2008 Defending WS Champ Boston Red Sox

[Salem]

Now that the tribute to Norton thread has been unstickied.... I think we can move on from the football season and look onward to baseball with only 2 days left till pitchers and catchers reporting.

With Schill being in the headlines already and the contract not being insured. It looks to be an interesting season as usual.

[Salem]

Red Sox agreed to terms with first baseman Kevin Youkilis on a one-year, $3 million contract.
Youkilis was arbitration eligible for the first time and ends up settling just below the midpoint of his $3.7 million request and Boston's $2.525 million proposal. He's under the team's control through 2010, so the Red Sox may soon look to lock him up to a long-term deal.

[dodisman]

getting started early huh

[Salem]

Pitchers and catchers report today. Thats the start of the season man!!!

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Finally!!!! Hopefully I'll be heading to a few games down here. I have about 5 teams within driving distance. May make the drive to Ft Myers if I have a chance.

[Salem]

Asked Thursday about who will start for the Red Sox in center field, manager Terry Francona replied "I don't know" before adding that "we're not going to forget as an organization that [Coco Crisp] is the incumbent."
It's been assumed in many circles that Crisp would be traded to make room for Jacoby Ellsbury, but it's possible that the Red Sox could use the beginning of the season to showcase Crisp for a deal while delaying Ellsbury's service-time clock at Triple-A. Crisp, who has two years and an option left to go on his current deal, has indicated that he'd be unhappy in a reserve role.
Source: Boston Herald
http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/02/15/1203111323_1958.jpg
That time of year again...

[Steam]

If Francona doesn't start Ellsbury I'm going to drive to Boston and bludgeon him myself. My fantasy team depends on it.

[RMM46]

http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/0669ea2a28_beckett_02132008.jpg

[Salem]

Jeez Josh needs to tuck his shirt in.

[Perch1019]

http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/25780000/25785577.JPG

Seriously? A team that wins 2 titles in a 4 year span is hardly a dynasty. They didnt even make the playoffs a year ago.

[Salem]

Why am I not surprised coming fron Tony Mass? 3 in 5 then we can talk about it.

[norton23]

Well our football team made history at 18-1 and now actually have something to play for next year (ummmm lets just GUARANTEE a superbowl victory NOW for the pats!!!) Our Celtics are the BEST in the nba


and who could forget the WORLD CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Can't wait for a great season of watching THE WORLD CHAMPIONS

[Steam]

Well our football team made history at 18-1 and now actually have something to play for next year (ummmm lets just GUARANTEE a superbowl victory NOW for the pats!!!) Our Celtics are the BEST in the nba


and who could forget the WORLD CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Can't wait for a great season of watching THE WORLD CHAMPIONS

You really didn't learn a damn thing, did you?

Don't worry though Fouch, when the Sox lose this year I'm sure you will have given plenty of worthy posts to quote and mock you on.

[norton23]

You really didn't learn a damn thing, did you?

Don't worry though Fouch, when the Sox lose this year I'm sure you will have given plenty of worthy posts to quote and mock you on.

like last years sox thread? This is Title town son

[Steam]

like last years sox thread? This is Title town son

Is it? The Sox win a few championships and you think they are just going to do it every year.

It won't last forever, the Yankees are developing the pitching to dominate the Sox for the foreseeable future. Other teams will pass them too.

And hey, you should probably cling to whatever hopes you have, we saw how the football season ended for ya. When baseball ends the same way, don't think we won't remember.

[Steam]

Forgot to mention that I enjoyed reading an article about Papelbon in the NY Daily News where he tried to lump himself into a category with Joba, implying that Joba is just like him and should be a reliever. Fuck no! Joba has more dominant pitches than him AND more stamina. Paps went back to closing because he couldn't handle the grueling schedule of starting. I'm not going to complain though since I got him on my fantasy team.

[bloody hymen]

The Yankees won't win as long as there's a Steinbrenner in control

[norton23]

Forgot to mention that I enjoyed reading an article about Papelbon in the NY Daily News where he tried to lump himself into a category with Joba, implying that Joba is just like him and should be a reliever. Fuck no! Joba has more dominant pitches than him AND more stamina. Paps went back to closing because he couldn't handle the grueling schedule of starting. I'm not going to complain though since I got him on my fantasy team.


I think paps was and is going to lobby himself to become a starter with Schilling gone,,,,I really don't know enough to say if that type of thing would work though,,,,,it does take a different kind of person to be a closer (an insane lunatic who can run onto the field like he just shot coke and be an animal for a few innings), while the starters need to be more reserved and focused......Joba is nasty as is paps but they are different players.....I would love to see Paps turn into a starter I think he's got it in him.

[Salem]

Forgot to mention that I enjoyed reading an article about Papelbon in the NY Daily News where he tried to lump himself into a category with Joba, implying that Joba is just like him and should be a reliever. Fuck no! Joba has more dominant pitches than him AND more stamina. Paps went back to closing because he couldn't handle the grueling schedule of starting. I'm not going to complain though since I got him on my fantasy team.

Lets not forget Paps doesnt fall apart in the playoffs and Joba did (lets hear the excuses about the bugs, remember Cleveland didnt have a problem with them).

[Salem]

Is it? The Sox win a few championships and you think they are just going to do it every year.

It won't last forever, the Yankees are developing the pitching to dominate the Sox for the foreseeable future. Other teams will pass them too.

And hey, you should probably cling to whatever hopes you have, we saw how the football season ended for ya. When baseball ends the same way, don't think we won't remember.

Until Stieny gets pissed with the Sox and trades them all away. Sound familiar?

[Steam]

I think paps was and is going to lobby himself to become a starter with Schilling gone,,,,I really don't know enough to say if that type of thing would work though,,,,,it does take a different kind of person to be a closer (an insane lunatic who can run onto the field like he just shot coke and be an animal for a few innings), while the starters need to be more reserved and focused......Joba is nasty as is paps but they are different players.....I would love to see Paps turn into a starter I think he's got it in him.

Papelbon isn't going to do shit. He's the same guy who couldn't sleep last year because he didn't want to start. I like your definition of what type of a person a closer needs to be (I'm hoping its not the only definition you have for it) since its the exact opposite of the stoicism that the greatest closer in baseball history, Mariano Rivera, displays.

Lets not forget Paps doesnt fall apart in the playoffs and Joba did (lets hear the excuses about the bugs, remember Cleveland didnt have a problem with them).

Hmm, considering that Joba was downright filthy the inning before, I would think that the bugs played a role in it. But hey, if that is what you are going to lean on to try and find a flaw in Joba, then by all means. Papelbon is an amazing closer, don't get me wrong. I think he's probably the best in baseball at this point but I just don't think its fair to Joba to lump him in there with him in terms of role. Joba has a more advance repertoire than Papelbon and also displayed pretty good stamina last year in his sole year of professional ball.

Until Stieny gets pissed with the Sox and trades them all away. Sound familiar?

Actually, it doesn't. They haven't really parted with much of anything in the way of prospects during the last run. In fact, them holding onto guys like Pettitte and Williams and Posada and Jeter and Mariano is what led them to the dynasty. Sure they got rid of guys like Drabek in the 80s but nothing much since then. Some serviceable major league guys like Pena but nothing really substantial.

I get worried that Hank will fuck it up but as long as Cashman and Oppenheimer are there I'm not going to run around like a little bitch. Plus, once Hughes and Joba start their domination this year there will be little need to trade them for something better, they will be the something better.

[Stormrider666]

I just hope Red Sox fans are ready for lethargic team, the first couple weeks of the season. Those two games in Japan can have a negative effect. Just look at the 2004 Yankees and Devil Rays.

[Salem]

I just hope Red Sox fans are ready for lethargic team, the first couple weeks of the season. Those two games in Japan can have a negative effect. Just look at the 2004 Yankees and Devil Rays.

Ya i wasnt a fan of that then or now.

[LilJimmyRbinson]

Is it? The Sox win a few championships and you think they are just going to do it every year.



Isn't that what people used to complain about with Yankees fans?

[Steam]

Isn't that what people used to complain about with Yankees fans?

The difference is that the Yankees had won a few in the 86 years prior.

[Salem]

couldnt get pic to load...

[Perch1019]

Well our football team made history at 18-1 and now actually have something to play for next year (ummmm lets just GUARANTEE a superbowl victory NOW for the pats!!!) Our Celtics are the BEST in the nba

You really are a dummy. 19-0 would have been history. 18-1 will be forgotten in a couple of years.

like last years sox thread? This is Title town son

One title hardly qualifies Boston as "Title town". Maybe the Celtics can try and trademark that just in case. Now had the pats not choked, then maybe you could call it Title Town. But as of right now the title count is Boston 1, NY 1.

[counterpunch]

Crisp wants out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/news/story?id=3254915

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Coco Crisp, who lost his center-field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said Wednesday he'd probably talk to the Boston Red Sox about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.

"Honestly, I think so because I want to play," Crisp said before his spring training workout. "I wouldn't be happy sitting on the bench."

He's not even certain he'll get an equal chance in the competition for the job. Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday it would be.

"I'm not sure," Crisp said calmly when asked if the battle for the job with the prized prospect will be fair. "I'm not sure how everything's going to break down. I'm really unsure of a lot of things this year."

Crisp, 28, started 145 games last year and played outstanding defense. But he batted only .268 in his second season with Boston.

Ellsbury, 24, started the season at Double-A Portland. After being recalled Sept. 1, he played in 26 games, hitting safely in 23 of them and finishing the season with a .353 average with nine stolen bases in 33 games.

But after Crisp hit .182 in the first eight postseason games, Ellsbury became the starter in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series and hit .375 in the remaining six games -- two wins against Cleveland and a four-game World Series sweep against Colorado.

"He was hot and I was struggling at that time," Crisp said, "so you got to put who's hot and who's doing the best out there offensively. So I understood it."

