Forever Fenway: 100 Years

A lot has changed in America in the last 100 years. Two World Wars, an economic depression and the office of president change 17 times. One thing has been there through it all -- Fenway Park.

   On April 20, 1912, Fenway Park opened its doors as the Red Sox took on the New York Highlanders (now known as the Yankees). It was an exciting game played before a crowd of 27,000 screaming fans excited to see the new park. The game was a close one going into extra innings with the hometown Red Sox taking a 7-6 victory. Fans say the Sox have been beating the Yankees ever since. The event was so historical; there were plans for a front page story. But news of the Titanic sinking took its place.

   How has a small park in the middle of Boston been able to survive 100 years? 

   “I think the city of Boston and the Red Sox really care about preserving it. Fenway is by far the best place to watch a game. The memories of players such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams helped create a feeling that makes it different than other parks. It’s a magical place,” says Red Sox fan Kimberly Krzyaniak.

   Fenway Park to fans is an experience: the smell of the grass, the view of the monster in left field, the taste of a Fenway Frank and seeing your team taking the field. Fenway Park is a place where no matter how old you are you get to be nine years old for a day. It takes you back to a much simpler time for a little while.

    The Red Sox originally played at Huntington Avenue Ball Grounds but the park was not up to par compared to parks of its time. Team owner John I. Taylor-- looked into finding a new place to play. Taylor saw a piece of land in the Fens district in Boston and thus the name Fenway. 


Fenway Park has a rich history beginning with the original grandstands that still stand today to the burning of the left field bleachers. If you went to the park in the 1920’s there was a roped off section of ash in the field bleachers because the team wasn’t winning and they didn’t have money to fix them. 

   In the 1930’s the team owner Tom Yawkey rebuilt the bleachers and added the most iconic item in Fenway Park. The Green Monster is a 37-foot wall built to keep people from sitting on the street and watching the game for free.

   The Monster has a history of its own. Originally, just known as the wall, it held the score board still in Fenway today. It includes a hidden message. Yawkey and his wife’s initials are on the wall in Morse code using lights on the scoreboard. The monster was covered in ads until the “Splendid Splinter” Ted Williams showed up. Williams who was the best hitter for Mr. Yawkey’s team, found them distracting while batting and they were removed and the wall was painted green in 1947; the monster was born. 
   
    The Monster originally had a net to catch homerun balls hit over it but it was so tall a ladder was placed on the wall. This ladder caused at least two inside the park home runs and several triples. The current owner John Henry placed seats on top of the Monster so fans could have a new experience in 2003 as part of a renovation project.

   Henry purchased the Red Sox and Fenway Park in 2002. Since then he has been preparing for the 100 year anniversary by renovating the ball park. He increased the size of the concourses and made the park fan friendly, like a roof deck . He added statues around the park to preserve its history. He even included a place to honor the Red Sox Hall of Famers.

“I think they have helped modernize the park. It gives a bit of the past and present feeling. It’s the best of both worlds” Krzyaniak said.

   Six of the team’s seven World Series victories were in this park, including the 2004 World Series victory which brought an end to the 86 year drought. This brought people back to Fenway.

“Opening Day of 2005 was my favorite day at Fenway Park,” said Kevin Barnes lifelong Red Sox fan. “I flew up from Florida to meet my mother at Fenway. It was a picture perfect day watching them raise the World Series banner. Across the diamond sat the hated Yankees, who I got to say showed a lot of class that day. The atmosphere was electric with past and present players, as well as the Fenway faithful.”

   Though winning the World Series isn’t the biggest highlight for some Red Sox fans. Red Sox fan Jesse Jackson, recalled the 1999 All-Star Game hosted at Fenway. This was a heartfelt event as it was the last time Williams would ever be in Fenway.

    “Williams came out on a golf cart on to the field and all the players rallied him. It was a moving sight. The day got even better when our guy Pedro Martinez took to the mound and struck out the side.”  Many fans were hoping baseball would allow the All-Star game to come back to Fenway in honor of 100 years. 

   Petitions were put together and fans begged for the park to be honored. Though Major League Baseball wants to honor the park, they felt it was just too soon for Fenway to host the Mid-Summer’s Classic. 

   In recent years several high profile teams such as the Yankees and the Mets have left their historical stadiums for the new cookie cutter style ballpark with all the modern amenities. The Red Sox were under pressure to rebuild in 1999 next to the current park since other teams were rebuilding. There also were talks of moving the team to Foxborough with the Patriots. The fans of Boston would not allow this. They consider Fenway Park the cathedral of Boston, their place of baseball worship. 

   With the 2011 season coming to a close it is time to prepare for the anniversary, but how? The Red Sox are currently taping videos of fans telling their favorite memories of Fenway, even giving fans a chance to be a part of the walkways of Fenway. The Red Sox are selling bricks to fans and giving them the chance to place a saying that will be there as long as the park itself. 

    What is the most fitting way to celebrate the anniversary of Fenway Park? It is to replay the game that started it all. The Red Sox will take on the rival Yankees on April 20, 2012. “I don’t think baseball would have it any other way,” said Krzyaniak. 

   Fenway Park has been part of baseball history for 100 years. It has been the home of many celebrations and a lot of heartbreak. There has to be a reason Fenway Park is known as America’s most beloved ballpark. Could it be because so many games have been played here over the last hundred years or could it be the memories made here? Could it be the stories passed from generation to generation about seeing Ted Williams hit his final homerun or where you were when David Ortiz blasts the homerun to keep the 2004 season alive at Fenway Park? The stories of Fenway Park shared from fan to fan are what have keep this beautiful park open for so many years. 

   How the Red Sox really honor the park? 

Krzyaniak said,  “The most fitting way for the Red Sox to honor Fenway would be to win the World Series just like they did in 1912.”

Three Red Sox Players Bring Home the Gold

After all the drama that the Red sox have occurred so far this off-season I feel like some good news is finally in hand. Yesterday the Rawlings Gold Glove awards were given out to three of our very own.

