The 2007 Red Sox Game Thread [Archive]

VTSoxFan

02-22-2007, 07:02 AM

Here's the full ST schedule; the broadcast schedule is on another thread.

Feb. 28: v. Minn., 7.05pm TIE - 4-4 (10 innings)
March 1: @ Tor., 1.05pm (ss); v. NEU, 1.05pm (ss) Game 1: Loss; Tor 4, Sox 1; Game 2: Win; Sox 11, NEU 0
March 2: v. Tor., 12.30pm (ss); v. BC, 6.05pm (ss) Game 1: Loss; Tor 9, Sox 6 (10 innings); Game 2: Win; Sox 9, BC 1
March 3: v. Phil., 1.05pm Loss; Phil 12, Sox 9
March 4: @ Minn., 1.05pm Win; Sox 6, Twins 1
March 5: v. LAD, 1.05pm Loss; LAD 2, Sox 1
March 6: @ Fla., 1.05pm Win; Sox 14, FLA 6 (10 innings)
March 7: v. NYM, 1.05pm Win; Sox 9, NYM 5
March 8: @ Minn., 1.05pm (ss); v. Tor., 1.05pm (ss) Game 1: Loss; Minn 1, Sox 0; Game 2: Win; Sox 3, Tor 2
March 9: @ Phil., 1.05pm Win; Sox 11, Phil 10
March 10: @ Det., 1.05pm Win; Sox 7, Det. 6
March 11: v. Bal., 1.05pm Loss; Bal 5, Sox 3
March 12: v. NYY, 7.05pm Win; Sox 7, NYY 5
March 13: @ Tor., 1.05pm Loss; Tor 1, Sox 0
March 14: v. Pit., 1.05pm Loss; Pit 3, Sox 2
March 15: @ NYM, 7.10pm Loss; NYM 4, Sox 1
March 16: @ LAD, 1.05pm Win (if you want to call it that); Sox5, LAD 1, 2.5 innings (rain)
March 17: v. Cin., 1.05pm Loss; Cin 2, Sox 1
March 18: @ Bal., 1.05pm Win, Sox 2, Bal 1
March 19: OFF
March 20: v. Minn., 7.05pm Win; Sox 6, Minn 5
March 21: @ Pit., 1.05pm Win; Sox 7, Pit 3
March 22: @ Phil., 1.05pm Tie, 4-4 (10 innings)
March 23: v. Bal., 1.05pm Win; Sox 3, Bal 2
March 24: @ TB, 1.05pm Tie, 1-1 (10 innings)
March 25: v. Fla., 1.05pm Win; Sox 12, Marlins 6
March 26: @ Cin., 1.05pm Loss; Cin 5, Sox 0
March 27: v. Pit., 1.05pm Loss; Pit 3, Sox 2
March 28: @ Minn., 7.05pm Win; Sox 5, Minn 4 Sox win coveted Mayor's Cup :)
March 29: v. TB, 1.05pm Tie, 3-3
March 30: @ Phil., 7.05pm (Citizens Bank Park) Win; Sox 6, Phil 5
March 31: @ Phil., 1.05pm (Citizens Bank Park) Win; Sox 7, Phil 5

ST Totals: 16-12-4

SoxSon

02-22-2007, 08:28 AM

The purpose of this thread is to catalogue reactions to in-game action. Feel free to begin a new thread if you'd rather, but I do think it's handy to have one thread for smaller issues (a certain catch, a pitch selection, etc.) It's my feeling that ST game info should go in this thread as well, as those games are well...also games. :)

Here's hoping that 2007 is a great year!!! :clapping :dance

P.S. (I know you didn't start the thread, Annie, but your merged post went first! :) )

I'm going back in time to make an addendum to this intro post:
Contributions to this thread need to offer more than simply a log of play-by-play information (ex: Ortiz hit the ball to left field), and I should have been cleaer about that up front. That kind of information can be found on any large sports site. This thread is about analysis of gameplay and issues surrounding gameplay. The moderators reserve the right to delete posts containing no analysis, as they detract from the purpose of this thread. Thanks.

winningtheweapon

02-22-2007, 09:11 AM

6 Days until the first spring training game. I'm excited! Anyone know who starts the first game?

Green Monster

02-25-2007, 02:29 PM

Should look like this:

Wednesday vs. Minnesota: Schilling
Thursday vs. Northeastern: Beckett
Friday vs. Toronto: Snyder
Friday vs. Boston College: Matsuzaka
Saturday vs. Philadelphia: Wakefield, followed by Papelbon

winningtheweapon

02-27-2007, 11:56 AM

One day away now! Anyone else excited about tomorrow?

Jager

02-27-2007, 12:25 PM

I'm very excited. About everything, but especially Matsuzaka's first start.

The Kid

02-27-2007, 05:02 PM

Today's news:
Terry Francona reportedly has said Manny Ramirez won't play in Wednsday's game vs. Twins.

To reassure themselves that Craig Hansen isn't seriously hurt, the Sox gave the reliever an MRI for his ailing back. Results are positive.

Mike Timlin says he feels better after having a mild oblique spasm Sunday.

Abe Alvarez has left camp to tend to family matters.

Wily Mo Pena has been working out overtime to improve his subpar defense the last few days.

FlashGordon

02-27-2007, 08:39 PM

To reassure themselves that Craig Hansen isn't seriously hurt, the Sox gave the reliever an MRI for his ailing back. Results are positive.Thanks for the run-down, but could you please explain this statement. Usually a "positive" MRI is a bad thing for a player and his team.

winningtheweapon

02-27-2007, 09:14 PM

Jacoby Ellsbury is supposedly in the lineup for Tonight's game, not Crisp.

VTSoxFan

02-28-2007, 03:50 AM

Thanks for the run-down, but could you please explain this statement. Usually a "positive" MRI is a bad thing for a player and his team.

I saw the report too. In this case, "positive" means "good", as Hansen just has a muscle ache, not a skeletal or nerve problem.

winningtheweapon

02-28-2007, 06:54 AM

Red Sox: Curt Schilling, Joel Pineiro, Brendan Donnelly, Julian Tavarez, Manny Delcarmen, J.C. Romero, Bryan Corey, and Renelvys Hernandez.

Twins: Matt Garza, Scott Baker, Brad Voyles, Julio DePaula, and Jason Miller.

1. Julio Lugo, SS
2. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Jason Varitek, C
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Wily Mo Pena, RF
7. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
8. David Murphy, LF
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

SoxSon

02-28-2007, 01:36 PM

KTF--
I think if you peek back at the "games" thread, you'll see that ST is supposed to be part of that, as ST games are games, too. ;)

What I'll do is merge this one with that. My intent isn't to squash your thread...I just wasn't sure if you understood the function of the games thread. If you'd rather have it on its own, feel free to pm me and we'll work it out. :)

redsoxfan407

02-28-2007, 02:03 PM

is there a specific thread for the twins games tonight or do we post about it in here?

SoxSon

02-28-2007, 04:14 PM

This is the spot, redsoxfan407.

I know it's essentially meaningless, but it was nice to see Schilling put down the first three batters, huh? Not sure why Youk handed that ball off to him on the third out, but hey...it was an out. :D

SwissRedSoxFan

02-28-2007, 06:09 PM

ugh, Chad Spann had two ugly errors...

J.C Romero pitched very good. Lefties had absolutely no chance of hitting something he threw...Donnelly was also very good. Hard-thrower.

It's 4-4. Lugo, Ortiz with RBI's and Red Sox top prospect Jacoby Ellsbury had two.

Joe Mauer hit a three-run homerun of Julian Tavarez.

Williamsburg2599

02-28-2007, 06:11 PM

Who the heck are these guys and what have they done with the Red Sox?:D :p

I gotta read up on the farm system more...:lookitup

-Kyle-

02-28-2007, 06:32 PM

That was a nasty throw to get the runner at the plate by Ochoa or whatever his name is.

SwissRedSoxFan

02-28-2007, 06:53 PM

wow Coco Crisp with Ochoas throwing arm, and we would have not only a good CF but a fantastic one.

Phenomenal throw from Ochoa to burn the runner.

Williamsburg2599

02-28-2007, 06:54 PM

A tie? Blah. I can Dice-K leaning over to Okajima and saying " I thought they didn't have ties in America?" and Okajima shrugging.:laugh

VTSoxFan

02-28-2007, 07:06 PM

Phenomenal throw from Ochoa to burn the runner.

Best play of the game. A shame about the tie, but oh well.

Westlake

02-28-2007, 09:43 PM

"Mauer Pokes One Out Off Manny's Publicist" - Funny line from BDD.com :laugh

Jager

03-01-2007, 12:29 PM

SoxSon

03-01-2007, 01:28 PM

I'm so excited about this season. I can hardly wait. I'm getting ready for it. lol. I called DirecTV yesterday and ordered the MLB Extra Innings, so that's good to go, and on Tuesday March 13, I'm buying a 65" Projection TV. WOOHOO! I'm psyched about that. All Sox fans are invited to watch the games at my place. lol. I can't wait for this season to start. I wonder how likely it is that Matsuzaka throws a no-no in his first start against KC? lol.

Hate to say this, but mojo would have him get hammered by KC, and then be stellar against a team like NY. You just know there's going to be that moment when all of baseball is saying "You paid that much money for him?!" It's inevitable.

By the way, 65"?! Very nice. I thought I was doing well with a 55" screen. :D

winningtheweapon

03-01-2007, 01:39 PM

VTSoxFan

03-01-2007, 02:10 PM

I predict a bad outing for him early in the season, and people becoming fickle again. It happens every year. This year won't be any different. We all just have to realize that one game out of a 162 game season, is 1/162 or less than 1% of the total season.

It's bound to happen, I think. Remember when Pedro pitched a stinker and got booed off the field at Fenway? Pedro! I don't think some fans will hesitate for half a second to boo Matsuzaka, if he stumbles a little.

But these booing fans will be the selfsame ones who ran to the Souvenir Store and bought the first "Dice-K -- 18" jerseys to roll off the truck. :rolleyes:

winningtheweapon

03-01-2007, 02:54 PM

It's bound to happen, I think. Remember when Pedro pitched a stinker and got booed off the field at Fenway? Pedro! I don't think some fans will hesitate for half a second to boo Matsuzaka, if he stumbles a little.

But these booing fans will be the selfsame ones who ran to the Souvenir Store and bought the first "Dice-K -- 18" jerseys to roll off the truck. :rolleyes:

That's why I can't stand the nature of a "fan". Being fickle does not equate to being objective. And the baseball season is certainly too long to judge players on a game to game basis. Which is why I'm proud of Theo and Co. that they're not folding under the pressure of the Boston fans and media.

VTSoxFan

03-01-2007, 03:01 PM

That's why I can't stand the nature of a "fan". Being fickle does not equate to being objective. And the baseball season is certainly too long to judge players on a game to game basis. Which is why I'm proud of Theo and Co. that they're not folding under the pressure of the Boston fans and media.

Exactly. In fact, the opposite it true -- a fan's true objectivity is characterized by the lack of judgment on a day-to-day basis -- the ability to see past the single day's triumph or failure and put it all in perspective.

