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The Captain Files: Wake Returns by Jared Carrabis
Varitek files for free agency, Red Sox exercise Wakefield's option for '09
That title kind of sounds like a crime TV show a little bit.
Just 24 hours apart, two of the longest tenured players on the 2008 Red Sox roster made the Boston headlines. Both Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek are proud owners of not one, but two Red Sox World Series rings. While the future for one of the two players has been revealed, the future of the other remains to be unseen.
On Thursday, October 30, 2008, the Red Sox captain, Jason Varitek, filed for free agency. Thursday was of course the first day that players were eligible to file for free agency as the veteran with over a decade of baseball in Boston under his belt now looks to test the market. The Red Sox now have a 15-day window to negotiate exclusively with Varitek and his agent Scott Boras. If a deal is not done in that span of 15 days then Varitek is free to shop his services to any Major League team that he so chooses.
The Detroit Tigers have already shown interest in Varitek after losing their veteran catcher vi...READ MORE!
Published on October 31, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
Phillies prevail in disorderly fashion while hot stove heat is ready to burn
Jonathan Papelbon is clearly on his way to becoming the next Mariano Rivera, who has been the ultimate closer of our generation. Papelbon has thrown the most postseason innings (25) without allowing an earned run in the history of baseball. Rivera, meanwhile, has a 0.77 ERA in 117.1 postseason innings pitched. Furthermore, Rivera posted 124 saves in his first three seasons as the Yankees’ closer (1997-99), while Papelbon has saved 113 games in his first three seasons at the back end of the Sox bullpen. Over those three years, Rivera’s ERA was 1.87, while Papelbon’s is 1.69. Papelbon has also 80 more strikeouts in six less innings pitched at this point in the two’s career comparison.
I can’t possibly imagine how difficult the rain delayed Game 5 was on both the Rays and Phillies. For the Rays, they were forced to wait nearly 48 hours to resume a tie game that if they lose, their magical ride is over. For the Phillies, they were forced to wait nearly 48 hours to resume a tie game th...READ MORE!
Published on October 31, 2008 See Comment(s)
Youkilis named recipient of Hank Aaron Award by Mike Ghika
Hardware given annually to most outstanding offensive performer
What a trail Kevin Youkilis has left behind.
Coming off the bench for Terry Francona's 2004 championship squad, did Sox fans really think the All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner would become this vital to the team's success?
Now, along with his Gold Glove, his 2008 All-Star selection, and two world championship rings, Youkilis can say he has received a Hank Aaron award as well. The award, given to the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez in the National League, signifies each league's most outstanding offensive performer each season. Fans have the ability to vote for their choice online, and more than 230,000 casted ballots this year.
For the 29-year-old Youkilis, the experience was surreal.
"I don't think I could ever compare myself to Hank Aaron in any way," he said. "I'll never see myself at that level. So to win this award, I'm a little humbled by it."
In addition to Youkilis's offensive production, his Gold Glove caliber defense at both first and third base will also play into...READ MORE!
Published on October 28, 2008 See Comment(s)
All Systems Go For Derek Lowe? by Jared Carrabis
D-Lowe's Return To Boston In Question
The last time Derek Lowe took the mound for the Boston Red Sox was a day that will forever live on in Red Sox glory. For those that don't remember, it was the clinching Game 4 of the 2004 World Series. A game in which Derek Lowe tossed seven shutout innings of three-hit baseball with four strikeouts en route to the Red Sox capturing their first World Series title in 86 years. His start before that? I don't know how you can top a World Series clincher for the Boston Red Sox but his start before Game 4 was the single biggest win in the team's history leading up to the World Series.
Derek Lowe took the mound in the center of the Bronx in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS looking to complete the greatest comeback in professional sports. Given that his offense provided him with 10 runs in the pennant clinching win over the Yankees, it was more than enough for Lowe. The sinkerballer baffled the New York Yankees over six innings holding them to just one hit and a run. Funny how a guy that wasn't goo...READ MORE!
Published on October 24, 2008 See Comment(s)
Rays even things up as series shifts to Philly by Mike Ghika
Phils' offense sputters again; Price brought on for 2.1 innings of relief
For Tampa Bay's Rays, getting out to a 4-0 lead in Game 2 of the World Series was everything Joe Maddon could have hoped for in trying to even the battle. His offense scored two in the first, another in the second, and one more in the fourth to put the game out of reach. Meanwhile, the Phils' offense disappointed again, leaving 11 runners on base for the second consecutive night while going just 1-for-15 with men in scoring position.
In the first, Tampa's Akinori Iwamura got things started with a walk. Centerfielder BJ Upton followed with a base-hit single to right that Jayson Werth played into an error, allowing Iwamura to move up to third and the speedy Upton to second. Sluggers Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria each followed with RBI groundouts to score both runners, and quickly James Shields was staked to an early lead.
With two outs in the second, the Rays would tack on another when another Upton base-hit to right scored Dioneer Navarro, who had singled to center. Rocco Baldelli...READ MORE!
Published on October 23, 2008 See Comment(s)
Utley, Hamels power Phils to Game 1 victory by Mike Ghika
Rays look to bounce back tonight in Game 2
A two-run first inning homer by second baseman Chase Utley and another spectacular postseason start from ace Cole Hamels were the keys to a 3-2 victory for Philadelphia over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2008 World Series last night at the Trop.
Utley followed up a Jason Werth walk in the first with a blast off Rays starter Scott Kazmir into the right-field seats to put the Phils on top early. Back-to-back singles from Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz to start off the fourth put the Phils in position to expand their lead, and after a Chris Coste grounder advanced both runners up a base, a Carlos Ruiz RBI ground-out scored Victorino to make it a 3-0 game.
However, a Carl Crawford solo shot with 2 outs in the bottom half of the fourth cut into the Phils' lead, and the Rays would quickly make it a 3-2 game in the fifth when Akinori Iwamura doubled home Jason Bartlett after Bartlett walked and stole second.
Nonetheless, Hamels was once again the story for Philadelphia. His li...READ MORE!
Published on October 23, 2008 See Comment(s)
In The Wake Of The Nation by Jared Carrabis
Lowell's Surgery A Success, Wake Likely To Return and more
The 2008 World Series has not yet seen it's first pitch but the 2008-2009 hot stove is already red hot in Boston. The Boston Herald has reported that the Red Sox will most likely exercise the $4 million option remaining on the contract of veteran right-hander, Tim Wakefield. Wakefield will turn 43 in August and if he is to return it will be his seventeenth Major League season and fifteenth with the Boston Red Sox. Fifteen seasons with the organization allows him to keep his title of the longest tenured player on the Boston Red Sox. Although his record was under .500 at 10-11, he was still able to throw 181 innings in 30 starts for the Red Sox in 2008. At $4 million dollars he is considered to be one of the biggest bargains in the league.
