Fenway West - The Boston Red Sox Western Home: 7/20/08 - 7/27/08

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Black Cloud Hangs Over Red Sox Nation

This is not how things are supposed to go; the Sox should be winning at home with great pitching and solid offense, pulling away from the aging Yankees. However, things in Red Sox Nation are not all peachy right now with the continuing Manny saga, the lack of hitting by the Captain and the lead-off hitter, and the loss of ground to the hated team from 200 miles to the South. It was hard to see Wake get the loss today after pitching so well the last month . The Sox are going to be OK and this is only a series in July. How many times have we seen the Yankees come into the Fens and beat up on the Sox only to lose the next few games against a weak team? The Yankees made a good move yesterday and with the tightening of the division and the fast approaching trade deadline, Theo may be forced to make a move to put this team over the top. One of the coveted prospects may be going somewhere for so short term help. The Sox may need a shakeup to get out of this funk; something that may not seem totally rational when it happens. (Think of the Nomar trade) The Sox desperately need a win tomorrow against the Yankees, but even if they are swept there are plenty of game days left this season to win the division and make another run at the World Series.

Sox Lose 10-3 BOX SCORE

Joba Chamberlain

I was extremely surprised to see Joba Chamberlain in the house tonight. After his despicable 4th throw AT Youk, and knowing the passion of Red Sox fans in Boston, I was sure he would have come down with a mysterious flu tonight.

After firing fastballs with precision all night long, OOPS! he throws one at Youk's head again! This is the 4th time he has thrown at the same man. Now I recall Schilling losing control for one pitch last year (the exact game escapes me at the moment), but it was only one time, and not at the batter's head. Chamberlain should be fined and suspended. Substantially. Extremely. Now.

Girardi would be wise to make sure his rotation is set for him not to pitch the next time the Skankees and Sox meet up. Otherwise, I would not be surprised Youk's bat 'accidentally' slip out of his hands. I also wouldn't be surprised if he has a ripe maple bat was in his hands when he comes to the plate.

Chamberlain is a loose cannon. Heckle and Jeckle (aka the dumbass brothers) had better rein him in now. I hope Theo has been burning Selig's voice mail up.

Chamberlain is an absolute disgrace to the game.

The Manny Saga Continues

Manny, Manny, Manny.....

[sigh]

I have two names for Manny to think about. Both of them were demi-gods and worshipped by their fans. they could do absolutely no wrong, no matter what they did: Bobby Knight and Terell Owens. Both men had gifts and talent. Both finally broke that proverbial straw. Both were finally shown the door.

Earlier this week, I wrote that something big was going to happen before the deadline, what exactly, I don't know. As much as I love seeing Manny in a Sox uniform, as much as I love seeing him barehanding balls off The Monster and firing bullets in, he may just have matched those other two icons I just mentioned. I usually don't pay much attention to what Dan Shaughnessy has to say, but he has written an interesting piece tonight that seems disturbingly on the mark. I'm still hoping to see Manny finish in the top 10 or 7 or 6 in total career homers in a Sox uniform, but his action of the past few weeks are dangerously close to sending himself elsewhere. Let's hope he goes for the cycle or better tomorrow night, and makes #1 on the web gems as well, or we could see him in a new uniform sooner rather than later.

And that would be a tragedy.

Today's Lineup 7/26 vs. the Yankees

Manny is back to avoid the possible suspension. Here's more from Extra Bases:

"Don't worry about it," Ramirez said. "I'm not going to talk. I'm going to play. That's it."

Ramirez, penciled into this afternoon's lineup, was then asked if he would definitely be playing today.

"Check the lineup," he said. "I'm in the lineup."

Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1b
Ortiz, dh
Ramirez, lf
Lowell, 3b
Drew, rf
Lowrie, ss
Crisp, cf
Cash, c

Wakefield, sp

Catching Up

I'm still having a great time being back in RI, despite the bats being stolen out of the Sox's hands last night (grrrrrrrrrrr...................) At least I got to watch it on NESN!

Keeping busy visiting folks & friends. Spent the day sailing out on Mount Hope Bay yesterday!

At the moment, it's not easy finding time to compose and write up my thoughts on Manny, Chamberlain, etc., but I expect that on the 6 hour return flight to CA, I will be running the battery down on my laptop. Watch for a few posts come Tuesday.

In the meantime, the hankees, er, make that the Skankees (emphasis on Skank) had better be on their toes and wide awake at the plate, 'cuz this one is far from over!