Of course, that doesn't stop me from lamenting losses and cheering the wins. :D

winningtheweapon

03-02-2007, 10:45 AM

Exactly. In fact, the opposite it true -- a fan's true objectivity is characterized by the lack of judgment on a day-to-day basis -- the ability to see past the single day's triumph or failure and put it all in perspective.

Of course, that doesn't stop me from lamenting losses and cheering the wins. :D

Exactly, it is about putting it all in perspective.

On a side note, according to Ian Browne on BaseballChannel.TV, Palms Park is rocking.

-Kyle-

03-02-2007, 04:53 PM

Matsuezaka seemed much better when he was going with his breaking pitches. On a side note...

I can definitly imagine that kid who just hit one out say to his son in 10 years...."Ya know Dice-k, the 9 time Cy Young award winner?" I got the first homerun off him, ever." :D

Westlake

03-02-2007, 04:56 PM

Williamsburg2599

03-02-2007, 05:16 PM

Someone hit one out? I read that the only hit off of him was a double down the line. :confused:
Yup, at least the game I saw. First pitch, though, except if you think about it, he said he was going to throw a fastball his first pitch, and one would assume he would go outside to see how big the K-zone is, so Ayers (was that his name?) was probably expecting it there.

Green Monster

03-02-2007, 05:19 PM

Someone hit one out? I read that the only hit off of him was a double down the line. :confused:

You're right. Matsuzaka gave up a first pitch leadoff double, then retired the next 6 batters. Threw 25 pitches, 19 of them were strikes. He's scheduled to throw on Tuesday against the Marlins.

-Kyle-

03-02-2007, 06:18 PM

Someone hit one out? I read that the only hit off of him was a double down the line. :confused:
I was listening on the radio while getting pizza. Maybe it was another pitcher then....

winningtheweapon

03-02-2007, 07:29 PM

Matsuzaka dominated. We may have the next big Atlanta-esque trio with Matsuzaka-Beckett-Papelbon.

Westlake

03-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Matsuzaka dominated. We may have the next big Atlanta-esque trio with Matsuzaka-Beckett-Papelbon.

That's way off in the distance, but it would be nice.

VTSoxFan

03-02-2007, 08:19 PM

Matsuzaka dominated. We may have the next big Atlanta-esque trio with Matsuzaka-Beckett-Papelbon.

I'm not one to knock Matsuzaka, but.... I'm looking forward to his next outing, against the Marlins, rather than college players. Not to knock the college kids, either, but... well, they're not major leaguers. What I'm really looking forward to is when he faces Ichiro. :D

Westlake

03-03-2007, 01:08 PM

Well that was a fun little comeback. Anyone else ready for another tie?

The Kid

03-04-2007, 12:41 PM

This weekend's news:
Craig Hansen finally appears to be over his back woes. Hansen threw on the side on Friday and was scheduled to do so again on Saturday.

Tim Wakefield says that his ribcage feels much better and that he wants to continue pitching for a long time.

Mike Timlin is set to throw a side session Wednesday, one of his first after injuring his oblique on Feb. 25.

Green Monster

03-04-2007, 06:39 PM

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070304&content_id=1826438&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

FORT MYERS, Fla. One of the premier power pitchers of this era, Curt Schilling feels that the time has come to become more diverse. Schilling is 40 now, and he feels it's time for a change. Literally.

The Big Schill is doing more than just tinkering with his changeup. Instead, he's getting it to the point where it figures to be a key part of his arsenal for 2007.

Schilling has typically led with his fastball and splitter. But he indicated following Sunday's strong start against the Twins (3 1/3 innings, two hits and one run) that the changeup could be his No. 2 pitch in certain starts this season.

"I think it's good enough to the point where it can be an out pitch," said Schilling. "You can work all you want in Spring Training on different things, but if you don't have the confidence to get outs with those things, then they go away April 1. It's been something I've worked on and meddled with for three years now, and I think it's at a point now where I can make it a plus pitch."

Without the upper-90s heat that he once had, Schilling feels the need to keep hitters more off-balance.

He estimates that he threw roughly 10 changeups in his outing against the Twins.

"I'm forcing myself to throw it in counts where I would during the season if it was good," said Schilling. "The first couple I threw today, it felt like I was throwing left-handed, because I have a mental checklist that I rapid-fire to throw each pitch, and I've never thrown this -- or really felt this confident or comfortable to this point to use it -- so it's different. The last couple I threw, I thought I threw really, really well. It's going to be a huge weapon for me."

Schilling is using a circle grip for his changeup. Over the past few years, he's tried nearly 20 different grips before getting it to the point it's at now.

"Every time I put a ball in my hand, I'm trying to refine something," he said. "Command-wise, it was funny, because I was sitting in the first inning in the dugout thinking to myself, 'Command-wise, I might go the whole spring without walking somebody.' Sure enough, I go out the next inning and walk the first guy on four pitches. Command-wise, I feel outstanding. So that changeup is going to have to get, for me, comfortable enough where it won't change the amount of balls and strikes I throw."

Been hearing about how Schill has been working on adding the changeup to his pitches. With his age and some loss of power it seems like a good idea. Does anybody think his new changeup will be that effective? Let's hope so.

winningtheweapon

03-05-2007, 10:10 AM

FORT MYERS, Fla. One of the premier power pitchers of this era, Curt Schilling feels that the time has come to become more diverse. Schilling is 40 now, and he feels it's time for a change. Literally.

The Big Schill is doing more than just tinkering with his changeup. Instead, he's getting it to the point where it figures to be a key part of his arsenal for 2007.

Schilling has typically led with his fastball and splitter. But he indicated following Sunday's strong start against the Twins (3 1/3 innings, two hits and one run) that the changeup could be his No. 2 pitch in certain starts this season.

"I think it's good enough to the point where it can be an out pitch," said Schilling. "You can work all you want in Spring Training on different things, but if you don't have the confidence to get outs with those things, then they go away April 1. It's been something I've worked on and meddled with for three years now, and I think it's at a point now where I can make it a plus pitch."

Without the upper-90s heat that he once had, Schilling feels the need to keep hitters more off-balance.

He estimates that he threw roughly 10 changeups in his outing against the Twins.

"I'm forcing myself to throw it in counts where I would during the season if it was good," said Schilling. "The first couple I threw today, it felt like I was throwing left-handed, because I have a mental checklist that I rapid-fire to throw each pitch, and I've never thrown this -- or really felt this confident or comfortable to this point to use it -- so it's different. The last couple I threw, I thought I threw really, really well. It's going to be a huge weapon for me."

Schilling is using a circle grip for his changeup. Over the past few years, he's tried nearly 20 different grips before getting it to the point it's at now.

"Every time I put a ball in my hand, I'm trying to refine something," he said. "Command-wise, it was funny, because I was sitting in the first inning in the dugout thinking to myself, 'Command-wise, I might go the whole spring without walking somebody.' Sure enough, I go out the next inning and walk the first guy on four pitches. Command-wise, I feel outstanding. So that changeup is going to have to get, for me, comfortable enough where it won't change the amount of balls and strikes I throw."

Been hearing about how Schill has been working on adding the changeup to his pitches. With his age and some loss of power it seems like a good idea. Does anybody think his new changeup will be that effective? Let's hope so.

Whether it's a plus pitch or not, the fact that it gives a hitter a different look will make it effective at least for the early part of the season. But if he wants to continue to make it effective it's got to become a plus pitch sooner rather than later, or else hitters will just lay off the changeup and focus on the fastball and splitter.

SoxSon

03-05-2007, 12:16 PM

FORT MYERS, Fla. One of the premier power pitchers of this era, Curt Schilling feels that the time has come to become more diverse. Schilling is 40 now, and he feels it's time for a change. Literally.

The Big Schill is doing more than just tinkering with his changeup. Instead, he's getting it to the point where it figures to be a key part of his arsenal for 2007.

Schilling has typically led with his fastball and splitter. But he indicated following Sunday's strong start against the Twins (3 1/3 innings, two hits and one run) that the changeup could be his No. 2 pitch in certain starts this season.

"I think it's good enough to the point where it can be an out pitch," said Schilling. "You can work all you want in Spring Training on different things, but if you don't have the confidence to get outs with those things, then they go away April 1. It's been something I've worked on and meddled with for three years now, and I think it's at a point now where I can make it a plus pitch."

Without the upper-90s heat that he once had, Schilling feels the need to keep hitters more off-balance.

He estimates that he threw roughly 10 changeups in his outing against the Twins.

"I'm forcing myself to throw it in counts where I would during the season if it was good," said Schilling. "The first couple I threw today, it felt like I was throwing left-handed, because I have a mental checklist that I rapid-fire to throw each pitch, and I've never thrown this -- or really felt this confident or comfortable to this point to use it -- so it's different. The last couple I threw, I thought I threw really, really well. It's going to be a huge weapon for me."

Schilling is using a circle grip for his changeup. Over the past few years, he's tried nearly 20 different grips before getting it to the point it's at now.

"Every time I put a ball in my hand, I'm trying to refine something," he said. "Command-wise, it was funny, because I was sitting in the first inning in the dugout thinking to myself, 'Command-wise, I might go the whole spring without walking somebody.' Sure enough, I go out the next inning and walk the first guy on four pitches. Command-wise, I feel outstanding. So that changeup is going to have to get, for me, comfortable enough where it won't change the amount of balls and strikes I throw."

Been hearing about how Schill has been working on adding the changeup to his pitches. With his age and some loss of power it seems like a good idea. Does anybody think his new changeup will be that effective? Let's hope so.

Is this an article, GM? If so, can you cite it? Thanks.

Green Monster

03-05-2007, 02:36 PM

Is this an article, GM? If so, can you cite it? Thanks.

Sorry. I just updated it.

SoxSon

03-05-2007, 02:38 PM

Sorry. I just updated it.

Thanks. :)

No big surprise that Schilling is working towards perfecting his change-up. 40 tends to take some of the oomph off of the fast stuff. :D

SoxSon

03-06-2007, 02:56 PM

Looks like Dice-K had a solid second outing:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2007/news/story?id=2789755

winningtheweapon

03-07-2007, 11:39 AM

Westlake

03-08-2007, 07:56 PM

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/gallery/03_06_07_spring/

Look through all those pictures...

I could have SWORN there was more than one player on the team.

VTSoxFan

03-09-2007, 03:54 AM

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/gallery/03_06_07_spring/

Look through all those pictures...

I could have SWORN there was more than one player on the team.

I know exactly what you mean. They had a set of about 25 pictures one day and 20 of them must have been of Matsuzaka.

Boston Boxer

03-09-2007, 06:12 AM

In the Wakefield post game press conference, Wakefield noted that he'll be the 5th starter in the rotation to start the season. So the projected 2007 starting rotation will look like this:

1) Schilling
2) Beckett
3) Matsuzaka
4) Papelbon
5) Wakefield

I think it would be difficult to find a better #4 and #5 in the league. If Wake returns to be the pitcher he can be, that is an exceptional starting 5 IMO

SoxSon

03-09-2007, 10:33 AM

I think it would be difficult to find a better #4 and #5 in the league. If Wake returns to be the pitcher he can be, that is an exceptional starting 5 IMO

That's the truth. I'd say even if Wake is simply serviceable, this rotation appears potent.

winningtheweapon

03-09-2007, 11:05 AM

That's the truth. I'd say even if Wake is simply serviceable, this rotation appears potent.

