My New Favorite Red Sox Player

I drink beer after the game, but when you get a save it tastes a little better."

-- RHP Curtis Leskanic celebrating after recording his first save in a Red Sox uniform on Aug. 27.

Race to the Finish

"[Boston] is playing extremely well," said Alex Rodriguez, who went 4-for-4 with his 32nd homer and two RBIs. "But we are in the driver's seat."

And because the Red Sox seemingly never lose, the Yankees' inability to sweep four games from the putrid Blue Jays, losing 6-4 yesterday in front of 44,072, sliced the AL East lead to 41/2 games over the charging Bosox, who beat the Tigers, 6-1.

The 41/2-length lead is the slimmest since June 23 and a solid reason for worry in The Bronx because almost five months are gone and the Yankees' rotation still has questions.
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Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You

On Wednesday the Red Sox can expand their roster size from 25 to 40. Who will show up? This is who the good people at redsox.com think will be making the drive up from RI.
Pedro Astacio, starting pitcher, 0-1, 4.15 ERA (Triple-A Pawtucket)
Yes, that Pedro Astacio. The Sox signed the veteran right-hander to a minor league contract at the end of June, and Astacio (118-109 lifetime in the Major Leagues) continues to build up arm strength following surgery. The Sox have stretched Astacio out of late, so he could be an emergency starter, and at the very least, a long reliever.

Byung-Hyun Kim, relief pitcher, 2-5, 5.09 (Pawtucket)
The side-winding right-hander, who is earning $5 million this season, was demoted by the Red Sox on May 11 and never resurfaced. Now, he probably will. Kim has been battling all year to regain the explosiveness of his pitches. Though not all the way back, the Sox feel Kim can be an effective situational righty out of the 'pen. With Scott Williamson likely out for the season, Kim's re-entry could prove to be important.

Andy Dominique, catcher/first base, .265, 15 HRs, 68 RBIs (Pawtucket)
The Sox liked Dominique's attitude and versatility when he was with the club earlier in the season. What makes Dominique most useful as a callup is the fact he can catch. He also holds his own from the right side of the plate.

Brian Daubach, first base.outfield, .273, 21 HRs, 76 RBIs (Pawtucket)
Because the Sox already have a plethora of players who can play first and the corner outfield spots, Daubach's main value to the club would be as a left-handed pinch-hitter. Daubach, who hit 20-plus homers in four different seasons with the Sox, is a popular player in Boston. While some players in his position would have sulked, Daubach has stayed focused and had a nice year at Pawtucket.

Earl Snyder, third base, .273, 33 homers, 95 RBIS (Pawtucket)
The veteran minor leaguer is having his best season as a professional. He was with the Sox for two days in August after Youkilis went on the disabled list. The native of Connecticut would be thrilled to spend the final weeks of the season with the Sox.

Adam Hyzdu, outfield, .300, 29 homers, 77 RBIs (Pawtucket)
In a normal year, it would be highly beneficial to have a 32-year-old hitter like Hyzdu as a callup. But the Red Sox are loaded in the outfield, and might find it unnecessary for Hyzdu to rust away on the bench.


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On Monday They Rest

Curt Schilling, opens the Tuesday's series against Anaheim at Fenway.

"A bunch of teams are playing good baseball in this league right now and unfortunately for us, it's all the guys that we're in the hunt for with the Wild Card," said Red Sox right-hander.
"But the American League East should be our goal, is our goal," continued Schilling. "You're playing the two teams that are right there and it's a chance to make hay. It's a big nine-game stretch for us, and all three of us have been playing good baseball, but I'm looking at the fact that we're 4 1/2 behind New York and we've got to keep pushing, because that's our goal."

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Getting Jiggy With It!

The Wakes got the job done on Sunday afternoon as the Sox Swept the Tigers in the Fenway. It was the Red Sox sixth straight victory in a row, and as you probably know by now the 12th win in the last 13 games. But did you know that the Sox have only lost 5 games in the month of August? Not bad but nearly all of those games were against below .500 teams. How does that make you feel Johny Damon?

I think we can beat any team right now," Johnny Damon said after the four-game sweep. "Our team is rising up."

Said like a true prophet. The good news is that the Sox stay home for two more series. The bad news is that they are against wild card contenders Anaheim, and Texas. The good news is that Schilling is next up on the hill and has the opportunity to put Texas back 4 games in the wild card race.
Wakefield pitched much better then his last outing giving up only three hits and he reached his season win total of 11 wins. What? The last two seasons Wakefield has not won more then 11 games, chances are this year he will do better than that.
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No One Will Say It ...But I Will...

