Fenway West - The Boston Red Sox Western Home: 7/27/08 - 8/3/08

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Joe Torre: New Team, Still A Tool

No, this story does not have anything to do with Manny on the Dodgers or haircuts. The LA Times ran a story today about the possibility of the Yankees not making the playoffs this year. They interviewed Joe Torre about the topic and he told them: "It's going to be horrible if the Red Sox make it." Joe, for a while I almost felt sorry for you after the way you were dumped by the Yankees. I even found a slight bit of humor in your silly State Farm commercials, but those days are over, you go back to being Yankee scum and part of the Evil Empire. By the way, how does it feel to hold the record for grounding into the most DP's in one game?

Forbes Ranks Sox Fans the Second Most Loyal

Forbes compiled a list of the most loyal fans in baseball based on attendance and winning percentage. The Sox came in second behind Ranger fans. I don't know about that, but at least they got one thing right and put Yankee fans among the least loyal with:

"New Yorkers aren't used to losing, and they don't like it. This isn't to say Yankees fans are rowdy and passionate, but if the club loses, as it did in the early '90s, attendance drops. Back in 1991, it cost less to go to a Yankees game than to a game for the now-defunct Montreal Expos, and even so, only 23,009 people came to each Yankee home game. When they were winning in the early 2000s, attendance doubled."

Bad Juju For the Yankees

After last night's game a small statue of a baseball player was knocked off of Joe Girardi's desk causing the leg to break off. Sounds like more injuries are on the way for the evil empire.

Now We Have to Root For The Canadian Softball Team?

When you are looking for teams to root for in the upcoming Olympics you might want to consider the Canadian softball team who's pitcher is none other than Jason Bay's sister: Lauren Bay Regula.
Regula talked to MLB.com about her brother's experience in Boston, "He's great. He said the guys have been unbelievable to him there," she said. "Jason is a chameleon. He adapts to any surrounding. At first I was worried and I tried to protect him, but I know he's going to be just fine."

Not much Yankin' on the tube either

As posted previously, there's not much Sox on West Coast tube this month, so I decided to take a look to see how much air time our second favorite team is getting this month. That team being whomever the Yankees are playing and again we come up a little short:

Sat 9 Aug, NYY @ LAA on Fox @ 1:00 pm

Mon 1 Sept, NYY @ DET on TBS @ 10:00 am

Are the networks purposely avoiding the throwdown in the Bronx on the 26th, 27th, & 28th just to whet our appetities for the September finale at Fenway?

Is Freddy Garcia Coming to the Sox?

The Sox sent a scout to look at Freddy Garcia throwing in Miami on Tuesday. Garcia is finishing his rehab from season ending sugery last season and now will make a decision to sign with a team. The Sox might have some serious interest in him since Buchholz is still not pitching well and Colon was bad in his last rehab start. The competition will be stiff because the Rays, Yankees, Tigers, Mets, Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, Cubs, Rockies and Phillies are all interested in Garcia too. His agent told ESPN, "Freddy is working hard to come back as a starter," Greenberg said. "That's his goal -- to help a pennant-contending team get to October. There are a lot of factors that he'll take into consideration. But he'd like it to be with a winning team with a chance to help get another ring." - I guess that rules out the Yankees.

If You Can't Join Him, Beat Him

It was just a week ago that rumors were flying that the Red Sox were interested in acquiring reliever Ron Mahay from Kansas City. After last night's performance by Mahay against the Sox, I for one am breathing a sigh of relief (no pun intended).

Mahay came into the game and immediately started giving up hits. In his one inning of work he gave up four hits and three earned runs.

I know, it's only one appearance, but when you are disappointed that the Sox didn't make a move to get new guys in the pen, it's nice to see that Theo is proving you wrong. The Sox get a nice win.