Can I buy my World Series tickets now? :D

SoxSon

03-09-2007, 11:08 AM

Can I buy my World Series tickets now? :D

Eh...er...I'd definitely wait on that. :D
We're going to have some fierce competition both for the division and for the wild card.

TonyK

03-09-2007, 11:24 AM

Can I buy my World Series tickets now? :D

What was the going rate for a 2004 WS ticket from the ticket agencies?

Westlake

03-09-2007, 12:37 PM

Red Sox optioned RHP David Pauley and RHP Edgar Martinez to Triple-A Pawtucket; reassigned 1B Luis Jimenez, 3B Chad Spann and OF Jacoby Ellsbury to minor league camp.

Jager

03-09-2007, 05:07 PM

You know, I'm going to be very upset if Lopez doesn't make our bullpen. He was very good last year in the short time we had him, and he hasn't given up a run yet this spring, yet I still think they won't put him on the ML team.

Williamsburg2599

03-09-2007, 05:17 PM

Can I buy my World Series tickets now? :D
If your that confident, go buy some furniture, now thorough April 15th, If you buy anything at Jordan's, you get it free if the soxs win.:eek:

soxy

03-10-2007, 05:39 AM

Time to buy some furniture!!!

The Kid

03-10-2007, 03:24 PM

Today's news:

Mike Timlin is shut down for at least a week. He expirenced pain in his oblique throwing BP Wedensday.

Kevin Youkilis wore No. 87 yesterday. He forgot his usual No. 20 jersey in Ft. Myers yesterday.

David Ortiz hit his first homer yesterday. It cleared the right-field berm area and nearly landed on the southbound lane of Route 19.

Live from Ft. Myers, this is Chris for BBF.

VTSoxFan

03-11-2007, 05:40 AM

Apparently there was a bit of a dust-up yesterday, and a lot of bad language wasted, after Beckett's control problems lead to him plunking Sheffield and Ordonez.

Action in Lakeland (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/03/action_in_lakel.html)

Green Monster

03-11-2007, 12:51 PM

Apparently there was a bit of a dust-up yesterday, and a lot of bad language wasted, after Beckett's control problems lead to him plunking Sheffield and Ordonez.

The pitch that hit Ordonez was a curveball. That doesn't seem like a pitch you throw when it's intentional. When you want to drill a batter, I think most pitchers would prefer to throw a fastball.

Good to see Beckett working on throwing inside. Better than trying to throw down the middle and give up a lot of HRs like last year. And if he did try and hit Sheff, maybe he should have waited until the season starts until the games count or unless he was confused and thought that D on his cap kinda looked like NY. :D

The Kid

03-11-2007, 03:37 PM

The pitch that hit Ordonez was a curveball. That doesn't seem like a pitch you throw when it's intentional. When you want to drill a batter, I think most pitchers would prefer to throw a fastball.

Good to see Beckett working on throwing inside. Better than trying to throw down the middle and give up a lot of HRs like last year. And if he did try and hit Sheff, maybe he should have waited until the season starts until the games count or unless he was confused and thought that D on his cap kinda looked like NY. :D

Ordonez got too worked up over getting hit by an offspeed pitch. I like Beckett drilling Sheff, though. :D

The Kid

03-11-2007, 03:47 PM

Today's news:

Jon Lester is scheduled to pitch against Minor Leaguers Friday after throwing batting practice Sunday morning. The lefty is working on his mechanics and is building arm strength.

Terry Francona has said he has confidence in Dustin Pedroia to be his everyday second baseman. Pedroia is batting .143 as of today's start.

Hideki Okajima has shown Terry Francona that he can pitch in middle relief by pitching 2 and 1/3 innings on Saturday.

For BBF, this is Chris reporting live from Fort Myers.

Green Monster

03-11-2007, 08:04 PM

Boston Boxer

03-12-2007, 06:13 AM

i think that is what ST is for, to get into playing shape and work on some stuff. I think the Boston papers are making it out to be something it is not...but that is Boston media for ya.

Yes, i am worried about the pen. We have no closer and the rest have not been that spectacular. Hopefully we do not go that far into the season before we fix this thing. I would like to have a closer. Maybe if Lester is healthy, he can be our #5 guy with Papelbon going back to closer. I don't know

winningtheweapon

03-12-2007, 09:18 AM

I see that Matsuzaka had a rough day against the Orioles, which all good pitchers will have. Dice-K said he was experimenting seeing if batters would swing at high pitches and he threw too many close to the plate. He gave up 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned)w/ a couple of HRs, 3 Ks, and no walks in 4 IP.

I see some talk out there that he's not that good, blah, blah blah. Typical. Time will tell however and we'll soon find out, but right now it is just Spring Training.

BTW, anyone concerned about the bullpen? :hp

He threw two scoreless innings, before he experimented in innings 3 and 4 in which he gave up the home runs. Also, if you read the quotes the two home runs he yielded were against batters him and Varitek haven't seen before. He's fine. His stuff looks great, especially the offspeed stuff, and has shown great command of all of his pitches. If he can turn into a Maddux I'd be ecstatic.

Like I mentioned before, the first time he has a bad outing in the regular season you'll be reading "bust" columns in the papers and skeptical Red Sox fans turning even more doubtful. It's typical. A big signing means infallibility which nobody is. If you stick to critical thinking the b.s. is transparent.

SoxSon

03-12-2007, 10:44 AM

...before he experimented in innings 3 and 4 in which he gave up the home runs.

I'm sure Dice-K will have rough outings during the regular season against recognizable names, but what you say here is important, WTW. ST is supposed to be an opportunity to refine and experiment with technique. It's a shame, I think, that it has turned into another mini-season. There are even fans paying attention to the ST standings! Yikes. Flawless outings for a pitcher during ST are fun to see, of course, but they also indicate that there's little refinement going on.

redsoxfan407

03-12-2007, 04:19 PM

game is on dewsaw.com (http://www.dewsaw.com)

Williamsburg2599

03-12-2007, 04:26 PM

Jager

03-12-2007, 05:04 PM

Personally I think Lopez should be the front runner, but I think the Sox REALLY dislike the idea of a left handed closer for some reason.

-Kyle-

03-13-2007, 07:11 AM

Mmmm...that win against the Yanks felt good. I jumped off the couch at the end, fist high in the air...until my Mom says "its just spring training". It felt like an important game though. :(

SoxSon

03-13-2007, 02:53 PM

How come he isn't even being mentioned for the closer role? He had 35 saves on year in Japan as a closer. He was perfect in his first inning of relief in ST, pretty impressive considering it was his first outing on this continent. He did decent against the Mets a couple days ago too. I'm not saying he should necessarily be the closer, but I haven't even heard his name mentioned.

One of us is off (and it very well could be me :laugh ). I see Okajima had 25 saves one year, but I don't see any more than that...? Also, that was back in 2001, so I'm not sure how relevant that is now. He was a setup man last season and had a very mediocre season in 2005, so it may be that he needs to pitch a time in MLB before he's properly evaluated.

I also tend to think Jager has a point on this one. Management doesn't seem particularly interested in a lefty closer, though there was some talk before last season of acquiring Hirotoshi Ishii, so...who knows?

Williamsburg2599

03-13-2007, 03:37 PM

One of us is off (and it very well could be me :laugh ). I see Okajima had 25 saves one year, but I don't see any more than that...? Also, that was back in 2001, so I'm not sure how relevant that is now. He was a setup man last season and had a very mediocre season in 2005, so it may be that he needs to pitch a time in MLB before he's properly evaluated.

I also tend to think Jager has a point on this one. Management doesn't seem particularly interested in a lefty closer, though there was some talk before last season of acquiring Hirotoshi Ishii, so...who knows?
Yea, it was 25. oops.:o But IF they played 162 games in Japan, then It could of been 35. :) Anyways, I think they should at least throw his name in there, he is only 31. Imagine that, a Daisuke-Okajima win.:)

Boston Boxer

03-15-2007, 08:12 AM

what about having Snyder as the #5 and move Papelbon back to closer??? Snyder seems to be having a good ST and could fit as the #5

Jager

03-15-2007, 10:10 AM

Francona has said that Snyder is moving to the pen. Which the Sox filled with so many mediocre pitchers that even if guys like Lopez, Corey, and Snyder do outstanding, only one will make the team. countdown to Piniero being released may begin.

SoxSon

03-15-2007, 10:59 AM

countdown to Piniero being released may begin.

I look forward to it.

winningtheweapon

03-15-2007, 11:03 AM

I look forward to it.

Why? Depth is key.

SoxSon

03-15-2007, 11:28 AM

Why? Depth is key.

I sounded harsher in my last post than I meant to, but...

I can't understand Pineiro's acquisition. Granted, I don't have the opportunity to analyze these guys as well as the folks that matter can, but I can't see how he's adding quality depth to our bullpen with his numbers for the last few seasons. I'm assuming management is looking at his numbers as a reliever vs. his numbers as a starter, but he's pitched a total of 24.1 innings as a reliever over the past few seasons, and from what I've seen of him during ST (a very small sample size, I know), I just don't think he's got it.

On top of this, he's taking a roster spot away from someone who might have serious potential.

winningtheweapon

03-15-2007, 04:20 PM

I sounded harsher in my last post than I meant to, but...

I can't understand Pineiro's acquisition. Granted, I don't have the opportunity to analyze these guys as well as the folks that matter can, but I can't see how he's adding quality depth to our bullpen with his numbers for the last few seasons. I'm assuming management is looking at his numbers as a reliever vs. his numbers as a starter, but he's pitched a total of 24.1 innings as a reliever over the past few seasons, and from what I've seen of him during ST (a very small sample size, I know), I just don't think he's got it.

On top of this, he's taking a roster spot away from somehow who might have serious potential.

The SNY guys are starting to sound like the YES guys. "If Julio Lugo wasn't good enough to start on the Dodgers than how do you justify 4 years for 36 million?" Uh...I won't touch that one, but that made me laugh.

And Pedroia isn't there tonight and they called Cora and Lugo the new combination. Only half right guys.

But anyways, to reply to the previous post, I believe there will be some promotions from within during the season that will replace some of the new acquisitions that either struggle or get injured so I'm not terribly worried. There is enough depth organizationally.

The Kid

03-15-2007, 05:04 PM

I can't understand Pineiro's acquisition.

I agree completely, Sox. Pineiro is a starter, and we don't need any more starters. I doubt that Joel can pull a Jon Paplebon, going from starter to lights out closer.

winningtheweapon

03-15-2007, 05:14 PM

Guys, I'm now nervous about this season because Beckett gave up a HR to Shawn Green in spring training action. :ughh

Boston Boxer

03-15-2007, 05:40 PM

Guys, I'm now nervous about this season because Beckett gave up a HR to Shawn Green in spring training action. :ughh

are you trying to be funny???

winningtheweapon

03-15-2007, 06:16 PM

are you trying to be funny???