For those of you who may not know but the Gold Glove is. It is given out to the best defensive player at each position on the field and this year’s award winners from the Red Sox were Adrian Gonzalez at first base, Dustin Pedroia at second, and Jacoby Ellsbury in centerfield winning his first.

For Gonzalez this is his third Gold Glove but his first in the American League. Gonzalez had a .997 fielding percentage in 2011, a career high, with only four errors on the season.   

Gonzalez was on ESPN at the time the awards were given out.

"It feels great. It’s pretty awesome hearing Dustin won as well. It’s pretty awesome playing along side him. Being able to win in both leagues I’m pretty grateful to everyone who voted for me," he said.

"I always say pitching and defense is what’s going to win championships. I take a lot of pride in it. I try to be a complete player. You can always go into offensive slumps, but defense is something that should never leave you."

Pedroia is taking the award home for the second time since his 2008 MVP season. In 2011, he had a .990 fielding percentage with seven errors, the most of his career.

Ellsbury has had an amazing season in 2011 after such a poor season in 2010 after only playing in 18 games due to injury. Ellsbury was named last month as the 2011 American League Comeback Player of the year he was also named to his first All-Star team. He has put up numbers that many feel could win him the AL MVP award which he will probably fall short of due to the Red Sox not making the post season.  While he was doing amazing things with the bat this past season he is being awarded for his defensive play as he had a perfect year in center field win zero errors and a 1.000 fielding percentage in a 154 games played at the position.

Kevin Youkilis was named a finalist for the Gold Glove at third base in his first full season back at the hot corner. Youkilis played in 112 games at third with .967 fielding with nine errors on the year. He fail to the guy he replaced Adrian Beltre who also played in 112 games at third with a .965 fielding with 11 errors.

The next awards to be given out will be the Silver Slugger awards which will be awarded on November 10^th and a couple of Red Sox players will probably take him this hardware as well just have to wait and see.

Beckett Had a Down Year As Leader

Looking back this time last year many people was questioning Josh Beckett’s contract extension because of ending 6-6 and this year so people are questioning the extension for a different reason.

Beckett had an amazing first half the season leading to him being on selected as an All-Star. After the break his numbers began to decline ending the season with 1-2 record in the month of September but ending the season with a respectable 13-7 season with a 2.89 ERA.

So why are so many people upset? Reports have come out about starting pitchers drinking in the clubhouse on their off days. Beckett’s name has be mentioned over and over since these reports have come out, more so since Terry Francona left the team.

Beckett has been the leader of the pitching staff on and off the field but according to an anonymous Red Sox player saying, "Josh has some real leadership qualities, but this time he didn't lead left, he didn't lead right, he led wrong." It’s a shame because the managerial staff has look as him as a leader to the point where they sent Clay Buchotlz to learn from him when he was called up to the bigs.

When Francona left he mentioned not being able to lead and influence players that he once was able to influence. Beckett was one of those players once easily worked with him in the past and now many people believe that is not the case this past season.

Beckett is a veteran in the clubhouse and many of the younger players look up to him. The pitching staff lead by him had a poor season and over and over have caused some problems with media. Beckett has been tied with John Lackey who has been a basket case for the Sox all season.

Many people also question Beckett’s preparation coming into the season being 20 pounds overweight and his conditioning was poor. His conditioning also affects the whole bullpen because of his lack of ability to go long in games as he did in the past. Which could have lead to the over use of the pen. 

Beckett needs to step up next season and become the leader of this team in a positive way. He has the ablity to lead the younger guys on the staff to a win. If the rumors of drinking in the clubhouse are true he needs to drop the crap. Even if you are not playing that day there is no reason to be drinking in the clubhouse period! You should be using the off time that you have to be preparing for you next start or in the dugout cheering on your guys. It is completely unacceptable to behave like this and hopefully he will go back to the 2007 Beckett that joined the Red Sox and became an instant leader worried about winning games. To some players big money contracts effect their play let’s hope Beckett is not one of them.

I am not saying that this whole season is on the shoulders of Josh Beckett but I am saying he is a part of what happened.

For those of you who want to know how much the Red Sox pitching staff like beer take a look:

Interview with David Ortiz

Jessica Moran over at csnne.com had an amazing one-on-one interview with David Ortiz discussing every thing from the collapse of the 2011 season to his free agency. Ortiz also speaks on Tito leaving the club its a good watch so go take a look. 

Francona says Red Sox Need "New Voice"

Ok not going to lie had to put this off for some time prior to writing this because I felt like I was right the obituary of a loved one. As you all know by now the Red Sox released Terry Francona from his duty as the skipper earlier today. The news came out sometime yesterday that it would happen and of course it did.

Early this morning team owners John Henry, Tom Warner, and Larry Lucchino meet with Francona as well as GM Theo Epstein. The meeting ended with ownership leaving as well as Tito. Epstein even went as far to put out a press statement announcing that no decision would be made and then rumor of Francona being back at Fenway brought back question.

Around 5 PM reports came out it was the end of an era and that Francona was no longer the manager of the Red Sox. Many people including myself at the time believe that he had been fired and was heartbroken at the time. Statements were issued from all three parties and dual press conferences were to be held. That is where the information came out.

"It was my decision. I don't know what I want to do. I know I want to stay in the game. This is all I've ever done, all I ever want to do," Francona said during his press conference held earlier tonight.

This got me to wondering what really went on in that morning press conference well Tito would tell us.

"We talked about a lot of different things. I think they wanted to know how I felt about coming back. I think that's probably a fair way to put it. I told them a lot of things that were on my mind, we talked obviously a lot about the organization, and then the team, and what went right, what didn't go right, and then I told them I thought it was time for a new voice. And that's not an easy thing to say. But I thought it was the right thing to do.”