Thank God Nomar is Gone. He was way too serious about being a loser. Nomar was in place for the Cowboy Up phase of last years feel good Red Sox, but some how he was not down with the love and joy of this years Yeeh Yaah! Sox. The team never seemed to relax the first half of the year. Times have changed.

This is not a boring clubhouse, or dugout," manager Terry Francona said Saturday night after the Red Sox stretched their winning streak to five games. "I think these guys feel good about each other. ... They look like they care about each other. They stick together. Of course it's easier to do that when you're winning."

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Northeastern Education At Work

Detroit Tigers' Carlos Pena reacts to his long fly ball to right field being called foul instead of a home run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004.

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Torre Helps the Sox Cause

BOSTON - New York Yankees manager Joe Torre has reached across one of baseball's biggest rivalries to donate $25,000 to the Jimmy Fund, which raises money for children with cancer and has long been affiliated with the Boston Red Sox.

A telethon Friday at Fenway Park raised more than $1.5 million.

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Manny Next Man to the DL?

Just when things are looking up and unstopable, Manny has to go bye bye for some time.
He was diagnosed with a left knee contusion, and the Red Sox were able to exhale after the X-rays were negative.

Ramirez limped around in pain for a minute or so after sustaining the injury in the bottom of the fourth inning. He conferred with manager Terry Francona and trainer Jim Rowe and gathered himself enough to remain in the game, at least temporarily.

"We're the walking wounded around here," said Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon. "The great thing is the team that Theo [Epstein] and the ownership put together, with Manny down [left knee contusion, day-to-day], we have a Dave Roberts, we have a Gabe Kapler, to go fill in. We're going to have another different lineup tomorrow."

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Sox on a Roll

What up Boss Man!

SOX WIN 5-2....Lowe has best outing of the season...Sox win 10 of the last 11
Varitek, who returned from a four-game suspension for pushing Alex Rodriguez in the face, received a big ovation before his first at-bat. ... Tigers C Ivan Rodriguez, after committing two throwing errors Thursday night, was held out of the lineup Friday with a cold. ... Tigers OF Rondell White was also held out with a strained right hip flexor, sustained during Thursday's loss to the Red Sox. He was day-to-day. ... Red Sox 3B Bill Mueller was held out of the lineup after twisting his right ankle Thursday. ... The MRI on Boston 1B Doug Mientkiewicz's left shoulder showed no structural damage and he remained day-to-day.

"We're on a good roll, and as a starting pitcher you don't want to be the one guy that stops the momentum," Lowe said. "As a rotation, it's been a lot of fun the last couple of weeks."

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Varitek and Lowe Together Again

The Sox got hot and came within 6 games of the Yankees, then Varitek and management thought it would be a good time to give the work horse a rest and serve his 4 game suspension for getting up in A-Rods face. They were right. Now the Sox are still within 6 games of the Yankees and Tek Money is well rested. The Sox face the Tigers tonight after winning 9 of their last 10 games. Lowe, who hasn't pitched well of late despite earning a win here and there, will take the mound at Fenway against Mike Maroth.

"This is what the fans and we have been looking forward to all year, to get off on a nice winning streak. Things are looking real good for us right now." -- Damon

Lets see if Lowe can't screw that up at 7pm.
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I Got My Contract!

Petey dances the dance of a man with out contact problems swirling over his head. Is Pedro just at ease after a victory or does he know he will end his career as a Red Sox?

Yo Yo Yo ArroYo

Obviously, Curt and Pedro are leading the pack and everybody else is trying to keep up," Arroyo said. "You don't want those guys to pull away. You don't want to be the guy to go out there and let the team down and start a slump. It's always nice to feel like you're getting on a roll, especially at the same time the team is playing well."

Unlike last week where Pedro was "the stopper" of a nice winning streak, today Charles Bronson Arroyo let the good times roll as his pitched a gem and limited the tigers to just 1 run and came away with the 4-1 win. The win brought his record to a miserable 7-9 record, but every team has a bad luck pitcher in years past it was Pedro. Thank god for petey some one else took his curse.

He's definitely pitched a lot better than his record shows," said Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli, who completed his four-game stint as the starting catcher while Jason Varitek served his suspension. "He's a guy who goes out there and gives us a chance to win every time he goes out there. He pitches. He's a pitcher. He knows what he wants to do, he has a game-plan and he executes most of the time."

What a complement Doug, why don't you just go back to the bench untill Wakefield comes up in the rotation again. Thursday night Mirabelli made a thowing error which cost the Sox a run and quickly reminded everyone why we are about to sign Varitek to a long, big, fat, costly contract
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More Trouble for Nomar: Wrist Injury

New city, same bad batting practice luck for Nomar Garciaparra.