For those of you that had concerns about the well being of Red Sox third baseman, Mike Lowell, you can now exhale. The bruised and battered Mike Lowell went under the knife on Monday to repair a torn labrum in his hip. The surgery went flawlessly an...READ MORE!
Published on October 22, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
•Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on drafting Dustin Pedroia in 2005: “We got him in the second round. We were afraid he wouldn’t fall to us. To this day, he goes around saying that we cheated him out of money by not taking him in the first round. But I think he’ll be making up for that – very soon.” Although Pedroia is not eligible for arbitration until after the 2009 season, Epstein is clearly hinting the front office is strongly considering signing him up for the long-term. Interestingly, the team refused to give contracts to both Jonathan Papelbon and Kevin Youkilis last off-season, which shows just how much they do indeed value their pint-sized second baseman.
•The Sox unquestionably salvaged their season with their legendary Game 5 comeback classic. And of course, we all expected a Game 7 victory after they overtook the Rays at the Trop in Game 6. But winning is not something that is inevitable, and we are merely fans, and the Red Sox are merely a baseball team. Take happiness in winni...READ MORE!
Published on October 21, 2008 See Comment(s)
Sox Couldn't Rays The Bar In Game 7 by Jared Carrabis
As Red Sox Nation Prepares For Long Winter
So this is it. Almost feels surreal doesn’t it? I mean, not in a sense that you expect the Red Sox to win the World Series every year but I mean it in a sense that once their backs were to the wall and they came all the way back, all we’ve ever known was the Red Sox finishing the job. Well, if you have any idea in your mind that the Red Sox fortunes have changed and that they are now going to decline after not being able to get past the Rays to advance to the World Series, you are sadly mistaken.
Give all the credit in the world to the Tampa Bay Rays. They won the division, they secured home field advantage for the series and they took advantage of that. They outplayed the Red Sox when they had to and in Game 7 their pitching staff stepped up and held the Red Sox to just three hits in a game where the Red Sox offense usually explodes for double digit runs to advance to the World Series.
Jon Lester pitched one hell of a game going seven innings and giving up three runs with eight ...READ MORE!
Published on October 20, 2008 See Comment(s)
One Game Away by Jared Carrabis
Red Sox Force Game 7
Game 7, we meet again. It’s a strange relationship you and I have. Although you give us the most uncomfortable and unsettling of feelings that the human body can experience, you have the power to deliver the most amazing feeling of exhilaration that most anyone could ever feel. The Red Sox may have changed their appearance a little since the last time we’ve met, but don’t led our identity misguide you, our intentions are still the same. We may have a bittersweet past (’46, ’67, ’75, ’86, ’03) but we’ve recently been starting to turn a new page in this relationship (2004, 2007). On Sunday night, October 19, 2008 the Red Sox will renew their acquaintances with you and the team and its fans are playing the role of John McCain by looking for more of the same.
Down three games to one in the series, down seven to nothing in the seventh inning of Game 5, the Red Sox are dead even with the Tampa Bay Rays with a decisive Game 7 on the horizon. Let me repeat myself, I said these two teams are...READ MORE!
Published on October 18, 2008 See Comment(s)
Never Say Die by Jared Carrabis
Never In A Series, Never In A Game, Never In Boston.
Not in our house. Trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 7-0, say it with me now, seven to nothing, the Boston Red Sox completed one of the most memorable postseason comebacks in the history of the team and the second biggest rally in postseason history. Refusing to let the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate the American League pennant at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing by a score of 7-0 and the rest was history.
Optimism was riding high at Fenway Park on Thursday night at the start of Game 5 in the 2008 American League Championship Series with Daisuke Matsuzaka set to take the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays. Matsuzaka seemingly the only effective pitcher against the Rays in the series looked to keep the Red Sox season alive. Those hopes were battered and bruised early when for yet another postseason game, the Tampa Bay Rays played home run derby against the Red Sox pitching staff.
They’ve done it in every single g...READ MORE!
Published on October 17, 2008 See Comment(s)
Improbable comeback sends series to Tampa by Mike Ghika
Finally, the Sox are the ones who come out on top
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.
Sure, the Sox have made a name for themselves as the best comeback team in sports thus far in this century. But in this instance, last night’s Game 5 was not supposed to turn out the way it did. By nature, the Tampa Bay Rays were supposed to get out to a 5-0 lead for a third straight game at Fenway, continue to make fools of Red Sox pitchers, while the Sox offense persisted in looking lost and confused at the plate.
Instead, down 7-0 in the seventh with just seven outs left in their season, that same Sox offense began to chip away en route to the second largest comeback in playoff history. On a 3 and 2 count, Dustin Pedroia was the man to get it started with a sharp single to right in front of Gabe Gross that produced Jed Lowrie. David Ortiz followed up (and woke up) with a 3-run blast off of an inside Grant Balfour fastball, as Sox fans wondered if he would finally get the perfect pitch down and in.
Dan Wheeler relieved Balfour and got...READ MORE!
Published on October 16, 2008 See Comment(s)
Backs to the wall, Sox look to rebound in pivotal Game 5 by Mike Ghika
Meanwhile, Rays look like the hungrier and more composed team
In times like these, although many may find it difficult, we’ve still got to find room for optimism.
While manager Terry Francona has said "We need to find a way to get a win" in Game 5, it is starting to circulate that this season may not be as ‘special’ as 2004 and 2007. They say this postseason doesn’t quite have that same feel. The team is too beat up. The opponent is more superior. It was clear the Rays had different looks on their faces in Game 1 (David Ortiz foolishly was even nice enough to point it out for them in the papers). Since then, soon-to-be Manager of the Year Joe Maddon has transformed his club back into the dominant force it has been all season.
Not only did they tally more wins in baseball history (97) following a last-place finish the previous year, but these Rays are also the first team to score 9+ runs in three consecutive postseason games. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of our beloved Red Sox, who have evidently fallen off the map in the blink of a...READ MORE!
Published on October 15, 2008 See Comment(s)
Down But Not Out by Jared Carrabis
Get Ready For ALCS Comeback Part III
This is it; this is where we separate the diehards from the bandwagon fans. Many of you when you saw the final score go up got a sickening feeling in your stomach that the October Magic has run dry and that your beloved Boston Red Sox have failed you. I would just like to remind you that this series is a best of seven, not five. Each team has to win four games before the other does. Little did some of you out there know, that is doesn’t matter what order you win your games in, all that matters is that you win four games before they do. That’s all that matters.
We’ve been in this situation before but if this team is going to get it done again, it needs to come full circle with starting pitching. The starting pitching for the Red Sox so far this series with the exception of Daisuke Matsuzaka in Game 1 has been abysmal. Everyone wants to know what has happened to the Red Sox offense, well if you want the answer to that question you have to dig a little deeper. The answer is the Red Sox...READ MORE!
