David Ortiz hit a big 3-run bomb off "Not So Big Game" James Shields to break a 0-0 deadlock which resulted in an 8-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays last night. Every night someone on the Sox roster comes up big & it was Big Papi last night.
John Lackey pitched 7 innings of 1-run ball. Jason Varitek added a big RBI hit. And Bill Hall clocked a homer over the Green Monster for good measure. Just more guys coming through when needed.
The Sox & Yankees are tied for the most wins in the Majors with 47. With a Yankees loss last night the difference in standings is only 1 game between these 2 teams. It should be one heck of a pennant race.
Can the MASH unit of Red Sox players keep up the winning in the 2nd half? I think that these injuries have made the Sox a better team. My answer: Yes.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
More New Faces
No surgeries. That's the good news. Dustin Pedroia will not have surgery on his fractured foot. Victor Martinez will not have surgery on his fractured thumb. And Clay Buchholz may only miss one start.
But while these players are healing, get ready for new faces like Eric Patterson, utility IF/OF purchased from the Oakland A's, & Gustavo Molina, back-up catcher from the PawSox. There could be a Jed Lowrie sighting soon as he is getting ready for a rehab start in the next week. Michael Bowden might be brought up to fill a spot in the bullpen as well.
The Sox are doing it with smoke & mirrors. Tweo wins over Tampa Bay tonight & Wednesday would create more separation between the 2 teams in the standings. Lackey & Dice-K get the nods. We can't do any worse than the 4-game massacre in April.
But while these players are healing, get ready for new faces like Eric Patterson, utility IF/OF purchased from the Oakland A's, & Gustavo Molina, back-up catcher from the PawSox. There could be a Jed Lowrie sighting soon as he is getting ready for a rehab start in the next week. Michael Bowden might be brought up to fill a spot in the bullpen as well.
The Sox are doing it with smoke & mirrors. Tweo wins over Tampa Bay tonight & Wednesday would create more separation between the 2 teams in the standings. Lackey & Dice-K get the nods. We can't do any worse than the 4-game massacre in April.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Victor Fractures Left Thumb
The MASH unit known as the Boston Red Sox returns to Boston for the start of a weird week with two off-days on Monday & Thursday. Maybe that's not such a bad thing since they are pretty beat up.
The latest casualty of this first half is Victor Martinez. He suffered a fractured thumb on his catching hand on Sunday & will be examined today. No news yet about whether he will join several other Sox players taking a rehab vacation at Club DL.
Victor is a lot tougher than I imagined. He has hung in there with toe & hand injuries throughout the season. Maybe guys like Pedroia & Youk rub off on others.
Speaking of others, the offense needs to have others come through now that Pedroia & probably Victor will both be out for awhile. Youk, Beltre, Big Papi, J.D. Drew & others need to step it up. That's what good teams do. That's what the Sox have done to earn 46 wins this first half.
The latest casualty of this first half is Victor Martinez. He suffered a fractured thumb on his catching hand on Sunday & will be examined today. No news yet about whether he will join several other Sox players taking a rehab vacation at Club DL.
Victor is a lot tougher than I imagined. He has hung in there with toe & hand injuries throughout the season. Maybe guys like Pedroia & Youk rub off on others.
Speaking of others, the offense needs to have others come through now that Pedroia & probably Victor will both be out for awhile. Youk, Beltre, Big Papi, J.D. Drew & others need to step it up. That's what good teams do. That's what the Sox have done to earn 46 wins this first half.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Can the Sox Survive Without Petey?
With an off-day on Monday we all get to think a little more about the loss of Dustin Pedroia & what that will mean for the Sox. It was nice to see him in the dugout on Sunday, a reminder to his teammates to play hard.
The starting 9 soon became the starting 6. First was Ellsbury to go out with broken ribs from a nasty collision with Adrian Beltre. Next was Beckett to go on the DL with a bad back. Now it's Pedroia with a broken bone in his foot from a foul ball. Let's hope Victor doesn't join the starters on the DL with his toe getting re-injured on Sunday.
Pedroia represents the little engine that could. He plays far bigger than his size. How ironic to get injured after a 3 homerun game in Colorado the night before! And the Sox can ill-afford to lose him now as they are in the throws of a pennant race with New York & Tampa Bay.
But, like Ellsbury & Beckett, the Sox have plugged in Bill Hall for now as Petey's replacement at 2B. More help is coming. And this team will go on. It just won't be quite the same without Pedroia on the field for the next several weeks.
The starting 9 soon became the starting 6. First was Ellsbury to go out with broken ribs from a nasty collision with Adrian Beltre. Next was Beckett to go on the DL with a bad back. Now it's Pedroia with a broken bone in his foot from a foul ball. Let's hope Victor doesn't join the starters on the DL with his toe getting re-injured on Sunday.
Pedroia represents the little engine that could. He plays far bigger than his size. How ironic to get injured after a 3 homerun game in Colorado the night before! And the Sox can ill-afford to lose him now as they are in the throws of a pennant race with New York & Tampa Bay.