Earlier today news came out of the Boston Globe about conflicts in the locker room even to the point of starting pitchers drinking in the clubhouse on days they weren’t playing. It seemed as if players would not listen to Tito anymore and it seems as if he felt the same.

"I felt frustrated, my inability to reach maybe guys I've been able to in the past," he said. "Or affect the outcome a little bit differently, and that bothers me."

So what did ownership do to keep him around? Not a whole lot in my book to the point where Francona went to add this:

"To be honest with you, I didn't know, or I'm not sure, how much support there was from ownership," Francona said. "I don't know that I felt real comfortable. You've got to be all in in this job, and I voiced that today. There were some things that, maybe, going through things here, to make it work it's got to be everybody together, and I was questioning some of that a little bit."

Later ownership was ask about this comment and if they had been behind Francona.

"I was actually puzzled by that comment," Lucchino said at a press conference held following one by Francona at Fenway Park tonight. "We have done nothing differently this year than we have done in previous years, and I think it's a question you probably have to ask him. I thought he did an exceptional job in conveying the strength of his feelings and his frustrations and his fatigue with the situation here in Boston."

Francona was ask about the pitchers drinking and other unacceptable behavior in the clubhouse and declined to answer questions on this.

"I'd rather talk about generalities. I would never single out players or an event, I'd never do that," he said. "I think I've been pretty open about that I was frustrated, and couldn't reach some of the things I thought needed to be reached, but I'd never single out players."

The greatest memory of Francona was when he led them to the 2004 and 2008 World Series and watching his guys in the dog pile.

As most Red Sox fans know Francona has the closest relationship with Dustin Pedroia.

"I love him. He’s given me every opportunity in the world and given me the respect to play the game with a freedom, and that’s what he allows us players to do. Geez, man, he’s done everything for me and everything for my family ... he’s done everything for me in the five years I’ve been in the big leagues. My heart’s broken for him and I wish he was back and I wish I could have played my whole career for him. It’s going to be hard. I’m sure he’ll come back a better manager and a better person for it. Us, as an organization, we’re going to move forward together,” added Pedroia.

All this should not have come as a surprise to Red Sox fans in the last couple of weeks when Francona was ask about returning for another season he would always decline to comment. But it still hurts the fans who loved him. Francona is considered my most fans including myself as the greatest manager in Red Sox history. During his eight year tenure including two World Series and having the second best win streak in the post season as the skipper of the Red Sox. I honestly believe if Tito wants to manage again he will be back.

In case you missed the press conference here is coverage from it.

Guest Spot: Francona Out as Red Sox Manager

By Kevin Barnes

As a Red Sox fan I hate to see Tito leave the Red Sox because of the success the team has had the past 8 years under him. However, as a baseball fan and from a business stand point, I have no objection to his option not being picked up. 

Baseball after all has become more of a business in the last 2 decades than a sport. The Red Sox amidst having the second highest payroll in baseball have been absent from the post season for two consecutive years, which is unacceptable for the amount talent they put out on the field every night. 2010 was riddled full of injury and yet the Red Sox and Terry Francona stayed in playoff contention throughout but ultimately did not make the post season. 2011, however, was a different story; the team got off to a 2-10 record and then rapidly became the best team in baseball until well…September. Finishing the season with a 7-19 record is inexcusable. I understand that the manager isn’t the one pitching, catching, or hitting the baseball. However, they are the one who decides who is. 

Now I don’t think Tito deserves all the blame for the collapse because yes the players do need to perform, but Francona is the one who will take the heat when they don’t perform. I do think that a lot of Tito’s success however has come from the coaches whom he has placed by his side and in the past couple years due to the team’s success has kind of become a revolving door. Losing Brad Mills and John Ferrell was a detriment to the team, and you could tell that it hurt. You didn’t see any connection between Tito and Curt Young throughout the season, Bogart made some horrible decisions down the stretch with sending runners, and Dave Magadan didn’t seem to have any impact on Red Sox bats throughout the season.

The Red Sox aren’t your loosie goosie team; we all fell in love with in 2004 or the polished professionals they were in 2007. Today’s Red Sox are overpaid under achievers, and those types of personalities take a strong individual to control them. I have always admired Tito’s approach at handling the media and keeping all club issues behind closed doors, but I have never been impressed with the way he handles his players. Stemming all the way back to the “Manny Being Manny,” days, Terry has always let the players control the team. The constant displays of negativity that protrude from Lackey, Youkilis, and even Pedroia (although I admire how hard the last two play the game) needs to be nipped in the bud. The laziness displayed on the field from Crawford, Papi and Gonzales needs to be addressed, please bring back the kangaroo courts! The pitching staff I don’t even know where to begin with. Injuries are injuries you can’t avoid them, but with the depth of our minor-league system, it is hard for me to believe that Wakefield, Lackey or Miller were our best options down the stretch. 

Again, I applaud everything Tito has done for the franchise the two World Series we won under his reign, but I for one would like to see a manager, who isn’t afraid to put his foot up a players rump when they are underperforming, acting like a jack ass and who will maybe get thrown out of a game or two down the stretch to motivate a team that was heading to the worst collapse in MLB history! You will still go down as the best Red Sox Manager in history... Just, my thoughts.

Day 1 Recap of Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

Yesterday was an amazing day for the Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon which raised over a million dollars in the first day. This is a great milestone but I hope that this great cause is able to double this tomorrow I want them to reach the $3 million and I know it can be done.

If you have not had a chance to listen to the stories of the families here is a quick recap from WEEI of yesterday's telethon. You can not listen to the stories of these guys and not want to give. Remember every little bit counts in battling against cancer. You never know when it will strike and who it will strike. So lets work together with Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund and strike out cancer.

Watch this at WEEI

Remember the telethon starts back up at 6 am and you can donate by calling (877) 738-1234 or via text with a $10 dollar donation at 20222 text the word KCANCER. The nice thing about the text is AT&T will be matching your first five text donations. So if you give 10 your really giving 20.