Possibly. :laugh I put a little Glenn Ordway-esque into it.

WHY DID WE TRADE AWAY BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD?!

SoxSon

03-16-2007, 07:55 AM

Guys, I'm now nervous about this season because Beckett gave up a HR to Shawn Green in spring training action. :ughh

Very nice. :D
With the way some fans are rollercoasting with ST, I understand your fears. ;)

winningtheweapon

03-16-2007, 08:54 AM

Very nice. :D
With the way some fans are rollercoasting with ST, I understand your fears. ;)

WHY DID WE TRADE AWAY NOMMMMMMAAAAAAAH?! I don't care about fiscal responsibility or payroll flexibility. I want a bloated ROSTTTAAAAHHHHHHHH! :crazy

winningtheweapon

03-16-2007, 11:19 AM

The game against the Dodgers has been called due to rain. The score was 5-1 Sox in the third.

Matsuzaka struck out 3 of the 9 batters that he faced and only gave up 1 earned run.

SoxSon

03-16-2007, 03:39 PM

The game against the Dodgers has been called due to rain. The score was 5-1 Sox in the third.

Matsuzaka struck out 3 of the 9 batters that he faced and only gave up 1 earned run.

Phew...so he is going to be a superstar! ;) :D

Westlake

03-17-2007, 12:50 PM

Very nice. :D
With the way some fans are rollercoasting with ST, I understand your fears. ;)

I'd rather hear a fan rollercoaster through the good and bad games in spring training then the something like the following...

Matsuzaka - 3 IP, 5 K, 0 ER

"Matsuzaka threw three scoreless, struck out 5, he's going to win 20 this year, here we come world series!"

Next game... Matsuzaka 3 IP, 4ER, 2 HR allowed

"Who cares? It's just spring training, it means nothing.

At least the rollercoaster is consistently overreacting. :o :gt

Jager

03-17-2007, 02:50 PM

I know it's only ST, but is anyone else just a little concerned that our offense has sucked this spring. The only guys doing anything thus far are Youk and Drew. I'm not worried about it right now, but I just hope they don't start off the season slow because of a stalling offense.

SoxSon

03-17-2007, 06:58 PM

I'd rather hear a fan rollercoaster through the good and bad games in spring training then the something like the following...

Matsuzaka - 3 IP, 5 K, 0 ER

"Matsuzaka threw three scoreless, struck out 5, he's going to win 20 this year, here we come world series!"

Next game... Matsuzaka 3 IP, 4ER, 2 HR allowed

"Who cares? It's just spring training, it means nothing.

At least the rollercoaster is consistently overreacting. :o :gt

Well, that's a valid point. Homerism only undermines our collective interest. I still vote for no ups-and-downs during ST, but if you gotta, at least be consistent. :D

winningtheweapon

03-19-2007, 10:54 AM

Meaningless Spring Training.

Boston Boxer

03-19-2007, 11:30 AM

Possibly. :laugh I put a little Glenn Ordway-esque into it.

WHY DID WE TRADE AWAY BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD?!

LOL :clapping

VTSoxFan

03-21-2007, 04:11 AM

Sox Notes (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/03/21/lugo_thinks_he_has_it_straight/?page=2)

Kason Gabbard was sent down yesterday, but he pitched well enough this spring to make me believe he'll be up with the big club before too many weeks have passed.

Timlin will start the season on the DL, recovering from that oblique strain. Coco Crisp is banged up, too, his shoulder aching.

I can't wait for some meatier stuff to talk about!!

Westlake

03-21-2007, 10:38 AM

Matsuzaka isn't looking to hot right now. Leaving A LOT of pitches up, but his stuff moves enough to where he isn't getting burned every time. We'll see how he gets through the next couple innings.

Dirt Dog

03-21-2007, 11:19 AM

Matsuzaka isn't looking to hot right now. Leaving A LOT of pitches up, but his stuff moves enough to where he isn't getting burned every time. We'll see how he gets through the next couple innings.
Looks like Dice-K has shifted into another gear the last inning or so. He's looking pretty dominant.

His batting problem is another issue, I think he's just in a slump. :D

Dogdaze

03-21-2007, 12:05 PM

Well, Dice-K just came out of the game, but looked solid. :clapping

Jager

03-21-2007, 12:24 PM

winningtheweapon

03-22-2007, 06:55 AM

He looked pretty good. 5 2/3 innings 1 hit 1 run 1 BB 7K's 92 pitches.

He could have been more efficient, but other than that he looked pretty solid. His Fastball was around 95 - 96 today after he got going. Pretty much from the 3 inning on.

Matsuzaka threw a one hitter, struck out 7, he's going to win 20 this year, here we come World Series!

Waiting for WestLake's reply. :D

10 runs yielded= Meaningless
1 run yielded= Stud

Williamsburg2599

03-26-2007, 06:49 PM

Matsuzaka threw a one hitter, struck out 7, he's going to win 20 this year, here we come World Series!

Waiting for WestLake's reply. :D

10 runs yielded= Meaningless
1 run yielded= Stud
:D

He was amazing today, too. Anyone think we should consider moving him to the #2 in the rotation?

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1860152&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos

Jager

03-26-2007, 09:29 PM

winningtheweapon

03-27-2007, 10:46 AM

No he's fine in the number 3 spot right now. Make him earn it. Let's not get too excited here. I think he's going to be great too, but he's still yet to throw a pitch in the ML's. Beckett has looked fantastic this spring too, so he definetely deserves the #2 spot until it's taken away.

My brother disagrees. This team is falling apart according to him. He's envious of those Angels and all those wonderful minor leaguers they have. Although the Angels system is overrated in my opinion.

winningtheweapon

03-27-2007, 10:48 AM

Matsuzaka despite the 5 walks threw a no hitter in yesterday's outing. If this is what we'll consider an off-day from him then our starting pitching will be unhittable.

Jager

03-28-2007, 09:28 PM

Something to watch, Clay Buckholz is starting tomorrow's (Thursday) game against the DRays in the last Grapefruit league game. Should be something fun the check out.

winningtheweapon

03-29-2007, 10:18 AM

Clay Bucholz is on the mound:

Line so far: 1.0 IP 0 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 1 K 0 HR

winningtheweapon

03-29-2007, 10:26 AM

Clay Bucholz update:

2.0 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 1 K 0 HR

Jager

03-29-2007, 11:02 AM

Another update:

Clay Bucholz

4.0 IP 3 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 3 K's

Pretty nice so far.

winningtheweapon

04-02-2007, 05:29 AM

Today is the day. Opening Day 2007.

Boston (0-0) @ Kansas City (0-0)

Today's Starters: Curt Schilling (0.00) vs. Gil Meche (0.00)

Red Sox Probable Lineup:

SS, Lugo (.000/.000/.000)
1B, Youkilis (.000/.000/.000)
DH, Ortiz (.000/.000/.000)
LF, Ramirez (.000/.000/.000)
RF, Drew (.000/.000/.000)
3B, Lowell (.000/.000/.000)
C, Varitek (.000/.000/.000)
CF, Crisp (.000/.000/.000)
2B, Pedroia (.000/.000/.000)

First Pitch: 4:10PM EST
TV: NESN/ESPN
Radio: WEEI 850AM

Matt1901

04-02-2007, 07:56 AM

I can't wait until this afternoon. Opening day is always special.

sharrock

04-02-2007, 09:29 AM

I really want to see the bottom of today's order light up Gil Meche and his mediocre stuff. Can't wait to sit down and watch this game.

Jager

04-02-2007, 10:37 AM

I would like to see that simply because it would be nice to see Tek, Crisp, and Pedroia get off to a good start.

F0nSY_Mets

04-02-2007, 01:30 PM

i am watching Boston-Kansas City....

BoSoxNation

04-02-2007, 01:37 PM

From the looks of it this is going to be a very long game

Dirt Dog

04-02-2007, 01:59 PM

In the first two innings, Schill not having a good outing so far. Has a 9.00 ERA :dismay: Close to 60 pitches.

Bats need to get going...

Game looks great however in HD!

sharrock

04-02-2007, 02:11 PM

Westlake

04-02-2007, 02:18 PM

sharrock

04-02-2007, 02:24 PM

You and me both. You going to be at the ballpark this weekend?

Probably not, though I may still spring for some tix off stub-hub. I have a bunch of commitments late this week and on Monday, ugh. Was at Opening Day last year and will be at the games at the end of May.

I'd really like to be able to catch Friday's game in order to see Wakefield. No matter how many games I go to I always miss him.

Westlake

04-02-2007, 02:26 PM

Probably not, though I may still spring for some tix off stub-hub. I have a bunch of commitments late this week and on Monday, ugh. Was at Opening Day last year and will be at the games at the end of May.

I'd really like to be able to catch Friday's game in order to see Wakefield. No matter how many games I go to I always miss him.

Im still hoping there is a rainout somewhere.... I have tickets for Saturday and Sunday and would like to see Tim at least once before he's done.

Schilling is pitching terribly. :rolleyes:

-Kyle-

04-02-2007, 02:27 PM

Well Schill isn't looking so good, at least the Sox are using Lopez now. :thumbsup:

sharrock

04-02-2007, 02:29 PM

This is the most hittable stuff I've seen Schilling toss up there in forever. And this is KC.

***
Well, it looks like you'll get Schilling and Beckett, but this is the time of year when rainouts are frequent.

I've got tickets for the May 27th game and would like to catch Wakefield then. Or maybe Daisuke. As that date approaches I plan on springing for another game in the series as I'll have the time then.

Dirt Dog

04-02-2007, 02:36 PM

Looks like Schill might be tired from all the blogging. :yawn:

F0nSY_Mets

04-02-2007, 02:39 PM

Wow,the red sox are losing against the Royals...

Evangelion

04-02-2007, 02:47 PM

Disappointing game. We're getting beat up by Gil Meche.

-Kyle-

04-02-2007, 02:59 PM

Unlucky baserunning error by Kevin Youkilis. Man, what a way to start off the season.

sharrock

04-02-2007, 03:06 PM

Whatever the Royals saw in Meche, it looks like they knew what adjustments to make to his pitching style. Looks good for them.

Not many Sox positives to take from this game(so far).

Evangelion

04-02-2007, 03:27 PM

Drew been having a nice first game.

Anyway, time to get back in the game against the awful Royal pen. Lugo got a hit! Here I thought he strike out four times. :)

SwissRedSoxFan

04-02-2007, 03:51 PM

well this is the first game...but..still dissapointing. meche looks good...

but the redsox hitting didnt just singles...with one run scored, you cannot win any game

VTSoxFan

04-02-2007, 04:14 PM

Well, I must say, THAT was a dud. :sigh:

Bright spots: No one got hurt; while Manny's hair is a bit....uh, untidy, at least he wasn't wearing that ridiculous snood he wore in ST. Plus my dad says it's bad luck to win the first game of the season. ;)

And at least I don't have to listen to Tina Cervasio anymore for 2 days. :blah:

maximum jack

04-02-2007, 04:26 PM

Atypical Schilling, one of the reasons I like his pitching style (as opposed to his prima-donna big mouth) is the way he puts pressure on the hitters by relentlessly pounding the strike zone. This looks like one of those 'off' starts we see the first couple weeks of the season.