But, like Ellsbury & Beckett, the Sox have plugged in Bill Hall for now as Petey's replacement at 2B. More help is coming. And this team will go on. It just won't be quite the same without Pedroia on the field for the next several weeks.
They Just Keep Going
How are they doing it? Players keep going down, but the Sox keep winning. The Sox t-e-a-m take 2 out of 3 from the Giants over the weekend, even with additional injuries to Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz & Victor Martinez.
You have to admire the Sox players, managers, coaches & front office for finding "fill-ins" who have contributed mightily to their 45 wins thus far. Maybe a better description is super-subs or reliable replacements. Whoever puts on a Red Sox uniform these days is getting the job done.
Can it last? Can we continue to expect above-average play from guys with little or no big league experience? Time will tell. But all of Red Sox Nation has to be impressed with 2nd place in the standings on June 28th.
You have to admire the Sox players, managers, coaches & front office for finding "fill-ins" who have contributed mightily to their 45 wins thus far. Maybe a better description is super-subs or reliable replacements. Whoever puts on a Red Sox uniform these days is getting the job done.
Can it last? Can we continue to expect above-average play from guys with little or no big league experience? Time will tell. But all of Red Sox Nation has to be impressed with 2nd place in the standings on June 28th.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Pedroia Blasts 3 Homers In OT Win
The Sox avoid a sweep in Colorado thanks to a huge offensive night by Dustin Pedroia. Petey launched 3 bombs, the last one in the 10th, to give the Sox a much needed win.
Pitching was stinko. After a long 1st inning Dice-K could only manage 5 before hitting 100 + pitches. Delcarmen, Okajima & Ramirez gave up 6 runs in the 6th before getting 3 outs. Papelbon was ineffective with another blown save in the 9th.
But Pedroia collected a total of 5 hits on a night where Kevin Youkilis & Victor Martinez were both on the bench. The lineup was another patchwork quilt with Daniel Nava hitting 2nd. Josh Reddick left in the 4th with a knee injury. Somehow the Sox just keep getting it done.
Off to San Francisco to play in what I think is a great outdoor ballpark. It use to be called Pac Bell Stadium when it first opened. Home runs to right go into the ocean. Left field has an area dedicated for kids to play different games. It's one of my favorite parks. Let's hope the Sox can win this series against Lincecum & Co.
Pitching was stinko. After a long 1st inning Dice-K could only manage 5 before hitting 100 + pitches. Delcarmen, Okajima & Ramirez gave up 6 runs in the 6th before getting 3 outs. Papelbon was ineffective with another blown save in the 9th.
But Pedroia collected a total of 5 hits on a night where Kevin Youkilis & Victor Martinez were both on the bench. The lineup was another patchwork quilt with Daniel Nava hitting 2nd. Josh Reddick left in the 4th with a knee injury. Somehow the Sox just keep getting it done.
Off to San Francisco to play in what I think is a great outdoor ballpark. It use to be called Pac Bell Stadium when it first opened. Home runs to right go into the ocean. Left field has an area dedicated for kids to play different games. It's one of my favorite parks. Let's hope the Sox can win this series against Lincecum & Co.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Nava/McDonald Show
I could write about the failure of Jon Papelbon to close out a hard-fought victory for the Sox. Pap turned a 6-5 win into an 8-6 loss by giving up 2 bombs in the 9th. It's not fun, but it happens. I can hear the sportswriters today clamoring for Bard to become the closer. Not just yet, please.
Instead, I'd like to comment on the nights of Daniel Nava & Darnell McDonald. Off of Ubaldo Jimenez, arguably the best pitcher in baseball at 13-1, Nava had 2 hits & 3 RBI to keep the Sox in the game early. McDonald also had 2 hits off Jimenez, including a 2-run homer that tied the game at 5-5. Both guys continue to contribute at the big league level as Ellsbury continues his rehab, Drew nurses a hamstring pull & Hermida remains unavailable.
There are always new stories with every season. Nava & McDonald are it so far this year.
Instead, I'd like to comment on the nights of Daniel Nava & Darnell McDonald. Off of Ubaldo Jimenez, arguably the best pitcher in baseball at 13-1, Nava had 2 hits & 3 RBI to keep the Sox in the game early. McDonald also had 2 hits off Jimenez, including a 2-run homer that tied the game at 5-5. Both guys continue to contribute at the big league level as Ellsbury continues his rehab, Drew nurses a hamstring pull & Hermida remains unavailable.
There are always new stories with every season. Nava & McDonald are it so far this year.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sox Flat in Denver
The Red Sox just seemed flat to me in a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies last night. A bad hop over Marco Scutaro's head led to Colorado's winning run in the bottom of the 8th. The Sox missed 2 big scoring opportunities with the bases loaded.
I also thought that the lineup was pretty punchless after the 1st 5 in the order. Nava, Cameron, Reddick & Lester were your bottom 4 hitters. That's life in a National League park without the DH.
How many fans saw the foul ball down left field in the bottom of the 8th & wondered if Beltre was going to takeout Nava?
