Peter's Red Sox Forever

I'm Back...Finally!!

2011-11-27T14:46:00.002-05:00

It was an on and off time in the hospital but it seems I'm as OK as I can be. I hope your Thanksgiving was a great one. I miss you more than you'll ever know. I'll be back writing posts before you know it. Peter

So Much I've Missed

2011-10-29T10:44:00.002-04:00

Hello to everyone on this Saturday, October 29th. I'm doing SO much better. Thanks to everyone for your good wishes. The Cards did it in an epic game 6 and game 7. They pulled it out! I've never been a St. Louis fan (1967 etc.) .

Today here in North central Connecticut we're awaiting a never before seen intense October snowstorm. Woo pee. I mean that because all the leaves on the trees and snow, heavy and wet with wind, will bring down power lines. I like snow, but in October???? Power outages are too darn likely. The snow is fine, no electricity is not. I'll have an update after 12 noon. Right now it's 10:55.

About the Red Sox, thank you Tito and Theo.The 2012 season will certainly be different but with the core of players Boston has with a couple additions (starting pitcher for sidelined Lackey,etc) who knows.

As always, BE WELL.

Recovery (Of Me) Almost Complete

2011-10-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

Hello my faithful readers. I'm back (since Wed. dinnertime) but this is my first blog entry. I'll be back later today with a a real post
explaining about my fall and my back with its broken bone (L1). Nice to be back. The Series resumed tonight. More later. As always, BE WELL.

A Farewell To A September Best Not Forgotten

2011-09-30T10:53:00.005-04:00

I'm back. Bfw, I was pretty sick with a one week hospital stay but the computer harmlessly did not work for a while before that. I'm more than happy to be back. As for the Red Sox, I'll go into them in a couple days. I'm not up to it right now. WHO IS? Take care. Thanks. Click on this post's title for more. There's NO place like home!

Boston 12 Texas 7...CC Grand Tater

2011-09-04T05:38:00.010-04:00

Carl Crawford's grand slam pushed the Red Sox to a 12-7 defeat of the Rangers. It also gave Bedard his first victory in a Boston uniform. Here's Carl himself...

“I don’t look at the numbers. I guess when [the media] reminds me, then I know. But other that that, I just try to take each new day as it comes. That’s my approach.’’

Here's Papi...

"That’s the guy we used to play against. He changes a game just like that. One swing, look what it did.’’

And beautiful it was, that's for sure. Today, game three comes up with J. Lackey (12-10) vs M. Harrison (10-9). You never know what your going to get with Lackey on the mound. Watch him pitch-his pitching is like a box of chocolates... you see what I mean? That's going to be it for me today. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Click on this post's title for more and as always, BE WELL.

Texas Tops Red Sox 9-0... OUCH!!

2011-09-03T02:00:00.018-04:00

Andrew Miller gave up six runs in the first 1 1/3 innings Friday night. The Sox never recovered, and fell out of first place. That THUD was nice. While in first and we''ll be there again. I feel it deep in my heart. It's only one game between the Yankees and and the Sox. We need a pitcher (Lester) to become more consistent. Yes, Jon has a few disappointing games on his resume. He hasn't been as winningly consistent as he was as recently as a couple of months ago. He didn't pitch yesterday, it was just an example. Andrew really brought his team to their knees. Helpless. These are the games that seem pre-set. It was just one guy.

Today, they play against Texas. It'll be Boston vs. Texas in an evening game. We need to string together a few victories and get our confidence and batting prowess together. Also click on this post's title to hear and see more about it all. I thank you for popping in and as always, BE WELL. THANKS.

NY Yankees 4 Boston Red Sox 2..A CLUNKER

2011-09-02T03:51:00.010-04:00

Jon Lester ran out of gas after just five innings, but left with a 2-1 lead en route to a 5-2 Red Sox loss. There were over 350 thrown, and many were ugly. They can't ALL go your way and this win surely didn't. NY takes the series 2 games to one and I expected so much more. But it was not to be, not even close. I'll have a full wrap-up later today. Thanks. Click on this post's title for more on the game. Jon threw 151 pitches in these innings

Here's Boston manager Terry Francona...

"Long games -- we're all tired. Tonight, we just didn't swing the bats that well. We move on and try to win tomorrow."

It was a long time coming and the loss was inevitable. It's as if the writing was on the wall before the final pitch was thrown. Maybe it was.

It's bye bye time. I'll be back in a few hours. I thank you for coming in.

Red Sox 9 Yankees 5

2011-09-01T05:10:00.011-04:00

Jacoby Ellsbury hit a two-run home run in the sixth to help fuel a major Boston Red Sox victory last night by a score of 9-5.. Ells is batting .313 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who bats lead off. He never ever hit it over the Green Monstaer. Ells said this last night...

“That was pretty cool. I’ve wanted to do that.’’

On a field full of MVP candidates, Ellsbury stood tallest. He is now hitting .313 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs from the leadoff spot. That's AMAZING!

With 27 games remaining, Ellsbury is one run shy of his career high of 98. He also had his 35th double last night. The home run was the first he has hit to the opposite field in his career and only his eighth off a lefthander. Here's PIedey...

“He’s been great all year long. There’s nothing he can’t do on a baseball field,’’ teammate Dustin Pedroia said. “We’re glad he’s on our team. He’s a force at the top of the lineup.’’

That was a wonderful moment in the middle of a victorious effort for Boston. Oh yes it was. Today, AJ Burnett goes for the Yankees and Jon Lester, our best with Josh Beckett, takes the mound for the Red Sox. I like that pair going against each other. If Jon can stay out of early inning troubles, as he's been lately, the Yankees should leave Boston with a loss. GO SOX.

Yankees 5 Boston 2

2011-08-31T04:09:00.005-04:00

I have this summary for the Yankees and Red Sox from this morning"s BOSTON GLOBE. I come back with a post a little later today...
The Yankees took the first game of this three-game set against the Red Sox to whittle Boston's lead to a half game in the American League East before a Fenway Park crowd of 37,773.

"CC Sabathia (18-7), winless in four previous starts against the Red Sox, went six innings and allowed two runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out 10.
John Lackey (12-10) went seven innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out three.
New York pitchers gave up 13 hits but struck out 13 as Boston stranded 16 runners in a 3-hour-59-minute game that saw Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild (seventh) and manager Joe Girardi (ninth inning) ejected by third base umpire Mark Wegner.
Rothschild was run from the game when he protested John Lackey's hitting catcher Francisco Cervelli, who hit a solo homer off Lackey in the fifth inning. Girardi was ejected when closer Mariano Rivera plunked Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the left wrist in the bottom of the ninth."

Lackey's five runs doomed his club. Oh well, we'll get 'em today. We'd better!

Back To Work For The Yankees & Red Sox

2011-08-30T04:44:00.007-04:00

The Boston Red Sox will put on their uniforms and tackle with the NY Yankees tonight after a very wet interruption. Here are the pitching match ups, but first, a word from our DH...

“This is great. Our guys need the rest. We’ve been going like crazy around here and guys are tired and this is going to give us a little bit of a break physically, so we can get our energy ready to go the rest of the way. We’ve got the Yankees coming in and that’s always going to be a tough series and very intense for everybody. So we’re going to be rested for that.’’

Tonight, John Lackey will be on the hill at wet but still friendly Fenway. I'll see you soon.

For What It's Worth...

2011-08-29T06:12:00.006-04:00

Theo Epstein was involved in a big way with Boston's acquisition of Adrian Hernendez. The Padres coveted our center fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. Now he's turned himself into an irreplaceable cog in the Red Sox offensive attack and their defense. Imagine the Sox without Jacoby. I don't even want to go there. Here's reliever Daniel Bard...

“A lot different. Who’d be playing center field for us? We’d probably have had to go sign someone else, or maybe Cam (Mike Cameron) would still be here. Jacoby’s the sparkplug for our offense. You could say he’s been our most consistent guy all year. He had a really good spring training, maybe a little bit of a slow April, and he’s pretty much been on fire ever since.”

So thank you,Theo Epstein. You did good.

The hurricane tracked just to the west of where I live but unbelievably, my power stayed on with nary a flicker. For that, I'm thankful. What I'm not thankful for is the lack of ingress and egress. (I can't go anywhere until tomorrow because the road I live on is underwater. So I'm stuck here. Don't get me wrong. The fire department came yesterday and they knocked on every door to tell the people living here that Town Farm Road and route 4 are underwater. They told me things should be back to normal tomorrow. I have my two kinds of insulin here but one of them needs to be refrigerated. I have plenty of food and drink and I'll be fine until tomorrow morning. The river that keeping me penned in is the Farmington river, a tributary of the Connecticut river. Oh well, you can't fight Mother Nature.

On that note, I'll say goodbye. As always, stay safe. Thanks.

Red Sox Grab Two Wins On Saturday.. 9-1 & 4-0..Yankees/ Baltimore Sunday Doubleheader Has Been Cancelled

2011-08-28T05:22:00.009-04:00

The Boston Red Sox had a great but rain-delayed day while capturing two wins yesterday against Oakland at Fenway Park in Boston. The first game's final score was 9-1 Sox for the Lester win and 4-0 for the Bedard outing. The only reason Bedard was denied a victory was another rain delay. That's too bad but I'm very happy he's part of the Boston starting quintet. For a number five guy, he's pitching well. So today, you must pick something other than baseball to spend your lazy afternoon with. Here's Boston's manager, Tito Francona...

“We’ll use it (two days off) to our advantage. That’s what we always try to do. We were really fortunate the way it worked out. Now we can let the guys regroup because they’re going to need to. This has been a long haul here.”

Yes, after a couple days off today and Monday, the Yankees will invade Fenway Park. With yesterday's Red Sox double whammy over Oakland, they are a full 2 games ahead of their New York rivals. Let's keep it there. Or more!

“It’s always a big series,” David Ortiz said of the impending matchup. “We always play to win so it’s always good.”

I have to run. No, I don't have anywhere to go (we're not supposed to be on the roads) but I do have to do a full house walk-through coming up right now. The winds have picked up and as soon as the sun makes its first appearance, I'll have an update.
It's still pitch dark outside. So be safe today. If you live in the northeast, as I do, you know you have to be careful. They just said the hurricane's landfall will be right around the previously announced 11 am EDT. So sit tight (or sleep well) until then. You can click on this post's title for more Sox news and as always, be careful, be well. If you have any questions, just leave yours as a comment and I'll answer it, IF we have electricity. I have a funny feeling we're not going to lose it. As always, BE WELL, my Constant Readers. What would I do without you? Don't forget to get in touch with me through the comment sections of every post and as always, BE WELL.

That Was Yesterday, Yesterday's Gone...Oakland 15 Boston 5

2011-08-27T05:06:00.008-04:00

I'm happy this type of games, score wise, are so few and far between with this club from Boston. The final score? 15-5 Oakland A's over the Boston Red Sox. It was a combination of things, every one of them not good for the Sox. But I want to make this post short and dwell on the doubleheader scheduled for today. Jon Lester will be starting for the Red Sox ready to face Moscoso. Here are the statistics for both upcoming game. Weather wise, game one should be OK, game two is still a question sign. But at least they have a CHANCE to play it. If the powers that be decided to play the evening game tomorrow, there wouldn't be a chance to play it. Nice.

Sat. 27 Oak **12:05 PM ET CSCA/NESN **J. Lester (13-6) vs. G. Moscoso (6-7)...12 noon
Sat. 27 Oak **5:05 PM ET CSCA/NESN** E. Bedard (4-9) vs. TBA

Two great games for an ever-darkening late summer day into night. I really hope the two teams, in game two, can get in at least 6 quality innings as well as the nine plus in game one but right now, I don't think that scenario will play out. Why? I'm just looking at the timeline. The Red Sox want to win both of these games. Last night, the NY Yankees also lost, so Boston's place in the AL East has been preserved for game one at least. Again, if you're planning to go to game one, you'll have no weather problems at all. Game two? That could get a little complicated. Today, we'll take it one game at a time. Game one begins at noon at Fenway with the skies, slate gray and getting darker, holding off dropping their loads. But WHO REALLY KNOWS? Does anybody really know what time it is? I'm sure there's someone somewhere that that information. If not, CONSTANT Readers, GUESSTIMATE.

I'll talk to you tomorrow first thing in the morning unless the hurricane God makes a personal visit here. As always, BE WELL. If you're in the mid-Atlantic coastal region visiting us. Make it go away! Just kidding. GO SOX...TWICE. Again, in my opinion, that second game looks more and more iffy but it's only 6:11am here and in Boston so the grounds crew will work hard for the playing field to be ready for a game two.

Have a great day and please, enjoy the games. After yesterday's wipeout the Red Sox will be trying extra hard to win both games today. Hmm...that's it for me! Click on this post's title for more Sox stuff. Thanks.

Red Sox To Play Two Saturday

2011-08-26T17:25:00.003-04:00

Yes, in order to make Sunday's storm irrelevant, meaning Boston's chances to play that third game would be little to none, the Sox will try to get in two on Saturday. The first game will begin at noon tomorrow and the second, IF the weather holds, will be at six. That makes sense to me in every way. But don't forget, the two teams (Sox and Oakland) will play tonight in the opener shortly after 7pm. Timmy Wakefield trys once again to win his 200th game. GO TIMMY, GO SOX. The weather for that game will be just fine. Saturday's noon game should be OK, too, but after 6pm, all bets are off. I'll be back first thing in the morning.

Power Surge For Adrian Gonzales Carries Red Sox To A 6-0 Win Over Rangers

2011-08-26T06:02:00.010-04:00

Gonzales (two), Papi and Salty all homered to bring the Boston Red Sox to their third straight victory over the Texas Rangers. Now, it's bye bye Texas, hello Fenway Park. Here are the upcoming pitching match ups...

Fri. 26 Oak** 7:10 PM ET CSCA/NESN** T. Wakefield (6-5) vs. G. Gonzalez (10-11)
Sat. 27 Oak **12:05 PM ET CSCA/NESN **J. Lester (13-6) vs. G. Moscoso (6-7)
Sat. 27 Oak **5:05 PM ET CSCA/NESN** E. Bedard (4-9) vs. TBA

Adrian Gonzalez continued his homer tear with two more long balls to give him five in the past three days, while David Oritz and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each went deep to back an effective Andrew Miller, who tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings. Here's the hot hitter, AGonz...

“When you’re not feeling well, you don’t go up there and be ready to swing at the first pitch. You might want to see a pitch or two. When you’re not feeling well, you don’t go up there and be ready to swing at the first pitch. You might want to see a pitch or two. That’s something everybody would agree with.’’

Makes sense to me. Boston pitcher Andrew Miller looks like he will stay in the rotation. He pitched 6 1/3 innings and gave up three hits and zero runs. The bullpen, in the form of Aveves and Wheeler, kept the shutout alive. This was a nice effort from all the pitchers and this win was a great way to finish this road trip. But you know what they say...all's well that ends well.

Have a great Friday as a tons of Connecticutions prepare for this storm late Saturday into Sunday. The only thing that would upset me other than my house being damaged would be a prolonged period of no electricity. I need my refrigerator to keep my insulin very cool. I myself have to stock up the refrigerator and freezer with plenty of food and pick up most of my prescription medications. I'll keep you posted on this dire storm situation over the weekend, unless I DO lose power.

Thanks for stopping in, click on this post's title for more Red Sox stuff and as always, BE WELL. Thanks.

Boston Guns Down The Rangers

2011-08-25T04:47:00.011-04:00

For the second game in a row, the Boston Red Sox scored a ton of runs and the starters kept Boston in charge for the balance of both games. Last night the final score was 13-2 Boston. Crawford, Jacoby and Big Papi were all back and the difference in firepower was astounding. Yesterday, Josh Beckett picked up his tenth victory, allowing that lone run on four hits. two bases on balls and four punch outs. That mark had been a long time coming (finally). Here's one of the returning starters, Carl Crawford...

"We've got a few guys back in the lineup. We've got Jacoby back and Big Papi back. Whenever you can have both of those back healthy, we kind of feed off that. It definitely gives the lineup a boost. We've been all swinging the bat pretty good."

And the skipper, Terry Francona...

"He didn't go out there and get lazy with the strike zone. He pumped strikes and he threw all his pitches and he kept them off the scoreboard, which is good."

The entire game was great, maybe because the Sox were ahead 4-0 after the top of the first inning, or "right off the bat." There was no doubt about it. The two teams ( NYY and the A's) go at it again today). Bard and Papelbon were never called to action because the lead was too bloated. That's fine with me.

I have an early Doctors appointment coming up a little later. I'm not looking forward to it, not at all but after the doctor's office, I'm going shopping to refresh all that I need for up to one week. The hurrricane is named Irene and its most likely track called for it to hug the coast on its northward trek and cross Connecticut right up the middle. I'll have everything about Irene first thing every morning until Sunday morning.

As always, be well. The main effects of this Hurricane will be rain and strong winds exceeding hurricane force Saturday night and Sunday and I'm a little worried. As is the norm, we'll make it. As always, be well and please click on this post's title. Have a great day and upcoming weekend as the storm approaches. Thanks.

The Sounds Of Silence For Boston Bats

2011-08-23T04:06:00.009-04:00

The Sounds Of Silence is a great Simon & Garfunkel tune, a giant hit in its day. But you never want to hear it if you're a Boston Red Sox fan and the words described the Red Sox bats last night in tough Texas. Sox starting pitcher Eric Berdard pitched good enough to win except for a three run sixth inning home run. Until then, Bedard was pitching well but three runs are three more than the zero Boston tallied. The final score, by the way, was 4-0 Rangers. Here's Bedard's catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia...

“Trying to throw it (that pitch) up. Trying to get him to pop up or miss it. I just tried to throw a good pitch and tried to get him out, and he got it out."

Red Sox manager Tito Francona has further praise for their pitcher, CJ Wilson...

"His stuff is just filthy, and when we've had our full lineup, he's gone through us. I don't know that you can make an excuse. He's got a lot of good pitches and he went right through us. We had a couple of chances, but then he made really good pitches."

So that's the way it was Monday night in Arlington, Texas. A good pitching effort was beaten by a better one. Even with three starters out of the Boston lineup, they've been scoring enough runs to win 55% of their games.Unfortunately, if that trend continues and we do get two of those three players back SOON, we'll be the American Wild Card entry or better. We all want to win the AL East and be done with it. The last five plus weeks of this 2011 series will not go by quickly. That I'm pretty sure of.

Here are the pitching match-ups for games two and three of this four game series...

Tue. 23 at Tex** 8:05 PM ET NESN/FxSW** J. Lackey (11-9) vs. C. Lewis (11-8)
Wed. 24 at Tex** 7:05 PM ET ESP2/FxSW** J. Beckett (10-5) vs. M. Harrison (10-8)
Thu. 25 at Tex **8:05 PM ET NESN/FxSW** A. Miller (5-1) vs. A. Ogando (12-5)

May the force guide us to victory. Hey, we need all the help in the world we can get at this juncture of 2011. Please don't forget to click on this post's title for more video and print about last night's wipeout loss and as always and forever, BE WELL.

Wakefield Denied #200 Yet Again

2011-08-21T05:32:00.006-04:00

Tim Wakefield was OH so close to his 200th win , holding a 4-1 lead in the middle of the sixth but the KC Royals stormed back with eight runs in the bottom of that frame and won going away 9-4. Here's Timmy...

“It is what it is, you know. We’re trying to win the game, not trying to do a favor for me. We’re trying to win the game as a team.’’

That's Wakefield's true team spirit. Boston was playing without 1/3 of its normal lineup. Most of you know about Big Papi and Youk's being on the 15 day DL. Terry Francona decided to take Jacoby Ellsbury out as a precaution because he was hit in the back the day before by an errant pitch. Hopefully, this will be a short-term loss for our favorite team but man, the Sox's lineup last night was weird looking. Here's the Boston manager, Tito Francona...

“We’ll give him another day for sure. He’s pretty sore. He’s moving around OK, though. He’s trying to rally a little bit.”

With yesterday's Yankee loss, the Red Sox would have been in first place had they won but my, my, they didn't. But today's another day, another game with Lester (12-6) ready to face D. Duffy (3-7). Recently, Jon has had trouble in the first couple of innings but after that, he turns into a left-handed super pitcher. Let's be good from inning number one, Jon. With our depleted lineup, every win is essential.

Enjoy your Sunday, click on this post's title for all the highlights you'd ever want to see and as always, BE WELL.