In the offseason, Crisp said, he heard trade rumors involving Minnesota, Texas and the Chicago Cubs.

"I would honestly rather be somewhere else and play than be on the bench," he said. "But I'll take whatever comes and deal with it and no knock against Boston. I love the fans. They treated me well."

[Salem]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/02/20/1203546837_3045.jpg

PS Manny Ramirez has been spotted at Sox camp in Fort Myers, keeping his word that he would show up to spring training on time.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

saw this on Boston.com

Deal official (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/deal_official.html)

Link (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/deal_official.html)|Comments (0) (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/deal_official.html#comments) Posted by Amalie Benjamin, Globe Staff February 24, 2008 11:47 AM
The Red Sox have made it official: Terry Francona has agreed to a three-year deal with two option years. We expect him to address the issue shortly in his media briefing.
Here are a couple of quick quotes from the press release:
“On behalf of John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, and the Red Sox organization, I am very pleased to make this announcement,” GM Theo Epstein said in the release. “Terry Francona has done an outstanding job in managing the Red Sox over the last four seasons. This is demonstrated not only in the three playoff appearances and two World Series victories but also in the way in which he handles the demands of managing in Boston on a day-to-day basis, both on and off the field. It also represents a strong and sincere commitment by our ownership.”

“I want to thank the Red Sox ownership and management for their tremendous support,” Francona said, in the release. “From the resources provided by the ownership group and front office to a great collection of players and the passion and loyalty of the fans, there is no doubt that Boston is the best place to manage in the major leagues. I look forward to being in a Red Sox uniform for many years to come.”
Back soon.




Sox, Francona strike deal through 2011 (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/sox_francona_st.html)

Link (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/sox_francona_st.html)|Comments (16) (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/02/sox_francona_st.html#comments) Posted by Gordon Edes, Globe Staff February 24, 2008 11:22 AM
The Red Sox and Terry Francona this morning finalized terms of a three-year extension that will take the Sox manager through the 2011 season, the team confirmed today. WBZ4's Dan Roche first broke the story this morning.
The agreement was reached after the sides met last night and again this morning. Francona is still on the field so it is not known if the club will make an official announcement, but the new deal is expected to place Francona among the highest-paid managers in the game, which would place him in the $3 million to $4 million range. The deal did not eclipse the three-year, $13 million deal the Dodgers this winter gave Joe Torre, the game's highest-paid manager.
The deal also includes club options for 2012 and 2013.

[Salem]

Also this....

ESPN.com is reporting that the Red Sox and Bartolo Colon have agreed to a minor league contract.
We're really not expecting much from Colon, but since the cost is only a minor league deal, it's a fine gamble for Boston. Ideally, he'd start out in Triple-A and get the call the first time the Red Sox need an extra starter. He'd probably be a significant downgrade from Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester if he makes the team out of spring training.
Source: ESPN.co

[Salem]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/02/27/1204147307_7378.jpg

Members of the 2007 World Series champion Red Sox gathered on the White House lawn this afternoon and were honored by President George W. Bush (Check out photos).

Slugger David Ortiz, an odd sight in eyeglasses, carried the World Series trophy into the ceremony. Captain Jason Varitek presented Bush with a Red Sox jersey that read "Bush" on the back with the number "07."

Among those missing from the proceedings was Manny Ramirez, whose absence was noted by Bush.

"Sorry ... Manny Ramirez isn't here, I guess his grandmother died again," Bush joked.

Interestingly, Ramirez also missed the Sox' White House ceremony in 2005 in what Terry Francona called an "excused absence". A straight-faced Johnny Damon said at the 2005 ceremony that he heard Ramirez's grandmother was sick and Ramirez was with her in Miami.

This afternoon, Bush also joked about Jonathan Papelbon's famous Riverdance playoff celebration, in which he danced on the field wearing only his underwear.

"And how about Jonathan Papelbon," Bush said. "Guy pitches as well as he dances. And I appreciate the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants."

On a more serious note, the president referred to Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester's successful battle against cancer as an inspiration to many people. Lester began the 2007 season on a rehab minor league assignment, but recovered and won Game 4 of the World Series against the Colorado Rockies.

Bush also praised the Sox' championship core.

"This was a club that was wise enough to maintain a core of players that knew how to win," he said. "Varitek, Mirabelli, Ortiz, Ramirez, Schilling, Youkilis, Timlin, and Wakefield were all members of the 2004 championship team. And they provided the nucleus to bring some new players and some young players along. I betcha Dustin Pedroia, the American League Rookie of the Year, will tell you it makes a big difference. It makes a big difference to be hanging out with people who know how to win.

"And so the ownership gets a lot of credit, front office gets credit, and so does a really fine manager in Terry Francona."

After the ceremony, the Sox were headed to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit wounded veterans.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

[Salem]

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox and Jonathan Papelbon have come to terms at $775,000 for 2008.
Papelbon was pretty noisy about wanting a salary similar to the $900,000 figure Ryan Howard got last year. He certainly has no room to complain about this one, considering he'll be making $225,000 more than Bobby Jenks and $105,000 more than Prince Fielder. All three players have a little more than two years of service time.
Source: Boston.com Mar. 6

[Salem]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2008/03/13/1205437757_8897.jpg

Bartolo Colon yielded a run over two innings against the Rays in his spring debut on Thursday.
Colon peaked at 94 mph in the game, though he was generally 4-5 mph below that with his fastball. It was still an encouraging first outing for a guy who didn't throw much during February. He could be an option for the Red Sox as soon as mid-April. Mar.

[Salem]

Josh Beckett (back) reportedly impressed while throwing two innings Sunday against minor leaguers.
Beckett threw 32 pitches. He's likely to progress to four innings when he starts again in five days. It figures he'd need one more outing after that before pitching in a major league game sometime around April 7. If he goes April 8, he'd be lined up to faced the Tigers and Yankees in his first two starts.

*eh I dunno. Im not getting my hopes up. We will see. Maybe its just my Boston fandom reality kicking in but Im thinking the team wasnt impressed with the shape he came back in and wanted him to get his ass back in shape for the season and to stay here instead of this bullshit Japan trip. At least i hope so. Not saying the back issue was bullshit. Just that it kinda shows an out of shape pitcher taking a little lax off season regiment thinking he just won the WS could just walk into spring training and start hurling with no probs. Its a long season. lets get his shit straight for the long haul.

[Salem]

http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_JDD_japan_3.23.08_reu.jpg

"I feel pretty good about myself going into the season as far as my swing goes," said Drew. "I'm just trying to take a good approach at the plate and take good at-bats. I feel like I've taken good at-bats the last couple of games, so we'll try to transfer that into the regular season."

Ya ya ya. Hit the GS when the games count.

[Absolutely]

So Drew hurt his back?
But he felt so good about his coming season...
Awww, J.D whatdaya gonna do.

( I hated you when you were a Cardinal...)

Anyone else watching the game?

First hit of the year: Pedroia

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

nice 2-1 win tinight. great job by Dice K, and the pen

[Danesy]

So pissed they lost to Toronto tonight ... these are not teams they should be losing to ... although I suppose it happens. Gotta give Drew credit ....

[Sidekick Dave]

They're playing the Tigers tomorrow. It shouldn't be a problem. It's also early in the season, so I'm not scared.

I'm going to try and get tickets to a Sox game this year. Those ned additions look very, very impe. They removed the luxury boxes in right and left field. The coke bottles above the monster seats are gone. In place is a new giant coke sign in the new State Street Pavillion seats.

Also there are going to be new sports cafe's. One called Bleachers in center field. The other will be on Boylston Street adjacent to Landsdowne Street and will be owned by one of the guys in Dropkick Murphy's. Both are to be completed by mid-may!

[Salem]

Ya cause me and Norton havent been around much so it seems not too many sox lovers as there was lat year.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Another solid game from Dice K, 5-0 after 7.

[counterpunch]

He's been pitching great. He shut down a really good Tigers lineup today, even if they're off to a cold start.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

only negative from him today was the 4 walks, luckily Detroit is sucking right now, so he got away with it.

[Eagle.007]

I'm too busy with finishing up school to follow the Sox much but I caught part of the ESPN Gamcast today. Nice showing by the team and it is always good when the Sox win and the Yankees lose.

[Sidekick Dave]

That was a nice tribute to Bill Buckner yesterday.

[Salem]

Big game tonite. forcast is light rain in the 40s. Lets see how Bucholtz does against the evil empire now that it seems he has secured a spot in the rotation.

[J. PETERSON]

Big series!
Can't wait.

[Salem]

Not a bad outting for a rook last night. Great CG from Wang ill give him that. Ortiz has got to get his head out of his ass and break this "slump" his in. Hopefully the rain holds out today. The forecast was bad today but its been beatifull all day so far.

[Eagle.007]

Who else nearly threw the remote when they turned to the race with a full count and two outs in the ninth? Nice showing by Manny, Papelbon, and most everyone not named David Ortiz. We are all pulling for ya Papi. Matsuzaka Hughes should be a good match up tonight.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Who else nearly threw the remote when they turned to the race with a full count and two outs in the ninth? Nice showing by Manny, Papelbon, and most everyone not named David Ortiz. We are all pulling for ya Papi. Matsuzaka Hughes should be a good match up tonight.
yeah, that was fucking strange. I was watching on mlb tv, I still had the picture, but the audio was from the race. Looking forward to the game tonight, Dice K just needs to keep his walks down. Walked 4 guys in his last start.

[Eagle.007]

I'm glad the Sox won tonight but I'm even more happy ARod didn't tie Ted in Fenway. I don't care if he hits 300 more home runs in his career but if 521 came in Boston I would have been very pissed.

[Salem]

Did I mention how much I hate Joe Buck? A great pitch missed just a little...(in the dirt 2 feet in front of the plate). Fox still sucks.

[Cybouncer]

Did I mention how much I hate Joe Buck? A great pitch missed just a little...(in the dirt 2 feet in front of the plate). Fox still sucks.

