as part of the Coco Crisp deal. Shoppach, a talented backstop, has worked as Victor Martinez' backup for two seasons and became Byrd's throw-to guy at the start of this season.
Byrd, Cleveland's Game Four starter, said Monday afternoon the reason he hooked up with Shoppach was actually quite logical. Indians manager Eric Wedge wanted to give Martinez a day off here and there, and with Byrd's slow action to the plate, Shoppach, who has a very strong arm, has the ability to throw out baserunners.
So the relationship was created.
"We hooked up a couple of times and it worked," said Byrd. "It was never my intention for him to be my catcher all through the season. It's worked out okay. I call Victor Martinez my personal first baseman because I like for him to feel good about the situation. . . Shoppach has done a great job."
What made the situation even better for all those involved, Wedge hasn't changed things during the postseason, which shows his loyalty to his players.
"He's a tremendously loyal manager," said Byrd. "That's one of the ways you get a lot out of your players is being loyal to them. I was very happy he went with Kelly Shoppach, and I was very happy that Kelly delivered with a couple of doubles (against the Yankees). That was not expected, but it was welcome."
Shoppach will get a chance to play against his former club on Tuesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:35 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Red Sox acquire pitcher
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Just because the Red Sox are playing in the postseason doesn't mean management isn't still looking for players.
Boston claimed left-hander Jay Marshall off waivers from the Oakland Athletics this afternoon. The 24-year-old has been added to the Sox' 40-man roster. To make room for Marshall, the Red Sox designated left-hander Daniel Haigwood for assignment.
Marshall, who is playing in the Arizona Fall League, was 1-2 with a 6.43 ERA in 51 relief appearances for the A's this season, his first in the majors.
Haigwood was acquired from the Texas Rangers in April 2007 and was 3-5, 5.74 in 17 games (16 starts) for Double-A Portland this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:23 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Wakefield ready to go
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield has not pitched since Sept. 29, including the ALDS against the Angels, but the veteran knuckleballer will get the ball Tuesday night against the Indians in Game Four of the ALCS.
He said Monday afternoon that he’s healthy and hasn’t had any setbacks with his ailing right shoulder.
''I really don’t have any concerns,” he said. ''I feel ready to go.”
In preparation for Tuesday’s start, Wakefield has been getting his work in, including a 77-pitch simulated game last Tuesday at Fenway Park, when he deemed himself ready.
''The rest has done me well," added Wakefield. ''When I threw that simualted game, I felt like my command was there, and then I'm taking my normal rest. I've thrown on the side and I'm ready to go."
Wakefield, who was 17-12 during the regular season in 31 starts, matched a career-high in wins this year, but did not face the Indians in 2007.
''The satisfaction is great," he said when asked about the 17 wins. ''I was able to pitch for a good team. They scored me runs when I needed to score runs, and I pitched well when I needed to pitch well.''
Overall, he's 9-8 with a 4.50 ERA against Cleveland. At Jacobs Field he's 5-4 with a 4.64 in 11 games (10 starts) here.
Because it's October and with a World Series appearance on the line, Wakefield exudes confidence despite his layoff.
"I love the intensity," said Wakefield. "I love the competition. My season is over with and now it's the postseason. I'm anxious to pitch (Tuesday) and ready to go get 'em."
Wakefield will be matched up against the Indians' Paul Byrd on Tuesday, and the Cleveland starter just came up with a great line.
"This may be the slowest right-handed matchup of all-time," he said.
No matter what happens on Tuesday night, or for the rest of the season, Wakefield's contract is up at the end of the year and he has every intention to return to Boston.
"I'd love to come back next year," he said. "But they haven't had that conversation with me, and that's in the hands of the Red Sox."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:04 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Mall rats
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- If there were any questions whether or not the Red Sox were focused heading into Game Three of the ALCS, the answer could be found at the Tower City Mall here in Cleveland on Monday afternoon.
Many Red Sox players were seen walking around the mall, some with their families, others solo. Without telling all, the selection of stores some were shopping in were interesting.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:03 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: No place like home for Indians
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
CLEVELAND -- The Boston Red Sox may have home-field advantage throughout the postseason, but for the next three games the Cleveland Indians will have the edge, playing at Jacobs Field.
"Well, you like being able to hit last," said Indians manager Eric Wedge. "That's a big part of it. But, being here at home in front of our fans, and being able to be with your families, and being comfortable and back in your routine, that's all a part of it. You have your routine at home. You have your routine on the road. We had an off-day to recover a little bit (on Sunday) and we're excited about playing at home."
Plus, if the ALDS bugs come back, that would have an effect on the visiting club, just ask the Yankees.
"It happens here about two or three times a year," said Wedge. "Usually when it's hot and humid, and there's not much wind, and we're not too far from the water, and we've got lights all over the place. You add all that up, sometimes they're going to come in and settle in."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:53 PM | Permalink
Live from Cleveland
Here are a few tidbits from today's off-day:
**With Red Sox manager Terry Francona on the national stage, he’s been very jovial during his daily press conferences the last couple of week, and yesterday was no different. Now that the series has switched to Cleveland, the site of the nasty bug plague during the Indians’ ALDS against the Yankees, the Red Sox manager was asked about the possibility of the gnats returning.
“Anytime there’ve been bugs on my body, I’m not sure I felt real comfortable about talking about it,” he said. “I don’t know what to say. I guess it’s kind of like rain. If it rains, you handle it. If it snows, you handle it. If it’s cold, you handle it. I guess if there are bugs, you get bug spray.”
Good advice.
Monday's starter for the Red Sox, Daisuke Matsuzaka, was also asked about the situation if it should occur, the Japanese import said he also brought along some spray.
**For all the talk about the Red Sox offense in the postseason, the club’s defense has been solid, too. Manny Ramirez made two spectacular plays in left field in Game One of this series, as did J.D. Drew. Those highlight-reel plays are not always the best.
“We have been playing good crisp defense,” said Francona. “Making the extreme plays are good, but just making the plays you’re supposed to is probably more important.”
The scouting report the Red Sox have on the Indians is pretty impressive, because Boston’s defense has been in the right place most of the time to make plays seem routine, especially in the infield.
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has been positioned perfectly for every Indians batter, as is shortstop Julio Lugo and second baseman Dustin Pedroia. In Game Two on Saturday, Lowell recorded three put-outs and assisted on four others.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:17 PM | Permalink
INDIANS 13, RED SOX 6: Nixon serves as hero for Cleveland
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON-- It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Not Trot Nixon sticking it to his former team, the Boston Red Sox. At least not in October, in the American League Championship Series. but it happened. Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge signaled to Nixon to pick up a bat in the 11th inning to serve as a pinch-hitter in a game tied at 6-6.
And, like he did so many times for the Red Sox, Nixon delivered a crushing blow with a RBI single that eventually proved to be the game-winning hit as Cleveland defeated Boston, 13-6, to even the series at 1-1.
With Red Sox lefty reliever coming out of the bullpen to face Nixon, the left-handed hitter lifted a shallow liner into right-center field to score Grady Sizemore for the go-ahead run. Six more runs later, Cleveland left Boston with a victory.
''Lopez is not a comfortable at-bat for left-handers, dropping down submarine,” said Nixon. “I felt good going to the plate and was excited to finally get in there at 1:30 in the morning. It was gratifying for me because I’ve been struggling at times against left-handers, but I felt good and I saw the first pitch real well. For some reason, I felt confident in the batter’s box and if you can keep your emotions in check, in situations like that, you probably have a little better chance. I was fortunate. I didn’t hit it hard, but I hit it to where I needed to.”
When Nixon, who signed with the Indians as a free agent during the offseason, returned to Fenway this season, he received a king’s welcome, and for good reason. He spent his entire career with the Red Sox before landing in Cleveland last winter, so the fans made sure the former No. 7 knew exactly how they felt about him.
After Saturday night’s game, the fans probably think different.
“I’m the enemy coming in here,” Nixon said. “I had some great years in Boston and very grateful for that. I’m also grateful to have the opportunity to play in Cleveland, considering what happened to me during the offseason. Whether playing time has been cut or not, I feel it’s important for me to keep these guys upbeat.”
As Nixon spoke so eloquently following his late-inning heroics, Wedge – also a former Red Sox and PawSox player like Nixon – sat in the interview room with a huge smile on his face. The Cleveland skipper was probably thinking ‘My gut feeling to insert Trot worked perfectly’ and Wedge spoke highly of hid de facto captain.
“He’s taught our young players what it means to be a leader,” said Wedge. “If you’re going to be a leader, it’s strength and personality, it’s presence, you’ve got to be vocal, you’ve got to be strongest when other people are sometimes at their weakest, and you’ve got to pick people up. Trot’s season, whether he’s playing or he’s not, he’s been very consistent in that clubhouse, on that bench.”
Of course, in the home clubhouse, Nixon’s performance last night didn’t sit too well with the Red Sox.
“We were really hoping he’d make an out,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We’re trying to have an answer for whatever they did, and both teams had used a lot of players. Under the circumstances for how many pitchers we had gone through, we were actually pretty happy to have left-on-left in that situation. I didn’t work very well.”
It did for Cleveland.
Signing Nixon was also a win-win for the Indians this season. Wedge said the one thing his young core of talented players lacked was toughness, and the presence of Nixon in the clubhouse has put the club over the top.
“He’s really given us a big boost with that this year,” said the Cleveland manager. “It’s helped us toughen up a little bit. That was something we really needed to do because we’ve got a lot of tough ball players in there, but in order for it to rise to the surface, sometimes you need a little boost. Trot has been a huge influence on a lot of our players.”
For once, however, Nixon silenced Red Sox Nation.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:41 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Indians 13, Red Sox 6
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- And you thought the highly intense marathon games were only played when the Red Sox and the Yankees met in October.
That wasn’t the case Saturday night into Sunday morning, as Boston and the Cleveland Indians mounted a new type of postseason spectacular in Game Two of the American League Championship Series. In the end, after five hours and 14 minutes, the Indians emerged victorious with a dramatic 13-6 win in 11 innings. The series is now tied, 1-1.
And of all people to stick it to the Red Sox, former outfielder and fan favorite Trot Nixon provided the game-winning, pinch-hit RBI single for the Indians as his liner to right-center field scored Grady Sizemore for the go-ahead run. The Indians added six more insurance runs in the inning, capped by a three-run homer by Franklin Gutierrez.
Even before the Indians scored the seven runs in the 11th inning, Red Sox relief pitcher Eric Gagne continued to implode. He came on for the 11th with the score tied 6-6. After striking out Casey Blake, he allowed a single to Sizemore and issued a walk to Asdrubal Cabrera. With two on, Red Sox manger Terry Francona pulled Gagne in favor of reliever Javier Lopez.
The lefty allowed the eventual game-winning hit to Nixon.
Almost lost in the marathon game was the fact that Boston starter Curt Schilling proved he is human and hittable in the postseason.
The Indians pounded the veteran right-hander into submission as he lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits with no walks and three strikeouts. The nine hits matched a career postseason high, and it was his second shortest postseason start.
Sizemore set the tone early with a double to left field, leading off the game. Two outs later, Victor Martinez also doubled to left to give Cleveland an early 1-0 lead.
Boston pushed across three runs in the third, including a bases-loaded walk to Manny Ramirez and a two-run double by Mike Lowell, to gain a 3-1 advantage. But Cleveland quickly answered with its own three-spot in the top of the fourth inning on Jhonny Peralta’s three-run blast to deep center field to regain the lead, 4-3.
The Indians added to their lead in the top of the fifth when Sizemore launched a solo home run into the Sox’ bullpen for a 5-3 lead. Schilling allowed two more hits after the roundtripper before getting the hook from Francona and replaced with reliever Manny Delcarmen.
The nine hits Schilling allowed tied a personal career postseason high for the veteran right-hander.
So many times in the past Schilling led the Red Sox to victory. After he faltered, however, his teammates picked him up.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Boston ran Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona from the game after Kevin Youkilis provided a lead-off single. Then the Red Sox absolutely abused the Indians’ bullpen.
With Youkilis on first, Ortiz hit a ground to the right side of the infield when Cleveland attempted to turn a double play. While Youkilis was forced out at second, a lumbering Ortiz legged out the play at first, which proved crucial because Ramirez followed with a two-run homer to tie the game at 5-5.
The fans in attendance wanted a curtain call, and Ramirez gave it to them just as Mike Lowell smoked a solo shot high above the Monster Seats to give Boston a 6-5 advantage.
But The Indians pushed across the tying run in the top of the sixth off Manny Delcarmen, before he was pulled in favor of lefty Hideki Okajima, who worked out of a bases-loaded jam to keep the damage to a minimum.
With the game still knotted at 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Sox’ Dustin Pedroia provided a two-out single to left, was replaced with pinch-runner Jacoby Ellsbury, who subsequently stole second uncontested. Kevin Youkilis produced an 11-pitch at-bat off Indians’ reliever Rafael Betancourt, but eventually flied out to center field to end the inning and the threat.
The teams will have Sunday off with Game Three set for Monday in Cleveland with the Sox’ Daisuke Matsuzaka facing the Indians’ Jake Westbrook.
If the excitement and adrenaline of Saturday night’s game was any indication, the rest of this series could be one for the ages.
Who needs the Yankees?
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:37 AM | Permalink
PREGAME: Gagne in or out?
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Julian Tavarez taps Eric Gagne on the head after Gagne escaped the ninth inning of Game 1.
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox reliever Eric Gagne struggled again, only this time it wasn't the regular season. The right-hander, who Boston acquired at the trade deadline to shore up the bullpen, entered the ninth inning of Game One of the ALCS against the Cleveland Indians Friday night and struggled.
With the Red Sox leading 10-3, Gagne did strikeout out three and didn't allow a run, but he did load the bases on two hits and a walk.
“At times (Friday) night, he threw some great off-speed pitches,” said Terry Francona. “It was obvious because he got the swings and misses. Then at times, it was the guy we’ve seen, losing his balance on the follow through and the fastball up. So, it’s a very difficult fine line right now. We’re in the postseason and it is a little tough. The one saving grace for me is the way he handles it. He’s trying his [butt] off. It’s just not as clean as we would like it to be.”
When he first arrived in Boston, he struggled a bit and started hearing the boo-birds from the fans at Fenway Park. Then he had the tender-arm issues.
“He never really got on a roll,” said Francona. “Besides the last eight days [of the regular season] he had four or five pretty good outings. It’s just the consistency of his outings and the timing of his outings probably aren’t helping, but we’ll keep at it. Hopefully we’ll have some time to figure this out.”
Fox broadcaster and former major-leaguer Tim McCarver said during Friday’s broadcast that he thought Gagne’s arm was bothering him because the right-hander kept stretching his arm. But, as Francona said Saturday, Gagne has always done that. It’s part of his rhythm on the mound.
Gagne will be a free agent at the end of this season, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Red Sox handle the reliever for the rest of the postseason and beyond.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:18 PM | Permalink
PREGAME: Pedroia, over his nerves, is 'fine,' says Francona
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia recently said he thought he was pressing during the ALDS against the Angels. Looking at his 2-for-13 performance, some would agree with him.
Not manager Terry Francona.
When Pedroia provided an RBI double in Game Three of the ALDS, he was quite relieved, thinking he wasn't playing up to par. Francona completely disagreed.
''Maybe I should have been smart enough to realize that’s he’s a young kid and he’s nervous,” said the manager. “He’s been out there every day and he seems like a veteran to me. I should have been a little more intuitive and said something to him, but I didn’t think about it. We count on him so much, and yes, I think he was pressing a little bit.”
How about this series?
''He’s fine,'' said Francona. ''Whether or not you’re getting hits doesn’t mean your pressing or not comfortable, sometimes you’re facing pretty good pitchers.''
If there was any question Pedroia, who is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year, was focused at the plate, his scorching line drive in his first at-bat against C.C. Sabathia on Friday proved that point.
As the Red Sox advance through the postseason, expect the second baseman to be a critical part of the offense.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:34 PM | Permalink
RED SOX 10, INDIANS 3: Rest of the lineup shows Sox aren't a three-man team
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- By this point of the postseason, everyone knows the impact Josh Beckett, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez have had for the Boston Red Sox.
The threesome has been absolutely outstanding in ways most won’t realize until maybe years down the road. Beckett’s pitching, combined with the offensive talents of Ortiz and Ramirez, is poison for opponents, especially in October.
But what about the other guys?
The rest of the Red Sox lineup is just as important as the ace of the staff and the 1-2 punch from the third and fourth spot in the order.
If the leadoff hitter Dustin Pedroia and No. 2 hitter Kevin Youkilis don’t reach base, then Ortiz and Ramirez are obsolete.
If No. 5 hitter Mike Lowell doesn’t produce the way he has all season, followed by Bobby Kielty/J.D. Drew, Jason Varitek, Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo, then Ortiz and Ramirez are obsolete.
“For them to get on base like they did today is a little bit ridiculous,” said Lowell, following Friday’s 10-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians in Game One of the ALCS.
What Lowell was referring to was the pair of hammers reaching base all 10 times. What might get lost in the mix, however, is the fact Ortiz and Ramirez combined to score four runs. That means the guys around them are doing their jobs just as well, too.
“I think it’s really important,” said Lowell. “One through nine is important. We don’t want the guys hitting behind or in front of that David-Manny combination not being able to do their job . . . If they’re on base, there’s nowhere to put those guys, so they’ve got to pitch to them. That’s to our advantage.
“Then if they come through, it’s the responsibility of the guys that follow to keep it going, so they don’t get a free pass. I think we did a good job of that tonight. We put together professional at-bats and were able to work the count. We put ourselves in a good position.”
Lowell contributed three RBI, while Kielty and Varitek added two each.
As much as the big things count at this time of the season, the proverbial little things -- like dropping down a sacrifice bunt or moving a runner over -- are just as important as a bases-loaded walk or a home run.
The Red Sox are in the midst of doing it all.
With that said, the club will make it hard for any team to beat them at this point.
"That's the one thing that is very important," said Ortiz. "Because when you're only focused on two players, when you have nine players plus, and you don't get production from the rest of the players, if I'm managing the team I wouldn't give nothing to hit to those two guys.
"Those guys are doing a great job," added Ortiz. "They're getting it done and producing at the right time. That makes a difference, too."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:57 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Boston 10, Cleveland 3
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Josh Beckett throwing in the top of the third inning.
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- It was complete domination.
Boston made Cleveland look like a college team during spring training as the Red Sox defeated the Indians, 10-3, in Game One of the American League Championship Series last night at Fenway Park. The Red Sox received solid starting pitching, an explosive offense and sound defense to take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.
\It wasn’t the pitchers’ duel most thought they would witness between the pair of Cy Young Award candidates.
As far as October artistry is concerned, Red Sox starter Josh Beckett continues to be poetic. Cleveland Indians ace C.C. Sabathia wasn't.
The right-handed Beckett, who pitched a complete-game four-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Game One of the ALDS a week ago, was solid once again. He needed to work only six innings and allowed just two runs on four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. Sabathia, the left-hander, never found his groove as Boston pounded him for eight runs on seven hits.
It was clear from the get-go that Beckett had his October stuff. He struck out the first two batters he faced in the brisk 51-degree game-time temperature before the Indians’ Travis Hafner unloaded with a solo home run that landed in the first row behind the visitor’s bullpen for a 1-0 Cleveland lead.
It was a mistake pitch by Beckett, a fastball that did not move enough inside, and Hafner turned on it. Other than that, Beckett was in control. The right-hander responded by retiring the next 10 batters he faced before hitting the Indians’ Ryan Garko with a pitch in the fifth.
Putting the runner on meant nothing, because Beckett was able to get Jhonny Peralta to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, and after Kenny Lofton doubled, Beckett got out of the jam by striking out Franklin Gutierrez to end the inning.
Prior to the game when Sabathia was warming up in the bullpen, the left-hander seemed out of sorts a bit and that proved to be true early last night. The key for the Red Sox was to get to him early, and they did. In the process, Boston gave its ace a solid offensive cushion.
Ramirez provided an RBI-single in the bottom of the first inning before the Red Sox pushed across a four-spot in the third to jump out to a 5-1 lead as Sabathia couldn’t quite get into a groove early. The big hit in the inning was a two-run ground-rule double for Lowell.
Sabathia retired the side in order in the fourth, but he imploded big time in the fifth. He loaded the bases before Bobby Kielty – starting in place of J.D. Drew due to his career success against the Cleveland starter – provided a two-run single to break the game wide open. That would end Sabathia’s night.
Right-handed reliever Jensen Lewis replaced the starter and surrendered an RBI-double to Jason Varitek to give Boston an 8-1 lead.
The Indians pushed across a run in the sixth off Beckett, a RBI-single by Asdrubal Cabrera, but that would all Cleveland could muster. The Red Sox, however, weren’t done.
Boston scored two more in the sixth inning with Ramirez drawing his second bases-loaded walk of the game, Lowell providing a sacrifice fly for a 10-2 lead. With the Sox holding an eight-run lead, Francona decided to pull Beckett after six innings and only 80 pitches (53 strikes).
Because of the short night, it’s possible he could come back and work Game Four – only if absolutely needed – instead of Tim Wakefield, who is scheduled to start that game Monday in Cleveland.
If Cleveland thought last night was bad, it won’t get any easier for the Indians Saturday night as they try to even the series when they face another October master pitcher in Curt Schilling.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:33 PM | Permalink
Dice-K ready
The man doesn’t say much – due to the language barrier – but Dice-K got his point across clearly when asked about the Indians.
The last time the Japanese import faced Cleveland, the right-hander was outstanding. He worked seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Dice-K posted the margin of victory over Indians ace C.C. Sabathia on July 24, and Matsuzaka said he’ll be ready to pitch Game Three of the ALCS.
“I watched the Division Series and I could feel the momentum of the Indians,” he said.
Because he enjoyed success at Jacobs Field, there is a certain comfort level.
“I feel the mound there was good to pitch off of compared to others,” he said. “It was a comfortable mound. It will be good to pitch there.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:07 PM | Permalink
Looking back
The last time the Red Sox played the Indians, Boston completely dominated the four-game set in Cleveland last July. It was a special series for a few reasons, mainly the return of Jon Lester to a major-league mound. The left-hander earned the victory that night and allowed just two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts.
Boston scored early with five of its six runs coming in the first two innings, something the club will need to do again in the ALCS.
In the second game of that series, the Red Sox won 1-0 as Daisuke Matsuzaka worked seven scoreless innings before Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon finished the job. Mike Lowell had the lone RBI in that game.
Things flip-flopped in the third game as the Sox’ Josh Beckett and the Indians’ Fausto Carmona both hurled excellent games. Cleveland’s Franklin Gutierrez crushed a solo homer for a 1-0 victory. Both teams staged an offensive barrage in the series finale with the Red Sox winning, 14-9.
“We played really good baseball,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona this morning. “We came out of that series playing good baseball. We knew we were playing a good team and we played pretty well.”
The Sox left Cleveland and traveled to Tampa and won two of three.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:54 PM | Permalink
Lester ready for anything
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester has not pitched since the regular-season finale against Minnesota on Sept. 30. Because of the solid pitching in the ALDS, the young lefty was not needed, but it's likely he'll see some action in the upcoming ALCS against Cleveland.