Published on October 14, 2008 See Comment(s)
Rays Knock Sox Over by Jared Carrabis
Lester Finally Has Rough Start While Sox Offense Catches Some ZzZzZ's
If you’re reading this I bet you’re really aggravated right about now. I bet you’re in one of those moods where you just want to punch a door or something. Actually, why don’t you go do that…I’ll wait right here…just get that out of your system…I’ll wait right here…feel better now? Okay good, I’ll resume. Let’s get right down to it. This game was a disgrace. I don’t know how else to describe Game 3 of the 2008 American League Championship Series. But before I go into the game itself, let me just say do not, and I repeat, do NOT let the idiotic commentators of this series on TBS brainwash you into believing that the Rays are this big team of destiny and that the Red Sox are now without a prayer in this series because they actually managed to beat Jon Lester. If you believe that then you are sadly misguided and I feel very badly for you.
Since when does TBS stand for “Tampa Bay Supporters”? The commentators all game long praised the every little thing about the Rays and harped on how ...READ MORE!
Published on October 13, 2008 See Comment(s)
Sox Split Back To Boston by Jared Carrabis
Home Run Derby Ends With Rays On Top
In a game where the Tampa Bay Rays found themselves in a “must win” situation early in the series, the Red Sox and Rays battled it out for eleven grueling frames. What was at stake for the Rays? Their home field advantage would have meant nothing if they could not defeat Boston in Game 2. Having lost Game 1 of the series and the next three games of the series were to be played at Fenway Park, it was imperative to split the first two games. What was at stake for the Red Sox? Nothing. The Red Sox had the Rays right where they wanted them in the series after taking Game 1. Josh Beckett on the hill in Game 2 and three straight games at home with Jon Lester on the mound in the first game and a pitcher who no-hit the Rays through the first six innings of work in Game 1 and shut them out through seven.
Needless to say, both of these teams wanted to win Game 2 badly, whether it be to keep the series alive or put a strangle hold on the series, the Red Sox and Rays sent their aces of the st...READ MORE!
Published on October 12, 2008 See Comment(s)
Daisuke Domination by Jared Carrabis
Matsuzaka Flirts With No-Hitter In Gem, Red Sox Take Important Game 1
If I had told you five years ago in 2003 that the Red Sox were going to win the World Series twice within the next five years and in order to win their third title in that five year span they would have to go through the (then) Tampa Bay Devil Rays to get there, what kind of reaction do you think you would give me? Would you laugh? Would you shake your head and walk away because you would have be under the impression that I have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about? Well, lets fast-forward to 2008. The Red Sox have won the World Series twice since 2003 and in order to capture a third title, they must go through the team formerly known as the automatic win, Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This team is no joke any longer and over the course of the 2008 season have opened not only the eyes of Red Sox Nation but rather of the entire baseball world.
The rest of the baseball world once viewed the Red Sox as the lovable underdogs in the American League that always came so close but could never...READ MORE!
Published on October 10, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
While the ALCS gets underway tonight, it is still important to recall the little things -- the scattered idiosyncrasies that bring out the best in baseball.
•The early exits of the Angels and Cubs this postseason means that the Rays have the best regular season record (97-65) of the four remaining teams in the playoffs. Can you say “team to beat?”
•Francona praised second baseman Dustin Pedroia even despite his 2008 ALDS struggles (1 for 17, 2 BB), saying that opposing pitchers still should not and cannot take him lightly. “He’s a known threat,” Francona said. “Teams need to treat him like that. He’s one of the best players in the game.” After all, do you really think Pedroia would miss out on the party again in this series?
•In Game 4 of the Brewers/Phillies ALDS series, Milwaukee’s middle infield got out of the top of the 7th with an inning-ending double play. However, first baseman Prince Fielder began to throw the ball around the diamond and then put up two fingers indica...READ MORE!
Published on October 10, 2008 See Comment(s)
Matchups may favor Red Sox in ALCS by Mike Ghika
Recent history makes it important for Rays to retain home-field advantage
This year’s American League Championship Series supplies a watertight match-up between two AL East powerhouses. One has defied all odds. Another has solidified itself as the premier organization in all of baseball. They have battled, they have fought (literally), and they each find themselves in the position they have worked for all season along: an opportunity to advance to the World Series. In light of all this, SoxSpaceNews goes over the match-ups for you.
STARTING ROTATION: At the moment, Tampa Bay does not have the staff ace that can match up with Jon Lester. Lester has clearly eclipsed Kazmir from a production standpoint and then some, and at this point Lester can probably be considered the best southpaw in the American League. Nonetheless, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s control is always an issue, and unfortunately, Josh Beckett’s health is as well. Tampa’s starters, although not dominant, are well-rested and exceptionally consistent, perhaps indicating that some of these games will be ...READ MORE!
Published on October 09, 2008 See Comment(s)
Locked and Loaded by Jared Carrabis
Red Sox Announce ALCS Rotation
The Red Sox have just announced Daisuke Matsuzaka as their Game 1 starter on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series.
The ALCS rotation is as followed:
Game 1: @ TB, Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: @ TB, Josh Beckett
Game 3: Vs TB, Jon Lester
Game 4: Vs TB, Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Vs TB, Daisuke Matsuzaka**
Game 6: @ TB, Josh Beckett**
Game 7: @ TB, Jon Lester**
** - If necessary...READ MORE!
Published on October 08, 2008 See Comment(s)
SSN sizes up the opponent as ALCS draws near by Mike Ghika
New attitude and balanced mix have made the Rays a team of destiny
Manager Joe Maddon has been the driving force of the Tampa Bay tour bus all year long. However, Rays GM Andrew Friedman, just 31, deserves much of the credit. The little known Friedman has assembled a near-perfect team down south, with an array of youngsters leading a revamped rotation, complemented ideally by a balanced lineup consisting of young stars and cheap veterans. Sports Illustrated named him the top executive of the year last month, and as the Rays are set to open Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox at the Trop on Friday, baseball is finally relevant in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.
From the beginning of their first season in the league in 1998, the only chance the Rays had at success was to build via the draft. Josh Hamilton, the 1999 No. 1 overall pick, never panned out (at least not in a Rays’ uniform). Their first round pick in 2000, Rocco Baldelli (No. 6 overall), is still with the organization but hasn’t been a vital piece of the puzzle because of injuries. And a...READ MORE!