Nothing was worse than the douches who called the games in Japan.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Did I mention how much I hate Joe Buck? A great pitch missed just a little...(in the dirt 2 feet in front of the plate). Fox still sucks.
agreed, I cringe when I see a fox game on the schedule. I hate him during football season, he did alot of the Giants games, and I hate him in baseball season.

[LilJimmyRbinson]

I'm glad the Sox won tonight but I'm even more happy ARod didn't tie Ted in Fenway. I don't care if he hits 300 more home runs in his career but if 521 came in Boston I would have been very pissed.

If he did, Ted would be rolling over in his...wait a minute. My bad.

[GDRC]

Manny hits HR #492 to put the Sox up by 2! :)

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Manny!!!!!!!!

[BleedingAsshole]

Wow, I went up to the store to get cigs and some more beer, and when I get back it's 6-4 Boston:icon_surp

I guess I'll have to rewind the TiVO:arrrh:

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

nice, Tek comes through.

[Salem]

YA didnt expect that at all!

[TreeFortRichard]

Nice throw JD Drew...did your vagina get in the way...A good throw at least has a chance of getting crawford. It was nice to blow our bullpen on an 11 inning loss to tampa

[GDRC]

Ortiz had so many chances to win the game tonight. ugh.

[TreeFortRichard]

he is definitely gimping...He must really be hurting

[Salem]

I thought once they pulled that jersey out of the ground it was done. I was wrong.

[Salem]

"start spreading the flu".....

[Sidekick Dave]

Youk, nice hit!

1-0

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

wow, what a pitching matchup that was, great play by Pedroia in the top of the 9th

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

nice to see them actually beating Tampa this time. Tomorrow should be interesting, Kazmir usually owns them, but coming off the DL might be different. Great defense by Lowell tonight.

[norton23]

Well we keep getting better as the yanks keep falling into the toilet sticky this bitch :)

[TreeFortRichard]

I am going to the game next tue @ baltimore (Down there for business)...I believe that Beckett will be pitching too...ooohhh

Represent'n @ fenway south

[TreeFortRichard]

sox go back to back and belly to fuck the yankees...


when ortiz hit his bomb 20 rows deep to right the replay showed robertson mouthing "Fucking big motherfucker..." ha :) and then they go to the pen and many goes yard...ahh the flu is gone!

[Salem]

I am going to the game next tue @ baltimore (Down there for business)...I believe that Beckett will be pitching too...ooohhh

Represent'n @ fenway south

I heard they have done alot with that park and the surrounding area

[TreeFortRichard]

Yeah, salem, this is my 3rd time going...It's really nice...And up until this year it made me want a new fenway...

BUT fenway got bigger seats and I can actually sit without my knees hitting the seat in front of me...game on!!!

[TreeFortRichard]

yuk, 2hrs already tonight...What the fuck is up with placido polanco's face? Seriously, it's all swollen

[askewcore]

yuk, 2hrs already tonight...What the fuck is up with placido polanco's face? Seriously, it's all swollen

Its always like that. He looks like a chipmunk hiding food in his fat cheeks. Weirdest looking player in the league.

[TreeFortRichard]

lugo once again single handedly costs the redsox a win...what a worthless piece of dead cunt meat...Fucking trying once again to lose, and look like shit doing so


i wish that instead of beating up the gatorade jugs he beat the shit out of lugo

[GDRC]

Lugo sucks, start Lowrie.

[Eagle.007]

Lugo sucks, start Lowrie.

I completely agree.

[Salem]

Lugo sucks, start Lowrie.

X3

[TreeFortRichard]

Lugo fucking did it AGAIN...error #11 and the twins are on the board for 3 with 2 outs...would have ended the inning....Lester had to throw 20 more pitches

[norton23]

picked up some big wins feels good to be in first-how bout that LAST PLACE team in the east LOL

(when I get my laptop back I'll be able to piss on Yankees fans but not till sat)

[TreeFortRichard]

SWWWWWEEP..yeah we swept the brew crew :)

[SonnyForelli]

Go Lester, Good luck bro

[GDRC]

No hitter for Lester.

[norton23]

No hitter woooooo!!!!!

[counterpunch]

Shows how deep our farm system is. Two of our homegrown prospects with no hitters in the last two years.

Way to go kid.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

niiiiiiiiiice!!!!

[SonnyForelli]

Go Lester, Good luck bro

Im glad I didnt jinx it! But then again who the fuck am I anyways:icon_mrgr

[Eagle.007]

I saw your post earlier and wanted to catch the final outs but then decided to light $3 on fire with 3 matches and touching everyone that touched me. lib lib

I'm happier than ever that the Sox didn't go through with the Santana trade.

[SonnyForelli]

Sombody in this page needs to down size or reformat there sig pic, its taking fucking forever to download this fucking page!

[GDRC]

Varitek has now caught more no hitters than any other catcher in baseball history.

[seeinred]

Congrats on the no-no, Sox fans.

[Cybouncer]

Varitek has now caught more no hitters than any other catcher in baseball history.

He needs some credit. He called a fantastic game tonight. It's no coincidence that he has caught 4 no hitters in the last 6 years.

[Eagle.007]

He needs some credit. He called a fantastic game tonight. It's no coincidence that he has caught 4 no hitters in the last 6 years.

Exactly! Go Tek!

[TreeFortRichard]

what a great game....cancer to a no hitter. great story. I can't imagine what an accomplishment this was for Jon Lester.

I just wish somone jokingly said "Yeah,...but it was the royals :)"

[Aizazzle]

I just wish somone jokingly said "Yeah,...but it was the royals :)"

That's what I said, then again I'm bitter, because I just released him last week from my fantasy team...

Good for Lester though he is quite the feel good story, eventhough it was another Reson who threw a no hitter :mad4:

[Salem]

Any guesses at how many games Lugo gets???

[Eagle.007]

I didn't see it live and nothing stood out from the highlights but by reading this (http://blogs.courant.com/redsox/2008/05/lugo-francona-perplexed-by-eje.html) I feel for him. An awful umpire is the main reason I quit playing baseball when I was 15.

[norton23]

This is a weird year wtf is happening???? Tampa Bay!?!?! Im just waiting for them to have a huge collapse but it seems doubtful at this point. This division is way too tight this year but I see the sox and rays to continue the fight for that top spot,,,weird year

[Sidekick Dave]

500 Home Runs. Congratulations Manny!

[TreeFortRichard]

I have a great stat for you (posted it in the sox thread as well...) in todays sox orioles game, the O's Best hitter is Brian Roberts @ .261...EVERY starter for the Redsox today had a higher average than that except crisp...ha ha :)

[norton23]

We need a big win tonight to keep this momentum,,,the al east is too tight and I still am not counting the stankies out

[TreeFortRichard]

Ok...So ORTIZ is out indefinitely with a tear in the sheath that surrounds the ligament..that's what Maz from the Herald is Reporting in tomorrows paper...

[norton23]

Well tonight could put us in first,,,btw did anybody see the total collapse and demise of joba aka "wannabe jonathon pappelbomb" lol that team is really and truly fucked,,,,

[Perch1019]

Well tonight could put us in first,,,btw did anybody see the total collapse and demise of joba aka "wannabe jonathon pappelbomb" lol that team is really and truly fucked,,,,

What collapse? He was on a strict pitch count and reached it alot earlier on then expected because he was a little wild. If you knew anything and did some researching, you would know that one of his strong points is his control which was a little off last night.

and who the hell is Jonathon Pappelbomb?

[J. PETERSON]

What collapse? He was on a strict pitch count and reached it alot earlier on then expected because he was a little wild. If you knew anything and did some researching, you would know that one of his strong points is his control which was a little off last night.

and who the hell is Jonathon Pappelbomb?

ahahahahah That shits funny.
I think the Yanks are goin about this the wrong way. Send Joba down to AAA for a few weeks, get some starts under his belt and slowly increase his pitch count. Having a cap of 65 pitches for a starter these days doesnt go a long way. Especially with all the issues the Yanks are havin with their pen, having a started pulled after 60+ pitches is a quick way to deplete your bullpen.


Sox back in 1st!

[norton23]

First Place Baby!!!

Crisp shouldn't of charged the mound but man those D rays are fucking idiots!! Who the fuck was that that threw punches at Crisp while he was on the ground pinned down by another Tampa player? He was swinging like it was a barroom brawl.

b.t.w. nice featherweight move by crisp when he initially charged the mound to avoid that massive swing,,,

[Perch1019]

Nothing says team chemistry like dugout fights...
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3429644

BOSTON -- The emotions from an on-field brawl in Thursday's Red Sox-Rays game may have brought a chemistry issue to light for the defending World Series champs.

Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez and first baseman Kevin Youkilis had to be separated after exchanging words in the dugout at the end of the fourth inning in Thursday's 7-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Ramirez pointed at Youkilis before being escorted down the runway at Fenway Park toward the clubhouse by trainer Paul Lessard and a few other players. Later in the game, NESN, the team's broadcast network, showed grainy footage of Ramirez apparently taking a swipe at Youkilis.

A Red Sox source told ESPNdeportes.com that the cause of the dugout disagreement was Youkilis' temper following a poor at-bat.

"It all happened because Manny complained about Youkilis' habit of throwing bats, helmets and other objects in the dugout when he has a bad at-bat, something that has become a constant practice," the source said.

"Other players have told Youkilis in the past about the situation, which makes him look selfish and that he is more worried about each at-bat than about the team. If Boston is winning easily, there's no reason to throw objects all over the dugout because of a bad at-bat.

"There was a meeting where the team let Youkilis know that many of his teammates were tired of his explosive reactions for each bad plate appearance. It became very bothersome … more so when the team is winning and it's in first place. There's not much room for individualistic attitudes."

The Red Sox were 38-25 entering Friday's game with Seattle and are 1½ games ahead of the Rays in the AL East standings.

Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Coco Crisp both said they didn't know what happened during Thursday's disagreement.

"I really didn't see it," Pedroia said. "I was running out onto the field. We're around each other a lot, but we love each other. We're a team."

"You have to ask them," Crisp said. "I was eating next to Youkilis and said I don't want to know. I saw Manny. He was speaking in Spanish."

Tempers already were high in the Red Sox dugout following a second-inning melee in which both benches cleared. The fight started when Crisp was hit on the right hip by a pitch from James Shields. Crisp dropped his bat, charged the mound and ducked a punch by Shields before throwing a few punches himself.

Crisp was tackled to the ground by Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro. Rays designated hitter Jonny Gomes charged the mound from the dugout, jumped on Navarro and Crisp and threw several punches that hit Crisp while he was on the ground.

Crisp, who had a scratch on his forehead and right cheek, was most upset with what happened under the pile.

"I charged the mound. [Shields] tried to hit me with a punch," Crisp said. "I'm not upset at all. We fought. That's all it is. There were some cheap shots there."

Crisp, Shields and Gomes were ejected.

On Friday, Ramirez seemed to want to put the incident with Youkilis behind him. He strolled into the middle of the team's clubhouse with a bat in his hand and a smile on his face.

"It's in the past," Ramirez said. "It's a new day."

Ramirez was not in Friday's starting lineup, as he was resting his sore right hamstring.

But the hamstring was not what most of the media wanted to learn more about.

"Don't worry about it," was a phrase he repeated a few times. "It's a new day."

When asked what he might have said to Youkilis, Ramirez just replied, "what happened is nobody's business."

Youkilis took the same approach a few minutes earlier when he headed out for batting practice.

"It's good," he said, quickly walking past reporters. "It's over. A new day."

Ramirez's right knee appeared to buckle when he took a pitch from Dan Wheeler in the seventh. Ramirez continued to flex his leg after drawing a walk before leaving for pinch runner Kevin Cash one batter later.

"Everything's good," he said of the knee. "Just kind of sore. It's just going to be one day. I'm going to test it during BP."

When his brief gathering with the media was over, he walked away with one final thought.

"We're here to win championships," he said, when he got about five feet away. "Don't worry about it."

Manager Terry Francona also played down the incident, as he did after the game.

"We had a lot of emotions going last night, a lot of things happen with teams that aren't seen," he said. "We'll just move on and sometimes you're better for it."

This could be one of the first times ever I really liked Manny.

[norton23]

Manny would fuck Youk up...........that was a lil' messy but man coco has some NASTY moves!!!!! Nice pussy ass move on the "D"-rays part to tackle him and then that fuckface starts swinging while hes trapped on the ground WTF!??!!?!?

Sitting pretty right now in first,,,,Manny allready stepping up big today which is something he obviously needs to do with Ortiz out.

[norton23]

Gotta' love the "BEAT L.A. BEAT L.A. BEAT L.A."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chants from the fans at Fenway.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

nice bounceback win today

[Eagle.007]

Nothing says team chemistry like dugout fights...


It's ok, they held a team meeting today (http://www.courant.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sports/hc-soxnotes0608.artjun08,0,4026579.story).


Nice to see this finally got stickied. Tampa lost so the boys gained a game today and are now 1.5up. Beckett vs Cabrera on Tuesday. Dice K threw today but it isn't clear if he will need a rehab start.

[norton23]

We have lost only one fucking series at Fenway,,,that is amazing!!!

[norton23]

"Payback is going to be a bitch"= PAP'S said about the next series with Tampa Bay,,,I really hope they just suck it up and play,,,we don't need any fines and or suspensions,,,after all were in first place and not looking back.

[norton23]

I wish I had the time to post on this fucking board more :( We won ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the sox are still the best team in the A.L.

Boston is amazing,,,,Yet another Rolling Rally!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tickle The Bag]

haha see ya' Curt and take your ketchup sock with you.

I know I know look at the standings, the mets still stink on ice. I should be ashamed of myself.

Edit: Congrats Celts, I fucking hate the sox but don't mind the celts so much. crazy.

[norton23]

I can't stand the devil rays. This is poop! Sox will take the next Title town can't be in second place!!!!!!!!!!!

[norton23]

http://wackbag.com/customavatars/avatar5440_4.gif (http://wackbag.com/member.php?u=5440) this guy loves to suck cock,,,,and yankee fans love to give it to him "joba is totally awesome dude,,,he is such a stud"- joe ny-er

[norton23]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/16/fullj.ac24eef6ca9ab6bd94fa8a44de2b527d/ac24eef6ca9ab6bd94fa8a44de2b527d-getty-81645110bb001_fenway.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/14/fullj.f1f254b4f85c2d092761e53dbc0e213d/f1f254b4f85c2d092761e53dbc0e213d-getty-81645110bb001_fenway.jpg

[norton23]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/allen375.jpg

[norton23]

Smokin' the yankees woooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TB
BOSTON
BALTIMORE


ny
toronto

This is great!!!

[norton23]

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2008/07/04/7NGIvs42.jpg

NEW YORK -- Rain was coming in steady drops, but the Red Sox's bullpen had dealt with far worse over the past week. It was the bottom of the seventh inning, and Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen were trying to protect a victory for Josh Beckett amid a sudden rally by the Yankees on Friday afternoon.

But this was more than just trying to keep Beckett and the Red Sox in the win column. It was about two relievers who had dealt with different types of storm clouds in recent days -- the type that thundered in the form of big hits by the opposition. What this was really about was two relievers trying to prove that they can still be counted on with the game on the line.
In this instance, they succeeded, providing relief in the tensest of moments and leading the Sox to a 6-4 victory over their rivals. In fact, the Red Sox have taken the first two of this four-game series after arriving in the Bronx in the throes of a five-game losing streak.
"I think we came out and swung the bats," said Mike Lowell, who belted a three-run homer in the fifth to snap a 3-3 tie. "We've been doing it pretty well for the last two days. We're banging out a lot of hits. I think we're playing according to our strengths. I think that's more our style."
But before enjoying the win, the Red Sox first had to sit through a one-hour and 28-minute rain delay in the top of the eighth.
"It was a long day, but it ends up being a good day," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
It also ended up being kind of a wild day. Kevin Youkilis drilled one of the most bizarre two-run triples you will see in the top of the third. Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon went racing to the wall and nearly made a brilliant catch. As Damon went to the ground in pain, the baseball sat on the ledge atop the wall for a few seconds before falling back into play. A stunned Youkilis roared to third and the game was tied at 3.
Damon had to leave the game with a left shoulder contusion.
"You know when Johnny leaves a game, something's wrong," said Francona. "We had a bad view. It looked to me like it almost stayed on top of the wall. That's what it looked like. He almost caught it, he almost ran through the wall. It's a huge play. Johnny is not going to shortchange on effort."
The next bit of drama came in the bottom of the seventh. Okajima, who came on with a 6-3 lead, got off to a bad start, issuing a single to Melky Cabrera and a walk to Jose Molina. But he got Brett Gardner on a grounder to shortstop before a walk to Derek Jeter created the ultimate drama -- bases loaded with Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez due next.
Okajima could exhale after Abreu popped one right through the soaking sky and into the mitt of Youkilis at first base.
"I thought Okajima came in and did a good job, even though he kind of got himself in a situation to where it could have backfired," said Beckett. "I thought he did a really good job getting Abreu to pop out."
But nobody had a tougher task than Delcarmen, who merely had to end his slump head-on by facing arguably the game's best hitter with the bases loaded. Delcarmen threw four straight offspeed pitches to A-Rod, getting him on a 1-2 curveball that was grounded to third, averting the potential crisis.
"Coming in there with the bases loaded is always a tough jam," said Delcarmen. "I'm just glad I got him out. We started out on a first-pitch curveball, [but it] kind of slipped out of my hand. We normally pound him in. He was expecting a changeup inside. [I] threw him another curveball, swing and a miss. The ground ball he hit -- I wanted to bury the curveball -- I left it up a little bit. It was enough to have him hit it on the ground."
And nobody was more pleased about that than Okajima, who saw all his inherited runners go back to the dugout instead of crossing home plate.
"He said thank you to me like five times already," said Delcarmen. "It's part of baseball. I'll have runners on and he'll do the same thing for me."
And then there were more bullpen fires to put out. Lefty specialist Javy Lopez got a key double-play ball from Robinson Cano in the eighth. And Jonathan Papelbon, who hadn't pitched in a week, overcame some trouble in the ninth to record save No. 25.
Papelbon got a pair of quick outs before walking Gardner and almost ending the game when Coco Crisp appeared to make a diving catch on Derek Jeter. Instead, third-base umpire Wally Bell ruled that Crisp trapped the ball, and it went as an RBI double.
But Papelbon bounced back and got Abreu on a flyout to deep center, ending the game.
"I thought our bullpen did a pretty good job tonight," said Papelbon. "We went out there and did our job. When it all boils down to it, we were able to keep our ballclub in the game. That's all that matters."
As for Beckett, he rebounded from a shaky opening inning and wound up going six innings for his eighth victory. The right-hander allowed three runs -- none after the first -- while walking two and striking out four.
"I don't know that I really had a groove today," said Beckett. "It was just one of those deals. I made pitches when I had to."
The offense had its moments as well. Lowell had two hits and drove in four runs. Jacoby Ellsbury (3-for-5, two bunt singles) and red-hot Dustin Pedroia (2-for-4, two runs) created their fair share of havoc.
However, the bullpen probably savored the victory more than anyone else. "Everybody in our bullpen is such a big part of this team," said catcher Jason Varitek. "And we need them -- we need them to throw well"

[norton23]

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2008/07/03/wzq68YpM.jpg


NEW YORK -- The road trip had turned into an exercise in frustration and futility, but not demoralization for the defending World Series champions.

