May was not a month to remember as the Sox only played .500 ball. They end the month of May with a 15-14 record, good enough for 2nd place in the tough AL East.
Jon Lester pitch a gem in Toronto today to earn his 4th win. With he & Beckett on the upside of their games the Sox have a lot to look forward to in June. Starting pitching has been a sore spot most of this month.
The Sox mustered enough wins in May to keep them in the hunt. Consider the absence of Kevin Youkilis. Consider the absence of hitting by David Ortiz. At times the Sox had Bailey, Lugo, Green & Van Every in the starting lineup. Regardless, they found a way to win 15 games.
June has a lot of interleague games between the Phillies, Marlins, Braves (twice) and Nationals. We also play AL foes Detroit, Texas, New York & Baltimore. The schedule has the Sox away for 14 & home for only 12.
It will be a tough month. I predict the Sox will play above .500 again with a 16-10 or 15-11 record. Our pitching will come through.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Close, But No Cigar for Big Papi
The Red Sox offense has only scored 2 or 3 runs in each of the last 4 games. Not surprisingly, they lost 3 of 4, including the first game of a series against the Jays last night.
Big Papi had a chance to hit a granny in the first with the bases loaded. The ball flew off his bat, only to be caught 5 feet from the wall in center. If that goes out, it's a game changer.
I think Francona has another 6 weeks to evaluate Ortiz. He is bound to come out of this slump. Should things not improve by the All-Star break, though, Tito will have some interesting decisions to make.
Very interesting how quickly things change.
Big Papi had a chance to hit a granny in the first with the bases loaded. The ball flew off his bat, only to be caught 5 feet from the wall in center. If that goes out, it's a game changer.
I think Francona has another 6 weeks to evaluate Ortiz. He is bound to come out of this slump. Should things not improve by the All-Star break, though, Tito will have some interesting decisions to make.
Very interesting how quickly things change.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sox Earn Split in Baggie Dome
Besides pulling out a 3-1 win on the road to earn a split with the Twins, here's what I see as encouraging signs today.
- Josh Beckett was unhittable for 7 innings. He had all 3 pitches working with excellent location.
- Jason Varitek ruled the offense with 2 home runs, but he quite possibly saved the game by getting the heave-ho from an idiot home plate umpire instead of letting Beckett get thrown out.
- Okajima is back to getting big outs in the 8th inning.
- Papelbon must have read my last article about him. He regularly mixed in several sliders today instead of just all fastballs.
Good pitching beats good hitting. However, I'm glad we don't have to see Mauer & Morneau any more.
- Josh Beckett was unhittable for 7 innings. He had all 3 pitches working with excellent location.
- Jason Varitek ruled the offense with 2 home runs, but he quite possibly saved the game by getting the heave-ho from an idiot home plate umpire instead of letting Beckett get thrown out.
- Okajima is back to getting big outs in the 8th inning.
- Papelbon must have read my last article about him. He regularly mixed in several sliders today instead of just all fastballs.
Good pitching beats good hitting. However, I'm glad we don't have to see Mauer & Morneau any more.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lester Snake-Bitten in Fifth
Everyone agrees that Jon Lester has achieved much in his young life. Overcoming cancer is his biggest achievement by far.
On the mound Lester looks the same. He is big, powerful & ready for 200 innings. But something is different over his first 10 starts this year. A ground ball will find its way through the infield. A close 3-2 pitch is called ball 4. An error occurs behind him. Next thing you know, a crooked number is up on the board for the opponent.
Same scenario held true last night. One pitch to Jason Morneau resulted in a 3-run homer that put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. The offense could muster only 2 runs in a 5-2 loss.
I'm still a Jon Lester fan. He is a powerful lefty that came beat the Yankees. With any luck his next 20 starts will go much better. Lester is a hard worker. The saying goes " the harder I work, the luckier I get." Hang in there, Jon.
On the mound Lester looks the same. He is big, powerful & ready for 200 innings. But something is different over his first 10 starts this year. A ground ball will find its way through the infield. A close 3-2 pitch is called ball 4. An error occurs behind him. Next thing you know, a crooked number is up on the board for the opponent.