Sox Claim Brian Giles Off Of Waivers

The Red Sox have claimed Padres outfielder Brian Giles off of waivers today. Many believe this is a move to stop him from being claimed by the Rays since the Sox do not need another outfielder at this time. Giles batted .296 with 6 HR and 37 RBI's for the Padres this season.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Ellsbury Is Suddenly On Fire As Sox Win Series On The Road

Jacoby Ellsbury had 2 hits and 2 stolen bases yesterday, tonight he stayed hot by going 3-4 including a 3-run homer. The Sox offense had 12 hits and repeated the beating of last night by putting up a snowman on the Royals. All 8 of the Sox runs were scored with 2 outs. Mike Lowell was the only Sox batter that did not get a hit (0-5). Wake pitched well and the pen was solid, even Paps came in for some work. (although he did give up 2 hits in the 9th) Off day tomorrow for Boston as they travel to the windy city for a weekend series on the South Side.

Sox Win 8-2 Again BOX SCORE

Best Western Sports Bars

We're looking for the the best sports bars in the West for watching the Sox, as well as all other baseball teams and pro sports, emphasis being on the Sox. Send in links to websites, and include as much info as you can about the bar (address, quality of food, choice of ales, number of tubes, Sox memorabilia collections on walls, etc.), and your review to leadfoot_betty@yahoo.com.

We'll be compiling a list and posting it later this month.

Youk is Day To Day After Getting Beaned

The Sox dodged a bullet tonight when X-Rays showed no break, just a contusion on Youk's hand after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning. Youk could miss a few games but will not go on the DL.

Yanks Lose Pudge

The Yankees had to pinch hit for Ivan Rodriguez after he was hurt in a collision at the plate. He did hang on to the ball to end the inning but they had to pinch hit for him when he was due up second in the top of the inning. This is on the same day that the Skankees had to place Joba on the DL. Details on the injury will be posted when available.

Tonight's Lineup 8/6 at K.C.

Pedroia has a day off

Drew RF
Lowrie SS
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Lowell 3B
Bay LF
Ellsbury CF
Cash C
Cora 2B

Wakefield SP

KC Sportswriter Mistakes Interest in Sox for Interest in Royals

Carthage Press (Missouri) columnist Cody Thorn posted his column under the headline, "Are fans getting interested in the Royals?"

It only takes a second of reading his column to answer his question. No. Fans are staying interested in the Red Sox. The increased attendance in KC is based on a large number of Sox fans turning up in the heartland to cheer for the Sox.

Mr. Thorn, let me introduce you to Red Sox Nation. Thorn goes on to call Kauffman Stadium "Fenway West." Sorry, Mr. Thorn, that name's taken. "How about Fenway in the Heartland."

Mr. Thorn (pictured to the right) also has a long way to go to catch up with Youk in the beard growing arena.

For All You Animal Lovers Out There

PETA has a list of the most veggie friendly minor league ballparks and McCoy Stadium, home of the PawSox is #4 on the list. I have nothing against vegetarians but you can't go to a ball game without getting a hot dog...a real hot dog not a soy dog.

Things I Don't Care About

The Media is focused on some stories that really don't matter so here is a list of the 5 biggest stories that I don't care about and neither should the media.

1. Jason Giambi's Mustache

2. When Manny will cut his hair

3. Sox Appeal premieres

4. Schilling and Manny's run-in from 2005

5. The name of the Doctor Joba is going to see

Big Papi Welcomes Jason Bay to the Team

Do you think the atmosphere is more relaxed in the clubhouse now?

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

More Stats for the Number Freaks

Since August 1st:

Jason Bay

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI AVG
4--21-8-9--2--1--1--6--.429

Manny Ramirez

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI AVG
4-16-5-10-0--0--2--5--.625

We'll check back in with these two periodically.

Good News All Around As Sox Beat Up On K.C.

Ortiz looked good at the plate with no signs of a wrist injury, Jacoby found his swing and speed with 2 hits and 2 steals, the new guy had a 4 hit night, Beckett looked great (7 K's), and the pen only gave up one hit. Unfortunately the Rays also won so the Sox are still 3 games back but the Sox have a much more favorable schedule for the rest of the way. Oh, and the Yanks lost again. A-Rod grounded into a DP to end the game.