Lackey goes against Jimenez tonight. These 6 games in NL parks may not be kind to the Sox who have to rotate Youk-Beltre-Ortiz in & out of starting roles. We can use a win tonight.
I also thought that the lineup was pretty punchless after the 1st 5 in the order. Nava, Cameron, Reddick & Lester were your bottom 4 hitters. That's life in a National League park without the DH.
How many fans saw the foul ball down left field in the bottom of the 8th & wondered if Beltre was going to takeout Nava?
Lackey goes against Jimenez tonight. These 6 games in NL parks may not be kind to the Sox who have to rotate Youk-Beltre-Ortiz in & out of starting roles. We can use a win tonight.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sox Sweep Dodgers
Good-bye Manny! Back to Mannyland for the Dodgers who got swept in Boston over the weekend. Clay Buchholz did the honors last night by pitching the Sox to a 2-0 victory as he earned his 10th win of the season.
Curt Schilling is always entertaining, opinionated, however you want to describe him. As a guest announcer on ESPN, I thought that he put a player's perspective to the whole Manny fiasco that boiled over in 2008. When your own players wanted Manny to go, that says a lot.
The Sox wake up today tied for 2nd in the AL East with the Rays. The Yankees, yes the Yankees, are now in sole possession of 1st place with a 1-game lead.
Everyone can enjoy a well-deserved off day today. I'm a little concerned about the next 2 series in Colorado & San Francisco as we don't get the use of a DH. In Colorado the Sox will face Jimenez & the Giants have a core of good young pitchers.
Overall, life is good for Red Sox Nation as we enter the first official day of summer. We're moving up in the standings.
Curt Schilling is always entertaining, opinionated, however you want to describe him. As a guest announcer on ESPN, I thought that he put a player's perspective to the whole Manny fiasco that boiled over in 2008. When your own players wanted Manny to go, that says a lot.
The Sox wake up today tied for 2nd in the AL East with the Rays. The Yankees, yes the Yankees, are now in sole possession of 1st place with a 1-game lead.
Everyone can enjoy a well-deserved off day today. I'm a little concerned about the next 2 series in Colorado & San Francisco as we don't get the use of a DH. In Colorado the Sox will face Jimenez & the Giants have a core of good young pitchers.
Overall, life is good for Red Sox Nation as we enter the first official day of summer. We're moving up in the standings.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pedroia Sinks LA
I couldn't listen to the incessent ramblings of Fox announcers Joe Buck & Tim McCarver, so I listened to the first 8 innings on the radio. Same tonight with ESPN announcers Joe Morgan & Johnny Miller. How many times do you think there will be a reference to when Joe Morgan played?
Regardless, it was great to have a David & Goliath matchup as 5'7" Dustin Pedroia got the winning hit off of big Jonathan Broxton, the Dodger closer. Even though the Fox announcers were talking about Broxton's scoreless innings streak & how he would get 4 outs, they never figured that Petey would end the game with a hit.
The win on Saturday leaves the Sox 1 game behind the Yankees & Tampa Bay as they both won yesterday as well. It's turned into quite a 3-team pennant race in the AL East.
Regardless, it was great to have a David & Goliath matchup as 5'7" Dustin Pedroia got the winning hit off of big Jonathan Broxton, the Dodger closer. Even though the Fox announcers were talking about Broxton's scoreless innings streak & how he would get 4 outs, they never figured that Petey would end the game with a hit.
The win on Saturday leaves the Sox 1 game behind the Yankees & Tampa Bay as they both won yesterday as well. It's turned into quite a 3-team pennant race in the AL East.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sox Only 1 Game Back
Another night, another win over an NL West team. The Sox beat the Dodgers 10-6 with Manny striking out to end the game. How fitting!
David Ortiz went yard again for the 2nd night in a row. He is up to 15 HR's now & is off to one of his best first half's in his career. The Sox are getting contributions up & down the lineup. It seems like every night brings a different hero.
J.D. Drew did leave the game with a hamstring which is concerning to me. Who would have thought that Drew would be considered the iron-man of the outfield over the first half? When you're on a roll you don't want any injuries to derail the momentum.
Tim Wakefield goes today. He is in jeopardy of falling out of the rotation with another poor start. Wake is due to reel off 5 or 6 good performances in a row.
Back to my buddy Manny. Instead of focusing on Manny's return to play against the team he quit on, we should be applauding the play of a T-E-A-M that has overcome multiple injuries to sit 1 game out of 1st place in the AL East on June 19th. Let's put the focus back on the Red Sox.
David Ortiz went yard again for the 2nd night in a row. He is up to 15 HR's now & is off to one of his best first half's in his career. The Sox are getting contributions up & down the lineup. It seems like every night brings a different hero.
J.D. Drew did leave the game with a hamstring which is concerning to me. Who would have thought that Drew would be considered the iron-man of the outfield over the first half? When you're on a roll you don't want any injuries to derail the momentum.
Tim Wakefield goes today. He is in jeopardy of falling out of the rotation with another poor start. Wake is due to reel off 5 or 6 good performances in a row.