The former Sox shortstop, who said he suffered his right Achilles injury when he hit a foul ball off it during spring training, missed three straight games—Saturday and Sunday against the Astros and Monday against the Brewers—with a sprained right wrist he said he suffered during batting practice with the Cubs Friday in Houston.

Garciaparra, of course, missed most of the 2001 season with a torn right wrist. On Monday, he told reporters in Chicago that he hoped to play Tuesday, and he went 0-for-4 and did not return after a rain delay in the seventh inning of the Cubs 13-4 win over the Brewers.
By Jerry Beach
Date: Aug 25, 2004
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Manny Ortiz Does it Again

A ding dong fest north of the border as the Sox beat up the Blue Jays 11-5. Schilling got his 16th win, and became only the second AL pitcher with 16 double-U's.

"I feel strong. Tonight was the best fastball I've had in probably three or four months," Schilling said. "It was a minimal effort."

So much for good defense at first, Doug Mientkiewicz left in the fourth inning because of a strained left shoulder. Mientkiewicz injured the shoulder while sliding into second base in the third. He struck out swinging in the fourth, and Kevin Millar replaced him to start the bottom of the inning. Manager Terry Francona said he's day to day.

But who needs defense when you have Manny and Ortiz in your line up. Manny leading the league in Homeruns and Ortiz in second with RBI.

"Manny and David have been unbelievable," Schilling said. "Having one of them is a huge plus. You put both of them in the lineup and there's going to be a lot of issues for the other team."

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Schilling Brings it Across the Boarder

Curt Schilling aims for his 16th victory of the season, as he heads to the mound for the visiting Boston Red Sox in the finale of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Schilling has won back-to-back starts and is currently tied with Texas' Kenny Rogers for second place in the American League with 15 wins.

The 37-year-old righthander was excellent in last Friday's win over the White Sox, yielding just three hits in seven shutout innings. He also struck out six batters without walking anyone. Schilling has struggled against the Blue Jays, going 1-6 with a 5.70 earned run average in 12 career games (eight starts).

The Red Sox are 62-1 this year when leading after eight innings. ... Manny Ramirez's two RBIs in the fifth inning gave him his seventh straight season with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs. ... Mirabelli homered for the eighth time this season in the sixth. ... Wakefield has won five of his last six starts and has beaten the Blue Jays four times this year.

SEASON SERIES: Red Sox, 13-5.

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Mirabelli Does What He Always Does...

...and that is catch for Wakefield, but he doesn't always get the game winning three run homer. Tuesday night he did just that after Varitek dropped his appeal for his suspension on Sunday when the Sox got to within six games behind the Yankees. He began his four game suspension Monday. Pedro was forced to pitch without his hombre Varitek catching his balls on Monday and tossed up a lose in the process. Tuesday the Sox trailed Toronto 3-2 in the sixth when the sixth spot (Varitek's normal spot) came up in the order. Mirabelli knocked a three run shot out off of the poet Batista.

It's a challenge to keep us going in my position, knowing what an impact Jason has on this team," Mirabelli said. "To come in here and contribute and help win a ballgame, while he has to sit out for four days, that is a challenge I knew I had ahead of me and I welcome it."

Wakefield got the win despite giving up 3 runs in four innings. Mirabelli is traditionally Wakefield's catcher so in essence the four game suspension is really just a three game suspension. In fact at this time of the season to give a work horse like Varitek four days off is probably more of a blessing the anything else.

'Tek is swinging the bat well and I think he's going to swing it well coming out of it," Francona said. "Four days off will do wonders for his body. I think that's the way we view this -- we're going to turn this into a positive and we did tonight."

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Lowe Makes it 6 in a Row? Umm No.

Sox sweep sox after 6-5 win.
A few strange things happened Sunday: The Red Sox swept the White Sox, only the second time this year the Red Sox have swept a .500 team on the road. The Sox won 6 games in a row, the longest win streak of the season. Lowe could have won his third game in a row. He didn't because he sucks, but Manny and Ortiz don't suck and just three pitches after Lowe gave up the lead and his win Manny Ortiz went back to back jacks to take back the lead. However, most importantly the Red Sox are 5.5 games out of first place in the AL East. Just a few days ago they were 10 games out, but thats what happens when you sweep the White Sox, and the Angels swept the Yankees. Not too bad for a team that is basicly on the DL.