Same scenario held true last night. One pitch to Jason Morneau resulted in a 3-run homer that put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. The offense could muster only 2 runs in a 5-2 loss.
I'm still a Jon Lester fan. He is a powerful lefty that came beat the Yankees. With any luck his next 20 starts will go much better. Lester is a hard worker. The saying goes " the harder I work, the luckier I get." Hang in there, Jon.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pap Gives Up Another HR
Is it me, or is Jonathan Papelbon falling in love with his fastball again? We have seen this before.
Any major leaguer can catch up with a fastball if you throw it enough. Last week it was the backup catcher from the Mets that took him deep & we ended up losing the game. Yesterday Joe Mauer comes off the bench & plunks a fastball off the seats in right.
Pap has a good splitter. He also added a slider/curve as a 3rd pitch in Spring Training. How about showing them, even if for a ball, to change the hitter's timing?
I hope John Farrell is having this conversation with Pap before his next appearance.
Any major leaguer can catch up with a fastball if you throw it enough. Last week it was the backup catcher from the Mets that took him deep & we ended up losing the game. Yesterday Joe Mauer comes off the bench & plunks a fastball off the seats in right.
Pap has a good splitter. He also added a slider/curve as a 3rd pitch in Spring Training. How about showing them, even if for a ball, to change the hitter's timing?
I hope John Farrell is having this conversation with Pap before his next appearance.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
What to Do With Ortiz?
The Red Sox travel to Minnesota on their first stop of a 3-city swing at the top of the AL East. A crushing rout of the Mets today, coupled with a Toronto loss, have the Sox in first place.
The question of the day remains the lack of production at the DH spot by David Ortiz. What will Francona do?
I think the smart thing would be to flip-flop Ortiz & Drew. Ortiz would move down to #6 in the order & Drew would move up to the #3 spot. This may take some pressure off Ortiz & give him a chance to relax at the plate.
Another good thing is the fact that the Sox are in first place with little production from the DH position so far. We have the time to let Big Papi get his feet under him. This road trip may be just what Ortiz needs to get comfortable again.
The question of the day remains the lack of production at the DH spot by David Ortiz. What will Francona do?
I think the smart thing would be to flip-flop Ortiz & Drew. Ortiz would move down to #6 in the order & Drew would move up to the #3 spot. This may take some pressure off Ortiz & give him a chance to relax at the plate.
Another good thing is the fact that the Sox are in first place with little production from the DH position so far. We have the time to let Big Papi get his feet under him. This road trip may be just what Ortiz needs to get comfortable again.
Mets Take Series at Fenway
By winning the first 2 of 3 the NY Mets have taken a home series from the Red Sox. The only other visiting team to do so this year was the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox, however, have a chance to right the ship today when Tim Wakefield takes the mound. Wakefied has been the most consistent starter this year.
Jonathan Papelbon squandered a great performance by Josh Beckett. However, Pap was due for a letdown after converting 16 saves in a row. Too bad it happened last night. And it was a 2-run homer by a backup catcher that did him in.
A win today will set a better tone for the 7-game road trip through Minnesota & Toronto to end up the month of May.
Jonathan Papelbon squandered a great performance by Josh Beckett. However, Pap was due for a letdown after converting 16 saves in a row. Too bad it happened last night. And it was a 2-run homer by a backup catcher that did him in.
A win today will set a better tone for the 7-game road trip through Minnesota & Toronto to end up the month of May.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Smoltz Getting Ready
The talk of the night was the Red Sox sweep of the Blue Jays to move within 1/2 game of first place in the AL East. Nice effort from Jon Lester who was the 3rd Boston pitcher to stifle the best offense in the American League.
But down on the farm, John Smoltz made his first return to the mound in over a year. His arm felt fine afterwards. Smoltzie moves onto another rehab assignment on Tuesday, possibly for the Portland Sea Dogs. New England fans may get to see him throw against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Personally, I can't wait to see Smoltz up with the big team. He can be the biggest acquisition to help with a pennant run over the last 3-4 months of the season. I believe that his presence & experience can only benefit everyone else around him.