Back to my buddy Manny. Instead of focusing on Manny's return to play against the team he quit on, we should be applauding the play of a T-E-A-M that has overcome multiple injuries to sit 1 game out of 1st place in the AL East on June 19th. Let's put the focus back on the Red Sox.
Podcast Questions
If you haven't had a chance to listen to our podcast from Thursday, you should. Gaff, Steve & I had a good time answering the following questions:
1) Are the Red Sox a playoff team in 2010?
Gaff - Yes, Don - Yes, Steve - Maybe. As a Red Sox fan, Steve is cautious as he remembers history.
2) Who should the Sox pick-up at the trade deadline?
All 3 of us agree an outfielder/hitter, preferrably a left-handed hitter.
3) Should Manny be booed this weekend on his return to Fenway?
All 3 of us say a resounding "yes." Steve likened Manny's return to an ex-wife coming back. Good analogy.
4) What can we expect from Big Papi in the 2nd half?
All 3 of us agree that it will be like the 1st half - periods of hot & cold offense.
5) Is Daniel Bard the closure in 2011?
We all agree that the better option is to keep Papelbon if they can re-sign him at an affordable level.
Hope you enjoy the podcast. Feel free to weigh-in on any of these issues.
1) Are the Red Sox a playoff team in 2010?
Gaff - Yes, Don - Yes, Steve - Maybe. As a Red Sox fan, Steve is cautious as he remembers history.
2) Who should the Sox pick-up at the trade deadline?
All 3 of us agree an outfielder/hitter, preferrably a left-handed hitter.
3) Should Manny be booed this weekend on his return to Fenway?
All 3 of us say a resounding "yes." Steve likened Manny's return to an ex-wife coming back. Good analogy.
4) What can we expect from Big Papi in the 2nd half?
All 3 of us agree that it will be like the 1st half - periods of hot & cold offense.
5) Is Daniel Bard the closure in 2011?
We all agree that the better option is to keep Papelbon if they can re-sign him at an affordable level.
Hope you enjoy the podcast. Feel free to weigh-in on any of these issues.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sox Gain Ground in AL East
A 6-2 win by the Red Sox last night & losses by the Yanks & Rays move the Sox to within 3 games of the co-leaders.
Like Clay Buchholz the night before, Jon Lester had a very workmanlike performance to get through the first 7 innings. Dustin Pedroia had a homer, as did Kevin Youkilis. Youk's blast turned a tight 4-2 game into a comfortable 6-2 lead. The bullpen was good again in shutting down the D-backs over last few innings.
It would be nice for Lackey to pitch well also & gain a sweep over Arizona tonight before the Dodgers come to town. Every game counts in this division.
Like Clay Buchholz the night before, Jon Lester had a very workmanlike performance to get through the first 7 innings. Dustin Pedroia had a homer, as did Kevin Youkilis. Youk's blast turned a tight 4-2 game into a comfortable 6-2 lead. The bullpen was good again in shutting down the D-backs over last few innings.
It would be nice for Lackey to pitch well also & gain a sweep over Arizona tonight before the Dodgers come to town. Every game counts in this division.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Who's On First?
It seems like no matter what lineup Tito throws out there the Red Sox manage to win. Last night was no except as Buchholz & Ortiz powered the Sox to a 6-3 interleague win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Daniel Nava hits leadoff. No problem.
Billy Hall plays shortstop. No problem.
I wonder to myself when lack of the usual starters will catch-up with the Red Sox. So far, so good.
Daniel Nava hits leadoff. No problem.
Billy Hall plays shortstop. No problem.
I wonder to myself when lack of the usual starters will catch-up with the Red Sox. So far, so good.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Finally, A Podcast
Yes, folks, a podcast is finally coming!
It seems like forever since I sat down with my brain trust of Gaff & Steve to talk about issues with the Red Sox. You know that darn work thing just keeps getting in the way of fun.
Barring any last minute changes, we are scheduled to sit down on Thursday & discuss the following topics:
- Are the Red Sox a playoff team in 2010?
- What moves need to be made at the trade deadline? Should the Sox look into Cliff Lee?
- Big Papi, what to expect the 2nd half?
- The return of Manny Ramirez to Fenway. Jeers or cheers?
I'm sure we will get into other topics as well.
Dave, my tech guy, is away this weekend, but I'll have him upload the podcast to the website next week. Hope you enjoy it.
It seems like forever since I sat down with my brain trust of Gaff & Steve to talk about issues with the Red Sox. You know that darn work thing just keeps getting in the way of fun.
Barring any last minute changes, we are scheduled to sit down on Thursday & discuss the following topics:
- Are the Red Sox a playoff team in 2010?
- What moves need to be made at the trade deadline? Should the Sox look into Cliff Lee?
- Big Papi, what to expect the 2nd half?
- The return of Manny Ramirez to Fenway. Jeers or cheers?
I'm sure we will get into other topics as well.
Dave, my tech guy, is away this weekend, but I'll have him upload the podcast to the website next week. Hope you enjoy it.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Where Do We Stand?
