No Brooms Tonight

Josh Beckett went 8 full tonight, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs while striking out 7 Halos. That and 2 home runs, 1 each by Ellsbury and Bay, were not enough to sweep the Angels out of Boston. Tied 3-3 going into the top of the 9th, Billy Wagner suffered his 1st loss in a Sox uni by a combination of Angel's small ball (sac bunt in the 9th) and Howie Kendrick going 3/4, including a HR, 2 RBI's, and 2 runs scored. Victor Martinez was back in the line up and connected for another hit.

I don't know much about the Angel's 2nd baseman, except that he's 26 yo, has a .304 average spanning his 4 season in the bigs so far, and has played 1st base for Ellay before moving over 1 base.

Sox Lose 3-4 BOX SCORE

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Congrats To Jacoby Ellsbury

Jacoby Ellsbury now holds the Red Sox single season stolen base record after he stole third base in the first inning of tonight's game. The steal gave him 55 on the season, overtaking Tommy Harper's record of 54 from 1973

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Jacoby Ellsbury SB Contest

Time for another contest here on Fenway West. Jacoby is getting close to breaking the Red Sox single season stolen base record. Correctly pick the game and inning in which Ellsbury breaks the single season Red Sox stolen base record of 54 held by Tommy Harper since 1973 and win a Red Sox key chain courtesy of www.wholesalekeychain.com. This is a real leather key chain like the one pictured with the Red Sox Logo. Put your guess in the comments section of this post to enter. You can see the remaining Red Sox schedule here to help with your pick. Good luck!



If you are interested in buying Boston Red Sox Keychains enter promo code FenwayWest for a 10% discount.

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Top'a Da Ordah

Dustin Pedroia is batting .218 in the lead-off spot this season. Hitting coach Dave Magadan thought Pedroia was trying to hit for power too much:

He’s pressing a little bit and just like everybody else he’s trying to get two or three hits in every at bat. He’s just got to slow everything down, let the ball come to him and hit the ball where it’s pitched rather than trying to do too much with it.

It was looking like Francona was going to make a switch soon but Pedey is starting to heat up. He had multiple hits in his last two games and may stay at the top spot a little longer. With Ells finding his grove again and getting on base it seems like a good time to put him back up top but Lou Merloni of CSNNE likes Jacoby batting 7th:

Which brings me to my next point, I like Jacoby in the 7 hole. I realize that all hitters want to hit at the top of the order. Its a pride thing, I get it. But like i just said, the middle of the order isn’t where i want this team to "manufacture" runs, its the bottom third where they should and with Jacoby hitting 7th that’s exactly what can happen. He no longer has the big boppers hitting behind him so every time he gets on base he thinking one thing……steal this base.

Pedroia put up huge numbers last year batting second and it seems like the place he belongs. Youk is in a mini slump of his own so batting Pedey in front of him may not be the right move now but Francona needs to get Ells back at the top and move Pedroia to batting second before the All-Star break.

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Outfield Should Be OK for Yankee Series

With an off day today, J.D. Drew should be OK to go tomorrow against the Yankees. Ellsbury is getting checked out today but should not miss much time. Kotsay and Baldelli have proven they can fill in where needed.

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Pedroia always bringing the FUNNY!

I love Pedey for many reasons, but his snarky sense of humor is on the top of the list. NESN basically interviewed everyone and their brother about the game last night. My biggest chuckle came from our resident MVP...one Mr. Dustin Pedroia. He was asked what he thought about Jacoby Ellsbury's fielding record last night of 12 put outs. Here is what he had to say:

"It's under review because he called me off. Stat rat. He's a stat rat."

Oh Dustin...I heart you.

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The Ellsbury Steal

The youtube clips have all been pulled by MLB.

Here's a better one: Ellsbury surprises Yanks with swipe of home (via mlb.com)

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The Alarm Clock Has Rung, The Sox Have Awoken!