Will There Be Retaliation Today?

Are the Sox and Yankees set for another brawl? Joba's pitch over the head of Youk along with the tough loss last night might have Sox players on edge. Boston pitchers could not retaliate last night because of the one run game and the warning earlier but they may take matters into their own hands today. Here is what some of them told the NY Daily News:

"He has great command until Youk gets in there," Boston manager Terry Francona said of Chamberlain.
Infuriated players in the Boston dugout, most notably starting pitcher Josh Beckett, shouted at Chamberlain and Foster from the top step.
"Inside? It was at his --- head," Beckett said. "That wasn't inside. Inside is the pitches I was throwing to Alex (Rodriguez)."
"Angry? I don't know how angry we are," Mike Lowell said. "I just think that, I mean, it could be a coincidence, because I really don't think 2-and-0 in that situation, up 1-nothing, you want to hit Youkilis. But it's actually four times: back-to-back pitches in New York, another one here, and now this time."

If the score gets one sided I would expect some retaliation, this might be what the Sox and their fans need to take the attention off of Manny and put it back on the rivalry.

Friday, July 25, 2008

What to Make of Manny?

It is so hard to figure out who the real Manny is. I want to believe he is the guy who high-fives a fan in the middle of a double play, has fun in the dugout, sells his grill on ebay, and drives in runs. I don't want to believe that he is a guy who attacks traveling secretaries, bitches about money when he makes major bank, or could possibly be faking injuries or blowing ABs on purpose. I have usually been one to defend Ramirez and I like that he can bring some fun to the game. The last few weeks it has been very tough to defend him. I don't doubt that he has a sore knee, I question if he could have gutted it out tonight. If his knee was really that bad he should have had the MRI on the off day and the Sox should have known about it long before. There is also this from Bradford Files:

I will leave you with this tonight … There are strong indications that if Manny Ramirez shows up at the park Saturday and pronounces himself unfit to play, the team will issue disciplinary actions which could include a suspension. Just in case you’re wondering, the clubhouse opens to the media at 12:25 p.m., although Ramirez typically shows up well before that.

I think RemDawg sums up the current feeling of Red Sox Nation towards ManRam. Watch below:

MLB Coming to Sirius Radio

The FCC approved the merger of XM and Sirius satellite radio today paving the way for Sirius subscribers to get MLB audio. Both companies will allow some a la carte programing in three months but it is unclear if Sirius listeners will be able to get baseball programing in time for the playoffs. MLB signed an exclusive contract with XM and baseball, including ESPN Radio programing available on Sirius, had been blacked out. Under the new deal anyone with a satellite radio should be able to get MLB audio for next season.

Yanks Win Round 1

The Mannyless offense came up short as the Sox lost the first game of the three game series to the evil empire. Joba was sharp and kept the Sox hitters off balance going 7 innings and only giving up 3 hits. He did throw over the head of Youk much to the displeasure of the Sox first baseman, but no fight ensued. Kyle Farsworth came in for the Yankees and almost let the Sox back into it but they could not come up with the big hit with a runner in scoring position in the 8th. Beckett took the loss but looked good for most of the night; he had a good curve but some Yankee hitters were able to hit his fastball. The pen took over trailing by 1 run and kept the Yankees off the board for the remainder of the game but it was too late. Big Papi had a chance to tie it up in the 9th but lost the battle with Mo. Lowell was called out on strikes (even though strike 3 was way inside) and was ejected for arguing. He really let the home plate ump have it and showed the frustration of the Sox players as well as Red Sox Nation. Drew also took a called third strike to end the game. Perhaps Manny could have made a difference tonight but he chose to sit another one out. He also left the park early to get an MRI which was negative...big shocker there. The Sox try to even up the series tomorrow afternoon on Fox.

Sox Lose 1-0 BOX SCORE

Fisk Talks About the Sox-Yankees Rivalry

#27 talks about the old days. Watch below:

Manny Scratched From the Lineup

Manny will not be in the starting lineup of tonight's game vs. the Yankees because of the sore knee. Here's the new lineup with Jacoby back at the top of the ohdah

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

SP -- Josh Becket

Tonight's Lineup 7/25 vs the Yankees

Manny is in the lineup and in the field, Ellsbury has lost the leadoff spot and will bat 9th.

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

SP -- Josh Beckett

D-Lowe to the Bronx?