If there were any doubts that the resolve was still there, the Red Sox quelled them with each clutch hit against Andy Pettitte and all those nasty pitches by Jon Lester in Thursday night's 7-0 conquest over their longtime rivals, the Yankees, in the first of a four-game series.
Maybe the Red Sox didn't have any answers while getting swept by the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, but they seemed to have all of them in the familiar enemy territory known as Yankee Stadium.
"I think it was a good, all-around team win tonight," said Lester. "We definitely needed it."
Just like that, a five-game losing streak was squashed on a night the Sox seemed to get their groove back on both sides of the ball.
"We talk so much about when times are tough, but if we're all going in the right direction together, it makes life for me a lot easier," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "And I haven't felt like that ever [has been lacking]. Keep plugging."
Or in the case of Lester, keep pitching. All the blossoming 24-year-old did was fire a shutout, the first by a Boston left-hander at Yankee Stadium since July 4, 1973. Lester scattered five hits, walked two -- none after the first inning -- and struck out eight. He did it all in 104 pitches.
Lester is 7-3 with a 3.21 ERA. The win total is modest, for sure, when it comes to sizing up All-Star candidacy, but Lester has been a force for the Red Sox for the past several weeks.
"If you go down and look statistically at what he's done, he should be considered -- I agree with that," Francona said. "He's grown up right in front of our eyes, and it's fun to watch."
Perhaps Lester's biggest contribution was giving the entire bullpen the night off, which was big, considering the way the relief corps has been beaten up on this road trip.
"To come in here and throw a CG, you don't always expect that, but our bullpen needed it," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek.
While Lester dominated from the mound, the Sox got contributions everywhere from their lineup.
Coco Crisp returned from a five-game suspension by contributing a pair of runs, two hits and a stolen base, his 13th of the season. J.D. Drew had two hits, including a double, and made a terrific catch against the right-field wall to rob Jorge Posada of extra bases in the seventh. Manny Ramirez snapped an 0-for-12 drought with a single, and Varitek ended an 0-for-19 slump with an RBI single to right in the eighth.
Of particular note was the hit by Varitek, considering the catcher has been mired in the worst slump of his career. The catcher has four hits in his past 51 at-bats.
It was hard not to take note of the reaction in the dugout when Varitek got the hit that had been so elusive.
"There were 25 guys, me, the coaches, two trainers, jumping around," Francona said. "Everyone is pulling for him. He means so much to what we do. It was actually a pretty good at-bat. He fouls some pitches off. I know what the score was, but I hope it does do him some good."
Despite all the subplots, center stage was all Lester's.
Making his first career start at Yankee Stadium and facing Pettitte, a pitcher he has often been compared to, Lester showed why he has been Boston's most consistent starter this season.
"It was cool," said Lester. "It was definitely a different experience. You watch the game and it seems big, but when you're out there on the mound, it's a pretty big stadium. There's a lot of people. It was fun -- definitely a good atmosphere to pitch in." Meanwhile, the Boston bats, which couldn't seem to come up with the big hit during those forgettable three days at St. Petersburg, produced a steady stream of knocks against Pettitte, who was gone before the fifth inning was over.

[norton23]

I would like our "captain" to go hang himself and julio to go fuck himself


thats it thanks

[Steam]

I would like our "captain" to go hang himself and julio to go fuck himself


thats it thanks

Well, he didn't come up there but Varitek still scares me. He seems to have a habit of coming through when they need him (much more so than Posada). I would think they'd bring him back next year with a shorter deal since I don't see anyone in the pipeline that could bring what he brings.

Lugo was just an abortion all the way around and one of the many Theo fuckups that gets glossed over by the media thanks to a great job by the scouting department in the draft.

I fucking hate the shit out of them though.

[J. PETERSON]

Lugo had some nice plays last night against the Twins.
I was never really sold on the guy.

[norton23]

Rooting for the Yankees felt a lil' strange,,,I can't believe i'm saying this but I hope they sweep the Rays.

Manny has started hitting again,,,and hitting when it counts,,,,all around I think things are looking up after that 50/50 split with the Yankees (we should of swept them). The final piece of the puzzle is Ortiz. I think Ortiz back in the lineup will ignite the team further even if he starts out slow,,,,,we shall see.

Two players to watch on the highlights were Manny and Coco,,,,I saw actual excitement in Manny's face after that homerun, and it didn't seem like a self promoting fist pump but more of a humble "it's about time" excitement. As far as Crisp goes I think it's great that he wen't after that ball even though it got by him,,,,he's an example of an intense balls to the wall player and if he had snagged that ball it would be the highlight of the week (next to Ellsburry's grab a few games ago).

Things are looking up!

[norton23]

The Big Top is coming to the Big Apple, but the two men holding the rudder in the middle of the All-Star commotion will be focused on what they're conditioned to do.

Keep a clubhouse full of players happy, although these clubhouses will teem with A-list players. Make it entertaining. And win between the lines.
"We want to use people appropriately, and play as many as we can. You walk a fine line," said Terry Francona, manager of the Boston Red Sox and of the American League.
"The American League has had its way, but we've got good players, too, and we want to go out and win the game. We'll really stress bringing a competitive edge to it," said Clint Hurdle, manager of the Colorado Rockies and of the National League.
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2008/04/28/hmC4xaUT.gif (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/index.jsp)
Francona and Hurdle, World Series adversaries last October and All-Star Game foes on Tuesday in Yankee Stadium, revealed their motivations during a midday media conference call on Thursday.
They revealed nothing else, to be sure.
Hurdle did hint strongly that the replacement for the injured Cub Alfonso Soriano on his roster likely will be one of the four players on the NL Final Vote ballot not elected by fans.
As stipulated by the Basic Agreement, Colorado's Matt Holliday will take Soriano's place in the starting lineup, as the outfielder who received the most votes on the ballots cast by players to complete the original All-Star rosters.
"Then, my first look will definitely be the other four players involved in the Internet vote," Hurdle said.
Francona treated with respect a question of whether fabled New York closer Mariano Rivera might start the Midsummer Classic, but maintained protocol by saying the AL starter "will be the person we feel deserves it the most. And we'll make that announcement on Monday."
Francona was a little more coy on a more legitimate expectation -- that if the situation warrants, Rivera would come through the bullpen gates to the thump of "Enter Sandman" in the ninth inning to try to save the 79th All-Star Game.
"We'll be dealing with a multitude of things," Francona said, "but I'm well aware of where we're playing, and we'll treat that very respectfully."
The AL's well-documented winning streak -- 10 consecutive All-Star Game wins, sweeps in three of the last four World Series, an edge of 149-102 in the most recent round of Interleague Play -- continued on this conference call with the national media.
Reporters electronically mobbed around Francona, who received six questions compared to two for Hurdle.
Maybe more gist for the speech Hurdle is planning to fire up the NL players?
"It's not going to be a celebrity golf tournament, I'll tell you that," Hurdle said. "We've got two days to change a trend. The closest we've been is a tie , and that's not good enough.
"We'll make sure the people in the room understand winning the game will bring tremendous respect back to the National League. I also know the significant value of the home-field advantage in the World Series; I just had to start a World Series on the road."
Like World Series sweep victims St. Louis in 2004 and Houston in 2005, the Rockies had to open the '07 Fall Classic on the road.
Hurdle is getting an early jump on his Big Apple adventure. He will be spending the weekend in Queens, guiding the Rockies against the Mets.
But the jump to the Bronx will already be on his mind. It will be his first official visit to Yankee Stadium since June 2004, when his Rockies suffered an Interleague sweep to the Yankees.
And, of course, it will be his last stop in [I]this Yankee Stadium.
"It's a museum, a baseball museum," Hurdle said. "It's special, dripping with the historical ambiance of the game. To be able to represent the National League in the last Midsummer Classic at Yankee Stadium ... it's a celebration of baseball.
"When I was growing up, my dad's guy was Mickey Mantle. My dad will be there with me. I'll lap the field. This is something I won't take lightly. I'm going to embrace this opportunity, as I know our players will."
Hurdle's dad may have idolized The Mick, but Francona's father played against him. During a 15-year career as a well-traveled outfielder, Tito Francona hit .222, with seven homers, in 74 games in Yankee Stadium.
The 74-year-old 1961 All-Star will be there this year, too.
"Hopefully it'll end up as a great family time," said Terry Francona, still not jaded by all the Yankee Stadium visits through the Boston years.
"After all of the Yankees' history and success... the timing is appropriate to have the All-Star Game there. It will be hugely meaningful for every, for different reasons."
Especially for Hurdle, if he can engineer the NL's first victory since 1996. "It would be the players, not me," Hurdle said. "The game was here before us, and it'll be here long after Terry and I are gone."

[norton23]

Second best in all of baseball isn't good enough,,,,All we need is another nice sweep and we will come back from the all star game rested (FINIALLY!!!!) Too bad the all star game is in the home of the most arrogant sports fans alive,,,,at least there getting a dose of what we had to put up with after all those years,,,,it is FUCKING HILLARIOUS!!!!

[norton23]

I really hope Clay can come into this game with confidence and smoke 'em!!! He has the potential to be one of the great's and is just another example of how our farm system is dominant.