At the start of this work week the Red Sox sit in 3rd place in the AL East with a record of 37-28, 9 games above .500. The Yankees are tied with the Rays for 1st with identical records of 40-23, 17 games above .500. The Sox have played 2 more games than both the Yankees & Rays - which is a good thing as it keeps them away from later in the year make-up doubleheaders.
The statistical mid-point of the season is the 81 game mark which occurs on July 2nd. To be on track for 95 wins the Sox need 10.5 wins in their next 16 games. They play Arizona, the Dodgers, Colorado, the Giants, Tampa Bay & Baltimore during that stretch. 10-6 or 11-5 would be a great closeout to the 1st half of the season against some pretty good teams.
Given all the injuries & the poor start in April, I'm glad that we are still talking about being in the race. It could have been a long summer if the Red Sox were out of it in June.
The statistical mid-point of the season is the 81 game mark which occurs on July 2nd. To be on track for 95 wins the Sox need 10.5 wins in their next 16 games. They play Arizona, the Dodgers, Colorado, the Giants, Tampa Bay & Baltimore during that stretch. 10-6 or 11-5 would be a great closeout to the 1st half of the season against some pretty good teams.
Given all the injuries & the poor start in April, I'm glad that we are still talking about being in the race. It could have been a long summer if the Red Sox were out of it in June.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Strange Happenings on Yawkee Way
The Red Sox win 10-2 on Saturday afternoon. The club took a few interesting twists & turns to earn the victory over the Phillies.
- Daniel Nava gets called up from Pawtucket & promptly hits his first Major League pitch for a grand slam home run. He is one of only a handful of guys to ever do that.
- Dice-K gets scratched from his start 10 minutes before game time & is placed on the DL with arm stiffness. Re-called Scott Atchison gets the start.
Seems like the carousel of players keeps the Red Sox roster fresh & hungry for wins. It's quite amazing what the Sox have done without Beckett, Ellsbury, Cameron & even Pap for stretches of time this year.
As Al Davis from the Raiders likes to say, just win baby!
- Daniel Nava gets called up from Pawtucket & promptly hits his first Major League pitch for a grand slam home run. He is one of only a handful of guys to ever do that.
- Dice-K gets scratched from his start 10 minutes before game time & is placed on the DL with arm stiffness. Re-called Scott Atchison gets the start.
Seems like the carousel of players keeps the Red Sox roster fresh & hungry for wins. It's quite amazing what the Sox have done without Beckett, Ellsbury, Cameron & even Pap for stretches of time this year.
As Al Davis from the Raiders likes to say, just win baby!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Mike Lowell Goes Yard
Remember that good-looking guy with the graying hair & beard? Yes, Mike Lowell got a spot start for Kevin Youkilis & made the most of it. He popped a long ball up into the Green Monster to help the Red Sox to a 12-2 win over the Phillies.
Where does Mike Lowell fit for this team? He really doesn't, unless an opportunity arises from injuries to Youk, Beltre or Big Papi. Lowell is an expensive insurance policy & at some point he will be moved or released. No one expects him to remain on the team past the All-Star break.
Too bad Lowell wasn't an outfielder. He would have plenty of playing time like Bill Hall or Darnell McDonald. With Ellsbury out for several more weeks & Hermida on the disabled list maybe Lowell could play the short LF in Boston. Probably not though.
I like Francona's saying about how everything tends to work itself out in time. Somehow, someway Mike Lowell will find himself on the field - whether with the Red Sox or another team. He can still hit & teams can always use a hitter.
Where does Mike Lowell fit for this team? He really doesn't, unless an opportunity arises from injuries to Youk, Beltre or Big Papi. Lowell is an expensive insurance policy & at some point he will be moved or released. No one expects him to remain on the team past the All-Star break.
Too bad Lowell wasn't an outfielder. He would have plenty of playing time like Bill Hall or Darnell McDonald. With Ellsbury out for several more weeks & Hermida on the disabled list maybe Lowell could play the short LF in Boston. Probably not though.
I like Francona's saying about how everything tends to work itself out in time. Somehow, someway Mike Lowell will find himself on the field - whether with the Red Sox or another team. He can still hit & teams can always use a hitter.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Life's Lessons Learned
Do you remember your first failure? How about when your kids or family members tried something that didn't work?
Daniel Bard is learning some valuable life lessons as a fill-in closure for the past few games. He's learning that you can't give up walks. He's learning that you're it - you win or lose a game for your team. There's no backup plan.
Bard also learned that the buck stops with him. And there's no such thing as a so-so outing. You either perform & win or you don't perform & lose. It's very simple & a role that not everyone is cutout for.
I think Daniel Bard will be glad to see Pap in the bullpen tonight.
Daniel Bard is learning some valuable life lessons as a fill-in closure for the past few games. He's learning that you can't give up walks. He's learning that you're it - you win or lose a game for your team. There's no backup plan.