INJURIES: Red Sox -
INF-OF David McCarty (wrist), 15-day DL;
INF Pokey Reese (rib cage), 15-day DL;
3B Kevin Youkilis (ankle), 15-day DL;
OF Trot Nixon (quadriceps), 15-day DL;
LHP Lenny Dinardo (finger), 15-day DL;
RHP Jason Shiell (elbow), 15-day DL;
RHP Reynaldo Garcia (elbow), 60-day DL;
LHP Brad Thomas (elbow), 60-day DL;
RHP Scott Williamson (forearm), 60-day DL;
OF Ellis Burks (knee), 60-day DL.
Box Score

Ramirez: Early and Often

Manny continued to dominated the line up and once again changed the whole complexion of the game in early innings. Saturday night he hit a three run homer in the first inning, the Sox never lost that lead. Although that is slightly misleading the final score of the night was 10-7. The Red Sox scored in every inning except the 4th 8th and 9th. When it was all said and done Manny put five of the ten runs on the board.

"Manny had a quiet spell and it looks like he's heating up," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

This game marked the first time this season that the Red Sox have won three straight road series. Who needs Nomar? Kidding, but the team is definitely playing with a spark that did not exist prior to the trade. Chalk it up to one of those times when the same crappy team goes on a 10-0 run after their crappy manager is replaced with an even crappier one. Ramirez offered his theory on the matter:

"We just go out and have fun," he said. "Everybody's swinging and pitching well right now."

Bronson Arroyo (6-9) got the win for a change. However it was not the normal Arroyo start, tonight the Red Sox actually scored some runs but Arroyo gave up 5 runs himself.

"I felt bad from the get-go," Arroyo said. "It was just one of those days. Luckily the guys scored a ton of runs."

Mike Timlin and Terry Adams each allowed a run before Keith Foulke struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his 21st save in 26 chances.

It was Esteban Loaiza bobblehead day, a promotion the White Sox scheduled before trading their two-time All-Star pitcher to the Yankees on July 31 for Jose Contreras.


Box Score

Cabrera Flying High With Red Sox

Cabrera continues to get it done on both sides of the diamond with a home run tonight and 4 more RBI, as he polished off a 10-1 victory for the Sox over the Pale Hoes. Orlando Cabrera was brought in as a low cost (compared to Nomar) replacement for Garciaparra who wasn't going to register an out every time he came up to bat. 20 some odd days after the trade they basically have preformed identical. Garciaparra has hit 3 home runs, Cabrera has hit two. Garciaparra has knocked in 11 runs, Cabrera the same. Cabrera has 4 errors and Garciaparra has 3. Pick your poison, I pick the player that isn't a total OCD freak, and that wont cost an extra 10 million a year to resign.

GAME OVER

Manny's two out grand slam in the top of the second inning, which made the score 6-0, put the White Sox out of it prior to ever being in it. It was home run number 31 of the season for Ramirez's which broke a 4 way tie (A. Rodriguez, M. Ramirez, G. Sheffield, D. Ortiz)for the league lead in ding dongs. It also lofted his season RBI total over the 90 mark.

`I feel blessed, I know that I'm a special player and with everything that I've done, I'm just happy,'' Ramirez said. ``I'm happy we're winning.''

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Bellhorn Back with Sox in Chicago

Just when you were sarting to wonder who was playing the infield for the Red Sox, a familar name returns to the dugout.
After missing 16 games Bellhorn rejoins the Sox with a slighly repaired fractured left thumb. Bellhorn sat out Friday nights game becuase he can only bat right handed for the time being.

Red Sox Block Clemens Trade to New York

You're Not Going Anywhere Fatso

Roger Clemens was recently placed on waivers by the Houston Astros, a move done only to facilitate a possible trade of Clemens after the trade deadline has passed. It was a long shot for the Astros who may have hoped to trade The Rocket back to the Yankees, but some team was bound to step in and the Sox just happened to be the first. The Sox would have actually been interested in acquiring Clemens again, but shortly after Sox brass put a claim in on his wavier the Astros removed Clemens from waivers and the deal was over.

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Oil Can Boyd Back Winning Games

Concord-Carlisle High graduate Chris Bodnar learned an important lesson last night at St. Peter's Field: Never underestimate Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd.
With his team trailing, 2-1, in the fifth inning of the 11th annual Oldtime Baseball Game, the former Red Sox hurler smoked a line-drive RBI single into right field off Bodnar, tying the game for the Mount Auburn Hospital Stars.

"I was thinking, 'Just throw strikes and he won't be able to hit it,"' said Bodnar, who will enter his senior year at Williams College this fall. "I figured I could strike him out. But he came through and proved he could swing."

