Act 3, Scene 2

"You can thank the snipers for those errors"
Tim Wakefield takes on Jon Lieber and the Red Sox defense Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

"This team is resilient," Kevin Millar said. "You shower, you think of what you could have done better and you come back tomorrow."

Hopefully Francona won't be too resilient with you playing first much longer Millar.

"Our character is in good shape here. We plan to come out here and win [Wednesday] night," said Damon. "[Tuesday] was an off night for us. But we're ready to strap it on again and try to get a win."

We look forward to the strap on Johnny.

Full Story

Coming to a Stadium Near You
The Red Sox fall on their face in New York as the league leaders in errors show off what they do best. Garciaparra managed 2 and some how Kevin Millar only received one error Friday night as the Sox got rogered by the Yankees in the Bronx 11-3.

"Against any team, when you give extra outs, you can get burned," manager Terry Francona said. "Against the Yankees, you can't do that. You've got to play good games and clean baseball to beat them. We didn't do that, and they took advantage of every mistake we made."

The only highlight of the game was a lead off home run by Johnny Damon in the first and then another solo shot by Damon in the third. But the novelty of that wore off quicky even for Damon who had 4 homers all season going into the game.

Box Score

Damon Blasts 2 Homers

Johnny Damon who had 4 home runs going into Fridays game against the Yankees quickly added to that total. Damon went deep in the first and third innings, both times to put the Sox up by 1 run. Damon hit 12 home runs last season.

Round 3, Sox Lead Series 6-1
By Thursday night the Red Sox could be 2.5 games out of first place, or they could be 8.5 games back in third place behind the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Very scary indeed.

"We have to go down there, put the pressure on them and win some of those games," said Boston's David Ortiz, who leads the AL with 72 RBIs, and was voted the AL player of the week.

Its easy to forget that the Sox made fools of the Yankees last time they met up in the Bronx, but only a fool would think it is going to be that easy again. Foolish thinking but not impossible. The Sox lead the league in ERA, doubles, and only one team has scored more runs than the Sox this year (Chicago White Sox). This time around the Sox have Nomar and Yankees killer Nixon back in the line up. Unfortunately this time Jetter and A-Rod (who were in the Yankees line up last time) will actually be showing up to play. In the past seven days the dueling short stops have combined for seven home-runs and 15 RBI.

"That's the team we're chasing," said Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, who's not slated to pitch in the series. "They have played phenomenal baseball since we last saw them. They're offensively as deep as we are. They are probably the only team in baseball that can say that. We need to go in there and close the gap. I am sure they are looking for a chance to put us out of the mix."

Chances are that by thursday night the Red Sox will not be 2.5 games out of first, nor will they be in third place. Every game counts and the Red Sox have 97 more to play.

"Everybody in this clubhouse understands that it's a series where we have an opportunity to gain a few games on the Yankees," said Nixon. "But everyone around here is a professional and understands you can't put more emphasis on the Yankees series than you can the Atlanta series or Oakland. Every series is important, because the more wins you get, the better opportunity you have of getting to the postseason."

Lowe vs Vasquez Tuesday night
Tim Wakefield vs Jon Lieber Wednesday night
Pedro Martinez vs Brad Halsey Thursday night
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Bow Down Before Me

Ortiz Named AL Player of the Week
In the past 7 days Ortiz hit 4 home runs, 9 RBI all at a .440 clip. Seems like a good time for him to cool off prior to the series in New York.

"I look good? I just keep working, working on my thing and trying to keep it the same way in the game," said Ortiz.

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The Schill is Back

Another Rogering: this time given
The Sox beat the Phillies 12-3, and won their first series since they played the Dodgers.
Schilling was far from perfect, giving up 8 hits and 3 runs, but once he was given a lead in the fourth he shut the door, got the win and struck out seven to boot. However, with yesterdays embarrassing loss a close memory things are far from Rosy in Red Sox Nation.

"We can definitely play better," catcher Jason Varitek said. "I believe this team will get on a roll and put a lot of wins together. You can't pitch well and not hit well, and you can't hit well and not pitch well. We have to match up to be successful over the long run. We've got three months ahead of us. A lot can happen."