Bard also learned that the buck stops with him. And there's no such thing as a so-so outing. You either perform & win or you don't perform & lose. It's very simple & a role that not everyone is cutout for.
I think Daniel Bard will be glad to see Pap in the bullpen tonight.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Masterson Beats Old Team
Justin Masterson pitched a complete game shutout against his old teammates as Cleveland erupted for an 11-0 win on Wednesday. If we had to lose one game, I'm OK with losing one to Masterson.
In pre-game interviews Justin publically gave thanks to the Sox for getting him to the big leagues. Privately, though, he must be savoring this win against Boston. By far this was his best night in a Cleveland uniform & the shutout gives him incentive for his future starts.
Nice game, Justin.
In pre-game interviews Justin publically gave thanks to the Sox for getting him to the big leagues. Privately, though, he must be savoring this win against Boston. By far this was his best night in a Cleveland uniform & the shutout gives him incentive for his future starts.
Nice game, Justin.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wake Logs Number 2,777, Strasburg His First 7
Tim Wakefield has thrown more innings than any other Red Sox pitcher in history with his 7+ innings, 3-2 win last night over the Indians. He passes Roger Clemens - a good thing in my book.
On the flip side, Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg made his Major League debut with a 7 inning, 14 strikeout performance against the Pirates. The clips that I saw show Strasburg in command of all 3 pitches. He looks like Daniel Bard on steroids. (Maybe that's a poor choice of words.) Only 2,770 more innings to go to catch Wake.
Back to Wakefield he is due to runoff several goods starts now, starting with last night's, after a few miserable ones. Wake has always been a streaky pitcher & we can use a few more good ones with the NL West coming to Fenway this weekend & next week.
One more win & the Sox take the series in Cleveland. Justin Masterson goes for the Tribe tonight against former teammate Clay Buchholz.
On the flip side, Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg made his Major League debut with a 7 inning, 14 strikeout performance against the Pirates. The clips that I saw show Strasburg in command of all 3 pitches. He looks like Daniel Bard on steroids. (Maybe that's a poor choice of words.) Only 2,770 more innings to go to catch Wake.
Back to Wakefield he is due to runoff several goods starts now, starting with last night's, after a few miserable ones. Wake has always been a streaky pitcher & we can use a few more good ones with the NL West coming to Fenway this weekend & next week.
One more win & the Sox take the series in Cleveland. Justin Masterson goes for the Tribe tonight against former teammate Clay Buchholz.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Dice-K Good Again
Since his 8-walk performance 2 starts ago Dice-K has gone 7 innings or more in each of his last 2 starts. The Sox won the opener in Cleveland 4-1 last night behind 8 strong innings from Dice-K.
Here's what popped into my head last night:
- It was sad to see such a small crowd at Progressive Field. I watch the Indians a lot during the Cactus League & their fans are very passionate about their team. Management needs to put a better product on the field.
- David Ortiz finally hustled out a ground ball & the result was a big 2nd run. That's the way to run out your hits! An old coach's saying - "it doesn't take talent to hustle."
- Victor called for 6 fastballs in a row from Daniel Bard to Austin Kearns & Kearns promptly hit the 6th one into the LF seats. You need to mix it up - as we saw when Pap got hit hard last year when throwing all fastballs.
- Whether it's Cleveland or New York, a win is a win & you play out the schedule. The Sox need to keep winning each series like they have been.
Let's see if Wakefield can rebound tonight from his most recent unimpressive starts.
Here's what popped into my head last night:
- It was sad to see such a small crowd at Progressive Field. I watch the Indians a lot during the Cactus League & their fans are very passionate about their team. Management needs to put a better product on the field.
- David Ortiz finally hustled out a ground ball & the result was a big 2nd run. That's the way to run out your hits! An old coach's saying - "it doesn't take talent to hustle."
- Victor called for 6 fastballs in a row from Daniel Bard to Austin Kearns & Kearns promptly hit the 6th one into the LF seats. You need to mix it up - as we saw when Pap got hit hard last year when throwing all fastballs.
- Whether it's Cleveland or New York, a win is a win & you play out the schedule. The Sox need to keep winning each series like they have been.
Let's see if Wakefield can rebound tonight from his most recent unimpressive starts.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sox Lose in Extras
Hideki Okajima gave up the game-winning single in the 11th as the Red Sox lose the finale on Sunday 4-3, but the Sox take 2 out of 3 in Baltimore. Now it's on to Cleveland for 4 games.
This week will be a homecoming for Victor Martinez who grew up in the Indians organization. Victor is swinging a hot bat lately that includes a homerun yesterday & a 5 for 5 day not too long ago. He should get quite a standing ovation from the Cleveland fans.
The forgotten part of the deal for Martinez is Justin Masterson. Masterson is now a starter for the Indians & is toiling through the ups & downs of his first season of 30+ starts. Justin couldn't have handled the last year's trade with more grace for a young kid who also left the organization that he started his career with. In fact, a baseball call-in show on Saturday was discussing the possibility of getting Masterson back as the long guy in the pen.
