Fenway West - The Boston Red Sox Western Home: 9/14/08 - 9/21/08

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Division Is Slipping Away

The Red Sox did not have much in the tank to keep the heat on the Rays today. Halladay did a good job of keeping the Sox batters off balance but he was tagged for 3 in the in the third. The Jays bullpen was almost untouchable making for a frustrating afternoon at the plate for our heros. The Jays had no trouble getting to Lester early as they had 5 runs in the first two innings before he settled down. Jason Bay had his 9th tater as a member of the Sox in the game. With the loss the Sox have all but eliminated their chance of winning the division. Look for some interesting lineups in the days ahead to get the team ready for the Angels in October.

Sox Lose 6-3 BOX SCORE

Today's Red Sox Lineup 9/20 in Toronto

Jacoby Ellsbury, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Jason Bay, LF
Jed Lowrie, 3B
Coco Crisp, CF
Alex Cora, SS
Jason Varitek, C

Jon Lester, SP

MIA Rays Fans

Bugs and Cranks has posted this video explaining how the Rays can increase their fan base

Colon Choses Food over a Ring

El Gordo went to the Dominican Republic on a personal matter and would not return to pitch in the Sox bullpen. There have been reports that he was mad about not getting put back in the rotation, but Fenway West has learned he is staying in his homeland to re-fat. His work in Pawtucket has caused him to lose some of his trademark belly and people were even starting to change his nickname from el Gordo to el Gordito. With a reputation to uphold, Colon has started a month long feast that should have him back over 3 bills in no time. Sidney Ponson will be joining him once the Yankees are eliminated on Sunday.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Red Sox Roundtable

Time for Red Sox bloggers to chime in on this week's topic: "What is the one weakness the Sox need to work on to ensure they advance in the postseason?" over at Fire Brand of the American League. Check what we had to say.

Red Sox are One Step Closer to Post-Season

The Red Sox struggled to get anything going against A.J. Burnett as Byrd gave up a couple of quick runs in the second. Boston took the lead in the 5th when Youk and Casey had back to back 2-out hits driving in 3 runs. The Jays got a run back in the bottom of the inning to tie it up. The Red Sox regained the lead in the 8th when Tek hit a weak bases loaded grounder allowing Bay to score. Delcarmen, Oki, and Papelbon all pitched well to preserve the win.

Red Sox Win 4-3 BOX SCORE

Red Sox Magic Number for clinching a playoff berth: 2

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup 9/19 in Toronto

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Sean Casey, 1B
Jason Bay, LF
Mark Kosay, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Jason Varitek, C Paul Byrd, SP

Colon placed on suspended list

Righty's time in Boston likely over after injury-plagued season

From redsox.com:

TORONTO -- Bartolo Colon's mostly injury-plagued run with the Red Sox all but came to an end on Friday, when the team placed the big right-hander on the suspended list.
Colon went to the Dominican Republic earlier this week to tend to a personal matter and expressed a preference to stay there, rather than return to the Red Sox and serve as, at most, a long reliever or spot starter for the rest of the regular season.
It's doubtful that Colon -- who made seven starts for the Red Sox -- would have factored into the team's postseason plans.
"He got home for the personal stuff and decided that he just wasn't real comfortable [returning]," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He was either going to be in the bullpen or back up a starter here."
When none of the other 29 teams made a run at Colon over the offseason, the Red Sox took a no-risk flyer on the 2005 American League Cy Young Award winner and signed him to a Minor League deal in February.
Colon suffered an oblique injury in April, but entered the Red Sox rotation for a six-start run on May 21, breaking out to a 3-0 start. But his good fortune ended when Colon tweaked his back while taking a big swing in an Interleague game against the Phillies on June 16.
He finally made it back to Fenway on Sept. 13, earning a no-decision in the second game of a doubleheader against the Blue Jays. Colon went 4-2 with a 3.92 ERA in 2008.
With five able starters healthy (Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Paul Byrd), there was not much of a role left for Colon.
By putting him on the suspended list, the Red Sox don't have to pay Colon for the rest of the season.
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Sciesinski Arrest Video

Dan Lamothe of Red Sox Monster today posted this video of Christopher R. Sciesinski, the Red Sox fan that tried to jump over the Ray's dugout and onto the field during Wednesday night's game, as he was being led up the stairs and out of the stadium. Salty language ahead advisory.