But down on the farm, John Smoltz made his first return to the mound in over a year. His arm felt fine afterwards. Smoltzie moves onto another rehab assignment on Tuesday, possibly for the Portland Sea Dogs. New England fans may get to see him throw against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Personally, I can't wait to see Smoltz up with the big team. He can be the biggest acquisition to help with a pennant run over the last 3-4 months of the season. I believe that his presence & experience can only benefit everyone else around him.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sox Club Toronto 8-3
David Ortiz joined the HR derby last night as the Sox went yard 4 times in the 6th inning en route to an easy win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Jon Lester goes for the sweep today.
Ortiz had 2 hits, including a wall ball double to go with his first homer of the season. I bet he's glad to have that monkey off his back. Youk chipped in 3 hits in his first game back. Lost in the comebacks by Ortiz & Youk were the 2 HR's by Jason Varitek. Lowell went yard. And that guy Bay hit another long ball to bring his RBI total close to 50.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays have only scored 4 runs in 2 games. They look very beat-able right now & I'm sure they can feel the Red Sox & Yankees creeping up their back in the AL East.
Ortiz had 2 hits, including a wall ball double to go with his first homer of the season. I bet he's glad to have that monkey off his back. Youk chipped in 3 hits in his first game back. Lost in the comebacks by Ortiz & Youk were the 2 HR's by Jason Varitek. Lowell went yard. And that guy Bay hit another long ball to bring his RBI total close to 50.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays have only scored 4 runs in 2 games. They look very beat-able right now & I'm sure they can feel the Red Sox & Yankees creeping up their back in the AL East.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Blog Updates
Hey Red Sox fans! 3nohitters is getting a face lift.
Recently, we added the capability for an audio podcast. This is a work in progress as I practice the art of podcasting with a few friends. Lookout Felger-Tanguay-Dickerson!
My techs are developing a more fan friendly format to eliminate the crowding in the right column. Bear with me as we remodel in the coming weeks. Suggestions are appreciated.
Overall, readership is up from last year. With the Toronto Blue Jays in town we have new viewers to the blog from Coquitlam, British Columbia & Toronto. Welcome!
Please check us out throughout the baseball season. Thanks to all for your comments to date.
Recently, we added the capability for an audio podcast. This is a work in progress as I practice the art of podcasting with a few friends. Lookout Felger-Tanguay-Dickerson!
My techs are developing a more fan friendly format to eliminate the crowding in the right column. Bear with me as we remodel in the coming weeks. Suggestions are appreciated.
Overall, readership is up from last year. With the Toronto Blue Jays in town we have new viewers to the blog from Coquitlam, British Columbia & Toronto. Welcome!
Please check us out throughout the baseball season. Thanks to all for your comments to date.
Wakefield Wins, Papi Hitless, Youk Back
A win is a win, right? Wrong. Some wins are bigger than others. Last night was one of those bigger wins as Tim Wakefield pitched the Sox to a 2-1 victory over Toronto to start the homestand on a positive note.
The ageless knuckleballer had command of his flutter pitch last night. Every year I think to myself why don't the Red Sox get a younger guy to take his place. But every year I eat my words as Wake ends up with 10+ wins & 200 innings pitched. However you look at stats for 2009 Wake has been the most consistent starter for the Sox. We would be in tough shape without him over these first two months.
Big Papi reached base on a walk last night, but that was it. 2 K's & a ground out in his next 3 trips. One of the Comcast reporters last night thought that Francona would stick with Ortiz in the #3 spot for the remainder of the homestand. I think so as well. If he is going to come out of this funk it will be at home.
Youk is back in the lineup tonight. What a big lift that will be to have our offensive leader back. We can now get back to scoring 5-6 runs a game.
The ageless knuckleballer had command of his flutter pitch last night. Every year I think to myself why don't the Red Sox get a younger guy to take his place. But every year I eat my words as Wake ends up with 10+ wins & 200 innings pitched. However you look at stats for 2009 Wake has been the most consistent starter for the Sox. We would be in tough shape without him over these first two months.