I'm sending Manny $20 for a haircut. That rats nest looks terrible.

How 'bout a shave for Youk? Hey Youk 1992 called, it wants its goatee back.

Seriously, Terrible game today. Schilling did not look like the pitcher Spring Training suggested. Varitek looked AWFUL at the plate. Lugo looked at more called strikes than he should have.

On the plus side: Our bullpen gave up a couple of meaningless runs, but looked pretty good-- and pitched more than half the game. That homer off of Okajima was not a bad pitch. That was a good piece of hitting. Even though it didn't work out for us, I liked seeing Pedroia and Youk being agressive on the base paths. Day off tomorrow--Why?

monkey333

04-02-2007, 04:27 PM

Disappointing game. We're getting beat up by Gil Meche.
Gil Meche is a super ace.

Could someone tell me where Captain Curt was sitting and peaked? I heard it was some of the worst velocity out of him in a while.

Evangelion

04-02-2007, 04:47 PM

Nobody knew what Schilling was doing during that game.

Still, the offense didn't impress at all. I don't mind Meche winning, but 1 run?

Beckett against Perez up next. I remember Perez had a good outing against Boston last year. Won't be shocked if had another one. I hope Beckett bring that ST success into the season. Be bad if Dice-K got to be depended on to avoid the Royals from sweeping us for the third straight time? I forget if they swept us twice or once last season.

CuriousBoston

04-02-2007, 04:59 PM

Right:
1. They were in the right city
2. at the right time
3. knew where to stand on the field

Wrong
1. Schilling wanted a new contract deal? Try not walking in a run. :mad:
2. Schilling giving advice to other pitchers during Spring Training? ERA=over 11. :ughh
3. Too much yapping, too much blogging, too much his company. Send him to Pawtucket for an attitude adjustment. :grouchy

Pet Peeves: Anyone and everyone saying it is only one game. Every game counts. :dismay:

BoSoxNation

04-02-2007, 05:00 PM

This game was a disgrace. If we play like that all season we are screwed. Our pitching was horrible and our offense wasn't much better. I just hope that was opening day jitters

JordanDL3891

04-02-2007, 05:03 PM

I really want to see the bottom of today's order light up Gil Meche and his mediocre stuff. Can't wait to sit down and watch this game.

hehehe

yea that game seemed correct, sox just can't beat the royals, there just too tough, remember last year :p

Mariano_Rivera

04-02-2007, 05:29 PM

Here's the Win Probability chart for the game

-Kyle-

04-02-2007, 05:30 PM

Here's the Win Probability chart for the game

You took my quote from Bill Simmons!!! :laugh You know he is a Boston writer right?

YOUgodofwalks

04-02-2007, 05:30 PM

How 'bout a shave for Youk? Hey Youk 1992 called, it wants its goatee back.

I was hoping he would have it gone by the end of spring break, guess no luck there.

Schilling didn't look good at all, which worries me more than getting only 1 run off Gil Meche.

Mariano_Rivera

04-02-2007, 05:35 PM

You took my quote from Bill Simmons!!! :laugh You know he is a Boston writer right?

The intials BSG was a hint.

Yeah, the quote was to perfect to pass up though.

winningtheweapon

04-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Pet Peeves: Anyone and everyone saying it is only one game. Every game counts. :dismay:

You do realize 1/162 is less than 1% of the season. You do also realize that the 2004 World Champion Red Sox lost Opening Night.

VTSoxFan

04-02-2007, 05:47 PM

hehehe

yea that game seemed correct, sox just can't beat the royals, there just too tough, remember last year :p

I'll be as diplomatic as I can: Please don't do this anymore. You want to razz Sox fans after a frustrating loss, go over to mlb.com.

Evangelion

04-02-2007, 06:08 PM

It's like a sin to lose to a last place team. I be more disappointed if we lost the series. I never go into a series thinking sweep, unless it's needed. Otherwise, winning that series or spliting it would be on my mind.

The Royals aren't awful. They're not great, but it's not unimaginable to lose.

CuriousBoston

04-02-2007, 06:10 PM

You do realize 1/162 is less than 1% of the season. You do also realize that the 2004 World Champion Red Sox lost Opening Night.

Yep. And yep. We both posted with 100% accuracy.

Westlake

04-02-2007, 06:19 PM

You do realize 1/162 is less than 1% of the season. You do also realize that the 2004 World Champion Red Sox lost Opening Night.

Every game matters.... Game in April is just as important as a game in September.

Westlake

04-02-2007, 06:19 PM

hehehe

yea that game seemed correct, sox just can't beat the royals, there just too tough, remember last year :p

I'll make sure and do this the next time the Yankees lose 22-0 or get no-hit by six pitchers.

Mariano_Rivera

04-02-2007, 06:31 PM

I'll make sure and do this the next time the Yankees lose 22-0 or get no-hit by six pitchers.

hehehe

yea that game seemed correct, sox just can't beat the royals, there just too tough, remember last year :p

Please save it for the Bitter Rival's Thread :D

sharrock

04-02-2007, 06:37 PM

It is just one loss...but... What matters to most baseball fans is that their team comes out the first week, then the first month... and plays good baseball. You'll lose some games but if you play good ball its reason to think a bright season is ahead.

The Red Sox just played poorly, pitched poorly, hit poorly, played lackluster defense.... on and on. That is where the frustration is. Lets hope a better game looms for Wednesday.

Dirt Dog

04-02-2007, 07:00 PM

The season just started and we get tomorrow off. Anyone know the reason behind that? :crazy

DoubleX

04-02-2007, 09:45 PM

Look at this from the perspective of Royals fans. Opening Day is supposed to be the time when fans of all teams have hope at least for the day. For Royals fans, that hope has been prolonged for at least another day. In that vein, today's win likely means a lot more to Royals fans than it would have to Red Sox fans. I'm not saying that losing is ok so that the opposition can be happy, just that the loss today is far, far from the end of the world for the Red Sox (and it's not as if they lost to a team that is likely to be a major rival for a postseason birth), and at least it had the happy effect of energizing another fanbase, at least for a day. At the end of the day/season, it's a safe bet that the Red Sox will be up there while the Royals will have foundered.

I guess in some weird way (and I hate to phrase it this way), you could consider today an act of charity by the Sox.

VTSoxFan

04-03-2007, 04:06 AM

The season just started and we get tomorrow off. Anyone know the reason behind that? :crazy

I heard somwonw say that the off-day is scheduled in case of a rain-out on Opening Day, so the festivities won't be postponed for too long.

VTSoxFan

04-03-2007, 04:08 AM

mikeymussina35

04-03-2007, 04:23 AM

The Red Sox lost to good offense and pitching yesterday!!
Schilling pitched horrible and Meche pitched better than most of his 2006 starts!
When I looked at the gameday around the 3rd inning and I saw it 2-1 I thought that the Sox would probably win. And of course who gets the damn @#$%in RBI double goes to @#$%in Big PoppY!!!!!!!!!!

Boston Boxer

04-03-2007, 07:26 AM

Please save it for the Bitter Rival's Thread :D

i think you might be lost Mr. Wee...we can handle our own board, thanks:think:

mikeymussina35

04-03-2007, 07:31 AM

i think you might be lost Mr. Wee...we can handle our own board, thanks:think:

Keeler is right on it going in the Bitter Rivals Thread. This is just for Red Sox discussion not for Yankee, Sox Rivalry. By the Way:

Go Yankees!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :cool: :cool: :baseball: :cap: :happy: :happy:

DoubleX

04-03-2007, 08:09 AM

I understand, XX. Since I have had a soft spot for the Royals since I was a little kid (the 1980 World Series was VERY disappointing), yesterday's loss stung less than it would have if we'd lost to, say, the A's, or some other team that always has a chance.

You never want your team to lose. I was just trying to put it in some perspective. Yesterday's loss for Sox shouldn't at all diminish the optimism for the season. It should be seen as just a momentary bump. And if the Sox won, it would just be another win on the way. For Royals fans, the win probably actually means a lot. For at least one day, they can feel optimistic about the season. You'll get them tomorrow, and if you don't, it's a long season, and the safe money is on the Sox to be there in the end anyway.

I also have a soft spot for the Royals too. Not quite sure why. Might be because my first baseball game, I sat right next to the Royals dugout at Yankee Stadium (when the Royals were still good) and was able to talk to several of the players. Bret Saberhagen was especially generous with his time. But now, I just like to see the underdog win sometimes.

winningtheweapon

04-03-2007, 09:39 AM

Every game matters.... Game in April is just as important as a game in September.

Yeah, I know, but that wasn't my point. My point was you shouldn't get too judgmental over one game. Numbers are inflated/deflated to excess. 25-30 games will give us a better sample size. Who knows, maybe Schilling will be the dud in the rotation, but I doubt it. It was my same point with people putting stock into spring training statistics except Opening Day statistics are meaningful of course. On the other hand, I hope they don't renew Varitek's contract when it expires.

Boston Boxer

04-03-2007, 09:45 AM

Keeler is right on it going in the Bitter Rivals Thread. This is just for Red Sox discussion not for Yankee, Sox Rivalry. By the Way:

Go Yankees!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :cool: :cool: :baseball: :cap: :happy: :happy:

boo Yankees:laugh

soxy

04-03-2007, 09:47 AM

Doublex,

Thats all it was was a momentary bump. Im still very optimistic about the season! The loss is no big deal.

winningtheweapon

04-03-2007, 09:56 AM

I can already tell Pedroia will be an upgrade over Loretta.

DoubleX

04-03-2007, 11:56 AM

Doublex,

Thats all it was was a momentary bump. Im still very optimistic about the season! The loss is no big deal.

And the Sox and their fans have every reason to be optimistic this year. If there is anything I'd be concerned with about yesterday's loss, it's not so much that the team lost, it's that Curt Schilling looked bad. Usually, Schilling starts off hot and cools off as the season wanes on. Still, it's just one start and it's early. Schilling's struggles yesterday are something to think about, but not something to worry about unless it becomes a trend. I think the Yankees went through the same thing with Randy Johnson. Struggling once raised an eyebrow, but it was Randy Johnson so you're not going to jump to any conclusions unless it becomes a trend (which it did with Johnson).

-Kyle-

04-03-2007, 01:25 PM

I can already tell Pedroia will be an upgrade over Loretta.

My point was you shouldn't get too judgmental over one game.

:waving

Does Mike Lowell seem out of place ( a tiny bit ) during that Red Sox game? With all the new players brought in it just felt weird for me.

Dogdaze

04-03-2007, 01:43 PM

And the Sox and their fans have every reason to be optimistic this year. If there is anything I'd be concerned with about yesterday's loss, it's not so much that the team lost, it's that Curt Schilling looked bad. Usually, Schilling starts off hot and cools off as the season wanes on. Still, it's just one start and it's early. Schilling's struggles yesterday are something to think about, but not something to worry about unless it becomes a trend. I think the Yankees went through the same thing with Randy Johnson. Struggling once raised an eyebrow, but it was Randy Johnson so you're not going to jump to any conclusions unless it becomes a trend (which it did with Johnson).