Sox Win 8-2 BOX SCORE

For Manny & The Sox: We Will Survive

I'm pretty sure Robert Hunter had no idea who Jason Bay or Manny Ramirez were, or that they would be involved in a big trade between the Sox, Bucs, and Dodgers when he wrote these lyrics some 28 years ago, but it's all right. Kind of suits them anyway.

"Touch of Grey"
Music by Jerry Garcia, Lyrics by Robert Hunter

Must be getting early
Clocks are running late
Paint by number morning sky
Looks so phony

Dawn is breaking everywhere
Light a candle, curse the glare
Draw the curtains I don't care
'cause it's all right

I will get by / I will get by
I will get by / I will survive

I see you've got your list out
Say your piece and get out
Yes I get the gist of it
but it's all right

Sorry that you feel that way
The only thing there is to say
Every silver lining's got a
Touch of grey

I will get by / I will get by
I will get by / I will survive

It's a lesson to me
The Ables and the Bakers and the C's
The ABC's we all must face
And try to keep a little grace

It's a lesson to me
The deltas and the east and the freeze
The ABC's we all think of
Try to give a little love.

I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
but it's all right.

Cows giving kerosene
Kid can't read at seventeen
The words he knows are all obscene
but it's all right

I will get by / I will get by
I will get by / I will survive

The shoe is on the hand it fits
There's really nothing much to it
Whistle through your teeth and spit
cause it's all right.

Oh well a Touch Of Grey
Kind of suits you anyway.
That was all I had to say
It's all right.

I will get by / I will get by
I will get by / I will survive

We will get by / We will get by
We will get by / We will survive

Buchholz Can Rest Easy, Colon Gets Shelled in Rehab Outing

If you are thinking that Buchholz's days with the Sox are numbered and he will be replaced by Bartolo Colon in the near future you might want to think again. In his first rehab start since getting injured swinging a bat (the gut got moving too fast) el Gordo did not get through an inning. The Sox had planned for him to pitch two innings tonight for the PawSox in Scranton but he had to be pulled after two-thirds of an inning for giving up four hits, three runs, and a walk. He threw 32 pitches, 18 for strikes and had one K. The Sox are taking the slow road for Colon's recovery so this wil not be much of a setback but it might make Masterson a little happier.

'Tek's Recent Activity at the Plate

Everyone is complaining about Jason Varitek's slump since May 25th. I decided to take a look at his recent activity and found that in 8 games since July 27th (not including tonight's game) he has 6 hits in 21 AB's for a .286 average over that time span.

So there.

Statistics

Baseball is a game of statistics. Just about every nuance of the game is being recorded somewhere.

I found this page that compares Salary v. Performance of MLB teams. As of August 4th, the Angels, Rays, and Twins were getting the most bangs for their bucks, while the teams (wanna take a guess?) that were pissing away their money were led by who else? The Yankees. Runners up at the trough include Mets, Dodgers, and Tigers.

Tonight's Lineup 8/5 at Kansas City

You can breathe easy now, Ortiz is in the lineup and so is Lowell

1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

Josh Beckett, SP

Sox Fan Sues Yankees

A Red Sox fan has sued the Yankees because he was attacked at Yankee Stadium while attending a game last August. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the lawsuit and if it forces the Yankees and other teams (like Oakland) to have better security at their games for fans that just want to cheer for the opossing team. At a Red Sox/Oakland game I was at this year a fan kept yelling F-Boston as fans were walking out. He was standing next to a security guard who was just laughing. If teams start to become more financially liable for bad fan behavior we may see a crackdown at some parks.

Theo Talks About the Manny Trade, Ortiz, and the Sox Season

Sox GM Theo Epstein was on WEEI today click here to listen to the interview:

Theo Thinks Big Papi Will Be O.K.