Tek's Curtain Call

I would put chances of Tek coming back next year at less than 50%. Theo and the Red Sox ownership have shown they are not willing to pay for players past their prime. For Tek to return to Boston he would have to be willing to take far less than he would recieve on the open market, something like a two year deal at $7 mil per. After Posada set the tone for catchers last offseason, Boras will be looking for a big payday. Tek has been a huge part of the sucess of the Red Sox throughout his time in Boston and still has something to offer the team. I am hopeful this will not be his last season but we need to be prepared if it is not. The fans at Fenway need to honor him in his last few games for all he has done for the team. Even if he goes elsewhere next season, I believe he will be back as the Red Sox manager sometime in the future.

Buchholz Will Pitch in the Arizona Fall League

The Red Sox are going back to the start for Clay Buchholz to try to get him ready for next season. He will pitch with other Red Sox prospects in the Arizona Fall League. Right now they want to try to build him back up again so he could potentially join the rotation next season. He will have a much harder time in Spring Training becasue the team will not give him the benefit of the doubt is he struggles like he did last spring. He has the talent to get back quickly, let's hope he has the mental drive.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

More on Tasergate

Apparently there is more to the story.
From tampabay.com:

Sciesinski, 33, pleaded no contest to the charge Thursday morning. He also admitted to chanting "Let's go, Red Sox!" in the back of the police van.
The judge found him guilty. He was sentenced to the night he had already spent in jail and fined $375 and court costs.
The Sarasota DJ tells a different story. He wasn't drunk, he said, just "buzzed" after his third rum and Coke. He said he cursed in front of some kids but apologized. He said it was Rays fans who were being rowdy. He was just "heckling."
He said he went limp when he got tackled and that he was threatened with the Taser after he had surrendered. And he said "they beat me up pretty bad."
But Sciesinski said he won't file a complaint.
"If he would have Tased me, yeah, I would," he said. "But there's no need for ill feelings."

Tasergate Heats Up

During the Sox/Rays game yesterday a Red Sox fan fought the law and the law won. Here is what Sox fan Chris Sciesinski said he was trying to do.

"Some of the people tried to have us kicked out once," he said. "Didn't work. Finally the second time security came over and I told my friend, I said, 'You know what? If they're kicking us out I'm getting arrested. I'm doing this,' I said, 'I'm running.
"I was going to run out onto the field and I was going to run across over towards the Red Sox dugout and stick my hand out and I was going to high five all the players. And I was just going to run around the field until someone tackled me."
Sciesinski said he was already in handcuffs when McGovern threatened to hit him with the Taser.
"I don't think he should've put the Taser to my head, but we'll see from here,"

I would say that Sciesinski is not among the smartest members of Red Sox Nation and I doubt there would be any players willing to accomidate his hi-five request, especially since Manny has left the building. There is a new investigation into the actions by St. Petersburg's finest about the incident.

What Now For the Red Sox?

Tito has some choices to make; does he go for the division title or rest some of his key players and settle for the wild card. The big problem with going for the wild card option is the prospect of facing the Angels in the first round. The Red Sox have stuggled against LAA this season but they do have a history of playing them well in October. If Boston goes for the division it might be at the risk of losing Lowell, Drew, and possibly agrivating Big Papi's wrist. The upside of going for the wild card is getting to rest players and work on some of the question marks like where Colon fits in. Either way it looks like we will have a Red October. Ortiz is happy either way:

"If you're in, you're in. It doesn't matter. We won the division last year. We look forward to being back in the playoffs this year. I never noticed the difference between winning the division and going in as the Wild Card. As long as you're in, you're in. That's what everybody looks for -- being in the top four."