Justin Masterson got the call to start today, as the Sox rotation was in a bit of flux with Dice-K on the DL, along with a pending 6 game suspension that was hovering over Beckett for a day or two before it was reduced. Masterson is looking like he could be another Julian Tavarez: short relief, long relief, starter; he's done it all so far this year. Masterson went 5.1 innings tossing 84 pitches. He allowed only 4 H's, 2 BB's, 1 ER, while notching 3 K's and his first W of the season.

The bullpen studs came through again, this time it was Delcarmen, Okajima, Lopez, and Hunter Jones (who?), allowing only 1 H and 1 BB in 3.2 innings.

Have you been wondering about the top of the line-up? Well, today Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Papi combined to go 9 for 16, scoring 7 times, and knocking in 6 runs.

Two of the big question marks over the winter were Lowell and Varitek. Both went 2 for 5 today, and combined for 3 R's and 3 RBI's.

Kevin Youkilis had only 1 H today. He also drew 3 BB's, 1 of which was an IBB. (No explanation necessary.) His BA stands at a FAT .469.

The Sox have now won 5 in a row, sweeping the O's and climbing into a tie for 2nd place after a 2-6 start that had them in the cellar (gasp!) for a couple of days.

When all was said and done, the SOX plated 12 men, beating the Orioles 12 - 1. BOX SCORE

Tim Wakefield gets the start tomorrow against the Twins.

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All About Ellsbury

This could be a breakout year for Jacoby Ellsbury, Johnny Pesky is even comparing him to Ted Williams:

"I have a lot of faith in Jacoby Ellsbury," said Pesky. "I think he could be a real good one. If he was 10 pounds bigger he could be, I keep saying it and people tell me I'm full of bull, he could be the next Ted Williams. He has that kind of ability. He's not as big as Ted. He doesn't run as good as Ted. But he's a much better fielder and a much better thrower than Ted. Ellsbury is the complete package and that's what you have to have."

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Ellsbury Bulked Up During Offseason

Wondering where the power might come from without Manny's bat? Look to the big guy playing center. Jacoby Ellsbury spent the offseason working out and is now 195 pounds causing Pedroia to say he was "jacked."

"I think Jacoby is already an impact defender and impact baserunner," said GM Theo Epstein. "With his track record in the minor leagues, he's a guy we feel will hit and get on base enough to be a real weapon offensively moreso than he already is."

With the sophomore slump over, Ellsbury could have and All-Star season. He will be playing everyday with Coco gone and he seems to be ready for the grind of a long season this year.

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Denial Is Not A River in Africa

Jacoby's once again glosses over his o-fer on his postseason blog. After last night he is 0-11 in the ALCS. What did he say about it?

It was nice to get on Scott Kazmir early, but it was just one of those games. It just didn't quite go our way. We'll be ready to get the win on Monday night.
I had that one at-bat earlier in the game where I tried to bunt the ball and it slammed me in the helmet. That could have been bad if you wear it in the face or the nose or the eye. It gave me a headache, but it could have been worse. I'm fine now.

How about that one at bat where you had the go-ahead run on second and you made an out for the 6th time in the game? Ellsbury needs to start setting the table for the Red Sox to win this series.

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Ellsbury Forgets to Mention His O-fer on His Blog

Jacoby Ellsbury wrote about what it is like to watch Dice-K pitch in a big game on his blog last night.

Standing out there in center field and watching those rallies unfold -- especially in games like these -- it's huge when they get a leadoff runner on, or two runners on, with no outs and he comes away with a zero on the board. It gives us a lot of confidence in him knowing that if we can put some runs across, we have a very good shot of winning.

For some reason he did not mention anything about going 0-5 in the game but you would not know it from this picture he added to the post.

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Jacoby is Ready for the Rays

Now that the Angels are in the rear view mirror it is time to focus on the Rays. The bad blood is there and it makes for an interesting match-up. Jacoby Ellsbury is ready for the challenge:

We've seen the Rays 18 times already this year, and we're excited to see them again in the ALCS. We're excited to go down there and try to get to the World Series.

Tampa Bay had a tremendous year, but we're excited to go down there and take a shot at it.
We get a couple of days off now, and we'll be ready to go again on Friday night in Game 1 of the ALCS.