You are correct, Schilling looked awful. and he admitted that in his blog;

http://38pitches.com/2007/04/02/game-1-4207-kc/#more-67

Schilling said about himself yesterday;

"Two words sum it up best, no command."

Evangelion

04-03-2007, 01:53 PM

I can already tell Pedroia will be an upgrade over Loretta.
How? By Pedroia being thrown out by 12-15 feet at second base?

DoubleX

04-03-2007, 01:58 PM

How? By Pedroia being thrown out by 12-15 feet at second base?

I think Pedroia has the potential to be better than Loretta, but we shouldn't sell Loretta short. He was a very solid 2Bman that didn't really hurt the team. Surprisingly, such players are more rare than one might think. Pedroia needs time to develop, and that might be an occassionally frustrating process. In time, he could very well be an upgrade over Loretta, but it's not automatic and I still think Pedroia has some developing to do and much to prove on the big league level until he can actually be called an upgrade over Loretta.

Dogdaze

04-03-2007, 02:11 PM

I think Pedroia has the potential to be better than Loretta, but we shouldn't sell Loretta short. He was a very solid 2Bman that didn't really hurt the team. Surprisingly, such players are more rare than one might think. Pedroia needs time to develop, and that might be an occassionally frustrating process. In time, he could very well be an upgrade over Loretta, but it's not automatic and I still think Pedroia has some developing to do and much to prove on the big league level until he can actually be called an upgrade over Loretta.

Once again I agree with you.

Pedroia looked good to me in yesterdays loss. In fact he was one of the few bright spots in the game with two hits.

I hope he does perform better then Loretta, but as XX said Loretta is a solid second baseman who never hurt the team, hit decently and had a good glove. So we'll have to see if he is an improvement over Loretta, it's a long season and he still has a way to go before I'll say that.

Pedroia does need some time to develop and adjust to the big leagues but so far he looks pretty good, so I'm optomistic at this point.

mikeymussina35

04-03-2007, 02:12 PM

I can already tell Pedroia will be an upgrade over Loretta.

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

Mariano_Rivera

04-03-2007, 05:11 PM

i think you might be lost Mr. Wee...we can handle our own board, thanks:think:

Feel free to ignore me :D

Boston Boxer

04-04-2007, 06:53 AM

Feel free to ignore me :D

i really try to, believe me

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 07:53 AM

:waving

Does Mike Lowell seem out of place ( a tiny bit ) during that Red Sox game? With all the new players brought in it just felt weird for me.

This team did feel different, but I liked it. It provides more optimism. If I had watched that game, and nothing really felt different to me I'd be worried of another 2006 season occuring. And my Pedroia observation is one I even made last season so no I'm not contradicting myself and basing this on Opening Day 2007.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 07:55 AM

How? By Pedroia being thrown out by 12-15 feet at second base?

I remember Manny pulling the same baserunning blunder in the game I went to at Yankee Stadium last season (6/6/06-Melky's catch). But are you calling him a bust because he made that baserunning blunder?

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 07:57 AM

Once again I agree with you.

Pedroia looked good to me in yesterdays loss. In fact he was one of the few bright spots in the game with two hits.

I hope he does perform better then Loretta, but as XX said Loretta is a solid second baseman who never hurt the team, hit decently and had a good glove. So we'll have to see if he is an improvement over Loretta, it's a long season and he still has a way to go before I'll say that.

Pedroia does need some time to develop and adjust to the big leagues but so far he looks pretty good, so I'm optomistic at this point.

Pedroia was the only one besides Drew who had any success off of Meche. I think we're really going to like him as our second basemen. Too bad Theo wasn't around when they had Eckstein in the farm so we could of seen an Eckstein-Pedroia double play combo, but oh well.

VTSoxFan

04-04-2007, 08:22 AM

Pedroia was the only one besides Drew who had any success off of Meche. I think we're really going to like him as our second basemen. Too bad Theo wasn't around when they had Eckstein in the farm so we could of seen an Eckstein-Pedroia double play combo, but oh well.

Wouldn't that be sweet?

I'm reserving judgment on Pedroia until we see more of him. I know he was great in AAA, but hit the wall hard in his cameo with the big club last season. This year we'll really see what he's made of.

jean

04-04-2007, 10:02 AM

GO RED SOX!!

ok....just took a quick break form learning baseball stats from the ground up to give a big shout out to all the BoSox fans here.

DoubleX

04-04-2007, 10:27 AM

I remember Manny pulling the same baserunning blunder in the game I went to at Yankee Stadium last season (6/6/06-Melky's catch). But are you calling him a bust because he made that baserunning blunder?

Are you saying that Pedroia will hit .320, 40, 125 like Manny to make up for such baserunning gaffes?

Also, Lugo is a better player than Eckstein. You have to admire Eckstein's hustle as he does give it his all and makes the most out of his abilities, but he's not a particularly good player all being told. The only advantage Eckstein has over Lugo is in BA, and it's not the great. They get on base about the same, Lugo has more power and will steal more bases. You also can't blame the Red Sox for letting Eckstein go. Given his size (just 5'6), he didn't project to make a real impact in the Majors and the Red Sox already had a great SS seemingly implanted for years in Nomar Garciaparra. So even if Eckstein did project to be a Major Leaguer at that time, Nomar would be blocking him. In the context of 2000, letting Eckstein go was not really a bad decision at all, and is still not that bad.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 10:30 AM

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:32 AM

Are you saying that Pedroia will hit .320, 40, 125 like Manny to make up for such baserunning gaffes?

He doesn't hit for power, but he'll hit close to .300 and have a high on-base percentage, as well as above average defense. But that doesn't want my point. If Evangelion wants to hang the word "bust" over a rookie's baserunning blunder then he's entitled to his opinion, but it's a rather ignorant implication in my book.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 10:33 AM

If Evangelion wants to hang the word "bust" over a rookie's baserunning blunder then he's entitled to his opinion, but it's a rather ignorant implication in my book.

Lol. Evangelion never even said the word bust... you did.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:34 AM

Seriously? After one game? Weren't you the guy....

Um, trying to say I'm contradicting myself? No, sorry. I've made these observations well before two days ago. And I was making a game observation on Drew and Pedroia having success off of Meche. That's not being judgmental on the season as a whole.

DoubleX

04-04-2007, 10:36 AM

He doesn't hit for power, but he'll hit close to .300 and have a high on-base percentage, as well as above average defense. But that doesn't want my point. If Evangelion wants to hang the word "bust" over a rookie's baserunning blunder then he's entitled to his opinion, but it's a rather ignorant implication in my book.

Yeah, you're right. Projecting Pedroia to be a bust after one game is just as silly as projecting greatness from Pedroia based on one game. :rolleyes: The jury is still very much out on Pedroia. I agree that he has the potential to become a fine Major League 2Bmen, but he has to go out there and prove it, IMO. I'm not sold on one game (nor do I make any conclusions based on last year's brief callup). I'm still not completely sold on Robinson Cano to be honest, and he's had two good years so far.

Also, see my comments above on Eckstein which I edited to my previous post while you were responding to me.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:37 AM

Lol. Evangelion never even said the word bust... you did.

Evangelion

Quote:
I can already tell Pedroia will be an upgrade over Loretta.

How? By Pedroia being thrown out by 12-15 feet at second base?

Essentially he's skeptical of Pedroia already on a baserunning blunder. Why? It's not a known trend from Pedroia.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:41 AM

Yeah, you're right. Projecting Pedroia to be a bust after one game is just as silly as projecting greatness from Pedroia based on one game. :rolleyes: The jury is still very much out on Pedroia. I agree that he has the potential to become a fine Major League 2Bmen, but he has to go out there and prove it, IMO. I'm not sold on one game (nor do I make any conclusions based on last year's brief callup). I'm still not completely sold on Robinson Cano to be honest, and he's had two good years so far.

Also, see my comments above on Eckstein which I edited to my previous post while you were responding to me.

I'm making a reasonable projection based on AA and AAA numbers. It's not the same thing as calling him a bust on a baserunning blunder. I have a decent sample size for my basis, all they have for a sample size is one play.

ChrisLDuncan

04-04-2007, 10:42 AM

It's one out, and he's a rookie, rookies make mistakes...get over it. There's bigger problems that the Sox have.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 10:44 AM

It's one out, and he's a rookie, rookies make mistakes...get over it. There's bigger problems that the Sox have.

Thing is... no one is really making a big deal about it. I'm lost here. I don't think anyone is calling Pedroia a bust after that.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:46 AM

Also, Lugo is a better player than Eckstein. You have to admire Eckstein's hustle as he does give it his all and makes the most out of his abilities, but he's not a particularly good player all being told. The only advantage Eckstein has over Lugo is in BA, and it's not the great. They get on base about the same, Lugo has more power and will steal more bases. You also can't blame the Red Sox for letting Eckstein go. Given his size (just 5'6), he didn't project to make a real impact in the Majors and the Red Sox already had a great SS seemingly implanted for years in Nomar Garciaparra. So even if Eckstein did project to be a Major Leaguer at that time, Nomar would be blocking him. In the context of 2000, letting Eckstein go was not really a bad decision at all, and is still not that bad.

The only advantage Lugo has is power. I've looked at the numbers and Eckstein beats him in BA which you pointed out, as well as OBP. Eckstein is also a World Series MVP. I know accolades don't hold much merit in this argument, but I'd prefer Eckstein at short over Lugo. He's not a superstar, but an excellent role player in my book.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 10:47 AM

It's one out, and he's a rookie, rookies make mistakes...get over it. There's bigger problems that the Sox have.

Exactly. I concur.

Jager

04-04-2007, 11:14 AM

You never want your team to lose. I was just trying to put it in some perspective. Yesterday's loss for Sox shouldn't at all diminish the optimism for the season. It should be seen as just a momentary bump. And if the Sox won, it would just be another win on the way. For Royals fans, the win probably actually means a lot. For at least one day, they can feel optimistic about the season. You'll get them tomorrow, and if you don't, it's a long season, and the safe money is on the Sox to be there in the end anyway.

I also have a soft spot for the Royals too. Not quite sure why. Might be because my first baseball game, I sat right next to the Royals dugout at Yankee Stadium (when the Royals were still good) and was able to talk to several of the players. Bret Saberhagen was especially generous with his time. But now, I just like to see the underdog win sometimes.

I'm not worried about the season, however I thought for sure that on opening day with our "Ace" pitching, that we would shell Meche. I'm not worried, but it definetely surprised me.

On a side note, why in the world does baseball start the season, then give most teams the next day off? Save the off day for August.

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 11:14 AM

It's time to bounce back.

Game 2: Boston (0-1) @ Kansas City (1-0) from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO

Probable Starters: Josh Beckett (0.00) vs Odalis Perez (0.00)

Probable Lineup:

SS, Lugo (.250/.250/.250)
1B, Youkilis (.500/.500/.500)
DH, Ortiz (.333/.500/.667)
LF, Ramirez (.000/.000/.000)
RF, Drew (.500/.667/.500)
3B, Lowell (.250/.250/.500)
C, Varitek (.000/.000/.000)
CF, Crisp (.000/.000/.000)
2B, Pedroia (.667/.667/.667)

Other:

First Pitch: 8:10PM EST
TV: NESN
Radio: WEEI 850AM
Weather (Courtesy of NOAA): Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. North northeast wind between 6 and 13 mph.

mikeymussina35

04-04-2007, 11:18 AM

GO RED SOX!!

ok....just took a quick break form learning baseball stats from the ground up to give a big shout out to all the BoSox fans here.