What's New with the Sox?

A quick post to let you know that Clay Buchholz has began throwing today as he was medically allowed to begin. Buchholz tossed a ball around for about ten minutes. The goal is to get him back before the end of the season and to get him to come out of the bullpen to help the team in the poster season.

Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew will be making a rehab start tonight for Pawtucket in Rochester, NY. This is probably a sign that Drew will be returning the team's roster expand on Thursday and Youkilis is able to return on Friday when his DL stint is up.

Drew will be battling for his spot in the line up as Reddick has began to slump in recent times.

Happy Birthday Splinter!

93 years ago today one of the greatest baseball players was born.

Ted Williams was born today in 1918 which to some fans was a curse as that was the last time the Red Sox won a world series. (Oh wait we have won two more since then.) Williams is considered the greatest hitter of all time.One of only a few player to ever bat above .400 on the season.

Williams played 19 years for the beloved Red Sox though his career was shortened three season due to World War II. In 1942 Ted was drafted and would serve his country as a Marine pilot. Though during the time in the military he would continue playing baseball.

Williams career would equal a spot in the Hall of Fame , 19 All Star appearances and two MVPs.

So if you are thinking of a great way to celebrate the Splendid Splinter birthday you could give a donation to the Jimmy Fund a project in which Ted held strongly in his heart.

Red Sox Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon Begins Today!!!

The next two days are an important time for Red Sox fans and it isn't for the obvious reason. Everyone knows that the Yankees are coming into town but more important is the start of the 2011 Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon live from Fenway Park.

Now most Red Sox fans know about the Jimmy Fund but for the ones who don't it's a Fund that goes to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. All the funds raised goes for cancer research. The Jimmy Fund started in 1948 with a radio broadcast from the hospital bed of a young boy.

The Jimmy Fund has been the official charity of the Sox since 1953. The players and members of the staff has taken it as their own. Players such as the great Ted Williams have been involved in the fight against cancer. Most recently players such as Clay Buchholtz and Tim Wakefield are the faces of the organization acting as co-captains for the fund. Once you become a member of the Sox the Jimmy Fund because an extended part of the family. Players really get to know the patients on a personal level and visit them. They also through the help of the Jimmy Fund give kids the chance to go to games and road trips. Some thing with out the help of others may not be possible. The Jimmy Fund just gives them a chance to be a kid for a day and not worry about the pain and heart break of cancer which is important in the recovery process.

In the next two days if you tune into WEEI or NESN you will hear stories of the familes most touched by cancer. You will hear stories of sadness and triumph of how Dana-Farber has been involved in their lives. We have all been touched by cancer in some way if its a family member, friend, co-worker we have all been hurt by cancer.

I encourage and challenge all member of Red Sox Nation to give something if all you have to give is five dollars I challenge you to do that. Give what you feel comfortable giving knowing it will help the lives of others and help find a cure of cancer research. Hopefully one day we will be able to say there is no such thing as cancer. Until that day we need to all do our part.

The phone number to donate is (877) 738-1234. If you want to donate via text you can give a $10 donation if you text KCANCER to 20222.

For more information on the Jimmy Fund click the link on the right side of the screen it will take you to their website for more.

Red Sox Line Up Against Royals 8/19/2011

Coming off of last nights victory over Kansas City the Red Sox are sending lefty Andrew Miller to the mound to make the start. This will be Miller's first start for the Sox since July 31st when the Red Sox inserted Erik Bedard into the line after receiving him via trade. Miller has a 4-1 record over eight starts for the Sox with a 5.40 ERA. Miller is 0-2 against the Royals witha poor 11.08 ERA.

Opposite of Miller is Jeff Francis the lefty for Kansas City. This has not been a very good season for Francis who has a 4-13 in 25 starts with a 4.76 ERA. Francis has had a small sample size against the Sox only pitching five innings against them but has a win.

Lineups:

CF Ellsbury

SS Aviles

1B Gonzalez

2B Pedroia

3B Lowrie

DH Lavarnway

LF Crawford

C Saltalamacchia

RF McDonald

Pedroia to Clean Up Kansas City

With Kevin Youkilis out that only means one thing, Dustin Pedroia gets to shine in the clean up spot and boy did he ever. Pedroia lead the Red Sox to a 4-3 win in Kansas City.

The offence has been struggling the past couple of game with the lose of Youkilis and David Ortiz and Pedroia was the needed spark as he went 3-for-4 with three RBI. He knocked in two runs in the top of third to put the Sox up 3-1 on a single. Pedroia's thrid RBI came in the top of fifth inning on a single to score Jed Lowrie, he attempted to get to second base and was picked off. Pedroia ended his batting with a double in the top of the eighth.

Pedroia has been electric in the clean up spot with a .491 (27-for-55)batting average as the clean up man. Not only is his batting average so high in the spot but he has five homers and 15 RBI.

The game was a Pedroia show but Josh Beckett was on the mound looking for his tenth win of the season and he finally got it. By no means was this the best start of the season but it was good enough for the win. Beckett only struck out four batters while giving up seven hits and three runs all earned and one home run.

Beckett went out of the game after pitching seven and handed the ball to his rear unstoppable duo of Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon. Both guys reached milestones as Daniel Bard after pitching a scoreless eighth got his 29th hold of the season. This is the most by any reliever to wear the Red Sox uniform in 123 games.

Papelbon came into the game in the ninth a was unstoppable with two strikeouts to get his 29th save of the season and his 24th consecutive. The 24 straight is a career high for Papelbon but it is also the second longest streak in the American League.

It was also the Major League Debut of Ryan Lavarnway who went 0-for-4 on the night.

Red Sox Line Up Against Royals 8/18/2011

Coming off a rough series with the Rays the Red Sox are looking to turn their fortunes around in Kansas City. Tonight on the mound for the Red Sox is Josh Beckett who is coming off a rough start in Seattle when he only went five innings and gave up five runs to go with that. Though this has been an amazing season for Beckett who seats with a 9-5 record hoping for win number 10 tonight. Beckett is 6-1 against the Royals with a 2.44 ERA.