The Red Sox go into the series with the experience to go the long haul. The ALCS has been a minefield for the Red Sox in recent years so don't expect a smooth ride. The days ahead will be full of joy and heartache but Boston has the tools to come through in the end.

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Ellsbury Enters the Blogosphere

Jacoby Ellsbury is blogging during the playoffs. He talked about the catch from last night

"Did I think I was going to catch it? To be honest, no. I came in running full speed, and I kind of glanced down at shortstop Jed Lowrie, thinking maybe he had a shot at it, hoping he had a shot at it. I just kind of kept my head down and went for it and felt like I kind of kicked in a different gear midway through that.

You're just hoping to get there. I'm kind of peeking at Lowrie and making sure we don't collide. It's loud out there, it's the playoffs. Even if someone calls for it, you're probably not going to hear him, so you just have to be aware of where he's at. It ended up being a big out.

I really don't get too fired up about diving catches, but I was pretty fired up about that one. Late in the game like that, playoff time. First out of the inning. You kind of want to kill a potential rally. I've made some nice catches this year, but this one was definitely my favorite one of the year.

I was just hoping my arm could reach out long enough. I didn't know if I had enough reach in my glove, but I made it. I looked at it for a second and I had it, so I just made sure to secure it."

His catch really did help Masterson get through the heart of the Angel's order. To follow along with Jacoby's blog click on the link here or on the right side of the page.

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Dice-K Goes 18-2 as Sox Shutout Toronto, 3-0

After tossing 45 pitches in the first 2 innings, Dice-K then went 5 more scoreless innings, throwing only 64 more pitches and issuing only 2 free passes along the way. The win makes Dice-K the first Sox pitcher to win 18 of his first 20 decisions, while going 9-0 on the road.

Ellsbury ripped a leadoff triple in the 1st and scored on Pedroia's sac fly. Ellsbury had a 3 for 4 day, including 2 doubles. Papi followed one of those doubles with a home run to give the Sox a 3 run lead. Pedroia also hit a league leading 52nd double and stole 3rd base, taboot. Oki pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning, and Pap got his 40th save.

The Sox did their job today, a Yankee loss tonight in their last game in the House That was Built for Ruth will put the Sox in the postseason, and send the pinstripers to dusting off their golf clubs.

TBS also noted at the end of the game that the Yankee-Sox finale at Fenway next Sunday is one of four games that could be broadcast that day.

Minnesota beat Tampa Bay 4-1 today, leaving only the Sox only 1.5 games out of 1st.

Sox win 3-0 BOX SCORE

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Oregon Loves the Sox

let's take a storied history of the Boston Area, especially the Red Sox, and the great western state of Oregon (yes, the little one right above California, the "Green" state, if you will).

Jacoby Ellsbury, Obviously an Oregon State grad and Madras, Oregon hometown boy, (My hometown too, originally),
Jed Lowrie from our State Capital, Salem.

Now those are the two current, obvious ones.

Let's start with Johnny Pesky, from "Slab Town" (Portland, where the log slabs were left), worked for the PCL league Portland Beavers (knew the Dimaggios before they made the bigs) was a locker room attendant.

Bobby Doerr was fishing in Southern Oregon, fell in love with a small town Oregon Teacher

Ted Williams, said to have one of his favorite fishing holes, near that small town Oregon.

you want more? OK here we go...............
Don't forget other greats like Luis Tiant, Lou Pinella, Sam McDowell, Ray Fosse and other Local Beavers... I remember when the Beavers were the AAA twin's franchise in the 80's . . . but this doesn't even count the numerous players that have slipped in and out of our Fine cities and states, as ball players (like when I saw Tim Salmon play here in Bend as a A level player. . . )... so ... all tooting aside, I have one more, Not Sox related, but beloved in Boston as all get out, DANNY FRICKIN AINGE. Oregonian, I wont point out that the "NEW" Yankee . . Ritchie Sexson is an Oregonian.... but we'll leave that topic for another day.