Fenway Citizens

Fenway Park was used to swear in over 3,000 new citizens yesterday. Look at the picture, see any Sox gear? I think some more careful screening is needed in the future.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Bad News All Around

The Red Sox lost the rubber match at the Trop tonight and fall to 2 games behind the Rays. Wake had another disaster on the mound going 2 1/3 innings giving up 6 earned runs. What happened to him pitching well in domes? He throws a gem in the rain and gets shelled indoors....go figure. Tito decided to give everyone some work tonight sending 8 different pitchers to the mound. The Red Sox offense started out strong against Garza when Big Papi connected for a 2-run homer in the first. They added 1 more in the fourth but could not do anything against the Rays pen.

Mike Lowell had to sit out the game with the hip problem and now has had an MRI that will be viewed by a specialist. There is a good possibility that Lowell could be done for the season. If that is the case Youk will most likely play third and Casey will be at first.

We also had Schilling bring back the whole Manny stuff again...who needs that now?

Red Sox lose 10-3 BOX SCORE

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup 9/17 at the Trop

Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Mark Kotsay, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Sean Casey, 1B
Coco Crisp, CF
Kevin Cash, C

Tim Wakefield, SP

2009 Schedule Is Here

The Red Sox have released their 2009 schedule, here's what you need to know:

Opening Day- April 6 vs. Tampa Bay
Patriot's Day- Baltimore
First Yankees Series is at home on April 24-26.

When Fenway was opened the Red Sox played the Yankees (Highlanders) and when Yankee Stadium was opened the Yankees played the Sox. But it looks like Bud and Hank want to break with tradition, the Sox will not visit the new Yankee Stadium until May 4th.

You can view the entire schedule here.

Rays Mohawk Will Go the Way of theThunderstix

How many days before they start selling fake mohawks at the Trop. I put the over/under at 4 days, as soon as some Chinese factory can start mass producing them. The 5,000 or so Rays fans that show up will buy them and look as silly as the team they are rooting for. If the Rays lose tonight are Rays players going to ditch to mohawk because it no longer has mystical powers? Just like thunderstix or those silly white towels in Cleveland last year, the mohawk will be remembered as a silly attempt to drum up fan support.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Red Sox Fail to Overtake the Rays Again

For whatever reason the Red Sox cannot move past the Rays into first place. Beckett looked like the pitcher of '07 going into the 7th before he gave up his first run. He only gave up 3 hits on the night. The Rays pitching staff gave the Sox offense all kinds of trouble tonight; Boston could only manage 5 hits and 1 run. The game went into extra frames and Masterson gave up a walk-off single to end the game in the bottom of the 9th.

Sox Lose 2-1 BOX SCORE

Another Recently Added National TV Sox Game

TBS will be broadcasting the Sox v. Jay's @ TOR game this coming Sunday, September 21st at 9:30 AM, (PDT)

Theo Is Getting an Extension

Extra Bases is reporting that the Red Sox and Theo Epstein have reached an agreement on a contract extension. Details of the deal are not yet available.

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup 9/16 at the Trop

Jacoby Ellsbury LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Mike Lowell 3B
Mark Kotsay RF
Jed Lowrie SS
Jason Varitek C
Coco Crisp CF

Josh Beckett SP

Rays Media as Bad As Their Fans

We all know how little support the Rays fans have given their team, but take a look at how clueless their media is. Look at today's stat of the day posted on the Rays section of Tampa Bay Online . I think they need an update.

El Gordo to Pen?

The Red Sox are considering sending Bartolo Colon to the bullpen for the post-season. It seems like el Gordo does not like the idea.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Red Sox Crush Rays to Move Into a Tie For First

The Red Sox used the long-ball to get the monkey off of their backs and win a game at the Trop. The game was really over in the first when Boston put up a crooked number after Big Papi crushed a 3-run homer. Scott Kazmir looked bad (not good news for my fantasy team) in this one: 3 innings with 9 earned runs, I can hear Ferris Bueller's principal now: "nine times." Youk, Lowell, Bay, Tek, and Ellsbury all joined Papi in the tater club tonight. Dice-K looked like his usual self: high pitch count, getting in and out of jams, leaving early, and getting the win. Chris Smith came in for some long relief in the blowout and looked pretty bad. Timlin and Pauley both pitched well on the night. With the win the Red Sox are now tied with Tampa Bay at the top of the division, tomorrow the can stand alone and all will once again be right with the world.