Big Papi reached base on a walk last night, but that was it. 2 K's & a ground out in his next 3 trips. One of the Comcast reporters last night thought that Francona would stick with Ortiz in the #3 spot for the remainder of the homestand. I think so as well. If he is going to come out of this funk it will be at home.
Youk is back in the lineup tonight. What a big lift that will be to have our offensive leader back. We can now get back to scoring 5-6 runs a game.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sox in May
The month of May has seen the Red Sox ship stay afloat amidst injuries to key performers. They are 8-8 for the month with 13 games left against the Blue Jays (6), Twins (4) & Mets (3). Since the Sox always play better at home they need to amass a 5-1 or 4-2 record this week before finishing the month with 7 away games.
There are reasons for optimism. Kevin Youkilis will be back with the team on Wednesday after another rehab start tonight in Pawtucket. Dice-K joined the team yesterday & will take a turn in the rotation later this week. And Big Papi comes back from a mental vacation over the weekend which everyone hopes will turn him around. These 3 guys should give the Sox a boost to finish the month on an up-note.
A good start tonight by Wakefield would set a good tone for this 3-game series with the first place Jays. Look for Kevin Millar to have some fun with his ex-teammates.
There are reasons for optimism. Kevin Youkilis will be back with the team on Wednesday after another rehab start tonight in Pawtucket. Dice-K joined the team yesterday & will take a turn in the rotation later this week. And Big Papi comes back from a mental vacation over the weekend which everyone hopes will turn him around. These 3 guys should give the Sox a boost to finish the month on an up-note.
A good start tonight by Wakefield would set a good tone for this 3-game series with the first place Jays. Look for Kevin Millar to have some fun with his ex-teammates.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Road Trip Over
A 2-4 road trip by the Sox through Anaheim & Seattle has tightened up the AL East race. The Sox threw away the final game against Seattle yesterday on a costly error in the 9th by Nick Green that led to the game-winning run.
Should we be surprised? No. When you are without Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Jed Lowrie & Dice-K I think we have won many more games than we should have so far. Being in 2nd place as we approach the 1/3 mark of the season is a good thing.
The Sox are a different team at home which their record bears out. With the Toronto Blue Jays making their first visit on Tuesday a series sweep could knock the Jays out of first place. Youk & Dice-K should be back by the end of the week. Time off for Big Papi could only help his mental approach.
We need another winning homestand to stay in the thick of the race.
Should we be surprised? No. When you are without Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, Jed Lowrie & Dice-K I think we have won many more games than we should have so far. Being in 2nd place as we approach the 1/3 mark of the season is a good thing.
The Sox are a different team at home which their record bears out. With the Toronto Blue Jays making their first visit on Tuesday a series sweep could knock the Jays out of first place. Youk & Dice-K should be back by the end of the week. Time off for Big Papi could only help his mental approach.
We need another winning homestand to stay in the thick of the race.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Beckett & Bay Shine
Consistent starting pitching has been an elusive commodity for the Red Sox so far this year. Josh Beckett turned in 7 strong innings & a shutdown bullpen finished off a 5-3 win in Seattle last night. Another win this afternoon will give the Sox a 3-3 road record before returning home.
Oh, & by the way, Jason bay hit another home run last night. C'mon, Theo, let's sign this guy before the Yankees get him in the open market.
Oh, & by the way, Jason bay hit another home run last night. C'mon, Theo, let's sign this guy before the Yankees get him in the open market.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ichiro 2, Lester 0
The Seattle Mariners lineup is not one that opposing pitchers worry too much about. The exception is Ichiro who can generate a lot of offense. His 2 homers last night sunk Jon Lester & Co. 5-4 after being staked to a 4-0 lead.
The horrible play of the night was a bached ground ball back to Lester which should have been a 1-4-3 double play to end the 6th inning. Instead, Lester got confused over who was covering 2nd & the inning continued.