Not to mention Scott Hatteberg, Alan Embree, Aaron Rowand, Jamie Burke,the once Yankee Scott Brosius, ok ok ok i'm done. . . OH yeah .. what about good ol' Harold Reynolds?? yeah we claim him too!

Phil Knight, Dan Fouts, Ahmad Rashad, Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman (the Legend) Mary Decker Slaney, Picaboo Streeet, (Gold Medalist 2x) Mariel Zagunis, Dan O'Brien (Decathalete), Dick Fosbury (the Fosbury Flop), Matt Groening (The Simpsons creator LOL) don't forget Ann Curry from the Today Show : )...lots lots lots more, I think I've made my point.

Come To Oregon sometime, it's mellow here, BEAUTIFUL as all get out, and I'd love to buy you a world famous Oregon brew (some of the best in the world). . . Btw. . GO BEAVERS. GO SOX.

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That's More Like It

The rain that fell at Fenway early this evening seemed to wash all of the Red Sox problems away. The latest Manny episode is over and Sox fans can now enjoy his production for the remainder of the season. If tonight was any indication (3-5 2RBI, 2R) it should be a good run. The Sox offense rebounded nicely with everyone getting a hit but Drew.(he did walk twice) David Ortiz hit his first home run since coming back to the team and the team scored 9 runs on 15 hits. Jon Lester pitched very well going 7 innings while allowing 2 runs. He ran into some trouble in the 5th with bases loaded but he was able to get out of the jam and come back for 2 more good innings. The Sox pen was great; Declarmen pitched the 8th and Timlin retired them in order in the 9th. Besides moving past the Manny stuff, perhaps the most important news of the night was how well Ellsbury did at the plate. He went 3-4 including a double, if he can get hot and return to the lead-off spot the Sox can go on a big win streak.

Sox Win 9-2 BOX SCORE

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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.

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West Coast Red Sox

Since this is the Western Home of Red Sox Nation, I thought I would take a moment to salute some of the Red Sox who are from the West Coast:

Jon Lester~ Tacoma, WA

Jed Lowrie~ Salem, OR

Jacoby Ellsbury~ Madras, OR

Dustin Pedroia~ Woodland, CA

Coco Crisp~ Los Angeles, CA

Curt Schilling~ born in Anchorage, AK, college at YJC, AZ

Justin Masterson~ born in Kingston, Jamaica, college at San Diego State U.

Chris Carter~ Fremont, CA, college at Stanford U.

Chris Smith~ Apple Valley, CA

Jeff Bailey~ Longview, WA

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Last Call to Vote for 2008 All Star Game

It's looking like the Sox will have 3 starters at this years All Star Game farewell to the House that Ruth built (and the one that the Steinbrenner's burned down.) Youk, Pedroia, and Manny, are all leading their respective positions in ballot totals updated as of Sunday, 29 June. Youk is up by about 260k votes over the Twins' Morneau, while Pedroia has a lead of about 185k votes over Kinsler of the Rangers. Manny is the leading vote-getter in the outfield, and has a slim 82k vote edge over Hamilton, also of the Rangers.

Due mostly in part to his torrid June, JD Drew has surpassed former Sox traitor Johnny Damon and is now in 6th place in the outfield ONLY 7,OOO VOTES BEHIND THE YANKEES' ABREU.

VOTE NOW FOR JD DREW!!






Voting ends at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.

Big Papi still maintains quite a lead over 2nd place Matsui for DH, but has fallen to 3rd place in the most-votes-overall category behind yankee caped crusaders A-Rod and Jeter, by about 36k votes, most likely because it had been becoming apparent that his injury would prevent him from playing in the game. You can still vote for Papi, and it sure would be nice to see the final tally with him on top of the two yanks.

The Sox should also be furthur represented with Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek both holding comfortable 2nd place positions over their nearest competitor's in 3rd place.

This puts 3 Sox starters and 3 Sox reserves in the last ASG ever to be held at Yankees Stadium.

But wait! There's more!

VOTE FOR JACOBY ELLSBURY IN THE WRITE-IN BALLOT!!











We'll take a look at likely pitching candidates after the voting is done.

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