Theo Epstein told WEEI that Ortiz did not mention any problem to Tito or the organization and right now they have no cause for concern. The Sox will find out more later today but Theo did not think it was a big deal at this point.

Sox and Yanks Wait For News On Key Players

It is strange that on the same day both teams involved in a pennant chase would be waiting to here about the injury to a key player on their team. For the Sox it is Ortiz; without his bat (and Manny's) Boston will be in big trouble. For the Yankees it is Joba; New York has no way of replacing him in the rotation should it be a serious injury. Last night Joba left the game with a shoulder injury that could force the Yanks to shut him down. The injuries to Ortiz and Joba could be minor or they could be disastrous. We know what Tampa fans are rooting for. The pennant chase could be decided in a couple of doctor's offices today.

Potentially Devistating News For Sox

David Ortiz may have re-injured his wrist. More from the Herald:

Ortiz revealed after the game he felt a click in his left wrist early in the at-bat against Soria, choosing his words carefully in describing the sensation. “My last at-bat, it kind of pulled back a little bit,” Ortiz said of his wrist. “You feel that click and you get a little concerned about it.

This could just be a minor irritation or could mean that Ortiz will need surgery and miss the remainder of the season. Without Ortiz the Sox would have little chance of winning the A.L. East. I will post an update on the injury when it becomes available.

Monday, August 4, 2008

At Least They Didn't Lose By A Walk-Off Slam

This takes a little sting off of the Sox loss tonight.

Sox Come Up Short in K.C.

The Red Sox could not survive another shaky outing by Clay Buchholz in K.C. tonight. Boston scored two in the first but then had no answer for Meche. They were able to get something started in the 8th but Tek lost a long battle with Mahay to end the inning. In the 9th the Sox had 2 on with one out when Big Papi came to the plate. He grounded out but moved the tying run into scoring position. K.C. chose to walk Youk to load the bases and bring up Jason Bay. A botched play on the left side of the infield put the Sox within one and Casey at the bat. He did not strike out like in the famous story but he did get out on a line drive to right. Boston had their chances late but could not come up with the big hit. The run that Buchholz let in by hitting a batter with bases juiced now hurts even more.

Sox Lose 4-3 BOX SCORE

Tonight's Lineup 8/4 @ K.C.

J.D. Drew is leading off!!! Mike Lowell is out to rest the hip but Bay still does not get the clean-up spot. Game time temp in K.C. will be in the upper 90's.

1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Sean Casey, 1B
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Coco Crisp, CF

Clay Buchholz, SP

Another Day, Another 500 Manny Stories

For those of you that can't get enough Manny news, here's the latest:

SI tells how the Manny trade went down.

Extra Bases has more on the Boras phone call.

Red Sox.com has the Manny mailbag.

Joy of Sox rips WEEI and fans for the "Manny Who" signs

The LA Times has an article on the Torre/Manny haircut issue.

ESPN's Mike and Mike question if Manny's actions in Boston hurt his chances for the Hall.

For those of you that have moved on, I will be posting the lineup for tonight's game at K.C. shortly.

Clay Tries To Get The Mojo Back

The Sox hit the road after the three game sweep of Oakland and head to K.C. We are now almost a year removed from his no-hitter last season; nobody is expecting a repeat of that but we are expecting some significant improvement in his pitching. He has not won a game since May 2 and is 2-6 with a 5.94 ERA this year. With Bartolo beginning his rehab, he may not have many more starts to show improvement or he could join Masterson in the pen or even return to the PawSox. The Manny news may have taken some of the pressure off of Sox pitchers but the spotlight is ready to return. Buchholz is facing the Royals for the first time, the team that was involved in a brawl yesterday. I believe he has a few more starts to prove himself, so even if he implodes today he will still be in the rotation for at least one more start. What he needs is a great start to secure himself a place in the rotation for the remainder of the season. The Royals might be just the type of team that Buchholz needs to get in the grove and prove that he and the Sox can win on the road.