Lester threw a brief simualted game along side Tim Wakefield on Tuesday and everything went well for both.
“I felt fine,” said Lester. “It was a little weird facing hitters.”
Wakefield is scheduled to start Game Four in Cleveland and Lester is slated to work out of the bullpen if needed. Ironically, he's hoping he want be summoned from the pen.
"It’s kind of one of those deals where I hope I don’t pitch because that means starters are going deep into games and they don’t need me," he said.
When asked if he has lost his rhythm because he hasn't pitched in a game in almost two weeks, Lester said he didn't know.
"I don’t know because I haven’t pitched in a game,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ve stayed in my rhythm or not. I don’t think it’ll be too tough. It will probably be a rough first batter or two and hopefully from there I can settled down and be fine."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:33 PM | Permalink
Some old faces returning to Fenway
If you watched the Cleveland Indians beat the New York Yankees to clinch the ALDS on Monday night, you would have easily witnessed Trot Nixon and Kelly Shoppach celebrating the victory.
The former Red Sox players will return to Fenway on Friday when Boston and Cleveland play Game One of the ALCS. Nixon, who spent his entire career in the Red Sox organization before signing with the Indians last winter as a free agent, was an integral part of Boston's World Series Championship in 2004.
The right fielder has already made a return trip to Fenway as a member of the Indians this summer, but this time around will seem a bit different.
"We all have a special place in our hearts for Trot," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "But we don't want to have a seven-day Trot lovefest. We're here to win."
Former catching prospect Kelly Shoppach will also return as a member of the Indians. He was traded to Cleveland prior to the 2006 season as part of the deal for Coco Crisp. Shoppach has served as the backup for Victor Martinez and he's enjoyed some success. Shoppach started behind the plate for Cleveland in the clincher against New York.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:22 PM | Permalink
So much for staying in the moment
The Red Sox do have the uncanny ability of taking one game at a time. Even though Terry Francona and the players would never deviate from the norm, at least not pubicly, David Ortiz is showing today that he's looking ahead.
During the club's workout, the Red Sox slugger and designated hitter is taking ground balls at first base. Obviously, Big Papi won't see action in the field during the upcoming ALCS against the Cleveland Indians, but he will need to sport a glove if Boston advances to the World Series.
It's a good sign he's being proactive. He looks pretty good over there.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:15 PM | Permalink
Wet clubhouse reaction
Jonathan Papelbon:
“We’re starting to feel the flow and it doesn’t matter who we go up against. We’ve got a lot of momentum in our dugout right now, and hopefully we can keep it.”
Papelbon on Schilling:
“He’s the one guy we want out there to pitch for us. He’s obviously a big-game pitcher. The big-daddy Curt came through; there’s no doubt about it.”
Manny Ramirez on back-to-back homers with David Ortiz:
“Me and David, we are the best one-two punch ever.”
Ramirez on actually celebrating with his teammates this time around:
“It’s great, man. That’s what this whole season is about. We’re moving on to the next step and we’ll see what happens.”
Terry Francona on winning:
Francona on winning:
“You do enjoy it; you’re supposed to. This means a lot and we don’t want to be done. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of what we’ve accomplished, and what we hope to accomplish. It’s fun to watch these guys feel this good about themselves.”
Francona on Schilling pitching well in big games:
“That’s why he’s here. That’s why Theo went and tried to get him four years ago. Even back when he was bleeding all over his sock, I never, for one minute, didn’t think he would find a way to win a game. That’s probably not fair, but that’s the way we feel. There’s a reason he’s been pitching so long and so well and has done what he’s done. It’s not always perfect, but you have to find a way to will yourself to be good and he can certainly do that.”
Manny Delcarmen on being a part of the Red Sox:
Delcarmen on being a part of this team:
“I didn’t expect to come up at the beginning of the year, but this is exciting. I’ve been throwing the ball well. I have to give it to Tito because he had the confidence to stick with me. I’m just really excited right now to be a part of this team.”
Coco Crisp on Ortiz, who called his shot.
“He told me he was going to hit a home run. Now he’s tricked me into thinking he’s the Bambino."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:20 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Red Sox 9, Angels 1
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ANAHEIM, Calif. _ Bring on . . . whomever!
The Boston Red Sox swept the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this afternoon and will face either the New York Yankees or the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS, beginning Friday at Fenway Park.
Red Sox ace Curt Schilling delivered exactly what he said he would – victory – as Boston triumphed in a 9-1 win at Angel Stadium. Red Sox sluggers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz provided the offense with back-to-back solo home runs in the fourth inning.
With his blast, Ramirez ties former New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams for the most all-time postseason homers with 22. Ortiz followed with his shot, the ninth time the pair have hit back-to-back roundtrippers and the second in the postseason.
Schilling worked seven scoreless innings, allowing just six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Red Sox rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia provided an RBI-double in the top of eighth, and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Kevin Youkilis for a 4-0 Boston lead. Mike Lowell contributed an RBI-double, scoring Ortiz for a 5-0 advantage.
The scoring didn’t stop there in the inning.
Jacoby Ellsbury, serving as a pinch-runner for Ramirez, who walked earlier in the inning, scored from third on a fielder’s choice by J.D. Drew. Jason Varitek provided an RBI-double before Coco Crisp contributed a two-run single for a 9-0 lead.
The Angels scored one run the bottom of the ninth inning off reliever Eric Gagne.
The Yankees and the Indians are playing Game Three of their series right now in the Bronx. Cleveland leads the best-of-five series, 2-0.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:42 PM | Permalink
Ramirez ties record
Press Enterprise photo / Silvia Flores
Manny Ramirez watches his fourth-inning home run fly out of Angel Stadium.
With his solo blast in the top of the fourth inning today, Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez ties former New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams for the most all-time postseason homers with 22.
Ramirez followed David Ortiz's solo home run and it's the ninth time the pair have hit back-to-back roundtrippers; second in the postseason.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:18 PM | Permalink
Rally Paddles a problem?
Prior to today's game the Angels handed out these rally paddles to all fans, but because of the sunny conditions at Angel Stadium, they're more like mirrors. It must be tough on hitters because of the glare they're giving off. And, it seems like the in-house music is prompting the fans to use them only when the Red Sox are at the plate.
It's like that scene from the Rodney Dangerfield movie "Back to School" where the character played by Robert Downey, Jr., shines a mirror into the eyes of a diver during a meet. Of course the diver is blinded and falls into the pool.
I'll have to ask some of the Red Sox players afterwards if it was a problem. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:55 PM | Permalink
Angels pregame notes
Angels manager Mike Scioscia just completed his brief daily news conference.
**Vlad Guerrero, who was hit in the back of the left shoulder by Red Sox relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen in Game Two on Friday, will be playing right field today. Scioscia said Guerrero is "a little stiff" but he feels fine.
**Angels' Casey Kotchman is out of the lineup today with a non-baseball related medical condition, according to Scioscia.
**Scioscia wasn't about to give away any secrets regarding his club's approach against Curt Schilling today.
"Curt's a veteran pitcher," said the manager. "He's not throwing as hard as he did a couple of years ago, but he still has the ability to command the baseball as well as anybody in the game today."
"He can change speeds, he has a good split, we'll see a mix in the slider and breaking balls," added Scioscia. "That's how he was when he was throwing the ball 95 MPH and that's how he's throwing the ball now."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:42 PM | Permalink
Quick thoughts from Anaheim
**Just arrived at Angel Stadium this morning and it's a very windy day. Right now the wind is blowing in, but other than that it's a beautiful day in Southern California.
**The Angels have had more names over the years, including California Angels, Anaheim Angels and their current name the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This is my first trip here and it's totally ridiculous for this club to have Los Angeles in its name.
**Anyway, Curt Schilling gets the ball today in hopes he can clinch the ALDS and help Boston advance to the ALCS, beginning Friday. The veteran right-hander will face the Angels' Jered Weaver.
Schilling always exudes confidence, almost too much sometimes, but during his news conference here yesterday he was quite sure he would be ready for today's start, his first postseason work since the '04 World Series.
"I've got to be perfect," he said. "That's one of the challenges of October that I love. This is about literally being perfect. We hold ourselves to that standard realistically a lot of times, but this is one of those times where I think it's realistic. I've got to be perfect.
"I know what I want to do," he added. "I know how I want to do it. I know when I want to do it. I know who I want to do it to. And, I'm going to do it."
**If Red Sox manager Terry Francona doesn't change things up, which is unlikely, here's today's possible lineup for Boston.
BOSTON
Dustin Pedroia, 4
Kevin Youkilis, 3
David Ortiz, DH
Manny Ramirez, 7
Mike Lowell, 5
J.D. Drew, 9
Jason Varitek, 2
Coco Crisp, 8
Julio Lugo, 6
Curt Schilling SP
**Francona will hold his daily press conference at 1 p.m. eastern/10 a.m. pacific time and we'll post any udates.
**The Angels "In-game" service crew just had its pregame meeting just below the press box here and it was kind of interesting.
"The Angels are down two games and customer service is critical," an Angels staff member told the group. "No matter what happens, let's make this a positive experience."
I guess the Angels' bullpen is deeper than Francona thought.
*The local sheriff's department just scanned the press box with bomb-sniffing dogs. "You don't have any bombs on you," said the officer.
Glad that's taken care of.
Enjoy the game!
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:09 AM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential from Southern Cal
*The Red Sox just completed their optional workout at Angels Stadium. The club arrived here at 6 a.m. this morning, but mostly everyone showed up at the ballpark.
"I almost didn't show up," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We got in late. I think the Angels got in about the same time we did. So, it's the same for both teams. You just do the best you can. . . That's just the way it is. You can sleep in the winter."
*Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedoria said his sore is a little sore today, but nothing to worry about. He still took BP this afternoon. His left shoulder popped out and popped back in when he was attempting to make a play in Game Two Friday night at Fenway Park. He remained in the game and showed no ill effects.
"It's the playoffs," he said. "You play through it."
Before and after the workout this afternoon he received treatment, and he said he'll be ready to go on Sunday.
Francona said this afternoon that he expected the rookie to be "a little more tender" than what he is.
"It's not something that will get in the way of him playing, which is great from our standpoint," said the manager.
Pedroia grew up in California and said he's expecting some family and a ton of friends to attend Sunday's game.
*After his subpar performance in his first major-league postseason game, Daisuke Matsuzaka was sitting in the clubhouse having a discussion with pitching coach John Farrell.
*After his walk-off heroics on Friday night, Manny Ramirez was sitting in the clubhouse this afternoon, watching video of his at-bats versus Sunday's Angels starter Jered Weaver. As he walked over to where the video equipment is set up, he did say he was tired.
Ramirez actually spoke with the media following Friday's victory and he said that he hasn't been right all season with his timing, but also alluded to something else that was bothering him.
He wouldn't go into specifics, so Francona was asked about it today. He said he didn't hear the press conference and did not want to comment. But he did say the slugger has been working on his timing for much of the season.
*Red Sox pitchers Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett traveled here Friday night and arrived at the hotel at the precise moment Ramirez hit his three-run walk-off homer. Schilling said they walked into the hotel bar all fired up about the win, which didn't sit too well with the Angels fans in the house.
"I was acting like a 2-year-old," said Schilling. "I was just screaming. I don't think they were all that excited. But we literally stepped out of the cab and Manny hit the ball. So, it was a pretty wild night."
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Curt Schilling on his transformation from a power to a finesse pitcher:
"It's like Josh (Beckett) goes through a lineup with a bazooka for the most part. Daisuke is like a machine gun. I've turned into a guy who has to use a sniper rifle; pick my spots and pick my targets and execute perfectly."
Schilling was done there.
In the midst of answering a question about his post World Series performances in '93, '01 and '04 and what he can carry into Sunday's start, he talked about Yankees' Alex Rodriguez.
This is his complete answer. You try to figure it out.
"Well, I think one of the main ingredients to being good at this time of the year is part of your internal makeup, I guess. I'm not afraid to make mistakes. I'm not afraid to fail. And I want to -- I've always wanted to be great on this stage, because the postseason is just so different in how I think I perceive it and how people look at it."
Ok, that's a pretty good answer. But in the same breath, Schilling adds this:
"Great example is you look at what Alex has done this year in New York. He had one of the single best seasons in the history of the game. And the media there couldn't wait for six at-bats. He's 0-for-6. They had three hits (Friday). The focal of the New York media is that Alex has srewed up again. We know, as players, that's not how it works. But, there's a preception in October that from a player's perspective, that's than you guys."
He added:
"When you can be thought of like a Josh Beckett, and those guys that suceed on the game's biggest stage, the biggest moments, to me it's always told you something different that's maybe not visible, they have some different makeup. It's comforting to know that you've got guys on the team with that makeup in them. This is the time that makes people see that."
Seems like Big Schil is contradicting himself a bit, eh?
LOS ANGELS ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Angels slugger Vlad Guerrero, who was hit in the back of the left shoulder by Red Sox reliever in the seventh inning Friday night and was pulled from the game, had some tests done this morning and everything is normal, according to manager Mike Scioscia.
"It's just a contusion," he said. "He was in this morning for treatment and definitely looks like he's going to be able to play (on Sunday). We'll see if this thing keeps moving in the right direction. It's a little stiff, but knowing Vlad he'll come in tomorrow and he'll be ready to go."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:21 PM | Permalink
Oh, Danny Boy
Good morning,
Just landed in Chicago as I'm on my way to Anaheim for Game Three of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Angels. Unless you've been leaving under home plate, you know all about 17-year-old Danny Vinik.
If you don't, make sure you get to know him and his story because he's not going away any time soon.
While I'm waiting for my flight, I decided to check my email and the unpublished comments made on projo.com, and so far it seems Red Sox owner John Henry is quite happy with young Danny since he left a comment. Another emailer wants to get in touch with Danny to offer him a shopping spree at a local sports retailer.
I have a feeling this story is only going to get bigger, especially if the Red Sox are able to clinch the series on Sunday for a trip to the ALCS.
I know Manny Ramirez should send the kid something for the assist on the Sox' victory on Friday night.
I'm sure I'll get more emails and comments about this story, and as soon as I do, I'll be sure to post them.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:48 AM | Permalink
Updated game story
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ It was a night when anything could have happened.
And it did.
Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka made his major-league postseason debut. The New York Yankees suffered another loss in Cleveland as the Indians are one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. And, a 17-year-old boy helped the Red Sox score the game-tying run.
Yes, Game Two of the ALDS between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park had it all. In the end, the Sox’ Manny Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning that could have easily landed in New Hampshire to give Boston a 6-3 walk-off victory.
“That ball was crushed,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “He put a great swing on it and that’s why he’s one of the best right-handers of all time. He’s inside the ball all the time. His swing is short and powerful.”
So powerful that it gave the Red Sox a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series as both teams head to the West Coast for Game Three tomorrow.
After Ramirez crossed home plate and was completely mobbed by his teammates, the chants of “Man-ny. Man-ny. Man-ny” could be heard from the 37,706 in attendance.
“Wow!” said Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo. “It was amazing. I saw the whole swing and the ball coming in. Knowing you hit the ball that far and it’s going to go out is a great feeling. It’s great for us. . . Manny has been the best RBI man in the last decade.”
With one out and Lugo on second base, the Angels decided to intentionally walk Red Sox slugger David Ortiz to get to Ramirez.
Big mistake.
After the game Ortiz was asked if he thought the ball had enough to get out.
“C’mon, man,” he said with a smile. “It probably hit a car on the highway.”
There were no accidents reported.
The Red Sox enjoyed near perfection in every aspect of the game during Game One of this series on Wednesday. It was everything the Red Sox could have envisioned to take the early lead in the series.
Last night was a close second thanks to Ramirez and a solid job by the Sox' bullpen.
The Red Sox knew exactly what Game One starter Josh Beckett could or would give them, which was a complete-game four-hitter. Matsuzaka, however, was a different story.
Anaheim wore Dice-K out and he was lifted in the top of the fifth inning with the Red Sox trailing by a run. Before Red Sox manager Terry Francona came out to get him, Matsuzaka allowed a one-out single to Macier Izturis, who then stole second and reached third on a wild pitch.
That was it for Matsuzaka’s postseason debut. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits, including 96 pitches (62 for strikes).
“It was a lot of pitches,” said Francona. “He had a lot of deep counts. Even when he worked and started ahead, he found a way to get himself back into hitter’s counts. But, the one thing I will say, he didn’t cave; he didn’t give in."
After Matsuzaka pitched his way out of a jam in the first inning, Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning when J.D. Drew provided a two-out two-run single to give the Red Sox the early advantage.
It didn’t last long.
The Angels, who couldn’t muster any offense during the impressive outing by Beckett in Game One, got to Matsuzaka in the second inning yesterday. The Angels pushed across three runs, including a pair of two-out RBI-doubles from Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera.
With the Angels leading by a run, 3-2, that’s when young Danny Vinik comes into play.
He's 17-year-old who caught the foul ball hit by the Sox' Manny Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth inning. Young Danny was sitting in the front row just behind the Sox' on-deck circle when Ramirez lifted an easy foul ball into the first row of seats. Vinik reached up and snared it to keep Angels catcher Jeff Mathis from making the play.
It proved crucial because Ramirez ended up drawing a walk to load the bases as teammate Mike Lowell hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.
“That was awesome,” said Pedroia. “I saw it from third base. That guy’s great. I don’t know what his name is, but he needs a tour around here. I heard he’s one of the owners’ sons; he’s probably sitting there on purpose.”
The Red Sox are sitting one victory away from going to the ALCS. Now, they’ll have ace Curt Schilling on the mound to attempt to close it out tomorrow in Anaheim.
Again, anything can happen.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:08 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Red Sox 6, Angels 3
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ It was a night when anything could happen.
And it did.
Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka made his major-league postseason debut. The New York Yankees suffered another loss in Cleveland as the Indians are one victory away from advancing to the ALCS. And, a 17-year-old boy helped the Red Sox score a run.
Yes, Game Two of the ALDS between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park had it all. In the end, Boston summoned its typical late-game heroics as Manny Ramirez crushed a three-run homer en route to a 6-3 victory.
The Red Sox enjoyed near perfection in every aspect of the game during Game One of this series on Wednesday. It was everything the Red Sox could have envisioned to take the early lead in the series.
Not last night.
The Angels did a complete role reversal and played their type of game – small ball. Now the series shifts cross country with Game Three to be played tomorrow in Anaheim.
The Red Sox knew exactly what Game One starter Josh Beckett could or would give them, which was a complete-game four-hitter. Matsuzaka, however, was a different story.
The Japanese right-hander embarked on his first major-league season this year, and he suffered through his peaks and valleys. He’s been on the big stage before, but nothing like October baseball state-side.
“He’s a polished pitcher,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “I know he’s a rookie by our standards, but he’s not a rookie pitcher.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia called Matsuzaka a unique pitcher, but a talented one with a variety of pitches. Still the visiting club had yet to face him prior to last night, which did not seem to worry Scioscia too much.
“You can watch all the video you want, but until you get in the batter’s box you get a quick study,” he said. “I think all that novelty, hopefully his motion and his pitches, you get on him and they’ll wear off.”
Anaheim did wear Dice-K out and he was lifted in the top of the fifth inning with the Red Sox trailing by a run. Before Francona came out to get him, Matsuzaka allowed a one-out single to Macier Izturis, who then stole second and reached third on a wild pitch.
That was it for Matsuzaka’s postseason debut. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits.
However, he wasn’t alone in the spotlight for Boston.
For most of this season, his first in Boston, Drew has been booed and ridiculed for his sub-par performances at the plate. Beginning last month, however, he began to find that much-needed consistency at the plate. He was drawing more walks, which is a sure sign of patience at the plate, and he began to hit the ball with authority.
In fact, in the final 18 games of the regular season he hit .393 to lift his average from .252 to .270. During that solid stretch, Drew collected 6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 15 RBI, 14 walks and 14 runs scored. It was clear he found his swing and his confidence to the delight of general manager Theo Epstein.
“He’s played pretty well in September,” said Epstein prior to this ALDS. “It would be important for this club to have him keep it up going forward. He seems to be locked in. He’s had a consistent approach for a long stretch for the first time all year.”
Drew responded again last night.
After Matsuzaka pitched his way out of a jam in the first inning, Boston responded in the bottom half of the inning when Drew provided a two-out two-run single to give the Red Sox the early advantage.
It didn’t last long.
The Angels, who couldn’t muster any offense during the impressive outing by Beckett in Game One, got to Matsuzaka in the second inning yesterday. The Angels pushed across three runs, including a pair of two-out RBI-doubles from Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera.
With the Angels leading by a run, 3-2, that’s when young Danny Vinik comes into play.
He's 17-year-old who caught the foul ball hit by the Sox' Manny Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth inning. Young Danny was sitting in the front row just behind the Sox' on-deck circle when Ramirez lifted an easy foul ball into the first row of seats. Vinik reached up and snared it to keep Angels catcher Jeff Mathis from making the play.
It proved crucial because Ramirez ended up drawing a walk to load the bases as teammate Mike Lowell hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Red Sox broke through
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:08 AM | Permalink
Boston's new folk hero
AP photo / Charles Krupa
Danny Vinik of Boston, left, catches a pop foul off the bat of Boston Red Sox's Manny Ramirez before Los Angeles Angels catcher Jeff Mathis, right, can reach in to catch it during the fifth inning of tonight's game.
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- His name is Danny Vinik, and he’s Boston’s newest favorite son.
The 17-year-old son of one of the Red Sox’ limited partners, he was the fan who outbattled Angels catcher Jeff Mathis for a foul ball in the fifth inning, keeping Manny Ramirez’ at-bat alive and eventually leading to Boston’s tying run last night. Ramirez wound up walking and the subsequent fly ball to center by Mike Lowell, instead of being the third out, was a sacrifice fly that drove in Dustin Pedroia from third.
“I still can’t believe it,’’ said Vinik. “I just reached over, I don’t really remember.’’
Even though Vinik is just 17, fans are trying to buy him beers, shouting "The next president of Red Sox Nation. Forget [Jerry] Remy [who won the redsox.com election]."
Another fan screamed, “He’s the anti-Bartman.’’
“That sounds good to me,’’ said Vinik when that fan referred to Steve Bartman, the Cubs fans who caught the foul ball in Chicago, keeping outfielder Moises Alou from catching it and leading to a game-winning rally by Florida in Game Six of the 2003 NLCS.
Vinik was sitting with his dad, Jeff, in the front row in Jeff Vinik’s season tickets. Fans were taking his picture and asking for his autograph.
“This is unbelievable,’’ he said.
Due to the intense coverage of Red Sox playoff baseball, a makeshift photographer’s well was built in front of some of the field boxes. Because of that, Mathis couldn’t get all the way to the permanent wall for what could have been a much easier play.
Vinik said he’s already received a ton of phone calls about his play.
Ironically, Jeff Vinik, a Red Sox season-ticket holder and limited partner for the club, had an opportunity to catch a foul ball at a Red Sox game four years ago, and when he didn’t Danny gave him some grief, telling him at the time “I would never drop a foul ball.”