Boston Red Sox 7 KC Royalsl 1..Wakefield goes for 200 Victories

2011-08-20T05:24:00.013-04:00

Timmy Wakefield takes another shot at victory number 200 tonight and I'll be rooting for him...loudly. Coming up are the pitching matchups for tonight's festivities. But first, last night the Sox were in KC and beat them convincingly, 7-1. Andrew Miller started and went 5.1 innings. Aceves finished the game without giving up a run. Nice pitching and neither Bard nor Papelbom were needed or used. Adrian Gonzalez, who hasn't had a tater in more than 100 at bats, took the field mustache-less. He says he isn't superstitious But he responded with a single and two doubles. With Papi and Youk out, it's up to him and Pedey to keep this boat from Boston afloat. Here's Gonzo...

“Just got some good pitches to hit. It doesn’t change what’s going to happen tomorrow. All that matters is that we won. The numbers are what they are. I don’t feel great at the plate. I’m just working through it. . . . It’s just timing. Hitting is always timing. You lose your timing for whatever reason and you try to get it back.

The hitting star for the Sox was Jarrod Saltalamachia, who smashed a three run long shot in the fifth. The Royals never had a chance after that bomb. Good pitching AND good hitting makes for a winning result, almost always. As I mentioned in this post's title, Timmy Wakefield will go for victory number 200 tonight. Here is the pitching matchup for todays game. I am well aware that if Paulino messes up in any way, Timmy will hit the 200 win mark with a decent performance or if his team's bats can do it right. I hope today's the day he'll do it. In Boston or in KC, it doesn't matter to Wakes or to me. Here are the official matchups. Time of first pitch will be 7:10pm EDT. Go Timmy...

**T. Wakefield (6-5) vs. F. Paulino (1-5) at 7:10pm EDT. **

So I wish every one of you a terrific weekend and a fantastic Friday night. Please don't forget to click on this post's title. Everything you'll ever want is right there, videos included. As always, take care and be well. GO SOX.

Red Sox Beat KC On The Road...Youk On 15 Disabled List

2011-08-19T04:53:00.015-04:00

The Boston Red Sox defeated the KC Royals by a score of 4-3 but there was bad news to accompany the good. Kevin Youkilis was placed on the 15 day disabled list because of back woes. He's had the pain on and off all year and Boston wants to rest Youk and his back for an extended period of time. He joins Big Papi David Ortiz on the bench, which makes it tough when it comes to scoring runs..

Thursday night in KC, in the first of four games with KC, it was the three RBIs from cleanup hitter Pedey Pedroia and the seven three runs innings from Josh Beckett that broke their losing streak...finally. Bard and Papelbon were perfect in the eighth and ninth innings and Josh finally earned his tenth victory. He deserved it, too but he clearly wasn't in favor with the Seattle to Boston trip with no day off involved. Here is Mr. Beckett on exactly that...

I don't know how they expect them to still score eight runs after coming back from Seattle, having half an off day and then go get 'em for three games in a day and a half. ... I don't who the fuck agreed to that. It was the dumbest thing I've ever seen."
This travel has been horrible. I don't know how they expect them to still score eight runs after coming back from Seattle, having half an off day and then go get 'em for three games in a day and a half. I don't who the [expletive] agreed to that. It was the dumbest thing I've ever seen."

I completely agree with our ace. But last night, the four runs scored by Boston were enough to do the job. Here are the pitching match ups for the remaining three games in KC.

Fri. 19 at KC 8:10 PM ET NESN/FxKC A. Miller (4-1) vs. J. Francis (4-13)
Sat. 20 at KC 7:10 PM ET NESN/FxKC T. Wakefield (6-5) vs. F. Paulino (1-5)
Sun. 21 at KC 2:10 PM ET NESN/FxKC J. Lester (12-6) vs. D. Duffy (3-7

Thast's all I have for you right now. I hope your Friday will be a spectacular one, click on this post's title to see all the highlights and as always, BE WELL.

Red Sox Losing Streak At 3 after 6-2 Defeat To TB...Triple Play Does Not Help..No DL Time For Papi

2011-08-17T04:17:00.013-04:00

Although they won the first game 3-1 behind the incredible pitching of Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox starter Eric Bedard had a 36 pitch first inning IN GAME TWO but still managed to go 6 full. But the Sox bats have been quiet lately and they couldn't make up those four runs. His pitch count is up where he wants it to be but he hasn't put it all together and won a game. On Bedard, here's Sox skipper Terry Francona...

"We didn't help Bedard a lot at times. A couple of runs; it's not always errors. It's maybe extra opportunities, things like that."

And MVP candidate Jacoby Ellsbuy...

"He pitched well. He only gave up three hits. I thought he did a good job mixing up various pitches. He has good stuff. He's locating, getting guys to chase."

And the man himself, Bedard...

"I feel good. My pitch count is back up to normal. I'm just going out there and trying to keep the team in the ballgame."

His ERA is in the lower threes...that's fine and he'll win a few games with that pitching production. Just not yet. There was a bright point for the team from Boston in game two. They pulled off a triple play, their first since 1994. Here is the way the Boston Herald described it and simply click on this post's title to see all the highlights of both games. My thanks go out to the Herald for this...

"With the bases loaded and no outs, Sean Rodriguez ripped a hard grounder to third baseman Jed Lowrie. Lowrie tapped the bag and fired to second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who rifled a throw to first to complete the first Red Sox triple play since Valentin turned the trick against the Mariners 17 years ago."

Want to hear something funny? Sure you do. I remember watching that game 17 years ago. My goodness, how time flies. It's going too fast for me, that's for sure.

Big Papi David Ortiz, who has been one of the MVPs on this team so far, has had a setback with his right heel. But there will be no DL time, not as of yet. Here's our skipper once again...

"We're going to get him out of his spikes for a couple days and get him in a little bit of a walking boot, just to kind of alleviate some of the pressure. We'll keep re-evaluating him every couple days, but we want to get him off that for a little while."

Papi, we can't afford to lose you at this late date of the 2011 season. Please heal. As for the AL East standings, the Yankees won once again so they are one half game ahead of second place Boston. Here are the standings for NY and Boston...

W L Pct GB Home Road East Central West Last 10 Streak
NY Yankees 74 46 .617 ** 40 - 24 34 - 22 24 - 21 18 - 12 19 - 8 6 - 4 W 3
Boston 74 47 .612** 0.5 38 - 23 36 - 24 31 - 14 18 - 15 15 - 10 6 - 4

And this afternoon's starters will be J. Lackey (11-8) vs. D. Price (10-10). Price is one tough cookie but Lackey has been winning a ton of games. Let's hope he keeps it going, although he'll need some run support. He's usually good for giving up 3-5 tallies. The first pitch will occur at 1:35pm EDT. FOR the BOSTON RED SOX, it's a HUGE game and the team needs a win desperately. Here's hoping.

Please click on this post's title for more on the half-successful Tuesday doubleheader. I'll be back around gametime. Count on it. As always, BE WELL and thanks for being here once again. GO SOX.

Tied With NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox Ready To Play Tampa Bay At Fenway Park Today

2011-08-16T05:00:00.005-04:00

Hello to Tuesday morning, my readers. The Red Sox' off day is over and it's time to play east coast Fenway Park baseball tonight. Here are the entire pitching match ups for the series...

Tue. 16 TB 1:05 PM ET ** SUN/NESN ** J. Lester (11-6) vs. J. Shields (11-9)
Tue. 16 TB 7:10 PM ET** SUN/NESN ** E. Bedard (4-7) vs. J. Niemann (7-4)
Wed. 17 TB 1:35 PM ET** SUN/NESN ** J. Lackey (11-8) vs. D. Price (10-10)

The other Red Sox news is scarce so I'll just say so long for now. GO SOX! So it's day baseball once again for the second game in a row. Oh, don't forget to click on this post's title for a photographic menage by the Boston Globe's famed sports photographer, Stan Grossfield. I was fascinated. In fact, I'm clicking on the title and looking at them again, right now. In lieu of more Boston Red Sox news, I'll say have a great Tuesday and as always, stay well. Thanks. Click away!

Wakes Stuck In The Muck At 199 Wins...Sox Lose To Mariners And Head Back To Where They belong...Boston.

2011-08-15T04:27:00.015-04:00

It was another "good enough" performance over 8 innings by Timmy Wakefield, who is striving to earn his 200th victory. Boston manager Terry Francona let him pitch a complete game but it was all to no avail. And it was one inning, the third, that the Rays pounced. In his haste to turn two, the umpire (another just dandy performance by the men in blue) pronouced that Lowrie's foot was off the base. A run scored with more to come soon. The game was over according to the scoreboard after the sixth inning ended. But after the game, that "bad" call in the third inning on Lowrie, negating a double play, still was a source of torment. Here's the skipper, Titp Francona...

"I really thought he grazed the bag. I think you got to be pretty sure on that one if you're going to make a call like that. After looking at the replay, I don't know how he can be sure."

You can click on this post's title to gain access to the Boston home page and the all-important video of the play. As for Wake's overall eight full innings, here's Papelbon's opinion. After all, who would know better?...

“I think everyone on the team is pulling for Wake, Even our manager is doing everything in his power to get him that 200th win. Wake can’t do any more than he’s doing. He’s gone deep into the games. He’s just got to keep going out there.’’

Thanks to you, my Constant Readers, with your similiar sentiments. After all, we're almost all Wake fans. Oh, please don't forget to click on this post's title to see that horribly called blown double play call, but tomorrow's another day. The Yankees were rained out so the lead is down to one game. Here are the three game series pitching match-ups...

Tue. 16 TB** 1:05 PM ET SUN/NESN** J. Lester (11-6) vs. J. Shields (11-9)
Tue. 16 TB** 7:10 PM ET SUN/NESN** E. Bedard (4-7) vs. J. Niemann (7-4)
Wed. 17 TB** 1:35 PM ET SUN/NESN** J. Lackey (11-8) vs. D. Price (10-10)

Hey Boston, let's string together 6 of eight and take a firm hold of the AL East. And to my Constant Readers, I hope every one of you has a terrific week (yes, 'tis Monday yet again) and as always, BE WELL. Enjoy the Boston off day and we'll resume the wars on Tuesday. GO SOX and click on this post's title for some nice, revealing videos.

Fourth Time's The Charm for Wakes...Sox Lineup

2011-08-14T15:21:00.004-04:00

It's the last game of the trip, Here is the Sox lineup: — RED SOX (73-45) — Ellsbury CF — Pedroia, 2B — Gonzalez 1B — Youkilis 3B — Ortiz DH — Lowrie SS — Crawford LF — Saltalamacchia C — McDonald RF — Pitching: Tim Wakefield RHP (6-4, 4.92)

Beckett Can't Nail Down Elusive 10th Win...Seattle 6 Boston 4

2011-08-14T06:11:00.004-04:00

This post will have to be a super quickly. The Boston Red Sox, playing their second to last game before flying east, lost to the Seattle Mariners by a score of 6 to 4. I'll have more on the game a little later. This afternoons game will feature T. Wakefield (6-4), again going for win number 200, vs. C. Furbush (2-4) at 4:10am. Thanks for popping in.

Red Sox Win...Papi Power In Full Splendor

2011-08-13T05:35:00.007-04:00

The Boston Red Sox beat the at home Seattle Mariners by a score of 6-4. Down 4-2 after the fifth, they needed to step up, which they did to perfection. John Lackey had another OK to good start and his team mates were there to make sure he won. Here's Boston manager Terry Francona...

“The first couple of innings were tough, long innings, gave up some hits. Then he really pitched well."

And the starter himself, John Lackey...

“They put some pressure on me to make enough pitches to get out of those first couple of jams. Then the boys came through with some runs.’’

Thank you, boys. Coupled with the Yankees' loss on an off night for CC Sabathia, the lead is back to 2 1/2 games in the AL East. The Red Sox have been winning a great percentage of their games, enough to stay in first place. Let's get used to it. I love it!

Tonight, shortly after 10pm EDT, the two foes go at it again with Josh Beckett (9-4) ready to face Frank Hernandez (10-10). Let's hope Josh keeps pitching just the way he has been, spectacularly, as he goes for win number ten. Have a great Saturday, click on this post's title for more Sox articles and full highlights and as always, BE WELL.

Friday's Here-And-There

2011-08-12T04:40:00.006-04:00

Hello to you on this Friday early morning, August 12, 2011. The Boston Red Sox are sleeping in Seattle (and hopefully not sleepless) and will play a three game series before they head back to their beloved northeast. John Lackey is slated to go and all of Red Sox Nation hopes he continues his season comeback. He's been great lately but this time he'll be facing a tough Seattle lineup. Here are the pitching match-ups for the entire 3 game set...

Fri. 12 at Sea** 10:10 PM ET NESN/ROOT** J. Lackey (10-8) vs. B. Beavan (3-2)
Sat. 13 at Sea** 10:10 PM ET NESN/ROOT** J. Beckett (9-4) vs. F. Hernandez (10-10)
Sun. 14 at Sea** 4:10 PM ET NESN/ROOT** T. Wakefield (6-4) vs. C. Furbush (2-4)

There is only a single game standing between the NY Yankees and first place so every game is important. Are the Yankees over-performing? Who knows? They can hit, right now their starting pitching is very good and their bullpen is just good enough. In most games, their bats do the damage. The Red Sox use the same approach...bash and bomb, bash and bomb.

Get set for three late night games to come. I am terrible staying awake after 11pm, unless it was the World Series. If that's the case, I take a nap. I just woke up so I can't even think "nap."

Enjoy your Friday as the weekend fast approaches. You can click on this post's title for more on that team you love and as always, BE WELL. Thanks for being here.

Lester Loses Control & Boston Red Sox Lose With Him..Yankees Win

2011-08-11T04:37:00.010-04:00

Question: What are five walks and Jon Lester? Answer: Two things that do not belong together. Well, last night Jon Lester walked five Minnesota Twins and it showed in the final score, 5-2 Twinkies. But Big Papi David Ortiz did his best yet again by hitting a tater in the top of eighth inning that tied the game at 2. Lester had done his job-the game belonged to either team. Here's Jon talking about his lack of control...

“I felt like I had pretty good stuff. I just wasn’t able to locate. Gave them too many opportunities and when you do that, that’s what happens. It doesn’t matter what team it is in the big leagues. If you give them plenty of opportunities, they’re going to take care of them.’’

After the Sox scored one in the seventh and one in the top of the eighth (Papi), Lester, having thrown 106 pitches, came back to the mound. That was a mistake but Red Sox manager Tito Francona tells us what his thinking process was. After all, 106 throws isn't that much. Here he is...

“I thought he still had very good stuff. That really wasn’t an issue.’’

OK, Terry. I agreed with your managerial decision when you made it but the gamble didn’t pay off as Lester walked Joe Mauer to start the inning. With one out and Mauer on second, Jim Thome doubled to give Minnesota the lead. Francona ended Lester’s night after 119 pitches.

It kept getting worse from there but I've come to a couple post-game conclusions. There was no way to avoid Alfredo Aceves, who let the game get away. The bullpen had been overworked and before the first pitch, Francona stressed that he wanted Bard and Paps to have Wednesday off. Thursday is an off day and he wanted to give them as much "off" time as possible. After all, Bard and Paps, in my mind, are the best duo in ANYBODY'S bullpen. So the most intelligent manager moves don't always add up to a win. The big equalizer was this. Three out of those 5 guys who Lester walked ended up scoring. So Wednesday night in Minnesota proved that baseball is a fickle game with small, minute things dictating winning or losing. Last night, it was a loss for Boston. The Yankees won, gained a game and are only 1 1/2 games behind. But that's all right...the Sox are the better team.

After today's day of rest, sorely needed, we go to Seattle for three and then jet back to Boston for the start of a three game home stand. I'll have the pitching match ups for the three game Seattle set first thing tomorrow. Until then, enjoy your Thursday, forecast to be one of the "ten best" days of the year here in the northeast. Click on this post's title for all the audio and video from last night and as always, BE WELL. I'll be seeing you, the Big Guy willing.

How To Write A Baseball Blog (While In The Hospital Once A Month)

2011-08-10T07:33:00.009-04:00

It's easy! No, I kid you. It isn't. But I'm back, for better or worse, and while I've been gone the Boston Red Sox continued their stranglehold on first place in the AL East, MLB's foremost division. Yesterday, David Ortiz (who else), drove in Pedey with the winning run. The Red Sox managed only six hits but made them count. Here's how the go-ahead run crossed the plate in the seventh inning. It was 3-3 when Ortiz came to the plate with the bases loaded and one out to face Phil Dumatrait, a lefthanded reliever who once upon a time was a first-round draft pick of the Sox. Papi hit something low, just about in the dirt in front of the plate. The baseball rolled only halfway up the line. Dumatrait tried to pick up the ball with his bare hand but instead stumbled and fell to his knees.Pedey came in to score and Papi was easily safe at first. Another RBI for the big man. Ortiz was not happy (to say the least) but he did his job and his team (and ours) won their fourth in a row. The Yankees are 3 1/2 games back. Here's Big Papi...

“You hit a ball to the pitcher like that, he’s got to chase and you’ve got to run and you’ve got a guy coming in. There’s a lot of things going on at the same time.’’

Eric Bedard, cursed by Tim McClelland's tiny (about the size of a record groove) strike zone, walked four and threw a ton of pitches. If I had been able to watch the game, I would have been cursing him out big time. If there's something I absolutely cannot stand in the game of baseball, it's a blown strike call. That high first inning pitch count limited Bedard, in his second Sox start, to five innings. He surely would have gone six if not seven but for the oaf behind the plate. The Boston Red Sox bullpen, in the form of Albers (1 run), Marales, Bard and Papelbon, all with no runs, saved the day. As the Fenway Faithful filed out of the venerable Fenway Park, there were smiles to be seen and contented murmurs to be heard.

Today, Wednesday, another game with the slumping Twins is coming up. Here's all you need to know (I LOVE the pitching match ups)...

Wed. 10 at Min 8:10 PM ET** NESN/FxNo** J. Lester (11-5) vs. N. Blackburn (7-9) GO JON. GO SOX!

There's no place like home. There's NO place like home. Click on this post's title and see and read all about last night's win. Thanks for waiting me out and thankfully, I'm feeling great. Thank God.Thank him for me when you look up at that beautiful blue sky from your Fenway seats.

Mr.Walk Off Jacoby Ellsbury

2011-08-04T04:01:00.003-04:00

It was Jacoby Ellsbury night Wednesday at Friendly Fenway as he stole the show with a walk-off home run. The final score was 4-3 Red Sox. Here's Big-Papi on our future and FOREVER star...

"Dude, he's good, He's learning how to play the game. Everything comes down to a lot of hard work and experience, and that's what he's taking advantage of right now. He's a guy that's always asking questions,"

Timmy Wakefield started the game but was denied his 200th victory. That's too bad because he pitched OK. It's just half the big bats took the day off. Here's Adrian Gonzalez with a comment...

“That’s baseball. Hopefully we can get it for him the next time he’s out there. He’s deserved to win the last two times and hopefully we can get it done for him next time.’’

I hope so too, Agonz. All in all, it was an enjoyable game. Believe me, I was in mid-air when Ells crushed that ball. And today brings us another Red Sox game Enjoy. My fingers aren't working in conjunction with my brain. I guess that would be called feeling "under the weather." Boy, do I As always, BE WELL.

Boston Red Sox Win Behind Beckett And Go With Bedard Thurdsay

2011-08-03T05:06:00.006-04:00

Jacoby finished his last at bat the exact way the way he wanted to. And now our search for a starting pitcher is finished...
until.

Erik Bedard is on his way to Fenway Park, and now begins an even more daunting task:: finding someone who believes Bedard is a good fit in Boston.

It was two minutes before the trade deadline Sunday when Theo Epstein acquired Bedard from Seattle, and it was about two minutes after the deadline that we began to wonder why. Maybe Theo couldn’t coax Matt Young out of retirement. Maybe the Sox decided John Lackey needed another ornery 32-year-old out of the AL West to keep him company. Or maybe they were so desperate for a starter to replace Clay Buchholz that they settled for a square peg and will try to jam him into a round hole.

Bedard is a hard-throwing left-hander with the proverbial good stuff, but when you take a look at the complete package, it’s obvious he belongs in Boston about as much as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie belongs on an Abercrombie & Fitch billboard.

Bedard doesn’t like the media. He doesn’t like crowds. He doesn’t like attention. He doesn’t like day games. Some people wonder if he even likes baseball.

DOES THIS AT ALL SOUND LIKE WE'D LIKE that TYPE OF Player. After all, this OUR team!

Another Lackey Problematic Start

2011-08-02T04:23:00.005-04:00

Monday night at Fenway Park brought a different American League foe for the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians. They can hit the heck out of ball. So can we but last night was their night to shine...temporarily. Our turn tonight, and the night after and on and on.