The Yankees are looking for a starter for the second half and Derek Lowe's name is now in the rumor mill. Bronson Arroyo has also been mentioned in recent trade rumors for the Yankees.

Pregame Cerimony For ALS Reseach

A former CVS employee got her old company to help raise money for ALS research. Jeanne Bouley used to work for CVS and now is an ALS patient, she along with CVS their customers raised $4.4 million. A check for the money raised will be presented to ALS Therapy Alliance before tonight's Red Sox-Yankees game. ALS is also known as Lou Gerhig's Disease after it took the life of the Yankee great.

Bring It On

Now is the time for the Sox to bury the Yankees for the season. The Yankee fan base and their media believe their team is on the verge of recapturing its former glory. They will go out and get a big arm to help the rotation for the second half. When the Sox bats, led by the return of Big Papi, beat up on Joba, the Yankees will go back to reality. The Daily News and the Post will shred them and their fans will call for Girardi's head. Josh Beckett is due to shine tonight and Manny will be there to give him some support. Masterson can stop any bleeding in the pen and Paps has something to prove. The Yankees should be afraid, very afraid. Red Sox games are always exciting but playing the Yankees in the second half when it matters makes for a great weekend.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Sox Looking For Help at Short

The Red Sox have been in discussions for Juan Uribe and '04 hero Orlando Cabrera but have come up empty on both ends. Sox fans would love to have OC back in the hub but Baseball Prospectus has said it ain't gonna happen.

Buck O'Neil Finally Makes it to Cooperstown

Even though he was not elected into the Hall of Fame and is no longer alive to see it, Buck O'Neil is getting some of the recognition he deserves in Cooperstown. From Yahoo Sports:

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., long the place Buck yearned to be, will showcase it forever, a bronze monument to a golden figure in baseball history.

On Friday at noon, the Hall will award the first Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award to O’Neil with the unveiling of the statue next to where patrons buy tickets, as high-traffic an area as there is next to the gallery of plaques.

David Ortiz Returns to the Red Sox

David Ortiz has returned to the Red Sox from the DL. To make room for his return the Sox have optioned Brandon Moss to Pawtucket.

Has the Rivalry Really Come To This?

In the Globe today Kevin Cullen make the argument that the Yankees Suck chant should be retired because:

My experience has been that most people who shout "Yankees suck" are either drunk, obnoxious, or stupid and very often a combination of all three. They are an embarrassment to the rest of us, and their chant makes us look like a bunch of local yokels.

At the Yankee blog River Ave Blues has this on the issue:

Growing up a Yankee fan and then attending college a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, I’ve seen my fair share of nasty fan behavior. But one thing I learned from my parents early on — and this puts my firmly in the minority among Yankee fans — is never to do the “Boston sucks” chant.

Why is everyone going all touchy feely now? Its a rivalry, the fans are supposed to abhor their opponent. The fact that fans yell out "Yankees Suck" at a Celtics game shows how big baseball is in Boston and how when the Sox and Yankees get together it is much bigger than any other regular season game. "Yankees Suck" may be crude, unoriginal and not for fans of all ages ,but it is part of the rivalry and will remain so. When fans stop shouting it you know the rivalry is not what it once was.

Let's Hope Its Not a Bad Omen

After David Ortiz left the game in Portland for his last rehab game a skunk ran on the field. The game was delayed until the skunk left the playing area but only after he sent some fans running. Ortiz was 0-1 with a walk in the game.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Scott Boras Is Earning His Money With Manny

I guess in the little meeting between Manny and his new agent, Scott Boras forgot to remind the Sox left fielder that he is in a contract year. Manny came up with another mystery knee injury today and needed a game off. Tito has been DHing Manny while Big Papi was out in the hope that the fragile Ramirez would be able to make it the entire season. A "Manny Break" in the middle of the season is nothing new, we have seen it many times before and we will see it again. In Manny's defense he usually is there when it matters and produces well. The Mariners were not a team the Sox needed Manny for and it was a day game after a night game. The Sox have a day off tomorrow and if his knee is really hurting it would be good for him to have two days rest. The problem is the timing. Manny has had the contract blowup with John Henry, the disastrous play in Anaheim, Eck ripping him a new one, and the Jaywalking episode this week. The press smells blood and Manny cuts himself a little more. Scott Boras is going to have to defend the bad parts of Manny being Manny to the Sox and perspective teams while he shows them the Hall of Fame stats. The upcoming series against the Yankees looms large and if Manny is not in the lineup he may have burnt his last bridge with the Red Sox.