Danny proved that last night.
“I had a chance and I dropped it,” said Jeff Vinik. “He didn’t miss it. It was a good catch. I hope his high school coach saw it.”
The play did not go unnoticed with the Red Sox players after the thrilling 6-3 walk-off victory.
“That was awesome,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “I saw it from third base. That guy’s great. I don’t know what his name is, but he needs a tour around here. I heard he’s one of the owners’ sons; he’s probably sitting there on purpose.”
“Oh my God,” added David Ortiz. “He’s going to go down in history. He made it happen."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:09 PM | Permalink
Red Sox fans loving the Indians
AP photo / Mark Duncan
Indians' Casey Blake, left, and Victor Martinez greet Kenny Lofton (7) after he scored the winning run on Travis Hafner's 11th inning single to beat the New York Yankees, 2-1, in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game tonight in Cleveland.
It was the top of second inning between the Red Sox and Angels tonight when the Cleveland Indians finally defeated the New York Yankees 2-1 in 11 innings. When the winning run was scored, the fans at Fenway erupted in joyous glee because Cleveland is now one win away from clinching its five-game series for a trip to the ALCS.
When the fans rejoiced, Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had to step off the rubber, and Angels' batter Chone Figgins moved out of the batter's box. Figgins followed with an RBI-double.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:57 PM | Permalink
Bench Player Banter
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The life of a bench player is never an easy one, especially if you’re a member of the Boston Red Sox because chances are you’ll see limited playing time.
There aren’t too many guys who can handle that role here, but the Red Sox have done a solid job the last two seasons, especially this one putting the right group of guys in the dugout who complement the starting nine.
While rookie Dustin Pedroia has enjoyed a tremendous first season, there is Alex Cora on the bench. While Kevin Youkilis has been as steady as they come at first base, Eric Hinske sat back and waited to get the nod.
As Red Sox manager Terry Francona usually says, there’s a difference between being a veteran team and being an old team.
Boston is a veteran club, mixed with the youthful enthusiasm that has kept this club on an even keel this season. That attitude starts at the top with GM Theo Epstein, filters down to Francona and works its way through the clubhouse.
The end result is an A.L. East Division title with the best record in baseball.
“We treat everybody like they’re important,” said Francona.
There was a point earlier in the season when the Sox were in Tampa playing the Devil Rays, and Pedroia was given a rare night off. Cora played second and late in the game needed to execute a sacrifice bunt, but failed to do so and eventually Boston lost the game.
Fast forward to the clubhouse where Cora was waiting for the local media, so he could publicly take the blame for the loss. Francona later called his utility infielder a true professional, one of the best in the game. The same can be said for Hinske.
In fact, Francona spoke at length about the importance of everyone on the bench prior to last night’s Game Two of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In his fourth season as manager in Boston, Francona said yesterday he hasn’t had to deal with any in-house problems.
“We had a pretty veteran bench for much of the year,” he said. “I don’t remember one time during the year either putting out a fire, or putting out a perceived fire.”
Guys like Hinske, Cora, Bobby Kielty and Doug Mirabelli get it. They know their place. Would they want to play more? Sure, who wouldn’t? But Francona has done a good job, keeping those players fresh so when they are needed, either due to an injury or for a day off, they’ll be ready.
“They have all put our team’s goals ahead of their own,” said Francona. “And, that’s not easy to do all the time. We’ve got a bunch of professionals and they’ll do whatever you’ll ask them. . . They have made my life a lot easier.”
The bench guys always hit on the off-days, and when a pitcher needs to work a simulated game, they’re there.
“Ask any starter and they’ll have nothing but compliments for these guys,” added Francona.
There have been players in Boston in recent years who haven’t accepted that role with open arms, including outfielder Jay Payton and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. Francona mentioned Payton specifically, saying he’s a good kid, just had trouble handling the bench role.
Even the young guys in the Red Sox organization, who have been introduced into this environment in the latter half of the season, fit in nicely. Players like Jacoby Ellsbury and Brandon Moss have both made contributions, while staying out of everyone else’s way.
Because of that entire team concept, the Red Sox find themselves playing baseball in October. And, it’s probably a good possibility one of those role players will make a significant contribution very soon.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:20 PM | Permalink
Injuries? What Injuries?
Both the Red Sox and the Angels are suffering through some nagging injuries. Heck, every remaining baseball player at this time of the year is bruised and banged up. But, it's October and nothing will keep these guys from playing in the postseason.
The Red Sox have been hampered with injuries all season. Slugger David Ortiz has been a virtual walking ice pack. Still, the players have been able to play through the pain thanks to the help of the club's training staff of Paul Lessard and Mike Reinold.
“They do a great job,” said first baseman Kevin Youkilis. “I work with these guys on a regular basis and they get us ready to play. They do an unbelievable job working with us and communicating with management.”
I'll have more on the relationship between the players and training staff in Sunday's Journal.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:35 PM | Permalink
Tavarez lost? Francona almost injured.
Red Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez was walking the lower concourse less than two hours prior to tonight's game. While the Red Sox were taking batting practice in preparation for Game Two of the ALDS, Tavarez was in full uniform walking in the midst of fans on his way back to the clubhouse.
His presence clearly took fans by surprise as some did a double-take. In fact, one young fan attempted to get his autograph before security stop him.
Former Red Sox pitcher Lenny Dinardo did the same last summer, but there was no security around to help him. He stood at the entrance of the clubhouse and signed plenty of autographs.
*Red Sox mananger Terry Francona was almost hit in the head by a line drive during BP earlier tonight. He was running off the field when J.D. Drew pulled the ball that barely missed the manager.
As Francona ran into the dugout he said: "That'll be enough of that."
Drew is still in the lineup tonight.
*Red Sox legend Luis Tiant threw out the ceremonial first pitch tonight. He gave fans his vintage delivery and threw a strike to Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo, who served as his batterymate.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:21 PM | Permalink
Aura of Confidence
The Red Sox players were quite relaxed in the clubhouse again today. After a solid 4-0 victory over the Angels in Game One of the ALDS Wednesday night at Fenway Park, confidence was oozing throughout Boston.
Julio Lugo was sporting a lime-green outfit as he left the park Wednesday night. Coco Crisp spent 20 minutes chatting with the local and national media. It felt more like a spring training atmosphere than the postseason.
It was much of the same today.
After a brief optional workout, where most of the players participated, Kevin Youkilis spoke about having an off-day today, and whether it's a good thing or a bad thing.
“It’s depends if we win Game Two,” he said. “A whole day off isn’t bad for the whole team. The biggest thing about having these days off is the opportunity where Josh Beckett can come back and pitch. And if he can pitch like he did last night, it’ll be good to have him in Game Four. . . There's always a positive and negative to all this. For me, it’s not a big deal. It’s just another day hanging out in Boston and relaxing.”
Don't think for a moment, however, that the Red Sox are too confident.
“Hopefully it set the tone,” said J.D Drew of the team's Game One victory. “I think it was definitely a great statement.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:40 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction
Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew on Game One win:
“Hopefully it set the tone. I think it was definitely a great statement.”
“It is a short series and you want to accumulate wins as fast as you can. “I don’t think in any series you play you take wins for granted. This is a building block and hopefully we can carry into the next game.”
Drew on Kevin Youkilis:
“To see him come up with a big home run and double was great for him. I think he had some good at-bats tonight. . . Fans in Boston love him."
Drew on David Ortiz:
“He loves the big stage. He loves to go out there and perform at that level. He’s having a lot of fun and it’s fun to watch.”
Drew on Josh Beckett:
“It was one of those dominating performances that you don’t see too often. After the first hitter, he was virtually unhittable. He threw the ball great and he had a great night.”
Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp on the victory:
I don’t know what kind of a boost it is. We’ll see [Friday]. It’s just good to win, I don’t think it matters in what fashion whether we score 40 runs or we win by one run. A win is a win, and you always feel good after a win, either way.”
Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo:
“We put the pressure on them. They have to win at least two in a row.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:02 PM | Permalink
Youkilis primed and ready
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew has taken a ton of abuse from fans this season, so he knows how difficult it can be to play in this market.
He made one quick and to-the-point statement after last night’s 4-0 victory over the Angels in Game One of the ALDS at Fenway Park. He was besieged by a horde of local and national media when he said: “Fans in Boston love him.”
The “him” he was referring to was none other than Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
Youkilis provided a huge offensive spark for Boston last night with a solo homer – his first career postseason hit – in the bottom of the first inning.
“I got a good pitch, a good fastball to hit, and took advantage,” said Youkilis. “I didn’t try to do too much, and luckily I got a good result out of it. I was very happy that it got out.”
It was a good sign for Youkilis and the Red Sox due to the fact he’s been hampered with a sore wrist for the last few weeks, but he showed no ill effects after he added a double to his performance last night.
“It felt a lot better as the days have progressed,” he said. “I feel like I’m progressing well. I think the biggest thing is the wrist doesn’t hurt as much now, and our training staff has done a great job helping me out and getting me ready. The best thing about it is, it’s playoff time and adrenaline helps the most.”
He reached career-highs this season in batting average (.288), home runs (16) and RBI (81), and if last night was an indication, he’s primed for a solid postseason, too.
Youkilis was on Boston's roster for the 2004 ALDS against Anaheim and the World Series against St. Louis. He went 0-for-2 in Game Two of the ALDS in his only postseason action. The Red Sox didn’t reach the postseason last Fall, but they’re ready to do some damage this October and Youkilis will be a big part of it.
“How great is that to keep playing in October?” he asked. “That’s the best felling you can have. Your adrenaline never gets as high as it does right now.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:01 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Red Sox 4, Angels 0
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ As last night’s Red Sox starter Josh Beckett began to warm up in the bullpen prior to Game One of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, it was appropriate that the musical group The Standells were playing their popular song “Dirty Water.”
The song has become an anthem for the Boston Nine as it plays over the sound system at Fenway Park, following a victory. But, it was very fitting for Beckett because he was filthy in his first postseason outing for the Red Sox.
The Cy Young candidate and 20-game winner, Beckett tossed a gem to lead Boston to a 4-0 victory over the Angels. From the first Angels batter he faced, he was clearly pumped up with his typical here’s-my-best-see-if-you-can-hit-it scenario. The answer was no.
The Angels had no shot at consistently connecting on any one of Beckett’s pitches from the get-go. He blew the fastball by them and changed things up a bit when he broke off some nasty curveballs en route to a 108-pitch outing.
Beckett surrendered a lead-off single to the Angels’ Chone Figgins that ricocheted off Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia’s glove and into center field. After that Beckett retired the next 19 batters he faced before losing a seven-pitch at-bat against Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who singled to left field with one out in the seventh inning.
Anaheim’s Howie Kendrick collected a one-out single in the eighth, and Guerrero added a two-out single in the ninth. But other than those four hits, the Angels could not muster any offensive threat on the powerful and in command Beckett.
On the other side, Angels’ starter John Lackey hasn’t had the best of luck at Fenway Park this season, and his skid continued tonight.
His last time here (Aug. 17) he allowed a season-high 11 hits in a season-low four innings, so the Red Sox made sure to jump on him early last night thanks in part to a Kevin Youkilis solo homer into the Monster Seats in the bottom of the first inning.
Youkilis kept things moving in the third with a one-out double before David Ortiz smashed a two-run homer into right right-field seats. Manny Ramirez followed with a walk, reached second on a wild pitch before Mike Lowell provided an RBI-single for a 4-0 Boston advantage.
Lackey exited after six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
With that four-run cushion, Beckett was clearly dialed in and he did the rest.
As a result, Boston takes a 1-0 lead in this five-game series, and 36,597 fans sang “Dirty Water.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:42 PM | Permalink
Ortiz ties record
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz smashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning tonight to give him nine postseson roundtrippers. That mark ties teammate Jason Varitek for the most career postseason homers by a Red Sox player.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:37 PM | Permalink
Kevin Youkilis breaks out
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who reached career-highs this season in batting average (.288), home runs (16) and RBI (81), belted a solo homer in the bottom of the first inning tonight off Angels starter John Lackey. The ball landed in the Monster Seats to give Youk his first postseason hit.
Youk was on Boston's roster for the 2004 ALDS against Anaheim and the World Series against St. Louis. He went 0-for-2 in Game Two of the ALDS in his only postseson action.
He added a double in the bottom of the third inning tonight.
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Third-base coach DeMarlo Hale congratulates Kevin Youkilis after the first baseman slugged a solo home run in the first inning.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:53 PM | Permalink
Mike Scioscia pregame
Red Sox manager Terry Francona mentioned earlier today that his club finally has a healthy lineup. Anaheim skipper Mike Scioscia, however, continues to mix and match.
Unlike the Red Sox, the Angels haven't had their "model" lineup at any point this season. Still, the club has been able to win all year.
"We've done it all year," said Scioscia. "And, we'll continue to do it."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:54 PM | Permalink
Terry Francona pregame
The Red Sox manager was brief this afternoon because he's covered pretty much everything the last couple of days.
Boston finally has its lineup it wanted heading into tonight's Game One of the ALDS against the Angels. Everyone is healthy for the most part.
"We tried to get to a point where today we would have our lineup and pitching staff in order. Doesn't mean you win, doesn't mean you lose. But it means we send out our team the way we envisioned it and let them go play."
The manager also said it wasn't easy the last couple of weeks playing we different players out of the lineup at different times.
"We've remained together and strong and united," Francona said.
The Red Sox will send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound for Game Two of this series on Friday. It will be the first time this season Dice-K will face the Angels. Even though this is his first MLB postseason game, the right-hander has played in some big games in Japan.
Francona was asked this afternoon how curious he was to watch Dice-K's playoff debut.
"I'd say more than curious," said Francona. "I think that has not been an issue with us. I think we have enjoyed watching the way he has handled certain things that have been thrown at him. We've all seen the bumps in the road, the hiccups in some of the outings. But, being intimidated or shrinking from a challenge won't be one of them. I think this stage will be a good place for him to show what he can do."
Dice-K agrees.
"Because of those experiences [World Baseball Classic and High School Championship, which is extremely huge in Japan] I will be able to approach this game with the same approach and mentality that I've been able to approach my games during the regular season."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:09 PM | Permalink
Schilling working out
Red Sox ace Curt Schilling is on the field playing long toss. The veteran right-hander will start Game Three on Sunday in Anaheim. It's always an impressive feat to watch a pitcher play long toss because of the accuracy they are able to produce from 150 feet. Schilling, however, is all over the place right now.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:06 PM | Permalink
Moss hanging around
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox prospect Brandon Moss did not make the postseason roster, but he's been asked to stick around in order to experience what a playoff series is like in Boston.
Originally it was first thought he would be heading home, but he will remain with the club as long as it is still playing. The Red Sox have done this with other prospects in the past, including Kevin Youkilis in 2004, and it helps a great deal with their development.
''It’s going to help a ton,” said Moss. ''Just being around and being here for it to see what it’s like is an experience. To see how these guys handle will be a great experience.”
Because it is the postseason, and the clubhouse confines are tight, sometimes it can be difficult to bee seen and not heard. Moss, however, isn't worried.
''It’s not very difficult,” he said. “They understand why I’m here as an extra guy, but I’m also trying to be part of the team and achieve the same goal they are, but I’ll stay out of their way so they can achieve it.”
In the meantime, Moss will continue to work in the outfield and at first base.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:45 PM | Permalink
Gagne's in the mix
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- When the Red Sox acquired hard-throwing right-hander Eric Gagne at the trade deadline in July, the club knew exactly what it would be getting. Boston, however, didn't expect what would happen.
Gagne struggled a bit when he arrived in Boston and it took him a little while to get adjusted to his new role and surroundings.
“I have more confidence now and I feel good about myself,” he said this morning.
When asked if he thought it was difficult for the fans of Red Sox Nation, who sent out the boo-birds after him on plenty of nights, to realize how tough it is to come to a new team in the middle of the season, Gagne said: “I didn’t relize and I play baseball. It’s a little different. You have to come in and adjust and try to fit in.”
During his struggles, Red Sox manager Terry Francona didn't shy away from him, he kept giving Gagne the ball to help him work out of it. The skipper knew the right-hander will be an important factor for the club's bullpen in the postseason.
“For him to come in and struggle like he did, and we all admitted it was tough at first,” said Francona. “For him to handle it the way he did says a lot about him. I needed to not bail on this guy.”
Gagne agrees.
"I kept fighting,” he said. “I kept going out there and believing in myself. It helped a lot that these guys believed in me. . . It’s the playoffs and you have to do what you have to do to win every ballgame. That’s what I’m prepared for.”
Gagne was shut down for a few weeks last month due to shoulder soreness, but he feels he's turned the corner. He's ready to make an impact in the postseason.
“I’ve been throwing the ball well for the last three weeks, so I’m really not worried about it,” he said. “I know what I can do, and I know what I’ve done before. I’m just going to focus on what I’ve been doing for three weeks. . . It always comes down to the bullpen. It’s going to fun and exciting. I can’t wait to get on the field and start throwing.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:24 PM | Permalink
Ortiz one of many to receive cortisone shot
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has been a virtual walking ice pack this season. Still, he's had one of the best offensive seasons in the league, and he admitted this morning that he received a cortisone shot in his ailing right knee in preparation for the postseason.
“It’s okay,” he said. “I got a cortisone shot the other day to relieve the pain that’s there. Now, I hope it stays like that.”
Knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, who is not on the roster for the ALDS, also had a cortisone shot in his back on Monday and will not be available for the first round of the playoffs.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:38 PM | Permalink
Fenway Park all dressed up
The Red Sox have an optional workout today in preparation for the upcoming ALDS against the Angels. The logo is already painted on the grass behind home plate, and the Red Sox players are beginning to take the field.
Brandon Moss, Bobby Kielty, Dustin Pedroia and Julio Lugo are present. We'll have more after we meet with manager Terry Francona at 1 p.m .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:46 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
In case you missed it last night, the Red Sox clinched home-field advantage throughout the postseason and have selected to begin ALDS against the Angels on Wednesday at Fenway Park.
The team with the best record had the choice to start on Wednesday or elect to have an extra day of rest. Manager Terry Francona just said he really didn't loose too much sleep over the decision.
"I talked to Theo about it a few times," said the manager. "It wasn't something to me that probably was going to make a difference. We had a choice and took the first game (Wednesday). It's going to be the same for both teams, regardless of when you play. . . It doesn't matter when you play, I'm concerned with how we play."
Francona still has not revealed the starting rotation for the ALDS, but it's likely Josh Beckett will start Game 1, and either Curt Schilling or Daisuke Matsuzaka will get the nod in Game 2. Because the Sox decided to play Wednesday, that sets up Beckett to work Game 4 (if needed) on Monday.
*Francona also hasn't said what the postseason roster will look like. The club has to have its roster into the league office by 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:42 PM | Permalink
Red Sox clinch, again.
BOSTON _ The Red Sox clinched the best record in baseball ltonight and will have home-field advantage throughout the postseason, including the World Series.
Following the Sox’ 6-4 victory tonight over the Minnesota Twins, and with Kansas City beating the Cleveland Indians, 4-3, Boston secured the top spot.
Boston informed the commissioner’s office that it has decided to start the ALDS against the Angels on Wednesday. That means the Sox’ Josh Beckett will start Game 1 and Curt Schilling will likely get the nod in Game 2 on Friday. Both games are at Fenway Park. Because Boston elected to start a day earlier, it’s possible Beckett could pitch Game 4 (if necessary) on Monday in Anaheim
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:20 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Boston 6, Minnesota 4
BOSTON -- Tonight felt more like a spring training game than the second-to-last contest of the regular season.
With the division title in hand, the Red Sox sent Tim Wakefield to the hill, and the veteran knuckleballer improved his record to 17-12, tying a career mark for wins in a season. He posted a 17-8 mark in 1998.
Last night he worked seven innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits with zero walks and one strikeout.
Boston trailed by two runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, but the Sox pushed across four runs en route to a 6-4 victory over the Twins. The Sox' J.D. Drew provided a three-run homer in the seventh, along with Mike Lowell's second RBI of the game.
The Red Sox close out the regular season on Sunday against the Twins with Julian Tavarez on the hill for Boston.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:14 PM | Permalink
Schilling will not pitch Sunday
The Red Sox just announced that pitcher Curt Schilling will not make his scheduled start tomorrow in the regular-season finale against Minnesota. Julian Tavarez will get the nod instead.
Since the Sox clinched the division title on Friday, there's no need for Schilling to work on Sunday. That decision basically sets the Sox' rotation for the first two games of the ALDS against the Angels. It's likely Josh Beckett will start Game 1 either Wednesday or Thursday, and Schilling will get the ball in Game 2 on Friday. Both games are at Fenway Park.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 6:12 PM | Permalink
The Red Sox are rock stars
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The Boston Red Sox were partying like it was 1995.
It’s been 12 years since the club won the A.L. East Division title, and after the Sox officially clinched it last night, the players in the clubhouse begin to celebrate in hopes of another ending like 2004.
Manager Terry Francona was sitting in a leather recliner, smoking a cigar and truly, for once this season, he was actually enjoying the moment. Right then, one of the team’s batting practice pitchers, Matt Noone, approached him and Francona said: “You better get used to this.”
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein stood against the back wall of the clubhouse by himself, drinking a beer and smiling at what he his team has accomplished.
“Our players really wanted this,” he said. “We felt like we were the best team in the division, and it was good to go out and get it. I’m happy for our fans, because they deserve this too, they waited a long time.”
Closer and crazy man Jonathan Papelbon stood on a table wearing nothing but goggles, a T-shirt and a jock strap, spraying champagne all over the joint.
“This is awesome,” screamed Papelbon. “What we’ve got here in this clubhouse is unbelievable. God, it pays off when you work hard. This is where we wanted to do this.”
Red Sox utility man Eric Hinske was one of the first players to leave the clubhouse and join the celebration in the stands. The thousands of fans were remained went crazy, so he immediately ran back into the clubhouse and said to rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia: “You have to get out there. We’re like rock stars.”
Pedroia ran back into the clubhouse to grab a fresh bottle of champagne and started spraying it when he reached the field. Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, a three-time World Series veteran, stood on the top step of the dugout throwing cans of beer into the stands.
“It’s game time,” he said. “It’s October and that’s when great players play great, and hopefully we have a couple of those guys in this clubhouse.”
The always intense Kevin Youkilis had left the park to join his family at a local establishment, but when the Orioles tied the Yankees in the ninth inning to force extra innings before winning it in 10, Youk quickly made his way back to the clubhouse to be with his teammates and the fans.
“Let’s do this every year,” he said to owner John Henry.
“We knew if we played our kind of baseball all year we would end up here,” said Epstein.
Bring on the Angels.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:23 AM | Permalink
Brief postgame notes:
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez, who recently returned to the lineup after missing 24 games with a strained oblique, was taken out of tonight's game with a sore quad. Manager Terry Francona said he knew Ramirez was sore prior to the game, but he was still able to get three much-needed at-bats in. He was taken out of the game in the top of the eighth inning as he was expected to lead off the bottom of the inning.