John Lackey started and provided another eh (!) start and the Boston Red Sox lost by a score of 9-6 to the power happy Cleveland Indians. Even Bard had his scoreless relief streak broken. Here's our skipper, Tito Francona...

"He's going to give up runs at some point. That's why we took him out -- so we can get him right back out there tomorrow. Not waste his pitches when we're down. Again, same thing, he tried to get a slider under the lefty and didn't quite get it there."

And Bardie, what say you...

"For sure. Start a new streak tomorrow. I don't care about it. It went longer than I probably ever expected it could. I'm about helping the team win, and tonight I didn't do that. Streak or no streak, I've just got to move forward."

Danny eventually HAD to give up an earned run at some point. Now, it's out of his system. I'm sorrow but I have to run. I'll give you all I have to give a little later. Thanks.

A Clay Buchholz Bulletin...Not Good

2011-08-01T12:43:00.007-04:00

This was just released...

"Clay Buchholz, who's been out six weeks, is suffering from a stress fracture in his lower back, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It's unlikely that Buchholz will pitch again this season, though a return in the postseason has not entirely been ruled out yet. Buchholz, whose last start was June 16, is scheduled to see noted back specialist Dr. Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles Monday. But Watkins will likely only confirm what has already been diagnosed. No surgery is required for a stress fracture, which is usually healed with rest and treatment."

Here's Red Sox GM Theo Epstein with sobering comments...

"Clearly, we have some concern for Clay. It's been almost a couple of months now, which is longer than we expected it to be. We're still awaiting some more feedback and another opinion. I think we have a feel for what may be going on, but Clay is seeing another expert to get his opinion, then we're all going to put our heads together this week. I'll refrain from answering in too much detail until we have a chance to talk to Clay and we all have a chance to talk things through. Clearly any time a pitcher of his caliber isn't on the mound for a while and throws a side as he did on Monday but then can't necessarily back it up with another side and getting out there on a rehab assignment, there's some concern."

I'm concerned enough to try and learn more about this and wait for the latest Bedard stats. Hope to see you soon, Clay, but if there's a broken bone, all timetables cannot be accurate. Best wishes. GO LACKEY. GO SOX and click on this post's title for more on Bedard. Thanks.

What A Month July Was For The Boston Red Sox

2011-08-01T05:44:00.008-04:00

It was an OK game Sunday at Fenway Park as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago White Sox by a score of 5-3. The game concluded the best July this ancient team has ever known. Andrew Miller survived his start with a little help from his bullpen friends. Number one, notably, was Alberto Aceves, who will STAY in the Boston 'pen now that a new Red Sox pitcher has been acquired. More on that later. Miller, who makes me SO VERY nervous with his erratic pitching (I almost didn't even enjoy the game but yesterday, I hung in there), was throwing SO many pitches, some so good and some I wanted to turn my head in disgust. But in the top of the seventh, Dustin Pedey Pedroia came though yet again. He screamed a two run single and those were the winning runs. Here Tito Francona is...

"Pedey, as normal, comes up with a huge, clutch hit, and we hung on with some good pitching. I have to keep it rolling. We don't have that big of a lead in the division, so we've got to play good baseball."

We're home now to play the Cleveland Indians for four big ones. Here's everything you'll need to know...

Mon. 1 Cle 7:10 PM ET** ESPN/NESN** J. Lackey (9-8) vs. J. Tomlin (11-5)
Tue. 2 Cle 7:10 PM ET** STOh/NESN** J. Beckett (9-4) vs. D. Huff (1-1)
Wed. 3 Cle 7:10 PM ET** STOh/NESN** T. Wakefield (6-4) vs. C. Carrasco (8-9)
Thu. 4 Cle 7:10 PM ET** STOh/NESN** J. Lester (11-4) vs. J. Masterson (8-7)

I'll be back with all the news of the newest Red Sox pitcher, ERIC BEDARD. See you then and don't forget to click on this post's title Thanks. See you in a couple of hours.

No Soup (Or Harden) For You...

2011-07-31T08:27:00.004-04:00

That's the latest from the Boston Herald. I think the Boston Red Sox didn't want another oft-injured and injured-now pitcher. That right. They passed on Harden and now Harden could go to work slinging burgers at Hardees...or something.

Opportunities galore. Burgers, fries and everything. I'll take a baked or steamed lobster after a bowl of clam chowder New England style...AND NOT AT HARDEES.

GO SOX. Thanks.

Lester Has It Going. A Trade Or Two? It Looks Like One..Boston 10 CWS 2..Losing CWS Streak Over

2011-07-31T03:47:00.010-04:00

Good morning on this day after the Boston Red Sox FINALLY beat those pesky Chicago White Sox. The Pale Hose streak is over, dead as a doornail. This much is known to be true because it happened! I read a report published by the Boston Globe blog EXTRA BASES which read as follows...

"I'm here and staying here," Harden told reporters in Oakland tonight. "I'm happy to be part of this organization. I'm looking forward to starting Tuesday."

Yes, that's Rich Harden, who earlier last evening insisted he would be traded to Boston by next week. Conflicting reports breed questons so I'll just sit on this for an hour or two (or three) and get back to you with the outcome. Now, on to last night's 10-2 Sox victory...

Nothing like starting a Sunday morning with a little controversy. But there was no such thing last night at Fenway Park. A mix of Jon Lester at his best for eight innings coupled with five of the Sox players collecting double figures (Gonzo..3 hits, Pedey, Youk, Salty and Scootie all with 2 hits) did the trick...in spades. Boston scored 4 runs in the fifth inning and put every doubter to rest with five more in the ninth. That was the knife to the heart blow that took the breath away from Chicago...forever, at least for the rest of Saturday. I'll say it again...Jon Lester was hitting his spots and if nothing's bothering him he can do exactly that. Oh, what a relief it was!

**DEFINITIVE (?) TRADE NEWS**

This came in last night...

CHICAGO -- "The Red Sox, who have been in an exhaustive hunt for a starting pitcher before Sunday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, thought they had their man. By the late innings of Saturday's 10-2 win over the White Sox, Boston's front office felt it was closing in on a deal that would have brought right-hander Rich Harden over in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.
But by the time the A's had finished their 8-3 win over the Twins, Harden told media members in Oakland that he wasn't being traded. Harden said that general manager Billy Beane informed him he would be making his next scheduled start for the A's on Tuesday. A source directly involved in the talks between the two teams confirmed Harden's account -- that the deal fell through. After reviewing Harden's medical records, the Red Sox were left unconvinced that the righty could get through the rest of the season healthy"

OK, well, that seems to put that plan to rest. For the Red Sox to turn down someone because he's not in good enough shape to perform is something Boston usually says "Oh, our medical guys will be able to get him back to feeling great." More often than not, that scenario never quite comes true so Harden must have a lot of little aches and pains or one fairly bad injury. The last thing this club needs is another starting pitcher pitching less than his capabilities allow him to because of an injury. So I think, without knowing all the particulars, Boston might have done a good thing here. WE NEED BUCHHOLZ BACK..soon!

One more trade was a successful one yesterday as KC infielder Mike Aviles was acquired for utility guy Navarro and minor league pitcher Kendal Volz. I'm not familiar with the latter. I will be soon, that I promise. But the important part of the trade duo of trades is that Harden is out and Aviles is in. If Rich Harden were to mosey on over to Boston, the Sox would have traded the much heralded Lars Anderson, a power first baseman. I think we have that position fairly well covered.

That's it for this morning, a still pre-dark last day of July. Wow, August already. August and September are the two final months of the 2011 regular season. This AL race should be enjoyable, so let's enjoy it. Today's game begins at 2:10pm EDT and the pitchers will be Andrew Miller (4-1) ready to face Mark Buehrle (8-5) Bring it on, Boston!! The Sox start a seven game home stand on Monday.They're coming back to mostly sunny but hot weather when they do.

That's all I have for you right now. Remember, click on the title of this post to see the fireworks from last night, enjoy your Sunday and as always, BE WELL. I'll see you soon, especially if there are any last minute trade deadline shenanigans.

Wakefield Throws A "Not Good Enough" Gem...Denied Victory #200..For Now

2011-07-30T03:05:00.018-04:00

Tim Wakefield last night at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, pitched a gem, a beauty that on most nights would have earned him his 200th win, and with good reason. Boston lost to The Pale Hose by a score of 3-1. Over seven innings, Wakes only surrendered three hits and three runs before the bullpen came on and kept the score the same. The only problem? His opponent pitched better. Over seven innings, Gavin Floyd gave up the same three hits but allowed only one run to cross the plate. 8 out of ten times, Wakes would have won this game. But last night? No. The White Sox catcher, AJ Pierzynski, sees different pitchers every day so he's the first up with his analysis of Wakefied's signature pitch...

"That was the best knuckleball I've seen him throw since I've watched him, and I've faced him a whole bunch. It was just dropping, every one, and moving left, right, up and down. People don't understand how hard it is to that. They look up and they see 65 mph and they don't really realize how hard it is to actually hit that thing."

It's like trying to hit a baseball-sized frisbee that is curling in, moving back and forth and up and down towards you. Here's Pedey with his observation...

"He did a great job. He was locating his fastball, he was locating his cutter. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap."

And lastly, the Boston leader of the band, Tito Francona...

"He was great. He gave up three hits, unfortunately one stayed up to Pierzynski and it leaves the ballpark. The way their guys pitched, it was too much. But he was terrific."

That one to Pierzynski doomed us, but only for that one game. The NY Yankees were nice enough to lose, too. I thank them with a bow and a smirk and a few muttered words under my breath, none of them nice.

We have another game this evening at 7:10pm EDT. On the mound for the Boston Red Sox will be J. Lester (10-4) versus the hurler for Chicago, P. Humber (8-6) The White Sox can take their hot "deep dish" pizza and sit on 'em. That's one way of warming them up before the customer starts working on it. Oh, back to the subject at hand. The Sox will take this one tonight.
I'm pretty darn sure of it.

Have a great weekend and a wonderful Saturday as some of us wait for that 7:10pm tilt. Until then, click on this post's title for more on the game with videos and as always, BE WELL. This is my 3010th post so I hope I'm still doing something right after these 5 1/2 years. I'll always love the Sox but I won't always be blogging. But have no fear, there IS no end in sight, God willing. Not right now. Now let's go out and WIN ONE FOR ME, guys, and one for you, my Constant Readers. We're a team..remember?

Enjoy your Saturday. Thanks for being here. That comes from the heart.

Tim Wakefield Goes For Number 200

2011-07-29T11:17:00.002-04:00

Timmy Wakefield, the Red Sox knuckleball expert, goes for his 200th victory this evening in Chicago. Here he is...

"The last couple starts haven't been that great, but they've been good enough. I'm fortunate to be on a great team, and I've been able to get some wins here and there."

Let's hope the Boston bats are in working order. Enjoy! Good luck, Timmy.

In From Right, The Wind Keeps Kansas City Royals In The Game..Kansas City 4 Boston 3

2011-07-29T04:16:00.018-04:00

The wind was blowing in from right at the start of the game and might have cost Boston a walk-off win. It was the bottom of the ninth and KC was up by a run at 4-3. Carl Crawford strode to the plate to pinch hit. He hit a high, HIGH fly ball that carried until it got to the warning track. I remember thinking that the ball was lofted so high, when it comes down it will land in the stands. But nooo. Jeff Francoeur takes up the story. After all, he's the one who caught it...

"I thought that ball was gone, I really did. I put my head down and just started running back as hard as I could. If there's no breeze, I think that ball's got a shot. I was going full-speed into the stands, because that's the kind of wall you can reach over.
Good thing there's no Green Monster in right field or we'd be talking about a 5-4 Red Sox win."

If there was a wall there a la in left field, I think the ball would have scraped that wall on its descent. A home run wasn't in the cards even with the preceding scenario. But still, so close and yet so far but I'll tell you something. I was three feet off the ground celebrating, a joyous time which ended abruptly when the ball landed in Jeff's glove. I swear 75 % of the Fenway Fanatics and most of the NESN audience, including Orsillo and RemDog, thought it was going out. But Royals starter Luke Hochevar out pitched Josh Beckett, who had one bad inning by giving up four runs in the fourth inning. Hochevar took over and made the 4-2 lead hold up.

Boston's hottest hitter, Justin Pedey Pedroia, upped his hitting streak to 25 games with a home run to pull us to within one run but with Crawford's ball knocked down by the wind, they couldn't score that elusive run number four. Here's Josh Beckett with a comment about the hotter-than-hell Pedey...

"I feel good every time the guy comes up to the plate right now. He's hitting almost .400 in this hitting streak and a lot of it is damage. It's not like he's getting his infield hit and calling it a day. He's hitting a double or a homer."

Hey Josh, how about YOUR effort...

"Sometimes you make good pitches and they get hit. Sometimes you make terrible pitches and they hit them at guys. That's kind of the story of today, with the exception of the one inning."

The thing is, Beckett was pitching a vintage Beckett game for the first three frames and then, uncharacteristically, he walked a couple, gave up some base hits and suddenly KC was on the board with four. I had changed the television channel for ten minutes to check on something. I remember reading on Lauren's blog (Too Soxy For My Shirt, on my link list second one from the top...it's too funny and knowledgable) that the Royals had scored and I thought she was kidding. But then I thought to myself..."Lauren doesn't make up things about her beloved Sox." Sure enough, I tuned back to NESN and instead of 2-0 Sox it was 4-2 Royals. Blame that inning partially on me. But the lack of Boston's offensive exploits on this warm and beautiful day was all because of Royal pitching. I know it's hard to believe but it's true. Hocevar and his relievers stuffed us. Splitting four games with a team like KC is not acceptable, not the way the Red Sox have been playing. The Yankees were idle so we're 2 1/2 games up in the AL East.

The team is already in Chicago preparing for a three game series with the tough Pale Hose that begins tonight. At the same time, the Yankees have an easy assignment...that would be to play a series with Baltimore. That's the way the MLB schedule worked out. Here are the game pitching match-ups for you...

Fri. 29 at CWS 8:10 PM ET** NESN/CSN** T. Wakefield (6-3) vs. G. Floyd (8-9)
Sat. 30 at CWS 7:10 PM ET** NESN/WGN** J. Lester (10-4) vs. P. Humber (8-6)
Sun. 31 at CWS 2:10 PM ET** TBS/CSN **A. Miller (4-1) vs. M. Buehrle (8-5)

Finally, I'd like to wish you a great Friday and a terrific weekend coming up. If you'd like to click on this post's title, you'll be able to see Crawford's high and long shot as well as Beckett's disastrous fourth. Give it a look and as always, BE WELL. See you tomorrow morning if not sooner. Right now, Boston's tentacles are all over the place out there searching for that one player deemed good enough to make a deal for. I'm not saying that's going to happen but you never know. The trading deadline is just about upon us.

Boston Red Sox Day Baseball Coming Up..Updates Starting In The Bottom Of The Seventh..Comeback Needed NOW

2011-07-28T12:48:00.020-04:00

Yes, live at 1:35pm EDT, it's the Sox versus the KC Royals. Here is Boston's starting lineup...

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Pedroia, 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Youkilis, 3B
5. Ortiz, DH
6. Reddick, RF
7. Sutton, LF
8. Varitek, C
9. Navarro, SS

Why no Carl Crawford? It turns out that he had an aching elbow and received a cortisone shot yesterday (Wed.). Tito Francona says he should be back tomorrow. One more thing...in my last post, just below this one, I mentioned that Clay Buchholz would be getting another doctor evaluation today. It might not be until Monday at the latest.

We've got Josh going today. For once I'd like to see the offense bloom for HIM. He's been a victim of poor run support. Hmm. That could be remedied today in the next couple of hours. ENJOY THE GAME. GO SOX!

Seventh inning stretch finds Boston down 4-2 to KC. Beckett had one hideous inning, the fourth. This seventh inning will be his last no matter what. Like a faucet, the offense can be turned on (as it has lately) or off. Let's change off to on. Sutton is at first to start this. Never underestimate the Boston Red Sox. I'll be back in a bit.

That was a quick "bit." After seven full, 4-2 KC. Pedey hits one over the Monster, extending his hitting streak to 25 GAMES. 4-3 Royals in the bottom of the eighth. Papi up with two down. Let's tie this up. After eight, 4-3 Royals. I was so sure we'd be going into the final inning knotted at four. Here we go. Albers on the mound. That's either a "yay" or an "oy." 3-0 turns to 3-1. NO MORE KC RUNS, Matt. One down on a nice catch in left. Base hit, a single by Pedey. One out, one on. No one on. 'Tek throws the runner out trying to steal second. Escobar up and he promptly singles. Let's keep this a one run ball game. The count with two outs is 1-2. Escobar steals second on a pitch out. Remember that. 3-2. It all going to happen, hopefully nothing. Gordon walks. Fifth walk by Sox pitchers. Let's just get this one out and we just did. Fly ball to Reddick in right and we move into the bottom of the ninth.

New paragraph. With three outs to go for team Boston, KC's closer is in. Reddick at the plate and he grounds to second. ONE OUT. Damn. Or darn. Sutton up, Sutton on first. Anyone in the mood for a walk-off? I wish. Carl Crawford pinch hitting. 1-0. 1-2 with a bad swing at a fat fast ball. 2-2. CC fouls it off. Still 2-2. Holy moley...CC hits a ball to the deepest part of right field but it falls short and is caught. Everybody thought it was gone. I do not like splitting four games with KC. 1-2 to Navarro. All or nothing time turns into nothing time. FINAL...4-3 KC. I'll have more first thing in the morning.

Papi Grande Powers Red Sox Victory. Boston Red Sox 12 Kansas City Royals 5

2011-07-28T03:57:00.017-04:00

The Boston Red Sox Wednesday night defeated the KC Royals by a score of 12-5. The game's big blow was David Ortiz' grand slam in the fourth inning which made the score 10-3. The four RBIs gave Ortiz 1,000 during his Boston tenure. Only five others have reached the 1,000 RBI milestone for the Red Sox -- the distinguished quintet of Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, Jim Rice, Dwight Evans and Bobby Doerr. What an accomplishment! Here is our Big Papi...

"This is what, my ninth year here? When your name gets in the mix with guys that played here their whole career, it's a compliment. It's something that you don't think about it right now while you're playing. You kind of sit down later and say, 'Well, I did OK while I was there." I think Ellsbury and Pedroia, they're making it tougher on everyone else,. What they're doing at the top of the lineup, it's ridiculous. You don't get that on a daily basis from the first- and second-hole hitter. They're putting so much pressure on the pitcher. Winning is something that we expect every day. That's why we get ready to play every day. Even the guys coming up, they get that feeling when they walk into this clubhouse. They know this is a winning ballclub and everybody around here gets prepared to play and to win games. You know, you can see it around here. When we lose a game, it's like the end of the world because we're ready to win games and play the game the way it's supposed to be."

And that's exactly what they've been doing. Coupled with a Yankees loss, their AL East lead is back to three full games. John Lackey started and, before most people were settled in their seats, gave up a three run tater. When I saw the ball sail into the stands, I thought "Is this the start of a deluge?" It wasn't. Lacks settled down although he gave up a ton of hits in his 5 1/3 innings. I say every game that he starts and we win is like icing on the Red Sox Nation cake. We Red Sox fans know that we root for a team that can hit the s*it out of the ball and last night, they did it again. Jacoby Ellsbury and Pedey Pedroia, the first two hitters in the Red Sox lineup, smashed taters and they went from there. Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Gonzalez each had three hits. Ells and Pedey are ridiculously hot, white hot fire hot. And Lackey was good enough in a maddening way. Here he is...

"I felt pretty good. I felt strong starting off. I wish the first inning would have gone a little smoother, and then I would have had a little more in the tank getting into the game. But I didn't. It kind of turned into a little bit of a grind."

Grind away, John. Do anything you can to win. Without Buchholz, who is seeing yet another back doctor today (just a formality?), the Red Sox are not as strong as they could be. That's obvious. The trading deadline is tomorrow and I think Boston has to shell out for a number five guy or experiment with someone already in their system. One though three...we're solid as a rock with Lester, Beckett and...err...we're solid as a rock with our first two starters, then there's Wakes and Lackey. I love Wakes but in his last few starts he has given up a ton of runs and Lackey is Lackey. We need Buchholz back by the end of August. Yes, that's what they're saying right now but I'll wait for the doctor's opinion to be released to the public.

It's day baseball as the two teams conclude their four game series with J. Beckett (9-3) to take on L. Hochevar (6-8). The game begins at 1:35 pm EDT. The team will then start a road trip in Chicago to play three with the other Sox, the white ones. But first things first...enjoy the afternoon bliss if you can and I'll be back later this afternoon with a report or four. You can click on this post's title to see all the highlights of last night's happiness in Boston and as always, BE WELL. GO SOX. We love ya!