Manny's 16 Tickets

Someone got those 16 tickets!

From the Los Angeles Times:

THE DODGERS sent someone to the left-field pavilion on Saturday night to retrieve the first Dodgers home run hit by Ramirez so he might have a memento. A youngster agreed to surrender it in exchange for a ball autographed by Ramirez and 16 tickets to a Dodgers game. The Dodgers complied -- the coincidence amazing. Ramirez made national news recently when he pushed the Red Sox's traveling secretary to the ground after a dispute involving tickets he wanted for his family. Ramirez had asked for 16 tickets.

Do you think that kid knew what he was doing?

Why Jason Bay Will Thrive at Boston

It's his destiny.

From redsox.com:

A couple of things he may not have had time to pack came from his childhood in British Columbia, Canada, where his father, Dave Bay, was a huge Red Sox fan.

"For whatever reason, my dad was a diehard Red Sox fan," Bay said. "I had a onesie when I was however old, and it was a Red Sox onesie and I still have it. I grew up my entire life with two big posters -- one of Jim Rice and the other of Carl Yastrzemski with the 'New England -- I Love You' saying under it. They are still in my parents' basement."

Injury Update

David Aardsma- He played in a game in Pawtucket yesterday, getting 3 quick outs on 14 pitches. Look for him to rejoin the big club by the end of the week.

Bartolo Colon- He will pitch in his first rehab game with the PawSox on Tuesday for 2 innings and continue to build up arm strength. The Sox are taking his rehab very slow to make sure he is ready. Look for a late August return.

Julio Lugo- He jogged in the outfield for the second straight day and is ahead of schedule for return. He was originally thought to be coming back in late August but could now be just over a week away. With Lowrie playing so well at short it will be a tough move for Tito to bring the much maligned Lugo back.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Jerry Remy on Manny

Jerry Remy put in his 2 cents on Manny in a blog post on Sawxheads, here are a few highlights:

Over the years their have been several episodes where he acted, or said things, that were hard to explain. So we learned to explain it away as "Manny being Manny." The lasts few weeks however can only be described as "Manny being maniacal." As the saying goes, it always takes two to tango. However, a large share of the negative atmosphere that has been swirling around the team lately falls on Manny’s shoulders....The Red Sox will now be able to clear the air and move on, Terry Francona will sleep much better I am sure, and Jason Bay should be welcomed with open arms. I honestly wish Manny the best in the future and I hope he finds the peace he says he is looking for.

I totally agree with Jerry on the Manny situation. It is hard to know exactly what went on because we don't get to talk with the players or management but I have not seen anyone affiliated with the Sox in any way (players, executives, print media) take Manny's side in any of this. I think the situation was unfortunate for Manny since he has given Sox fans so much over the years. I also think it is unfortunate for how it has divided Red Sox Nation into the Manny lovers vs. the Manny haters with a great deal of us stuck somewhere in the middle.

This does not mean that Manny does not have anyone who thinks he was treated unfairly, he does. Over at Joy of Sox they think Remy and Orsillo were spewing propaganda for Sox ownership when they discussed Manny the other night. Nomar also has Manny's back in today's LA Times, saying: "We never left. They traded us. We didn't leave."

Meanwhile, at the Yankees old timers game

David Wells had this to say about the new Yankee Stadium:

"I don't think the old ghosts are going to follow them across the street. I don't think the Yankees are going to be as good. The new building is nice, but it's not the same."

Interview With Sox Prospect Lars Anderson

NECN has a great interview with Sox prospect Lars Anderson who was recently promoted to Portland. Lars could be the power hitter of the Sox in the future. Check out his profile at SoxProspects.com.

Is the Elephant Out of the Room? Looks Like It!

The Sox have now won 3 straight games, finishing a sweep of the A's today, winning 5-2 behind Dice-K's 6 IP, 4 hit, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K performance. The bullpen did their job, Lowrie (2/3, 1 run, 2 RBI's) and Bay (2/4, 2 runs) continue to excel, as well as Youk who also had 2 hits.