"We tried to sneak in that last at-bat," said the manager. "I knew he was sore, nothing pulled or anything. It just got to a point where it was time for him to come out. We're trying to continue to build and not go backwards. The more at-bats we can get him, the better off we're all going to be."
Ramirez was not at the ballpark for the celebration.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:49 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction
Red Sox manager Terry Francona:
“There are still things to play for. This was a very big accomplishment for the organization and for the city. We need this to just be the beginning, but it’s also a big accomplishment.”
GM Theo Epstein:
“Our players really wanted this. We felt like we were the best team in the division, and it was good to go out and get it. I’m happy for our fans, because they deserve this, too, they waited a long time.”
“We had half of our team watching [the Yankees-Orioles] in nothing but jock straps.”
“A lot of credit goes to the Yankees for winning this thing so many years in a row. It’s never easy in the American League East. They’re a great team, but it means that much more that we were able to win this division. . . “We knew they weren’t going anywhere. They are too good of a team. They never go away. It almost feels like you have a stalker when they’re in your division; every time you turn around they’re there."
"No one here gave up. We knew if we played our kind of baseball all year we would end up here.”
Curt Schilling:
“It’s game time. It’s October and that’s when great players play great, and hopefully we have a couple of those guys in this clubhouse.”
Dustin Pedroia:
“I’m proud of everybody. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment. It’s been a team effort all year and there are a lot of guys who have contributed. It’s been a great season and there’s plenty more to come. We’re not going to stop here.”
Kevin Youkilis:
“I love this. This is the best part about playing baseball. Not being able to do this last year was very tough. Doing this every year would be great. This was fun and this is what you play baseball for. To celebrate this after 7 ½ months, you put all the time and effort in and this is what it’s all about. Once this night is over we have to keep moving forward. We want three more celebrations, because that’s when it gets really fun.”
Jacoby Ellsbury:
“This is awesome. It’s a great feeling. This is unbelievable and I’m definitely going to enjoy this.”
Team owner John Henry:
“This is an incredible satisfaction."
Team chairman Tom Werner:
“We have the greatest fans in Boston. There were still thousands of people still standing there, watching the game. It’s a great night for Red Sox fans. This team played great baseball all year and they deserve to be division champions. They’re going to be dangerous in the playoffs.”
Jonathan Papelbon:
“This is awesome. What we’ve got here in this clubhouse is unbelievable. God, it pays off when you work hard. This is where we wanted to do this.”
Tim Wakefield:
“The one thing we said in spring training was we were going to do this as a team.It wasn’t going to be one person who is going to do it, and we’ve done it.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:39 PM | Permalink
Postgame clubhouse reaction
*Despite the Red Sox’ loss tonight, the biggest news was the performance of Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima.
The Japanese left-hander has not worked since Sept. 14 due to fatigue and he showed no signs of being tired in his one inning of work in the top of the eighth. The southpaw threw just 14 pitches and allowed one hit with two strikeouts.
This afternoon Red Sox manager Terry Francona stated the importance of getting Okajima into last night’s game, and the club would like to see another performance like this one at least one more time before the postseason.
“He didn’t get extended and he didn’t give up runs,” said the manager. “It didn’t look like there was a ton of rust, so if we can get him out there again, that would really be good.”
Okajima has been a huge part of the club’s bullpen for much of the season until his latest bout of exhaustion.
*Francona on Josh Beckett:
“Josh left some fastballs over the plate and he paid the price for it. We gave ourselves a really good opportunity in the ninth, but (Minnesota closer Joe) Nathan made some really good pitches when he had to.”
Beckett on his losing performance:
“If you can’t locate your fastball hitters are going to get the best of you most of the time."
Beckett on his final regular-season outing and looking ahead:
He finishes his second season with the Red Sox with a 20-7 record, including a 3.27 ERA and reached the 200-inning plateau, which he said was a goal of his this year.
Still, he’s not about to talk about individual accomplishments, because there’s a higher purpose – a World Series championship.
“We still have some things we want to do for the rest of the regular season,” said Beckett. “Obviously I’m not going to be part of the rest of the regular season, so I’ll sit there with my pom-poms. We’ll worry about [the postseason] once we find out what day we’re playing. With the whole scheduling thing it kind of has everybody wondering what the heck is going on. We’re trying to finish strong and hopefully we can win a couple of games in the next three.”
“We’re riding pretty high right now,” added Beckett. “We’re hitting the ball real well, but obviously today wasn’t a great game. We’re still hitting the ball and playing great defense. We’ve pitched well, too. You don’t plan on winning every game in a season, and besides today, we’re doing pretty well.”
**The last thing the Red Sox need right now is an injury to outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
The rookie sparkplug left the game after the fourth inning with cramping in his right calf and did not return. He went 0-for-2 to snap his eight-game hitting streak, and Francona said he didn’t know if the pitches Ellsbury fouled off his leg during his first at-bat caused the problem.
“I don’t know if it’s related,” said Francona. “I can’t imagine it helped. The (cramping) happened for a couple of innings and one inning he was late going out because it wasn’t able to loosen up. He couldn’t get it to loosen up so we had to make a move.”
Francona inserted utility outfielder Bobby Kielty into right field and moved J.D. Drew to center as a result.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:12 PM | Permalink
Ellsbury update
Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was pulled from the game after four innings with cramping in his right calf. We'll have an update after the game. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:53 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Boston 11, Oakland 6
BOSTON _ It has officially kicked in.
The momentum boost Boston has been waiting for in preparation of the upcoming postseason arrived in fine fashion tonight as the Red Sox dismantled the Oakland Athletics en route to an 11-6 victory at Fenway Park.
With the exception of Julio Lugo, every Red Sox player in the starting lineup registered at least a hit, but it was the top of the order that proved crucial.
The first four hitters – Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Mike Lowell – combined for 10 runs on 12 hits to lead the offensive onslaught.
More to come. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:28 PM | Permalink
Red Sox looking ahead
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- The Red Sox and Yankees completed their regular-season series last night at Fenway Park, but don’t be surprised if the two clubs meet again this year.
It’s almost inevitable that scenario will play out in the playoffs, but before each team can even think about the postseason, Boston and New York were concentrating on the task at hand.
The pitching matchup of Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling didn’t disappoint, but it was one mistake by the Red Sox starter that allowed the Yankees’ Derek Jeter to hit a three-run homer in the top of the eighth en route to a 4-3 victory.
Boston threatened with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded and slugger David Ortiz at the plate. But, New York closer Mariano Rivera did was he does best and got Ortiz to pop out to short to end the game.
“The way Clemens and Schilling pitched tonight,” said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, “the fans got their money's worth right up until the last pitch.”
New York took 2 of 3 games from Boston over the weekend and the Red Sox lead in the A.L. East stands at 4 1/2 games with 12 games remaining on their schedule.
“Tonight boiled down to two mistakes,” Schilling said of the home runs he allowed to Jeter and Robinson Cano (in the fifth inning). “I missed horribly in probably the most crucial situation of the game, that’s all it was. . . I was trying to bounce that ball (to Jeter) in the dirt. I don’t ever try to take credit away from a hitter, but I was trying to bounce that ball.”
Last night was a rematch from Game 7 of the 2001 World Series when Schilling played for Arizona and Clemens for New York. The excitement wasn’t lost on anyone last night. Schilling worked 7 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
“Phenomenal,” said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek on Schilling's performance. “He did a great job.”
Clemens lasted six innings and surrendered one unearned run on two hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
“He certainly hasn’t forgotten how to pitch or compete,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
Now that this series is in the books, both teams can concentrate on the final two weeks of the season. Boston is trying to win a divisional title for the first time in more than a decade, and New York is battling for the wild card.
“I would rather be 4 1/2 up than 4 1/2 down,” said Schilling. “We really don’t think much about that. We’re very good at staying focused on the game at hand.”
Boston left after last night’s game for a seven-day, six-game road trip through Toronto and Tampa before returning home to host Oakland and Minnesota. New York hosts Baltimore and Toronto and closes out the season on the road in Tampa and Baltimore.
There’s still plenty of baseball to be played.
“Absolutely,” said Red Sox left fielder J.D. Drew. “We still have to play quality-winning baseball and go from there.”
Even though the Red Sox lost the regular-season final series to New York, Boston’s clubhouse was a bit jovial after the game. It’s a good sign that the players are relaxed.
“It would have been nice to win tonight,” said Red Sox utility man Eric Hinske. “We have a 4 1/2-game lead heading into a road trip and hopefully have a good series against Toronto and Tampa. We’re in a good spot. No one is panicking. We’re just going to try to finish strong, make the playoffs and take it into the postseason.”
Ortiz, who had an opportunity to make magic happen again last night in his ninth-inning at-bat before Rivera won the battle, feels good about the club’s mindset in the final stretch of the season.
“We have to keep playing the way we have been,” he said. “Nobody is feeling pressure around here. We just lost one game and we move forward and try to win the series in Toronto.”
That attitude has worked for the Red Sox in the past and they’re not about to deviate from that plan. There’s too much at stake for that to change.
“We’ve played hard all year and we’ve been winning this division all year long,” said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “We’ve got 12 more games left and we have to make a push.”
And, Boston will add a huge bat to the lineup once Manny Ramirez (strained oblique) returns, which could be as early as tonight or tomorrow against the Blue Jays.
“He’s looked good in BP,” said Lowell. “Putting him back in the lineup is not like a September call-up.”
As the Red Sox players left the clubhouse last night, the message was the same: “We didn’t quit and that’s huge,” said Varitek. “If we keep playing like this, we’ll be okay.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:56 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Yankees 4, Red Sox 3
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- It came down to the wire. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera against Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
It was the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, and Boston trailing by a run. The legendary closer won the battle as New York held on for a 4-3 victory Sunday night at Fenway Park as Ortiz popped up to Derek Jeter.
On a night when both starting pitchers were in the spotlight, the Yankees’ Derek Jeter stole the show.
Red Sox right-hander Curt Schilling was winning the pitchers’ duel against Roger Clemens as Boston held a one-run lead heading into the eighth inning.
Then boom!
Jeter crushed an 84 mph hanging splitter from Schilling and deposited it into the Monster seats for a three-run home run to give New York a three-run lead and eventually the Yankees held on for a 4-3 victory last night at Fenway Park. New York took 2 of 3 from Boston this weekend as the Sox’ lead in the A.L. East standings is now 4 1/2 games.
Clemens entered the game undefeated (5-0) with a 3.14 ERA in nine career regular-season starts as an opponent at Fenway Park. He was given the hook after six innings and allowed just one unearned run on two hits. Schilling finished 7 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
As Schilling and Clemens warmed up in the bullpen prior to tonight’s series finale at Fenway Park, both the Red Sox and Yankees’ respective pitching staffs stood almost at attention looking on.
It was a sign of respect. It was a gesture of longevity. It meant this is September and this game meant a whole lot for both clubs.
Leading up to this matchup of one certain Hall-of-Famer versus a possible hall inductee, both clubs wanted to downplay the excitement, saying it was just another game. Deep down the Red Sox and Yankees must feel the vibe.
Boston utility man Eric Hinske admitted as much after Saturday’s victory by the Red Sox.
''Everybody knows that when we’re playing the Yankees it’s a lot more intense than any other game no matter what,” he said. ''So, when you come to the yard you better be ready to play. If you’re not the fans will let you know it right away. If you can’t get up for a Red Sox-Yankees game, you’ve got something wrong with you. The electricity in stadium, and everything else – it’s awesome to be a part of.”
Schilling and Clemens are two pitchers who certainly wanted to prove something to the baseball world. In the end Schilling proved to have a better outing, but the Jeter had the final say.
Things looked promising for Boston early as Red Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury continues to shine for Boston and, again, he provided a huge spark early.
He reached base in the bottom of the first inning when Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon misplayed a shallow liner. Ellsbury quickly stole second easily – his fourth swipe for Boston – and later scored on a Mike Lowell grounder through the hole on the left side to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.
Schilling was cruising and kept New York at bay until he made a simply mistake to the Yankees’ Robinson Cano in the fifth inning. The veteran right-hander left a fastball over the middle of the plate that Cano deposited into the Monster seats to tie the game at 1-1.
The Red Sox threatened in the bottom of the seventh when Hinske led off with a double and reached third on a sacrifice bunt by Coco Crisp. Julio Lugo followed and struck out swinging, before Ellsbury grounded out to first to end the inning.
New York responded with a threat of its own in the top of the eighth.
With one out, the Yankees’ Doug Mientkiewicz collected his second hit of the night off Schilling, which was followed by a pinch-hit single by Jason Giambi, who barely missed a two-run homer at the top of the Monster.
Jeter, however, didn’t miss.
He launched a shot well above the left-field wall and into the Monster seats for a three-run homer and a 4-1 lead. When the ball exploded off his bat, Schilling knew it was gone and dropped his head. Ellsbury just stood and watched it go. That was the end of Schilling’s night.
Offensively, the Red Sox weren’t done.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Mike Lowell provided a solo homer off Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain. Even though the rookie pitcher threw a 98 mph fastball, Lowell proved to the kid that everybody at this level can turn on a heater.
Rivera earned the save in the ninth, but not before allowing a RBI-double to Lugo.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:18 PM | Permalink
New York state of mind
The Yankees just concluded BP and manager Joe Torre discussed a few things, including catcher Jorge Posada, pitcher Roger Clemens and the playoff race.
Posada, who was involved in a devastating collision with the Sox' Eric Hinske at home plate on Saturday, was taken to the hospital after that game and results were negative. He's back in the lineup tonight and is serving as the club's designated hitter.
Torre said everything is fine with Posada's health and the Yankees need his bat in the lineup, especially since he's hitting .338 this season.
Torre, a former major-league catcher, said he can't remember ever being knocked out while playing. Posada was never down for the count, but it was pretty close Saturday.
New York slugger Jason Giambi is out of the lineup and Doug Mientkiewicz will be playing first base. Giambi has struggled defensively this series, plus Torre said his elbow his a little sore after being hit by a pitch during Saturday's game. Mientkiewicz is 3-for-10 lifetime against Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, including a home run.
Clemens returns to Fenway tonight and Torre said he has nothing but respect for the future Hall-of-Famer. Both teams are expecting an exciting matchup.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:18 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Red Sox regroup, thump Yanks, 10-1
BOSTON — When David Ortiz woke up yesterday morning, he didn’t think he was going to be able to play.
The Red Sox slugger said he sprained his knee when he slid into home plate during Friday night’s loss to the New York Yankees in Game 1 of this three-game set.
Yesterday’s game was crucial for Boston to keep its lead in the A.L. East standings secure, so when Ortiz arrived at Fenway Park, the competitive monster inside him woke up.
“Once you get here, everything totally changes mentally,” he said. “There’s no way you can [sit] out…. We have guys stepping forward and doing different things, and that’s what you want to see in this case.”
He wasn’t alone.
Every player in the Red Sox clubhouse knew how devastating Friday’s defeat was or could have been if New York was able to carry that momentum, but Boston wasn’t about to let that happen, even though everyone at this time of the season is bruised and banged up. The players know these games mean too much for anyone to sit back and take a day or an at-bat off.
As a result, the Red Sox regrouped and staged an offensive barrage en route to a 10-1 victory over the Yankees, and increase their lead again to 5½ games. Boston starter Josh Beckett continued his Cy Young-worthy dominance as the right-hander improved to 19-6 this season. He worked seven solid innings and allowed just one run on three hits with seven strikeouts.
Looking at the final-game statistics doesn’t tell the complete story of this one. There was so much more than hits, runs and errors. Boston and New York provided an all-out, down-and-dirty September game worthy of postseason accolades.
There were collisions at home plate. Rookies playing like veterans. And when it was over, there were plenty of ice packs to go around.
“Everybody knows that when we’re playing the Yankees it’s a lot more intense than any other game, no matter what,” said Red Sox utility man Eric Hinske, who was part of a home-plate collision with Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. “So when you come to the yard, you better be ready to play. If you’re not, the fans will let you know it right away. If you can’t get up for a Red Sox-Yankees game, you’ve got something wrong with you. The electricity in the stadium, and everything else — it’s awesome to be a part of. It was fun to be on the field today.”
After the game, Red Sox captain Jason Varitek stood at his locker wrapped in ice almost from head to toe. He’s sore. Everyone’s sore. Everyone is playing through it.
“Your season is too long not to ever be banged up,” Varitek said. “It’s the nature of the beast for what we do. You have to try to stay mentally strong and focus on the little things.”
Varitek said he felt that the club was feels this club is focused right now.
“Especially with our attitude to bounce back after a difficult loss (Friday) night, it shows a lot,” he said.
Boston and New York were tied at 1-1 until the bottom of the fifth inning. That’s when the often-booed, but streaking J.D. Drew provided a huge RBI-single that proved to be the game-winning run. The Red Sox piled it on from there, scoring three in the sixth, four in the seventh and one more in the eighth eight for a 10-1 victory.
Now that the series is even at a game apiece, tonight’s finale is sure to be could be a classic. The Sox send Curt Schilling to the mound, while Roger Clemens gets the nod for the Yankees.
“It’s not over, yet,” Ortiz said. “We have a lot of games left. You saw what happened (Friday) night, they caught us sleeping. They can turn things around in a heartbeat.”
--JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa at 10:28 PM | Permalink
Youkilis suffers contusion
The Red Sox just announced that Kevin Youkilis left the game with a contusion on his right wrist. He was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning by Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang. X-rays taken at Fenway were negative.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:57 PM | Permalink
New York state of mind
If you thought today's pitching matchup of Josh Beckett and Chien-Ming Wang was an impressive one, wait until tomorrow night.
The Yankees' Roger Clemens will face the Sox' Curt Schilling is a battle of veteran egos. Clemens has been battling elbow soreness in his throwing arm, but New York manager Joe Torre confirmed this afternoon that the future Hall-of-Famer will be on the mound tomorrow.
When Torre was asked about Clemens' mindset from start to start, the manager compared him to former big-leaguers Steve Carlton and Nolan Ryan. Plus, pitching at Fenway Park again will surely fire the Rocket up.
“Roger is so wound up every time he pitches,” said Torre. “I’m sure this ballpark adds a little something, too. He’s so remarkable and in a lot of ways he’s like Pete Rose. Pete continued to have the urgency to do well all the time. . . Every single day he tried to be on top of his game. Pitchers are a little different, but to maintain that intensity is pretty remarkable.”
While Torre spoke about tomorrow's matchup, the sometimes brazen Red Sox manager Terry Francona wouldn't touch the question.
"We're really going to try to win today," he said. "That's like our goal. We can enshrine the two starters tomorrow. That's not how we think."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:35 PM | Permalink
Final game story: Bulpen falters, Sox lose
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon have been the kingpins in the bullpen for the Boston Red Sox this season.
Anytime that door swung open in the late innings of a game it was a given the pair of relievers would simply shut the door in any situation.
At a time when the Red Sox needed that trend to continue, Okajima and Papelbon succumbed to New York in one catastrophic inning as the Yankees staged a dramatic comeback en route to an 8-7 victory Friday night at Fenway Park. The game lasted four hours and 43 minutes.
The Red Sox held a 7-2 lead heading into the top of the eighth inning, but the Yankees scored six runs, including a pair of back-to-back solo home runs by Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano to start the inning off Okajima.
The Japanese left-hander surrendered four runs on three hits in 1/3 of an inning, while Papelbon gave up two runs on three hits in that eighth inning as New York gained an 8-7 advantage.
For Papelbon, he entered the game having retired 18 of the last 19 batters he’s faced in his last six appearances, but New York got to him tonight as it snapped the right-hander's 16 2/3 innings scoreless streak.
''It’s definitely uncharacteristic,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis of the bullpen’s failures. ''They are human and they are going to have that happen. Unfortunately it was today in a game like that, but for us, we can’t get too down on them. They’re going to go out there the next time and pitch well. They are going to have ups and downs and unfortunately it was tonight they had the down. They’ve done a great job for us all year and we can’t get too upset with them.”
Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek had a good view of what was unfolding in front of him in the eighth inning.
“They took some good swings and capitalized on some mistakes,” he said. “We weren’t able to stop it.”
Before the Red Sox needed to summon their bullpen, starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was solid. With the work load he’s had to deal with this season, something he wasn’t accustomed to in Japan, there’s been some concern whether he’s tiring at this point of the season. Red Sox manager Terry Francona has said publicly the club is not overly worried about it, and even if it was, Dice-K answered those questions last night.
He worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and threw a total of 120 pitches (64 strikes).
“He pitched with a lot of heart,” said Francona. “He competed real well against a very good lineup.”
New York manager Joe Torre was a bit of a soothsayer early last evening when he said you never know what is going to happen when these two teams meet. He said the clubs have mutual respect for each other, and that the energy level will always be high.
He’s always said games are never over at Fenway Park until the last out is made, no matter how long the game lasts.
“No question,” he said following his club’s win. “It wasn’t one of our better efforts, but it sure was a great result for us. We gave away so much, we had so many opportunities to do some damage and we lucked out. That eighth inning was incredible. . . We never gave up the fact that we could win.”
With two games remaining in this three-game set, the Yankees cut their deficit to 4 ½ games in the A.L. East standings.
The Red Sox said they’re not concerned with any momentum New York might think it has after Friday night’s stunning victory.
“We’ll see what this team has and we’ll come out ready to play (on Saturday),” said Varitek. “Any loss is crushing, but we need to pull ourselves together and go back out there and be ready to play.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:46 AM | Permalink
Postgame reaction
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox reaction to Friday night's 8-7 loss to the Yankees . . .
-- Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis on the bullpen:
“It’s definitely uncharacteristic. They are human and they are going to have that happen. Unfortunately it was today in a game like that, but for us, we can’t get too down on them. They’re going to go out there the next time and pitch well. They are going to have ups and downs and unfortunately it was tonight they had the down. They’ve done a great job for us all year and we can’t get too upset with them.”
-- Red Sox manager Terry Francona on the Hideki Okajima's sub-par performance:
"Uncharacteristically, everything was over the middle of the plate. He elevated and he couldn't get out of the middle. . . Everything seemed to be right over the middle of the plate and they squared it up in a hurry."
-- Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek:
“They took some good swings and capitalized on some mistakes. We weren’t able to stop it.”
-- New York manager Joe Torre:
"That eighth inning was incredible."
More to come . . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:24 AM | Permalink
Clubhouse confidential from New York
New York manager Joe Torre just met with the media and had more than a few thoughts on this series.
First and foremost he said he has not been given a pregame warning from the umpires due to the events that occurred in New York that last time these two teams met.
"Is it necessary?" asked Torre. "I would say no."
Torre added: "These two teams have mutual respect for each other; fans have a different outlook on it, obviously. The energy level will be where it usually is.”
The Yankees are quite pleased with the fact Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez will likely miss the entire series due to a strained oblique.
“I like Manny and I had him on a number of All-Star teams, but I’m not going to miss him in the lineup,” said Torre. Having Ramirez and David Ortiz hitting back-to-back in the order “that 1-2 punch is as good as there is in the game.”