Just A Thought From John...

2011-07-27T14:33:00.001-04:00

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn’t understand the assignment.

I told them they didn’t understand life."

— John Lennon

That's so true and also the first time I've ever read that. Remember...just be happy.

Pedey Pedroia And Big Papi David Ortiz Power Red Sox 13-9 with Four Hits Apiece

2011-07-27T04:09:00.013-04:00

What a difference a day makes. Monday, both the Red Sox and their opponents strived to score one run for a very long time. Last night, Tuesday, runs were not hard to come by. On the down side, Boston starter Andrew Miller lasted a scant 3 2/3 innings, giving up nine hits and seven runs, 5 of them earned. Then POOF. He was gone (thank goodness). Should the team look for a legitimate number five guy? To me, it all depends on how Clay Buchholz is progressing. Last night, Aceves came in and saved the day as well as the bullpen with 3 1/3 shutout innings. By then, the Red Sox bats had done their work. The hitting stars? Big Papi David Ortiz (4 hits!) and our spark plug, Pedey Pedroia. Pedroia came within a hit of hitting for the cycle. On Pedey batting fourth in the place of Kevin Youkilis, here's our Papi...

“If I’m Tito, I’d let him hit cleanup the whole year. Make it easy for us. It’s crazy but the little guy’s numbers are ridiculous the way he hits. Might as well take advantage of it, right? Hitting is about feeling good and having your hands and eye coordination going on at the same time. We've got a good hitting ballclub. Once we get going, we're hard to stop.

And here's Pedey...

"It was a crazy game because Monday night, both teams were struggling to score one run for a long time. So tonight was different. It was a good night to hit. The wind was blowing out and both teams swung the bat really well. We just had that one big inning and kind of held on."

The other hero of the game, Alfredo Aceves, has been effective in the 'pen for a long time. For those of you who think it would be wise to make him the #5 guy in the rotation, forget about it! He's way too valuable to the team when he comes in from the bullpen and does his three or four magic innings, just like last night. Here's Terry Francona, Boston Red Sox skipper...

"We got in our bullpen a lot last night. If he doesn't do what he did, you're asking a lot from the rest of the bullpen. The ability to not just get people out, but to go multiple innings is so important. It's been so valuable to us."

Ortiz knocked in five and had four hits, three of them doubles. He is having such a great year so far. But I have to stress this...if Clay Buchholz comes back as soon as he's expected to and can be effective again, there are your five starters. I'll name them...Lester, Beckett, Buchholz, Wakefield and Lackey. Good enough.

So that's the story of a Tuesday night in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The wind was blowing out, the hitters took advantage of it and our Alfredo Aceves stopped the Royals for more than three innings, almost four, to seal the deal.

Tonight's another night with another game scheduled. Boston & KC will put Lackey and Chen on the mound. I hope Lackey can keep his good streak going. The bullpen is rested enough so Bard and Paps, if needed, should be available. Aceves will sit a couple of days but it's nice to know he's out there (with a Boston uniform).

That's it for this Wednesday Hump Day. If you'd like, click on this post's title to be zapped to the Sox official web site and watch so many things there, including all the highlights in their "every game" highlight reel. Just look for the circular emblem with the two team's logos on it. Today, it's in the left center of the screen. You'll see it. You need your sound on. As always, BE WELL, and GO SOX!!

A Long Evening's Journey Into Morning...Sox Lose To Royals 3-1 In 14

2011-07-26T03:39:00.008-04:00

If last night's Fenway Park game with the KC Royals was a book, it'd be a mighty big one. But let me get ahead of myself, back to the future. Marco Scutaro couldn't believe what he was seeing when Josh Reddick started sprinting home after Scutaro took a pitch inside. The problem was: Scutaro knew right away what a mistake he had made. Scutaro missed a suicide squeeze sign with Reddick on third base and one out in the 12th inning, and the Kansas City Royals scored twice two innings later to beat the Red Sox 3-1 in a rain-delayed game that ended early Tuesday morning. Here's Marco himself...

"I just didn't see the sign. My fault. It's my fault. I made sure I double-checked with third base coach Tim Bogar. I made sure I double-checked with him again so I didn't look like a fool out there. I messed up. We had a lot of opportunities to win the game and we didn't make the plays."

But there was a ton more to this game than a botched suicide squeeze play. Now we go back in time. Jon Lester's first start after being out almost two weeks was what was on everyone's minds yesterday. AND HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits, one earned run, two free passes and six strikeouts. I think that says it all. Jon's fine but for once, the Boston offense was stymied by the opponent's pitching. You can't do everything, Jon. Long story short, KC broke the Boston Red Sox winning streak and won the ballgame. Let's do the same to them tonight. We have a chance to do exactly that with three more games coming up with the team from KC, a land of great steak houses and beef. But Sunday night was a rough night for the Boston Red Sox. Simply put, we'll just turn the page. I've already done it. You can, too. It's easy once the "initial burn" of a loss dissipates.

Here are the pitching match ups for the rest of this series...

Tue. 26 KC** 7:10 PM ET FxKC/NESN** A. Miller (4-1) vs. D. Duffy (2-4)
Wed. 27 KC** 7:10 PM ET FxKC/NESN** J. Lackey (8-8) vs. B. Chen (5-3)
Thu. 28 KC** 1:35 PM ET FxKC/NESN** J. Beckett (9-3) vs. L. Hochevar (6-8)

I have one last item. Kevin Youkilis, our cleanup hitter/third baseman, injured (slightly, I hope) his heel. Here's the Red Sox skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona..

"The exam was really good. He (Youk) hit the bag, and I think his heel sort of gave way a little bit. I think we'll stay away from him tomorrow, but hopefully, it won't be anything more than that. Who knows."

We need Kevin Youkilis in the lineup and in the field like a baby needs his bottle and her teething ring. So I'm sure we all hope he wakes up and feels fine. Tonight, we will rely on Andrew Miller, who's impressed me so far. I like our chances. If you'd like, click on this post's title to see the botched suicide squeeze play and much more. Remember, to find the 2 1/2 minute tape of the game highlights, look for a circle with the two team's emblems on it. Thanks.

We'll get 'em tonight. Until then and as always, BE WELL. Have a great Tuesday. GO SOX.

NFL News...

2011-07-25T10:11:00.005-04:00

Not that I'm a big fan of professional football like I am of major league baseball, but it looks more and more like there will be football in 2011. Here's a release just in to the Associated Press...

WASHINGTON—"NFL owners and players agreed early Monday to the terms of a deal to end the lockout, and players were expected to begin their voting process later in the day, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the process was supposed to remain secret and no formal announcement had been made. The NFL Players Association's executive committee was to meet at its headquarters in Washington on Monday so it could be presented with the finalized agreement. NFLPA president Kevin Mawae arrived shortly after 9:30 a.m.
Owners overwhelmingly approved a proposal last week, but some unresolved issues still needed to be figured out to satisfy players; the owners do not need to vote again. The sides worked through the weekend and wrapped up talks Monday morning, one of the people told the AP.
"We have every reason to believe it's going to be a good day," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an email to the AP."

Good for them. I love the Patriots and root for them every game but am I enthused by the game itself like I am watching the Boston Red Sox? No way, no how, not even close. But this could be great news for those millions of football fans out there. Click on this post's title for more of the pigskin story. It's not about pulled pork. Thanks.

Wakefield Gets 2,000th Strikeout and 199th Win In The Red Sox 12-8 Win

2011-07-25T04:15:00.014-04:00

Tim Wakefield struck out the 2,000th batter of his career and won his 199th game overall as the Sox completed a sweep of the Mariners. The final score was 12-8 for the Red Sox, the best hitting team in baseball. In all, Wakes was able to go 6 1/3 innings and gave up ten hits and seven runs. Aceves finished things up effectively with 2 2/3 innings of three hit one run work. Here's Timmy himself, who received a well deserved standing ovation when he recorded that HUGE strikeout...

"I'd like to have that seventh inning back, but it is what it is. I was very fortunate that we were able to score 12 runs today, which made it a lot easier. That last inning was just pitching to the scoreboard, trying to get through that inning as quickly as possible. I made one bad pitch. I've been fortunate this year to pitch as well as I have. The last couple starts haven't been that great, but they've been good enough. I'm fortunate to be on a great team, and I've been able to get some wins here and there."

Timmy was fun to watch but he did give up a ton of base hits. His team's bats rescued him and every one of us who craved a victory. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Salty collected three hits each and Big Papi, Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Reddick all had two hit games. The entire team had seventeen hits. To say the Mariners pitching staff, starters and relief guys, are porously mediocre describes them exactly. I'm not being mean, I'm just typing what I saw. We all saw it! Now the Yankees, who won their game last night to keep us three games ahead in the AL East, have the pleasure of playing them for a three game set with an off day on Thursday. Us? The KC Royals come in for four with no day off this week. Now, on to tonight's game.

Everyone's attention will be on our co-ace, Jon Lester. He makes his first start after being sidelined with an injury. Here's Jon...

“We’ve tested it enough. I’ve had plenty of long toss, so it’s definitely not something that’s on my mind. I wouldn’t go out there if it was still bugging me. It wouldn’t be smart.’’

He's ready. Red Sox Nation is excited and the sky's the limit as to how far this 2011 Boston Red Sox team will go.To me, the importance of the game cannot be exaggerated. Enjoy it. The game will be played in Boston so the starting time is the familiar 7:10pm EDT. May the force be with them.

You can click on this post's title for more and I thank you for stopping in. As always, BE WELL. GO SOX!! Happy Monday!

Red Sox Day Baseball...Live

2011-07-24T14:09:00.025-04:00

The Sox and the Mariners have finished the first. In the top of the inning, Tim Wakefield did not have control of his knuckleballs and gave up two runs. But the Red Sox continued their love affair of crooked scoreboard numbers and that's where we are...5-2 Good Guys. I'll be back. C'mon Timmy.

Still 5-2 Sox going into the bottom of the second. That was more like the effective Timmy. Pineda had a 1-2-3 second so after two, 5-2 Boston. The bottom of the first for the Sox featured at least four wall balls. More, please. Timmy's ready to pitch the top of the third. FLUTTER 'em, Wakes.

One out on a fly ball. Wakes looks better but he and Pineda have thrown a lot of pitches. Wakes with a 1-2-3 inning completes the top of the third. Quickly. Sox up in the bottom of the third. Youk...one out. Great play by Ryan. Papi up. 3-2 count with that one out. Papi strikes out. 2 gone. Pineda, except for the first, looks good. Crawford has his second hit, a single. Here's Reddick. He strikes out for the second time. His hot streak looks like it's ending. After 3, 5-2 Boston.

Wakes starts the 4th with an out, then 2 more! Going into the bottom of the fourth, still 5-2. This game is zipping right along and it's nice to have a three run cushion. But I likes my cushions a little softer, lets say a 7 run cushion. Bottom of the fourth coming up now. Scutaro up with one out. 0-2. It's like a difference between night and day for both pitchers. 2 down with a ground ball Scutie out. Jacoby is out #3. After four, same score (that's rhymed!).

5th inning already. Guttierez walked with one out. No free passes, Tim. Ichiro up. Base hit into right. Men on first and third with one out. Let's turn two! Ryan at the plate. Ichiro fooled and thrown out between first and second! 2 down. Off the wall ball by Ryan and it's 5-3, dammit. Eventually, we're going to need more runs but the half inning is over, the score is 5-3 and the Sox lead off with Pedey, who's looking to extend his hitting streak.

Bottom of the fifth comin' up. One out on a ground ball by Pedey. AGonz is at the plate. Off the shortstop's glove for Adrian's second hit. One out, one on. Youk walks. Men on first and second. Pitching change now. I love the Mariners 'pen because they're usually highly ineffective. Big Papi strides to the plate with one down. Infield ground ball with nowhere the pitcher can throw it. Bases loaded with one down. Carl Crawford at the plate. 2 more runs score with CC's third hit of the day. 7-2 Good Guys. Still one out. Reddick hits a wall ball double. 1 more run in. Salty is up with the score 8-3 Boston. The count is 3-1. Base hit to right! 2 more to make it 10-3. I told you I love the Seattle 'pen. Another pitching change. A five run first and a five run fifth makes for one happy guy and a few tens of thousand others, including Lauren, who's doing this kind of live thing too. We might have to do this again, Lauren.

The inning goes on with Ells up. Top o' the order, my friends. 3-2 to Ells, infield chopper and we already go to the 6th. 10-3 Good Guys. The count is full to Mariner batter number one. Fly ball makes one out. I'm proud of Timmy. Smoak is up. 2 outs on an easy ground ball. The knuckies are fluttering like my heart was. 3 outs! 10-3 Wakes and our Sox going into the bottom of the sixth.

Standing ovation for Wakefield on his 2000th appearance as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Ya gotta love him. Pedey hits a wall ball double and extends his hitting streak to 21!!!! Gonzo up. 2-0. Through the right side, Pedey scores and it's 11-3. NO OUTS. Youk, Lauren's crush, is standing with his hands held high, just like Yaz. He strikes out on an unbelievable curve that started heading for him and then it took a left turn. 1-1 to Papi. One out. Fly ball to Ichiro and there's another out. Crawford is down 0-2. He strikes out to end the sixth. Will Timmy be good for one more? My guess is yes (another rhyme!).

OK, that magic (for Boston) 7th coming up with nine outs to go for the left coasters. Timmy is on the mound for three more outs. He pitches and records out number nine. Remember, if he wins it'll be number 199 in a Red Sox uniform. Holy you-know-what! Single to left with 2 down. One more Timmy, and boy, you'll hear an ovation to end all ovations. Back to back hits...2 on with Aceves starting to warm up. Ichiro at the plate. The count is 1-2. One out. ANOTHER base hit hit. Bases loaded with one out and there it goes...A GRAND SLAM. 11-7 and Aceves is coming in now. If he gets out of this seventh, the eighth might feature Bard, or Aceves if he's effective. And then Paps but I don't want to get ahead of it all. 11-7 is CLOSE ENOUGH!

One out in the top of the seventh. One pitch, one out on a fly ball to Jacoby. 2 down and a swing and a miss. 2-1. Pop up. Pedey ends it with a catch. The bottom of the 7th is coming up. If I had my druthers, Bard, who has been really busy, will only come if he's needed. After the Red Sox do their magic in the bottom of the seventh, I'd put Aceves back in with Paps ready for the ninth (if needed). We'll see.

OK, bottom of inning number 7. Singles by Reddick and Salty. First and third. Pop up by Scutaro. One down. Here's Jacoby. Base hit, a looping one. 12-7 with Gonzo at the plate. Ground ball to first. Going to the eighth...I like it. Will it be Aceves or Bard? I say the former.

OK, the eighth begins with Aceves back on the hill. Kennedy up. 0-1. Nasty pitch makes it 0-2. Foul ball. Ground ball out to Pedey. 2 down. Strike one. Aceves looks GREAT! Pop up in front of Reddick in right. Base hit. One out and a man on first. Kennedy has a 2-2 count. PUNCH him out! Foul, still 2-2. Full count with the score still 12-7 Sox. Strikeout for out number two in the eighth. Carl catches it deep and we go to the bottom of the eighth. Paps time? We'll see after the bottom of the frame.

Navarro strikes out for out number 1. Papi stands in. Foul tip. 0-1. Outside twice...2-1. Now 2 outs and Crawford up with a full count. BALL 4. A one out walk with Reddick standing in. He whiffed and we're ready to start the top of the ninth.

Aceves ready to close this one out. Guttierez has the count 1-1. Base hit to center, a single with no one out. Ichiro up. C'mon Aceves. The count is 0-2. Ground ball to Pedey. One out with Guttierez going to second with a meaningless run. Ground ball to Scutie. 2 outs!!! One more Mr. Aceves. Foul ball...the count now is 2-1. Swing and a miss. 2-2 and the crowd is on their feet as one. Foul ball on the screen. Still 2-2. Why am I se nervous. Peter, look at the score, you dummy. OK, here we go. Ball...3-2. RBI double by Ackley. 12-8. Warm up Paps slowly. Please. 0-1. We need two strikes or a nice little ground ball. Swing and miss again! 0-2 with two outs. Another foul ball...just. Pitch not close. 1-2. GAME OVER! A fly to Carl C. 12-8 final to bestow the Seattle Mariners their team loss record.

Bye now. I hope you enjoyed my live blog but I need a bigger mirror. My HD TV is too heavy to move. Now bring on the Royals for four.

Saturday GOOD NEWS Part Two..The Red Sox Are In Seventh Heaven

2011-07-24T04:37:00.012-04:00

It looked like the Seattle Mariners were finally going to break their 14 game losing streak. They were up against the Boston Red Sox by a score of 1-0. It was the bottom of the seventh and Josh Beckett, who was marvelous once again, had just walked off the mound for the last time. He had given up only one run through those seven frames but unless his team scored in the bottom of the inning, he would not be a part of the final decision. But have no fear! The seventh inning team was coming to bat with their last chance to reward Beckett with the victory. And guess what...they scored three runs to forge ahead 3-1. The Sox have outscored their 2011 opponents 90-32 in the seventh inning which, to me is amazing! Bard and Papelbon made short work of the Mariners from there and the Red Sox won the game. Here's Jacoby Ellsbury to talk about the magic seventh innings his team has had...

"Maybe the seventh inning is the time that we've seen the starting pitcher a couple times and he might be wearing down. It's kind of hard to pinpoint one exact thing, because there could be a reliever in there. But whatever the seventh is, we've been scoring runs in it."

Josh Becket was unbelievable yet again and it's becoming obvious to all of Red Sox Nation that he's back, back with a vengeance. If Jon Lester, who pitches on Monday night, has made similar recovery strides, Boston will have their fearsome fivesome intact except for Clay Buchholz. He's missed big time but Andrew Miller, inserted into the rotation when Lester and Buchholz went down, has been a worthy addition to the rotation. Here is Boston manager Tito Francona, who reviews Beckett's supremacy. The Sox win last night was victory number one thousand for our skipper. Here he is on reaching that milestone...

"I'm just glad to win any way. But yeah, I guess it felt good."

And here's the manager yet again speaking of his Saturday night pitcher...

"Beckett was tremendous. He's been like that every game, and he had to be that good, because Mariners starter Blake Beavan was terrific tonight. We plugged away. Because of the way Beckett pitched, it gave us a chance to have meaningful runs late."

And that he did. I don't want to minimize Blake Beavan's start last night. He was impressive, to say the least, but his team couldn't score more than a single run against Beckett and our two best relievers. The Yankees lost, so take a look at the numbers for the top two teams in the AL East...

Boston 61 37 .622
NY Yankees 58 40 .592 3 Games back

Today at 1:35pm EDT, it'll be Wakefield (5-3) up against Pineda (8-6) in the final game of the three game series with the Mariners. Then the KC Royals come in for four. Bring 'em on! Enjoy your Sunday, GO SOX and as always, BE WELL. You can click on this post's title for something about the Red Sox. I'm just about to decide where you'll be going on your link journey. Thanks for stopping in and I hope our team keeps it going, on and on and on. To me, they're the Energizing Bunnies. Have a great Sunday.

Saturday GOOD News Part One..Yanks Lose

2011-07-23T16:54:00.004-04:00

The Oakland A's beat the NY Yankees this afternoon by a score of 4-3. So as of 5:11 pm EDT, the Boston Red Sox have a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL East with Josh Beckett going for them tonight at 7:10pm EDT. That's why the "pin-striper-gripers" are just part one of this Saturday. I like the sound of being three full games up and it could (should) happen this evening. The weather will be warm but the breeze light in Boston so let's get that offense going and score eight or nine runs. Right now, ninety miles away in north central Connecticut, it's exactly 92.8 degrees in the shade. So GO JOSH and GO SOX. Click on the title of this post for more on the Yankees from mlb dot com. I'll be back...soon. Thanks.

Red Sox Keep Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'...Buchholz Not Ready For A Bullpen Session

2011-07-23T04:10:00.019-04:00

The Boston Red Sox whupped the Seattle Mariners and their ace, Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez, by a score of 7-4. Who would ever believe John Lackey would beat him? Lackey went seven strong and gave up a solo run on eight hits. He struck out four and walked no one for his third win in a row. The bullpen pitched the last two with Morales the only blemish. He started the eighth but couldn't finish it. After three runs came across and two outs recorded, Boston turned to relief ace (yes, he is just that) Danny Bard, who recorded the third out. Papelbon wrapped it up with a blemish-free ninth and another Red Sox victory was in the books. Here's the Boston manager, Terry "Tito" Francona, on his resurgent at the right time pitcher...