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Remy Likes the New Look Red Sox

"It's not like they are expecting good things to happen, they are making good things happen." Jerry Remy 8-20-04

Sox Sweep up House and Leave Town

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, left, and shortstop Orlando Cabrera congratulate one another following Boston's 6-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park in Boston on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004.

This homestand was very important to us," Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield said after picking up the win on Wednesday night. "You're getting down to the wire ... and you've got one (playoff) spot between four or five teams, you know, so it's going to be a grind. I like our chances."

Millar continued to contribute as he added two more RBI Wednesday night.

We've been playing good baseball the last two weeks," said Kevin Millar, whose 10-game hitting streak (.436) is one reason why. "This is what it's all about, the last six weeks of the season."

Schilling takes the mound for the Sox in the south side of Chicago on Friday night.
Box Score

Mistake by the Wake

Boston Red Sox second baseman? Bill Mueller can't handle a ground ball by Toronto Blue Jays' Frank Catalanotto during the first inning at Fenway Park in Boston Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004. Mueller was charged with an error on the play.
It proved to be a harmless error as the Blue Jays failed to score in the inning, the Red Sox went on to score four runs in the bottom of the first.



Tonights Interesting Lineup:
Johnny Damon CF 2
Doug Mientkiewicz 1B
Manny Ramirez LF
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Millar RF 2
Orlando Cabrera SS
Bill Mueller 2B
Doug Mirabelli C
Earl Snyder 3B

Box Score

Cabrera Walks Off the Hero

Orlando Cabrera's run-scoring double in the ninth inning gave Boston Red Sox a 5-4 win over Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.

Unbelievable," Cabrera said. "I mean, I have [had game-winning hits] in Montreal, but it's not 35,000 people. They deserve it. They come here every night just to support the team and hopefully get a win and I think everybody did a pretty good job today."

Pinch-hitter Dave Roberts drew a leadoff walk and Johnny Damon hit into a forceout off Kevin Frederick (0-2).

Cabrera, who has hit just 13-for-65 since he joined the Red Sox July 31, hit a drive off the left-field scoreboard. Francona has stuck with Cabrera simply because he has no other options.

I'd love to say I knew he was going to get that hit," Francona said. "The way our lineup is set up, the guys are playing more out of necessity than actually me being that bright of a guy."

The ball rebounded high in the air as Damon came around and slid in ahead of Kevin Cash's tag.

Keith Foulke (3-3) pitched a perfect ninth and Boston are now 8-3 in their last 11 games.

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Bring Out Your Dead... err Injured

Red Sox Place Youkilis and McCarty On the DL

The Boston Red Sox have placed infielders Kevin Youkilis and David McCarty on the 15-day disabled list.

Youkilis has a bone bruise in his right ankle, an injury he sustained Sunday during a collision at home plate with Chicago White Sox catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. In 56 games this season, Youkilis has a batting average of .281 with seven homers and 33 runs batted in.

McCarty, meanwhile, has not played since August 12 because of a cyst that needs to be drained from his right wrist. He is hitting .246 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 82 games.

The Red Sox activated pitcher Curtis Leskanic off the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of infielder Earl Snyder from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill the roster spots.

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Pedro Gives Up 4 Earned Runs Early

Just when Pedro was making a strong case to be a Cy Young candidate, he goes out and gives up 4 runs in 4 innings.
Martinez has struck out 10-plus batters in each of his last three starts. He is 2-0 with a 1.18 ERA and 32 strikeouts in three starts during August.

Not the best [outing]," Martinez said. "Certainly not the way I would like it to be, but I gave my team an opportunity to stay in the game and we ended up winning, so we are all happy."

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"I AM AN ABOVE 500 PITCHER! I TELL YAH."

Lowe reaffirms himself as he leaves the mound in the first inning. What do you know? It worked. With the win (8-4) on Monday Lowe's record went to 11-10 mmm fancy. After the big bats rang silent Sunday, Monday the offense made some noise. Johnny Damon 2 (62), Dave Roberts (24), Kevin Millar 2 (51), Jason Varitek (58), Orlando Cabrera 2 (36)all knocked in their respective runs. D Lowe was D Lowe giving up his proverbial 3 earned runs, doing nothing to lower his gastric ERA. But putting himself in a position to win the game if the offense put up football numbers. Foulke got his 20 save of the year. Hooray! For the bull pen! They didn't foulke up a lead.
The story of the night was Manischewitz starting for the first time ever at second base. Manager Francona; that doesn't seem like a good idea what do you think about it?

We're not going to do it the rest of the year,'' Francona said. ``It's for tonight's game and gives us our best chance.''

Box Score

Welcome to Second Base Bitch!