Of course Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain will gain a lot of attention during this series for throwing at the Sox' Kevin Youkilis the last time these teams met. The rookie pitcher said he's ready for the fan reaction.
“I’m interested every where I go,” he said. “This place isn’t going to be any different. You need to expect everything.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:46 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
*The last thing the Red Sox need right now is some kind of bug oozing its way around the clubhouse.
When third baseman Mike Lowell woke up this morning he knew something wasn’t right, so he sent a text message to manager Terry Francona to inform him about his illness. Francona this afternoon the team’s medical staff seems to think it could stem from something Lowell ate.
“He doesn’t know if it was something he ate,” said the manager. “But he’s got activity from both ends. He’s not feeling too well.”
Lowell is at Fenway Park and is being examined by the team’s medical staff, and according to Francona, the veteran would probably receive an IV.
“It is what it is,” added Francona with a smile stealing a line from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s interview repertoire. “Mikey wants to try to get in there, but that to me makes no sense. He’s a great player but we’ve got a day off [today] . . . Let it get out of his system and be ready for Friday.”
Lowell has been hitting in the clean-up spot of late with Manny Ramirez (strained oblique) out of the lineup. Lowell had an outstanding game on Tuesday night against Tampa, going 4-for-5. The important thing now is to make sure he’s healthy for the weekend series against New York, and no one else in the clubhouse gets sick.
“When that does happen you worry,” said Francona, “because it goes through the whole team; that never fails.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:11 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction following comeback win
Red Sox manager Terry Francona:
"It's a win. That's what we set out to do. It didn't start out looking real great. Down 8-1 is not really the formula, but I don't think we abandoned our approach, which is easy to do when you get down a bunch and start rolling over. We didn't give at-bats away. . . we made them go to the bullpen and then we made them continue to go to the bullpen. We kept on them the whole time."
Francona on Bryan Corey, who earned the victory:
"I know he is a September call-up. He's pitched in the major leagues. We have confidence in his ability to pitch and I think it shows when we use him. He's got a lot of confidence. He can add and subtract with his change-up. He has some velocity with a little bit of movement. . . he can really give us some help."
Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash:
“It was exciting. It was fun to be a part of. Not that this was a must-win game, but it was a big game for us to win. We got down early, and it was good it was early, because it gave us a chance to gain some momentum to come back.”
Cash on J.D. Drew:
“J.D. is big for us,” said Cash, who also played collegiate ball with Drew at Florida State. “I know what J.D. can do offensively. His career numbers are pretty impressive and hopefully [last night] was big for him.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:51 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
*Red Sox manager Terry Francona gave his daily update on ailing Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez and not much has changed.
Ramirez continues to rehab his strained oblique and he was working out with trainer Scott Waugh again this afternoon. Ramirez was scheduled to take some swings in the cage this afternoon. The Red Sox are still being cautious with his baseball-relatged progression.
*Ramirez isn't the only player bruised and banged up. Backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, who recently returned from the DL after suffering a strained calf, has been hampered by a sore hamstring.
Mirabelli is doing better, according to Francona and he’s goal is to be ready for Tim Wakefield’s next start.
*Jon Lester (4-0) will start for Boston tomorrow night in the series finale against the Devil Rays. The left-hander has been solid in his last few outings.
“His velocity seems to be coming back without effort,” said Francona. “He has tightness to his cutter and change-up. I’m sure the ball coming out of his hand like he’s accustomed to is leading to some confidence; I don’t doubt that for one minute.”
*Wakefield (16-10), tonight's starter, is 4-0 against Tampa this season. The knuckleballer is the all-time wins leader vs. the Devil Rays with 19 career victories. The veteran right-hander will attempt to continue his winning ways tonight.
“I hope the trend continues because that would bode well for us,” said Francona. “I think every start has its own personality and every year teams are different and starts are different. I don’t know if I buy into it, I just hope he wins.”
*Mother Nature is messing with the Red Sox. Because of today's inclement weather, pitcher Matt Clement had his scheduled changed a bit. The veteran right-hander continues his comeback from shoulder surgery.
He was scheduled to throw a simulated game yesterday, his second in a week, but it's been pushed back. He will now throw a side session tomorrow before facing live batters again on Sunday.
Dice-K also had his side session moved back until tomorrow.
*There's been a lot of talk around these parts today about the New England Patriots allegedly stealing the signals of the Jets during the season-opener on Sunday. In baseball, attempting to steal signals is almost a time-honored tradition. A few Red Sox players gave their thoughts on the matter this afternoon.
Catcher Kevin Cash:
“Anything to get the extra edge. Pitchers tipping pitches or getting catcher’s signs are part of the game.”
“I would say some teams focus on it a little more than others. They’re trying to figure out something, especially when you have a guy who is dominating on the mound, everybody is going to be looking to see if he doing something to tip his pitches; anything we can pick up. I think that happens quite often.”
“If you pick something up then maybe something is said, it’s not like there’re eight guys in the dugout looking for signs. It’s not like that. It’s more of if a guys gets on second base some teams look at the catcher to see where he’s setting up and try to read signs, but it’s tough to see fingers when you’re far away.”
Red Sox rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury:
“There’re a lot of things you look for with a pitcher. Baseball is obviously about percentages and anytime you can increase your percentages to steal a base and be successful [is important].”
Ellsbury said he’ll occasionally watch some video to see what a pitcher does, but he also admitted he spends more time studying what a pitcher does during a particular game. He also said he’s getting better at picking up a pitcher’s tendencies a lot quicker.
“You really have to pay attention and be a student of the game,” he said.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:34 PM | Permalink
Weather update: Skies clearing up at Fenway
The rain has stopped and the skies above Fenway Park are clearing up. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the club is optimistic that it will play tonight. The sun is breaking through the clouds and it appears the inclement weather is gone.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:47 PM | Permalink
Weather update from Fenway
It's raining. It's raining hard.
The Red Sox just released this statement:
The current weather forecast (provided by the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix) in the vicinity of Fenway Park calls for moderate rain showers that are currently in the area to subside during the early evening hours.
The Fenway Park gates will open at the regularly scheduled time of 5:05 p.m., and the Red Sox expect that tonight’s game with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 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 3:16 PM | Permalink
Hall of Fame trip
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. _ The scorecard has been delivered!
At approximately 12:30 this afternoon, I handed over my scorecard of the no-hitter thrown by Red Sox rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz against the Baltimore Orioles last Saturday at Fenway Park. It will be on display soon at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in a wing named “This Year in Baseball” and will feature Buchholz’s game-worn hat and a game ball provided by the Red Sox.
Jeff Idelson, the Hall’s vice president of communications and education, met my wife and I and took us on a quick tour, showing us where the exhibit will be. Idelson and his staff were great, friendly and the hospitality was second to none.
They even held a parade for our arrival. Well, not really. It just so happens to be the Bicentennial of Cooperstown and the village began its week-long celebration on Friday. If you’re a baseball fan, even if you’re not, this is a great place to spend a few days with family and friends.
Idelson took us to his office where he unpacked a box sent from Boston with Buchholz’s hat, game ball, along with the spikes Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin wore for his 1,000th appearance. I didn’t want to tear the two pages out of my scorebook because with my luck they would have ripped one of them, so I let Jeff do the dirty work.
He said he felt like he was performing surgery as he carefully removed the pages. When the display is finally in place, I’m planning a return trip. I just want to make it clear that the Hall didn’t come looking for my scorecard specifically. Brad Horn, communications director for the Hall of Fame, contacted Jeff Horrigan of the Boston Herald, looking for scorecard, his, mine, didn’t matter. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Still, it’s an honor to be a part of something special where baseball fans can enjoy a little piece of history.
--Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:13 PM | Permalink
Buchholz still gaining attention
Clay Buchholz has understandably received a ton of attention since the rookie tossed a no-hitter for the Red Sox last Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.
It was only a couple of weeks ago when Buchholz, with the PawSox at the time, met tennis legend Jim Courier who was at McCoy Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Buchholz caught the former No. 1 ranked star’s pitch and Courier joked afterwards that he turned pro before Buchholz was born.
Courier has been working as a broadcaster for the U.S. Open in New York and when he was informed of the no-hitter he was quite happy.
“Since I found out about Clay’s no-hitter, following my appearance in Pawtucket, I’ve been expecting a message at my office from (Yankees general manager) Brian Cashman,” said Courier, “asking if I could drop by their Triple-A team to throw out a first pitch or two.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:19 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse postgame reaction
Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Jacoby Ellsbury:
“I think that might be a little premature,” said Francona when asked if Ellsbury is becoming a power-hitter. “I’m glad he saved them up. He’s impacting every game he plays, which is not only exciting but it’s very beneficial in us winning. He’s a very exciting young player. That’s stating the obvious.”
Ellsbury on his 3-for-3 performance:
“It feels good to get off to a fast start. It builds the confidence from there.”
Ellsbury on falling a double short of cycle:
“It would have been nice. More importantly we got the win, but it would have been nice to get that fourth AB.”
Ellsbury’s home run last night came off Toronto starter Roy Halladay, one of the premiere pitchers in the majors, in the fourth inning to drive in two runs.
“He has filthy pitches,” said Ellsbury. “Tonight I was just seeing the ball really and fortunately put three good swings on them.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:10 PM | Permalink
Papelbon works three days in a row
Jonathan Papelbon on pitching three straight days:
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon earned his 33rd save of the season last night, and for the first time this season he worked three consecutive games. Francona explained the reasoning behind not overusing Papelbon this season was to make sure the hard-throwing right-hander had gas left in the tank come the final month of the season and into the postseason.
“Tonight was huge for me,” said Papelbon. “I’ve said it all along that this is something my body needs to go through and my body needs to feel because during the stretch run there will be those opportunities where I’m going to be called on three days in a row.”
He has worked 12 2/3 scoreless innings with 10 saves and 21 strikeouts with just one hit in his last appearances.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:05 PM | Permalink
Red Sox make changes in organization
The Boston Red Sox have made some organizational changes.
After the Pawtucket Red Sox concluded their season Monday at McCoy Stadium, pitching coach Mike Griffin was informed he was being reassigned in the organization, and hitting coach Mark Budaska was fired.
Red Sox vice president of player personnel Ben Cherington and the club's director of player development Mike Hazen informed Griffin and Budaska of the decisions following Pawtucket's last game of the season.
“Griff’s a loyal employee and a hard worker,” said Cherington. “He’s someone we admire.”
Cherington explained the job of a Triple-A pitching coach is a difficult one, a position with unique challenges.
“It’s a grind,” he said. “That grind was starting to get in the way of his ability to make an impact. . . It was starting to get in the way of all the good things he’s done in the past."
If Griffin decides to stay in the organization, which Red Sox management hopes he does, the club feels he’ll be getting a fresh start that will bring out his strengths again.
“Buda worked very hard,” said Cherington. “A lot of young hitters enjoyed success and made it to the major-league level [because of him] and that’s not lost on anybody. This was just a change we felt was necessary. Buda is a very qualified hitting coach.”
Cherington said the organization’s view and Budaska’s view on a couple of things “didn’t match up” and “the change was in the best interest for both.”
Griffin worked in Pawtucket for five seasons, becoming the longest-tenured pitching coach in team history. Budaska was the PawSox' hitting coach for four seasons.
“Both are good people,” said Cherington. “Not an easy decision to make and it’s news that you don’t like to deliver."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:04 PM | Permalink
Just as special for Varitek
BOSTON _ There, in the background, was Jason Varitek.
The Boston Red Sox captain had just caught his third professional no-hitter thanks to rookie pitcher Clay Buchholz, who kept the Baltimore Orioles stymied at Fenway Park last night. And, while all the focus was on the 23-year-old right-hander, his batterymate deserved a lot of the credit, too.
Before last night’s game, Buchholz and Varitek held an in-depth study session on the Baltimore hitters and it proved crucial.
“Jason puts in a lot of care,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “I know Clay’s name will be in the record books, I hope Jason’s is right under it because he deserves it.”
It’s no secret Varitek is one of the most well prepared catchers in baseball and Buchholz was certainly happy to have him behind the plate.
“He played an incredible role,” said the rookie. “The way he breaks down each hitter, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before – how much pride and passion he takes in everything he does. When he’s back there calling a game you can see him thinking about what pitch we want to throw. You don’t come across guys that often who think the game while they’re playing. He’s a great attribute to what happened tonight and I’m glad to say I got to throw to Jason Varitek.”
Of course, Varitek gave all the credit to Buchholz.
“He just did an excellent job,” he said. “He stayed aggressive. He did a phenomenal job. He was great.”
--Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:15 AM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction to no-hitter
Clay Buchholz on Clay Buchholz:
“If anybody would have said to me I’d come out [in my second big-league start] and did what happened today, I would have called them a liar. This is what you dream about growing up. This is unreal.”
Buchholz on the emotion of the night:
“I don’t even know a word for it. I was so excited and ecstatic about everything . . . You would think we won a World Series or something. It was an incredible moment of my life and something I’ll never forget.”
Buchholz comparing how he felt before this game compared to his major-league debut on Aug. 17:
“I was still nervous. It wasn’t the same kind of nervous, though. At least I knew what to expect from the crowd and everything else, but today I was just nervous like any other baseball game you play in. I felt a little better coming out of the gate.”
On the Red Sox giving him an opportunity:
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. It’s what you dream about coming up. I feel like nothing can go wrong right now. I’m going to try to keep everything on an even plane. It’s just a dream come true.”
Red Sox pitcher Bryan Corey was told to warm up in the eighth inning because of Buchholz’s pitch count, and his allotment of innings he’s pitched this season. As the right-handed reliever began to throw, it was probably the first time in his career he didn’t want to enter the game.
“I’m glad he went [the distance],” said Corey, who was called up from Pawtucket yesterday afternoon. “That’s not a game I want to come in to. He had an opportunity to do something special, let him go.”
Red Sox manager Terry Francona:
“That’s about as nervous and excited as a lot of us have been in a long time. That was something to see.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:49 PM | Permalink
Baseball bench-clearing scrums are a joke
Have you ever seen anything more ridiculous than a bench-clearing "brawl" in baseball?
Red Sox starter Julian Tavarez just hit the Angels' Orlando Cabrera, barely grazing him across the letters. He didn't like it too much, so he started to take a few steps towards the mound and was clearly upset.
Both benches cleared and, my favorite, the pitchers in the bullpen run all the way in to join the scrum on the diamond. If anything, don't you think they would get into it in the outfield instead of running all the way in?
To stop such silly behavior, and to have baseball players stop thinking they're hockey players, here's a simple solution to stop such events in baseball.
If a pitcher hits a batter and then decides to charge the mound, let them battle it out. If anyone leaves their position, including the catcher, or leaves the dugout and bullpen then it's an automatic suspension.
This way the pitcher knows he'll have to protect himself if he decides to intentionally hit a batter. And, if the dugouts do empty, then please make it worth it -- old-school hockey.
I can picture it now. Francona walking through the clubhouse one day and he spots Dustin Pedroia putting on the foil.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 2:49 PM | Permalink
Postgame clubhouse reaction
Manager Terry Francona on David Ortiz's grand slam:
"That was well struck, and the timing wasn't bad, either. That one swing changed the complexion of the ballgame."
Ortiz on his grand slam:
“I don’t like to talk about my homersm, but that was a pretty good one.”
Ortiz on playing through aches and pains:
“I’m just trying to hang tight and help this ballclub. I know they count on me and I don’t think it’s fair to shut things down when other people would like to. It would only get worse if I’m out of the lineup, so I’m just trying to do what the trainers tell me through the season and I fight back [the pain] when I go out there to play.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:05 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
Bobby Kielty is in the house.
He said he wanted to play for a team that had an opportunity to play in meaningful games in September and October.
Welcome to Boston!
As expected the Red Sox purchased his contract from Pawtucket today and the veteran outfielder is in the dugout tonight. Kielty, 31, has 579 games of major-league experience with Minnesota, Toronto and Oakland. He was designated for assignment by the A’s on July 21 and released on July 31. The Red Sox signed him to a minor-league deal on Aug. 6.
There were numerous reasons why he wanted to play here, especially since he said the Red Sox showed interest even before he was designated. But one thing stood out.
“Definitely No. 1 was playing for a playoff contender,” he said. “I grew up a big fan of the Red Sox, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I’m definitely excited to be here.”
Red Sox manager Terry Francona and Kielty talked about what the newcomer’s role off the bench is going to be, and when the meeting concluded everyone understand the situation. He’ll be used basically as a utility outfielder, mainly playing the corner spots and will an added left-handed bat off the bench against left-handed pitchers.
“I know my role,” he said. “I’m a pretty laid-back kind of guy and when I go out and perform I like to play hard. I’m totally happy with it.”
Because he has family from Massachusetts, he grew up watching the Red Sox and admitted he was a huge Roger Clemens fan. Kielty knows how rabid Red Sox Nation can be, and he said he’s ready for the challenge.
“There’s pressure with coming to any team,” he said. “Being a new player you want to perform well, and make a good impression right away. Boston is a big market with a lot of fans and they have a lot of passion. I just want to play my game and if I can do that everything will be fine.”
Kielty will not be in the lineup against the Angels tonight, but Francona said he’ll play tomorrow.
“He’s a professional hitter,” said the manager. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him as a person and as a teammate. We’ll just get him comfortable quickly and hopefully he can help us.”
*Catcher Kevin Cash arrived at Fenway in the sixth inning on Friday night and Francona said Cash will catch Julian Tavarez tomorrow and Tim Wakefield on Monday. Cash caught some of Wakefield’s side session during spring training, and has worked with both minor-league knucklers John Barnes and Charlie Zink.
“But they’re not Tim Wakefield,” said Francona. “Wakey has been through [catching changes] and he will not alter the way he pitches. We hope it goes great.”
Francona said Doug Mirabelli, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday night with a strained right calf muscle, was still sore yesterday. Just in case Cash couldn’t get here in time on Friday – he was with the PawSox in Ottawa – and if a catcher was needed Francona said he had about six volunteers for the job, including Alex Cora, Eric Hinske and Mike Lowell.
“Everybody but Ortiz was volunteering,” joked Francona.
*It was less than 24 hours after Red Sox reliever Eric Gagne blew a save opportunity on Friday night and it was still being discussed yesterday afternoon. The newly acquired right-hander surrendered a one-run lead and allowed the Angels to score three runs in the top of the ninth inning en route to a 7-6 victory. By the time the local media was allowed in the clubhouse Gagne was already gone.
It was the second time in a week that Gagne imploded on the mound, causing the Red Sox to lose. But, Francona said he’s sticking with him.
“I don’t think using him differently helps,” he said. “You put a guy who pitches on adrenaline in a blowout game, it’s not going to help him. When a hitter goes through a slump, your good hitters you stay with them. You might give then an occasional day off and that’s what we did with Gagne [last night] because he threw a lot of pitches [Friday]."
It was Gagne’s third blown save of the season, and since arriving in Boston at the trade deadline, he has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits in seven appearances.
“You try to put the players in the best position where they can succeed,” added Francona. “If you run away from that, it’s not going to work. . . We need to work hard to get this guy locked in opposed to running away from him.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:24 PM | Permalink
Epstein admits mistake; Arroyo reacts
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein admitted he made a mistake.
After the Red Sox traded utility outfielder Wily Mo Pena, and cash considerations, to the Washington Nationals in exchange for a player to be named later yesterday afternoon, Epstein said he was wrong.
Pena was acquired by Boston from Cincinnati in exchange for pitcher and fan favorite Bronson Arroyo on March 20, 2006. Epstein was criticized publicly for the deal, and he said yesterday he made a mistake.
“It didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to,” he said. “Certainly wasn’t a good trade in retrospect. From a pure talent standpoint in a vacuum, that can still be debated because Wily Mo certainly has the talent and in the right situation he can hit a lot of home runs. There’s still a good chance he blossoms as a hitter. Here the fit never materialized.
“Certainly there have been times in the last 18 months where we could have used a very legitimate pitcher, which Bronson Arroyo is. We have to look back and say that (trade) is probably one we would want back.”
Arroyo returned a phone call made by the Journal late last night in response Epstein's comments.
"I have a lot of respect for Theo," said Arroyo. "He's always been a straight shooter, and I appreciate that. To admit he made a mistake must have been tough to do. He has always treated me good."
When asked if he would want to play again in Boston someday, Arroyo said: "Of course. I hope I have10 years left and at some point maybe I can get back there."
Because of complexity of the rules at this time of the season, Epstein said he couldn’t reveal at this point who that player to be named is, but said the bench will be more functional going forward this season.
“We’re pleased with the way things turned out [yesterday],” said Epstein. “We ended up getting a player who we really like. We’re fairly happy with the resolution given the circumstances.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:52 AM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction after losing nightcap
Red Sox reliever Eric Gagne, who blew a save opportunity after he allowed three runs in the top of the ninth inning, was no where to be found in the clubhouse after the game. In fact, it was a very quiet clubhouse.
Manager Terry Francona on the eighth and ninth innings:
“It ended up being a frustrating inning all the way around."
Francona on the eighth-inning rally only to loss in the end:
“The place is electric and the same things that will make you laugh will make you cry. They turned right around and did it to us.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:19 PM | Permalink
Mirabelli placed on DL
BOSTON -- General manager Theo Epstein cleared up the roster mess moments ago:
-- Doug Mirabelli has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of the strained right calf suffered in today's first game
-- Catcher Kevin Cash has been purchased from Pawtucket and is scheduled to arrive at Fenway Park at about 7:50 p.m. (''No police escort this time.'') He will be eligible to play when he arrives.
-- Clay Buchholz has been optioned back to Pawtucket, and Jacoby Ellsbury is recalled.
-- JOE McDONALD
Posted by Art Martone at 5:52 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction to Buchholz
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek when asked if Buchholz is a major-league pitcher?
"No question. No question at all."
Manager Terry Francona:
"I thought he kept his poise really well. . . . I thought that was about what we were expecting."
Angels manager Mike Scioscia:
"Oh, you can see that he has got great stuff. With a little refining this guy looks like he's gonna be good for a long time. I was very impressed."
Clay Buchholz on Buchholz:
"It's something that I have been working for since I joined the Red Sox. No words can really descibe it. That's what I have wanted to do for the past three years in pro ball, and today was the day and I had a great time with it. . . I will remember this forever."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:44 PM | Permalink
Update: Kielty also summoned to Boston; Ellsbury to play tonight
BOSTON -- It appears Kevin Cash isn't the only PawSox player heading to Boston. Bobby Kielty is also on his way from Ottawa.
When he will be activated, however, is unclear.
Jacoby Ellsbury said moments ago that he will play in tonight's game against the Angels. (The lineup has yet to be posted.) That being the case, it seems likely Clay Buchholz will be sent back to Pawtucket before the game starts, which was the original plan.
Doug Mirabelli, who suffered a calf injury in the first game that necessitated the recall of Cash, was in a walking cast in the clubhouse. Cash is leaving Ottawa on a 6:20 p.m. flight and is not expected to arrive in Boston until after 8 p.m. It is not known if Cash will be activated prior to tonight's game, making him eligible to play once he arrives at Fenway Park.