Published on October 07, 2008 See Comment(s)
ALCS Bound! by Jared Carrabis
Dominant Lester, Clutch Lowrie Propels Sox Into ALCS
Just moments before the Game 4 between the Red Sox and Angels at Fenway Park, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox to advance to the American League Championship Series in the Rays very first trip to the postseason. From there, the focus turned to Game 1 starter, Jon Lester, as the left-handed ace looked to punch the Red Sox ticket to a trip to the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays (no that wasn’t a typo). Of Jon Lester’s sixteen wins during the regular season, eleven on them came at Fenway Park. His ERA at Fenway Park during the regular season (2.49) was significantly better than his ERA on the road (4.09) and his effectiveness at home continued in his second postseason start.
Jon Lester took the mound on full rest and if he delivered a win he would propel the Red Sox into the American League Championship Series for the second consecutive year and for the fourth time in the past six seasons. Lester has been nothing but consistent for the Boston Red Sox at home in 2008. A...READ MORE!
Published on October 07, 2008 See Comment(s)
Down Goes Lowell by Jared Carrabis
Sox Remove Mike Lowell From ALDS Roster
The Red Sox have officially made the announcement that Mike Lowell has been replaced on the ALDS roster. It was obvious that the pain that Mike Lowell was experiencing in his hip was no longer bearable and his lack of production was a concern for the team. Gil Velazquez will be replacing Lowell on the ALDS roster and was only with the big club for a limited amount of time being called up on September 25.
Although it's with great sadness that we have to see Mike Lowell exit the postseason due to injury, it was the right move that the Red Sox had to make. Mike Lowell will be ineligible to make the ALCS roster if Boston advances past the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim but the right move was made. In Game 4 and if a Game 5 is needed, right-handed pitchers will be starting for the Angels and the Red Sox will likely match up Mark Kotsay or Sean Casey based on career numbers to start at first with Kevin Youkilis becoming the Red Sox third baseman with Alex Cora coming off of the bench.
...READ MORE!
Published on October 06, 2008 See Comment(s)
Marathon Into Monday by Jared Carrabis
Sox Battle Into Morning Hours, Come Up Short / Lester To Take The Ball In Game 4
On the night after Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Chicago Cubs and just hours after Pat Burrell and the Philadelphia Phillies eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers both to advance to the National League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox looked to defeat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the twelfth consecutive time in postseason play to join both the Dodgers and Phillies on the opposite side of the postseason bracket. The two teams met at Fenway Park for the first time in the month of October since just a year ago when Francisco Rodriguez had to make the ultimate walk of shame following a Manny Ramirez walk-off blast in Game 2 of the 2007 American League Division Series. Boston hoped for similar results on Sunday night, if not a walk-off home run, a simple win would suffice.
Making his first start for the Red Sox since September 22 against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park, Josh Beckett returned to the mound as the Game 3 starter for the Boston Red ...READ MORE!
Published on October 05, 2008 See Comment(s)
Déjà Drew For K-Rod by Jared Carrabis
Bay Hits Clutch Homer, Again - JD Drew Goes Yard To Win It In Ninth
77 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched. A 2.24 ERA and only four long balls given up all season long. Oh yeah, did I mention the Major League record 62 saves? You may be impressed by the numbers put up by Francisco Rodriguez during the 2008 regular season, but JD Drew was definitely not impressed in the least bit. Reminiscent to a year ago, the same exact series, the same exact game in that series, just a different setting and a new villain for K-Rod. Tie game, ninth inning, the Red Sox up to bat with the pivotal game in the series hanging in the balance, the exact same situation of a year ago only this time JD Drew was at the plate.
Of course to get to that tie game scenario in the ninth inning, there would have to be some serious pitching, defense and clutch hitting for both sides to set up a 5-5 tie ballgame with the match up of K-Rod against ALCS Game 6 hero, JD Drew. In a game that had some significant changes in the lineup with Jed Lowrie getting the night off after a rough pos...READ MORE!
Published on October 04, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
For Red Sox Nation, every twelve months brings October baseball, where Sox fans emotionally thrive and survive on every single at-bat. But in times like these, it is still important to recall the little things -- the scattered idiosyncrasies that bring out the best in baseball.
•How valuable has Dustin Pedroia indeed become? David Eckstein Part II has developed into a Gold Glove caliber second baseman with batting crown potential. The two knocks on him as a minor leaguer (speed and power) are now irrelevant as No. 15 looks prepared to cross the 20-20 threshold by next year. He is the first Sox player to collect 200 hits in a decade. Not Damon, not Mueller, not Ramirez, not Ortiz has tackled the feat in a Sox uniform.
•After it looked as if his Hall of Fame career would not have any MVP hardware to his credit, Manny Ramirez transformed an offensively-prone Dodgers team into a NL West champions. CC Sabathia’s effect has obviously been monumental on the Brew Crew, nearly single-ha...READ MORE!
Published on October 04, 2008 See Comment(s)
Red Sox In Football Terms by Jared Carrabis
Josh Beckett: 'Probable' For Game 3 / Mike Lowell 'Questionable' For Game 2
According to reports from the Boston Globe, Josh Beckett's side session that he threw in preparation for his potential Game 3 start this Sunday went very well. The October hero of a year ago threw 65-67 pitches in his bullpen session on Thursday with "No limitations" according to Red Sox pitching coach, John Farrell. Not long after, Farrell spoke the words that Red Sox Nation had been waiting to hear since word of Beckett's oblique injury hit the papers, "I will tell you from the look in his bullpen today, he looks ready to go for Sunday."
Josh Beckett threw his side session just like he would have thrown a regular season start. He threw all of his pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball) with no tightness or pain in his oblique. On an even brighter note, he threw all of his pitches with the same amount of effort that he is accustomed to exerting in all non-injury-plagued bullpen sessions. Josh Beckett will continue to prepare for Game 3 of the ALDS which at the moment he is penciled...READ MORE!
Published on October 03, 2008 See Comment(s)
No Beckett? No Problem by Jared Carrabis
Lester Pitches Gem, Bay Saves The Day, Ellsbury Shines
Welcome to October baseball. It’s a new season, which means forget the regular season. Forget the records, everyone starts at 0-0. Forget the stats, everyone is batting .000. Forget the past, Dave Henderson can’t pinch hit for the Sox this year and Manny Ramirez won’t be hitting any bombs off of K-Rod in this series. It’s a new year, two new teams but all the same excitement.
Jacoby Ellsbury picked up this October right where he left of the last one with a drive out to right-center that nearly got out of Angel Stadium. The 94 MPH fastball from John Lackey hit high off the wall as Jacoby Ellsbury cruised into second with a leadoff double. Lackey did not let the ringing double off the bat of Ellsbury faze him as the right-hander went on to retire the next three batters consecutively on groundball outs via the sinking fastball.
Jon Lester took the mound in the bottom of the first inning for the first time in October since October 28, 2007. The last game that the Red Sox appeared in...READ MORE!
Published on October 01, 2008 See Comment(s)
Varitek files for free agency, Red Sox exercise Wakefield's option for '09
That title kind of sounds like a crime TV show a little bit.