On the Bump for the Royals is right hander Luke Hochevar who holds an 8-9 record this season with a 4.89 ERA. He has a 2-3 record against the Sox with a 6.67 ERA. His last three starts he is 1-1 with a 3.10 ERA and striking out 18 batters.

This should be an interesting match up for the Red Sox.

Lineups

CF Ellsbury
3B Lowrie
1B Gonzalez
2B Pedroia
RF Reddick
LF Crawford
DH Lavarnway
C Varitek
SS Aviles

Injury sends Youkilis to DL and Lavarnway get's his shot at the Bigs

Say it ain't so! It looks like injury bug has bit the Red Sox again. The Red Sox have placed Kevin Youkilis on the disabled list with a sore back that has been nagging him off and on for weeks. Also Red Sox DH David Ortiz has injury as well coming before the double header this past Tuesday with a bursitis on his right heel that has him sidelined for up to a week. So with the Sox down two bats in the line up they have went to their minor leagues and pulled up a slugger by the name of Ryan Lavarnway.

Many people had wondered what kind of shot Lavarnway would get being a catcher and with us being set at the position. But as Tito always says a position will open and the way he has been swinging the bat it has. Lavarnway has been called up to play the DH spot for the Sox

A little back story on Lavarnway he was the 2010 Offensive Co-Player of the Year and this season he has just went off. He started the season in double A Portland and was called up to Pawtucket in a hurry playing a combined 55 games for both clubs. During that time he hit .293 with 30 home runs and 85 RBI.

This is Lavarnway's big shot at the majors because if Ortiz injury continues he will be taking the bulk of the at bats for him until his return to the line up. This is also his audition for next year with both Ortiz and Jason Varitek becoming free agents at the end of the season. If something happens with one of these guys and the Sox can't sign them Lavarnway could be an option to feel their shoes.

This is first shot at the big leagues so lets give him a welcome and see how he fits with our program while the injury bug runs its course.

Happy Birthday to the Muddy Chicken!

With my first blog back since my laptop went down I thought I would go ahead a take time to wish Dustin Pedroia a happy 28th birthday. Pedroia is a former gold glover, 3-time All Star, former rookie of the year and MVP. Pedroia is having a MVP type season this year as well. Happy Birthday to the Muddy Chicken, give us a Laser Show today on your birthday!!!

Red Sox Line Up against Astros 7/1/11

The Red Sox are begin their final Inter League road trip today in Houston against the Astros. The Red Sox have not faired to great on this nine game road trip have went 2-4 against the Pirates and Phillies. Tonight Tim Wakefield will be on the mound for the Red Sox. The veteran knuckleballer is 4-3 with a 4.54 ERA. Wakefield has been good in his couple of starts going late into the game. Tonight Wakefield will go up against Bud Norris who has a 4-6 record with a 3.36 ERA.

The line up
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Youkilis 3B
Drew RF
Saltalamacchia C
Reddick LF
Scutaro SS
Wakefield SP

Red Sox Join It Gets Better Project

Today the Red Sox put out a very important video that I thought I would share with you guys today. The Red Sox have joined on to support the It Gets Better Project. This is a project against bullying of any time. This is a video of encouraging thoughts to help prevent teen sucide. In this video you see Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek and Terry Francona including members of the Fenway staff. It is really important campagin and I thought that I would do my part to help stop bullying by passing along this video.

Big Papi becomes captain for Home Run Derby

When fans turn it to ESPN on July 11 to watch the Home Run Derby it will be a little differnt than years past. This year the format has changed a little and it will be an American League vs National League show off. In years past the fans have selected who they wanted to play in this event but that has even changed. I think for the better.

This years HR derby will be selected by a captain of each league similuar to the All-Star game in the NHL. The two captains for this event are the past two derby winners, David Ortiz and Prince Fielder. This will be the fifth apperance for Ortiz and the thrid for Fielder. Each captain will select three sluggers from the league they represent to participate. These players do not have to be All-Stars just have to hit bombs.

As always there will be the overall home run derby champion as an individual but there will also be a winning team. Each team captain will select a charity the winning team will recieve $150,000 while the losing team captain's charity will recieve $25,000. There will also be $100,00 donated to the Boys and Girls of America in the winning team's honor.

As in years past their will be gold balls that are worth $18,000 and 3,000 for every regular ball to be added to be donated to the Boys and Girls of America.

This is always a fun event and makes the All-Star weekend more enjoyable for everyone. I feel like this element of the event will bring more life to the event. I believe Big Papi and Prince Fielder are great choices to represent their leagues both have a lot of life to them.

Cameron Sent Packing

This just in Mike Cameron has been designated for assignment from the Boston Red Sox. This has been something has been long time coming for Cameron who has hit .149 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI in his 33 games played this season.

Earlier today the Red Sox called a meeting with team officals where Cameron was in attendence and this is when Theo Esptein must have broke the news.

With issues in the outfield with J.D. Drew and Carl Crawford about to come of the DL. That left the Red Sox out field with one every day player and the duties was orginially up to Cameron. Though in many instances Cameron has been past over by players just as Darnell McDonald or as of recent Josh Reddick.

So for those out their who don't know what DFA is it basically means the Red Sox have 10 days to either trade him to another team or seven days to place him on waivers. There is an extremely small chance that Cameron excepts a minor-league assignment from the Red Sox.

During his time in a Red Sox uniform Cameron has played in 81 games with a .219 batting average and a .338 on base percentage. Cameron will be missed as a member of the Red Sox. He was a great team member and all around great guy but this is baseball and if your not producing you have got to go.