Papi drew 2 walks, 1 of which was intentional. With Mike Lowell hurting and in a bit of a slump, will Bay move up in the line up? I don't think it will happen yet, but I'm sure Tito is aware of this possibility. Papi may have been hurt the most by Manny's departure as it looked he was missing a little bit of spring in his jog to 1st, but he did steal a base today.

Now that the room has been cleared of distractions, the Sox look like they are back on track. They now leave for KC for a 3 game tune up before heading into a real 4 game test in Chicago.

Sox win 5-2: BOX SCORE

Today's Lineup 8/3 vs. the A's

Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Lowell, 3B
Bay, LF
Lowrie, SS
Varitek, C
Crisp, CF
Ellsbury, RF

Matsuzaka, sp

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Steve Berthiaume of ESPN on Lugo

During the recap of the A's rout by the Sox tonight on Baseball Tonight, one of the replays was of a great Lowrie-Pedroia-Youkilis double play. Berthiaume then declares "You may never see Lugo again!"

One could only wish.

Manny Thinks He's Staying in Ellay (LMAO)

Manny says he wants to finish his career in LA. In classic "Manny-Being-Manny" unintelligible-speak he said:

"The Dodgers brought me here to end my career in this city -- at least that's what I'm thinking. However, we haven't even discussed the future. I'm simply starting to know this team," Ramirez said.

Maybe they understand that down in La-La Land.

Youk the Force!

Jon Lester gave up 2 runs in the top of the 1st on a HR by Emil Brown of the A's and that was it. The Sox came roaring back in the bottom of the 1st with 5 runs, including 3 when Jason Bay hit his 1st HR in a Sox uniform. It was another huge shot, this one hitting the Volvo sign above The Green Monster. Mike Lowell, bad hip and all, and visibly not at full speed, legged out a close double in the 3rd. The onslaught continued when Lowrie hit a double deep to right to knock in all 3 runners on base at the time. Down by 6 in the 3rd and no outs, Gerren, manager of the A's, should have left starting pitcher Eveland in the game to finish his turn in the barrel. They used most of their bullpen the previous night, and it was looking like it would be getting taxed heavily tonight. The A's have a grueling schedule in August: 30 games in 31 days, 20 of them on the road. Not looking good for the A's. I expect a freefall from them this month.

Former Sox hurler Lenny DiNardo entered the game in the 3rd inning and promptly gave up a double to The (not quite dead yet) Captain and a sharp, hard hit liner by Crisp straight to 3B Jack Hannahan.

The Sox weren't done yet. Youk had 2 Monster clearing taters, Bay, Lowell, and Lowrie all had multi-hit games as well as 'Tek, who was 2 for 3 with 1 RBI. 14 hits produced 12 runs. The bats are back. Jon Lester went 7 IP, 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 BB, 5 K's. Masterson and Smith mopped up, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB, 3 K's between them.

This was a good TEAM effort.

Sox win 12-2: BOX SCORE

Manny Who?

Taters heal all wounds. Isn't that how the saying goes? Jason Bay treated Red Sox fans to his first home run as a Red Sox outfielder, driving in 3 runs earlier tonight against Oakland.

Who was that guy who used to play in left? I think I like this Bay character.

One Step Up, One Step Back

While everyone was enjoying the Jason Bay debut with the Red Sox, the team was hit with some bad news last night. Mike Lowell left the game in the bottom of the 10th with a strained right hip.

No word yet on his status for tonight's game. The Sox debuted a new batting order last night, which got them a win (albeit in extra innings). It would be a shame if what we hope is the start of a winning streak is run off course by Lowell's injury. The Sox need to get into a grove, and Lowell is essential to that.

Stay tuned for more details on Lowell's injury...