Did Julio confuse him? Usually, a pitcher will check before each batter with a runner on first & ask the 2B or SS which one is covering the bag. Anyway, no double play & no win.
Jason Bay made the Seattle fans squirm in the 9th when his towering fly ball fell just a few feet short of a home run with JD Drew on base. That would have given the Sox the lead with Pap warming for the 9th. But no Bay magic last night.
The Sox need to win the next 2 games & win this series against a bad team.
The horrible play of the night was a bached ground ball back to Lester which should have been a 1-4-3 double play to end the 6th inning. Instead, Lester got confused over who was covering 2nd & the inning continued.
Did Julio confuse him? Usually, a pitcher will check before each batter with a runner on first & ask the 2B or SS which one is covering the bag. Anyway, no double play & no win.
Jason Bay made the Seattle fans squirm in the 9th when his towering fly ball fell just a few feet short of a home run with JD Drew on base. That would have given the Sox the lead with Pap warming for the 9th. But no Bay magic last night.
The Sox need to win the next 2 games & win this series against a bad team.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Time for Changes?
The Sox dropped the finale to the LA Angels 5-4 in extra innings. It was hard to watch as runners were stranded inning after inning. As we come to the close of the first 6 weeks or first 100 at bats, it's evident that some changes are needed to the starting lineup.
Jeff Bailey needs to sit in the absence of Youkilis. He has produced zero on offense. I would bring up Lars Anderson or try Chris Carter at first base.
David Ortiz needs to sit out a full series, like the upcoming one in Seattle. He also has produced zero on offense from the #3 spot, not even a sacrifice fly yesterday. Let Drew, Bay & Lowell each DH one game & insert Baldelli & Green to play the field. Big Papi needs a mental health weekend before returning to Boston.
Julio Lugo has been surprising good at the plate & just as surprising bad in the field. His range is very limited & it's been sad to see balls get by him with ease. I'd stick with Nick Green or even let Angel Vasquez get back out there. Lugo's offense is neutralized by his pourous defense, so we get a wash.
Finally, it's time to bring up Clay Buchholz & let him start a few games for Beckett, Lester or Wakefield. We could also move Masterson back to the pen & let Buccholz take his spot for a few turns before Dice-K comes back.
We have the talent. Let's use it & give the non-producers a little time off.
Jeff Bailey needs to sit in the absence of Youkilis. He has produced zero on offense. I would bring up Lars Anderson or try Chris Carter at first base.
David Ortiz needs to sit out a full series, like the upcoming one in Seattle. He also has produced zero on offense from the #3 spot, not even a sacrifice fly yesterday. Let Drew, Bay & Lowell each DH one game & insert Baldelli & Green to play the field. Big Papi needs a mental health weekend before returning to Boston.
Julio Lugo has been surprising good at the plate & just as surprising bad in the field. His range is very limited & it's been sad to see balls get by him with ease. I'd stick with Nick Green or even let Angel Vasquez get back out there. Lugo's offense is neutralized by his pourous defense, so we get a wash.
Finally, it's time to bring up Clay Buchholz & let him start a few games for Beckett, Lester or Wakefield. We could also move Masterson back to the pen & let Buccholz take his spot for a few turns before Dice-K comes back.
We have the talent. Let's use it & give the non-producers a little time off.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bard Has Impressive Debut
The magic of the Red Sox MASH unit stopped last night as they fell 8-4 to the LA Angels of Anaheim. (Isn't that too long & weird a name for a baseball team?)
Sure, we got the "usual" 2-run homer by Jason Bay & went out to a fast 4-0 lead, but Tim Wakefield was due for a bad game. With the overall poor starting pitching & key injuries it's amazing that the Sox have amassed such a good record. They can still take this road series with a win this afternoon.
The buzz of last night's game was the debut of Daniel Bard who threw 2 scoreless innings in relief. He regularly hit 95-96-97 on the gun. You could tell he was nervous as he overthrew several of his breaking pitches. But all in all, he looks like another strong arm for the bullpen whenever the Sox need him. Bard is just another in a long line of young draft picks by the Red Sox front office. Nice job Theo & Co.