Just 24 hours apart, two of the longest tenured players on the 2008 Red Sox roster made the Boston headlines. Both Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek are proud owners of not one, but two Red Sox World Series rings. While the future for one of the two players has been revealed, the future of the other remains to be unseen.
On Thursday, October 30, 2008, the Red Sox captain, Jason Varitek, filed for free agency. Thursday was of course the first day that players were eligible to file for free agency as the veteran with over a decade of baseball in Boston under his belt now looks to test the market. The Red Sox now have a 15-day window to negotiate exclusively with Varitek and his agent Scott Boras. If a deal is not done in that span of 15 days then Varitek is free to shop his services to any Major League team that he so chooses.
The Detroit Tigers have already shown interest in Varitek after losing their veteran catcher vi...READ MORE!
Published on October 31, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
Phillies prevail in disorderly fashion while hot stove heat is ready to burn
Jonathan Papelbon is clearly on his way to becoming the next Mariano Rivera, who has been the ultimate closer of our generation. Papelbon has thrown the most postseason innings (25) without allowing an earned run in the history of baseball. Rivera, meanwhile, has a 0.77 ERA in 117.1 postseason innings pitched. Furthermore, Rivera posted 124 saves in his first three seasons as the Yankees’ closer (1997-99), while Papelbon has saved 113 games in his first three seasons at the back end of the Sox bullpen. Over those three years, Rivera’s ERA was 1.87, while Papelbon’s is 1.69. Papelbon has also 80 more strikeouts in six less innings pitched at this point in the two’s career comparison.
I can’t possibly imagine how difficult the rain delayed Game 5 was on both the Rays and Phillies. For the Rays, they were forced to wait nearly 48 hours to resume a tie game that if they lose, their magical ride is over. For the Phillies, they were forced to wait nearly 48 hours to resume a tie game th...READ MORE!
Published on October 31, 2008 See Comment(s)
Youkilis named recipient of Hank Aaron Award by Mike Ghika
Hardware given annually to most outstanding offensive performer
What a trail Kevin Youkilis has left behind.
Coming off the bench for Terry Francona's 2004 championship squad, did Sox fans really think the All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner would become this vital to the team's success?
Now, along with his Gold Glove, his 2008 All-Star selection, and two world championship rings, Youkilis can say he has received a Hank Aaron award as well. The award, given to the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez in the National League, signifies each league's most outstanding offensive performer each season. Fans have the ability to vote for their choice online, and more than 230,000 casted ballots this year.
For the 29-year-old Youkilis, the experience was surreal.
"I don't think I could ever compare myself to Hank Aaron in any way," he said. "I'll never see myself at that level. So to win this award, I'm a little humbled by it."
In addition to Youkilis's offensive production, his Gold Glove caliber defense at both first and third base will also play into...READ MORE!
Published on October 28, 2008 See Comment(s)
All Systems Go For Derek Lowe? by Jared Carrabis
D-Lowe's Return To Boston In Question
The last time Derek Lowe took the mound for the Boston Red Sox was a day that will forever live on in Red Sox glory. For those that don't remember, it was the clinching Game 4 of the 2004 World Series. A game in which Derek Lowe tossed seven shutout innings of three-hit baseball with four strikeouts en route to the Red Sox capturing their first World Series title in 86 years. His start before that? I don't know how you can top a World Series clincher for the Boston Red Sox but his start before Game 4 was the single biggest win in the team's history leading up to the World Series.
Derek Lowe took the mound in the center of the Bronx in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS looking to complete the greatest comeback in professional sports. Given that his offense provided him with 10 runs in the pennant clinching win over the Yankees, it was more than enough for Lowe. The sinkerballer baffled the New York Yankees over six innings holding them to just one hit and a run. Funny how a guy that wasn't goo...READ MORE!
Published on October 24, 2008 See Comment(s)
Rays even things up as series shifts to Philly by Mike Ghika
Phils' offense sputters again; Price brought on for 2.1 innings of relief
For Tampa Bay's Rays, getting out to a 4-0 lead in Game 2 of the World Series was everything Joe Maddon could have hoped for in trying to even the battle. His offense scored two in the first, another in the second, and one more in the fourth to put the game out of reach. Meanwhile, the Phils' offense disappointed again, leaving 11 runners on base for the second consecutive night while going just 1-for-15 with men in scoring position.
In the first, Tampa's Akinori Iwamura got things started with a walk. Centerfielder BJ Upton followed with a base-hit single to right that Jayson Werth played into an error, allowing Iwamura to move up to third and the speedy Upton to second. Sluggers Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria each followed with RBI groundouts to score both runners, and quickly James Shields was staked to an early lead.
With two outs in the second, the Rays would tack on another when another Upton base-hit to right scored Dioneer Navarro, who had singled to center. Rocco Baldelli...READ MORE!
Published on October 23, 2008 See Comment(s)
Utley, Hamels power Phils to Game 1 victory by Mike Ghika
Rays look to bounce back tonight in Game 2
A two-run first inning homer by second baseman Chase Utley and another spectacular postseason start from ace Cole Hamels were the keys to a 3-2 victory for Philadelphia over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2008 World Series last night at the Trop.
Utley followed up a Jason Werth walk in the first with a blast off Rays starter Scott Kazmir into the right-field seats to put the Phils on top early. Back-to-back singles from Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz to start off the fourth put the Phils in position to expand their lead, and after a Chris Coste grounder advanced both runners up a base, a Carlos Ruiz RBI ground-out scored Victorino to make it a 3-0 game.
However, a Carl Crawford solo shot with 2 outs in the bottom half of the fourth cut into the Phils' lead, and the Rays would quickly make it a 3-2 game in the fifth when Akinori Iwamura doubled home Jason Bartlett after Bartlett walked and stole second.
Nonetheless, Hamels was once again the story for Philadelphia. His li...READ MORE!
Published on October 23, 2008 See Comment(s)
In The Wake Of The Nation by Jared Carrabis
Lowell's Surgery A Success, Wake Likely To Return and more
The 2008 World Series has not yet seen it's first pitch but the 2008-2009 hot stove is already red hot in Boston. The Boston Herald has reported that the Red Sox will most likely exercise the $4 million option remaining on the contract of veteran right-hander, Tim Wakefield. Wakefield will turn 43 in August and if he is to return it will be his seventeenth Major League season and fifteenth with the Boston Red Sox. Fifteen seasons with the organization allows him to keep his title of the longest tenured player on the Boston Red Sox. Although his record was under .500 at 10-11, he was still able to throw 181 innings in 30 starts for the Red Sox in 2008. At $4 million dollars he is considered to be one of the biggest bargains in the league.