For him to be activated, the only option -- it would seem -- would be placing Mirabelli on the disabled list. Buchholz' roster spot apparently is being taken by Ellsbury.
The original plan was for Ellsbury to be with the Red Sox until Sunday, when he would be sent back down and Kielty activated. It remains to be seen if that plan is still in place, since Kielty is on his way to Boston now.
Brendan Donnelly, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season because of Tommy John elbow surgery, was moved from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for Cash. Players on the 60-day DL do not count against the 40.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:23 PM | Permalink
Mirabelli injury update: PawSox catcher Kevin Cash summoned to Boston
It appears Mirabelli's strained right calf is worse than first thought as PawSox catcher Kevin Cash is leaving Ottawa and is on his way to Boston for tonight's game.
Cash, 29, signed with the Red Sox as a minor-league free agent last January and has 114 games of major-league experience. He spent parts of three seasons (2002-2004) with Toronto and played 13 games for Tampa Bay in 2005. He spent all of last season with Triple-A Durham in 2006 and is hitting .176 with seven homers and 25 RBI in 59 games for the PawSox this season.
Fellow PawSox catcher George Kottaras has been banged up of late and has not played that much on the club's current road trip (2-for-10).
Posted by Joe McDonald at 3:16 PM | Permalink
Mirabelli pulled from game
Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli, who was limping noticeably after rounding third base and heading home while scoring one of Boston's six runs in the bottom of the first inning, has been pulled from the game and replaced by Jason Varitek. Because of today's doubleheader, manager Terry Francona said this morning he would spilt the battery duties between the two catchers. Mirabelli was running hard until he reached third, but then began limping as soon as he turned the bag. There's no word on the extent of Mirabelli's injured.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:44 PM | Permalink
Hitting for the cycle
The Red Sox hit for the cycle in their first five batters. Dustin Pedroia led off with a double, Kevin Youkilis struck out swinging, David Ortiz belted a two-run homer, Manny Ramirez singled and J.D. Drew collected the triple.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:28 PM | Permalink
Pena traded
The Red Sox just announced they traded outfielder Wily Mo Pena and cash considerations to the Washington Nationals for a player to be named later.
With Clay Buchholz added to the roster to make a spot-start today, the club needed to make a roster move, so Pena has been shipped to the Nats. Buchholz will be optioned back to Pawtucket after today's game, and it's expected Jacoby Ellsbury will be called up from the PawSox.
Pena was hitting .218 with five homers and 17 RBI in 73 games for the Red Sox this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:20 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
*To make room for today’s starting pitcher, Clay Buchholz, the Red Sox must make a roster move. We just met with manager Terry Francona and he said the club has not made one yet, but something will be announced before the Game 1 of today’s doubleheader.
It is expected Wily Mo Pena will be designated for assignment. The utility outfielder was not seen in the clubhouse this morning.
*It’s no secret Clay Buchholz will make his major-league debut today for the Red Sox. The 23-year-old right-hander will face the Angels in Game 1 of a day/night doubleheader, and he brings with him a lot of anticipation.
“This kid is still on the fast track of development, but it’s a great opportunity today to watch him pitch,” said Francona. “He’s going to pitch and go back down; he knows that. . . His development is not over. That’s not to say he can’t get people out, but he’s still a young kid learning the game. It’s exciting and it’ll be fun to see how he reacts today, but there’s still a lot of development still left.”
*Looking at the previous post with today's lineups, you'll notice Doug Mirabelli will be Buchholz's batterymate today. The simple reason is because today is a doubleheader it does not make sense for Jason Varitek to catch two games, especially at this point of the season.
Mirabelli and Buchholz met at Fenway Park yesterday, the club's off-day, to formulate game plan and play catch. The rookie even threw a couple of pitches off the mound, according to Francona.
Buchholz arrived at the park about an hour ago and looked very comfortable in the clubhouse.
*The Sox still have not named their starter for Sunday, but it's likely it will be Julian Tavarez as Tim Wakefield will be given an extra day off.
Francona was asked why Buchholz today, while Sunday remains TBA.
“When you add a pitcher who is not on your roster, like a Buchholz, whatever he gives you is free innings. We have 18 innings minimum to account for today, and you go with Tavarez and say he goes five, which would be great because it eliminated five our of your bullpen, this gives you an extra pitcher. Plus, it’s a starter to boot going into a doubleheader.”
*Francona was asked this morning how important it is for a rookie to feel accepted by the players, manager and coaches, and how long does that process take?
“Not in an hour,” he said. “I spoke with him yesterday and he understands he’s here for one start.”
The manager explained the importance of meeting all the players, especially all the highly-touted prospects, during the spring training.
Yesterday “I didn’t have to introduce myself,” Francona said. “We were getting reacquainted. This is his first major-league start. He’ll have a ton of butterflies, but he has the best chance possible to show what he can do. He may not, but this is better than him coming in cold, not knowing anybody and feeling like a rental player. This is one start and he’s going back to Triple-A, but we’ve done everything in our power to make him feel comfortable.”
*When Red Sox ace Curt Schilling decides to call it quits, he has the ability to become a NASCAR driver. On my way up to Fenway this morning, Schilling was behind me in his black BMW and when he hit a little bit of traffic on the parkway, he moved to the inside lane and blew by me. I caught every traffic light and he was no where to be seen. I asked him about his driving when I got to the clubhouse, and wasn't surprised when, again, he blew me off.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:01 AM | Permalink
Bruins in the house
The Boston Bruins' Bobby Allen, Marc Savard and Mark Mowers took BP at Fenway this afternoon. Allen, a Massachusetts native and former Boston College standout, displayed a sweet swing and put two into the Monster seats. Mowers hit the left-field wall a couple of times, and Savard should stick with hockey.
After the BP session was over, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling came over and introduced himself to the threesome.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:40 PM | Permalink
Red Sox sign Spivey
The Red Sox have signed veteran major-league infielder Junior Spivey as a free agent and assigned him to Pawtucket.
Spivey, who has spent five seasons in the bigs with Arizona, Milwaukee and Washington, was recently playing independent ball for the Bridgeport Blue Fish.
"I'm just excited," he said when he arrived at McCoy Stadium today. "I feel like a little kid again. I feel like a rookie again. I'm excited to be back in organized ball with an organization like this. I've got a chance to win, compete and I want to make the most of it."
He's leading off and playing center field for the PawSox tonight against. Rochester.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:27 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction after today's loss in Tampa
Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Manny Delcarmen's struggles:
“That’s why we went to Manny, so it wouldn’t [get out of control]. He threw two fastballs right in the middle of the plate. Daisuke was so good. It didn’t work out very well.”
Delcarmen on his sub-par outing and allowing back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning:
“If I could take them back I would. It just shows that when you make a mistake they are going to hit it up here. I got frustrated because we scored two the next inning, and if you take away (my) runs then we’re up by one. I wanted to go back out there.”
Dice-K on his performance and the home run he allowed in the seventh inning:
“With both teams at zero runs at that point, that was a situation I wanted to avoid and I’m disappointed."
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:09 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
*The Red Sox complete their seven-game road trip today and they're hoping to return to Boston with a 6-1 mark.
*Because of Saturday's 4:38 marathon where the Sox won in 12 innings, catcher Jason Varitek has been given today off. It's the first time this season Doug Mirabelli will catch Dice-K. Manager Terry Francona said Mirabelli, who usually just catches Tim Wakefield, worked a little bit with Matsuzaka during spring training.
“Not much,” said Francona. “During spring training we have everybody rotate with everybody, but Tek caught the majority of Dice-K because we’re trying to get them familiar [with each other]. But it’s not surprising that this happens once or twice a year. Actually, in the long run, it’s probably good. Jason and I talked about it after (Saturday’s) game, it forces you to do something that ends up being good.”
*Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin has not pitched since last Monday in Cleveland. The veteran right-hander said his shoulder is a little sore, but he's expected to throw again on Tuesday. Francona was asked if there was thought of placing Timlin on the DL, but the manager doesn't think that will be the case.
“We try to do the right thing,” said Francona. “If you get to a point where the right thing looks like it’s longer, then I know we maybe have to look at different things, but I don’t think that’s where we’re at now. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to pitch on Tuesday.”
Timlin, who has worked 16 scoreless innings in his last 11 outings, spent the early part of the season on the DL and also made a rehab appearance in Pawtucket.
"It was a little bit achy, so we decided to lay off," said Timlin this morning. "Give it some time off so it doesn't flare up. It's getting better. Rest isn't always fun, but rest is good. . . as much as no one likes to admit it, especially me, I'm getting older. I don't rebound as fast as I would like to. . . . this is a team concept, it's not a sprint. If I'm able to take some rest in the middle of the race so I can finish, then we'll do that."
Timlin said a trip to the disabled list the furthest thing from his mind.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:42 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction after marathon game
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Jonathan Papelbon is in the baseball business to save the Boston Red Sox.
Last night the Boston Red Sox saved Jonathan Papelbon.
After suffering only his second blown save of the season, Papelbon had to wait until the 12th inning to see if his mates could bail in out, which they did in a dramatic and entertaining 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field.
“There’s no sting,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “We set out to win and we did. It wasn’t easy. The final score won’t indicate the struggles, but that a good win.”
The Devil Rays’ Jonny Gomes smacked a pair of home runs last night, including a two-run shot off Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the second game of this three-game set at 6-6 to force extra innings.
The blown save for Papelbon, only his second of the season, squashed any chance of teammate, friend and starter Jon Lester to earn his second consecutive victory since returning to the majors last Monday in Cleveland after successfully battling cancer in the offseason.
“The main thing is we won,” said Lester. “You have those outings some times and we know Pappy will bounce right back. He’s going to get them either tomorrow or the next day. He’ll be right back to where he needs to be and get that next save. I’m not worried about him and it was a good victory for the team.”
Papelbon suffered his first blown save of the season on May 1 against Oakland, and until last night the hard-throwing right-hander converted 15 straight save opportunities. Entering last night’s game Boston was 60-1 when leading after the eighth inning this season.
Despite Papelbon’s miscue, Francona thought his closer was solid.
“Actually, he was great,” said the manager. “He just threw one pitch, a split that didn’t split. He made one bad pitch and sometimes when you’re in that role that happens. He was real good.”
Fortunately for the Red Sox, Julio Lugo has a keen eye at the plate.
He walked twice with the bases loaded, including his seventh at-bat of the game to push across the eventual game-winning run with two outs in the top of the 12th. The Sox’ Kevin Youkilis provided some much-needed insurance with a three-run double in the third extra frame of the night before Manny Ramirez added a two-run double en route to the victory.
“Our main focus in the bullpen, obviously, is to pick everyone up,” said Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder, who earned the win. “We’ve got the best closer in baseball right now in my opinion and everyone’s opinion on this team. Baseball is a funny game. [A save] is not necessarily a sure thing, so you always have to keep it turned on down there [in the bullpen] no matter what happens. There are a lot of emotional swings down there for guys like myself throughout the course of the game. As soon as [blown save] happened, I thought there was a good chance I would get the ball in the 10th and I managed to put up two zeros. Obviously our offensive exploded and we came back and got the win.”
The reason Snyder worked last night was because Mike Timlin’s shoulder was a little sore, according to Francona. It’s nothing serious, and the team knew before the game the veteran reliever would not be available.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:36 AM | Permalink
FINAL: Boston 12, Tampa Bay 6 (12 innings)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Jonathan Papelbon is in the baseball business to save the Boston Red Sox.
Last night the Boston Red Sox saved Jonathan Papelbon.
After suffering only his second blown save of the season, Papelbon had to wait until the 12th inning to see if his mates could bail in out, which they did in a dramatic and entertaining 12-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, Julio Lugo has a keen eye at the plate.
He walked twice with the bases loaded, including his seventh at-bat of the game to push across the eventual game-winning run with two outs in Boston’s 12-inning.
The Sox’ Kevin Youkilis provided some much-needed insurance with a three-run double in the third extra frame of the night before Manny Ramirez added a two-run double en route to the victory.
The Devil Rays’ Jonny Gomes smacked a pair of home runs last night, including a two-run shot off Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the second game of this three-game set at 6-6 to force extra innings.
The blown save for Papelbon, only his second of the season, squashed any chance of teammate, friend and starter Jon Lester to earn his second consecutive victory since returning to the majors last Monday in Cleveland after successfully battling cancer in the offseason.
Papelbon suffered his first blown save of the season on May 1 against Oakland, and until last night the hard-throwing right-hander converted 15 straight save opportunities.
Entering last night’s game Boston was 60-1 when leading after the eighth inning this season.
-- Joe McDonald
Posted by Joe McDonald at 10:37 PM | Permalink
Pedroia sore
For the second consecutive game, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is out of the lineup due to sore ribs, which he injured earlier in the week when diving for a ball in Cleveland. He said it’s nothing serious and is expected to be back in the lineup today. Francona felt it best to give the rookie another day to rest for precautionary reasons.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:13 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Sox 7, Devil Rays 1
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ The southern headquarters of Red Sox Nation paid homage to the A.L. East leaders last night with a reception fit for a World Series contender.
Red Sox fans came to Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Devils Rays, in droves as most of the 33,144 in attendance were wearing red and white. And, in true Fenway Park fashion, Boston didn’t disappoint its faithful with a 7-1 victory.
“We’re a very popular team,” said Red Sox shortstop and former Devil Ray Julio Lugo. “On the road we have a lot of fans. It’s great. Everywhere we go we feel like we’re at home.”
Kevin Youkilis provided the much-needed spark for the Red Sox with a three-run homer in the top of the sixth before Boston added four in the eighth en route to its fourth victory on the club’s current seven-game road trip with two remaining here.
“Beautiful,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona of the Youkilis homer. “It came at a point when we hadn’t done a whole lot. We were patient and got base runners just in case somebody does run into one we get the dividends.”
Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield improved to 12-9 on the season, while reliever Manny Delcarmen continues his resurgence in the Boston bullpen. With his victory, Wakefield becomes the all-time leader in victories (17) over the Devil Rays.
“When the environment is controlled he’s not battling elements,” said Francona. “We certainly weren’t doing enough offensively early, and the way he pitched allowed us to stay patient, so we could do something later. He did a great job. It probably looked like Manny Delcarmen was throwing 110 after Wake, he was making real good pitches.”
The Red Sox haven’t played here in almost a year, dating back to last Aug. 6 and maybe that’s a good thing because Boston hasn’t had much luck at The Trop since 2005. Entering last night’s game the Red Sox had a 7-12 record here, but quickly turned that around last night.
"I like pitching here,” said Wakefield of his eighth career win in 10 years at Tropicana Field. “I like pitching inside, I’ve always said that. Other than the second inning, I felt like I had pretty good control of everything tonight.”
On the heels of a solid 3-1 series against the Cleveland Indians, Boston continued its momentum.
The Devils Rays returned to The Trop last night after a horrid 1-6 road trip through New York and Baltimore and it seemed as though a bit of home cooking would work for Tampa. After the Devil Rays pushed a run across in the bottom of the second inning, 24-year-old starter Jason Hammel took care of the rest – at least for the time being.
The right-hander retired the first 11 batters he faced before David Ortiz line a single to right field with two outs in the fourth. It didn’t faze Hammel as he retired the five batters before issuing back-to-back walks in the sixth inning.
Tampa manager Joe Maddon decided that was enough and gave Hammel the hook, replacing him with reliever Juan Salas with one out and two on. That’s when Youkilis crushed a 2-1 offering from Salas and deposited it into the left-field seats for a three-run homer to give Boston its first lead of the night.
The Devil Rays couldn’t muster any more run support off Wakefield, who finished six full innings and allowed just one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. After the knuckleballer was done for the night, the revival of Delcarmen continued.
The hard-throwing right-hander retired the side in order in the seventh before Boston added to its lead in the top of the eighth inning. J.D. Drew provided an RBI-single, his first hit in the last 12 at-bats, and with two outs Coco Crisp contributed a two-run double. Doug Mirabelli helped with an RBI-single for a 7-1 advantage.
Delcarmen worked a scoreless eighth inning and has allowed only one run in his last 12 appearances. With the Red Sox holding a six-run lead Kyle Snyder finished the job.
Somewhat ironic, when Boston made the final out of the game, most everyone in attendance gave the “home” team a standing ovation. Expect much of the same today and tomorrow.
“I’m not ever surprised by the support we get,” said Francona. “We have great fans.”
----JOE McDONALD
Posted by Thom Cahir at 10:44 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction following 14-9 victory
David Ortiz on Manny Ramirez's 481-foot homer:
"That ball was (expletive) crushed."
Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Wily Mo Pena's 4-for-5 night:
“I think everybody is happy for him. He swung the bat really, really well and gave us big boosts. That’s what he can do. I think he saw six pitches, swung at all of them and hit four of them right on the button. It was fun to watch.”
Pena on his performance:
“The last couple of games I was struggling. I wasn’t getting any hits, so I just said to myself go in there and do the best that I can. I’ve been working hard and everything is coming back. I felt my confidence tonight. I was just looking for a good pitch to hit. It was good to go 4-for-5 in one game; I’ve been looking for that.”
Pena on Manny's homer:
“That homer he hit to center field was unbelievable. I can hit one that far one day. I’ll just have to wait.”
Kason Gabbard on his outing:
In the fifth “I was trying to be too perfect with everything.I got out of sync a little bit. Honestly to me it’s kind of embarrassing to have a 9-1 lead and have all that happen, especially not being able to finish. I just try to go out there and do my best every time and now I’m looking forward to my next start.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 12:03 AM | Permalink
Game Story: Manny's bat powers Sox to 14-9 win
CLEVELAND - On a night when all eyes were on Boston’s pitching staff, Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez stole the spotlight as he continues his offensive prowess against his former team.
He entered last night’s game, the finale of a four-game set at Jacobs Field, with a .348 lifetime average against Cleveland and added to his greatness here with a two-homer game, including four RBI, a double and four runs scored.
Just Manny being Manny.
His performance helped the Red Sox to a 14-9 victory over the Indians as teammate Wily Mo Pena contributed a 4-for-5 night with a three-run homer, a single and a pair of doubles.
As Boston banged out 17 hits against Indians pitching, it was déjà vu all over again for the Red Sox pitching staff.
For the third time in three weeks Kason Gabbard and Curt Schilling both pitched on the same night, the rookie for Boston and the veteran, two rehabs for Pawtucket and one simulated game.
While Schilling started for the PawSox – five scoreless innings, two hits and eight strikeouts – an hour and a half away in Toledo, Gabbard looked to improve on his 4-0 record. The left-hander worked 4 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
Ramirez got things going with a monster solo home run in the top of the second inning. His blast, the first offering from Cleveland starter Cliff Lee, landed 481 feet from home plate to become the third longest shot at The Jake. Former Indian Jim Thome still holds the top spot with his 511-foot homer, while Mark McGwire’s 485-footer is second.
After the Red Sox pushed a run across in the third, the Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez smacked his second homer in as many nights. Boston’s Jason Varitek provided a two-run single in the fourth before the Red Sox scored five runs in the fifth for a 9-1 advantage.
Until the bottom of the fifth, Gabbard retired 12 of the first 13 batters he faced as he continued to look sharp. But, he began to struggle slowly as Cleveland mounted a comeback on the rookie with four runs in the inning to cut its deficit to four.
Gabbard, who had walked only four batters in his previous three starts, didn’t issue a free pass last night until the fifth where he posted three and hit a batter. Finally with two outs and the Indians batting around the order, Francona replaced the southpaw with reliever Julian Tavarez.
It was the first time since Aug. 27, 2006 at Seattle that Tavarez appeared in a relief role. He finished last season as a starter, and with Jon Lester out of the rotation to start the season as he battled back from cancer, Tavarez had been starting in the No. 5 spot until last Monday when Lester finally returned.
The Red Sox halted Cleveland’s comeback when Pena lined a three-run homer into the bleacher seats in left field to give Boston a 12-5 lead.
Cleveland, however, once again battled back.
Tavarez, who struggled badly in his last four starts, retired the first four batters he faced, and with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, surrendered four unearned runs, including a three-run homer to the Indians’ Ryan Garko as Cleveland cut its deficit to three.
Ramirez added his second roundtripper of the game in the eighth, a two-run shot, to give Boston a 14-9 lead.
Prior to last night’s game, Francona spoke highly of the Gabbard’s performances this season. The left-hander made a spot start in May against Atlanta, and last night made his sixth start since replacing the injured Schilling in the rotation on June 26.
“Left-handers with change-ups in this league can be devastating,” said the manager. “Gabby has been good as anybody in baseball his last two starts. . . he’s got good two-seam movement and his change-up is such a good pitch. His breaking ball is getting so much better.”
Francona recalled watching Gabbard work in spring training prior to last season and remembered his curveball had a “loop” to it.
“He throws it now and it’s tight,” Francona said.
Gabbard kept his momentum going early into last night’s start, but struggled in his last inning of work. Fortunately, the Red Sox gave him plenty of run support for the win.
After his second rehab start with Pawtucket, Schilling re-joined the Sox in Tampa today. The veteran right-hander will make a third rehab appearance for the PawSox on Tuesday in Columbus before returning to Boston’s rotation – if everything continues to go as planned – the first week of August when the club travels to the west coast.
Because Gabbard has been so effective, and Lester was solid in his victorious return last Monday, the Sox will have a difficult decision to make when Schilling returns.
--JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa at 10:59 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
Alex Cora and Coco Crisp have lockers next to each other in the visiting clubhouse in Cleveland, and after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the Indians, Cora proved once again he’s a stand-up guy. The Red Sox utility infielder missed a hit-and-run call in a crucial spot and after the game took all the blame in an expletive-filled tirade.
“I don’t believe that,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona when told Cora’s self-evaluation. “We just got a little mixed up; it happens. In a 1-0 game everything sticks out. That’s the last thing I want is for Alex to feel like that. He’s tough on himself because he wants to play the game perfectly. I’m not hammering him because he’s a kid who cares. He takes a lot of pride in playing the game correctly.”
Crisp on the other hand, who was thrown out at the plate after pulling up attempting to score the game-tying run, got dressed and blew past a group of reporters waiting to talk to him. Less than 24 hours after that game, both players were clearly over their miscues.
*Rookie left-hander Kason Gabbard takes the mound for the Red Sox tonight and is looking to improve on his 4-0 record. Francona said this afternoon he's been impressed with Gabbard, who replaced Curt Schilling in the rotation when the ace went on the DL last month with shoulder tendinitis.
“Left-handers with change-ups in this league can be devastating,” said the manager. “Gabby has been good as anybody in baseball his last two starts. . . he’s got good two-seam movement and his change-up is such a good pitch. His breaking ball is getting so much better.”
Francona recalled watching Gabbard work in spring training prior to last season and remembered his curveball had a “loop” to it.
“He throws it now and it’s tight,” Francona said.
*Speaking of Schilling, Francona announced today that the veteran ace will make a third rehab start for the PawSox on Tuesday at Columbus. If everything goes as planned that would set up a return to the rotation for Schilling when the team heads to the west coast the first week of August.
Schilling is starting for the PawSox tonight in Toledo and is scheduled to throw 65 pitches. On Tuesday, he's slated to throw 80-85 pitches.