The story today was Boston's bats AGAIN, yesterday it was the bats ringing silent, today they pounded out 12 runs. Feast or famine is an understatement for this team. The Red Sox have scored more runs then all but 2 teams (Indians and White Sox)this season but you wouldn't know it from watching them recently. A few blow outs by the sox here and there have helped pad their stats, but for the most part the sox offensive is a pail comparison to last years record breaking team. More padding of the stats today as the Sox got blown out 2-9. Things looked pretty bleak for Sox fans this morning, leading the league in errors, five games back, 12 runs later all is forgotten for the moment.

"Today, we picked up Schilling," said Ramirez. "Not every day will you be so sharp, but today we picked him up."

Oddly enough after this feel good win the Sox lost ground today, starting the day 5 games back the Yankees had a double header, won both and pushed the sox to five and a half back. On Tuesday it is off to the Bronx to either be pushed back further, get back in the race for first place, or most likley keep things about where they are now.

"We need to go in there and close the gap," Schilling said.

BOX SCORE

Red Sox Error On The Side Of Failure

Re-Rout
Less then 24 hours after administering one of their best routings of the 2004 season, the Sox turned around, bent over and took a routing of their own. 4 errors later the Red Sox continued to be the most inconsistent team in MLB. One day they can beat any team by 10 runs, the next day they can get shut out by Toronto. It should not be a surprise that the Sox lead the league in errors. Ironically this is pretty much the same team as last year less second baseman Todd Walker who was let go for a defensive upgrade. The scariest part about this, is the simple fact that this is not a problem that can be readily corrected. Error free teams are created by fundamental drills in spring training, something that will not be happening for another ten months. The Sox stand poised to lose their fourth straight series in a row with a loss on Sunday and could be six games out of the AL East with the Devil Rays right behind them.

Box Score

Can The Sox Break The Streak Today?

The Sox have lost a season high three series in a row (Min, SF, COL), today marks a chance to break that horrible streak. As Jimy Williams once said, "if you will all the series you play, you win the world series, and it was a good year." Easier said then done, but it can't be over looked how important it is to keep winning series, at home or away.
At five games behind the Yankees the Red Sox are in desperate need of a long winning streak to keep this season interesting. In contrast to the past 2 years the Sox have been in first place at this time of year, only to let in slip away in late July and have it remain out of reach for the rest of the season. It would be nice to think that this year it will be the reverse of years past and the Sox will re-obtain first place when it actually matters. However, that is simple wishful thinking if the Sox stay at 5 or more games out.
Box Score

Super Manny

MANNY MAKES A DIVING CIRCUS CATCH TO END THE SEVENTH
Ramirez Stops the show with a web gem for the ages. Pedro walked out to congratulate him, amid a Fenway standing ovation. Manny had his best game of the season as he went 3-4 with 5 runs batted in prior to a rain delay.

Photo Courtesy

Pedro Strong for Six

Martinez gives up just one hit over the first six innings.
Thome sends one into the light tower in the seventh to end Martinez's shut out bid.

Manny and Ortiz go yard as both extend their league leading Home Runs and RBI leader titles respectively.

Youkilus blows it open with a 2 run double, as the Red Sox bat around and post an eight spot in the Sixth.


Box Score

Pedro Gets Jacked For The Phillies

Vegas likes Pedro a lot for this match up. A ten dollar bet on the Phillies will pay out 32 dollars. Martinez who has struggled early will need a strong start Friday night. He is 3-0 in his last six starts after getting a no-decision in his last start during a Red Sox loss.

In the four seasons Terry Francona managed the Philadelphia Phillies, they never finished better than eight games under .500.

Francona will manage against his former team for the first time when the Boston Red Sox host the Phillies in the opener of a three-game interleague series.

Francona, who made his managerial debut with Philadelphia in 1997, was fired after the Phillies finished 65-97 in 2000.

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Red Sox Get Drop Kicked to 5.5 Games Back

As the Dropkick Murphys team up with the Sox

Aided by Sox center fielder Johnny Damon and pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Lenny Dinardo, the Dropkick Murphys have recorded a new version of the song which they hope will become the rallying cry of the Red Sox Nation as the team seeks to end an 85-year championship drought.

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What The Foulke Nomar!