For those of you that had concerns about the well being of Red Sox third baseman, Mike Lowell, you can now exhale. The bruised and battered Mike Lowell went under the knife on Monday to repair a torn labrum in his hip. The surgery went flawlessly an...READ MORE!
Published on October 22, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
•Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on drafting Dustin Pedroia in 2005: “We got him in the second round. We were afraid he wouldn’t fall to us. To this day, he goes around saying that we cheated him out of money by not taking him in the first round. But I think he’ll be making up for that – very soon.” Although Pedroia is not eligible for arbitration until after the 2009 season, Epstein is clearly hinting the front office is strongly considering signing him up for the long-term. Interestingly, the team refused to give contracts to both Jonathan Papelbon and Kevin Youkilis last off-season, which shows just how much they do indeed value their pint-sized second baseman.
•The Sox unquestionably salvaged their season with their legendary Game 5 comeback classic. And of course, we all expected a Game 7 victory after they overtook the Rays at the Trop in Game 6. But winning is not something that is inevitable, and we are merely fans, and the Red Sox are merely a baseball team. Take happiness in winni...READ MORE!
Published on October 21, 2008 See Comment(s)
Sox Couldn't Rays The Bar In Game 7 by Jared Carrabis
As Red Sox Nation Prepares For Long Winter
So this is it. Almost feels surreal doesn’t it? I mean, not in a sense that you expect the Red Sox to win the World Series every year but I mean it in a sense that once their backs were to the wall and they came all the way back, all we’ve ever known was the Red Sox finishing the job. Well, if you have any idea in your mind that the Red Sox fortunes have changed and that they are now going to decline after not being able to get past the Rays to advance to the World Series, you are sadly mistaken.
Give all the credit in the world to the Tampa Bay Rays. They won the division, they secured home field advantage for the series and they took advantage of that. They outplayed the Red Sox when they had to and in Game 7 their pitching staff stepped up and held the Red Sox to just three hits in a game where the Red Sox offense usually explodes for double digit runs to advance to the World Series.
Jon Lester pitched one hell of a game going seven innings and giving up three runs with eight ...READ MORE!
Published on October 20, 2008 See Comment(s)
One Game Away by Jared Carrabis
Red Sox Force Game 7
Game 7, we meet again. It’s a strange relationship you and I have. Although you give us the most uncomfortable and unsettling of feelings that the human body can experience, you have the power to deliver the most amazing feeling of exhilaration that most anyone could ever feel. The Red Sox may have changed their appearance a little since the last time we’ve met, but don’t led our identity misguide you, our intentions are still the same. We may have a bittersweet past (’46, ’67, ’75, ’86, ’03) but we’ve recently been starting to turn a new page in this relationship (2004, 2007). On Sunday night, October 19, 2008 the Red Sox will renew their acquaintances with you and the team and its fans are playing the role of John McCain by looking for more of the same.
Down three games to one in the series, down seven to nothing in the seventh inning of Game 5, the Red Sox are dead even with the Tampa Bay Rays with a decisive Game 7 on the horizon. Let me repeat myself, I said these two teams are...READ MORE!
Published on October 18, 2008 See Comment(s)
Never Say Die by Jared Carrabis
Never In A Series, Never In A Game, Never In Boston.
Not in our house. Trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 7-0, say it with me now, seven to nothing, the Boston Red Sox completed one of the most memorable postseason comebacks in the history of the team and the second biggest rally in postseason history. Refusing to let the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate the American League pennant at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing by a score of 7-0 and the rest was history.
Optimism was riding high at Fenway Park on Thursday night at the start of Game 5 in the 2008 American League Championship Series with Daisuke Matsuzaka set to take the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays. Matsuzaka seemingly the only effective pitcher against the Rays in the series looked to keep the Red Sox season alive. Those hopes were battered and bruised early when for yet another postseason game, the Tampa Bay Rays played home run derby against the Red Sox pitching staff.
They’ve done it in every single g...READ MORE!
Published on October 17, 2008 See Comment(s)
Improbable comeback sends series to Tampa by Mike Ghika
Finally, the Sox are the ones who come out on top
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.
Sure, the Sox have made a name for themselves as the best comeback team in sports thus far in this century. But in this instance, last night’s Game 5 was not supposed to turn out the way it did. By nature, the Tampa Bay Rays were supposed to get out to a 5-0 lead for a third straight game at Fenway, continue to make fools of Red Sox pitchers, while the Sox offense persisted in looking lost and confused at the plate.
Instead, down 7-0 in the seventh with just seven outs left in their season, that same Sox offense began to chip away en route to the second largest comeback in playoff history. On a 3 and 2 count, Dustin Pedroia was the man to get it started with a sharp single to right in front of Gabe Gross that produced Jed Lowrie. David Ortiz followed up (and woke up) with a 3-run blast off of an inside Grant Balfour fastball, as Sox fans wondered if he would finally get the perfect pitch down and in.
Dan Wheeler relieved Balfour and got...READ MORE!
Published on October 16, 2008 See Comment(s)
Backs to the wall, Sox look to rebound in pivotal Game 5 by Mike Ghika
Meanwhile, Rays look like the hungrier and more composed team
In times like these, although many may find it difficult, we’ve still got to find room for optimism.
While manager Terry Francona has said "We need to find a way to get a win" in Game 5, it is starting to circulate that this season may not be as ‘special’ as 2004 and 2007. They say this postseason doesn’t quite have that same feel. The team is too beat up. The opponent is more superior. It was clear the Rays had different looks on their faces in Game 1 (David Ortiz foolishly was even nice enough to point it out for them in the papers). Since then, soon-to-be Manager of the Year Joe Maddon has transformed his club back into the dominant force it has been all season.
Not only did they tally more wins in baseball history (97) following a last-place finish the previous year, but these Rays are also the first team to score 9+ runs in three consecutive postseason games. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of our beloved Red Sox, who have evidently fallen off the map in the blink of a...READ MORE!
Published on October 15, 2008 See Comment(s)
Down But Not Out by Jared Carrabis
Get Ready For ALCS Comeback Part III
This is it; this is where we separate the diehards from the bandwagon fans. Many of you when you saw the final score go up got a sickening feeling in your stomach that the October Magic has run dry and that your beloved Boston Red Sox have failed you. I would just like to remind you that this series is a best of seven, not five. Each team has to win four games before the other does. Little did some of you out there know, that is doesn’t matter what order you win your games in, all that matters is that you win four games before they do. That’s all that matters.
We’ve been in this situation before but if this team is going to get it done again, it needs to come full circle with starting pitching. The starting pitching for the Red Sox so far this series with the exception of Daisuke Matsuzaka in Game 1 has been abysmal. Everyone wants to know what has happened to the Red Sox offense, well if you want the answer to that question you have to dig a little deeper. The answer is the Red Sox...READ MORE!