Sure, we got the "usual" 2-run homer by Jason Bay & went out to a fast 4-0 lead, but Tim Wakefield was due for a bad game. With the overall poor starting pitching & key injuries it's amazing that the Sox have amassed such a good record. They can still take this road series with a win this afternoon.
The buzz of last night's game was the debut of Daniel Bard who threw 2 scoreless innings in relief. He regularly hit 95-96-97 on the gun. You could tell he was nervous as he overthrew several of his breaking pitches. But all in all, he looks like another strong arm for the bullpen whenever the Sox need him. Bard is just another in a long line of young draft picks by the Red Sox front office. Nice job Theo & Co.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Red Sox Win On Left Coast
Red Sox, Celtics & Bruins all win on Tuesday night. It's good to be a fan in New England this month.
Smoke & mirrors. That's the best way to describe how the Red Sox have been winning lately. Last night was no exception. Lugo still has very limited range on ground balls. Ellsbury gets thrown out at home. Masterson has no control. But the Red Sox win 4-3 over the Angels by putting up 3-runs in the last 2 innings. Nice team effort.
The team on the field doesn't look pretty, but the result is what counts.
Smoke & mirrors. That's the best way to describe how the Red Sox have been winning lately. Last night was no exception. Lugo still has very limited range on ground balls. Ellsbury gets thrown out at home. Masterson has no control. But the Red Sox win 4-3 over the Angels by putting up 3-runs in the last 2 innings. Nice team effort.
The team on the field doesn't look pretty, but the result is what counts.
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Much Needed Day Off
The Sox are off today after a MASH unit of players won the finale last night against the Rays to take the home series 2-1.
Regulars like Ellsbury, Pedroia, Lowrie & Youkilis have given way to Van Every, Green, Lugo & Bailey. And, as stated on the Red Sox website, the Sox still find a way to win. Depth has been the key over these first two months.
Sox fans who stay up late this week for the final Red Sox road trip to Anaheim & Seattle may get to watch more of that depth. Fireballing Daniel Bard was called up & Javy Lopez was designated for assignment. Bard has hit 100 mph in the past & should be a nice bullpen addition while Masterson continues to help out as a starter.
This road trip may also be the breakout for David Ortiz. He is swinging the bat better lately &, at some point, he will need to take his "Mr. Clutch" crown back from Jason Bay. Bay has put together a string of huge hits against some of the best pitchers in the AL. He's due to cool off. Getting Big Papi swinging a hot bat & getting Youk back in the lineup are 2 much needed additions on this trip.
Good luck, fans, with the late starts this week.
Regulars like Ellsbury, Pedroia, Lowrie & Youkilis have given way to Van Every, Green, Lugo & Bailey. And, as stated on the Red Sox website, the Sox still find a way to win. Depth has been the key over these first two months.
Sox fans who stay up late this week for the final Red Sox road trip to Anaheim & Seattle may get to watch more of that depth. Fireballing Daniel Bard was called up & Javy Lopez was designated for assignment. Bard has hit 100 mph in the past & should be a nice bullpen addition while Masterson continues to help out as a starter.
This road trip may also be the breakout for David Ortiz. He is swinging the bat better lately &, at some point, he will need to take his "Mr. Clutch" crown back from Jason Bay. Bay has put together a string of huge hits against some of the best pitchers in the AL. He's due to cool off. Getting Big Papi swinging a hot bat & getting Youk back in the lineup are 2 much needed additions on this trip.
Good luck, fans, with the late starts this week.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time to Re-Sign Bay?
Jason Bay continues to get things done. Given the absence of Youk in the lineup recently & the slow start of David Ortiz, Bay has kept the Red Sox afloat with one big hit after another. Just ask Mariano Rivera, Joba the Hut or James Shields.
If there is a time to get a deal done before the end of the year, I think Theo & Co. should do it with Bay now. Johnny Damon is in his last year with the Yankees & I'm sure New York would be a prime bidder for Bay's future services, as well as many other clubs.