Nomar looks to first after a costly error in the 10th inning
He one hopped a throw to that got by Millar and ended up in the Sox dugout as Cristian Guzman, the lead off runner, ended up on second. The over paid, ungratefully, sack of crap who answers to Jose Offerman bunted Guzman to third. Foulke then allowed a sac fly to Lew Ford who knocked in the go ahead run. Nomar had to like his chances to make amends for the error as he would bat third in the bottom of the tenth after Ortiz and Manny. Both Ortiz and Manny failed to get on base and with all of the faithfull's hope riding on him, Nomar flew out in foul territory to end the game. Foulke registered his second loss of the season despite not allowing a earned run or even a hit. No más.
The Sox start a three game series at home against Philly on Friday.

Box Score

Pokey Man Gets a Boo Boo

Last night, after rolling on his glove hand while diving for a ground ball during Boston's 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Reese sustained what Red Sox team doctor Bill Morgan termed a "partial tear" of the same ligament, but Morgan listed Reese as day to day ("Correct. Exactly.") and described a best-case scenario in which Reese would return by the weekend.

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Hats Off to Nomar

Garciaparra hits his first home run of the season in grand slam style
The Road Worriers were happy to be back home and do what they do best: win at Fenway. Tuesday night, Ortiz, Nomar, and Ramirez all went deep leading the Sox to a 9 to 2 victory.

"It was nice," said Garciaparra, who was activated June 9. "We never counted on just one guy. We expect to pick each other up, always."

Nixon's welcome home homerun robbed by Jacque Jones

"I was excited to get back into the swing of things here, but I wasn't very happy with Jacque Jones and his stunts out in right field," joked Nixon. "He's a good friend. I've gone against him for quite a few years. I've been on the front office to move those fences in about five yards but they just won't listen."

Is Curt Still Hurt?

"I thought he really pitched tonight," said skipper Terry Francona. "I think he even made the comment to me when he came out (of the game) that he was a little sluggish. He didn't have his best fastball, but I thought he really located."

"Coming out in the bullpen and prior to the game I was a little (sluggish)," said Schilling. "I think it had to do with being away from the team for a couple of days and not being around this environment."

Box Score

Fatt Matt Takes a Bite Out of Schilling

Fat Matt Lecroy ran like there was a buffet at second base after he knocked in the Twins first run of the night on a fifth inning double.

Box Score

Red Sox Round Up

Leskanic expected to sign By Jeff Horrigan

Leskanic is 47-32 with 53 saves and a 4.39 ERA in 11 major league seasons with the Royals, Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies. The Sox will only be obligated to pay him the pro-rated portion of the major league minimum salary of $300,000, which is approximately $200,000.

Disease hits home By Jackie MacMullan, Globe Staff

"She probably had it a year before we realized it," said Timlin. "She was misdiagnosed. We thought it was her back."

NOTEBOOK By Bob Hohler, Globe Staff

"You're still here?" Damon asked Kevin Youkilis as the Red Sox prepared to fly home Sunday from San Francisco."
Youkilis, who joins the likes of Wade Boggs, Wilton Veras, and Shea Hillenbrand as third basemen who have risen through the Sox system, hit .318 with a .446 on-base percentage and scored 15 runs in 13 games in May after he took over for the injured Bill Mueller. Since then, he has hit .231 with a .310 on-base percentage and has scored 5 runs in 14 games.

Sox seek lift back at home By Jeff Horrigan

So far this season, the Sox have performed like two completely different teams at home and on the road. At Fenway, they're batting an impressive .285 with 83 doubles, a .365 on-base percentage, a .467 slugging percentage and an average of 5.64 runs per game in 33 games. On the road, they've hit only .258 with 73 doubles, a .348 on-base percentage, a .432 slugging percentage and a 5.09 runs average in 35 games.

Ortiz blossoms after joining Sox By Michael Silverman

Since the Red Sox traded Shea Hillenbrand a little more than a year ago and opened the door to an everyday spot in the lineup, Ortiz has not looked back. He hit .293 with 29 home runs and 82 RBI in the final 97 games of last season after appearing in just 31 of the first 54 games (.272, two home runs, 19 RBI).

This year, he has not missed a beat.

Minnesota Twins (38-30) at Boston Red Sox (39-29), Tuesday 7:05 p.m.