Scott Boras Took Manny For a Ride

In today's Globe Gordon Edes reveals an interesting development in the Manny trade:

"Within an hour after Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein informed Manny Ramírez he had been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday, Ramírez's agent, Scott Boras, called the Sox back, according to a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations. If the Sox dropped the option years on his contract - which they had agreed to do if they traded him - Boras said Ramírez would not be a problem the rest of the season. For the Sox, the source said, Ramírez's pledge of good behavior only served as a tacit admission that his disruptive conduct of the last couple of weeks had been calculated, and they had had good cause to suspect more was in the offing if they did not trade him."

Remember the meeting between Boras and Manny in Anaheim? It was the series after that discussion where Manny began to sit out. Boras most likely told Manny that he needed to make the Sox not pick up his option for next season so he could get a long term contract. His plan worked. When Manny talked to the media in Boston he said they were not going to pick up his options but they were not going to trade him because "they knew what they had here." Manny was sure he would finish the season in Boston, so much so that he was sleeping when the trade was announced. The Boras phone call to the Sox shows that Manny had overplayed his hand and did not think the Sox would go all the way with a trade. There is equal blame here for Boras influencing Manny and Manny taking his advice. Either way, both of them put money above the game so they deserve each other.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Welcome to the BAY State!

Jason Bay hit a huge triple off The Green Monster in the bottom of the 12th inning with two outs. After an intentional walk to Drew, Lowrie knocked in Bay to score the winning run over Oakland tonight. (Had Manny hit that ball in the bottom of the 12th, he most likely would have watched it for 5.7 seconds before realizing it was still in the park!)

Wakefield pitched 6.1 scoreless innings. Okajima allowed a home run by Jack Cust that was originally scored a double. After the umps conferred, it was then ruled a home run. The Oakland station showed wide angle replays of the dinger, but never showed a close up of where it exactly hit. Outside of that 1 pitch, the bullpen did it's job tonight: 5.2 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 BB, 4 K's.

Besides scoring both runs, Bay kept busy in the field as well. He fielded a couple of balls off The Monster as if he had been playing there all season, holding one of the A's to a single. He also made a web gem worthy sliding catch.

Mike Lowell left the game after trying to leg out an infield hit. Cora in at short, Lowrie to 3rd, and Cora makes a spectacular play to end that inning~ and maybe get another web gem in the process. (Lugo who?)

I think the Sox will be just fine. Welcome, Jason Bay.

Sox win 2-1: BOX SCORE

Side notes: Manny wearing #99 grounds out to Stephen Drew in his 1st AB with LA. In the top of the 5th, replays show him waltzing to the gap allowing a double to turn into a triple.

Rays win, yanks lose tonight.

MANNY UPDATE: Bottom of the 9th, LAD down 2-1, Manny grounds into a DP. LAD lose.

In all the commotion....

...we neglected to notice Hansen's replacement. Although I have not seen an official announcement, Chris Smith is now listed on the active roster. In three games in June, Smith tossed 6.1 innings, went 1-0, with a 2.84 ERA.

Jason Bay Scores!

Jason Bay has scored the 1st run of the Sox-A's game today which is currently in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Bay drew a walk in his 1st plate appearance in a Sox uniform and moved to 3rd on Drew's double. Lowrie hit a deep fly to left, scoring Bay. He received standing O's during the line up announcements and another when he came to the plate.
Not a bad start at all, not bad.

UPDATE: Bay is aboard for the 2nd time tonight in the bottom of the 4th, this time due to a HBP. He then went to 3rd on a single by Lowrie.

UPDATE #2: The A's Crosby hit a double off the Monster and Bay played it perfectly. He then followed that with a web gem nomination to end the inning! In the top of the 6th, he played a ball off the wall and was able to hold Suzuki to a single.

Sox Players React to the Manny Trade

After you look at these quotes from Clubhouse Insider I think there can be no doubt that the Sox made the right move. If Big Papi likes the trade then it was the right thing to do.