Seattle Sweep

It took extra innings and a few misplays by the Mariners outfield, but the Sox leave the West Coast on a three game win streak. Ichiro made a spectacular catch early to rob J.D. of his 19th home run but the Sox were able to jump out to an early lead on Felix Hernandez. Buchholz pitched better but still ran into some problems and left the game with a no decision after the Mariners tied it up. Masterson was perfect in his first relief appearence and the rest of the pen held the Mariners off the board for the remainder of the game. Mike Lowell had the winning hit in the twelfth and Hansen came in to earn his second save of the season and preserve the win for the Sox.

Sox Win 6-3 BOX SCORE

Greetings from the Motherland!

I'm sitting at the family home in Bristol, RI after getting caught in a traditional New England summer downpour as I was walking down the beach with my daughter. We just got in about noon after a red eye flight from Oakland to Boston, had a good old fashioned RI Shore Dinner, and took a walk in cloudy skies when the sky just opened up! WoW!

Didn't spend any time in Boston, but oh did it feel good to be in Boston and that close to Fenway. Unfortunately, those elusive tickets to the Yankees game I was hoping to score are being just that~ elusive. Still get to watch the games on NESN!

Today's Lineup 6/23 at Seattle

Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
J.D. Drew, RF
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Mike Lowell, 3B
Sean Casey, DH
Jed Lowrie, SS
Jason Varitek, C
Coco Crisp, CF Clay Buchholz, SP

Jacoby Ellsbury Struggles In the Dog Days

Before the season began Jacoby Ellsbury was touted as the next Rookie of the Year, but as the season has worn on Ellsbury has been struggling to be the impact player he was last fall. There were times this season that a leadoff walk or single for him would equal a triple because of his ability to swipe second and third. Those days seem to be a thing of the past; he has stolen just 1 base in the last 28 games! Rob over at The Bottom Line needs to change his picture in "The Chase to 54" to one of Ellsbury standing on first or riding some pine. The lack of stolen bases is a direct result of struggles at the plate. Jacoby is 27 for his last 127 (.212) and in danger of losing his leadoff spot. Jim Rice thinks Ellsbury needs some time "recuperate both physically and mentally." Tito thinks he will come around: "He's just going through a tough time. He doesn't seem to be pressing. He understands his responsibility and has handled himself pretty well." When Ortiz comes back Francona will not be able to DH Manny and play both Ellsbury and Coco in the outfield. This may be give Ellsbury some of the time off he needs and it also allows Coco to play all out and get miss a game here or there when he is hurt.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Sox Win On the Road Again!

The Red Sox have won a road series and there is still a game left to play! Granted the Sox are not playing the '27 Yankees but to win two in a row on the road is a huge accomplishment for this team. Dice-K had a solid outing, pitching a scoreless game into the eighth before giving up 2 runs. Tito went to Okajima with one out in the inning and he was rewarded with 2 quick outs keeping the Sox ahead by 2 runs. Papelbon converted his 30th save with a perfect ninth. The Sox offense scored 4 runs off of 9 hits including J.D. Drew's 18th home run of the season. Boston goes for the sweep tomorrow afternoon in Seattle.

Sox Win 4-2 BOX SCORE

Tonight's Lineup 7/22 at Safeco

Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
J.D. Drew, RF
Manny Ramirez, DH
Mike Lowell, 3B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Jed Lowrie, SS
Jason Varitek, C
Coco Crisp, CF Dice- K, SP

Yankee Security Confiscates Fans' Sunblock

In a policy that must have come down from Dumbass Hank himself, the New York Yankees have not been allowing fans to bring sunblock into the stadium. The New York Post had this in today's paper:

Security guards collected garbage bags full of sunblock at the entrances to Yankee Stadium over the sweltering weekend, when temps hit 96 degrees and the UV index reached a skin-scorching 9 out of 10 - a move team officials said was to protect the Stadium from terrorism.

Bartolo Colon to Throw Today

Bartolo Colon is set to resume his rehab from his bat swinging injury last month. He will throw at a distance of 150 feet and will throw on the side with the Sox when they return from the West Coast. If he does not face any setbacks he could return to the team in 2-3 weeks. This timing could be bad news for Buchholz if he can't get it together by then.