What happens when your team trades for a defensive first baseman? You play him at second. That's what happened to Mientkiewicz Monday night, he was greeted by Carlos Delgado with a rough slide to break up the double play as he was forced out and then Mientkiewicz decided to give Delgato a verbal welcome of his own.

On one hand, he played the game the way it's supposed to be played,'' Mientkiewicz said. ``He played it hard and there's nothing dirty about it. I just felt he knew I'm not a second baseman and I don't appreciate the fact that he took advantage of it. I don't think it's a cheap shot, but let's put it this way, I wouldn't do that to (a guy) who was playing his first game at second base.''

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Too Litle Too Late Again...

Embree and Timlin dont get it done again.
Shortly after giving up his third run of the day Charles Bronson Arroyo left the game with the Sox well withen the come back range (down 3-2). Enter Embree and Timlin, our two best bridge men from the starter to the closer. However recently the word best hasn't meant much. Both Embree and Timlin let the game slip further away, 5-2 when their damage was done.



Box Score

"Manishevitz" Actually Helps Out

Make no mistake about it, the Sox management traded for Manishevitz for his defense, however that does not mean you get a free pass every time you step up to the plate. Since joining the Red Sox Doug "Manishevitz" Mientkiewicz has knocked in two runs and failed to even play a great deal of time. Sunday "Manishevitz" started and actually knocked in two meaning full runs. With two runners on "Manishevitz" hit a single up the middle that scored Kapler and Varitek. The two runs tied the game at 2.
Box Score

Williamson Done For The Year

Williamson to have Tommy John surgery mid week and be out for the rest of this year and most of next year. Williamson had 21 appearances for the sox this year and posted a 0-0 record. Exactly what a set up man is suppose to do. Now the Sox will have to rely on the not so stable hands of Embree and Timlin to get them to Foulke. Or if the starting rotation just pitched as Pedro and Curt did their last starts there would be no need for set up men or women.
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Big Pappa Does The Heavy Lifting

SOX RALLY IN 8TH, WIN 4-3
It looked like it might be another dark day at Fenway as Curt Schilling gave up back to back home runs in the first inning.

I gave up two homers on fastballs that I missed horribly with," he said. "But I can't abandon my fastball. That's my bread and butter."

On Saturday, however looks were quite deceiving, as Schilling stayed in the game and only allowed 1 more run over the next 7 innings. That was all the Sox needed. To stay close and The Big Pappa David Ortiz did it again, and again for that matter. Ortiz went deep in the fourth inning and again in the eight to take the lead again as he picked Schilling up and secured him his 14 victory of the season.

What they want him to do is pitch around me," Ortiz said. "I was aggressive. He made a mistake. He put it in the middle of the plate."

Oh it should be noted that Manny also went deep.

"If we're going to get to where we want, they're going to have to be big parts of it," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.

Box Score

Wakefield Continues to Toss Beach Balls

The last game Wakefield pitched he tied the lovely record of most home runs given up in a game. Friday the record was safe as he only gave two long balls but 6 earned runs. That's right six earned runs over 6.1 innings, that will do wonders for your ERA (4.48 into 4.67).
It was rumored that Jose Contreras was trade from the Yankees because he couldn't beat the Red Sox. Since the bidding war last spring Jose Contreras is 0-4 with a 16.43 ERA facing the Sox. Friday the 13th marked Contreras's fist victory against the Sox in his short MLB career. Did he even notice he had a problem with the Sox?

It's a big relief," Contreras said through an interpreter. "It's the best outing I've ever had in Boston."

Chicks dig the long ball but Wakefield is a dude. A dude who likes to give up the long ball of late.

I thought his knuckleball was much better tonight, but he left a couple up," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "The long ball has been hurting him for sure."

Tonight Wakefield only gave up two long balls, but that makes it seven over two games which equals crap.

Manny and Millar (yes he lives another day)both had long balls of their own, but the Sox came up short 8-7 after scoring two runs in the ninth.



Box Score

Damon Asks To Lower Lowe's ERA

On Wednesday Lowe got a win, that's good. However he gave up three earned runs over 5.2 innings, that's bad. Lowe, who is in a contract year and will be seeking free agency has a ridiculously high era for a starting pitcher (5.47). Thursday Johnny Damon decided to do something about it. You see, the previous day Damon dropped a ball that scored two runs, and the official scorer gave Tino Martinez credit for a hit because the play was anything but routine. Normally that is good for a center fielder. Center fielders are all about the defense and errors translate into poor defense which translates into lower ranking and less salary the next time your contract is up. Damon being the friendly selfless guy that he is was confident enough in his reputation for solid defensive and asked the official scorer to change the ruling on the hit and slap another error on his total for the year (5). In turn Lowe's second and third earned runs of the day turned into unearned runs. Lowering his ERA from 5.47 to 5.33. Every little bit counts I guess.