Published on October 14, 2008 See Comment(s)
Rays Knock Sox Over by Jared Carrabis
Lester Finally Has Rough Start While Sox Offense Catches Some ZzZzZ's
If you’re reading this I bet you’re really aggravated right about now. I bet you’re in one of those moods where you just want to punch a door or something. Actually, why don’t you go do that…I’ll wait right here…just get that out of your system…I’ll wait right here…feel better now? Okay good, I’ll resume. Let’s get right down to it. This game was a disgrace. I don’t know how else to describe Game 3 of the 2008 American League Championship Series. But before I go into the game itself, let me just say do not, and I repeat, do NOT let the idiotic commentators of this series on TBS brainwash you into believing that the Rays are this big team of destiny and that the Red Sox are now without a prayer in this series because they actually managed to beat Jon Lester. If you believe that then you are sadly misguided and I feel very badly for you.
Since when does TBS stand for “Tampa Bay Supporters”? The commentators all game long praised the every little thing about the Rays and harped on how ...READ MORE!
Published on October 13, 2008 See Comment(s)
Sox Split Back To Boston by Jared Carrabis
Home Run Derby Ends With Rays On Top
In a game where the Tampa Bay Rays found themselves in a “must win” situation early in the series, the Red Sox and Rays battled it out for eleven grueling frames. What was at stake for the Rays? Their home field advantage would have meant nothing if they could not defeat Boston in Game 2. Having lost Game 1 of the series and the next three games of the series were to be played at Fenway Park, it was imperative to split the first two games. What was at stake for the Red Sox? Nothing. The Red Sox had the Rays right where they wanted them in the series after taking Game 1. Josh Beckett on the hill in Game 2 and three straight games at home with Jon Lester on the mound in the first game and a pitcher who no-hit the Rays through the first six innings of work in Game 1 and shut them out through seven.
Needless to say, both of these teams wanted to win Game 2 badly, whether it be to keep the series alive or put a strangle hold on the series, the Red Sox and Rays sent their aces of the st...READ MORE!
Published on October 12, 2008 See Comment(s)
Daisuke Domination by Jared Carrabis
Matsuzaka Flirts With No-Hitter In Gem, Red Sox Take Important Game 1
If I had told you five years ago in 2003 that the Red Sox were going to win the World Series twice within the next five years and in order to win their third title in that five year span they would have to go through the (then) Tampa Bay Devil Rays to get there, what kind of reaction do you think you would give me? Would you laugh? Would you shake your head and walk away because you would have be under the impression that I have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about? Well, lets fast-forward to 2008. The Red Sox have won the World Series twice since 2003 and in order to capture a third title, they must go through the team formerly known as the automatic win, Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This team is no joke any longer and over the course of the 2008 season have opened not only the eyes of Red Sox Nation but rather of the entire baseball world.
The rest of the baseball world once viewed the Red Sox as the lovable underdogs in the American League that always came so close but could never...READ MORE!
Published on October 10, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
While the ALCS gets underway tonight, it is still important to recall the little things -- the scattered idiosyncrasies that bring out the best in baseball.
•The early exits of the Angels and Cubs this postseason means that the Rays have the best regular season record (97-65) of the four remaining teams in the playoffs. Can you say “team to beat?”
•Francona praised second baseman Dustin Pedroia even despite his 2008 ALDS struggles (1 for 17, 2 BB), saying that opposing pitchers still should not and cannot take him lightly. “He’s a known threat,” Francona said. “Teams need to treat him like that. He’s one of the best players in the game.” After all, do you really think Pedroia would miss out on the party again in this series?
•In Game 4 of the Brewers/Phillies ALDS series, Milwaukee’s middle infield got out of the top of the 7th with an inning-ending double play. However, first baseman Prince Fielder began to throw the ball around the diamond and then put up two fingers indica...READ MORE!
Published on October 10, 2008 See Comment(s)
Matchups may favor Red Sox in ALCS by Mike Ghika
Recent history makes it important for Rays to retain home-field advantage
This year’s American League Championship Series supplies a watertight match-up between two AL East powerhouses. One has defied all odds. Another has solidified itself as the premier organization in all of baseball. They have battled, they have fought (literally), and they each find themselves in the position they have worked for all season along: an opportunity to advance to the World Series. In light of all this, SoxSpaceNews goes over the match-ups for you.
STARTING ROTATION: At the moment, Tampa Bay does not have the staff ace that can match up with Jon Lester. Lester has clearly eclipsed Kazmir from a production standpoint and then some, and at this point Lester can probably be considered the best southpaw in the American League. Nonetheless, Daisuke Matsuzaka’s control is always an issue, and unfortunately, Josh Beckett’s health is as well. Tampa’s starters, although not dominant, are well-rested and exceptionally consistent, perhaps indicating that some of these games will be ...READ MORE!
Published on October 09, 2008 See Comment(s)
Locked and Loaded by Jared Carrabis
Red Sox Announce ALCS Rotation
The Red Sox have just announced Daisuke Matsuzaka as their Game 1 starter on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series.
The ALCS rotation is as followed:
Game 1: @ TB, Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: @ TB, Josh Beckett
Game 3: Vs TB, Jon Lester
Game 4: Vs TB, Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Vs TB, Daisuke Matsuzaka**
Game 6: @ TB, Josh Beckett**
Game 7: @ TB, Jon Lester**
** - If necessary...READ MORE!
Published on October 08, 2008 See Comment(s)
SSN sizes up the opponent as ALCS draws near by Mike Ghika
New attitude and balanced mix have made the Rays a team of destiny
Manager Joe Maddon has been the driving force of the Tampa Bay tour bus all year long. However, Rays GM Andrew Friedman, just 31, deserves much of the credit. The little known Friedman has assembled a near-perfect team down south, with an array of youngsters leading a revamped rotation, complemented ideally by a balanced lineup consisting of young stars and cheap veterans. Sports Illustrated named him the top executive of the year last month, and as the Rays are set to open Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox at the Trop on Friday, baseball is finally relevant in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.
From the beginning of their first season in the league in 1998, the only chance the Rays had at success was to build via the draft. Josh Hamilton, the 1999 No. 1 overall pick, never panned out (at least not in a Rays’ uniform). Their first round pick in 2000, Rocco Baldelli (No. 6 overall), is still with the organization but hasn’t been a vital piece of the puzzle because of injuries. And a...READ MORE!
Published on October 07, 2008 See Comment(s)
ALCS Bound! by Jared Carrabis
Dominant Lester, Clutch Lowrie Propels Sox Into ALCS
Just moments before the Game 4 between the Red Sox and Angels at Fenway Park, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox to advance to the American League Championship Series in the Rays very first trip to the postseason. From there, the focus turned to Game 1 starter, Jon Lester, as the left-handed ace looked to punch the Red Sox ticket to a trip to the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays (no that wasn’t a typo). Of Jon Lester’s sixteen wins during the regular season, eleven on them came at Fenway Park. His ERA at Fenway Park during the regular season (2.49) was significantly better than his ERA on the road (4.09) and his effectiveness at home continued in his second postseason start.