Schilling Wants The Ball

Bad Ankle and All

Despite being widely speculated that Schilling would skip his next start, he will take the mound Tuesday night a 7pm. Clearly in need of rest why would Schilling pitch when his ankle problem persists? Two words Kyle Lohse, that and the game will be played at Fenway. Kyle Lohse has just two wins this season and a robust ERA 5.34 going up against Curt Schilling it appears to be a bit of a mis-match. Put another way, this is an easy for for the Sox and Schilling who have played great at Fenway.

"We're looking forward to getting back to Fenway. We've been playing well there. The road hasn't treated us very nicely this year. Getting back to Fenway is going to do us good." -- center fielder Johnny Damon

REDSOX.COM PREVIEW

Holy Schmidt!

Jason Schmidt dominated the Sox for nine straight innings and came away with a one hit shut out gem. However, pointing the finger at a better pitcher as the reason for a loss is never fun so Red Sox Nation has come away hating Edgardo Alfonzo. It was his pinch hit homer that spoiled the afternoon on Saturday, and it was the same third baseman that made the difference on Sunday. The only runs in the game came in the form of a grand slam served up by Timlin to Alfonzo in the seventh. Bronson Arroyo did his part giving up only 4 hits over 6 scoreless innings.
Box Score

RED SOX FANS LEAVE THE BAY NOT FEELING SO GAY

University of Connecticut catcher Mike Leonard, {pictured left}who recently signed with the Red Sox, was accompanied by first base coach Rowen "Steal the base but not my heart" Sandel to Saturdays game. Leonard showed off his big league savvy by refusing to comment to the press about his feelings regarding the Sox performance over the weekend, Sandel was quoted as saying that

I felt violated

as he left SBC park with his pants around his ankles. Leonard will soon travel to City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla to join the rest of his team mates. He leaves behind his very happy San Francisco friends and a stellar four-year Husky career in May with a .316 career batting average with 15 home runs and 118 RBI in 177 contests for UConn.

Almost Mueller Time

Bill Mueller Rejoins the Team and should be ready to play in a couple of weeks.

"They took out a nice piece of crab meat out of there and some spinach dip and painted a nice picture in there," Mueller quipped of the arthroscopic procedure which took place three weeks ago. "Everything's good. Real good."

MLB.com Story

San Francisco Defeat

Pedro Gives Up Four in the First
Another story line has come and gone without much fan fare. Pedro vs. Bonds: the great match did not deliver as advertised. Pedro's outing as a whole was sub par however, once he got the jank out of his system in the first he then settled down to strike out six and pitch 5 scoreless innings. Bonds failed to register a hit for the second straight day as he went 0-4.

The game appeared to be a text book boring loss until the Sox rallied with the help of pinch hitter Trot Nixon in the 8th. Trot singled, but thanks to some Cadillac outfielding by Bonds the Sox plated 3 runs to tie the game. Alan Embree quelled all Masshole excitement in the bottom half of the inning by giving up a two out two run shot to pinch hitter second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo.

"I threw a breaking ball and it was a strike, and he hammered it," said Embree. "I needed to make my pitch and I didn't make my pitch. It was a strike and it wasn't supposed to be a strike. The team fought back so well right there," said Embree. "To get the first two guys out and then to have that happen, it's all on me today.

The Sox had a chance to tie it again in the top of the ninth but Ortiz got thrown out stretching a single into a double, when Manny (the tying run at the plate)was up next. Shortly after the base running gaff Manny struck out to end the game. Ortiz leads the league in RBI so he gets the free pass today.

Bronson Arroyo takes on Giant ace Jason Schmidt Sunday at 4:05 EST. The only story line in play for that game is that there should be an old fashioned ass whoppin in store for the sox with the miss match on the mound and Bonds having yet to bust out his impending whooping stick.
Box Score

Will Pedro Pitch to Barry

Last night the first time Barry Bonds came up to the plate there were runners on and Wakefield wisely gave Mr. Bonds a free pass to first. Jeers from the crowd rang out, "chicken" was shouted in unison, as the SBC faithful hung up their 51st rubber chicken in the out field commemorating Bonds league leading intentional walks.
Today Pedro will face Barry for the first time since joining the American league. When was the last time you say Pedro intentionally walk any one? He has but it is not often, and it has not happened when the whole world was watching like in today's Fox game of the week.
The Red Sox were able to gain another game on the Yankees last night as they have climbed back to the familiar 3.5 games back after a brief stint at the season low of 5.5 games back earlier this week.