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Pedro Takes It To The House

Pedro pitches a complete game shut out.

Sox blank the Devil Rays 6-0 and take the series 3-1. Martinez pitched his first complete game shut out in four years. You have heard it dozens of time before and probably again: It was the Pedro of old. It was a pleasure to watch, as the Boston faithful gave him a standing ovation as he took the field in the top of the ninth. He gave up only six hits and struck out ten. Pedro's record is now 13-4 with a 3.72 ERA. Not too bad.

He's not the power guy he used to be, but he pitches," said Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella. "He was in full control out there."

Pedro actually talked to the press since things are going well for him.

I feel a lot more confident that this team is going to play better because the team is starting to settle down and play defense together, and also our offense is improving," said Martinez. "Everybody knows their role and knows what they have to do. "

Ortiz snapped out of his mini slump as he knocked in two with three hits. Kapler (who lead off) and Youkilis (two-hole) both knocked in a run each. Millar, and Tek stay hot as they both added another RBI to their head board.

Wakefield takes the mound tomorrow night at the Fens against Jose "Boo Yaa" Contreras. That should be interesting.

Box Score

How Many Times Do We Get To Play Tampa?

SOX TRUMP DEVIL DOGS 14-4

Millar makes his best argument for staying in the line up: A four hit four RBI night.

I made a mistake" and had a "great" talk with Francona, Millar said. "The people in this clubhouse know that I'm not selfish. I want to contribute and help this team win."

One could have only dreamed of a four game sweep of Tampa, but 3 out of four isnt't that bad. Tampa has played well this year except against teams that mater, like the Red Sox and the Yankees.

The clubs are good that we're playing," Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said. "We have young pitching and they have veteran hitters. That's a bad combination."

D-Lowe pitched 5.3 innings and gave up 3 earned runs, so his ERA wasn't done any favors, but he did register his tenth win of the season. Which is a lot more than more 5+ ERA pitchers can say. Lowe left the game early because of a blister on his thumb.

We can talk about the thumb until the cows come home, but we won," said Lowe, who has been plagued by such blisters this year. "Their pitcher was having a phenomenal year and to score that many runs off him should get everyone confident."

Pedro takes the mound for the olde town team on Thursday at 1pm.
Box Score

Is this what a win feels like?

With a score of 8-4 in Fenway the words ding dong might be coming to mind. Especially if the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are in town. But no, tonight was a night of manufactured runs. Well that is not completely true, you can't manufacture 5 runs in an inning, unless your company's name is Bad Pitching INC.
Bronson Arroyo was graced with just his 5th win of the year. Too bad he has pitched about 13 of them by now.

"Bronson's given us a quality start every time he's pitched," Kevin Millar said. "We've had trouble hitting the ball when he's on the mound, but he's as tough a fifth starter as there is in the big leagues right now."

Umm, I think that is a complement. Thanks Kevin.
Where did Many Ortiz go? Over the past seven days Manny and Ortiz have only 1 ding dong to their name but more importantly only 5 hits. At least one of the big boys has to produce. Fortunately Varitek and Mueller have been swinging a hot bat of late. Tonight Tek money made the difference scoring two runs and knocking in two runs in his 4 at bats.

"They've got a good offensive club," Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said. "Sosa was coasting along for four innings nicely, and then they finally got to him in the fifth and it continued in the sixth. They got some good two-out hitting."

Box Score

The Schill Is Gone

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Curt to Bring the Hurt

After a just coming home from the longest road trip of the season, the local nine won six of the eleven games to post a .545 road trip. Sounds about right.

It's going to be interesting tomorrow night when we play. A bunch of new faces, and the fans need to adapt and get to the gift shops and get some new jerseys." Said Damon on the "new look" Sox returning home

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Millar Admits He Is A Dumb Ass

The streaky Millar who just went through a hot streak blew up at Francona when he found out he was not in the line up over the weekend against the Tigers.

I want to apologize to Terry," said Millar. "I don't want him to turn out to be the bad guy. I'm not challenging Terry Francona as the manager. Sometimes I wear my heart on my sleeve. I came in and I was frustrated. I probably should have taken a walk to the dugout for an hour.

"It's a tough situation with what he has to work with right now. He has been loyal to me," said Millar

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Yanks GM Heading to the Red Sox ?