"He (Lackey) has the ability to be a really good pitcher and shoulder a big burden, and it looks like he wants to do that. His stuff, to me, is the same. He's actually been pretty consistent, especially since he came back from the DL. I just think he needs to locate. When he doesn't, he gives up hits. When he locates, he gets people out. It's about as simple as that."

Lackey threw 68 of his 101 pitches for strikes. When he got behind in the count and needed a sure out, the Sox catcher, Saltalamacchia, kept putting down the off speed/breaking ball sign, be it a curve or a nasty slider, and that did the trick. Here's Lackey himself...

"I felt pretty good. I was really commanding my off-speed stuff pretty well tonight. I probably had one of my better changeups of the year, so that was nice."

The white hot Pedey Pedroia kept on keeping on with another three hits and multi-hit games were also had by Youkilis and Ellsbury. Boston collected thirteen hits in all and except for Morales, every Sox pitcher was wonderful. The 'pen is so important to this team and they continue to keep getting better.

Now I have one piece of bad news. Injured starter Clay Buchholz, scheduled to pitch yesterday in a bullpen session, was unable to do it because of continued back discomfort which prevents him from extending himself during the pitching process. I have a short quote from the "missing man" right here...

“It’s definitely better, it’s getting better every day. I still got a little bit of stuff going on in there and it’s already taken way too long for this, in my mind, but I’m already on the DL and it can’t get any worse than it was at the beginning and it hasn’t gotten any worse. It’s the down time after I throw that the soreness comes."

Clay, I hope you'll be back on the mound every fifth day but I know it's going to be a long and slow process. I must say this...thank goodness for Andrew Miller, who has filled in for him admirably. He really has..

Today, Saturday, the Fenway game begins at 7:10pm EDT and features Beckett and Beavan, who has a record of 1-1. If Josh continues his return to excellence, chalk up another game in the win column for our first place club. The NY Yankees demolished the woeful Oakland A's by a score of 17-7 and remain a full two games behind the Good Guys. They've done an amazing job keeping pace with the magic Sox of Boston.

That's it for this Saturday morning post. Enjoy your day, a day sure to be hot here once again in north central Connecticut but nothing like yesterday. At 2pm EDT Friday, my backyard in-the-shade temperature was 103 degrees. IN THE SHADE! Couple that with a huge dose of humidity and it added up to an air conditioning day. After I did all my errands before 10am, I went back home with the a/c on c-c-cold and sat right underneath the living room ceiling fan. With that beautiful breeze, I was one happy guy. You can click on this post's title for more on yesterday's game and as always, BE WELL. That's it from me to you. GO SOX and enjoy your weekend.

Theo On Jacoby..Lester Ready For Monday

2011-07-22T05:12:00.008-04:00

This is for you, my Constant Readers, and for Lauren who writes a fantastic Red Sox blog called TOO SOXY FOR MY SHIRT. Look for it on my link list ((second from the top) and stop there every day. I know I do...she's funny! Lauren expressed her worries yesterday about the Red Sox doing something dumb and parting with Jacoby Ellsbury. Lauren, enjoy. Don't worry, be happy. This one's for you from the Boston Globe's EXTRA BASES. Theo is the one who shows us all his intentions below...

"On signing Jacoby Ellsbury long term: Yeah, I think with all of our young players that we see as core members of our organization that is something we are interested in. We certainly see Jacoby as that. This certainly isn’t the right forum to talk about it as conversations are always between closed doors, but it is not a secret that we have sat down and tried in the past and tried to lock Jacoby up in the past, and we will sit down in the future and try and do it again at the appropriate time. He is somebody that we have believed in as a core, young member in the organization that we look to keep around.
We have certain organizational standards that have to be met, and we have worked hard to keep those standards with Pedroia and Youkilis and Lesters of the world, so we’d love to one day announce that Jacoby will be with this organization for a long time and this is where he should be and we see him as a core guy.
Translation: The Red Sox would need to buy back at least one year of free agency and have an option for another to make a deal with Ellsbury. Basically a contract for 2012, '13 and '14 (his first free agent year) with an team option for '15 and maybe '16, too. Given that Ellsbury is represented by Scott Boras, good luck with that."

I'm back. I just have a good feeling Boston will lock up our center fielder for a long time, Boras or no Boras. Feel better, Lauren? I know I do. Oh, I almost forgot. Jon Lester threw a bullpen session yesterday and proclaimed himself fit and ready for his Monday start against the KC Royals. Boston opens up a seven game home stand tonight with three against the Mariners. Here are the pitching match ups...

Fri. 22 Sea 7:10 PM ET** ROOT/NESN** J. Lackey (7-8) vs. F. Hernandez (8-8)
Sat. 23 Sea 7:10 PM ET** ROOT/NESN** J. Beckett (8-3) vs. B. Beavan (1-1)
Sun. 24 Sea 1:35 PM ET** TBS/NESN** T. Wakefield (5-3) vs. M. Pineda (8-6)

The NY Yankees lost 2-1 last night so our AL East lead is an even two games. I like those pitching match ups, I like being back at Fenway, which will be hot as an oven this evening and I like the fact that the team you and I love are hotter than the weather. Hey John Lackey, we need another good start from you.

I hope you're all happy, don't forget to visit the blog TOO SOXY FOR MY SHIRT, click on this post's title for more of everything Sox and as always, BE WELL. Lauren, don't worry. Jacoby will be with the club for a long, long time (or Theo is an idiot). We all know he's not.

Ell's Bells Toll For The Orioles..Boston Red Sox 4 Baltimore Orioles 0..Fenway Park Friday

2011-07-21T05:45:00.012-04:00

Jacoby Ellsbury is the bona-fide Baltimore Oriole killer on the Boston Red Sox, who beat the wingless Birds by a score of 4-0. During the 29-game run that dates back to April 17, 2009, Ellsbury is batting .445 (57-for-128) with six homers, 20 RBIs and 31 runs scored against the Orioles. Here he is...

"I don't know what it is; I couldn't tell you what it is. I know I like hitting here. I like coming here. We get great fans and everything. I like that."

And I have a short quote from the Red Sox skipper, Terry Francona...

"He kind of put us on his shoulders. He's had a way of doing that from time to time. He took some really good swings."

He sure did. Adriian Gonzalez broke out of his second half slump with four hits. Combining to the shutout were starter Andrew Miller and bullpen guys Albers, Bard and Papelbon. Here's the lowdown on Andrew Miller. HE NEEDS TO THROW MORE STRIKES. He has walked twenty two batters in only thirty one innings. Yesterday he gave free passes six different times. And the captain, Jason Varitek, who caught the game, kept putting down breaking ball signs when the count got out of hand. Usually when Miller has control issues, he resorts to his fastball. Way too predictable. His cutters and breaking balls, after a mid-game funk, did the job and he handed the ball to the reliable Boston bullpen, a force in itself. So all's well that ends well and a successful road trip (4-2) is in the books.

Next up starting tomorrow is a seven game home stand. That Fenway sojourn consists of three games with Seattle and four against Kansas City. Logically, the Sox should win at least five of 'em but there's no logic (or crying) in baseball. It's one game at a time, starting tomorrow. I'll have the pitching match ups for the Seattle series first thing in the morning. Enjoy this short Thursday Fenway respite, click on this post's title for more on the shutout and as always, BE WELL.

You Can't Win 'Em All...Birds 6 Boston 2

2011-07-20T03:52:00.013-04:00

Given the nature of the universe, one thing is abundantly clear...you can't win 'em all. That proved to be the case last night as the Baltimore Orioles took the middle game of the three game set. The final score was 6-2 winged ones. Adrian Gonzalez is still mired in his slump. He has two hits in his last twenty at bats. I hope he didn't alter his magic swing or hurt himself beause of the Home Run Derby at the All Start game. Here's his analysis...

“Timing. Just getting ready late, not recognizing pitches and swinging at pitches that I normally wouldn’t swing at. Chasing sliders down in the zone, which I usually take, no problem. And when I get a pitch, I foul it off. That’s all it is. It’s not a big deal.”

Let's hope he figures it out and comes back to form. Boston's Kyle Weiland took the loss with three earned runs given up over his six innings. The usually reliable Aceves pitched the last two frames and gave up another trio of tallies. Not a good performance. He'll be gone from the rotation come next week when, thank goodness, Jon Lester will be back and leave us with this rotation...Lester, Beckett, Wakefield, Lackey and not Buchholz but Miller. There is STILL no good news on Buchholz. Backs are temperamental to say the least. Here's the Boston catcher, whose nickname is Salty, with his mini-review of the Baltimore pitcher...

“For me, Guthrie was pounding the zone. He was throwing strikes. It was just a matter of balls falling in. We just didn’t score many runs tonight. We put up 15 last night, two tonight. That’s just the way it goes.”

Salty's correct but it doesn't hurt any less. He hit a line drive home run during the game but two runs can never beat three, much less six. At least the Yankees joined the Sox in defeat. Misery loves company but it's never a cause of misery when the pin stripers go down. In fact, that brings a smile to my face every single time. It's day baseball today a few minutes after 1pm EDT and as the game goes on, it's going to be downright hot and humid, especially in the direct sunlight, and getting worse by the minute. If you have seats in the shade or are watching the game at home with great air conditioning, you're a lucky baseball fan, no matter which team you'll be rooting for.

I hope your Wednesday will be a great one. On the mound will be Arrieta and Miller. Remember, it's a day game and then our team jets to Fenway where a day off welcomes them on Thursday and a seven game Fenway home stand awaits them starting Friday. You can click on this post's title for more and as always and forever, BE WELL. Go Sox...we need this one. thanks.

8 Run 8th for Red Sox...ANOTHER WIN!!

2011-07-19T05:36:00.008-04:00

Tuesday night at Camden Yards in Baltimore, it was a 7-7 tie after 7. And then the whole thing game crashing down on the humbled Birdies, who were playing the wrong team at the wrong time, the team that loves to play Laser Ball. That team is called the Boston Red Sox. The Sox scored 8 runs in that eighth inning and it was game over time. The team arrived at 6am from the marathon game the night before. I'm sure they were tired but those winning Sox reached deep down into their souls and created a magic eighth inning. 8 runs. Game over. Wakefield didn't figure in the final outcome so he still needs two more wins to reach the magic 200 at 41 years of age. Here's Boston manager Terry Francona on the lack of sleep the night before...

"Whatever time you get in, it doesn’t matter. We’re fine. It’s not like we all need that much beauty sleep anyway.’’

And now, Boston's clutch guy, the Muddy Chicken, Pedey Pedroia...

"We didn't have much sleep, but we just came out and we actually swung the bats really good. We're all happy we won, and we get to go to the hotel and get some rest. It's tough because I'm tired. I'm sure everyone else was. We're just all trying to win the game. I mean, that's what we get paid to do. Whatever situation comes up in the game, we've got to respond to it."

And respond they did. Muddy Chicken is what some of Pedey's teammates call him because he's never afraid to get his uniform dirty. He's a high-talent tremendous competitor who Big Papi "wouldn't trade for anyone in the league." High praise.

Boston holds its 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East and coincidently, there are two games left on Papi's suspension (it was reduced from 4) and two left with the lowly Orioles. And then it's Fenway time. Carl Crawford, in his debut, collected two hits and Pedey had three RBIs. All in all, we're going good and we're going to get better. It's getting better all the time, as the Beatles wrote and sang.

Tonight, it'll be K.Weiland (0-0) vs. J. Guthrie (3-13). I hope Weiland has it a little more together than his last start. Click on this post's title for all the highlights and as always, BE WELL. I'll see you.

Wakefield Going For Win #199

2011-07-18T16:07:00.002-04:00

This is from mlb dot com, just now...

"Not since Tommy Bond led with 195 career wins in 1879 has the Majors' top winner been south of 200. Wakefield is at 198 as he leads off the Red Sox's three-game series at Camden Yards by opposing Brad Bergesen in Monday night's opener."

1879. That's a long time ago. GOOD LUCK, TIMMY. We love you. 2 to go.

Red Sox Win A Sixteen Inning Masterpiece, 1-0. Beckett Brilliant..Lester and Crawford To Return Soon

2011-07-18T05:08:00.012-04:00

Josh Beckett is back and back feeling good. His performance yesterday was almost indescribably delicious. He went eight glorious inning and gave up no runs and one hit. while walking not a soul and whiffing six. The relievers who followed were every bit as good. Bard, Albers, Morales, Aceves (3 IP!) and Paps for the save were goose-egg perfect. I fell asleep early but I woke up at one AM and was glad I did. Pedey knocked in the winning tally in the top of the 16th. Here's Big Papi on Pedey, the Muddy Chicken...

"Just put it down in the newspaper, I wouldn't trade Pedey for nobody in this league right now"

Either would I, Papi. It was Boston's 13th win out of 14. Amazing stuff! I also have a couple pieces of good news. One, expect to see John Lester on the mound in about a week, after the Baltimore series that begins tonight. Here's the Sox skipper, Terry Francona...

“That’s good news for us. He must feel good. But we need to give him a chance where he can go out and not be stuck on 60 pitches. I think we caught it quick enough where he didn’t go out and throw another inning and do some damage.

The other bit of good news concerns Carl Crawford. For those of you going to the game tonight or watching it on NESN, the left fielder with be none other than Carl Crawford. His ex-manager, Joe Maddon, said this...

“We just haven’t been able to replace Carl and the things he did and the clutch hits and the production. That we haven’t been able to do, and I didn’t expect we were going to unless we had Manny here all season. He had his times here when he’d start to dip and we kind of knew when it was going to come and how long it would last. But Carl always picked it back up and at the end of the year his numbers were always where we expected them to be."

Boston will throw Wakefield, Weiland and Miller down in Maryland. I don't know what to expect will happen with Weiland and Miller and Timmy is always an early mystery until he sorts things out. But first place is ours. Let's keep it!

Thanks for stopping in on this soon to be scorching Monday. Click on the title of this post for all the riveting highlights from last night's specialness and as always, BE WELL.

BoSox Bats Overcome An "OK" Lackey Start...9-5 Boston Over Tampa Bay

2011-07-17T04:17:00.004-04:00

You can't say John Lackey doesn't care. HE DOES! He showed his emotions on the mound yesterday as he was pulled with two outs in the sixth inning. He gave up 10 hits and four runs, three earned, in that span. He whiffed seven. You can't call it a quality start but the man pitched the best that he could. Here he is...

“Arm-strength wise, the last three starts I’ve felt definitely better than I’ve felt at the beginning of the year, for sure. What happened in the first half of the season happened; can’t do anything about that now. But I’m going to go out there, compete my butt off and try to win every time I go out there.”

That's exactly what he looked like he was trying to do and he showed those emotions every pitch of the way. With no Lester for another week and no date on Buchholz' return, Lackey is a needed commodity. And that's putting it mildly. Frankly, looking at this current Boston pitching rotation gives me the shivers. How are they still in first place? We're not even sure if Beckett and his knee will be good to go tonight. I sure hope so. I'll say it again. I sure hope so.

Enjoy the ESPN game tonight and don't forget to click on this post's title for more Sox. Have a great Sunday, feel good and as always, BE WELL.

Boston Bombed In Tampa Bay..Papi To Appeal..Crawford Almost Ready

2011-07-16T04:29:00.009-04:00

Things started out badly almost the first minute of the game as Red Sox starter Andrew Miller self-destructed, only going 2 2/3 innings and giving up a whopping 7 earned runs. The bullpen allowed a collective 2 runs but it was far too late for any Friday victory dreams. The final score was 9-6. The Sox skipper said this about his pitcher...

"The walks really hurt. The strike-to-ball ratio, I don't think was horrible, but when he threw his balls, they were all bunched together. It was just a tough way to pitch. His pitch count was so high. It was kind of obvious that something was not going right."

I agree with Tito. I hope nothing's wrong with Miller because the Boston Red Sox are running out of pitchers. Fast! Get ready for 4:10pm baseball today on Fox. It's be Lackey dueling Shields in the Florida sunshine. The Sox need to take this but Shields is one tough customer.

In other Red Sox news, Big Papi David Ortiz has appealed his suspension and will play for the time being. There is a chance his "sentence" will be reduced. Let's hope so. Here's the latest from Carl Crawford, our missing left fielder, from the Boston Globe with my thanks...

“The most important thing was being able to break out of the box like I normally can … to be able to move quickly without worrying about my hamstring. I had a few moments tonight where I was able to test it. I had to do some stopping and starting. When you stop real quick and nothing happens that’s a good sign. I want to try and do everything two days in a row to make sure there isn’t any pain or anything like that. After that happens, I’ll be ready to go."

We're ready for Monday, too. I hope every one of you has a terrific Saturday and a tremendous weekend. Click on this post's title for more on last night's action, if I may call it that. Once you do that, click on that mid-screen box with the two teams' emblems for a great 2 minute wrap-uo of the entire action. As always, BE WELL.

Tampa Bay, Fla. Friday, July 15th, 2011

2011-07-15T04:47:00.002-04:00

Yes, that's today and the Boston Red Sox will be down in Tampa Bay for the start of a three game set. Everything you need to know about this series is in my post just below this one. GO SOX!

The 2011 Season Part Two Starts Tomorrow For The Boston Red Sox

2011-07-14T05:21:00.002-04:00

It's Thursday, the last day off before the Boston Red Sox resume their AL East championship quest. The team will travel to Tampa Bay to face the always tough Rays. Here's the pitching schedule for Friday though Sunday...

Fri. 15 at TB 7:10 PM ET NESN/SUN** A. Miller (3-0) vs, D. Price (8-7)
Sat. 16 at TB 4:10 PM ET FOX** J. Lackey (6-8) vs. J. Shields (8-7)
Sun. 17 at TB 8:05 PM ET ESPN** J. Beckett (8-3) vs. J. Niemann (4-4)

I hope Josh and his knee are ready on Sunday. We really need him for the second half, almost three months of action. And that's not even mentioning Lester and Buchholz. Give us back those three guys, completely healthy, and the Sox would romp to first place and stay there. But for all we know, we don't know.

Have a great Thursday and as always, be well. We'll all get to see Boston baseball again on Friday. See ya.

National League Takes Its Second Straight All Star Game 5-1

2011-07-13T05:28:00.007-04:00

The only bright spot of this game for Boston Red Sox fans was the home run that Adrian Gonzalez smashed. But that was the run total for the American League team...one. The loneliest number. The final score was 5-1 National League. Gonzalez said this about his long ball...

“He threw me a fastball away and I swung through and then he came back with a cutter and I was able to stay on it and get it up in the air. It was great to be able to produce and help our team. It was a great experience here.’’

Once Adrian gets a ball "up in the air," it stays in the air until it falls into someone's lap out in the stands. His fly balls carry as if propelled by a personal jet stream, something like having Superman as your number one fan and he helps you out with a puff of his super breath. I wonder why neither the mouthwash manufacturers or toothpaste makers haven't enlisted Superman in their advertising campaigns. Super breath needs a super mouth product. I'm just daydreaming but I'm serious. I think Superman or Clark Kent (even better) should have been a focus. I have it all clear in my mind. Start with a close shot of Clark Kent as he says something like "I have a side job being Superman. Of course, this is just between me and you. Being Superman, I occasionally have to use my super breath. That's when ------ toothpaste, my favorite, is essential. Imagine bad breath and super breath combined. It's not a pretty thought. If ------ toothpaste works for me, then it will work for you. I promise on my home planet of Krypton."

OK, I'm back from my flight of whimsey. Josh Beckett felt some discomfort in his knee while warming up before the game. He mentioned it and was told he would not pitch, a decision he agreed with. Here he is...

“It’s not something I was comfortable with. I don’t think I re-injured it but it still definitely has inflammation. I could have pitched. I’m just not comfortable going out there and getting hurt in an All-Star Game and costing myself starts in the second half. I think that’s how everybody should be. This game does mean a lot with home-field advantage in the World Series, and everything. But at the same time there are some things that are ahead that are a little more important."

Like the remaining regular season, right Josh? Right. I hope what you felt last night while warming up was not a setback. We need you in the rotation big time.

Lastly, we'll most likely hear something about the possible fine and suspension of David Ortiz for the fisticuffs last week. Joe Torre said to the media to expect this. A couple of games would be no big deal but my goodness, we were just without him for that inter-league bunch of games.

Thanks for stopping in, click on this post's title for all the highlights of the All Star game and as always and forever, BE WELL. Thanks for stopping by. GO SOX.