[norton23]

Sox champing at the bit to get started
Boston's goal to repeat won't be easy, but it's not deterred

BOSTON -- They started the season with a target on their backs, and they arrived at the All-Star break a little worn from their experiences.
Still, despite all the injuries to key players and the ongoing road woes, the Red Sox will spend their mini-vacation leading the Tampa Bay Rays by a half-game in the American League East.
It has been anything but easy. In their quest to become baseball's first repeat champions since the Yankees' three-peat performance of 1998-2000, the Red Sox are getting another reminder of how tough it is to duplicate such a grueling feat.
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2008/07/11/7Uu3Jkqf.jpg (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/news/midterm/index_08.jsp)
For whatever reason, the team that is coming off the World Series championship never seems to have it easy the next season.
The combination of teams coming at the Red Sox with playoff intensity every night and injuries seemingly cropping up everywhere have made it a grind for manager Terry Francona's club.
But if the Red Sox have established one trait throughout the first half, it has been their ability to thrive despite adversity. If the Red Sox maintain their pace, they will qualify for the postseason for the fifth time in the past six seasons.
"We're in a good position," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. "I don't believe this team has hit a really good stride yet. We've had to mix and put a lot of pieces together. We do miss the big man in our lineup."
The big man, of course, is affable left-handed slugger David Ortiz, who suffered a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist on May 31. Ortiz hopes to return to the lineup shortly after the All-Star break.
Battle-tested Curt Schilling never did join the 2008 Red Sox, as he couldn't make it back from right shoulder and biceps woes. Daisuke Matsuzaka served a stint on the disabled list, as did third baseman Mike Lowell.
There is a feeling within the clubhouse that the Red Sox are due for a second-half breakout.
"We haven't been playing that great of ball, and we're still in a great situation," said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "People are going to say this and that about our team, but we've had some injuries, we've had some definite ups and downs and little spells here and there, but we're playing pretty good ball. It's a tough division we're in, but we just have to keep battling, and in the second half, we play a lot of the division."
Does a team feel more pressure when it's the defending champs?
"A little bit, probably," Francona said. "I think that's fair to say. You go into a place and again, it was last year, but every place we go, it seems like everyone says it's a playoff atmosphere. I think that's how we feel every day. The good part of that is there's a reason. The other tough thing is that you have to be ready to answer it every day, and I mean on the field. We need to bounce back. It's unrealistic that you're going to go through a year not having ups and downs. The downs aren't very much fun. How you handle that, that's the really important thing."

RED SOX TOP PERFORMANCES4/29, BOS 1, TOR 0 (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20080429&content_id=2608217&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&c_id=bos) -- Pedroia saves Boston
Dustin Pedroia snags an apparent go-ahead single up the middle to end the ninth. Highlights: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/icons/video.gif Watch (javascript:void(playMedia2({f_id:'665575',f:'http ://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/04/29/mlbtv_torbos_256916_400K.flv',w_id:'665507',w:'/2008/open/mlbam/2008/04/29/mlbtv_torbos_256916_400K.wmv',pid:%20'mlb_tp',gid: %20'2008/04/29/tormlb-bosmlb-1',vid:%20'7758',mid:%20'200804292610842',cid:%20' mlb',fid:%20'mlb_tp400',v:'3'})))
5/14, BOS 3, BAL 6 (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20080514&content_id=2698938&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away&c_id=bos) -- Manny's high-five
Manny Ramirez snares a line drive in left, high-fives a fan and then doubles up a runner. Highlights: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/icons/video.gif Watch (javascript:void(playMedia2({f_id:'683299',f:'http ://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/05/14/mlbtv_bosbal_376957_300K.flv',pid:%20'mlb_tp',gid: %20'2008/05/14/bosmlb-balmlb-1',vid:%20'7758',mid:%20'200805142699480',cid:%20' mlb',fid:%20'mlb_tp300',v:'3'})))
5/19, BOS 7, KC 0 (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20080519&content_id=2731544&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&c_id=bos) -- Lester's no-no
Jon Lester hurls the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history. Highlights: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/icons/video.gif Watch (javascript:void(playMedia2({f_id:'689624',f:'http ://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/05/19/mlbtv_kcabos_420135_300K.flv',pid:%20'mlb_tp',gid: %20'2008/05/19/kcamlb-bosmlb-1',vid:%20'7758',mid:%20'200805192732852',cid:%20' mlb',fid:%20'mlb_tp300',v:'3'})))
5/31, BOS 6, BAL 3 (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20080531&content_id=2807382&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away&c_id=bos) -- Manny belts No. 500
Manny Ramirez hits career homer No. 500 off reliever Chad Bradford in Baltimore. Highlights: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/icons/video.gif Watch (javascript:void(playMedia2({f_id:'704790',f:'http ://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/05/31/mlbtv_bosbal_516713_300K.flv',pid:%20'mlb_tp',gid: %20'2008/05/31/bosmlb-balmlb-1',vid:%20'7758',mid:%20'200805312810185',cid:%20' mlb',fid:%20'mlb_tp300',v:'3'})))
6/5, BOS 7, TB 1 (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2850090&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&c_id=bos) -- Fenway fracas
Tempers flare between the Rays and the Red Sox as Coco Crisp reacts to being hit by a pitch. Highlights: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/icons/video.gif Watch (javascript:void(playMedia2({f_id:'711331',f:'http ://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/06/05/mlbtv_tbabos_553254_300K.flv',pid:%20'mlb_tp',gid: %20'2008/06/05/tbamlb-bosmlb-1',vid:%20'7758',mid:%20'200806052848893',cid:%20' mlb',fid:%20'mlb_tp300',v:'3'})))


One thing the Red Sox know they have to improve in the second half is their performance on the road. Though it remained a Fenway Park force, Boston went 21-29 on the road in the first half.
But this isn't a team that will spend the All-Star break dwelling on that. Instead, it will go to Anaheim and Seattle for six games and try to reverse that trend.
"I don't think anyone is discouraged," Youkilis said. "I think everyone is excited. Coming in every day, everyone tries to do their job and get better and move on and try to get better from the day before. We never have the mind-set of pressing or trying to win three games in a row. We're just trying to win the game at hand. A lot of the guys in here have played the game for a while, and some of the younger guys have had the opportunity to learn from veteran guys and how they go about their business. We'll be fine."
One thing that bodes well for the Red Sox the rest of the way is their starting pitching depth. Ace Josh Beckett had a modest first half, which means he could be due for a monster finish.
Left-hander Jon Lester has grown by leaps and bounds and has proven to be the most consistent starter on the staff. Despite his control issues, Matsuzaka has been among the league leaders in wins, ERA and opponents' batting average all year. Tim Wakefield is Tim Wakefield. All the knuckleballer does is give Boston a chance to win just about every game he pitches. The fifth spot has been shared ably by Justin Masterson, Bartolo Colon and Clay Buchholz.
It would seem that Boston's main need in the second half is improved health.
"It's been different," said Lowell. "It seems like we've kind of had to piece it together a little bit more, especially more than last year. I think that's what's great though. You hope you're healthy every year, but we're still competing and still have a chance to do some real good things this year. There's still a lot of games left. Hopefully, we can get our guys back and can be more into that routine that we're used to."
The pressure of the pennant race certainly won't faze the Sox, who have played in as many big games as anyone the past few years. "I think we have some things to look forward to in the second half," said Varitek.

[norton23]

MVP J.D. Drew and Red Sox get harsh treatment during All-Star game at Yankee Stadium

Besieged by the booing of partisan New York Yankees fans, J.D. Drew and the Boston Red Sox had a rewarding Major League Baseball All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.
Drew hit a tying, two-run homer in the seventh inning Tuesday and took home MVP honors.
The Boston outfielder also singled and finished 2-for-4 to help the American League beat the National League 4-3 in 15 innings in a game that lasted 4 hours, 50 minutes.
"One of those undescribable events," Drew said as he was presented with a car for winning the MVP. The presentation was accompanied by booing by the scattered crowd that remained at about 1:50 a.m.
So intense is the rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox that the seven Boston players were booed throughout despite playing on the same team as the Yankees, and helping the AL's cause in a match that decides homefield advantage in the World Series.

Drew did receive some cheers for his seventh inning homer, becoming the 15th player to go deep in his first All-Star at-bat.
"It was brief to say the least," Drew said of the cheers. "It was a little weird. I heard about it when I got back to right field for sure. Then as the game went along, they forgot that I hit a home run, and it picked up again."
The Yankee Stadium crowd got started early, tuning up when Boston's contingent was introduced during pregame ceremonies. They reserved their loudest boos for when Red Sox sluggers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz were announced.
Ortiz, who missed the game with an injured left wrist, playfully put up his fists as jeers rained down from the crowd.
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek said the heckling actually began hours before the game, during the All-Star parade up 6th Avenue in Manhattan.
"I had my kids with me, so there was probably a few choice words that we wouldn't like a 6- and an 8-year-old to hear for an hour," he said. "But it's part of what goes on in the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox."
The Red Sox were criticized for signing the oft-injured Drew to a $70 million, five-year contract when he was a free agent before last season.
He got off to a slow start in Boston, then hit a grand slam homer in the 2007 playoffs against Cleveland. This year, he's showing all his skills, batting .302 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

rumors of Uribe coming to Boston for Cora, uuugghhh,

[Salem]

rumors of Uribe coming to Boston for Cora, uuugghhh,

:arrrh:

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

saw this on rotoworld;

According to the Providence Journal, Manny Ramirez faces disciplinary action if he isn't in the lineup on Saturday.

An MRI on his right knee Friday came back clean, but Manny told bench coach Brad Mills just before game time that he'd be unable to play. Some believe Ramirez is taking out his frustration with upper management by faking a knee injury. Manny is seeking a contract extension and has had a couple of brushes with teammates and staff members this season. Still, there's little to no doubt in our minds that Manny will be in that lineup on Saturday. He faces a suspension and fines if things go any differently.

[TreeFortRichard]

manny is being cunty...
Lowell got hosed on that strike 3 call...

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

the whole act of manny being manny is cute when he's putting up 300-40-120, but it's old right now. I saw somewhere that his mri came back ok, so it'll be interesting to see if he plays today.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

looks like he's gonna grace us and play today, he's in the lineup as of right now. I can't stress how rediculous this is year after year with him.

[Perch1019]

Is there any chance that Manny gets dealt? I cant see this team being anywhere near as good as they are without him in the line up. If they were in last place and had no chance at making the playoffs I can see that but not in the middle of a tight race.
Then again when they traded away Nomar in 04 I thought they were finished....

[7cent]

what's the weather look like in Boston? Is this game going to start on time?