Brian would like to go to Boston and win the World Series," Mary Cashman says in the magazine article, which hits newsstands Monday. "That would be any man's dream, to go up there and become the god of Boston. But I don't think that will happen."

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Nomar Rips Sox Management

After Larry Lucchino spoke to the media about conversations he Sox management had with Nomar about his health and ability to take the field down the stretch Garciaparra told his side of the story yesterday.

"I don't know why they brought up private conversations," Garciaparra said. "But I'll just give you the facts.

"We were concerned with how the Achilles' was going, so I talked to the trainers and the manager to make sure we were all on the same page.

Read: I need some time off and may need to go onto the DL in August.

"Was it sore? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes. But it was about avoiding going on the disabled list, it was about avoiding time off. I also was saying that I couldn't continue playing every single day [this] season. I never said I couldn't play.

Wait, didn't you just say you couldn't play every day? Now I am confused, but do go on.

"The issue was the six games on turf [three in Minnesota, three in Tampa Bay]. But I was playing on it. Maybe I'd have to miss more than one day once in a while, maybe consecutive days to make sure it was OK. But after I missed the first game Friday [in Minnesota], I was in the lineup the next day."

On grass for another team, yes I see your point exactly. So you don't like playing on turf, how do you feel about jungle gyms, or water slides, do you like playing on those?

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Red Sox and Yankees to Merge

...Cable networks that is. The New York post has reported that both teams are interested in creating a powerhouse regional sports network.

The two networks are among the country's most successful regional sports networks and part of the reason the Yankees and Red Sox are the leading revenue teams in Major League Baseball.

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Now That Nomar is Gone Lets Party

He was always misable

Sean McDonough
The Sox are 0-2 after the nomar trade, but what is more sobering is the fact that Orlando Cabrera who was aquired for his defense made the game losing fielding error as he boot a cut off throw.

I was thinking (Ford) was trying to score," Cabrera said. "We missed the cut and I saw the play as a loose ball. I went after it, and didn't see (first baseman David McCarty ) behind me. I kicked it with my left foot and it got away."

And so did the game Jerk Store. Welcome to Boston.
In a strange turn of events Pedro dominated in the seveth inning and should have pitched the eigth. Pedro and the managment thought differently.

Our plan was for me to pitch 100 or 110 pitches, and that's where I ended up," Martinez said. "I could've gone nine but I didn't want to push it, go nine and lose my next outing."

Lose your next outing or lose your last game?


* Cabrera is the eighth player to hit a home run in his first plate appearance with the Red Sox.
* Boston slugger David Ortiz dropped his appeal and began serving a five-game suspension.
* The Twins and Red Sox drew 113,297 fans to the Metrodome during the weekend, the most to watch a three-game series in Minnesota since the Red Sox came to town in August 2002.

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No More Nomar

Taxi...

Nomar Traded for two non-impact players
Nomar was dealt on Saturday to the Cubs in a deal that will be talked about and most likely ridiculed for years to come. The fact of the mater is that Nomar was not going to be resigned by the Red Sox, but to trade him for a sack of crap like Orlando Cabrera (he actually isn't a sack of crap normally unless you compare his last 8 years in MLB to Nomar's... Oh wait you can't) and Doug Manischewitz {sic}.
What exactly happened?
The Red Sox received shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Expos and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins in the deal, with the Cubs sending shortstop Alex Gonzalez and minor leaguers Francis Beltran, a right-hander, and Brendan Harris, an infielder, to Montreal. Minnesota gets minor-league left-hander Justin Jones from the Cubs. In addition to Garciaparra, the Cubs also received minor-league outfielder Matt Murton and cash considerations from the Red Sox.
You lost me there.

They can take the shirt off my back but they can't take away the memories." Nomar Garciaparra.

Larry Stone of the Seattle Times does a decent job of critiquing the deal.

The "Moneyball" boy geniuses, Paul DePodesta (Harvard `95) and Theo Epstein (Yale `95) are supposed to be just a little bit smarter than everyone else.

They'd better be, because to a slacker like me, they came out looking pretty dumb on Saturday. Cum laude, shmaude.

Dude Where's My Shortstop?

The Boston Blogger is not a fan of this trade. The glass is half full tells us anything is better than nothing, and a defensive first baseman (if had for the first half of the year) will give us a fewer errors, but the errors are already errored. Kevin Millar has lost 3 or 4 games for us by playing first base chances are that he was not going to lose 3 or 4 more games for us, but we will never know now that Doug Manischewitz takes over the 1 bag. The good news is that Manischewitz is a gold glove at fist and god only knows we need a gold glove at first. God Speed Manischewitz God Speed.
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