"Hopefully we get him when he's strong and ready to get up to six or seven innings," said Francona.
*The Red Sox were intently watching ESPN’s mini-series The Bronx is Burning after Tuesday’s game. Francona was asked yesterday if he’s seen the show based on the New York Yankees season of 1977.
“I’m not Siskel & Ebert,” said Francona. “Nor I have ever claimed to be, the acting to me seems to be horrendous, but it’s hard not to watch it because it’s entertaining. Some of it’s funny and the way they intertwine the Son of Sam stuff is actually pretty interesting."
Francona never has a problem making fun of himself, and when asked who would play him if a documentary was made on this season’s Red Sox team the manager said Max Patkin, The Clown Prince of Baseball. Someone suggested if Schilling didn’t play himself, maybe Drew Carey could portray the Red Sox ace.
HBO is working on a documentary about the 2004 Red Sox, the team that won the World Series for the first time in 86 years.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:35 PM | Permalink
Reaction from the Red Sox clubhouse
Red Sox manager Terry Francona:
"Carmona was about as tough as Beckett. JB threw one pitch to Gutierrez over the plate and he whacked it and it held up just like (Tuesday night). It was a lot more fun to talk about it (Tuesday) night. Carmona had explosive stuff, it was impressive.”
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek was impressed with his batterymate:
“To me it was one of the best outings Josh has ever had.”
Beckett said he was simply out pitched.
“It’s tough to compare a loss with wins,” he said following Varitek’s statement. “That’s obviously his opinion, and that’s a big compliment coming from somebody like that, but it’s tough to compare wins and losses.”
Alex Cora on the missed hit-and-run:
“I missed the sign and (expletive) up. I cost us the game. I’m doing a (expletive) job. People expect me to do [the little things] when I’m in the game and I haven’t done it the last few games. It’s a (expletive) job.”
Francona on Coco Crisp getting thrown out at the plate:
“Coco had a chance to score and in that type of game we take our chances. It didn’t work. He looked over his shoulder rounding third, like you’re supposed to, and he kept going. Victor (Martinez) did a good job blocking the plate. The way Carmona was throwing we need to take our chances.”
Jason Varitek on Cora's self-evaluation:
“We don’t blame anybody. Alex is such a huge part of this team. He makes some great plays defensively. That happens, but with the type of baseball player he is, that stuff never happens, so that’s why he’s taking it hard.”
Francona on Lugo getting thrown out at second in the eighth:
“We were putting him in motion, trying to make something happen. We tried everything tonight to get a run and nothing was working.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:11 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Indians 1, Sox 0
CLEVELAND _ It was a night of missed opportunities for the Boston Red Sox.
text ignored It was also a what-you-can-do-I-can-do-better situation as the Cleveland Indians received a solid pitching performance from starter Fausto Carmona en route to a 1-0 victory to snap the Red Sox’ five-game winning streak last night at Jacobs Field.
The young right-hander worked eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits with six strikeouts as the Indians responded from a 1-0 loss against Boston on Tuesday.
text ignoredAs effective as Carmona was, Red Sox starter Josh Beckett was equally impressive despite allowing a solo homer to the Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez in the third inning that proved to be the only run of the game.
Carmona “was about as tough as Beckett,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “JB threw one pitch to Gutierrez over the plate and he whacked it and it held up just like (Tuesday night). It was a lot more fun to talk about it (Tuesday) night. Carmona had explosive stuff, it was impressive.”
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek was impressed with his batterymate.
“To me it was one of the best outings Josh has ever had,” he said.
Beckett said he was simply out pitched.
"It’s tough to compare to a loss with wins,” he said following Varitek’s statement. “That’s obviously his opinion, and that’s a big compliment coming from somebody like that, but it’s tough to compare wins and losses.”
The expletives were flying around the Red Sox clubhouse following the loss.
Besides the pair of solid pitching performances, the Red Sox were snakebitten on three plays.
First, Coco Crisp was thrown out at the plate attempting to tie the game in the sixth inning. Second, Alex Cora missed a hit-and-run sign at the plate that caused runner Jason Varitek to be tagged out in the eighth. Third, Julio Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second as a pinch runner in the eighth.
Cora took his miscue very hard.
“I missed the sign and (expletive) up,” he said. “I cost us the game. I’m doing a (expletive) job. People expect me to do [the little things] when I’m in the game and I haven’t done it the last few games. It’s a (expletive) job.”
After Gutierrez absolutely crushed a solo homer to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Beckett responded and retired the next 14 batters in a row before Trot Nixon singled in the eighth for Cleveland’s fourth hit of the game.
Meanwhile, Carmona kept the Sox’ bats at bay until Crisp snapped the 23-year-old’s bid for a no-hitter with an infield single in the sixth inning. Crisp hit a hard grounder up the middle that Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta ranged to his left and snared, but because of the Crisp’s speed Peralta had to rush the throw and didn’t get it there on time.
With one out and Dustin Pedroia at the plate, Crisp took off for second and was able to stay out of the possible double play when Pedroia grounded out to third. Ortiz, who struck out his first two times up, hit a hard ground ball to the right side for a single. Cleveland had the shift on, so Crisp attempted to score from second for the would-be tying run, but Indians second baseman Josh Barfield got his throw to the plate in time for the third out of the inning.
“Coco had a chance to score and in that type of game we take our chances,” said Francona. “It didn’t work. He looked over his shoulder rounding third, like you’re supposed to, and he kept going. Victor (Martinez) did a good job blocking the plate. The way Carmona was throwing we need to take our chances.”
Things didn’t get any easier for the Red Sox.
Varitek led off the eighth with a single, Boston’s third hit of the game, before Eric Hinske lined out to center. Cora followed and appeared to have missed a hit-and-run sign as Varitek took off for second. When the batter didn’t swing, Varitek attempted to retreat to first but was caught 2-6-3.
Francona said the miscommunication on the play was his fault, and Varitek didn’t agree with Cora’s self-evaluation.
“We blame anybody,” said Varitek. “Alex is such a huge part of this team. He makes some great plays defensively. That happens, but with the type of baseball player he is, that stuff never happens, so that’s why he’s taking it hard.”
With two outs in the inning, Cora provided an infield single and was replaced with the speedy Lugo, who originally was given the night off. With Crisp at the plate, Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second to end the inning.
“We were putting him in motion, trying to make something happen,” said Francona. “We tried everything tonight to get a run and nothing was working.”
The stage was set with two outs in the top of the ninth inning for Ortiz.
The Sox slugger had missed the previous four games with a sore shoulder and had an opportunity but popped out as the Indians’ Joe Borowski earned his 29th save of the season.
-----JOE McDONALD
Posted by Thom Cahir at 11:05 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Cleveland 1, Boston 0
CLEVELAND _ It was a night of missed opportunities for the Boston Red Sox.
It was also a what-you-can-do-I-can-do-better situation as the Cleveland Indians received a solid pitching performance from starter Fausto Carmona en route to a 1-0 victory to snap the Red Sox’ five-game winning streak last night at Jacobs Field.
The young right-hander worked eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits with six strikeouts as the Indians responded from a 1-0 loss against Boston on Tuesday. As effective as Carmona was, Red Sox starter Josh Beckett was equally impressive despite allowing a solo homer to the Indians’ Franklin Gutierrez in the third inning that proved to be the game-winning run.
After Gutierrez absolutely crushed a solo homer to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Beckett responded and retired the next 14 batters in a row before Trot Nixon singled in the eighth for Cleveland’s fourth hit of the game.
Meanwhile, Carmona kept the Sox’ bats at bay until Coco Crisp snapped the 23-year-old’s bid for a no-hitter with an infield single in the sixth inning. Crisp hit a hard grounder up the middle that Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta ranged to his left and snared, but because of the Crisp’s speed Peralta had to rush the throw and didn’t get it there on time.
With one out and Dustin Pedroia at the plate, Crisp took off for second and was able to stay out of the possible double play when Pedroia grounded out to third. Ortiz, who struck out his first two times up, hit a hard ground ball to the right side for a single. Cleveland had the shift on, so Crisp attempted to score from second for the would-be tying run, but Indians second baseman Josh Barfield got his throw to the plate in time for the third out of the inning.
Things didn’t get any easier for the Red Sox.
Jason Varitek led off the eighth with a single, Boston’s third hit of the game, before Eric Hinske lined out to center. Alex Cora followed and appeared to have missed a hit-and-run sign as Varitek took off for second. When the batter didn’t swing, Varitek attempted to retreat to first but was caught 2-6-3.
With two outs, Cora provided an infield single and was replaced with speedy pinch-runner Julio Lugo, who originally was given the night off. With Crisp at the plate, Lugo was thrown out attempting to steal second to end the inning.
The Indians' Joe Borowski earned the save.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 9:44 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
* Pitcher Joel Pineiro accepted his optional assignment and will start for the PawSox in Toledo tonight. The right-hander was officially designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Jon Lester. A starting pitcher by trade, Pineiro served as a reliever for Boston and manager Terry Francona admitted yesterday that a couple of times this season Pineiro said he would start if needed.
Now he’ll be able to stretch out his arm with Pawtucket for a chance to hook up with another team as a starter.
“I think starting is in his heart,” said Francona. “I understand that. We all do.”
Prior to the Red Sox signing him during the offseason, Pineiro said Boston was the one place he would play and switch to the bullpen.
* The Red Sox organization is loaded with young talented arms, and Double-A pitcher Justin Masterson has been showcasing his skills for the Sea Dogs. The 21-year-old right-hander improved to 4-0 yesterday, allowing just two runs on three hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
“Good for him,” said Francona. “I know he’s been real good since his call up. He’s an impressive young man. He’s a nice kid.”
Masterson has made four starts for Portland since his call up Single-A Lancaster and has worked 26 innings with a 1.04 ERA.
*Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo were given tonight off in order to keep guys fresh. . . Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (forearm strain) has played catch at 90 feet the last couple of days. . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:11 PM | Permalink
Dice-K out-duels Sabathia for 1-0 win
CLEVELAND _ There are pitching matchups, then there are pitching duels.
Jacobs Field was the setting last night for this good old fashion clash between Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka and Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia, and in the end it was the Red Sox who came away with a 1-0 margin of victory with Dice-K leading the way. Boston has now won five straight to equal its longest winning streak of the season.
Matsuzaka worked seven solid scoreless innings, allowing four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Sabathia was just as strong, also working seven with the one run and seven strikeouts.
“That’s a good lineup,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “That’s a major-league game pitched by both guys. You’re not going to see too many 1-0 games here against that lineup.”
Francona said Matsuzaka’s repertoire, especially his curveball and cutter were extremely sharp last night, calling Dice-K’s 21st start of the season strong.
“I’m grateful for the one run my teammates were able to score, and that obviously made the difference,” said Matsuzaka. “Since we’ve won a lot of games in a row coming in, I’m very glad I didn’t stop the winning streak.”
Even though one run proved to be the difference for Boston, the Sox’ defense was spectacular last night. In fact every position player made at least one difficult play look routine.
“There’s not a play in a 1-0 game that’s not big,” admitted Francona. “You have to make every one in a game like that.”
With both opposing starting pitchers locked in, Boston was able to push a run across in the top of the fourth inning as Mike Lowell’s two-out soft liner to left field dropped in, allowing Kevin Youkilis to score for the 1-0 advantage.
“When we scored that one run, at the time you don’t know if it’ll hold up,” said Francona. “It looked like (Cleveland left fielder Ben Francisco) broke back a step, and fortunately it was one step enough because that’s all we had. Sabathia threw the ball great.”
With the Red Sox protecting a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Indians’ Ben Francisco lead off with a single to left field to set up a possible sacrifice bunt for Josh Barfield. He was able to get the bunt down, but Youkilis made a heads-up play, snaring the ball and getting the force out at second. With two outs, Barfield stole second but was left stranded to secure Boston’s marginal lead.
“That was a great play,” said Francona. “That’s a play that not a lot of first basemen attempt, let alone make it. How do you know at the time what is going to be enough? That’s why you play a good defensive game, you get good pitching, the team looks crisp then you score one and it’s enough. It ended up being a good night.”
The Red Sox had a chance to add to its lead in the eighth when Julio Lugo provided a one-out double to left field only to be stranded. With the hit, he extended his streak to 14 games to tie a career-high.
Boston bullpen kingpins, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon, kept the Cleveland bats at bay in the final two innings en route to victory. Okajima retired the side in order in the eighth and Papelbon did the same to earn his 23rd save of the season.
Matsuzaka said after the game he felt he was just finding his groove and wanted to continue, but Francona had other thoughts.
“By my own count I was not quite at 100 pitches,” said Matsuzaka. “I felt okay to continue to pitch in the eighth inning, but the manager came up to me and said ‘Okajima and Papelbon would take it from here’ and when you hear those names it’s tough to argue. My goal going forward is to continue to work hard and ease the burden on our great bullpen.”
Sabathia was attempting to win his 14th game of the season, while Matsuzaka was just going about his normal routine as he improved to 12-7 in his first year in the majors.
His regimen is unique as he works harder on the day of a start probably more so then he does during an outing. Yesterday afternoon at The Jake, Matsuzaka made his way onto the field around 2:15 p.m. and threw a couple of shadow pitches on the mound before starting his lengthy running program. Francona said Dice-K is pretty consistent with his game-day routine.
After he was done running, the sweat was pouring from his forehead, something you don’t see from the traditional major-league pitchers, who normally rest the day of a start.
“That’s something I wish would rub off on our culture,” said Francona of Matsuzaka’s routine. “I know there are ways to try to meet in the middle. I could never understand, pitchers are a different breed and I don’t understand them to begin with, but you see some guys are sleeping at 6:30 and then 20 minutes later they have the biggest day of their week.”
Matsuzaka continues to display that his methods work.
------JOE McDONALD
Posted by Thom Cahir at 11:08 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse reaction on Jon Lester's emotional return
Jon Lester on his outing:
“It was really good. There were a lot of raw emotions and excitement. It’s just good to be back with these guys again.”
Lester on not dwelling on the past:
“I’m trying to put that behind me and move on. I want to focus on pitching and not worry about things, but right now I have to go back every three months and get that reality check. Hopefully we can put it behind us and win some games.”
Curt Schilling on Lester:
“We’re way beyond baseball stuff. Just to see him healthy again is awesome, but to go out and do what he did against that team is impressive. It’s been fun to watch. I’m just happy for him. I had a chance to stay in touch with him all winter, and during the season [in the minors], it’s been a long road for him. This was incredible. Proud, I guess, is the word I’d use.”
Lester on his offense giving him an early lead:
“That definitely helps. Our offense did an unbelievable job in that first inning and that eases any pitcher’s mind, getting four in the first. It makes it a little easier to go out and throw strikes.”
Lester on when tonight will sink in:
"Maybe in a day or two it’ll hit home this happened. Right now there’s just a lot of excitement and happiness.”
Manager Terry Francona:
"I'm impressed, proud, just a lot of adjectives. It was supposed to be his night and I think it was fitting he won the game."
Francona on early run support for Lester:
"It helps any pitcher. He gave up that two-run to Grady Sizemore (in the third) and then in in the next inning, it looked like he was fighting it. He looked a little uncomfortable, but as we've seen before he doesn't give in. He made pitches, and the guy who takes him deep, he gets him out. He gathered themself for another couple of good innings. He just competes and really keeps his composure."
Francona on Manny Delcarmen, who earned his first major-league save:
"It was great. We were going to go to Hideki Okajima (in the ninth) because Jonathan Papelbon had a long inning (26 pitches on Sunday at Fenway against Chicago), but anytime we can win and not go to those guys, I know a win is a win, but it's nice to be able to win games without leaning on them all the time."
Francona on Coco Crisp, who went 4-for-5:
"He looks good. He's taking some pretty healhty swings. He's not just hitting the fastball right now, he's hitting the ball all over the ballpark with whenever the ball is a strike. He's been squaring it up pretty good."
Former teammate Trot Nixon on Lester's return:
“I think it was good for a lot of people to see him back out there. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone through these disease, and there have been a lot of great stories out there, not just sports related but all throughout the world. He’s a real good kid and very respectful and so eager to learn. He’s got a great career ahead of him and to have this happen to him, and for him to battle and persevere it was good to see him out there.”
Posted by Joe McDonald at 11:07 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Lester returns, pitches Sox past Indians
It was fitting that Jon Lester returned to a major-league mound last night with Led Zeppelin’s “Whole ‘Lotta Love” blasting from the sound system at Jacobs Field.
The 23-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has received nothing but love and support from family, friends and teammates for the last 11 months as he’s battled his way back from cancer.
His return, however, is not about the past and he doesn’t want to dwell on it.
The Red Sox don’t either. Lester’s return is about what lies ahead.
“I don’t disagree with that,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “We thought he was a pretty special young man before all this transpired and all he’s been through. The way he handled it with the grace that he did, he’s a tough nut to pull for.”
Lester worked six full innings, allowing just two runs five hits with three walks and six strikeouts to help Boston to a 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Lester surrendered a home run and hit a batter in the process, but overall he and the Sox were ecstatic about the emotional outing.
Lester received his on-field support early and often last night as the Red Sox scored four runs in the first inning, and pushed another across in the second for a 5-0 lead.
The Indians began to creep back on a two-run homer by Grady Sizemore in the bottom of the third inning.
Then, in the fourth, Lester ran into a bit more trouble. He allowed a lead-off double to Ryan Garko before loading the bases with one out. The Indians’ Josh Barfield lined a chopper back to mound, which Lester handled and got the force at the plate for the second out. With the bases still juiced, Lester picked up a huge strikeout when he blew 93-mph fastball by Sizemore to end the threat.
Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez, who was sent to the bullpen yesterday because of Lester’s promotion from Pawtucket, began warming up. But, Lester didn’t need any help. Yet.
He retired the side in order in the fifth, and allowed a one-out hit in the sixth before the Sox’ defense turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Reliever Mike Timlin entered the game in the seventh and worked 11/3 scoreless innings with one hit. Javier Lopez came on and struck out the lone batter he faced and Manny Delcarmen recorded a strikeout to end the eighth.
The Sox added a bit of insurance in the top of the ninth when Dustin Pedroia rapped his third hit of the game, an RBI-single to right-center field for a 6-2 advantage.
Prior to yesterday’s game there was a buzz around the Red Sox clubhouse for good reason.
“Of course,” said Francona when asked if he was excited about the situation. “I get jazzed up for anybody’s start. I think Jon is looking at this like ‘I need to go pitch my game and win.’ I know his mom and dad are here — I ran into them in the mall. I’m sure they have some unbelievable feelings, I don’t know what they are, but I bet it’s very emotional. Other than that, we just want to show up and win, and that’s even more of a tribute to Jon because he’s doing the same thing.”
The Red Sox will have some personnel decisions to make when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation — possibly on Aug. 6 at Anaheim — because lefty Kason Gabbard has been stellar since his recall from Pawtucket to replace the ailing veteran.
While concerned about the future of their pitching staff, the Red Sox just wanted to enjoy Lester’s return last night.
“It’s awesome," said Pedroia. “It’s a huge lift for us. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment just to be playing ball. I think everybody in baseball is excited for him. [One would think cancer] would suck the life out of him, but he beat everything. It’s awesome to see because he’s such a great guy and a great friend. Pitching-wise, he’s going to be great for a long time.”
--JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa at 10:47 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
Obviously, the big news from Jacobs Field tonight is the return of Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester to the majors. All eyes around baseball world will be watching when the left-hander toes a major-league rubber for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer last August.
"It's awesome," said Red Sox. "It's a huge lift for us. It's an unbelievable accomplishment just to be playing ball. To get back here and help us, hopefully he can go out there and pitch like he can."
*Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is out of the lineup again tonight, but there's a possibility he could be back Wednesday. Ortiz said he took swings in the cage today and he felt a "little pinch" in his ailing shoulder, which he injured sliding head first into second base on Friday at Fenway. He said he wasn't able to swing the bat normally this afternoon, but once he warmed up it felt better.
He said he'll take live BP on the field tomorrow and he's hoping to be back on Wednesday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:06 PM | Permalink
Schilling happy with rehab outing
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
PAWTUCKET _ Following his first rehab start with the Pawtucket Red Sox yesterday, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said he felt a bit awkward on the mound.
Not because he wasn’t pitching effectively, but just the fact he was back on the mound in a game situation for the first time since he was placed on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder on June 19.
The veteran right-hander was very sharp in his three-inning, 40-pitch outing for the PawSox at McCoy Stadium and said he hasn’t felt this good since 2002.
Schilling threw a side session at Fenway Park on Wednesday and played long toss on Thursday in preparation for yesterday’s start. During those two workouts, he told Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell he felt the ball was coming out of his hand better than it has in a few years.
It showed yesterday.
“Everything has felt different in the last two weeks, but in a positive way,” said Schilling. “I feel good about the outing. . . There were some balls today that I threw that I felt very good about. I don’t remember feeling like that for a significant period of time.”
Schilling worked on all of his pitches – curveball, fastball, change-up, split and sliders – saying it was the best he’s felt all season, including spring training.
“For the last five months when my arm got to the top slot the throw was more momentum than power,” he explained. “I would get my arm to a point and didn’t have the ability to finish the pitch and drive the ball through. In the last two or three weeks I’ve noticed that I could.”
He’s scheduled to throw another rehab start for the PawSox on Thursday in Toledo. There’s a possibility he could work a third game for Pawtucket before re-joining the Red Sox in Anaheim on Aug. 6.
“As much as I hate being on the DL and the guilt feeling of not contributing, I have a blast down here with these kids in this environment,” he said. “It kind of revitalizes you a little bit. I had a goal and some objectives. I was scheduled to throw 50 pitches and I only threw 40. I could have gone back out there, but I answered the questions I wanted answered today. That was the big and they were all positives.”
Schilling said he wants to return to the rotation as soon as possible, but at the same time he wants to make sure he’s healthy and doesn’t want to rush anything.
Left-hander Kason Gabbard has replaced Schilling in the Sox rotation and “he pitched really well today,” said Schilling. “The fact that we’re eight games up is huge. I’m not sure that our place in the standings would have changed the timetable for me because the main goal is to come back and pitch all the way through the World Series. I want to be healthy, effective and be the guy I can be.”
Because the PawSox offense struggled in the first two innings, Schilling was able to get back on the mound rather quickly to keep his solid momentum going. The only time he was crossed up was in the top of the third when he had to step off the rubber and ask Pawtucket catcher George Kottaras for a new signals, and because there seemed to be miscommunication the two had a meeting on the mound.
“George was great,” said Schilling. “It was hard to see, that was the only problem. [Working well with a batterymate] is a big thing because, for me, tempo is as important as anything else. If you’re out there shaking, shaking, shaking, you tend not to get into a groove. He was good.”
During his pregame warm up in the PawSox bullpen the Red Sox medical staff was keeping a close eye on the seasoned vet, and Schilling also had his family in attendance.
Even tough he was all business yesterday, arriving at McCoy early and watching a replay of Friday night’s Red Sox game, Schilling had some fun with former World Series teammate and current Louisville second baseman Mark Bellhorn during the outing.