Here is something Even Better than that!!! (100% better)

GO YANKEES!!!! (much more than Sox)

Jager

04-04-2007, 11:33 AM

Hopefully Beckett will have a good year, I have faith that he will.
I'm REALLY hoping that Tek and Crisp come through this season. I'm very concerned about Varitek right now. He's looked like garbage all last year, and in ST. He's played like garbage. I hope he can come through because otherwise we may have some problems at catcher. I don't know much about Kottaras. I know he's considered a "top prospect", but isn't he known for his bat? Didn't he hit something like .227 last year?

BTW this doesn't concern this, but I'm watching the White Sox, and Indians, and it's snowing. lmao. God I hate the White Sox announcers. "You can put it on the boooooooooard" Blah.

DoubleX

04-04-2007, 12:02 PM

The only advantage Lugo has is power. I've looked at the numbers and Eckstein beats him in BA which you pointed out, as well as OBP. Eckstein is also a World Series MVP. I know accolades don't hold much merit in this argument, but I'd prefer Eckstein at short over Lugo. He's not a superstar, but an excellent role player in my book.

Eckstein beats him in OBP, but it's most BA based. Lugo actually draws slightly more walks. Lugo also has a better OPS+ (92 to 88). Overall it's a close argument, and Eckstein has the hustle factor going for him, but there's still a lot of other guys I'd rather have playing SS for my team than Eckstein.

Jager

04-04-2007, 12:05 PM

Personally I look for Lugo to have a really good year. He's a career .360 hitter at Fenway (or something like that). I think Lugo will be a great addition. Plus it's nice to have more than one guy that that can run.

Evangelion

04-04-2007, 01:37 PM

Essentially he's skeptical of Pedroia already on a baserunning blunder. Why? It's not a known trend from Pedroia.
I'm skeptical about Pedroia being a upgrade over Loretta after one game. I used that play to put emphasis on it's just one play, one game. You want to conclude he's upgrade over Loretta and I question that. I'll wait until Pedroia play more before I decide.

Personally I look for Lugo to have a really good year. He's a career .360 hitter at Fenway (or something like that). I think Lugo will be a great addition. Plus it's nice to have more than one guy that that can run.
We run?! :o

I know what you're saying. I agree. Nice to have more speed, but I'm not high on Lugo leading off. I won't mind Youkillis and Drew at the top, but Manny will lose the protection that Drew providing. I value OBP. above speed. People like Pierre are leading off, because they have speed, but they have awful OBP. and are not good at the leading off.

I agree with V-tek view, weapon. Kottaras know for the glove, not the bat. I like defense, but I want more pop behind the plate. Bard would have provided that, but he's gone. Heck, Bard's emergence likely made Kottaras expendable to San Diego.

-Kyle-

04-04-2007, 01:54 PM

I agree with V-tek view, weapon. Kottaras know for the glove, not the bat. I like defense, but I want more pop behind the plate. Bard would have provided that, but he's gone. Heck, Bard's emergence likely made Kottaras expendable to San Diego.

Interesting inteview with Kottaras.

You struggled a little bit after being promoted to Triple A this year. Why?

When I went up there, I had a great start. But I had some talks with some of the managers and [San Diego general manager] Kevin Towers and everybody. They wanted me to focus more on my defense because they know I can hit. That kind of affected me because I didn’t know how to make that adjustment. They wanted me to focus on the pitchers and study the hitters, so it kind of took away from my offense. That’s the adjustment I’m starting to make right now, because I’m starting to come out of it. I’m figuring out how to do both at the same time.

How have you made that adjustment?

Reading hitters, and reading situations. Noticing what kind of swing they put on a certain pitch, and what kind of adjustment they make, because the hitters are making adjustments as the game goes on. It’s about studying that and taking notes. There’s a lot of statistics as well. It’s knowing what our pitcher can do to get the guy out. There’s so much involved. It’s a lot to process.

http://redsox.scout.com/2/567101.html

Evangelion

04-04-2007, 05:18 PM

Three runs in the first? I'll take that. Drew off to nice start. :)

Let's hope Beckett pitch well tonight. :)

wickedcurve093

04-04-2007, 05:29 PM

whats the score guys? Has beckett pitched yet?

SwissRedSoxFan

04-04-2007, 05:51 PM

puuuhh...:hp

beckett is wild...walks batters and his breaking stuff isn´t good. the royals take all those pitches. then he goes back to his fastball, like last year and larue´s flyball would have been a tworun-hr at fenway...

Westlake

04-04-2007, 06:15 PM

Hey all, I'd just like to know if anyone is going to be heading to the game in Arlington this Saturday -- A couple of us Texan Sox fans will be doing a little tailgating, and any BBF Sox fans are definitely welcome to join us. Let me know!

Evan

Jager

04-04-2007, 06:19 PM

I wish that I could, but I'm not going to be able to. Do the Sox play in Arlington again this year??? If so I may go see it.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 06:26 PM

I wish that I could, but I'm not going to be able to. Do the Sox play in Arlington again this year??? If so I may go see it.

They play here again in late May. Unfortunately i'll be out of the country by then. :(

Westlake

04-04-2007, 07:17 PM

By the way, Trot Nixon is 5 for 9 with 3 doubles. :)

Evangelion

04-04-2007, 07:29 PM

I notice Nixon monster first game. Watch him have an All-Star season. Though, through these short two games of the season, I'm quite happy from what I'm seeing from Drew. I can't wait to see him Fenway and see if he can take advantage of the park.

Youkillis just hit a two-run jack. That would be the Sox first home run of 07.

Jager

04-04-2007, 08:23 PM

Lowell had 3 Errors today!!!! He had 6 all last season. lol.

The bullpen looked very solid tonight. Piniero looked very good out there tonight. Sox win it 7-1.

CuriousBoston

04-04-2007, 08:42 PM

GO RED SOX!!

ok....just took a quick break form learning baseball stats from the ground up to give a big shout out to all the BoSox fans here.

Welcome to BF, and the Red Sox board..:waving

CuriousBoston

04-04-2007, 08:48 PM

I'm not worried about the season, however I thought for sure that on opening day with our "Ace" pitching, that we would shell Meche. I'm not worried, but it definetely surprised me.

On a side note, why in the world does baseball start the season, then give most teams the next day off? Save the off day for August.

Rain date. (Or maybe snow date!)

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 08:50 PM

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 08:51 PM

By the way, Trot Nixon is 5 for 9 with 3 doubles. :)

Good for Trot. I'm glad he's starting off well. I really liked him as a player. I'm liking J.D. Drew so far also.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 08:53 PM

I wish I could go. I'd like to meet you despite our differences in perception.

Same here. What part of Texas are you in?

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 09:29 PM

Same here. What part of Texas are you in?

I'm not in Texas. I'm in upstate NY. I should plan a road trip down to Texas in 2008 though so we could meet up.

Westlake

04-04-2007, 09:31 PM

I'm not in Texas. I'm in upstate NY. I should plan a road trip down to Texas in 2008 though so we could meet up.

Oh wow... I remember you saying you something about opening day last year so I just assumed. Oh well, back to :debate: :p

winningtheweapon

04-04-2007, 09:52 PM

Oh wow... I remember you saying you something about opening day last year so I just assumed. Oh well, back to :debate: :p

Haha, no, I was just saying how that game was considered my "game of the year" last year. Not a bad assumption though. :p I'm glad we're not as hostile towards each other anymore. I get quoted too many times though haha.

maximum jack

04-05-2007, 05:47 AM

Good game last night, even though I didn't get to see it (living in the Turner South, I did watch an excellent Braves/Phillies game though). I think Beckett would have gone an inning or two longer if lighting hadn't struck twice in the same inning (E-5). I guess that's all Lowell gets until the all-star break. I'm glad Drew and Pedroia are off to a great start, I only wish Crisp would get his first hit.

With all the coverage ESPN gave to D-Mat during ST, why the heck is his first start not televised for the rest of the country? There is something better going on in the sports world at 2:10pm? They're not even showing any Baseball today. Sheesh.

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 06:28 AM

Sox bounce back and even the series.

Good
-Beckett pickes up the win. 5 IP, 2 hits, 4 walks, and 5 Ks.
-Bats came to life early and often.
-Bullpen (Lopez, Snyder, Romero, and Pineiro) looked very good. Only Lopez gave up a hit in the 6th.
-JD Drew is getting off to a great start.
-Pedroia was credited w/ a hit but Pena should have got an error instead, he's looking good.
-Youk hit the team's first HR of the season.

Bad/Ugly
-Lowell did his A-Rod impersonation w/ his 3 errors. Last yr he was ranked 2nd in AL 3B with only 6.
-Could have done even more damage. Left runners standing on 3B/2B a couple of times.
-Coco still w/o a hit.

Dice-K against Zack-K today.

sharrock

04-05-2007, 09:39 AM

Just to vent, I'm really frustrated that I will not be able to see Daisuke's first game with the Sox. Living in TX I'm limited by either Ranger games, national games, or the Great HD channel that will pick up games from NESN from time to time. Guess I'll be resigned to highlights and maybe some footage I can find online.

Hopefully his first appearance at Fenway will be available.

winningtheweapon

04-05-2007, 10:07 AM

Today should be a great day for the whole organization. First, we'll roll the dice with Dice-K on the mound in his first ever start for the Boston Red Sox.

Game 3: Boston (1-1) @ Kansas City (1-1) from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO

Probable Starters: Daisuke Matsuzaka (0.00) vs. Zack Greinke (0.00)

Probable Lineup:

SS, Lugo (.286/.375/.286)
1B, Youkilis (.333/.333/.667)
DH, Ortiz (.167/.444/.333)
LF, Ramirez (.167/.375/.167)
RF, Drew (.429/.500/.571)
3B, Lowell (.250/.333/.500)
C, Varitek (.143/.125/.143)
CF, Crisp (.000/.143/.000)
2B, Pedroia (.500/.571/.500)

Other:

First Pitch: 2:10PM EST
TV: NESN
Radio: WEEI 850AM
Weather: A chance of flurries after 4PM. Mostly cloudy with a high near 43. North northwest wind around 10MPH.

Minor League System: Minor League Opening Day 2007!

AAA- Pawtucket (Kason Gabbard) @ Charlotte (TBA) 7:15pm
AA - Portland (Clay Buchholz) v Connecticut (Chris Begg) 6:00pm
A+ - Lancaster (Michael Bowden) v Bakersfield (Michael Schlact) 6:30pm PST
A - Greenville (Jon Lester RH) @ Charleston (TBA) 7:05pm

The Dude

04-05-2007, 10:56 AM

I've been waiting for this day forever!!! *tunes the radio*. Let's goe Dice-K!

Westlake

04-05-2007, 11:01 AM

Grienke is a very good pitcher. He can really dominate the Sox lineup if he's on.