"Lack" of Bats in Philly

After last nights shut out the Red Sox inserted David Ortiz into the line up and shifted Adrian Gonzalez to right field to produce some offence. Did it work? Well lets just put it this way the only RBI of the game came from the pitcher of the Red Sox John Lackey as the Red Sox fall 2-1 to the Phillies.

So John Lackey pitched a pretty good game holding the Phillies to two runs one of which was a home run to Raul Ibanez who was a double short of hitting the cycle. Lackey when 7.2 innings giving up eight hits and two earned runs like I mentioned. He did strike out five pitchers which is very unlike him and only walked one batter. Lackey now has a record of 5-7 with an ERA of 6.81. When ask about the homer to Ibanez Lackey said.

"He's seen me about 800 times in the AL West," Lackey said. "I don't have many tricks that he hasn't seen."

Though as good as good of a start they got out of Lackey the bats was not there as the Red Sox only run come off a RBI double from John Lackey to score Josh Reddick in the fifth inning. Ortiz who was inserted into the line up to give the Sox more offense went 0-4. The Red Sox left 12 men of base and they are back to playing like the team we saw in April. The Red Sox look as if they left their bats in Boston. This is what Ortiz had to say

"Sometimes we get caught on all those days off," Ortiz said. " For me personally, I don't like that many days off. When I'm swinging the bat good and I'm in a good rhythm, I want to continue playing. You get caught up in that. I'm not making that as an excuse, but it has something to do with it when you're swinging the bat good, and all of a sudden, you're not playing. I'm talking about in general, not just about myself. There were two days off in this road trip."

The Red Sox have lost in four of the five games on this nine game National League road trip. With these loses the Sox have fail 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees in the AL East.

A-Gon in the Outfield Papi at first

Boston fans have been discussing this topic of should Adrain Gonzalez play right field and David Ortiz play first? Well tonight we are going to find if this is best for the team. The line ups are in and both Gonzalez and Ortiz are in the line up. The reason for all this discussion is the long National League road trip that the Red Sox are on. Ortiz who has been smoking hot has only received one at bat each game for the last four games and the problem is the Sox have only won one of those four games. It is clear that the team bats are all needed in the lineup when the pitcher is batting.

So some may ask why Gonzalez in the outfield and has he ever done this before? The answer is yes, once. When he was a member of the Texas Rangers, when he was playing behind Mark Teixeira. He also knowing he would be playing behind Teixeira played in right field during his winter ball while with Texas to prepare him to get playing time. As we all know how that worked out he didn't have to do that and has been holding on to that skill for awhile. Gonzalez is also not the fastest guy in the major league I mean honestly Ortiz could probably beat him in a foot race but as long as he is just dealing with fly ball i believe he will be just fine. Gonzalez has been practicing the position and has even went to Tito to ask if he could play this position. He has shown to be a true team player and this will allow him to work toward his goal of playing in all 162 games this season.

As for Ortiz playing the field this was his primary position prior to becoming a DH he only does this during interleague play and the World Series. I just pray he isn't to rusty at playing the field. I'm not sure I would have put him into the line up tonight with John Lackey on the mound who is considered a ground ball hitter which means a lot of plays to firstbase. I would have probably done it last night while Beckett was getting shelled on the mound or tomorrow with Jon Lester on the mound which may still happen if today goes well.

The Lineups for tonights games are:

Red Sox

CF Ellsbury
2B Pedroia
RF Gonzalez
3B Youkilis
1B Ortiz
C Saltalaamacchia
LF Reddick
SS Scutaro
P Lackey

Phillies
SS Rollins
3B Polanco
2B Utley
1B Howard
CF Victorino
LF Brown
C Schneider
P Worley

Book Review on Jackie Robinson's I Never Had It Made

This is a first for my blog but I think it will become a regular. I have recently become a reader, not that I couldn’t read but I have learned to enjoy it. Mostly I am a fan of baseball biographies and history of the game. I thought I would take a few minutes to do kind of a book review on the latest book I finished. I just finished Jackie Robinson’s autobiography titled I Never Had it Made.

I Never Had it Made tells the life story of Jackie Robinson from his time at UCLA playing football up until around the time of his death when he was involved with politics. I learned so much about the man I never knew. I always knew Jackie Robinson was a great player and that it was great that he was the first player to break the color barrier in baseball but I never knew what all went into it for him. The book discusses what Robinson called “The Noble Experiment” which tells the story of his journey’s through the minor leagues and into the majors. How Branch Rickey knew that the breaking of the color barer was what was best for baseball.

He goes into his life after baseball which I knew nothing about. Robinson was a business man and as well as a politician. He discusses his journey campaigning for different candidates which he believed could help improve the lives of black citizens and improve civil rights. I can respect this because I am also involved in politics and believe in supporting candidates who I feel have the best values.

Robinson also goes into the heart breaking story of the journey his son Jackie Robinson Jr. took from his youth, into his service in the army and drug addiction. He tells the story of recovery and how Jackie battled back up until his early death.

I bought this book as a baseball fan of Jackie Robinson but I come out of this book a fan of the man Jackie Robinson. The journeys he went through in life to make things better for all people especially members of the African American community. I encourage all baseball fans to pick up a copy of this book and even if you’re not a fan of the game to read this it is a very moving read.

Beckett Throws a Gem and The Bruins Win the Cup

Ok guys so I know it’s been awhile but I’m back now. It’s been an exciting time for Boston sports fans as you should know by now. Last night the Boston Bruins took home the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years. That was the majority of New Englander’s and Boston fans around the country’s attention was including mine.

It was very special for me to see the last of my favorite teams to bring home the championships. I have got to see my University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team bring home the championship twice in my life, I have saw my Pittsburgh Steelers bring home the championship twice, got see my favorite sports team of all time the Boston Red Sox bring home the championship twice, The Boston Celtics bring it home once and now my Bruins. It is an exciting day to be a sports fan for me.