Pedro is claiming that he will walk him if the situation dictates it, but do you actually believe him.

"Well, because it's costing them the game when they pitch to him," said Martinez. "The games have been so close, they have to actually run away and walk him and actually try and win the ballgame, and that's what I'll try and do as well."

Must see TV starts at 3:15 EST.

Preview

Red Sox Rally to Win In Coors... Err SBC Park

Sox Knock Season High Five Homeruns in Come Back Feel Good Win of the Year.
When all was said 23 runs were scored, and seven homeruns were hit as the Sox posted 14 runs on 14 hits to register a 14-9 victory over the Giants in San Francisco's SBC Park. Nearly everyone was involved with this victory as 5 different Red Sox hit homeruns in the "pitchers friendly" park.

``About saw everything tonight,'' Francona said. ``It was like playing a couple of different games. Early on, we were scrambling to stay in it. So many guys did so many things to keep us in the game.''

HR:
Ortiz (15, 5th inning off Williams, 1 on, 1 out)
Ramirez (18, 5th inning off Williams, 0 on, 1 out)
Millar (5, 5th inning off Walker, 2 on, 2 out)
Nixon (2, 9th inning off Rodriguez, 0 on, 0 out)
Mirabelli (5, 9th inning off Rodriguez, 0 on, 0 out)

``Have you ever seen seven home runs hit in this ballpark?'' slugger Barry Bonds said. ``That was unreal. It makes this ballpark look like Colorado.''

None was bigger than the pinch hit 3 run shot Kevin Millar hit in the 5th inning.

"We were down 7-2 and to get off the bench and hit a three-run jack to put the club ahead is nice," said Millar. "This is something you just build off of, and that's what hitting is about, confidence. I kind of sat on the slider and got it, and just got it out of the reach of Barry Bonds. When I went around first, I thought he had a chance to have it."

The story entering the night was Barry Bonds, his big bat, Wakefield's knuckler, and whether or not the Sox would pitch to him. That pre-game story line, as they often do, fell by the way side. Barry Bonds went homerless and was only walked intentionally once by Wakefield, he grounded out twice and struck out in the ninth.

"I had nothing to do with this game," he said

Let's hope it stays that way. Next game 3pm EST on Fox.

Box Score
AP Photo Courtesy

Schilling To Pitch Tuesday

Contrary to published reports Curt Schilling will make his scheduled start on Tuesday at Fenway versus Minnesota.

"Great news," said Francona. "I think we kind of expected it. But when you've got one of your best pitchers going to get an MRI ... I think he's turned the corner and we're all pleased with that."

"The MRI performed on Curt Schilling this morning in Boston showed the condition of his ankle appears stable," said Red Sox team doctor Bill Morgan. "We are making no changes in his treatment."

Boston Herald Story by Michael Silverman
Saturday, June 19, 2004

Hello Buddy!

Good Bye Baseball
The showdown of Red Sox pitching and Barry Bonds begins tonight at 10pm EST. Tim Wakefield gets the first round of three battles this weekend. In the past seven days Bonds has only hit over .400, two home runs, knocked in five, and walked 11 times. Which begs the question, to pitch to him or not?

"It depends on the situation," said Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "If you were to play the Giants 162 games and you intentionally walked Barry Bonds every time, you'd be worse off than if you pitched to him. If the situation allows, you pitch to him. You try to pick the right spot.

The match up of knuckleballer Wakefield pitching to Bonds appears to be a bit of a mis-match. However, Wakefield, a team mate of Bonds on the Pirates, has faced bonds seven tims in the past, and Barry has nothing to show for it. That simple fact probably doesn't comfort Wakefield in the least.

"He impacts the game like no one else can," manager Terry Francona said. "I struggle with (the question of whether to pitch to or walk Bonds). We'll definitely put time into (debating it)."

Not all of Wakefield's teammates are approaching the situation with trepidation.

"I'm looking forward to that, man. It's going to be real exciting," said Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. "My son, he's crazy [about Bonds], every time we're at home, he's flipping channels, 'Hey, I got to see this, Barry is coming to hit.' After he hits, he'll change it. He's awesome. I don't even know how he does it."

"I never watched Barry play in person so it's going to be fun to watch."said David Ortiz."I'm going to watch him from first base."