I'm sure a lot of Red Sox players will be catching up with Justin Masterson, just as much as Victor will enjoy seeing his old team.
This week will be a homecoming for Victor Martinez who grew up in the Indians organization. Victor is swinging a hot bat lately that includes a homerun yesterday & a 5 for 5 day not too long ago. He should get quite a standing ovation from the Cleveland fans.
The forgotten part of the deal for Martinez is Justin Masterson. Masterson is now a starter for the Indians & is toiling through the ups & downs of his first season of 30+ starts. Justin couldn't have handled the last year's trade with more grace for a young kid who also left the organization that he started his career with. In fact, a baseball call-in show on Saturday was discussing the possibility of getting Masterson back as the long guy in the pen.
I'm sure a lot of Red Sox players will be catching up with Justin Masterson, just as much as Victor will enjoy seeing his old team.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sox Strike Late Again
You know things are going bad for the O's just by watching the bounce of the ball. In a 1-0 game last night the O's bring the infield in & Marco Scutaro promptly bounces one over the drawn-in third baseman to plate a big 2nd run in the 8th. Next inning Darnell McDonald brakes his bat & the ball land over 3B for a 2-run single. And the O's lose again to the Sox 8-2 by allowing 8 runs from the 7th inning on.
The win last night puts the Sox 2 behind the Yankees in the loss column & 4 behind the Rays. They are tied with Toronto for 3rd. Another win this afternoon would be nice before the O's bats wake up.
Jon Lester, like Clay Buchholz the night before, continued his string of quality starts. Kevin Youkilis homered for the 2nd night in a row. Daniel Bard was money in the 7th when he got 2 big outs with the bases loaded. And Josh Reddick contributed a big triple on offense.
Seems like the Sox are now getting contributions from everyone. Maybe this team has found its identity, even with a revolving outfield.
The win last night puts the Sox 2 behind the Yankees in the loss column & 4 behind the Rays. They are tied with Toronto for 3rd. Another win this afternoon would be nice before the O's bats wake up.
Jon Lester, like Clay Buchholz the night before, continued his string of quality starts. Kevin Youkilis homered for the 2nd night in a row. Daniel Bard was money in the 7th when he got 2 big outs with the bases loaded. And Josh Reddick contributed a big triple on offense.
Seems like the Sox are now getting contributions from everyone. Maybe this team has found its identity, even with a revolving outfield.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
New Manager, Same Old O's
A change in manager did nothing to change the fortune of the Baltimore Orioles. Clay Buchholz spun a complete game shutout as the Sox invoked the mercy rule score in an 11-0 win on Friday night. Youk, Beltre & Scutaro all went yard in another 15+ hit attack.
Buchholz has certainly been a pleasant surprise this season. He leads the pitching staff in wins & is even being talked about as an all-star starter. Quite the turnaround from 2009 when Clay spent half a season in Pawtucket & was dangled as trade bait at the trading deadline.
I don't think the Sox will be dangling him out there this year.
Buchholz has certainly been a pleasant surprise this season. He leads the pitching staff in wins & is even being talked about as an all-star starter. Quite the turnaround from 2009 when Clay spent half a season in Pawtucket & was dangled as trade bait at the trading deadline.
I don't think the Sox will be dangling him out there this year.
Bravo, Detroit!
Detroit hasn't had a lot to cheer about. The Motor City is still recovering from an economy that was especially hard hit with auto industry layoffs.
But a day after an imperfect Jim Joyce spoiled a perfect game by Tigers pitcher Armando Gallaraga, the fans of Detroit surprised the country by cheering for the umpires on Thursday, in particular Jim Joyce. While there are no "do overs" in baseball the fans of Detroit, management of the Tigers & Gallaraga himself have shown extreme class in their handling of the controversial call.
It's rare today to see people take responsibility for the actions. You tell your kids that honesty is the best policy. Jim Joyce accepted the fact that he made a mistake. His apology was accepted by Gallaraga & the Tigers. End of story.
Maybe we can all learn something from this situation.
But a day after an imperfect Jim Joyce spoiled a perfect game by Tigers pitcher Armando Gallaraga, the fans of Detroit surprised the country by cheering for the umpires on Thursday, in particular Jim Joyce. While there are no "do overs" in baseball the fans of Detroit, management of the Tigers & Gallaraga himself have shown extreme class in their handling of the controversial call.
It's rare today to see people take responsibility for the actions. You tell your kids that honesty is the best policy. Jim Joyce accepted the fact that he made a mistake. His apology was accepted by Gallaraga & the Tigers. End of story.
Maybe we can all learn something from this situation.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Etiquette of Coming Home
The Red Sox stranded several runners at 3B & also had 2 thrown out at home (shades of Wendell Kim) in a 9-8 loss to the A's yesterday afternoon. The Sox end up taking 2 out of 3 from Oakland & move onto Baltimore for the weekend.
Here's my question for today. Whatever happened to mowing down the catcher when he blocks your path to the plate? Both McDonald & Martinez had to slide around Suzuki who was in the direct baseline from 3rd to home. If you don't fight for your turf, you lose it.