Red Sox Win 13-5 BOX SCORE

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup 9/15 at Tampa Bay

Coco Crisp, CF

Dustin Pedroia, 2B

David Ortiz, DH

Kevin Youkilis, 1B

Mike Lowell, 3B

Jason Bay, LF

Jed Lowrie, SS

Jason Varitek, C

Jacoby Ellsbury, RF

Dice-K, SP

Former Red Sox Coach Dale Sveum Will Manage Brew Crew

The Brewers have fired manager Ned Yost and have elevated former Red Sox coach Dale Sveum to the position of interim manager for the remainder of the season. Sveum is arguably the most famous third base coach in Red Sox history for sending runners home when they had no chance of scoring.

The Worst Post Season Ad Ever

I don't think I have ever seen an ad for the postseason as bad as this one. I have seen more exciting infomercials. Let's hope the Rays play like as their promotional department this week. Video via Bugs & Cranks.

Rays October
by meechone

Will The Rays Collapse Under Pressure?

The Tampa Bay Rays are fading fast and could have been in the Red Sox rear-view mirror if not for a few breaks last week. Tonight's game starts a series that could send them into a tailspin before the playoffs start. If either team can sweep it is very likely they will end up being the division champs. The Red Sox enter the series looking like the team to beat while the Rays have been stuggling lately. Red Sox players and fans are used to these type of games, Rays fans are not. Take a look at what the Tampa media is saying about the series:

OK, it seems an uneven match for September. After all, the Red Sox have tradition and salary. And there's the city of Boston itself, with all that history. Oh, if only Paul Revere had ridden a golf cart through Sun City Center shouting "The British are retiring!"

The Rays can make their own history this week.

They can start tonight.

The Red Sox have played 9,871 of these kind of series, dating back to when Cy Young was hardly old - the kind of series that makes fever in the streets. The Rays got a taste of it at Fenway. Now it's in their breadbasket. The lead is one. Just one.

What a week it could be at the Trop.

Uh, bring a friend.

Tito Summarizes Yesterday's Game

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Rays Can't Even Sell Out For The Biggest Series in Their History

How sad is it that the Rays are playing in such a bad stadium in a town that does not care about baseball? With 15 games to play for the Rays, up by 1 game over the visiting Red Sox, you can still buy second level tickets to tomorrow's game. If it was not a 3,000 mile trip I would consider attending myself. The really sad thing for the Rays is that at least 1/3 of the fans will be Red Sox fans and they still cannot fill the stadium. This is a clear sign that the team needs to be moved out of Tampa Bay. It is understandable for Rays fans not to want to go to a game in the dump known as the Trop in July, but this is as close to playoff baseball as there has ever been in Tampa. Note to Sox fans, buy some ALCS tickets online because you will be able to get great seats. For all of the members of Red Sox Nation making the trip to the series this week: please show Rays fans what being a true fan is all about.

Lester Leads the Way

Jon Lester is just plain great at Fenway this season. Today he dominated the Jays batters getting ground ball outs (mostly to Mike Lowell) as well as 6 Ks. He went 8 innings only giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run. Papelbon came in for the 9th and continued his recent struggles giving up 2 runs on three hits. It could have been worse since the Red Sox caught a break on a bad call at second when Overbay clearly beat the tag. Coco went 2-3 and Big Papi had a triple in the game.

Red Sox Win 4-3 BOX SCORE

Todat's Red Sox Lineup 9/14 vs the Jays

Jacoby Ellsbury, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Mike Lowell, 3B
Jason Bay, LF
Jason Varitek, C
Alex Cora, SS
Coco Crisp, CF Jon Lester, SP

Red Sox Blogger Roundtable

This week's roundtable focuses on the impact of the last series with the Rays, check out what myself and others had to say over at Firebrand of the American League.

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