David Ortiz: “Things got to the point where they had to do something - and they did. They’re happy, Manny’s happy. I’m going to miss my man, I’m not going to lie to you, but we’re looking forward. The team needed it.”

Jason Varitek: “Things escalated to degrees where something had to be done either way. …Either way, I think it’s a relief that there’s closure to something that’s been going on for the last week or 10 days. I’m just relieved there’s an actual solution, which there was going to be, regardless, on this day.”

Jonathan Papelbon: “From the front-office standpoint, I feel like this did have to happen. Sometimes you make decisions, regardless of whether you got a worse player or better player out of that deal - it makes your team as a whole better. I think that’s what their decisions was based on, that feeling of camaraderie and 25 guys playing for the same goal.”

Mike Lowell: “I think (Ramirez’ constant griping) had a big impact on people in upper management because there are important decisions to be made in the next couple of years.”

Sox Pay Manny to leave, but...

The Packers are rumored to be offering $25 million to Brett Favre to stay home.

So what's the big deal over the pittance the Sox are paying for chemotherapy?

Jason Bay Talks About Joining the Sox

Here's Jason Bay talking about being the newest member of the Red Sox. Watch below:

Tonight's Lineup 8/1 vs. the A's

Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Lowell, 3B
Jason Bay, LF
J.D. Drew, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Kevin Cash, C
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF Tim Wakefield, SP

Jason Bay will wear #44

In the press conference today Jason Bay said it was slim pickins for numbers with the Sox and Eric Davis was a childhood idol of his so he has chosen #44.

Lowell to Bat Clean-Up

Extra Bases is reporting that Mike Lowell with be the clean-up hitter for the Sox with Jason Bay batting 5th. Full lineup and Jason Bay's number coming soon.

Will Schilling Give Up #38 For Bay?

Jason Bay was number 38 in Pittsburgh and there is no word yet on what number he is going to have for the Sox, I wonder if Curt will give up number 38 if Bay asks for it. Since Curt's blog is 38pitches.com I would find it doubtful that Bay will get the number especially since Curt has a small chance of coming back next season. FYI Manny is said to be taking number 99 in LA since 24 has been retired.

Peter Gammons Gives Some Insight Into Manny Trade

Peter Gammons has a new blog post up where he shows that Red Sox executives believed Manny was done for the season and would not put much effort into playing for the Sox. For one, they truly believed he faked his knee injury:

Ramirez tried to sit, citing his knee. Problem is, after Felix Hernandez and Joba Chamberlain had come and gone, the Red Sox ownership and medical staff ordered him to take an MRI. If Ramirez hadn't forgotten which knee was bothering him, he would have been more convincing, but he got mixed up.

Gammons responds to some people in the media that say the Sox are much worse off today:

But the way the past month had gone, there was no chance -- none, zilch, nada -- that Boston could make the playoffs with Ramirez on the team. In his mind, he had completed his obligation for the guaranteed $168 million the Red Sox paid him.....But as soon as the deadline passed, if Ramirez were still with the Red Sox, there would have been one incident after another with Ramirez secure in knowing that he didn't have to play, hustle or give any regard to winning to collect his remaining $7 million. Anyone who was watching John Lackey's run at a no-hitter continue in the seventh inning Wednesday when Ramirez jogged to first in 5.7 seconds, realizes that he is one of those rare, gifted athletes who cares nothing about winning, about the integrity of the game or about his teammates.

It will be interesting to see if Manny has any knee or hamstring problems with LA in the next few weeks. I think that will show if he really was quiting on the Sox to get more money. Getting over the Nomar trade was pretty easy because the Sox won their first World Series in 86 years, what will it take to get over the Manny trade? Even hearing about him quiting on the team I love by one of baseball's most respected reporters doesn't make this one easy to deal with.

Manny's Sportscenter Commercial

Looks like ESPN has to call Manny back to change into a Dodger uniform for the commercial they made last month.

Manny (02)
by bsap11

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