But while everyone was watching the Bruins bring home the Cup to Boston, something special was happening in Tampa Bay. Josh Beckett tossed a one hitter and faced one batter over the minimum of a perfect game in a full game shut-out. Just to think at the beginning of this season Beckett was considered the fourth starter of this rotation and now he has worked his way back into becoming the “Ace” that he was in 2007.

Beckett came short of the perfect game by a hit that almost rolled foul; he pitched what I consider his best performance of the year. He struck out six of the Rays in this gem and not walking a batter. This amazing performance on the mound has lowered his ERA to a 1.86, which is the lowest in the major-league.

All the offense from this gem came off the bat of a certain third baseman by the name of Kevin Youkilis as he knocked a three-run homer in the seventh inning. This was Youkilis’ 10^th homer of the year.

After last night’s win the Red Sox remain in first place in the American League East now one game ahead of the New York Yankees.

Last but not least the Red Sox have moved their game on Saturday from 1:05 to 7:05 against the Brewers due the Bruins rolling rally parade with the Cup.

Red Sox Line Up Against A's 4/20/2011

The Red Sox continued to lose on the road last night in Oakland. The Red Sox play a second game in the series Clay Buccholz will continue to look for his first win. Oakland has Gio Gonzalez on the mound he is 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA with 14 strike outs.

Red Sox

RF Drew
2B Pedroia
1B Gonzalez
DH Youkilis
3B Lowrie
SS Scutaro
LF Crawford
C Varitek
CF Ellsbury

Athletics

CF Crisp
1B Barton
RF DeJesus
DH Matsui
LF Sweeney
2B Ellis
C Powell
3B Kouzmanoff
SS Pennington

Jason Varitek Gives Credit to Dice-K

Red Sox Are Going Streaking!!!

Well the Red Sox are finally on a streak winning their past three in a row. Today was the annual Patroits Day game for the Sox and it was a big one as they went on to defeats the Blue Jays 9-1.

The heroes of the day were Daisuke Matsuzaka and Superman Jed Lowrie. Dice-K pitched a gem tossing seven innings of shutout baseball only allowing one hit and one walk. While Lowrie continues his hot streak going 4-for-5 today with four RBI and a homerun. Lowrie is considered the hottest hitter in the MLB with a .516 average.

"I understand [how hot I am]," said the hot Jed Lowrie. "Who cares? It's April 18, long season. I'm just going to keep my head down and keep grinding."

There were several other great performances from guys who needed a lot of confidence. Kevin Youkilis who came in batting less than .200 had a big day at the plate. Youkilis knocked a double off the bullpen fence that if it was a half inch farther would have been a home run and came up again later in the game and actually hit a home run. On the day Youkilis went 2-for-5 with a strike out. Carl Crawford also had something to be proud of as he got a double off the monster. This was the first hit he had received in over a week so hopefully this will get things going for the sox.

"At this point, I didn't feel [any] hits coming," Crawford said. "I definitely felt better about my at-bat."

"Everybody in the dugout [was thrilled]," said Terry Francona. "I was happy to see the ball he hit before, because it's a good approach, but then you certainly want to see somebody rewarded for it."

Jacoby Ellsbury also had a good day hitting his second home run in two days. Ellsbury leads the team in home runs which is a surprise because coming into the season the Red Sox expected him to be the leadoff man. Looks like that could be part of Ellsbury struggles this season with a .200 batting average. I’m starting to think he is Willie Mays Hayes in the Major Leagues because he isn’t supposed to be swinging for the fences.

Speaking of leadoff men, I believe the Red Sox may have found their guy. Francona put J.D. Drew in the leadoff spot today trying to give Carl Crawford some help. This may have been the best decision of the game. Drew went 5-for-2 with a walk and scored a run in the first inning. This is something I never thought of but Drew makes perfect since as he has such a high career OBS and OPS which is perfect for the lead off. If the Red Sox continue winning I can see Drew in the leadoff spot for games to come.

Today results from today is what many Red Sox fans was expecting out of them since the signing of Crawford and trade for Adrain Gonzalez. If the Red Sox offence continues to play this way they could save the pitching staff several games. The Red Sox are streaking now so watch out because here we come.

Red Sox Line UP Against Blue Jays 4/18/2011

It's Patriots Day in Boston, which means they are running the Boston Marathon. It also means an extremely early start with more people outside of Fenway then normal. The Red Sox have won two straight and looking to keep the streak going but Daisuke Matsuzaka is on the mound for the Red Sox. Dice-K is off to an awful 0-2 start only lasting two innings in his last start against the rays giving up seven runs and making his ERA 12.86 on the year. They are hoping today will be a bounce back day as they have Jason Varitek catching him hoping to get him back in rythem after he got shell shocked. His counter part for the Blue Jays is Ricky Romero who has a record of 1-1 in

three starts with a 1.66 ERA in 21.2 innings of work.

Red Sox

RF Drew
2B Pedroia
1B Gonzalez
3B Youkilis
DH Ortiz
SS Lowrie
LF Crawford
C Varitek
CF Ellsbury

Blue Jays

SS Escobar
CF Patterson
RF Bautista
1B Lind
C Arencibia
LF Snider
DH Encaracion
3B Nix

Red Sox Line UP Against Blue Jays 4/17/2011

Jon Lester is on the mound looking for his first win of the season and hoping to get the teams first back to back win of the year. Lester will being up against Jesse Litsch who is 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA.

Lines ups

Red Sox (3-10)

LF Crawford

2B Pedroia

1B Gonzalez

3B Youkilis

DH Ortiz

SS Lowrie

RF Drew

C Saltalamacchia

CF Ellsbury

Blue Jays (7-7)

SS Escobar

CF Patterson

RF Bautista

1B Lind

2B Hill

C Arencibia

DH Snider

LF Rivera
3B Nix

Lowrie Walks Around Like He's Got an S On His Chest

Box

For anyone who was wondering if Josh Beckett is back, today he proved he is back for sure. He didn’t have a 10 strike out game like last week but if you recall from my line up post all I wanted was a win. He did pitch damn close to his performance against the Yankees. Beckett lead the Red Sox to a 4-1 win.