Jon Lester took the mound on full rest and if he delivered a win he would propel the Red Sox into the American League Championship Series for the second consecutive year and for the fourth time in the past six seasons. Lester has been nothing but consistent for the Boston Red Sox at home in 2008. A...READ MORE!
Published on October 07, 2008 See Comment(s)
Down Goes Lowell by Jared Carrabis
Sox Remove Mike Lowell From ALDS Roster
The Red Sox have officially made the announcement that Mike Lowell has been replaced on the ALDS roster. It was obvious that the pain that Mike Lowell was experiencing in his hip was no longer bearable and his lack of production was a concern for the team. Gil Velazquez will be replacing Lowell on the ALDS roster and was only with the big club for a limited amount of time being called up on September 25.
Although it's with great sadness that we have to see Mike Lowell exit the postseason due to injury, it was the right move that the Red Sox had to make. Mike Lowell will be ineligible to make the ALCS roster if Boston advances past the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim but the right move was made. In Game 4 and if a Game 5 is needed, right-handed pitchers will be starting for the Angels and the Red Sox will likely match up Mark Kotsay or Sean Casey based on career numbers to start at first with Kevin Youkilis becoming the Red Sox third baseman with Alex Cora coming off of the bench.
...READ MORE!
Published on October 06, 2008 See Comment(s)
Marathon Into Monday by Jared Carrabis
Sox Battle Into Morning Hours, Come Up Short / Lester To Take The Ball In Game 4
On the night after Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Chicago Cubs and just hours after Pat Burrell and the Philadelphia Phillies eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers both to advance to the National League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox looked to defeat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the twelfth consecutive time in postseason play to join both the Dodgers and Phillies on the opposite side of the postseason bracket. The two teams met at Fenway Park for the first time in the month of October since just a year ago when Francisco Rodriguez had to make the ultimate walk of shame following a Manny Ramirez walk-off blast in Game 2 of the 2007 American League Division Series. Boston hoped for similar results on Sunday night, if not a walk-off home run, a simple win would suffice.
Making his first start for the Red Sox since September 22 against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park, Josh Beckett returned to the mound as the Game 3 starter for the Boston Red ...READ MORE!
Published on October 05, 2008 See Comment(s)
Déjà Drew For K-Rod by Jared Carrabis
Bay Hits Clutch Homer, Again - JD Drew Goes Yard To Win It In Ninth
77 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched. A 2.24 ERA and only four long balls given up all season long. Oh yeah, did I mention the Major League record 62 saves? You may be impressed by the numbers put up by Francisco Rodriguez during the 2008 regular season, but JD Drew was definitely not impressed in the least bit. Reminiscent to a year ago, the same exact series, the same exact game in that series, just a different setting and a new villain for K-Rod. Tie game, ninth inning, the Red Sox up to bat with the pivotal game in the series hanging in the balance, the exact same situation of a year ago only this time JD Drew was at the plate.
Of course to get to that tie game scenario in the ninth inning, there would have to be some serious pitching, defense and clutch hitting for both sides to set up a 5-5 tie ballgame with the match up of K-Rod against ALCS Game 6 hero, JD Drew. In a game that had some significant changes in the lineup with Jed Lowrie getting the night off after a rough pos...READ MORE!
Published on October 04, 2008 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
A collection of thoughts from the week that was
For Red Sox Nation, every twelve months brings October baseball, where Sox fans emotionally thrive and survive on every single at-bat. But in times like these, it is still important to recall the little things -- the scattered idiosyncrasies that bring out the best in baseball.
•How valuable has Dustin Pedroia indeed become? David Eckstein Part II has developed into a Gold Glove caliber second baseman with batting crown potential. The two knocks on him as a minor leaguer (speed and power) are now irrelevant as No. 15 looks prepared to cross the 20-20 threshold by next year. He is the first Sox player to collect 200 hits in a decade. Not Damon, not Mueller, not Ramirez, not Ortiz has tackled the feat in a Sox uniform.
•After it looked as if his Hall of Fame career would not have any MVP hardware to his credit, Manny Ramirez transformed an offensively-prone Dodgers team into a NL West champions. CC Sabathia’s effect has obviously been monumental on the Brew Crew, nearly single-ha...READ MORE!
Published on October 04, 2008 See Comment(s)
Red Sox In Football Terms by Jared Carrabis
Josh Beckett: 'Probable' For Game 3 / Mike Lowell 'Questionable' For Game 2
According to reports from the Boston Globe, Josh Beckett's side session that he threw in preparation for his potential Game 3 start this Sunday went very well. The October hero of a year ago threw 65-67 pitches in his bullpen session on Thursday with "No limitations" according to Red Sox pitching coach, John Farrell. Not long after, Farrell spoke the words that Red Sox Nation had been waiting to hear since word of Beckett's oblique injury hit the papers, "I will tell you from the look in his bullpen today, he looks ready to go for Sunday."
Josh Beckett threw his side session just like he would have thrown a regular season start. He threw all of his pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball) with no tightness or pain in his oblique. On an even brighter note, he threw all of his pitches with the same amount of effort that he is accustomed to exerting in all non-injury-plagued bullpen sessions. Josh Beckett will continue to prepare for Game 3 of the ALDS which at the moment he is penciled...READ MORE!
Published on October 03, 2008 See Comment(s)
No Beckett? No Problem by Jared Carrabis
Lester Pitches Gem, Bay Saves The Day, Ellsbury Shines
Welcome to October baseball. It’s a new season, which means forget the regular season. Forget the records, everyone starts at 0-0. Forget the stats, everyone is batting .000. Forget the past, Dave Henderson can’t pinch hit for the Sox this year and Manny Ramirez won’t be hitting any bombs off of K-Rod in this series. It’s a new year, two new teams but all the same excitement.
Jacoby Ellsbury picked up this October right where he left of the last one with a drive out to right-center that nearly got out of Angel Stadium. The 94 MPH fastball from John Lackey hit high off the wall as Jacoby Ellsbury cruised into second with a leadoff double. Lackey did not let the ringing double off the bat of Ellsbury faze him as the right-hander went on to retire the next three batters consecutively on groundball outs via the sinking fastball.
Jon Lester took the mound in the bottom of the first inning for the first time in October since October 28, 2007. The last game that the Red Sox appeared in...READ MORE!
Published on October 01, 2008 See Comment(s)
Jared Carrabis
Joe Gill
Mike Ghika
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- Jan. 28 TruFan Red Sox Webcast notes
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Jesse Remington
From Silverdale, WA
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