You can watch him from your couch at 10pm on NESN.

RedSox.com Preview

Red Sox May Join The Beltran Bid War

Since the Royals like Boston minor-league hurlers Juan Perez and Abe Alvarez and major-league infielder Kevin Youkilis, the Red Sox are considered among the favorites to land Beltran when the Royals decide to move the center fielder, who will become a free agent following the season.

Super agent Scott Boras will do his best to raise the stakes and in turn keep the Red Sox at a distance.

"Carlos is a special player," Boras said, adding there will not have been a player with such a rare combination of talent, age and pizzazz on the market since Alex Rodriguez...

New York Post Story
SportsLine.com Story

Schilling to Miss Tuesday's Start

Curt Schilling to miss next start and may go on the DL.
Schilling had an MRI of his injured ankle on Friday and results of that MRI however, Schilling said prior to the MRI, according to a source cited online, that he will skip his next start prior to the results of the MRI results. This turn of events does not necessarily mean that he will land on the DL:

I'm not really of the mind that we're up against the wall," Schilling said. "It feels better and we're doing everything we can do to make it feel better on a daily basis."

Schilling will have significant input on when or if he goes on the DL.

"It's not one person's decision," he said. "I'm 37 years old and I know my body. I'm not going to put myself in position to end my career or anything like that, but I certainly will have some input on how this plays out."

Schilling who flew back to Boston after his last start called the teams manager and told him of his ankles progress or lack there off:

"If he needs a little time off, we'll be more than happy to give it to him," said Francona. "We'll see how he does."

Lowe and Behold

Lowe pitches 7 shut out innings as Red Sox rout Rockies in mile high Colorado.
Lowe scattered only 4 hits over seven innings and lowered his ERA from 5.83 to a nearly normal 5.25 (4.41 league average).

Derek Lowe's Line 7.0 Innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 4 base on balls, 3 stike outs, 0 HRs, 5.25 ERA

This game marks a distinctive turn around for Lowe, who was shopped to the Padres earlier this season,has now won 3 games in a row, become a above 500 pitcher and pitched 14 straight shutout innings. His last two starts have been the only starts this season that Lowe has not given up at least 1 run.


Ortiz Leads the Red Sox 11-0 Rout
The Ortiz doubled, homered, and knocked in 5 of the 11 runs.
Reese doubled in two runs as Garciaparra went 3 for 5, scored 2 runs, and tripled.

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz celebrates a two run home run off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Kevin Jarvis with teammate Nomar Garciaparra during the seventh inning at Coors Field in Denver, Thursday, June 17, 2004.

The Red Sox now fly happy to San Francisco for a weekend 3 game series starting Friday night at 10pm.
Box Score
Photo Courtesy

Nomar is Hurt Again

``I can't win - 21 ABs (for Pawtucket) but no, `You're faking it' and `Cmon, what are you waiting for?' Then I come back, they are still going to say `See - he sucks. He's not good. You were bad last year, you're bad this year.' It's a no-win situation. They should just be glad I'm back.''


``I've been judged on one month - I've got eight years,'' Garciaparra, bemoaning the ``what have you done for me lately?'' standards of some, said before last night's 7-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies. ``Think about what I've done. What would you rather have: eight great years and one bad month or eight bad months and one good year? I think those eight years count - they will somewhere, to somebody.

``Everyone assumes I'm someone different, or I'm trying to do something different, but people have been assuming what I'm like for so long now,'' he said, ``so apparently what I've done over the past eight years obviously means nothing. What counts is the end of last year or the offseason. Apparently eight years don't count, but I think they count - they count somewhere.''

Michael Silverman Boston Herald Sport Full Story

Two and a Lowe

After Two Straihg Losses to one of the Worst Teams in Baseball The Red Sox Look to Lowe to Lowe to Right the Ship.

"The Yankees, it seems like they can't lose. We have to take care of our own business. We have to go out there and win games and not worry too much about the Yankees until we're playing them. You know, we're still in a good spot right now. We're right in position for that Wild Card spot right now. We'll be fine. We're getting healthy, I think that's the key for us." -- Johnny Damon

REDSOX>COM Preview
(Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

First Place: That-A-Way

5.5 Games Back After Another Loss

"We're not playing well," Schilling said. "We're a much better team than this. Tonight, to me, was pitching. We've got to really batten down the hatches and start doing the things that we do best, which is good solid starting pitching and pounding the baseball."