Bay is a perfect fit with Lowell, Pedroia, Youkilis. Let's get him wrapped up now.
If there is a time to get a deal done before the end of the year, I think Theo & Co. should do it with Bay now. Johnny Damon is in his last year with the Yankees & I'm sure New York would be a prime bidder for Bay's future services, as well as many other clubs.
Bay is a perfect fit with Lowell, Pedroia, Youkilis. Let's get him wrapped up now.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Manny & Steroids
I really don't like writing about Manny. He quit on the Red Sox in 2008 & he is gone. Now he has quit on his new team, the LA Dodgers, by testing positive for steroid use. See you in 50 games.
Like Jason Varitek commented, he would give Manny the benefit of the doubt until all the facts are in. Obviously, MLB has decided that all the facts are in. Manny's test was positive for a banned female hormone which is usually taken at the end of a cycle of steroids to minimize side effects.
Jon Papelbon said it is not complicated to follow the list of banned substances. Pap said they even give you copies of the list in Spanish. Like A-Rod, no player making $25 million a year is going to put something into their body that they don't know about. Sorry, Tek, but I'm not buying that Manny didn't know exactlty what he was doing.
The best comment that I heard was from Mike Lowell. Lowell said that these stories of drug abuse by professional athletes leave fewer & fewer athletes for kids to look up to. Ain't that the truth.
Welcome Joe Torre to Manny world. If it's not the length of his hair, it's 'roids use. Manny always finds a way to disrupt team chemistry. He's like the Terrell Owens of baseball.
Like Jason Varitek commented, he would give Manny the benefit of the doubt until all the facts are in. Obviously, MLB has decided that all the facts are in. Manny's test was positive for a banned female hormone which is usually taken at the end of a cycle of steroids to minimize side effects.
Jon Papelbon said it is not complicated to follow the list of banned substances. Pap said they even give you copies of the list in Spanish. Like A-Rod, no player making $25 million a year is going to put something into their body that they don't know about. Sorry, Tek, but I'm not buying that Manny didn't know exactlty what he was doing.
The best comment that I heard was from Mike Lowell. Lowell said that these stories of drug abuse by professional athletes leave fewer & fewer athletes for kids to look up to. Ain't that the truth.
Welcome Joe Torre to Manny world. If it's not the length of his hair, it's 'roids use. Manny always finds a way to disrupt team chemistry. He's like the Terrell Owens of baseball.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Felger Defends Joba
C'mon, Felger. It's OK to be the anti-Boston sportswriter who's not a "homer" as you say. But where's your common sense? I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, so here's mine. Felger - stick to reporting on football where you know something.
Michael Felger of Comcast Sports Net was trying to convince Rob Bradford of WEEI that Joba Chamberlain was justified in hitting Jason Bay between the numbers after Bay had hit a 3-run bomb off him earlier in the game. Bradford politely disagreed as do I.
Joba's history with Youkilis is enough to set off fireworks without further cause. Now his actions will end up either starting a brawl in the future, a la Coco-Shields, or will get a fellow teammate like A-Rod a fastball between the numbers as payback. Like the movie Major League, maybe Joba should join Charlie Sheen in the penal league.
Michael Felger of Comcast Sports Net was trying to convince Rob Bradford of WEEI that Joba Chamberlain was justified in hitting Jason Bay between the numbers after Bay had hit a 3-run bomb off him earlier in the game. Bradford politely disagreed as do I.
Joba's history with Youkilis is enough to set off fireworks without further cause. Now his actions will end up either starting a brawl in the future, a la Coco-Shields, or will get a fellow teammate like A-Rod a fastball between the numbers as payback. Like the movie Major League, maybe Joba should join Charlie Sheen in the penal league.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Same Result, Different Day
Red Sox 7, Yankees 3. It was almost like deja vu from Monday night.
Jason Bay hit another big home run, this time a 3-run shot in the 1st. Josh Beckett pitched well enough to keep the Yankees offense down to 3 runs over 6 innings. And the bullpen was terrific.