Westlake

04-05-2007, 11:14 AM

I mean really guys.... umpire is obviously going to call that pitch on the outside half a strike, lets get the #3 and 5 hitters to at least swing!!

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 11:16 AM

Sox on the board, up 1-0 going into the bottom of the 1st.

3rd straight game they have scored in the 1st.

Papi and Drew...swing those bats!

Rolling out the dice...

Williamsburg2599

04-05-2007, 11:26 AM

Dice-K's first inning: 1 hit, 1 walk. I can't but wonder if I've just witnessed an important moment in baseball history.

mikeymussina35

04-05-2007, 11:27 AM

Has Matsuzaka Struck anyone out yet????

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 11:28 AM

Has Matsuzaka Struck anyone out yet????

1st K, bottom of the 2nd.

Struck out the side in the bottom of the 4th. Now has KKKKK. :highfive:

Jager

04-05-2007, 12:21 PM

Yeah. Dice-K is at 4IP 1H, 0 R 1BB, 5K's so far. Pretty good. Plus it all looks effortless.

sharrock

04-05-2007, 12:50 PM

6K to 1BB in 5 innings looks great so far. And just three hits with some ability to get groundballs.

'Course I'm just reading the play by play so not sure how he 'looks'.

Edited to add: Crisp is promptly digging a hole for himself this year. Ugly. He needs a nice start to build on....

Westlake

04-05-2007, 01:00 PM

Matsuzaka is getting lit up pretty good here in the 6th... lets see if he can get through this..

sharrock

04-05-2007, 01:20 PM

After getting perhaps a tad lucky in the 6th, Daisuke strikes out 2 in the 7th as part of a 1-2-3 inning.

74 strikes of the 108 pitches thrown
10K/1BB
1 HR
Even against the Royals, this is the best Sox fans could have hoped for in his first start.

Now the offense needs to put up a few runs.

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 01:41 PM

I think Dice-K had an excellent first outing. When he needs that pitch he has that "next gear" he seems to shift into.

Sox put so many leadoff runners on, but had trouble getting them home. Lugo stealing 3B, then the bad throw helped in the 5th and now they're starting to put a couple of runs up in the 8th. Lugo has been hitting the ball well today but hits a bases loaded blooper to 2B to end the inning.

Sox up 4-1. Romero takes the mound.

sharrock

04-05-2007, 01:45 PM

We may see Papelbon to close it out, which will make me feel like this series truly 'cracked the seal' of the season.

Daisuke, can't wait to see your game at Fenway. Its gonna be fun. Now lets finish out the Royals here.

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 01:58 PM

Pap will close it out.

Home ump has a generous K zone, seems to expand every inning. Papi 2-for-11 this series. :shrug:

Westlake

04-05-2007, 02:00 PM

Pap will close it out.

Home ump has a generous K zone, seems to expand every inning.

Papi 1-for-7 this series.

I could have sworn Ortiz had a hit in the first game along with the double today.

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 02:05 PM

I could have sworn Ortiz had a hit in the first game along with the double today.

Changed it. 2-for-11, still not that good.

Williamsburg2599

04-05-2007, 02:13 PM

Well a great, reassuring game for Sox fans today. First, Dice-K did nasty, with Ks, 1 walk, 6 hits, and 1 run. And Second, Papelbon closed out the game with a perfect ninth. Today's win was the most satisfying in a long time, even going back to last year. Radio call of first K: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=547736&w=mms%3A//a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2007/open/teams07/bos/audio/040507_matsuzaka_firstk.wma&pid=gen_audio&gid=2007/04/05/bosmlb-kcamlb-1&vid=7758&mid=200704051881259&cid=mlb&fid=gen_audio12&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=a_free&_mp=1

Dirt Dog

04-05-2007, 02:29 PM

Sox win 4-1 and take the series. Royals look a lot better and improved over last year.

Good
-2 game win streak.
-Dice-K had a very solid and impressive first outing.
-Bullpen (Romero and Pap) did their job again. Pap looks so right out there.
-Bats continued to swing well. 7 hitters had 11 hits, w/ Lugo, Many, Lowell, and Pedroia getting 2 each.
-No errors.

Bad/Ugly
-Varitec goes 1-for-11 (.091) and Papi goes 2-for-11 (.182)

On to Texas. Wake pitching tomorrow.

DoubleX

04-05-2007, 02:38 PM

Matsuzaka looked pretty impressive today, especially considering the weather (it was pretty cold wasn't it?). We'll have to see how he holds up as the season goes on and how he does the second and third time he faces teams, and better teams than the Royals. But lots of reason to be optimistic about Matsuzaka today.

If I'm a Royals fan, I'd also be pleased with Grienke's outing. Perhaps he's ready to step up.

Also, I know it's early, but I'd be a little concerned with Varitek. He hit pretty poorly last year when healthy, and hit pretty poorly in the second half of '05 as well.

SoxSon

04-05-2007, 03:22 PM

Also, I know it's early, but I'd be a little concerned with Varitek. He hit pretty poorly last year when healthy, and hit pretty poorly in the second half of '05 as well.

Not sure if it's reason for concern. I think it's generally accepted that Varitek's on the decline. No one's expecting anything else, I'd guess. That being said, I thought Tek looked much better in yesterday's game (even if the outcome wasn't). I suppose inconsistency accompanies age, unfortunately.

Dice-K's got the stuff. Kansas City lineup, yes...but one could tell boatloads about the man's talent today. I'm not even sure what a couple of those pitches were. :laugh

VTSoxFan

04-05-2007, 03:34 PM

Stoopid Old Man Winter! I had gotten the day off an prepared for the game, when the dingblam snowstorm came.... I was the only one who could get plowed out and had to run the stupid store and miss the game!! :grouchy

Oh well, there will be more. I sure wish I'd seen it, though.

DoubleX

04-05-2007, 03:40 PM

Not sure if it's reason for concern. I think it's generally accepted that Varitek's on the decline. No one's expecting anything else, I'd guess. That being said, I thought Tek looked much better in yesterday's game (even if the outcome wasn't). I suppose inconsistency accompanies age, unfortunately.

Dice-K's got the stuff. Kansas City lineup, yes...but one could tell boatloads about the man's talent today. I'm not even sure what a couple of those pitches were. :laugh

Decline is to be expected, but you still have to hope that last year and the second half of '05 were just abberations and that he's not in that steep of decline. A normal decline is fine, but if he continues to struggle like he has in the past year and a half, the Sox might have to address their catcher situation much sooner than they expected (like perhaps next year).

I didn't see the game today, but I was following it on that game tracker thing on MLB.com and Matsuzaka seemed impressive from there. It is early and it is only the Royals, but its a good sign nonetheless because it is early - Matsuzaka should only improve as he spends more time and adjust to playing over here.

Charger567

04-05-2007, 04:08 PM

Here is something Even Better than that!!! (100% better)

GO YANKEES!!!! (much more than Sox)

Was that necessary? Screaming meaningless crap where you don't belong and running off. Must be a Yankees thing :D

Do people really think Coco will bounce back? I am thinking he will never have a BA as high as the league average again. His defense hasn't been so sharp for us, either.

maximum jack

04-05-2007, 04:27 PM

Do people really think Coco will bounce back? I am thinking he will never have a BA as high as the league average again. His defense hasn't been so sharp for us, either.

I hope so. He struggled during ST too. I am seriously more concerned about Tek-- he left 5 on base today.

Of course I missed the game, but I sort of caught up by reading all the comments on here-- much appreciated. Sounds like Dice-K had a whale of a game. A little more reason to be optimistic.

-Kyle-

04-05-2007, 06:27 PM

Very funny Simmons column on Matsuzaka's start:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070405&sportCat=mlb

Boston Boxer

04-05-2007, 06:31 PM

Was that necessary? Screaming meaningless crap where you don't belong and running off. Must be a Yankees thing :D

.

I know it would not go over very well on the Yankee board.:shrug:

DoubleX

04-05-2007, 07:08 PM

Here is something Even Better than that!!! (100% better)

GO YANKEES!!!! (much more than Sox)

I have to agree with some of the others who have commented on this. Mikey, when you come to the Red Sox forum, please be respectul and come ready to talk about the Sox. This is not the place to antagonize and play out the rivalry. Thanks.

Huntington Avenue

04-05-2007, 07:54 PM

Do people really think Coco will bounce back? I am thinking he will never have a BA as high as the league average again. His defense hasn't been so sharp for us, either.

I'm pretty concerned about him. I'm sure the list of players who have one or two decent seasons and then fall off the table is pretty large, and worse, the hype from that short and the promise for that player carries over with the player even after they've become merely average (Hank Blalock comes to mind). On the other hand, last year could have just been a fluke and he'll be back to the .290/.350/.430 area again this year.

Offhand, I would predict somewhere in the .270s for this season, which would be as high as league average.

In other news, GO DAISUKE! :hyper: :cap: Are these new smilies? They're awesome!

winningtheweapon

04-05-2007, 08:29 PM

Minor League Scoreboard:

A: Greenville 0, Charleston 1 (10)

Lester (4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)
Anderson (1/5, 2 K)
Place (2/5, 2B, 3 K)

AA: Postponed

AAA: Pawtucket 7, Charlotte 4

Gabbard (5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K)
Timlin (IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K)
Delcarmen (2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K)
Murphy (1/3, BB, K)
Kottaras (1/3, 2 BB, 2 R)

A+: Bakersfield 9, Lancaster 7

Bowden (5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, BB, 5 K)

Jager

04-05-2007, 10:46 PM

I don't know why, but Crisp seems to have forgotten how to swing. In the first three games, I'm not even sure how many K's I've seen him get while he was watching. He's been pretty bad. Not te best way to start. lol.

The Kid

04-06-2007, 07:29 AM

I don't know why, but Crisp seems to have forgotten how to swing.

I agree completely. Crisp is looking really awful at the plate, and he looks like he has lost his confidence. Varitek also looks completely awful from the left side of the plate, too. Both of these slumpers need to high tail it if we're going to match the Yanks lineup.

winningtheweapon

04-06-2007, 08:20 AM

Game 4: Boston (2-1) @ Texas (0-3) from Rangers Stadium in Arlington, TX

Probable Starters: Wakefield (0.00) vs. Tejeda (0.00)

Probable Lineup:

SS, Lugo (.333/.385/.417)
1B, Youkilis (.231/.286/.462)
DH, Ortiz (.182/.357/.364)
LF, Ramirez (.273/.385/.364)
RF, Drew (.400/.500/.600)
3B, Lowell (.333/.385/.583)
C, Varitek (.091/.083/.091)
CF, Crisp (.100/.182/.100)
2B, Pedroia (.500/.545/.500)

Other:

First Pitch: 2:05PM EST
TV: NESN
Radio: WEEI 850AM
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a high near 57. North northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Minor League System:

AAA: Pawtucket (Devern Hansack) @ Charlotte (Charlie Haeger) 7:15PM EST
AA: Postponed
A+: Lancaster (Daniel Bard) vs. Bakersfield (Edison Volquez) 9:30PM EST
A: Greenville (Chris Jones) @ Charleston (Eric Hacker) 7:05PM EST