Nixon's Return and HR in Vain

"Obviously I would have much rather traded in the home run for a win," Nixon said. "But I felt good in the batters box. I wasn't lost in the outfield. All in all, I was happy."

Box Score

Leonard Signs With Sox

Mike Leonard will sign a free-agent contract with the Red Sox today and will head to Fort Meyers, Fla., to join the organization's Rookie League team in the Gulf Coast League.

Journal Inquirer

Rocky Montain Low

"I don't think this game should be a tone-setter for the rest of the trip," said Said Boston Red Sox pitcher Alan Embree.

Embree reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton, rear, in the eighth inning of the Rockies' 6-3 win in Denver, Tuesday, June 15, 2004.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Sox Lost to the second worst team in Baseball, while managing only to score three runs in Colorado.

"It's not a fun place to pitch," Curt Schilling said last night, sharing some of the advice he could offer teammates like Bronson Arroyo, who had never before taken the mound at Coors Field. "It's a matter of really changing your expectations sometimes and having your goal be giving up one less run than the other guy."

"A lot of times this year, the team has gone out and battled to get runs and I've given them right back," Starter Bronson Arroyo said. "That's why I haven't won too many games."

Photo Courtesy
Full Story By Bob Hohler, Globe Staff June 16, 2004

Curt Schilling The Man, His Computer, and His Ankle

"The injury became especially worrisome to the Red Sox when they learned that it worsened between Schilling's first and second magnetic resonance imaging tests. Schilling, who has been receiving injections of a painkiller before starts, will have another M.R.I. tomorrow."

"We've had to suck it up with the ankle and we'll continue to have to," said Schilling, before Morgan's ominous update. "The doc has been able to take care of it."

"The Web site thing is because I love the game," Schilling said. "I don't have a problem with giving and taking with fans. It's personal, yet private."

When Varitek was asked if he could ever imagine conversing online with fans, he said: "I don't have time for that. I play every day. I've got kids. I've got stuff to do."

NYT Full Story

Nixon Returns to Lineup Wednesday

"I've learned not to take my body for granted," Nixon said Tuesday. "I learned there are no guarantees in our lives and I think it is more evident in my life."

"I feel I can get to the balls on the line, get to balls in the gap and make the plays I need to and do what I need to do on the basepaths," Nixon said.

"Will I be able to go from first to home to score?" Nixon said. "I don't know yet."

Full Story

Red Sox Boost Rocky Economy

The reality is the Rockies' home attendance this season most likely will decline for the eighth consecutive year, although they still rank in the middle of the attendance pack, having averaged 27,643 so far in 2004.

Tonight will mark the second time this season - the first since the home opener - the Rockies surpass 40,000 in attendance. More telling, though, is they have drawn five of the six smallest crowds in franchise history this season, including a record low of 19,667 for their April 22 game against Los Angeles.

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No Sox, Watch Fox

After playing six straight days the Sox have Monday off as they do nearly every Monday this season. Thank god Fox is launching two new must see shows of the summer tonight. If The OC was a modern day 90210 North Shore, is attempting to be a modern day Melrose Place. Translastion it will pail in comparison to the original. Then at 9pm Fox is also offering up Mark Burnett's latest master piece of reality TV called The Casino.

On Tuesday the Sox lose the DH and travel to Colorado on for a three game series starting at 9pm.
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Pokey Man

Pokey Reese Makes a Ridicules Rally Stopping Catch
He also got it done with the bat, knocking in two of the four runs.

``I thought the ball was in the outfield already. And all of a sudden, Pokey stuck his glove up,'' said Martinez. ``It wasn't real.''

"I mean, [right fielder] Gabe [Kapler] and I started diving for that ball," center fielder Johnny Damon said.

"You know what, I didn't see it, because when it was about halfway there I'm looking down at my card for the next hitter," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "I just glanced down because I knew it was in the gap. ... It was just a hit. Then it wasn't a hit."

"He's something special," Jason Varitek said. "All you have to do is stand behind him in batting practice and try and shadow him and you learn how slow you are."

"It's Pokey's game today. It's his game and his win. If you ask me who was the winner today, I would say Pokey. He deserves all the credit," winning pitcher Pedro Martinez said. "Tonight was his night."