Beckett went seven innings allowing one run in the second inning and gave up five hits while striking out nine. See I told you it was close to Sunday. He was mixing his pitches similar to last Sunday and is pitching like we got our ace back for 2011.

With Carl Crawford struggling so bad in the leadoff role Tito gave him the day off and had Superman Jed Lowrie the go. Lowrie played the super hero role today went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a homerun. Lowrie was the spark that the team needed to get the win today.

The Red Sox are still struggling hitting with men on base even leaving the bases full at one point in the game.

Dustin Pedroia continued his hitting at Fenway with another hit but he is most credited for his defense today also got some amazing defensive play from Adrain Gonazlez to show why both guys have won a Gold Glove in the past.

Bullpen help today was great as Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Papelbon got his second save on the season.

Now that the Red Sox finally have their third win the next step is to pick up the first back to back win of the season. Oh yeah, they also need to make Jed Lowrie a permant member of the line up in the leadoff spot seeing he is the only guy on the team hitting .500 on the team with 22 at bats under his belt on the season. I mean if it doesn’t work out its not different than the Crawford experiment that has been a failure. So if Tito is reading make you give it a try.

Red Sox Line UP Against Blue Jays 4/16/2011

After last night it looks as if the Red Sox are trying a new approach to the line up with a new person in the lead off spot and everything. Josh Beckett is on the mound today for the Red Sox and Jason Varitek will be catching him again. As we know from Sunday night when Varitek catches Beckett good things happen so hopefully we can get another outing simular to his most recent 10 strike out game. Now I'm not asking for 10 strike outs, I really just want a win no matter how it comes. Going against Beckett for the Blue Jays will be the lefty Jo-Jo Reyes. Reyes is appeared in two games this season with a 0-1 record and a 5.23 ERA in 10.1 innings of work with nine strike outs.

Line ups

Red Sox

SS Lowrie
2B Pedroia

1B Gonzalez

3B Youkilis

DH Ortiz

RF Cameron

C Varitek

LF McDonald

CF Ellsbury

Blue Jays

SS Escobar
CF Patterson
RF Baustista
1B Lind
2B Hill
LF Snider
DH Nix
C Molina
3B McDonald

It Makes Me Physical Sick to Lose

I have been in the bed all day with a Migraine and after this most recent lose by the Sox I feel like everything is getting worse. So if I go to the doctors and he ask what is wrong I am going to tell him the Red Sox can't win a game and they are killing me.

Last night the Sox lost to the Blue Jays 7-6 in a game we could have won. Clay Buchholz had a 3-0 lead going into the top of fifth. Dustin Pedroia had just put a laser show on a knocked a solo home run into the stands at Fenway followed by a two-run homer for Kevin Youkilis. With one out Buchholz walks two start batters to bring Corey Patterson up to the plate with two on with men on second and third hits a bases clearing triple to get the ball rolling for the Jays.

After Buchholz had been roughed up in the fifth he gets the ok to back on the mound for a sixth well that was a poor idea. He gives up a lead off walk and a single before Tito says enough is enough. Brings Alfedo Aceves from the bullpen thinking he can control a win well he is unable to and allows Adam Lind to score giving another earned run to Buchholz.

With the game tied Bobby Jenks comes to the mound he has been a soild pitcher so far this season but just not last night. Jenks comes to the mound and gives up the lead off walk to Jason Nix than a single to Yunel Escobar. As if this wasn't enough to he gives up not one but two more hits each for an RBI to make the game 5-3. At this point you think the fish hook has to be coming well instead a mound visit its sweet of the pitching coach to make the long trip to the mound to do nothing because he left Jenks in long enough to give up not one but two more runs!

The Sox are down 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth when a ray of light comes to Fenway. I think I may have even saw some kid in the outfield waving his arms like an angel was there but that could have been the migraine. But the bottom half starts with a ground out by Gonzalez followed by a walk to Youkilis and a walk to David Ortiz. With J.D. Drew at the plate he stikes out swinging. Jed Lowrie comes up to the plate to pinch hit for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, which was the best move Tito made all night. Lowrie singles which scored Youkilis and puts Ortiz at third and starts the rally. Marco Scutaro hits a double down the left field line for a double scoring both Oritz and Lowrie. With a chance for the win Jacoby Ellsbury comes up to the plate and flies out to end the inning.

The Red Sox would not score again to give the game the final score of 7-6. This has been a rough season so far that has left several people sick including myself. Fans are physically, mentally and emotional sick of the Red Sox losing and it is hard for this blogger to be possitive in times like this. I love the Red Sox but to quote Fever Pitch "You love the Sox, but have they ever loved you back?" I know the Red Sox have loved me back in the past but this years group needs to show fans some love quick and start winning some games. They are currently the worst team in baseball and it breaks my heart.

Week Two American League Standings

It breaks my heart to do this but as a journalist I must present to you with the week 2 American League standings where the Red Sox are in the basement.

In Case You Missed It: Gonzalez Extension Press Conference

Red Sox Line Up Against Blue Jays 4/15/2011

Today is Jackie Robinson Day as I said in my previous blog and all players will be wearing the number 42 in honour of him. Today's match-up will be the Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays with Clay Buchholz making his third start of the year. Buchholz has yet to get a win yet with an 0-2 record and hopes to pick up his first today. He currently holds a 7.20 ERA in 10 innings pitched. He will go up against the lefty Brett Cecil who has similar numbers to Buchholz. This will be a great game and hopefully the Red Sox will be able to pick up win number 3.

Red Sox (2-9)

LF Crawford
2B Pedroia
1B Gonzalez
3B Youkilis
DH Ortiz
RF Drew
C Saltalamacchia
SS Scutaro
CF Ellsbury