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Is there any chance that Manny gets dealt? I cant see this team being anywhere near as good as they are without him in the line up. If they were in last place and had no chance at making the playoffs I can see that but not in the middle of a tight race.
Then again when they traded away Nomar in 04 I thought they were finished....
I can't see them moving him without another deal in place. They'd have to have something lined up to get someone like Dunn or Bay, which I don't think will happen, but just saying something like that. They've been dealing with this bullshit for the entire contract, I can't see moving him for the sake of moving him at this point, if they were 10 games back, maybe, but not now. Amazing that this is a 36 year old we're talking about. Like I said in an earlier post if this was the 320-45-130 version of Manny, this probably gets brushed aside again. But he's not very durable anymore, I think the only reason he's played as many games this year is because of Ortiz missing time, so he's been able to DH.

[Steam]

I was talking to my friend (who is a huge Red Sox fan) yesterday about Manny and explained to him that this is all on the Red Sox organization and their fans for enabling him year after year. "Oh, its just Manny being Manny, ain't it cute?" Hell, even after his ill conceived decision to cost himself a game by partying it up with Enrique fucking Wilson, he still somehow smoothed everything over. You guys enjoyed the good with Manny (and that's a whole lot of good, the guy's swing is fucking awesome) and you have to deal with the bad.

I do find it funny that some fans think they can use that Manny money to get Teixeira and a reliever when Tex by himself will cost them the bulk of that Manny money.

Anyway, just as long as Manny helps take me to my fantasy baseball title I'll let him slide.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

I was talking to my friend (who is a huge Red Sox fan) yesterday about Manny and explained to him that this is all on the Red Sox organization and their fans for enabling him year after year. "Oh, its just Manny being Manny, ain't it cute?" Hell, even after his ill conceived decision to cost himself a game by partying it up with Enrique fucking Wilson, he still somehow smoothed everything over. You guys enjoyed the good with Manny (and that's a whole lot of good, the guy's swing is fucking awesome) and you have to deal with the bad.

I do find it funny that some fans think they can use that Manny money to get Teixeira and a reliever when Tex by himself will cost them the bulk of that Manny money.

Anyway, just as long as Manny helps take me to my fantasy baseball title I'll let him slide.
even if they did go after Teixeira, unless he wanted to play OF, I think he played a little when he first came up, but he's a gold glove caliber 1B, not sure he'd move. Not to mention Youk, whos got a great glove, and is controlled for 2 more years. Wouldn't surprise me if Teixeira got near 20 mil as a FA, which I wouldn't pay for him. Is he a Boras guy?

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

I was talking to my friend (who is a huge Red Sox fan) yesterday about Manny and explained to him that this is all on the Red Sox organization and their fans for enabling him year after year. "Oh, its just Manny being Manny, ain't it cute?" Hell, even after his ill conceived decision to cost himself a game by partying it up with Enrique fucking Wilson, he still somehow smoothed everything over. You guys enjoyed the good with Manny (and that's a whole lot of good, the guy's swing is fucking awesome) and you have to deal with the bad.


yeah, it's all good when he's putting up MVP numbers, then he could **** and murder, but get cheered at Fenway. I'm just sick of the whole act already.

[Perch1019]

Dunn and Bay are no where near the player Manny is. It isnt even that you would be losing Manny but that Ortiz loses his protection. I have no idea what the stats are but when Mannys is out, Ortiz is not the same hitter. Was it last season when Manny was down and Ortiz' numbers took a decent hit? I just dont see them being able to pick up anyone who would be more feared then Manny. When he comes up with guys on in a late inning, i know I worry that hes going to do something big. I'd love it if they got rid of him but I just dont see that happening. It will be interesting to see the type of money he gets out on the FA market in the winter.

I do agree that the fans and management should be as much to blame for this as Manny should. That "Manny being Manny" shit has been going on for years and all they did was laugh it off. Manny goes into the monster to pee, oh thats just manny being manny. The guy tried fighting a staffer over 20 tickets to a game earlier in the season and the management did nothing about that.

Where would they put Tex? Youk is their 1st basement, Papi is the DH and Lowell is at 3rd. Hes not going to play outfield.

[Steam]

Where would they put Tex? Youk is their 1st basement, Papi is the DH and Lowell is at 3rd. Hes not going to play outfield.

I have no idea what they would do. I just know that for some reason its been a hot topic when I've heard 'EEI and other sports related programming.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Dunn and Bay are no where near the player Manny is. It isnt even that you would be losing Manny but that Ortiz loses his protection. I have no idea what the stats are but when Mannys is out, Ortiz is not the same hitter. Was it last season when Manny was down and Ortiz' numbers took a decent hit? I just dont see them being able to pick up anyone who would be more feared then Manny. When he comes up with guys on in a late inning, i know I worry that hes going to do something big. I'd love it if they got rid of him but I just dont see that happening. It will be interesting to see the type of money he gets out on the FA market in the winter.

I do agree that the fans and management should be as much to blame for this as Manny should. That "Manny being Manny" shit has been going on for years and all they did was laugh it off. Manny goes into the monster to pee, oh thats just manny being manny. The guy tried fighting a staffer over 20 tickets to a game earlier in the season and the management did nothing about that.

Where would they put Tex? Youk is their 1st basement, Papi is the DH and Lowell is at 3rd. Hes not going to play outfield.
No,. they're definitely not the player he is,Dunn can match the power, but nowhere near the complete hitter Manny is. I don't see either coming in a trade, but they'd need to pick up a bat behind Ortiz on the chance he does get traded. Personally I don't think he gets moved or have his options picked up in the offseason.

And the Teixeira thing, I was just responding to steam's post, they have nowhere to play him, and would be crazy to move a cheap Youk to overpay for Teixeira.

[TreeFortRichard]

I went to the game last night...Manny was 95% cheers all around, but i don't think most of the crowd heard about the Iraq comments...I yelled "Hey manny, you can trade the bat straight up for a camel jockey whip" and "that would have been out of the bagdad softball stadium" both got luuuffs...
Great game though. Nice to see an ump that knows the strikezone...The look of manny running through the stop sign was a riot.

[fuckwit]

Great game though. Nice to see an ump that knows the strikezone...

there were a ton of awful strikezone calls last night. funny you dont see them when the sox are winning.

[Perch1019]

Gammons just said that the deal for Manny is looking alot better as time goes by. Its now rumored to be a three team deal that will send Manny to Florida, rookies to Pitt and Jason Bay to the Sox. Personally I dont see how getting rid of Manny is anything but bad for the Sox. Hes always been a kook and theyve done fine. I think they would be best with letting him have his tantrum for a week or so and then it will slowly go away when noone cares anymore.
Just more Manny being Manny!

[fuckwit]

Personally I dont see how getting rid of Manny is anything but bad for the Sox.

bay is good but its a definite downgrade.

but what can they do really. they created this monster (fans and management) and now its out of control.

if they kept him it would have been like that twilight zone episode where the 10 year old kid had mental powers. he turned people into toys, made it snow, they all had to eat candy and crap, and watch what he wanted on tv. on top of it all he made them pretend they enjoyed it and tell him how much of a good boy he was.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/It%27s_A_Good_Life.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Good_Life_(The_Twilight_Zone)

it was either trade manny or mass suicide. id have been good with either.

[Perch1019]

it was either trade manny or mass suicide. id have been good with either.

Start a poll. Put me down for Mass Suicides.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

I'll be skeptical about any Manny trade until I see a press conference, they've been down this fucking road so many times at the trade deadline and spring training. Without knowing any other players moving, if they trade Manny and end up with Bay, I'll be happy. The rumors have Manny + cash, probably the remaining 7mil he's owed for this year, for Hermida, and one or 2 of their prospects. One of them Mike Stanton is supposed to have tremendous power. Mike Tucker, a pitcher I don't know anything about. I doubt they'll get all 3, but since they're paying most if not all of Manny's salary this year they'll probably get Hermida, one of the 2, and maybe a lower prospect.

Depending on what it would take for the 3 way deal to happen, I'll take Bay and be happy. He's signed through next year, and at this point not much of a downgrade overall from Ramirez. He won't put the fear into other pitchers the way Manny does, but he looks like he's healthy again, and capeable of 35-100 with a good average. Not to mention MUCH better defense and baserunning ability. Manny is fucking awful in the field, not as bad in Fenway with the smaller LF, but Bay is much better. I'm just sick of this whole fucking thing year after year.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

from rotoworld. FWIW

Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus says the Red Sox, Pirates and Marlins have agreed to a three-team Manny Ramirez deal, pending Ramirez waiving his no-trade clause and league approval.

Carroll, not normally one of our preferred sources, has the Red Sox getting Jason Bay and John Grabow; the Marlins acquiring Ramirez, cash and a prospect from the Red Sox and the Pirates picking up Jeremy Hermida, two prospects from the Marlins and one from Boston.

[fuckwit]

sounds pretty shitty for boston.

manny + manny's salary + 1 prospect

for a downgrade to manny and a small addition to the bullpen.

[Absolutely]

I think if I was a Boston fan I'd be kind of happy with the new details.

Manny goes to FLA, Boston gives them money.
Pittsburgh gets Hermida and Stanton from FLA.
Boston gets Bay.

Not bad, if you want to get rid of Manny... Bay is younger, cheaper, and basically the same production this season.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

WEEI is reporting that according to Gordon Edes, Ramirez has been traded. Haven't heard any details yet

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

SI is saying the Dodgers are involved

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Looks like Bay is coming to Boston

[fuckwit]

wfan is saying you got Bay after all in a 3 way with the Dodgers sending Manny to LA

[Perch1019]

Buster Oleny was just on Michael Kays show saying the only reason they did this was because they just assumed he would not play for them the rest of the season and that there might be some kind of inquiry by baseball as to the way he played before getting traded.
Kay is ripping him and for once I agree with that guy. 120 million and you just loaf down to first base and cry like a little bitch.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Buster Oleny was just on Michael Kays show saying the only reason they did this was because they just assumed he would not play for them the rest of the season and that there might be some kind of inquiry by baseball as to the way he played before getting traded.
Kay is ripping him and for once I agree with that guy. 120 million and you just loaf down to first base and cry like a little bitch.
I'm glad he finally got some boos after that play. No excuse for not rynning that out, not that he's the only one who does it, but when you're being no hit, and a ball likt that, fucking run.
I like the trade, Manny is still the better hitter, but not by that much. It's not the same Manny from 3-4 years ago, should get about the same power, with a little lower average. But the improved defense, baserunning and attitude should make up for it.