“I made a comment to him after he swung at the first pitch,” Schilling said. “I’ve never seen the guy swing at a first pitch in the history of his career. He swung and I said ‘now you’re going to swing at the first pitch?’ He just kind of laughed.”
Bellhorn struck out swinging and he wasn’t the only one not to have success against Schilling yesterday.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:10 PM | Permalink
FINAL: Chicago 4, Boston 2
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- There’s no need for anyone to Google directions for how to tie a noose.
Or is there?
Despite losing their third game in a row, the Boston Red Sox are not showing signs of panic. Prior to their 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox last night at Fenway Park, the players were calm and collective and the clubhouse was much of the same following the defeat.
Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka dropped his record to 11-7 after allowing three runs on two hits in five innings, plus four batters, of work as Boston’s offense once again failed to drive in runs. The Sox were able to bang out 11 hits, but couldn’t produce in the crucial situations.
''In his first couple of hitters he was in his delivery so well,'' said Boston manager Terry Francona about Matsuzaka. ''The ball was coming out of his hand so crisp and then he ran through some spots where all his walks were grouped in innings where he didn’t command for say 15 pitches. He pitched himself into a box where he gave up a single and it was a couple of runs. They certainly weren’t hitting him all over the ballpark.''
Because Matsuzaka is so regimented in his preparation, and was not used to games being delayed while he played in Japan, last night’s 1:56 delay could have had an affect on his performance but he wasn’t about to make any excuses.
''Just from the outset tonight I wasn’t able to throw any strikes,'' said Matsuzaka, who finished with 109 pitches (63 for strikes). ''That was the difference. . . I didn’t feel there was a particular affect [due to the delay]. I felt my stuff was okay tonight, I just wasn’t able to control it very well.''
Even though he only allowed two hits, Dice-K said because of his season-high six walks, it felt more like he surrendered eight hits.
Speaking of hits, Boston had plenty of them. The Sox just didn’t have the runs.
With two runners on and the Sox trailing by a run in the seventh inning, Manny Ramirez smoked a high liner to deep center field that looked like it had enough to get out. Unfortunately, it was to the deepest part of the field and White Sox centerfielder Jerry Owens was able to track it down right at the corner of the Red Sox bullpen for the second out of the inning.
''Unfortunately, a lot of hits and not a lot of runs,'' said Francona when asked about the offense. ''It’s something we need to . . . if Manny’s shot goes another foot the other way then I’m up here, saying ‘wow it’s nice to get a big hit like that.’ That was a very, very good swing. We just came up empty and it hurts.''
There’s been one common theme around these parts of late.
Can the Red Sox right the ship, stop the surging New York Yankees and keep their lead in the A.L. East standings safe?
While Red Sox Nation and the local sports-talk shows dwell on this more than if there was a third gunman on the grassy knoll, the proof could be found in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday afternoon. The Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays played a day game and New York was trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Almost everyone in the Red Sox clubhouse were intently watching the game, waiting to see if the Bronx Bombers could come back and cut their deficit in the standings even closer. Those people paying attention to the game were the 50 or so media members.
Not one Red Sox player was watching, only a handful of team personnel.
In fact, it was almost an hour later when Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon walked through the clubhouse and asked who had won the game. When told it was the Blue Jays, he turned and said sarcastically to the wall of media members, ''Can we all breathe now?'' and followed that statement up with an expletive.
It was an interesting scene.
The fact of the matter remains, however, if the Red Sox can’t get a winning streak started and the Yankees continue to roll, well . . . somebody needed to get things going for Boston.
The Red Sox looked to Matsuzaka to stop the bleeding.
Dice-K has an army-like regimen when it comes to his game preparation, but because of last night’s inclement weather the game was delayed 1:56. It didn’t seem to bother him too much.
The first-year Red Sox pitcher made his 20th start of the season against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway and after a shaky 32-pitch first inning where he allowed one run and issued two walks, Dice-K settled down.
He retired 12 of the next 13 batters he faced and thanks to a two-run second inning for Boston, Matsuzaka held a one-run lead after five innings. He also posted six strikeouts through the first five.
In the top of the sixth, however, Matsuzaka faltered.
He walked the bases loaded before surrendering a two-run single to Chicago’s A.J. Pierzynski and Francona had seen enough and gave his starter the hook, replacing him with reliever Manny Delcarmen. Dice-K finished five innings plus four batters, allowing a total of three runs on two hits with six strikeouts and a season-high six walks.
Chicago held a 3-2 lead until the top of the eighth inning when Paul Konerko belted a leadoff homer off Sox lefty Hideki Okajima that landed in the Monster seats. It was the first home run he had allowed since his major-league debut on April 2 at Kansas City when John Buck hit a roundtripper. Konerko’s blast also snapped Okajima’s 17-inning scoreless streak.
Even before that point, the Red Sox needed a solid outing from Dice-K.
Matsuzaka entered last night’s game with an 11-6 record with a 3.94 ERA with the Sox in his first season in the majors. He began the season as expected as a firestorm and completed dominated en route to a 7-2 record in his first nine starts. Entering last night’s game, however, he evened off a little bit and posted a 4-4 mark in his last nine starts.
Is there a trend here?
Opposing clubs obviously have better scouting reports on Matsuzaka now that the season is into the second half. He had the advantage at the start of the season, but now he’s had to make adjustments and proved he can do that successfully last night against the White Sox.
After Boston won the bidding war last offseason and subsequently signed the Japanese sensation, there was a lot of pressure on the Sox and their newest pitcher to produce. There were a lot of outside distractions to deal with, but there hasn’t been any negative effect on the baseball side of the deal.
When asked if he thought Dice-K and the club have finally reached a point where the sides have jelled, Francona said it tough to figure.
''Because of the language barrier we’re still getting there,'' he said. ''We’re still learning because we can’t have that conversation in the outfield [during batting practice] about your hometown. It’s a project and it’s a lot of hard work on his part because he’s the one [trying] to speak English.''
Francona wanted to make it clear the most important thing on the club’s mind at the start of Dice-K mania, and all of the outside distractions, the Red Sox put winning first and foremost.
''I think we’ve accomplished that right from the beginning,'' added the manager. ''The comfort level is getting stronger and stronger. I don’t know if you ever get to 100 percent with anybody, we’re always trying to get better.''
Just in case anyone is wondering how to make a noose, make a simple knot and . . .
Posted by Joe McDonald at 1:26 AM | Permalink
That's the Rule!
Since we're in a rain delay at Fenway Park let's have a little bit of fun.
I'm thinking we can make this a permanent thing with obscure rules of the game. So here we go. I'll post two questions now and the answers later, but if you think you know the answer you can email me (jmcdonal@projo.com) or place your answer in the comments section on this site. This will be on the honor system, so don't go checking the rule book.
1) If a batter hits the ball off the rubber on the pitcher's mound, and nothing else, and rolls into foul territory before first or third base, is it fair or foul?
2) How many legal outs can a team get in one half of an inning? Explain why.
Good Luck.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 7:50 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly (right forearm) was in the clubhouse this afternoon after his trip to California where he was examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum. There's no further damage to the arm and Donnelly will continue his rehab.
“Basically Yocum confirmed what we already knew,” said Donnelly. “Basically he just made sure nothing more severe was going on, so that’s absolutely relieving to know that I will be able to come back and help this team at some point.”
Donnelly has been on the DL for the last month and suffered a set back during his rehab, hence the trip to the west coast.
“Maybe I was just to do a little too much too soon,” he admitted. “That’s my fault because I want to get back out there as soon as possible. I should have taken it a little bit slower and been more sure about things. That’s what I’m going to do now, we’re going to make absolute sure everything is fine before I move forward with any kind of intense activity.”
The veteran right-hander also said it may take two weeks or a month before he returns, but he does knows he’ll be back this season. He made a joke of it, saying he’ll wait for fellow reliever Mike Timlin to make his 1,000th appearance before he’s activated. Timlin currently stands at 14th all-time with 985 appearances.
Donnelly is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 27 appearances this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 5:21 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Royals thump Sox, 9-3
At one point earlier this season when the Boston had a comfortable double-digit commanding lead in the A.L. East standings, Red Sox ace Curt Schilling strolled through the clubhouse and announced that the New York Yankees had won an afternoon game.
“Watch out,” he screamed in jest. “The Yankees won.”
With the Red Sox losing to the Kansas City Royals, 9-3, at Fenway Park last night and the Yankees beating the Toronto Blue Jay, Boston's lead is now eight games. Sure, it's still the middle of July and there's plenty of baseball to be played, but the Red Sox can't seem to string together a winning streak these days.
After a three-game losing skid prior to last week's All-Star break, Boston has followed each win with a loss in its last six games.
“We've played good up until this point,” said last night's starter Tim Wakefield. “I didn't pitch great tonight and unfortunately, coming off a great win (Monday) night with Kason Gabbard's shutout I tried to keep us in the game as long as I could. I didn't have my best stuff tonight.”
Wakefield drops to 10-9 on the season as the Red Sox can't seem to give him much run support when the veteran knuckleballer is struggling during an outing. In fact, the club has scored just 10 runs in Wakefield's nine losses this season.
On the flip side, the Royals banged out nine hits off him en route to the victory. Basically the Kansas City hitters weren't being patient with Wakefield as they swung early in the count.
“They are an aggressive team,” said Wakefield. “I pitched well for the first three innings, it was 3-1 going into the seventh, and I kind of lost the feel for the ball. [The knuckleball] just didn't go down at the end. I don't know why. I was talking with Doug (Mirabelli) after the game and I felt I had pretty good movement on the ball. . . It was just one of those situations where I couldn't make the right pitch at the right time.”
Wakefield only threw 76 pitches and issued no walks.
Entering last night's game Boston's bullpen saw limited action in the previous three games. Thanks to solid outings by Red Sox starters Daisuke Matsuzaka, Josh Beckett and Kason Gabbard, the club's relievers have only worked four innings during that stretch.
That has allowed bullpen kingpins Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima to get some rest.
“I would say any rest the bullpen gets, especially at this time of the year, is always a bonus,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “Obviously there will be times when we have to lean on them; you can't get around that sometimes. So, the more they rest the better. This isn't April when you're trying to get work and there aren't too many guys down there complaining about not pitching.”
After Wakefield was tagged for six runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings of work in his 19th start of the season last night, the bullpen was summoned and couldn't stop the bleeding. Javier Lopez surrendered two runs and Joel Pineiro allowed one as the Royals had an eight-run lead.
While Boston's pitching staff and offense struggled last night, the Red Sox made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth. Boston was trailing 9-1 as it put together a two-out surge off Kansas City reliever Joel Peralta. Sox' Mike Lowell began things with a single, followed by an RBI-triple by Coco Crisp to deep center field before Doug Mirabelli provided an RBI-single. Julio Lugo doubled off Peralta before the right-hander was given the hook and replaced with Joakim Soria, who ended the threat by striking out J.D. Drew to end the inning.
After Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder retired the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, Boston couldn't muster any kind of dramatic comeback.
Boston doesn't want this win-lose-win-lose-win-lose mentality to continue and its hoping tonight things will begin to change.
“We're not firing on all cylinders right now,” said Wakefield. “Hopefully we can change that and start a winning streak.”
--JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa at 11:01 PM | Permalink
Donnelly update
Prior to tonight's game Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he had no news on reliever Brendan Donnelly, who took a trip to California to have his strained right forearm examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum.
The Red Sox just announced that Dr. Yocum concurred with the original diagnoses of a strained right forearm and prescribed that the pitcher return to Boston to continue his strength and conditioning program as planned.
Donnelly has been on the DL for the last month. The veteran right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 27 appearances this season.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 8:59 PM | Permalink
Clubhouse Confidential
It's July 17 and the Red Sox are nine games in front of the Yankees in the A.L. East and it's just way too quiet at Fenway Park today.
The clubhouse is quiet. The players are quiet. The manager is quiet. The media is quiet. It almost feels like the calm before the storm, which is never a good sign.
Still, it's the middle of July and maybe I'm still in vacation mode.
Anyway, the small talk around the clubhouse was still the impressive complete-game shutout Red Sox starter Kason Gabbard threw over the Royals Monday night at Fenway.
With Gabbard's recent success, plus when Curt Schilling (shoulder) returns to the rotation does that mean Julian Tavarez finally gets shifted back to the bullpen and the rookie remains in Boston?
"I think in this market a game like (Monday) night has a way enshrining somebody in Cooperstown," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "Things happen and you try to stay ahead of things and have plans A, B and C. . . I think Gabby said it pretty well. He'll pitch when he's supposed to, go where he's supposed to and do the best he can. That's the best way to look at it.
"We do have confidence in his ability to pitch," added Francona.
*Francona also said he read the game report on pitching prospect Clay Buchholz's Triple-A debut for Pawtucket on Monday night. The manager said he received mix reports on the three-inning 50-pitch outing, saying the game report was better than the linescore.
The 22-year-old righty allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, including a monster home run.
"A couple of balls were not hit real well and one was hit real well," said Francona. "He had a lot of swings and misses, which is always good. I think he had 12 swings and misses, which is very good. Again, three innings is a real small sample size, but I think there's a lot of hope and optimism for this kid. He's going to be a good pitcher and it's exciting to watch."
*Francona said he had no news on reliever Brendan Donnelly, who took a trip to California to have his strained right forearm examined. His been on the DL for the last month. The manager did say he should have an update after tonight's game.
Posted by Joe McDonald at 4:52 PM | Permalink
Game Story: Wakefield pitches Sox to 2-1 victory
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield needs to roll a seven.
That may not sound too good, but if the knuckleballer can consistently work into the seventh inning there’s a very good chance the Red Sox will win. That was the case last night as Wakefield worked 6 2/3 innings to help Boston to a 2-1 margin of victory over the Texas Rangers as the Red Sox returned home to Fenway Park after their recent 10-day nine-game road trip.
When Wakefield reaches the seventh inning, no more than that, he’s 6-2 this season.
The work load may just be coincidence, but the Red Sox needed his solid outing in a big way last night. He improves to 8-8 after allowing just one run on seven hits, including four walks and four strikeouts.
“It was one of those nights where I didn’t have my best stuff,” said Wakefield. “I felt like I made the pitches when I needed to make them. I was very fortunate in that aspect.”
It wasn’t all Wakefield, however, who proved crucial for Boston as it snapped three-game losing skid.
With the veteran tiring in the seventh and the Red Sox holding a one-run lead, reliever Manny Delcarmen began to warm up in the bullpen. When Texas put two men on in the seventh via a two-out single by Kenny Lofton and a walk to Jerry Hairston, manager Terry Francona decided Wakefield was done for the night and signaled for the right-hander.
“I would rather it was 6-1,” said the manager, “but that’s a tough spot to be in (for Delcarmen). He threw the ball very well when obviously the game is in the balance.”
Delcarmen walked the first batter he faced – Michael Young – to load the bases with clean-up hitter Sammy Sosa stepping into the box.
This was a pivotal point for Delcarmen, who has spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Pawtucket, and he responded.
With the bases loaded and a 3-1 count on Sosa the 36,756 fans at Fenway Park stood, got really loud to back the young hard-throwing righty and Delcarmen delivered – big time.
He threw a high 96-MPH fastball that Sosa fouled back. Delcarmen challenged the slugger again, and again Sosa fouled a 95-MPH offering back to the screen. Delcarmen finally won the battle when he blew the next pitch, another 96-MPH fastball, past Sosa for the out to end the threat as Boston retained its one-run lead.
“I tend to overthrow sometimes,” said Delcarmen. “Mike Lowell came over when it was 2-0 and told me to relax and trust my best stuff. This is the toughest spot for a pitcher to be in. With a 2-1 game and trying to save Wakefield’s game, you try to stay under control. I’m just happy I got out of it. Against Sammy Sosa was pretty cool.”
Delcarmen, who needed an outing like this one, gave a fist pump as he hopped off the mound and was congratulated by his teammates when got to the dugout.
“Our bullpen has done a great job all year,” said Wakefield. “Manny coming in and picking me up in the seventh inning, getting a huge out with the bases loaded against a guy who has 600 homers.”
From there everything fell into place nicely for the Red Sox. Lefty reliever Hideki Okajima worked a perfect eighth inning and closer Jonathan Papelbon earned his 19th save – albeit entertaining – of the season.
“That’s how you like to script it and it worked out for us tonight,”
It was your typical Red Sox victory of the season with solid starting pitching, effective bullpen work and just enough offense to get the job done.
“Wake was great,” said Francona. “He got us to a point in the game where we could match up. He was terrific and he had to be.”
Basically, it wasn’t craps.
--JOE McDONALD
Posted by Corey Bourassa at 10:53 PM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk: Joe McDonald on Lester's return to Pawtucket
Joe McDonald is Art Martone's guest on today's edition of Projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file.
McDonald says Jon Lester's seven-straight perfect innings was classified by one club official as the "most efficient" yet he's seen the pitcher. "He looked like the Jon Lester we saw last year," McDonald said.
The 23-year-old is working his way back to Boston after he was diagnosed with cancer last August. During his minor-league rehab stints in Single-A Greenville and with the PawSox, he’s been on target, but he recently suffered a setback when he experienced cramping in his throwing forearm in his previous start, on May 2.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 11:33 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk: Why Beckett's injury may be worse than you think
Today on Projo SoxTalk, sports editor Art Martone and baseball writer Joe McDonald discuss yesterday's amazing game at Fenway Park. Click here to listen to the full audio file. Joe spoke today to a professional athletic trainer who had an alarming assessment about the type of injury that Josh Beckett apparently has. Of course, the Red Sox are not yet saying how long Beckett will be sidelined, or even if he will miss his next scheduled start on Friday against Atlanta. Here's what Joe had to say on Beckett today:
"Beckett was quite disappointed. ... He admitted that he's had this problem before, when he was with Florida. It's not necessarily a blister; the skin on the finger just tears. Both Beckett and Terry Francona said yesterday that in the big picture, that's a good thing, because a blister could be worse. But I actually spoke with a professional athletic trainer today, and asked him if he's ever seen something like that. And he said that he has, and a lot of times football players get it. ... and he admitted that it actually takes longer for something that beckett has now to heal than a blister would. And I asked him if he thought a pitcher would be able to make his next start in five days with something like this, and he said no, there's no way that he's going to be able to start his next game. In football players sometimes it can be up to a month where something has actually healed where that skin was torn off."
We'll have to see.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 1:33 PM | Permalink
ProjoSoxTalk: McDonald says Lester's ready
Today on Projo SoxTalk, Joe McDonald talks about Jon Lester's amazing outing in Pawtucket, and says he's rehabilitated and "ready for the major leagues."
Click here to listen to the audio file.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 11:09 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk: Pedroia coming around, Lester on deck
In today's edition of projo SoxTalk, baseball writer Joe McDonald looks ahead to tonight's Roy Halladay-Julian Tavarez matchup, and talks about two people he knows well: Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester. While Pedroia appears to be breaking out of his slump in Boston, Lester is getting ready to start tomorrow afternoon in Rochester, N.Y., for the PawSox. Click here to listen to the full audio file. In the meantime, here are some excerpts of McDonald's conversation with sports editor Art Martone:
On Pedroia: "He is one of the hardest workers that the Red Sox have, and Terry Francona continually talks about that work ethic. I got to the ballpark really early yesterday and I went down to the field, and he was taking some extra batting practice. And then he came over and just sat in the dugout and just talked with everybody around, whether it was media members or red sox personnel, and he was joking -- and you could just tell that he had his confidence back. And that's what I saw with him last year, when he was with the Pawtucket Red Sox.
On how the Red Sox will handle Lester: "I think what they are going to do, at least what people in the organization are telling me, is that he will start on Wednesday, and then he'll start again next Tuesday at McCoy, and that is when his rehab will end. And then they'll have to make a decision. They'll have to either assign him to Pawtucket or keep him up in Boston, most likely in the bullpen for now. But I wouldn't be surprised if he stays a little longer in Pawtucket. After next week's start they'll probably assign him to Pawtucket and just kind of see how he fits into that rotation. I know his pitch count tomorrow -- Wednesday -- is supposed to be about 80-85, which is a good sign. It's up from the start of the season, when he was in Greenville.
By the way, we'll have updates tomorrow on the blog from Lester's start in Rochester.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:23 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk: Looking back on the sweep
Joe McDonald is today's guest on projo SoxTalk with Art Martone.
Here are a few things McDonald has to say:
On the Red Sox reactions last night: "Prior to the series, [it was] 'OK, this is just one game, they're just another team, and then Toronto comes into town.' But last night, every player that we talked to, you could tell they were fired up, because hey, 'We just swept the Yankees; we put a little distance between us and them.' You could tell, it was just different than if they had swept the Kansas City Royals."
On next weekend's rematch in the Bronx: "I think it's going to be a lot different next weekend, just because it's in New York, and they're getting back Hideki Matsui, which is going to be huge. Damon has been banged up, so that maybe will give him some time to rest, having Matsui back in the mix. Certainly Jorge Posada being out, especially last night against Matsuzaka, that would have been a little different I think if Posada was in the lineup, but he's out with that bruised thumb. So I think next weekend is going to be a little bit different."
On tonight's game against Tomo Ohka Toronto: "The biggest thing is in order to keep this thing rolling, they have to keep the bats rolling. So i think you could possibly see another offensive barrage."
Click here to listen to the full audio.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:30 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk with Art Martone
Today, Joe McDonald looks back on Bill Russell's moving comments Thursday at Fenway Park, and previews tonight's Pawtucket Red Sox home opener. Click here to listen to the audio.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 10:53 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk with Art Martone
Joe McDonald joins Art to discuss the home opener, Jason Varitek, J.D. Drew and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Click here to listen to the audio file.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:21 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk with Art Martone
Sean McAdam is unable to join us today because of travel delays, but Joe McDonald steps in to preview Opening Day festivities at Fenway, and to talk about the PawSox' successful opening series in Charlotte. Click here to listen to the audio.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:59 AM | Permalink
Projo SoxTalk with Art Martone
In today's edition of our audio feature, sports editor Art Martone and baseball writer Joe McDonald take a look at some of the top prospects that we'll see in Pawtucket this season. Click here to listen to the file.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 11:29 AM | Permalink
Projo SportsTalk with Art Martone
We've just posted the second edition of our weekly feature. This week, Art, sports writer Joe McDonald and sports department assistant Bob McGarry discuss the coming American League East race, and how they think the Red Sox stack up.
Click here to hear their discussion.
Posted by Mike McDermott at 10:51 AM | Permalink
Welcome to the new SoxBlog
Just in time for Opening Day, we're relaunching SoxBlog with a new look and expanded Sox coverage. Providence Journal sports columnists Sean McAdam, Joe McDonald, Steve Krasner and sports editor Art Martone will each have their own side blogs.
Mannybeingmanny will follow the man through the season, Streakers will track who's hot and who's way not.
These are just the first of the new features we've planned. The 2007 season is just beginning...
Meanwhile, I'm debugging this morning. If anything seems a little squirrely, it should be all better by tomorrow.
Posted by Sheila Lennon at 8:54 AM | Permalink
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