Now Manny Is Getting In Trouble With Five-0

Manny can't catch a break from the media and now he can't catch a break from Seattle's finest. Apparently Manny ran into some trouble leaving last night's game. Look at this from Mariner's Blog:

Seems that Boston slugger Manny Ramirez was leaving the ballpark, with headphones on trying to look inconspicuous and quickly get away from the crowds still leaving the stadium. He started to cross South Royal Brougham Way, against the signals of a traffic cop who was directing pedestrians. The police officer demanded that Ramirez open his wallet and show identification. He warned him that he could face a $500 fine and possible arrest for disobeying a police officer.

It became clear to those watching that the policeman had no idea who Ramirez was. He didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but did ask Ramirez if he'd attended the game. After the brief lecture, and no argument from Ramirez, the police officer let him go with no further trouble.

Manny can be Manny in baseball but not on the streets of Seattle.

Another Good Night For Big Papi

David Ortiz went 2-3 with a walk for the Portland Sea Dogs last night. He is now 5-12 since he began his rehab games with the PawSox and Sea Dogs and has had no problems with the wrist. He will return to Boston when the team returns to Fenway to play the Yankees.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Tonight's game was exactly what the Sox needed to stop the skid; great pitching and timely hits. Jon Lester was brilliant going 7 1/3 scoreless innings with 6 K's and no walks. The offense gave him an early lead when the captain came up with a big 2 run tater in the 5th. Red Sox Sonoma may be praising Kevin Cash but it is not time to write Tek's obituary yet. Instead of giving the runs back, the Sox padded to the lead when Lowrie drove in 2 more in the 8th. In a sign that Tito has no faith in Delcarmen, Lopez or Okajima, the Sox skipper turned to Paps for a 5 out save. Papelbon delivered and Boston's win streak is at 1 game....take your hand off the panic button!

Sox Win 4-0 BOX SCORE

50 Pitches Through 5 Innings

This time it's Lester, not Wake. Jon Lester has thrown only 50 pitches through the 1st 5 innings tonight in Seattle, 40 of them for strikes! He's allowed 3 hits 0 BB's, and has 5 strikeouts, lowering his ERA 3.25.

Boston up 2-0, top of the 6th.

Sox Need More Cash

Kevin Cash has been quite a pleasant surprise. The rookie has done a fantastic job of handling Wake's knuckleball this season. I miss Dougie just as much as anyone, but he just didn't hit the ball enough, ykwim? While Cash hasn't set the world on fire with his BA (.242 last time I checked), he's at least hitting well above the Mendoza line, (and not at or below it.)

So why do the Sox need Cash even more? Well, if we take a look down in Pawtucket, we find a pitcher by the name of Charlie Zink who is tearin' it up down there right now. He's 11-3 with a 2.54 ERA, and he throws the knuckleball!

Will we see 2 knuckleballers pitching for the Sox soon? With 'Tek on the backside of his career, and Cash doing a good job of handling that screwy pitch from Wake, I'm guessing it's a good possibility we will see Zink-Cash battery in September, if not sooner.

Has there ever been a team with 2 knuckleball pitchers at the same time?

Something big is going to happen

I can just feel it. Can you feel it? With Aardsma going on the DL, and the rest of the middle relief guys having rollercoaster seasons, I have this feeling that Theo is going to do something big and unexpected. There are only 10 days left before the trade deadline, and let's face it, Hansen, Delcarmen, Okajima, Timlin, and Lopez are not having the seasons they had last year. They've been surprisingly sub-par for most of the season. They've had their good moments, no doubt, but as a whole, they've been disappointing.

Theo is up to something, I just know it.

Tonight's Lineup 7/21 at Seattle

Ellsbury, lf
Pedroia, 2b
Drew, rf
Ramirez, dh
Lowell, 3b
Youkilis, 1b
Crisp, cf
Varitek, c
Lowrie, ss

Lester, sp

Does Anybody Care about Power Rankings?

This week's Baseball "Power Rankings" just came out. Is it just me, or does everyone look at these and ask, "Who the hell cares? "

We've got a month of Spring Training and a 162 game season to tell us who's good and who sucks. I think the standings tell you everything you need to know: position in the division, record, last 10 games. What else do ya need?