*ALL STAR DAY 2011

2011-07-12T04:29:00.007-04:00

Robinson Cano edged out Adrian Gonzalez in the home run derby. Cano clubbed 32 home runs while Gonzalez blasted 31. I enjoyed it...it turned into a Yankee/Red Sox type of thing. The real deal, the MLB All Star game, will be tonight shortly after 8pm EDT. The game has meaning, no matter how controversial that meaning is. The winner of the game, NL or AL, will dictate who has home field advantage in the World Series. I pick the American League to win it...they have too much power for their cohorts in the NL.

That's it for today. Do you think you know a lot about this parade of stars celebration? Just click on this post's title to be zapped to the Boston Globe's Red Sox home page. There, front and center, you can click and play a trivia type quiz all about the annual event. It's a timed quiz and it's not easy.

I hope your Tuesday will be a great one. It's supposed to go up into the mid 90s here with a healthy (it's not healthy) dose of humidity. My a/c has been on since yesterday afternoon. Enjoy that trivia game. I'm going to try it right now. I hope you do the same. Now get ready for Jared Weaver versus Roy "Doc" Halladay. Here are the starting lineups, from me to you. As always, be well. I'll see you.

AL
1. Granderson, CF
2. Cabrera, SS
3. Gonzalez, 1B**
4. Bautista, RF
5. Hamilton, LF
6. Beltre, 3B
7. Ortiz, DH**
8. Cano, 2B
9. Avila, C

NL
1. Weeks, 2B
2. Beltran, DH
3. Kemp, CF
4. Fielder, 1B
5. McCann, C
6. Berkman, RF
7. Holliday, LF
8. Tulowitzki, SS
9. Rolen, 3B

Boston 8 Baltimore 6...BOSTON HITS ALL STAR BREAK IN FIRST

2011-07-11T04:35:00.012-04:00

The Boston Red Sox staked themselves to a 2-0 early lead only to see the Baltimore Orioles score six big ones in the top of the second off rookie Kyle Weiland. It was all Red Sox from there as they scored four in the third to tie it. Weiland went four labored innings (except for a 1-2-3 first) and thankfully gave way to the Boston bullpen, which was effective yet again. Tito Francona has a great 'pen that he controls and controls well. Aceves, Bard and Papelbon combined for five scoreless innings with Aceves earning the victory and Paps his 20th save. Boston is now 20 games over .500. They've won 11 of their last 12 games and are in first place by a full game in the AL East. Here's Boston manager Terry "Tito" Francona on his team's rough start...

“It was a very difficult start, there’s no getting around that. I think we needed to regroup and all the things we talked about, paying attention to detail, be patient enough to believe in ourselves, because it’s not easy. We were taking some pretty good shots, and we probably deserved them. But there were some things that were being written or said that I don’t think I believed.
I think we went out and proved that we can be a good team. We’re not done yet. Not even close. But we’re playing better baseball.’’

You sure are, Tito. I'm sure there are some Boston players who'd rather continue with the 2011 season right now rather than take a four day break. Because of a scheduled off day Thursday, they don't play again until Friday. That will give more time for the injured players to play without missing anything. Beckett has been cleared to play and probably will Tuesday. Lester is getting closer and so is Buchholz. Until we get that threesome back, the Sox can't play up to their potential but they've been doing darn well so far without 'em. I hope you enjoy tomorrow night's tilt.

We'll next see the Boston Red Sox together on the field Friday night when they play the Tampa Bay Rays. The pitchers have not been announced and won't be until after the All Star game. If you'd like, click on this post's title for all the video highlights from yesterday and as always, BE WELL.

Lackey Shines (!) In Boston Victory..Red Sox 4 O's 0

2011-07-10T05:20:00.009-04:00

John Lackey came up like aces Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. It was a beautiful day and Lackey, wobbles and all, kept the visiting team off the scoreboard for 6 2/3 innings. He left with two outs in the seventh inning and Red Sox manager Tito Francona summoned the best set up guy in baseball, statistically wise, Daniel Bard, who should be on the 2011 All Star team. He blanked the Birds for 1.1 innings and Jonathon Papelbon finished it off. How good was Lackey and was he deserving of the "Standing O" the Fenway Faithful gave him when he walked off the field? Let's hear from Lackey's catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia...

“Yeah, I think he’s had it rough, definitely a rough year. But to his credit, he keeps coming out there and pounding. He never complains and never says anything. He just goes out there and lets the chips fall. I’m glad he was able to go out there tonight and pitch like he knows he can.’

Here's the man of the day himself, John Lackey...

“I guess I was locating a little bit better, but, honestly, not a whole lot. The velocity felt about the same. I told you my arm felt pretty good the other day, so hopefully, I’ll keep it going.’’

Everyone of us in Red Sox Nation hopes you come all the way back because boy, do we need you! Even that is a severe understatement. But let's concentrate on today's tilt, which begins at 1:35pm EDT. Atkins will face Boston's Weiland. Both pitcher's 2011 records stand at 0-0. I'd love to see another win which would make this a series sweep.

Congrats go out to Kevin Youkilis, who has been selected to take the place of Alex Rodruiguez on the 2011 All Star team. Good for him! More congratulations have to be showered on Derek Jeter, who recorded his 3,000th base hit yesterday. That's a first for any Yankee. I'm not particularly fond of the guy but my goodness, HE WENT 5-5!!

Have a great Sunday, click on this post's title for game highlights and more from last night and as always, BE WELL. See you soon.

Red Sox Win Again..They Won't Go Down Fighting..Boston 10-Baltimore 3

2011-07-09T05:02:00.010-04:00

There was excitement from the first inning to the eighth Friday night at Fenway Park. Boston scored eight runs in the first and Papi got into it with Kevin Gregg in the eighth. It was sheer mayhem but most importantly, Boston keeps winning and winning and now they are a full game ahead of the NY Yankees in the AL East standings. But first, I want to tell you where I was for three days, Wednesday through Friday. You sure can miss a lot in that amount of time. I wasn't feeling well Tuesday and much worse Wednesday, so bad with nausea and a few other things that I checked into St. Francis Hospital Wednesday mid-afternoon and was released yesterday afternoon. I'm OK and I can tell you for sure, there's no place like home, there's no place like home. OK, back to the game, a game you can see all the highlights of if you click on this post's title. I'll remind you later.

In the bottom of the first inning the Red Sox hitting machine shifted into fourth gear (better torque than fifth) and plated eight men against the usually solid Zach Britton. That was all she wrote in terms of runs needed and Boston cruised from there but not without a little fear and the aforementioned fight in the eighth. You can see the fight just be clicking on this post's title. You'll see a couple of ways to watch the fight highlights and complete game highlights. If you want the full game highlights, look for a box with the team's two emblems and go from there. Have fun!

Today, the Sox and the O's go at it again with John Lackey going against Simon. First pitch time is 7:10pm EDT. Boston has won four in a row and I'l love to see them make it five. GO SOX.

It's great to be back, don't forget to click on this post's title and as always, BE WELL. PLEASE.

Red Sox Win 3-2...Lester Out

2011-07-06T03:37:00.007-04:00

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 3-2. It was that close because Jonathan Papelbon allowed four hits and two earned runs in the ninth. Hey Paps, that wasn't necessary. But that wasn't the big story on Tuesday. Jon Lester was rolling along after giving up zero hits. He walked into the dugout after his half of that fourth and was not seen again. Word of what happened was long time coming but when it did, it showed that Lester has a strained lower left latissimus, a large muscle that runs beneath the shoulder. Just the name frightens me. Jon will have an extensive examination today. Then we'll have a better idea as to the length of his time out. Here he is himself...

“It should be fine, hopefully for the rest of the season. I don’t think it’s a long-term issue. We may alter one start. We’ve got the All-Star break built in.’’

We're all rooting for you, Jon. Of that I'm certain. I'll see you tomorrow or before. I'm a lttle under the weather right now. As always, be well. Thanks for stopping in.

Lackey Does His "Thing" Again

2011-07-05T04:01:00.004-04:00

When John Lackey takes the mound, run,run like the world is on fire and that inferno is heading right for you! That's right, run, run for your life! I overdramatize. I hate to see the Red Sox mauled, and they were. I don't even know if Youk will be able to play. Lacky allowed 7 runs in the first three innings. The Red Sox scored and scored again but the final score was 9-7. Bah humbug Dear John. Here's Lackey after the game...

“Just continue to work hard. I’ve made a lot of adjustments, kind of on the fly,’’ he said. “Some of those will hopefully turn into some results here soon. I’ve felt a lot better since coming off the DL. I’ve pitched some good games and lost and obviously had some pretty rough ones.’’

Here's some more sobering news. Among major league pitchers with at least 70 innings this season, Lackey has the highest earned run average by more than a run at 7.47 I can't even comment on that stat. I feel that there are only two things that can be done. Keep playing him every five days and let him work it out. That's a bad idea. A better one is this. Theo, realize that you and the team are making a mistake if you continue to let him pitch without his arm being totally checked out. If there's nothing wrong in the doctor's opinion, admit Mike Cameron style that the team made another free agent mistake.

That's all I have for you today. I hope your 4th of July weekend was terrific and as always, BE WELL.

Good-Bye Inter-League Play

2011-07-04T04:36:00.009-04:00

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros in their last inter-league game of the year. If it wasn't so early this morning, i'd let out a loud YESSSSSSS! But it's not even 5 am and I like living here. So mum's the word.

Josh Beckett pitched another gem against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The final score was 2-1 and Josh went eight strong innings and gave up just five hits, one run and he whiffed 11. He must be feeling great. Lets hope so.

Here are the man from Texas and his manager, Terry Francona...

“Coming here and winning three, it’s tough to sweep a series on the road, or at home for that matter. Josh and his manager think the energy level was up! I just felt better physically, energy-wise.’’

“Obviously, I thought he was tremendous.

Anybody who thought he wasn't should recheck his baseball knowings. Here's the three game pitching match-ups against the Toronto Blue Jays...

Mon. 4 Tor 1:35 PM ET** RSN/NESN** J. Lackey (5-7) B. Morrow (4-4)
Tue. 5 Tor 7:10 PM ET** RSN/NESN** J. Lester (10-4) B. Cecil (1-3)
Wed. 6 Tor 7:10 PM ET** RSN/NESN** T. Wakefield (4-3) R. Romero (7-7)

Have a healthy and happy 4th of July.

Sunday Red Sox Baseball Coming Up!

2011-07-03T04:30:00.003-04:00

Yes, the Boston Red Sox will be playing Houston once again and then they go back to all-American League schedule AT Fenway. We have ground to make up on those winning pin-stripers. Oh yes. Oh yes we do.

A Nice Win For Boston 7-5...YES!!

2011-07-02T04:27:00.012-04:00

Tim Wakefield didn't exactly throw a gem Friday night down in sultry Texas but with the help of his team's bats, the Boston Red Sox prevailed in Houston, Texas by a score of 7-5. The Red Sox needed to put together a six run seventh to pull this one off and if not for the lumber, they would have lost. Wakes was only able to go 5 1/3 innings, throwing too many pitches and giving up 11 hits (too many), and five runs (too much). But the bottom line is the Good Guys came out on top. The Yankees are on a hot streak so the Red Sox must keep pace. These two teams go at it again this evening at 7:05pm EDT. GO SOX! Please click on this post's title to see all the hightlights of the stirring Boston comeback. Have a great weekend and as always, be well.

FINALLY! Boston 5 Philadelphia 2...Cameron Released

2011-07-01T05:05:00.008-04:00

Jon Lester started and won the Thursday afternoon game with the Phillies by a score of 5-2. The Phillies soon found out that Jon is Boston's version of Cliff Lee and he was just that yesterday. He went a strong seven innings and gave up ZERO runs on just a pair of hits. He was superb, hitting his spots with all his pitches while his devastating cutter shredded the opposition. Bard pitched the eighth and Jenks came in to finish off dem Phillies but couldn't do it and after giving up two runs and another hit, Tito came in to insert Papelbon. Bingo! Game over. Batting stars were Dustin Pedey Pedroia, with a tater while batting clean up and the captain, Jason Varitek, who was hitting fifth, doubling the tater output of Pedey. He's the captain, after all. But the biggest power performance of them all for the Boston club was a smash by Adrian Gonzalez that yanked Cole Hamels out of his glove AND the game. This was in the fourth inning and Hamels had been pitching lights-out. Thank you, Adrian. Here's Jon Lester on his terrific performance...

"You can’t worry about losing streaks, winning streaks, or anything like that. You’ve just got to go out and execute pitches.’’

The Red Sox will play their last three games on the National League path in Houston. They're sleeping soundly there right now. Here are your pitching match ups...

Fri. 1 at Hou 8:05 PM ET** NESN/FoxH** T. Wakefield (4-3) vs. B. Norris (4-6)
Sat. 2 at Hou 7:05 PM ET** NESN/FoxH** A. Miller (1-0) vs. J. Happ (3-9)
Sun. 3 at Hou 2:05 PM ET** NESN/FoxH** J. Beckett (6-3) vs. J. Lyles (0-3)

And lastly, Mike Cameron, a really nice guy who worked SO hard to come back from injury, has been released from the club. He didn't hit against lefties. Hey, JD Drew doesn't hit against righties so the problem IS with right field. Here's Tito...

"It's not a move we were looking to make necessary. We were trying to strike the right balance, buying guys as much time as we could to let them get on track a little bit. Mike obviously has a great track record and even last year, when he was hurt, he still raked left-handed pitching. The expectation coming into the year was that he would help us against lefties and it ended up being a tough adjustment for him to a role he wasn't that familiar with. We decided to go ahead and make the move now. The timing was right. We want to thank Mike for all his hard work and battling through the tough injury he had last year."

I and Red Sox Nation wish him luck. Have a great Friday as the Boston Red Sox try to string some consecutive victories together. The All Star break looms. Click the title of this post for more and as always, BE WELL.

Lackey Great But Red Sox Lose...Buchholz NOT Improving

2011-06-30T04:31:00.009-04:00

There's something wrong with the first part of the title of this post. What is it? I'll tell you. Lackey has been terrible for most of his season and the Sox have lost most of those games. Yet last night, Lackey pitched 7 2/3 innings and only gave up two earned runs. He walked one and struck out five. He also provided Boston with its sole run courtesy of a home run. The rest of the batting order? ZILCH even with Big Papi David Ortiz manning first and Adrian Gonzalez roaming right field. The good thing is that neither of them were hurt in any way. 2-1 Philadelphia. Boy.

Boston's lack of ability to score runs is alarming hundreds of thousands of people. You'll hear two of them coming up. First, the Boston manager, Terry Francona...

“We’re not going to release our team. That’s the way the game goes. You don’t score at that pace all the time. You hope you win some of these games when you're not scoring."

And here's our never-say-die second baseman, Pedey Pedroia...

“We have to find a way to score some runs.

We sure do. But five hits? The Philly pitcher wasn't THAT good! The Red Sox have another problem...Clay Buchholz. His lower back is still hurting. He thought he was going to be ready when his team will arrive at Fenway Monday but it's officially a no-go. He said this yesterday....

“I want to be 100 percent when I make my next start. I’d probably say, if there is a start before the (All Star) break, it won’t be until one of the later games against Baltimore the following weekend. There’s something still there when I was throwing.”

You want even more bad news? WEEI's Peter Gammons mentioned John Lackey and the hideous three words "Tommy John surgery" in the same sentence. I'll have more on that when it becomes available. Thanks for stopping in and have a great Thursday. Click on this post's title for more and as always, BE WELL. Let this injury bug cease. NOW! Thanks.

Phillies' Cliff Lee Throws His Third Shutout In A Row..Buchholz Coming Along Very Slowly..Will Not Play This Weekend..Adrian Will Be In Right Tonight

2011-06-29T04:18:00.013-04:00

Last night, Philadelphia Phillies starter Cliff Lee was in complete command of the game from start to finish. Boston's Josh Beckett looked a little rusty after so many days on the bench or in the trainer's room. Boston Red Sox skipper Tito Francona had this to say about Lee...

"He’s one of the best pitchers in the game and he’s riding a hot streak. That’s a bad combination. He had his way with us.

Many of the Boston batters grimaced as strike after strike again and again crossed the plate without being touched by any wood. It was as dominating a performance as I've seen all year. I mean, how can anyone pitch any better? Answer...they can't. Impossible. Here's more Tito...

"He was in command of the game from start to finish. He had his way with us. He was in command of the game from start to finish. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game and he’s riding a hot streak. That’s a bad combination. He had his way with us.”

All the Red Sox and their fans could do is to tip their hats and say they were beaten by the better guy in every way imaginable. I loved watching his various selection of pitches and his unending precision. My hat (if I was wearing one) would have come off as soon as Lee ended his complete game masterpiece.

There's one more piece of interesting Red Sox pitching news. It seems Clay Buchholz is not coming along with his back injury as quickly as some predicted. HE WILL NOT pitch anytime soon. That means, of course, is that Wakefield AND Lackey will both be out on the mound every five days. We must hope Clay returns as soon as possible. The Yankees won again last night so the Red Sox must win at least one of the two remaining games left in this series, if not both.

Lastly, finally, Big Papi David Ortiz will start at first base while Adrian Gonzalez. Boston's best hitter, will move out to rightfield tonight. If he's hurt, they'll be hell to pay but the chances of that happening are super slim. The Sox need both of their big bats in their lineup when playing a team as great as the Phillies. Stay safe, guys. Adrian will be pulled and moved back to first if the Red Sox go ahead by a substantial margin.

Hey, at least we're going to miss Doc Halladay. Boy, they have great starting pitching. Please click on this post's title for more on the Wednesday night game and as always, BE WELL. GO SOX!!

Philly/Boston Preview

2011-06-28T05:05:00.010-04:00

The Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies play their last three 2011 games, not including any possible post season action, all in the land of cheesesteaks and brotherly love and it's an important series. With Josh Beckett back tonight and Buchholz due soon (July 4th) , that adds up to six potential starters. Who to move to the bullpen? One's got to go. I'm sure most fans would quickly (instantly?) pick John Lackey but I think Andrew Miller, if he's able to throw strikes, would be a more valuable asset to an already strong 'pen. As for Beckett, here's Boston skipper Tito Francona...

“If he’s running out of gas a little bit, we’ll keep an eye on him. But it’s not like he’s hurt."

That's the important part. He never was hurt. He just picked up a nasty bug of some kind. He took an extra couple days off to make sure he'll have the stamina to go 6 plus innings. The way he was pitching before he was felled was vintage Beckett who hit all his spots with all his pitches. It sure would be great to see more of the same. Here's the man with the plan on just that...

“I should be fine. My arm is good. I just needed to build myself up physically a little bit and I’ve had the time to do that.’’

Kevin Youkilis has a unique way of looking at upcoming contests. In short, it's not who you are playing or when you are playing them, it's HOW you play them that's most important. The best becomes even better. Here's our third baseman, Mr. Youkilis...

“I don’t lose any sleep thinking about the Phillies. I haven’t really thought about it. I didn’t even know who we’re facing or anything like that. When we go out on the field and we take batting practice and prep for the game, then we’ll be ready. I’m not really interested in this series other than going out there and just playing baseball. But until then it’s just a series where we have to go out and play some good baseball and hopefully take two out of three.’’

You sure do, Youk. Let's see what the Boston Red Sox can do on Philadelphia's home turf. You can see the pitching match ups in the post directly below this one. Click on this post's title to be zapped to all the coverage of this important upcoming tilt between, on paper, the two best teams in MLB and as always and forever, BE WELL.

Thanks for stopping by once again, my Constant Readers. Let's say a loud "GO SOX!" Up, up and away!

Red Sox Avoid Sweep To Bucs...4-2 Boston

2011-06-27T03:05:00.007-04:00

I have one thing to say before this keyboard starts spewing Boston Red Sox words. I fell asleep at nine or so and here's the problem. I wake up at 11pm and I can't go back to sleep! Those early before daylight hours are interminable. HELP!! Red Sox starter Andrew Miller seemed to be just what the doctor ordered Sunday as he led his team to a 4-2 win. He allowed five hits and one unearned run, The bullpen, in the form of Aceves, Bard and Papelbon, was goose egg perfect and the Sox move on to
Philadelphia, where a very good team plays. They're called the Phillies and here's the three game pitching match-ups...

Tue. 28 at Phi** 7:05 PM ET NESN/WB17 ** J. Beckett (6-2) vs. C. Lee (8-5)
Wed. 29 at Phi** 7:05 PM ET ESP2/CSN** J. Lackey (5-6 ) vs. V. Worley (2-1)
Thu. 30 at Phi** 1:05 PM ET NESN/CSN** J. Lester (9-4) vs. C. Hamels (9-4)

They sure have some great starting pitching, don't they. Game one will be Tuesday night after a much needed off day today. I hope Mr. Beckett will be good to go, too.