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Red Sox shopped Lowe a bit

FOXSports.com | Inside Dish: Red Sox shopped Lowe a bit: "The Red Sox gauged the Padres' interest in acquiring potential free-agent RHP Derek Lowe before Lowe's recent turnaround. The Padres made it clear they would not trade RHP Adam Eaton for Lowe, proposed other options and then told the Sox in a follow-up conversation that they had no interest in a deal. . . ."

Pedro Nomo, Nomo Pedro, Pedro Nomo...

Welcome Back Everybody
Pedro started his career with the Dodgers, Nomo started his career with the Dodgers, Nomo played for the Red Sox, Pedro plays for the Red Sox, Nomo left the Sox to return to LA, Pedro has said he might leave the Sox and might play for LA again. Now that thats out of the way the important stuff is, like Pedro and the weather. I am beginning to wonder if Pedro thinks ALIGNAK the Native American weather god is directing his career. It is the middle of June and every start recently he has talked about the weather and god. This time:

"The way the weather is going right now and the way I'm feeling the last three outings, I don't see why not," he said when asked if he would be able to keep up the momentum.

Pedro and the Sox are the heavy favorite for this game and rightfully so. Pedro is coming off of his best game of this season...

"It was fun," Martinez said after beating the Padres. "That was a team that had a lot of strangers there, and I didn't know what to expect. But it was fun to actually give the fans what they expect."

Martinez, who struck out eight, walked one and hit a batter, had a 94 mile-per-hour fastball and command of the curveball that he said had been off against the Angels.

while Nomo has lost 5 straight. Will Nomo turn it around? Will Pedro continue to pray to Alignak? The game is ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball game of the week (8pm).

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The Boston Massacre

SOX PITCHING MURDERED FOR 14 RUNS

There was another intriguing development as well. The Sox first baseman-outfielder David McCarty in relief for the second time this season. McCarty fared far better than he did in the home opener, this time working a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

McCarty first entered the game in left field, taking Manny Ramirez's spot in the top of the seventh.

The Sox just hoped the rest of their pitchers fared as well as left-hander McCarty.

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Lets Dance!

The Ortiz Show

Ortiz provided all the offense needed last night, but he was only 1 element of this three ring circus know as the Boston Red Sox. Derek Lowe who struggled through the worst month of May he has ever seen has begun to right his ship. Last nights win marks the second win in a row for Lowe but more importantly it was his best performance of the season as he shutout the Dodger for 7 innings. Lowe lowered his ERA from the "I really suck" level of 6.55 to the "Slightly worse then average" level of 5.83.

"The more you do pitch well, it does give you more confidence," said Lowe.

Lowe's counter part Odalis Perez matched him pitch for pitch and shut the Sox out all the way until Ortiz came up to bat in the seventh. The one man show sent a solo homer in to the stands for what looked like the one and only winning run of the ball game.
Enter Foulke who had the crowd on their feet, the announcers giving credit to the technical people behind the scenes and one out left to record. One what looked to be a routine pop up to left, Manny Ramirez began to run unexpectedly hard then he seemed to drift into Cadillac mode and went for a basket catch off his left shoulder. The ball dropped, the game was not over, and as the Fenway faithful grabbed their head the game became tied forcing the Red Sox to take their ups for the bottom of the ninth.

"Hey, come on, let's win it now," Martinez said in the dugout.

"And that's what happened," Ramirez said.

The Ortiz Show came up to bat with Damon on third and The OS managed a single which sent Damon home to end the game. The natives rejoiced, Pedro danced, hugged, and smacked some asses. Wakefield takes on Weaver for the Fox game of the week at 3pm. This game will prove to have more home run balls then high school prom.


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So Long Dominique... Welcome Back Williamson

Williamson, who saved 21 games last year for Cincinnati, is back where he belongs as our set up man for closer Keith Foukle. Today he was activated off the disabled list and placed back on the 25 man roster, making him eligible to pitch tonight against the Dodgers in Fenway.

To make room for Williamson the Sox sent, catcher, part time first baseman, full time load Andy Dominique down to Pawtucket.

Dominique will be remembered for botching Nomar's first potentiality spectacular play this season by dropping the throw and then making a throwing error which resulted in a run.

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