Power Rankings? What a dumb idea. I kind of understand why these things are helpful in football. You only get a 16-game season, there aren't necessarily enough games to figure out how good or bad teams really are. In addition to the number that they list for Power Rankings, which is made up of some kind of voodoo formula that is as mysterious as football QB ratings, they include a narrative. This week's narrative has some stuff on Manny's issues justifying a lower number for the Sox. What kind of subjective BS is that?

For those of you out there in Internet land who like Power Rankings, tell me why I'm wrong. For the record, the Sox are ranked 4th in the Power Rankings behind the Angels, Rays and Cubs.

One final question, what do you get for finishing the season at the top of the Power Rankings?

Time to Right the Ship

If the All-Star Break hadn't broken things up a little, Red Sox Nation might be in a little bit of a panic. Yes, everyone is concerned about being swept, but that was against the team with the best record in baseball and the game was on the road, in Disneyland, er, the Big A, or whatever they call it now.

The bigger story is that the Sox have dropped 10 of their last 12 road games. They are now a game and a half behind the Rays.

When you want to right a ship you need...Mariners. And aren't they looking like the perfect team to help get the Sox back to their winning ways. The Mariners own the worst record in the AL (38-60) and have lost eight of their last 11 games.

If the Sox can sweep the Mariners and then welcome Papi back for the series vs. the Yankees, things will be looking up, and we will all forget about this mid-summer slide.

Locals Wary of Tax to Help Keep Sox in Ft. Myers

The Fort Myers News-Press ran a short editorial from Community Conversations Editor Mark Stephens who takes issue with using the "tourist tax" on hotels to help keep the Sox in Ft. Myers.

He says, "...well aware that using tax dollars to make a billionaire owner and his multimillionaire players happy would cause a revolution, the powers that be are talking about using the tourist tax on motels, hotels and other short-term rentals. Maybe, but we must be sure we don’t short-change the other purposes that money is used for, including beach improvements, that may draw more tourists than the Red Sox."

UPDATE - Sarasota Keeps Moving Ahead in Effort to Land Sox Spring Training

The Fort Myers News Press reported today that, "Sarasota’s pursuit of the Boston Red Sox moved forward a bit more this afternoon when the city commission voted unanimously to accept a study that pegged the team’s potential annual spring training economic impact at $46.5 million. The city commissioners also directed the city manager to look at “multiple sites” to locate a new spring-training facility."

Tito's Tough Week

The life of a Major League Manager can be exhausting with all of the time at the ballpark and extra distractions that come with the job. This week Terry Francona has had to deal with more issues that anyone would want. First there was the All-Star Game, something that is supposed to have a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but Tito had the difficult task of respecting the local team while not upsetting his own players. On top of that, the game went much longer than usual and he had to deal with the pressure of figuring out how to limit Kazmir's pitch count with no one else available in the pen. The day after the game Tito went back to Boston for some shots to help his ailing back. Bob Ryan commented that he was worried about Francona's health and that maybe it was time for him to retire. Before the second half resumed the Manny stuff all came out and Tito was forced to put out fires instead of getting a little break. The Sox go into Anaheim and their rookie pitcher struggles again, forcing Francona to defend the decision to move Masterson to the pen. After the sweep last night he has to deal with probably the most ridiculous thing of his tough week when people start to complain to him about Sea Dog ticket prices. Some people were sending messages to Francona because ticket prices went up in Portland for the games Big Papi will appear in. He responded to the Courant with:

"We're out here in Anaheim getting our [butts] kicked," Francona said. "I've got nothing to do with Portland ticket prices."

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Another Late Inning Rally, Another Road Loss

There is no way to sugarcoat today's loss. Just like yesterday, the Sox had a pitcher cruising on the mound with a small lead late into the game and just like yesterday the Sox ended up losing the game. Wake pitched well enough to win today but the Sox offense failed to deliver. Boston had 5, count 'em 5 backwards K's in the game. This series felt very similar to when the Sox were swept by the A's earlier in the season and then headed to Seattle. At that point most fans thought that playing the hapless Mariners was just what the doctor ordered but the Sox dropped 2 out of 3 in that series. The road troubles are becoming very worrisome because it is no longer a fluke; there is enough evidence to suggest the Sox will struggle away from Fenway for the remainder of the season. It is now possible that when the return to Fenway they will be in a huge series with the Yankees. Many have said that the rivalry has gone somewhat cold this season but with Ortiz returning and Papelbon wanting some revenge the series might be a season changer for either team. But first things first, the Sox need to take 2 out of three in the Pacific Northwest.