The Red Sox are doing to the Yankees what Tampa Bay has done to the Red Sox. Some teams just have your number. The Sox now head home to face Cleveland & Tampa Bay.
Finally, you have to love Eck as a commentator for NESN. Hair & cheese are just a couple of his words to describe pitches.
Jason Bay hit another big home run, this time a 3-run shot in the 1st. Josh Beckett pitched well enough to keep the Yankees offense down to 3 runs over 6 innings. And the bullpen was terrific.
The Red Sox are doing to the Yankees what Tampa Bay has done to the Red Sox. Some teams just have your number. The Sox now head home to face Cleveland & Tampa Bay.
Finally, you have to love Eck as a commentator for NESN. Hair & cheese are just a couple of his words to describe pitches.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bay Slays Gotham Again
In the biblical story David took out Goliath with a slingshot. Fast forward to 2009 & Jason Bay.
Jason Bay broke out the long ball in the 7th last night to give the Sox a hard fought 6-4 victory in New York. This is the 2nd time that Bay has crushed a meaningful home run against the Yankees that ended up in victory for the Boston nine.
Bay had some helpers in the form of Jon Lester, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell & Jon Papelbon. Good pitching & timely hitting spelled the end of the Yankees for the 4th time in 4 tries. It was another classic Red Sox-Yankees match up that went down to the last pitch.
This is the best rivalry in all of sport. It was worth watching until 1:00 AM.
Jason Bay broke out the long ball in the 7th last night to give the Sox a hard fought 6-4 victory in New York. This is the 2nd time that Bay has crushed a meaningful home run against the Yankees that ended up in victory for the Boston nine.
Bay had some helpers in the form of Jon Lester, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell & Jon Papelbon. Good pitching & timely hitting spelled the end of the Yankees for the 4th time in 4 tries. It was another classic Red Sox-Yankees match up that went down to the last pitch.
This is the best rivalry in all of sport. It was worth watching until 1:00 AM.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Round 2 -- Red Sox and Yankees
The first meeting at the new Yankee Stadium starts in a few hours. The Sox are a respectable 15-10 after the first month + of games, currently in 2nd place.
In this series I would like to see:
- Beckett & Lester pitch like Beckett & Lester, going 6+ innings each start.
- Big Papi relax & keep using all fields. It's about RBI's, not HR's.
- Delcarmen & Lopez stop walking the ballpark. Look out - Hunter Jones is salivating for your job.
We may not sweep like in Boston, but we need to win the series.
In this series I would like to see:
- Beckett & Lester pitch like Beckett & Lester, going 6+ innings each start.
- Big Papi relax & keep using all fields. It's about RBI's, not HR's.
- Delcarmen & Lopez stop walking the ballpark. Look out - Hunter Jones is salivating for your job.
We may not sweep like in Boston, but we need to win the series.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tampa Bay Curse Continues
The Red Sox could muster only 1 win in 9 tries at the Trop last season. This year is starting off no different as the Sox have dropped their 1st two outings in this weekend's 4-game set.
Game 1 saw Josh Beckett get lit up by the Rays bats. Where is Beckett this year? It seems like every game he starts out strong, dominating with 4 or 5 K's over the 1st 3 innings, & then he gets racked in the middle innings.
Game 2 saw Justin Masterson give up a grand slam to Longoria. That was game over. The Sox left their bats in Cleveland as they have scored on 2 runs in the 1st 2 games.
Better offense & another strong effort from Tim Wakefield can right the ship tonight. We need to win these last 2 games before going to visit the Yankees new home on Monday.
Game 1 saw Josh Beckett get lit up by the Rays bats. Where is Beckett this year? It seems like every game he starts out strong, dominating with 4 or 5 K's over the 1st 3 innings, & then he gets racked in the middle innings.
Game 2 saw Justin Masterson give up a grand slam to Longoria. That was game over. The Sox left their bats in Cleveland as they have scored on 2 runs in the 1st 2 games.
Better offense & another strong effort from Tim Wakefield can right the ship tonight. We need to win these last 2 games before going to visit the Yankees new home on Monday.
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