I guess that's too old school in the modern era of a kinder, gentler, all-players-get-along league. Even before the game, players hugging the opposition before the game still bothers me some.
Bring back Pete Rose.
Here's my question for today. Whatever happened to mowing down the catcher when he blocks your path to the plate? Both McDonald & Martinez had to slide around Suzuki who was in the direct baseline from 3rd to home. If you don't fight for your turf, you lose it.
I guess that's too old school in the modern era of a kinder, gentler, all-players-get-along league. Even before the game, players hugging the opposition before the game still bothers me some.
Bring back Pete Rose.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Fenway -- Still An Experience
I had a chance to be at Fenway for the Red Sox win last night 6-4 over the A's. Here'a a few of my observations:
- There's nothing like meeting the people next to you when you have to send food & drinks one way & money the other way down the row.
- As opposed to other parks, there is a constant hum created by the fans who spontaneously start their own cheers, their own clapping or start the wave. Many other parks have the jumbo-tron tell you when to clap. Not so at Fenway. The park is alive with sound from start to finish.
- Every player is loved by the fans. When Big Papi unloaded his 2-run shot to RF the place went bizerko. Same when Youk, Pedroia & Scutaro got their RBI hits. If you're a player, who wouldn't love playing to a full house on a Wednesday night?
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame in the 7th. Then Sweet Caroline in the 8th. Finally, the Drop Kick Murphy's in the 9th when Pap comes out of the bullpen to close. Fenway is a happenin' place to be.
- Best of all, I got to be with family, including my grandaughter's first ever Red Sox game. You can't beat that!
There is a special connection between the Red Sox team & their fans. It was fun to be a part of it for a night. And it was fun to pass on the Fenway experience to another generation.
- There's nothing like meeting the people next to you when you have to send food & drinks one way & money the other way down the row.
- As opposed to other parks, there is a constant hum created by the fans who spontaneously start their own cheers, their own clapping or start the wave. Many other parks have the jumbo-tron tell you when to clap. Not so at Fenway. The park is alive with sound from start to finish.
- Every player is loved by the fans. When Big Papi unloaded his 2-run shot to RF the place went bizerko. Same when Youk, Pedroia & Scutaro got their RBI hits. If you're a player, who wouldn't love playing to a full house on a Wednesday night?
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame in the 7th. Then Sweet Caroline in the 8th. Finally, the Drop Kick Murphy's in the 9th when Pap comes out of the bullpen to close. Fenway is a happenin' place to be.
- Best of all, I got to be with family, including my grandaughter's first ever Red Sox game. You can't beat that!
There is a special connection between the Red Sox team & their fans. It was fun to be a part of it for a night. And it was fun to pass on the Fenway experience to another generation.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lackey Survives, Martinez Hits
How many pitchers out there, current or past, remember a game where you didn't have your best stuff, but you still won? It usually means you had help from the offense.
That was John Lackey last night. 4 runs & 12 hits over 5 innings, but he somehow made it through the first 6. Adrian Beltre pops a big 3-run homer to get the Sox back into the game & Victor goes off for 5 hits, including 4 doubles. Delcarmen, Bard & Nelson pitched scoreless relief to seal the deal.
It was a nice team win to start the month of June.
That was John Lackey last night. 4 runs & 12 hits over 5 innings, but he somehow made it through the first 6. Adrian Beltre pops a big 3-run homer to get the Sox back into the game & Victor goes off for 5 hits, including 4 doubles. Delcarmen, Bard & Nelson pitched scoreless relief to seal the deal.
It was a nice team win to start the month of June.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Oakland Comes To Town
I saw the Oakland A's in Spring Training & honestly thought that they looked like a Triple-A team. But here they are above.500 & ready to start a 3-game set with the Sox at Friendly Fenway.
Will June turn out to be more like May or will the Sox revert to their April play? Hard to tell. There are signs of life all around, but just when they get on a roll, they lay an egg. It's been that kind of start & stop season so far over the first 2 months.
Given all the injuries & inconsistencies & lack of chemistry, the Sox are still within 3 games of the Yankees & Blue Jays. I fully expect Tampa to come back to earth - which makes for an interesting 4-team race in the AL East. Toronto is not going away. Is there any doubt that this is the toughest division in all of baseball?
I'll go out on a limb & say the Sox will repeat their performance in May & win 18 to 19 games in June. Let's hope they get on a roll & stay there.
Will June turn out to be more like May or will the Sox revert to their April play? Hard to tell. There are signs of life all around, but just when they get on a roll, they lay an egg. It's been that kind of start & stop season so far over the first 2 months.
Given all the injuries & inconsistencies & lack of chemistry, the Sox are still within 3 games of the Yankees & Blue Jays. I fully expect Tampa to come back to earth - which makes for an interesting 4-team race in the AL East. Toronto is not going away. Is there any doubt that this is the toughest division in all of baseball?
I'll go out on a limb & say the Sox will repeat their performance in May & win 18 to 19 games in June. Let's hope they get on a roll & stay there.
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