[Perch1019]

I like the trade, Manny is still the better hitter, but not by that much. It's not the same Manny from 3-4 years ago, should get about the same power, with a little lower average. But the improved defense, baserunning and attitude should make up for it.

I think your being a little more optimistic here because its your team. (id be doing the same). Problem is, without Manny in that line up, Big Papi becomes alot less of a threat and loses that great protection he had. Im sure the stat will come out soon but he is not the same player without manny in front of him. While Bay is a very good player, he isnt Manny. Hes not going to strike that fear into teams like Manny has over the last few seasons. You also have to remember that this is a whole new league to him. All new pitchers and he has to play left field in Boston which is one of the harder fields to play.
They also gave up 2 guys AND are paying the rest of his salary.

It also needs to be said that Boston did nothing to firm up their bullpen...

[TreeFortRichard]

I am so pissed right now that manny made us get rid of Moss and Hansen just to move his lame duck ass for Jason Bay. The redsox got FUCKED in this trade. We could have just fucking sent manny down to pawtucket (I wonder if he had any options, that would have been a riot :) ) He couldn't get his shit together and be an adult. I sooo wanted him straighten up and finish his career here. I loved manny. I hated him when he came here and learned to love him, and now he is gone because he is such a shithead. He had it made and couldn't be an adult...Good luck LA. Let's see how manny deals with no DH position, and having to play the outfield every day. Let's let the dodgers deal with him wanting out of the lineup for phantom lazyness.
I too was sent over the edge by the no hitter. When he didn't hustle on what could have been an infield hit i was yelling at my tv. "Run you fuck, and cut your hair"
I wonder what the lockerroom consensus was? I know when they were talking to bay yesterday he tried to stay political, but he lit up when he heard he might go to the sox...


In the end we had to give up soooo much just to move the fucker...fuck him

His bat will surely be missed

[fuckwit]

manny did a real number on the red sox.
he had theo tied up trying to get rid of him before the deadline instead of actually improving the team.
bullpen, ss, catcher. you got no improvements for this year and actually took a downgrade to one of your major team strengths and gave up 2 prospects and any picks you would have got from manny going FA and 7 million dollars (the remainder of mannys contract.)

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

How fucking classic would it be though if Manny used his 10-5 power and vetoed the trade :haha7: . it wouldn't surprise me.

I also wonder if Ortiz moves to the cleanup spot and Bay hits 3rd. Another unknown is Bay has never had a huge bat around him, so maybe his offense picks up a bit. The negative unknown is the usual, can he play in Boston in a pennant race.

Pedroia
Youk
Bay
Ortiz
Lowell
Drew
C-uuughh (Varitek's bat :puke:)
CF-uuughh (Ellsbury has been terrible lately)
SS uuuuuggghhhh

[fuckwit]

i figure:

pedroia
douchebag
drew
ortiz
lowell
bay
3 outs

edit:
oh drew is a lefty that sucks

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

bullpen help is definitely something they need to address. They'll have to see who makes it through waivers, but something needs to be done.

[TreeFortRichard]

the bottom of the order really is pathetic this year...it's too bad for v-tek that it's his contract year...he is done

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

the bottom of the order really is pathetic this year...it's too bad for v-tek that it's his contract year...he is done
yeah, no doubt. I love Varitek, I'm not trying to sound like I'm killing him, he still has something defensively to give, but his bat is awful. They need someone to catch at least half the time with him next year. I have no doubt he'll be back, but he can't do it full time.

Ellsbury I think will be ok, just hitting a wall right now.

Lugo, uuuughhh. 2 more years, 18mil. At least with him being hurt, he most likely won't get the AB's he needs to trigger the option year at another 9 mil. I hope he gets mauled to death in the offseason.

[TreeFortRichard]

Lugo, uuuughhh. 2 more years, 18mil. At least with him being hurt, he most likely won't get the AB's he needs to trigger the option year at another 9 mil. I hope he gets mauled to death in the offseason.

Maybe we could set him up with some flying lessons...or get him a speedboat and a low bridge...

[Perch1019]

Maybe we could set him up with some flying lessons...or get him a speedboat and a low bridge...

I hear the Cory Lidle Aviation School is taking applications for the fall semester.

[TreeFortRichard]

ok, so they are talking about how the players are all behind it as ortiz digs in wearing #24 wristbands and the announcers say NOTHING...and they are 3x the normal size

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Nice debut for Bay last night, 1-3 scored both runs, 3 BB, nice play in the field. Eventually I think he ends up hitting 4th, but smart not to throw him there right away. Hopefully Lowell is back in soon, they're saying strained hip flexor, didn't leave the dugout, so it's probably not too bad.

[TreeFortRichard]

Great game tonight, 12 runs and the game is 2.5 hours...go figure. Did you see the report that manny allegedly told the sox not to trade him to LA and that he would behave for the rest of the year if they promised NOT to pick up his option? Fuck him...That goes further to proove he was being an asshole to get out of town..great team player...

Jason Bay, 3 run bomb off the volvo sign tonight...I finally figured out who he reminds me of..Kevin Mckidd, Journeyman/ Rome

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Wakefield's hitting the DL, sore shoulder

[Salem]

.......

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Papi!!!!

2 3r hr in the 1st inning

[Steam]

Yep, fucking Feldman (who completely and totally sucks) owns the Yankees but gets what he has coming to him from the Red Sox.

Sounds about right.

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

damn, game PPD

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

and the yoyo season for Beckett continues...

[Sidekick Dave]

Can we hit the panic button yet?

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

holy shit, a hr from Varitek

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

BOSTON -- Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, the last player to hit for the Triple Crown, was hospitalized for tests Tuesday after experiencing chest pains.
The Boston Red Sox (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos) confirmed the 68-year-old Yastrzemski was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital and was undergoing evaluation and testing. The team said no further information was immediately available on its longtime great.
Asked whether it was serious, Yastrzemski spokesman Dick Gordon said: "Any time you are in the hospital, it's got to be pretty serious."
The popular Yaz was an 18-time All-Star and spent his entire career in Boston, taking over left field for Ted Williams in 1961 and playing through 1983.
In 1967, Yastrzemski helped revitalize the flagging franchise during the "Impossible Dream" season. And all over New England that summer, kids tried to imitate his unique lefty batting stance, with the bat held high over his head.
With calls of "Yaz" echoing around Fenway Park, he won the Triple Crown that year, hitting .326 with 44 home runs and 121 RBIs. Behind the AL MVP, the Red Sox won their first pennant since 1946, but lost the World Series in Game 7 to St. Louis.
Yastrzemski was elected to the Hall on the first ballot in 1989. He has often shied away from celebrity and rarely made public appearances, but drew a big ovation when he threw out the first ball before Game 1 of last year's World Series.
Yaz finished with 452 career home runs and 1,844 RBIs. He had 3,419 lifetime hits and batted .285. He also won seven Gold Gloves, expertly playing the caroms off the Green Monster.
Yastrzemski is one of five former Red Sox players to have his number retired by the team. His No. 8 is painted at Fenway, along with those of Williams, Carlton Fisk, Bobby Doerr and Joe Cronin.http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3542769

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

Josh Beckett's scheduled start on Saturday has been pushed back to Tuesday due to "tingling" in his hand.

Beckett was hammered for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings by the Blue Jays on Sunday, so it's not a huge surprise that he was hurting. He slept awkwardly on his shoulder, according to manager Terry Francona, which is the cause of the tingling. Beckett wouldn't attribute it solely to the way he slept, though, saying he's felt the tingling all season. He also said starting on Tuesday wasn't a certainty. Aug. 19 - 5:09 pm et

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

looks like Lugo had a "setback"

Julio Lugo (quadriceps) suffered a setback in his recovery while running Wednesday and has been shut down.

Lugo had been making progress after being out since July 11, but may now be done for the season. Jed Lowrie will continue to be the Red Sox's starting shortstop and would likely hold onto the job even if Lugo can make it back in September.

[counterpunch]

Damn, Buccholz is showing that he's just not ready for the majors yet. Really sad, I had high expectations for him this year. He gets a lead and dwindles it away almost every time he's out there.

[norton23]

Gonna have to say,,,,,"not this year" All year i've had that weird feeling that it was going to be a strange season,,,,where the fuck did the d-rays come from!?!!?!?!

Well I hope they prove me wrong and make the wildcard

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

well, this can't be good;

Josh Beckett has been scratched from his scheduled start Friday and is scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews.

No details yet, but Beckett must have had more tingling in his hand yesterday and/or today. His bullpen session Tuesday reportedly went fine, causing him to be penciled in for Friday. The Red Sox figure to place him on the DL and call up someone -- perhaps David Pauley -- to start Friday.

[norton23]

Becket is indeed hurt but he should be back sometime soon I heard it wasn't as bad as some expected. He will be back asap. At least Dice-K has proven to be well worth the money and Lester and company are doing fine by me at this point, we just need wake and Becket healthy and we should make a nice run of it. And if our hitting stays hot we have a chance to take out the Angels (if things stay this way and we face them in the first round). That would make my year, can you imaging taking them out again especially this year?

[Salem]

:action-sm

[SurlyTruckDrivr]

gee, I wish Pedroia could come through with a hit every now and then :icon_mrgr

[Salem]

Mvp