For a 26 game streak,right fielder JD Drew struggled mightily. There's been talk of pulling him out of the line up. But lately that productive hitter seems to be resurfacing. Here he is before yesterdays contest...

“Anytime you struggle, it’s nothing you want to go through. This has been kind of a head-scratcher, trying to find a rhythm and get that swing you’re looking for. But it’s there. I got in some bad habits early on. Sooner or later it will come around. Sometimes you over think the situation and try to change things, and I think I found myself doing that. I’ve tried to get back to what I’ve done throughout my career here and even before I got here, and that’s to keep it simple and be short and quick to the ball.”

Hey JD, I have faith in you. Keep scorching the ball. I have faith in you too, my constant readers. Please click on the post's title for more Soxy stuff and as always, BE WELL.

Boston Suffers It's Fourth Loss In A Row

2011-06-26T03:06:00.007-04:00

Four losses in a row for the Boston Red Sox are too many, especially when it's the mediocre (to say the least) Pittsburgh Pirates on the winning side. I'm more than frustrated because the Pirates are not the cream of the crop, not by a long shot. Wakefield started but he surrendered four runs in the fourth inning (4's running wild!). I can't believe the loss of the DH, in our case Big Papi David Ortiz, would cause this or contribute to this horrid display of the game we know and love.

Wakes originally pitched for Pittsburgh many years ago and he received a rousing ovation at the beginning of the game. Fans don't forget. But this time Timmy couldn't turn back the unrelentless sands of time. Here he is...

“I’m very grateful for that (ovation). I’m happy for the city and the fans that they’re playing well. I just wish it had been a better outcome for us.”

Let's hope they break this hideous streak of nonsense when they play the rubber game of the series. I'm going to save some time to watch some of the final round of the Travelers Tournament, a PGA event held just 10 miles from Hartford. It used to be called the Sammy Davis Greater Hartford Open when Sammy was still with us. Click on this post's title for more and as always, stay well.

Should'a Would'a But Didn't..Sox Lose Again

2011-06-25T04:33:00.003-04:00

The Boston Red Sox Friday night at Fenway lost by a score of 3-1. The magic hit was impossible. They're just not hitting with the no-DH inter league lineup. They've scored 2 runs in their last 19 innings. No more bashing the ball and they have 8 more road games at National League fields. It hurts that David Ortiz only had a pinch hitting at bat in the eighth inning. As he stepped to the plate, he said this...

“First of all, what’s wrong with Mother Nature? I’m just walking to the plate and it started pouring. What’s up with that?’’

You can't fool Mother Nature, Big Papi. She saw you coming. Maybe she's a Yankee fan. Here's the Boston manager, Tito Francona...

“We had it going so good for so long. You want the good streaks to be long and the bad ones to be short.’’

And lastly, Marco Scutaro on the changed lineup and this losing funk...

“We miss David, but we knew this was coming. We still have to find a way to score. This team is still good enough to score some runs. A couple of days of this is enough. We need to score some runs.’’’

I hope we've seen the end of it and will begin again our winning ways. The Red Sox are still clinging to first. It could be a ton worse. Click on this post's title for more Sox stuff and as always, STAY WELL.

Post Lackey Post With An Explanation...New Link

2011-06-24T05:25:00.003-04:00

Hello and good morning. Please look to the right of your screen and scroll down my link list. I just added a new one and you should check it out. It's called "TOO SOXY FOR MY SHIRT. I love her writing and you will, too.

Since yesterday was a day off for the Boston Red Sox, this morning post will be a short one for me. Have a great Friday.

Lackey Lacking Again...Padres 5 Red Sox 1

2011-06-23T04:28:00.010-04:00

John Lackey stunk up Fenway Park Wednesday afternoon in a big way and he heard the fans' displeasure loudly. He was only able to muster 3 1/3 innings and gave up a whopping 5 runs. It was a thoroughly awful performance. The game was delayed 38 minutes by rain and there were also delays in the third, fifth and eighth innings, when it was finally called and rightfully so. Lackey's problems seemed related to the wet weather but both pitchers were saddled with that burden and look at the final score. Here's the Red Sox skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona...

“He went back out after the rain delay and just looked like he lost his feel. I don’t think the conditions were very good for either pitcher but he just lost his command and it cost us some runs.”

He cost us the game, Tito, but he's done it before and dammit, he'll do it again. Such is life. I have to make this post and tomorrow's post quickies because we're still having small family gatherings in my Mom's honor. Such is the custom of my religion. As most of you know, she passed on Sunday and we buried her on Tuesday.

A three game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates sans Willie Stargell (thank goodness) commences tonight. Here are the series match ups...

Fri. 24 at Pit** 7:05 PM ET NESN/ROOT** J. Lester (9-3) vs. P. Maholm (3-8)
Sat. 25 at Pit** 7:05 PM ET NESN/ROOT** J. Beckett (6-2) vs. J. Karstens (4-4)
Sun. 26 at Pit** 1:35 PM ET NESN/ROOT** T. Wakefield (4-2) vs. J. McDonald (5-4)

If ever there was a time for Jon Lester to step up, tonight's the night. Thanks for being here and click on this post's title for all the highlights and lowlights of a Wednesday Fenway Park afternoon. When you get there, look for a box that has the two team's circular emblems. That will get you to the 2 minute game highlights, which I watch every morning. You'll see it. The page has been turned (twice) and we'll be ready in Western Pennsylvania tonight. As always, BE WELL.

San Diego 5 Boston 4...Alfredo Aceves Walks 5 In A Row In Second Inning..An Upcoming Rain Delay?

2011-06-22T04:53:00.011-04:00

Alfredo Aceves, substituting for the sick Josh Beckett (we would have won yesterday with him in there), walked 5 straight batters in the second inning. He threw 42 pitches in that horrible inning and that unending wildness provided the winning margin of victory for the San Diego club. The final Fenway Park score was 5-4 and the two teams war against each other again this afternoon with John Lackey (5-5) ready to pitch against C. Richard (2-9). I'm ready for some afternoon baseball but I have much to do before first pitch time saying good bye to family and friends who were in town for my Mom's funeral, which was yesterday. So right now I will bid you adieu. Click on this post's title for today's lineups. BE WELL.

I thank you for stopping in and as always, be and stay well. Thanks. Oh, I just checked the weather radar and the game looks like it will be delayed. It might be inevitable as I see it now. I'll keep you posted.

Red Sox Explode In 7th for 14-5 victory...Beckett Scratched

2011-06-21T05:11:00.008-04:00

Former San Diego Padre Adrian Gonzalez enjoyed a great game against his former team as his new team, the Boston Red Sox, erupted for 10 runs on five hits, two walks (one intentional), and two hit batsmen in a super bottom of the seventh inning. That made a 3-3 tie a 13-3 one-sided contest. The biggest play was on the bases. In that seventh, Dustin Pedroia, who always finds a way to get "it" done, whatever the 'it" might be, beat out a possible double play with his hustle and when teammate Adrian Gonzalez bopped a double, the inning was on. Here's Adrian...

“That created that seventh inning. It was all about him, getting down the line and beating that ball out. If he doesn’t do that, my double doesn’t do anything.’’

And here's the Boston skipper, Tito Francona...

“It was a time in the game where his pure hustle gives our hitters a chance to keep hitting and extend an inning, and we took advantage of it. But that’s just the kind of player he is. He always gives you everything he has.’’

After the seventh frame, the game was essentially over. Chalk up another victory for the Boston world beaters. Sox starter Andrew Miller performed marvelously in his Fenway debut after the lefthander was called up Sunday from Triple A Pawtucket. He pitched 5 1/3 innings and made just one bad pitch which resulted in a three run home run that tie it at 3. Until the seventh, it was a nail biter, after that, an easy game to watch with a smile of victory on my face. This teamkeeps winning and winning. Hey, I could get used to this. Ya know what, I think I will. But now, some more sobering news.

Josh Beckett will not be able to make his scheduled start and will be replaced by Alrfredo Aceves. Here is the release from the Boston Globe...

"Josh Beckett has the bug — "Intestinal turmoil" as Terry Francona puts it — and won't pitch tomorrow. Alfredo Aceves (3-1, 3.30) will start in his place. There is no word on when he will make his next start.
Aceves last pitched on Thursday, throwing 32 pitches against the Rays. So he'll be working on normal rest for a starter."

No biggy...it's nothing but a bug. No back issues or arm issues to worry about, that's for sure. Feel better, Josh. I'm certain he's only going to miss one start. He's been too valuable to be out any longer. So today, it's Aceves ready to go against Latos shortly after 7pm EDT. Red Sox Nation's confidence level should be "off the roof" high, deservedly so. GO SOX.

That's it for today, a sad day for my family. We have my Mom's funeral ceremony this morning at 10am EDT. Wish me luck. Please click on this post's title for all the highlights of the Red Sox sudden seventh inning massacre of those west coast rivals and as always, BE WELL.

Boston Red Sox Brew Milwaukee Right Out Of Town 12-3..Take 2 Of 3

2011-06-20T04:47:00.009-04:00

Tim Wakefield picked a beautiful Sunday afternoon to pitch his finest start of the season. He went eight full innings and gave up only three runs on three hits while striking out six. His knuckie was all over the strike zone, bopping, weaving and dancing while being called strikes. He was lethal. Jarrod Saltalamacchia echoed what I just said. Here he is...

“He was excellent. It was probably the best stuff I’ve seen from him all year. Even in the bullpen, I was having trouble because the ball was moving everywhere, but he was throwing it for strikes, too.’’

And here's the Boston skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona, during his post game press conference...

“You’re fortunate when you’re on a staff and have a guy like that. This season he knew what his role was, but in all honesty you don’t know where the starts are going to be. But he prepared real well and he’s really helping us out.’’

A great job by Wakes would have meant nothing at all had the Boston bats not done their job but they did just that. Multiple hit games were had by Dustin Pedroia (3 hits, 3 RBIs), Jacoby Ellsbury (2 hits, 2 RBIs) and the irrepressible Adrian Gonzalez (2 hits, 1 RBI). He is a perpetual motion hitter. He never stops! And so the Boston Red Sox Rolling Thunder Revue resumes today as they cordially invite the San Diego Padres into the friendly confines of the always beautiful Fenway Park. Here are the three game pitching match-ups...

Mon. 20 SD 7:10 PM ET** Ch4/NESN** A. Miller (0-0) vs. W. LeBlanc (0-2)
Tue. 21 SD 7:10 PM ET** Ch4/NESN** J. Beckett (6-2) vs. M. Latos (4-8)
Wed. 22 SD 1:35 PM ET** Ch4/NESN** J. Lackey (5-5) vs. C. Richard (2-9)

Seeing a good outing from Miller would be nice, nice indeed. I have never seen him pitch. And that's a wrap for this, the newest Monday ever. Huh? Oh, never mind. My brain wandered if only for an instant. I'll have a quick wrap of tonight's game first thing in the morning. Tomorrow's going to be a busy day, what with the funeral and all, but I always make time for you. Click on this post's title for more about the game and some terrific video. As always, BE WELL.

Boston 12 Milwaukee 3...Buchholz On 15 Day DL

2011-06-19T16:25:00.005-04:00

Another stellar start from Tim Wakefield. The Boston bats came alive too, in a big way. That's all I have time for right now but I'll be back first thing Monday morning. My plate is full for the rest of the day. Great win. Congratulations, Timmy and the Sox and bring on the Padres. A full game wrap-up is yours when you click on this post's title.

This just in...

"The Red Sox announced this afternoon that they placed righthander Clay Buchholz on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 17, with a lower back strain. Andrew Miller, who has been called up from Pawtucket, will start tomorrow against the Padres and fill the roster spot."

We've had enough of the injury bug, centering but not exclusive to our pitching staff. Have a safe Sunday.

Brewers Beat Boston 4-2...Lester Strong Late...The Big Man Leaves The Sounds Of Silence In His Wonderful Wake

2011-06-19T05:07:00.009-04:00

John Lackey, after giving up two runs in the first inning and two more in the third, settled down and found his groove but it was too late. The mighty Boston bats were quiet for a change and the Red Sox scored only a pair of safeties. Lester thought that if he held the Brew Crew to those four tallies, his team might have the chance to come back, but it was not to be, not yesterday. In all he threw 115 pitches and gave up seven hits and three earned runs in the losing cause. Here's Jon Lester...

"We lost. Yeah, you can sit back and say there were some positives. With the way it started, it could have been a lot worse. I just tried to minimize the damage and keep the guys in the game. Obviously, with the way we've been swinging the bat lately, I thought, for sure, if I kept them where they were at, but you've got to tip your hat to Randy Wolf tonight. I got deep in the game. Sometimes it's tough throwing against teams you don't really know, especially early on. You're trying to feel them out, figure out what their game plan is against you -- and, obviously, they were very aggressive. We made the adjustment later and started to get some outs."

But it was too late. The offerings of Milwaukee pitcher Randy Wolff did not result in enough runs. Hey, you can't win 'em all, I guess. But there's another game today as Timmy Wakefield will face Yovani Gollaro, whose name does not ring a bell with me. A win today would be big so GO LESTER...GO SOX!

I have a ton of things to do today in preparation of my Mom's funeral on Tuesday. I'm really going to miss her although because of her Alzheimer's, she really wasn't mentally "there" the past year or so. But she always had a smile for me, even when she didn't know who I was. She left her pain behind, and that's good. I'll miss you, Mom. So much.

Thank you for stopping in on this sad (for me) Sunday, a bright and cloudless day. I'd like to say "rest in peace" to E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who passed yesterday. Big Man, you gave me so much joy these past 38 years. Thank you. Click on this post's title for more on the Big Man and as always, BE WELL. Hang in there...that's exactly what I'm trying to do. See ya.

Goodbye Mom

2011-06-18T12:40:00.003-04:00

I just found out on this Saturday, June 18, 2011, that my Mom passed away. She was ill with Alzheimer's and diabetic complications and now she's at peace. IT STILL HURTS. That was tough for me to write.

Rest in peace, Mommy. I'll always love you. Forever.

A "By The Book" Win For The Boston Red Sox Over The Milwaukee Brewers 10-4....Carl Crawford Injures His Hamstring

2011-06-18T04:22:00.016-04:00

John Lackey looks like has settled into a comfortable groove, something he wasn't able to do all last season. He was able to go eight innings and Matt Albers pitched a goose egg ninth. Before Lackey settled down after the third, the Sox bats were there to keep Lackey and Boston in the game.The amazing Adrian Gonzalez had yet another three hit day, as did Big Papi David Ortiz. The Sox scored six runs in fifth, sixth and seventh innings to put this one away. But the big story, at least to me, was John Lackey. He was great. Here's the Boston skipper, Tito Francona, speaking about just that...

“I actually thought early in the game, his stuff was really crisp. He didn’t locate a ball to Casey McGehee for the two runs in the first, but the ball was coming out of his hand really well. We come back and score right away, which was important, and then he settled into the game, didn’t walk anybody, kept the ball down, changed speeds, and pitched really effectively.’’

He really did. If he continues to throw the ball like this, the hole in the rotation caused by the sudden departure of Daisuke Matsuzaka (remember him?) will diminish and eventually disappear. Poof. But the news wasn't all good. We already knew that Jed Lowrie was going to be placed on the DL list with a displaced shoulder and he was. Now he has company. Carl Crawford grabbed his left hamstring while running to the first base bag and the manager will tell you more...

“He got an MRI during the game. He’s got a Grade-1 hamstring injury and we certainly need to reevaluate that and see what we’ll do.’’

Grade-1 is the LEAST serious on the injury scale but hamstring injuries are infamous for hanging around. The 15 day DL is just fine, literally just what the doctors ordered.

Another Saturday, another game at Fenway Park. The first pitch time has been pushed back to 7:10pm EDT so nothing would conflict with the Boston Bruins victory parade. I'll be watching that on NESN. Boston will be packed with people ready to celebrate their team's first title since 1972. That's 39 years! I'm not a hockey fan, not since the Whalers left Hartford for greener pastures (that's STILL BS) but I congratulate the entire Bruins organization. Good job, guys.

As I said, it's Saturday night baseball as Jon Lester (9-2) faces R. Wolf (4-4). The numbers say the Sox should win but sometimes the numbers aren't the most important thing. I have faith in Jon Lester AND his team, the Boston Red Sox. They're my team too, since 1966 and the rejuvenating 1967 Impossible Dream year of delight and magic.

So enjoy, click on this post's title for all the Sox highlights from last night and as always, BE WELL.

THIS JUST IN FROM THE AP...

BOSTON -- "The Boston Red Sox have placed left fielder Carl Crawford on the 15-day disabled list before Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Crawford, a top free agent acquisition by Boston during the offseason, was hurt after straining his left hamstring beating out an infield hit in a 10-4 win over the Brewers on Friday night. Boston recalled outfielder Josh Reddick from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Crawford’s place on the roster."

Buchholz And The Boston Bullpen Wrap Up A Great Red Sox Road Trip At 8-1

2011-06-17T04:29:00.009-04:00

Another timely and clutch home run clobbered by superstar Adrian Gonzalez in the ninth inning provided one run's worth of breathing room and the Boston Red Sox concluded a very successful 8-1 road trip with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bays Rays. Here's Adrian Gonzalez, who is important to Boston in too many ways to mention right now...

"It was a good road trip. We started the road trip in second place and finished it in first place. Any time you can do that, that's a good thing."

Clay Buchholz pitched well enough to allow his team to win but that darn nagging back cut short his day after five innings. He allowed only two hits and one earned run. Heal thyself, Clay. Here he is...

"Nagging back that has been the same since last year. I just felt like I was in a better position tonight to come out a little early and not put any more stress on my body than I had to. The way we're playing right now, nobody wants to go on the DL. That was my first thought -- try to get through five innings with it and give it to the bullpen. Josh Beckett pitched his game yesterday, and the bullpen had a day of rest. That was my thought process with it."

Clay gutted it out and the bullpen rewarded him by being stingy. Aceves fired 1 2/3 frames and except for the solo shot hit over the wall by Casey Kotchman, he was good. That's one bullpen run. Next up was Danny Bard, who was perfect for 1 1/3 innings. And then came Jonathon Papelbon. I had turned the game off on TV (thank you for your great coverage, NESN) and went to WTIC 1080am radio after the first two batters reached base on a double and a single. But Adrian Gonzalez had hit his huge tater in the ninth so the Sox had an insurance run on the jolly green scoreboard. Paps was rusty from lack of use but reared back and, after inducing a foul pop for out number one, blew away the final two batters. Here he is speaking about his rustiness...

"It was tough for me for the simple fact it had been six days since I pitched. I definitely had some rust. I had to shake off the first couple of batters that put me in that situation with my back up against the wall. I was kind of able to get into my element. I don't think anybody realizes how tough it is for a guy in my position to have five days off and pitch. I think that's pretty much what it boiled down to tonight."

With all the excuses, he got the job done and the Boston Red Sox came home to Boston with their heads held high after finishing this nine game trip with eight victories and sole possession of first place. Great job guys!

Next up is a three game Fenway Park series with the NL's Milwaukee Brewers, a team that used to be owned by Bud Selig. That was back in the days when I was seeing one of his daughters. We met in St. Maarten. But that's ancient history mixed thoroughly with fond fuzzy memories. Here are the pitching match-ups...

Fri. 17 Mil** 7:10 PM ET FxWi/NESN** J. Lackey (4-5) vs. S. Marcum (7-2)
Sat. 18 Mil** 7:10 PM ET FxWi/NESN** J. Lester (9-2) vs. R. Wolf (4-4)
Sun. 19 Mil** 1:35 PM ET TBS/NESN** T. Wakefield (3-2) vs. Y. Gallardo (8-3)

It's Friday so the weekend is almost at our doorstop. I hope yours will be a terrific one and don't forget to click on this post's title to be zapped to the Red Sox homepage where you can see all the highlights of the game. I thank you for stopping in and as always, BE WELL.

There's been a time change for Saturday's game, which was originally moved up because of a possible Bruins game. The Bruins wrapped it up and the game will be moved up. Here is yesterday's release...

ST. PETERSBURG -- "Two weeks ago, the Red Sox changed a Saturday game from night to day so that fans could watch the Bruins play in the Stanley Cup Final. Now that the Bruins have won the Cup, the Sox are making another change this Saturday.
With the B's holding a victory parade at 11 a.m. ET, the Red Sox have moved the time of their game against the Brewers from 1:10 p.m. to 7:10 p.m."

I just wanted all you possible ticket holders to know. OK, that's a wrap. Thanks.

Newest Q Red Sox-Yankees poll

2011-06-16T07:25:00.004-04:00

Hello again. This news blurb is from today's Hartford Courant...

"The Yankees may have had a rough off-season, with Cliff Lee spurning their mega-million dollar offer to go to the Phillies and Andy Pettitte retiring. The Red Sox had a banner off-season, adding stars Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to their roster and, so far this season they have beaten the Yankees eight of nine games. But, in a bit of a surprise, the Yankees have won some new support in Connecticut, the rivalry's battleground. In the latest Quinnipiac poll of state baseball fans, released Thursday morning, the Yankees opened up a five-point lead, 43 percent to 38 percent, their biggest lead since 2007. Seven percent identified themselves as Mets fans. Interestingly, men across Connecticut favor the Yankees, 47 to 35 percent, while women favor the Red Sox 42 to 39. "The gender gap might make for some interesting family discussions," Schwartz said, "or dating dynamics."
As usual, the Yankees are strongest in Fairfield County, 57 to 16 percent, with the Mets garnering 15 percent support. In Tolland, New London and Windham counties, the Red Sox have the big lead, 67 to 27. In the central portions of the state, New Haven and Middlesex Counties, which is usually divided almost evenly, the Yankees led 46 to 33 percent. In Hartford County, the Red Sox had a lead of 48 to 36 percent."

I live in Hartford county and that's part of Red Sox Nation, as well as all towns north and east. I'm a little surprised at these results but a poll is just that...a poll. The Red Sox are doing great.

Beckett..The Best Pitcher In Baseball? 3-0 Boston Over Tampa Bay

2011-06-16T04:51:00.007-04:00

Josh Beckett improved his record to 6-2 by throwing a one hit complete game shutout. The only hit given up by Josh was a base hit down the third base line. Youk never had the chance to nab the runner at first. Becks said that the lone hit didn't bother him because it was a legitimate safety. If you saw this game last night, you walked away after shutting off the TV knowing you saw one of the best pitching performances of the entire season, bar none. The two managers praised Beckett's effort. Here's Red Sox skipper Tito Francona...

“That’s about as good as you can pitch."

And Joe Maddon, the Ray's manager...

“Beckett was very good. That’s an understatement. He was throwing the ball where he wanted to.’’

To me, he was throwing naturally and effortlessly. That's a sign of good health and Beckett mentioned that in this assessment of his pitching prowess...

“It’s nice. I feel good. Health is a really good thing to have.’’

You can say that again, Josh. Beckett lowered his league-leading ERA to 1.86 and right now he'd be the starting pitcher for the American League 2011 All Star team. What a difference a year makes. Last year at this point of the season he spent more time with the trainers than on the mound. That's certainly not the case now. If you can, find the two hour replay of the game on NESN. The two (or one) hour replays bring you all the excitement but none of the between pitches wait. You'll be glad you did. The two hour replay starts today at 3:30pm EDT on NESN.

In other Boston Red Sox news, left-hander Andrew Miller will join the already crowded rotation. According to a major league source, the Sox plan to keep Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and Josh Beckett on five-day routines for the most part and mix Miller, John Lackey, and Tim Wakefield into the rotation. I'd like to see Lackey on the same normal schedule as Lester, Beckett and tonight's starter, Clay Buchholz. Miller's 2011 record at Pawtucket was 3-3 with a great ERA of of 2.47. He has given up 5 earned runs with 25 strikeouts and only 3 walks in his last 25 1/3 innings. He also has a clause in his minor league contract that says if he wasn't promoted to the big club, he could become a free agent. No chance of that now.

So it's Buchholz and David Price going against each other shortly after 7pm EDT. Enjoy it as we try to take the rubber game of the series. You can click on this post's title to see all the highlights and to witness just how near-perfect our man Josh was. Until next time, as always, BE WELL.

Win Streak Over As Boston Is Shut Out

2011-06-15T04:19:00.007-04:00

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields picked last night to pitch a gem and boy, did he! He tossed a complete game five hitter and his team, the Tampa Bay Rays, prevailed by a score of 4-0. The Red Sox offense, an offense that seemed unstoppable just two days ago, was snuffed out like a candle. But this power outage is anything but permanent. Here's Boston catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on exactly that...

“It’s going to happen. It’s not like we’re going to start worrying because of one game.”

He's right. Carl Crawford was given a nice reception from the fans of the team he had played for for his entire major league career. They must miss him but once he turned into a free agent, the Rays didn't even register a bid for him because they knew they didn't have the cash that would be needed. But back to the game last night. Wakes threw 121 pitches and only gave up two runs, one earned. It was definitely a quality start but in the game of baseball, there will be games when the opposing pitcher strangles and throttles you. Last night Shields used his devastating change-up to confuse and confound the Sox hitters, except for Adrian Gonzalez, who collected three more base hits. He has surpassed all expectations with his offense and his unbelievable defensive skills. He's the best first baseman in all of baseball, bar none.

There's always another day in this game we love and tonight, the two rivals go at it again with Josh Beckett (5-2) going against J. Hellickson (7-4). I feel confident that the 2011 version of Josh Beckett will make this a one game funk. Please click on this post's title for more about last night's contest, including video. Until next time, have a great Wednesday Hump Day and as always, BE WELL.

A Tribute To Tim Wakefield

2011-06-15T04:09:00.005-04:00

Tim Wakefield not only gives his heart out on the field, he does so off the field, too. This autographed lithograph looks great. Here is the entire release that was emailed to me...

Boston, MA (June 14, 2011) – “It was my father who first taught me how to throw the knuckleball when I was a boy…the pitch that would take me to the Majors and my 17th year with the Boston Red Sox,” said Wakefield. In honor of Father’s Day, Red Sox fans will receive a complimentary copy of Tim’s new book, Knuckler: My Life with Baseball's Most Confounding Pitch, with all Knuckled Under by Wakefield limited edition orders received by Father’s Day, June 19th.
Tim Wakefield, the first Red Sox Roberto Clemente award winner, and the famous Looney Tunes characters are featured in Knuckled Under by Wakefield, a Warner Bros.’ animation art tribute limited edition personally signed by Tim. Half the proceeds from the sale of this limited edition go directly to Tim’s favorite charity, New England’s Pitching in for Kids.
The Knuckled Under by Wakefield limited edition is available at The Home of Red Sox Nation at http://www.mlb.com/bos/community/wake_lithograph.jsp and at http://www.KnuckledUnderbyWakefield.org. Orders received by June 19th will include Tim’s new book, Knuckler.
“I’m a big Warner Bros. fan. I used to watch the Bugs Bunny Comedy Hour every Saturday when I was a kid. Warner Bros. even included my favorite cartoon, ‘Goons Gone Batty,’ on the Green Monster,” added Tim. “I have the original art hanging in my home and it’s a great piece. I know you will enjoy it as much as I do!”
“We used the top Warner Bros. artists for this special tribute to Tim Wakefield and we are very proud of this limited edition,” said Knuckled Under by Wakefield art director Ruth Clampett, the daughter of the legendary Warner Bros. animation director Bob Clampett. “I have had the privilege of developing art pairing the irreverent Looney Tunes characters with many of the all-time greats in sports such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Derek Jeter and Drew Brees. It is a pleasure to now include in that group Tim Wakefield, the first MLB pitcher to be featured, whose reputation both on and off the field is respected and admired by so many.”
Each Knuckled Under by Wakefield fine art lithograph and hand-painted cel limited edition is personally signed by Tim, custom framed, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. For more information on this limited edition, and to see “Making the Art for Knuckled Under by Wakefield,” go to http://www.KnuckledUnderbyWakefield.org.

To my readers. Please click on this post's title to see this amazing piece of art in Hi-Def. Thanks. OK, I have to write a post about game #1 in Tampa. Thanks.

Down In Tampa, The Red Sox Are Ready

2011-06-14T06:37:00.005-04:00

The Boston Red Sox, winners of nine straight games, start a three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. It'll be Wakefield and Shields. Since yesterday was an off day, that's about all I have for you. Have a great Tuesday.

I'm back and I wanted to mention something I had forgotten. The Yankees lost last night 1-0 to the Cleveland Indians. That's a one game "fluffier" first place lead for Boston and their fans, all of us, to enjoy. The Tampa Bay series should be an enjoyable one for the hottest (by far) team in Major League Baseball. GO SOX. Just in case you haven't seen the AL East standings as of today, here you go...

Team***W L Pct GB Home Road East Central West Last 10 Streak
Boston 39 26 .600 - 19 - 13 20 - 13 16 - 8 10 - 9 11 - 8 9 - 1 W 9
NY Yankees 36 28 .563 2.5 20 - 17 16 - 11 13 - 12 11 - 10 10 - 5 5 - 5 L 1
Tampa Bay 35 31 .530 4.5 14 - 16 21 - 15 14 - 10 14 - 10 6 - 9 6 - 4 L 1

Looks good to me!

WOW! Nine Wins In A Row For The White Hot Boston Red Sox

2011-06-13T04:47:00.012-04:00

The Boston Red Sox throttled the Toronto Blue Jays yet again Sunday, this time by a score of 14-1. This team reminds Big Papi David Ortiz of the '04 and '07 world championship ones. After the game, which the Red Sox dominated, Papi spoke on exactly that...

“Very dangerous. This team is very dangerous right now. I have seen this before. When you’re losing games and you have a good team, it’s hard to figure things out sometimes. Sometimes you figure it out and what is happening right now is what happens. That’s why everybody was going crazy when we were losing all those games at the beginning of the season. Because if you go position by position, you can match this team against anybody in the league. It’s what everybody expected."

Jon Lester earned his AL leading ninth victory with only one run and two hits given up. He was on top of his game. As I mentioned before, Big Papi David Ortiz clobbered a huge home run. He had four RBIs, as did Kevin Youkilis, who was given the day off on Saturday. This team, hitters 1-9, is devastating at the plate and if you're a member of Red Sox Nation like me, you'll treasure every moment. We're in it to stay...for now.

The Sox start a three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. They have a much-needed day off today. Here are the pitching match ups with game times included...

Tue. 14 at TB** 7:10 PM ET NESN/SUN** T. Wakefield (3-1) vs. J. Shields (5-4)
Wed. 15 at TB** 7:10 PM ET NESN/SUN** J. Beckett (5-2) vs. J. Hellickson (7-4)
Thu. 16 at TB** 7:10 PM ET NESN/SUN** C. Buchholz (5-3) vs. D. Price (7-5)

Enjoy the Red Sox brand of baseball right now. It doesn't get any better. Click on this post's title for yesterday's game highlights and as always, BE WELL.

Would You Believe 14-1 Boston Red Sox?

2011-06-12T15:56:00.004-04:00

Well, believe it. They're overwhelming the Toronto Blue Jays yet again, outhitting them 17-2. When this Boston offense starts scoring, they do it lethally with malice. One out in the bottom of the ninth is where we are and another sweep, number three in a row, is in sight. Now, two outs. Lester was brilliant, allowing only two hits, one a tater. GAME OVER! 14-1. As Jerry Remy just said, "this is as good as it gets." Amen. I'll be back with a full recap first thing in the morning. The Red Sox have tomorrow off, thank goodness.

Boston Red Sox Offense Erupts With 5 Runs In Fifth...8-1 Red Sox In Toronto

2011-06-12T14:24:00.004-04:00

Another three run home run by Big Papi David Ortiz in the top of the fifth coupled with Jon Lester's lights-out pitching might make this afternoon in Toronto a successful one. It's still the top of the fifth.

Boston Red Sox Win Their Eighth In A Row With A 16-4 Stomping Of The Blue Jays

2011-06-12T05:31:00.015-04:00

Marco Scutaro had four hits and Dustin Pedroia three in the 16-4 Boston Red Sox attack over their foe in this one. In all, they collected 18 hits. Scutaro alone had four of those. He said this after the game...

“It’s fun right now. We have to continue to hit in the cage and do everything we need to. Some guys started slow, but we are having good at-bats one through nine — long at-bats. We try to get the starting pitcher out of the game early.”

Alex Gonzalez had this to say after game's end...

"We're trained to do those kinds of things. It’s taxing because you don’t get a lot of sleep. But when it comes to game time, the adrenaline kicks in.’’

Marco Scutaro, who went 4-for-6 and scored three runs, easily his best day at the plate this season for the shortstop, continued his post-game comments...

“My timing’s been better In the beginning, I just lost it. I just lost my timing, and that’s pretty much the difference. Before I got hurt (and went on the disabled list with an oblique strain), I was feeling a little better at the plate. But you know how hitting is, man. It’s tough. Sometimes you just lose the feeling, and it takes a while to get it back.”

Mario, that's true in a lot of things in life. John Lackey, in his second comeback start, was good enough and the bullpen guys (Wheeler, Hottovy and Bowden) gave up only goose eggs the rest of the way. They were under no pressure because the Boston run tally continued to grow at a terrific rate. Horrifying if you're a Toronto player or fan.

And so, eight wins in a row has given the Boston Red Sox the best record in the American League and the second best in all of major league baseball. Only the Phillies have a better record. Philly and Boston were declared the two best teams before this season began and it looks even more so right now in mid-June.

Today's game in Toronto, the series final and another chance for a Red Sox sweep, will feature eight game winner Jon Lester versus Drabeck. First pitch will be 1:07pm EDT. Can you say nine team victories in a row? How about nine wins for Mr. Lester. I'll say it twice. Nine, nine.

Please click on this post's title for all the highlights (and more) from yesterday's game and as always, BE WELL. I'll be watching Jon try to pitch his team to win number nine in a row and to garner his ninth victory himself. GO SOX.

Boston Red Sox JUMP To 4-0 Lead Over Jays

2011-06-11T14:09:00.011-04:00

That's right. We're at the end of 2 1/2 with the Jays coming up and it's 4-0 Red Sox. Lackey started out unpredictable and shaky. His recovery is not yet complete, not by a long shot, although Boston bats have made this easier...so far. Click on this post's title for up to the minute news and I'll be back every once in a while. Thanks...

It's the bottom of the fourth inning in Toronto and every John Lackey pitch seems to carry the weight of the world's problems, all of 'em, on its unpredictable path. He surrendered two runs and right now, going into the top of the fifth, it's 5-2 Good Guys. More later if I can.You can track what's going on up north by clicking on the title of this post. Thanks.

One out, top of the fifth and it's 6-2 Red Sox. Something tells me we're going to need EVERY one of those runs. Wait, a Jason Varitek line drive tater makes it 9-2, still one out. I feel better now. And even better. A three run Big Papi home run makes it 12-2. The Boston bullpen will come into play, rather quickly. I've almost put this one in the win column. If that will be the case, it would be eight in a row! If not...well, it has to!!! Lackey has thrown ninety pitches and he'll be gone after this frame finished. No drama, John.

Well, Lackey's back. There's one out after a single and a home run makes it 13-4. Two down as I conclude this post. One more out for Lacks to make it six innings total. He popped him out and that's it. 13-4 Sox going into the bottom of the sixth. Lackey was good enough and the bats were MORE than good enough. Barring a Boston bullpen disaster, I'll be back first thing in the morning.

One More Pedey Update

2011-06-11T11:33:00.004-04:00

Before the game starts today, Saturday at 1:07pm ECT, I wanted to share with you the plans for Dustin "Pedey" Pedroia. This is from the Boston Globe, just a few hours ago...

TORONTO — "As is his custom, Dustin Pedroia was the first player to arrive at Rogers Centre for last night’s game against the Blue Jays, and the first to emerge from the visitors’ dugout to do some light jogging on the spongy artificial turf. Pedroia watched the Red Sox’ rain-delayed 8-3 victory at Yankee Stadium Thursday night from home after having his right knee scoped in Boston by Thomas Gill, the team’s medical director. Showing no effect from that procedure, Pedroia returned to the lineup and sparked the Red Sox to their seventh consecutive win, 5-1, by going 3 for 4 with a walk, an RBI, and a run.
“I felt all right,’’ he said. “Felt good to be out there. Tomorrow’s going to be the day where guys could be dragging, so we’re going to have to find a way to play with some energy tomorrow.’’
Pedroia appeared to injure his knee May 14 at Detroit in a failed attempt to score from second base on a David Ortiz single. He aggravated it two days later in a home game against the Orioles, landing on his knee while making an off-balance throw.
Pedroia underwent an MRI during Monday’s offday, which revealed some cartilage damage. Facing the prospect of playing six games on artificial turf, in Toronto and then at Tampa Bay next week, Pedroia got some peace of mind when the scope revealed a bruised kneecap.
“There was kind of two different opinions,’’ Pedroia said before the game. “So we wanted to make sure that before I played on turf, everything was cool and nothing would happen. One doctor said there could’ve been a cartilage thing, but we kind of ruled that out."
Asked if his knee would require offseason surgery, Pedroia replied, “No, I don’t think so. We really didn’t discuss that. The biggest thing was to make sure that I’m OK right now and Dr. Gill said I am, so I play.’’

Put him in, Tito, he's ready to play, according to the John Sebastion song CENTERFIELD. I just hope he doesn't try to do too much too soon or the end result might not be a happy one. C'mon Pedey! Good luck. My fingers are crossed. It's 11:45am EDT so the game is not too far away. Here are the lineups...

RED SOX (37-26)
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Ortiz DH
Lowrie 3B
Crawford LF
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Varitek C

Pitching: RHP John Lackey (3-5, 7.60).

BLUE JAYS (32-31)
Escobar SS
Patterson LF
Bautista RF
Lind 1B
Encarnacion DH
Molina C
Davis CF
Nix 3B
McCoy 2B

Pitching: RHP Brandon Morrow (2-3, 4.50)

Game time: 1:07 p.m.

Boston Red Sox Reel Off Their Seventh Straight Victory

2011-06-11T04:55:00.017-04:00

Last night versus the Toronto Blue Jays up in Canada the Boston Red Sox kept winning and beat them by a score of 5-1, giving them their seventh straight consecutive win. Currently, Boston is in first place all by themselves, followed by New York and Tampa. I said it yesterday and I'll say it in the future...WHAT A COMEBACK! Ellsbury had a three hit game as did Pedroia. Pedey had an RBI, though. Adrian Gonzalez continued his torrid start with two safeties and his impeccable first base defense was there for all to see.

Today, the afternoon will be the stage as we take on the birds once again. TOILING ON THE MOUND WILL BE Morrow and Lackey and Lester and Draback on Sunday. Another sweep? Well, it's so much fun to watch and see exactly what happened. So that's my plan. Here's what the AL East looks like right now. The Red Sox are in first place with a record of 37-26, one game in front of the 34-27 Yankees. Tampa Bay is 33-30. Life, at least in baseball, is just fine, thank you. SO SOX!

Red Sox Complete Three Game Sweep Of Yankees With An 8-3 Victory...Pedey OK

2011-06-10T04:18:00.011-04:00

The Boston Red Sox completed a well deserved three game sweep over the NY Yankees with an 8-3 victory over the pinstriped pinheads yesterday. After a three hour twenty seven minute rain delay, the Sox quickly were down 2-0 after one inning. That's the way the score stayed until the Sox scored seven runs in the seventh inning. That was all she wrote as Boston cruised from there. Josh Beckett started and pitched seven innings, giving up a respectable four hits and two runs. Albers and Wheeler followed with two innings of respectable ball (one run on one hit combined) and the sweep was official. Here's our starter, Josh Beckett...

“It’s satisfying to come back and win a game like that. Watching them score those runs, especially against a pitcher like that (Sabathia), it was incredible."

It was fun and now Boston has a two game lead over NY (one in loss column) in the AL East race. Meanwhile, back on the Dustin Pedroia health watch, it looks like Boston's second baseman WILL NOT need surgery on his right knee.. He was orthopedically scoped yesterday afternoon and all it showed was a bone bruise. Here's the Boston skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona...

“He’s pounding on that thing. We just want to make sure that’s exactly what it is, and if he pounds on it again, he’s not going to hurt himself.”

It's always better to be safe than sorry and that's exactly what the club was. Pedey could be in there today when the Red Sox play the first of four up in Canada. Here are the particulars...

Fri. 10 at Tor** 7:07 PM ET NESN/RSN** C. Buchholz (4-3) vs. J. Reyes (2-4)
Sat. 11 at Tor** 1:07 PM ET NESN/RSN** J. Lackey (3-5) vs. B. Morrow (2-3)
Sun. 12 at Tor** 1:07 PM ET NESN/RSN** J. Lester (8-2) vs. K. Drabek (4-4)

Oh Canada, here we come! No time for a letdown. Let's keep winning two of every three games. That's a surefire recipe for success. Have a great weekend, click on this post's title for all the video you could ever want and as always, BE WELL.