Sox Lose 5-3 BOX SCORE

"I really don't think it's going to be a problem."

The well respected Peter Gammons was one of the broadcasters during the Red Sox-Angels game today, July 20 at Anaheim, CA. When asked about the recent controversies surrounding Manny Ramirez and what effect it will have on the Red Sox in regards to them picking up his options for 2009 and 2010, Gammons said the following on air: "I really don't think it's going to be a problem." He made more statements regarding Manny's prowess at the plate and his run producing abilitites, and reaffirmed his belief that he will be in a Red Sox uniform next year. Gammons also completely dismissed the notion, as did Terry Francona, that he purposely sat on those three pitches.

Manny is a space cadet, space shot, clown, buffoon, attention hog....

the list goes on. That list also includes one of the greatest hitters and run producers of all time, (who also happens to be much better defensively than most will admit, blooper reels notwithstanding.) He's "growing older, but not up." He's out there, for sure. He's shot from the lip, and he's made mistakes, as we all do. And he got hit with a 5-figure tab (not 6, as some tabloid journalist alleged) among other restitutions for his most recent mistake.

As for his remarks over options that offended John Henry, I didn't 'hear' the words. Very few of us 'heard' the words as Manny spoke them. (I looked for an audio link, but could not find one.) Did he speak them in an agressive, demanding, and insulting manner, or was his tone more of despair and inquiry that happened to contain a couple of spicy adjectives? John Henry felt offended when he read what Manny said, and rightly so (taken in the written context.) But the press and the rest of the baseball world will just have to wait and see what shakes out between the Sox brass and Manny before running their collective mouths off. I'm sure other teams are just chomping at the bit at the prospect of Manny becoming available after the season. I wouldn't put it past some owners and writers that they are fanning the flames, just to see him leave Boston. Can you really blame Manny for wanting to know where he'll be working in 2011? Wouldn't you want to know well in advance that you were getting transferred across the country to some other branch?

It seems like writers are trying to make him out to be Boston's A-Rod. He's a f

amily man, not a philanderer. (That you have a child does not automatically make you a 'family man.' Not when you're hanging out with strippers and such, instead of your wife and child's mother.) He may not end his career with as many home runs as A-Rod, but I'm much happier with Lowell and Manny playing the left side rather than A-Rod and Damon.

Manny makes money for Boston. It would be in the best interests of Manny, the fans, and the Red Sox for him to remain in Boston for at least two more years. To see him finish his career in a Red Sox uniform as one of the top 6 or 7 home run hitters of all time would also justify the money spent on his salary today. Personally, I want to see him finish his career with the Sox.

Baseball could use a few more free spirits and a few less stuffed, starched, dumbass shirts.

Today's Lineup 7/20 in SoCal

Ellsbury, lf
Pedroia, 2b
Drew, rf
Ramirez, dh
Lowell, 3b
Youkilis, 1b
Lowrie, ss
Crisp, cf
Cash, c

Wakefield, SP

Aardsma To DL

As speculated earlier, David Aardsma has gone on the 15 day DL and Masterson has been called up to fill the spot in the pen.

3 Games, 3 Taters for Papi

Big Papi looks like he is back to his old self. Last night for the third game in a row, Ortiz went yard. Ortiz is continuing his rehab in Pawtucket. He's got a few more rehab games before rejoining the Sox for the series against the Yankees beginning on the 25th.

Maybe Manny Should Go Back To Avoiding The Media

I like that Manny became more accessible to the media this year but he does not have a filter and says whatever comes to his mind. This can be great and funny at times or it can get him in hot water like it did this week. Manny has had a tough week in the press lately; he has been accused of giving up an AB to the Yanks, Eck ripped him on NESN, and in today's Herald Michael Silverman had a piece where he spun it that the Red Sox were mad at Manny for smiling after his error on Friday night. The press has been really going after Manny lately, some of it has been justified, some not. You can understand why a few players have animosity towards the media and avoid it altogether. This might be a time for Manny to consider that again.

Aardsma Might Be Headed to DL, Masterson Could Get the Call

The ProJo is reporting that David Aardsma has a leg injury and may be going on the DL. This could happen as early as today opening the door for Justin Masterson to rejoin the team as a reliever. This means the Sox really need Buchholz to do well as a starter because there is no real replacement if he cannot be effective. Boston would have to scrap their plans to have Masterson in the pen or wait the few weeks for Colon to return.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

© Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP