After two impressive wins yesterday the Red Sox take on a Major League team for the first game of the Grape Fruit League. The Sox play the Twins for the first game of the Mayor's Cup. The Mayor's Cup is given to the team who wins the series between the two teams who call Fort Myers, Florida home. The Red Sox have taken home the Cup in past years and hopes to do it again this season.
Line ups against Twins 3/4/12
Pedroia 2b
Ellsbury CF
Ross RF
Gonzalez 1B
Aviles SS
Saltalamacchia C
McDonald LF
Middlebrooks 3B
Linares DH
Pitchers
Beckett SP
Miller
Melancon
Thomas
Pena
Atchison
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Spring has Sprung
"That part is fun," said Dustin Pedroia. "You're building up to get ready for the season. It's been a while since we played games, and that's why you put in all the hard work, is to play well during the games. It's going to be fun."
There will be one surprise about tomorrows games and that is who will be playing first base against BC. David Ortiz will be playing first base in that game. Bobby Valentine must be trying to see what Oritz has left in the tank to play him against a college team at first.
Lineups for 3/3/12
Northeastern at 2:35 p.m.
Iglesias SS
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Saltalamacchia C
McDonald DH
Sweeney RF
Ross LF
Middlebrooks 3B
Pitchers
Lester
Germano
Bowden
Albers
Boston College at 7:05 p.m.
Aviles SS
Lin CF
Youkilis 3B
Ortiz 1B
Punto 2B
Lavarnway C
Kooeger RF
Hassan DH
Repko LF
Pitchers
Doubront
Tazawa
Mathis
Spoone
Friday, March 2, 2012
Jason Varitek Humbly Retires
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| Photo by: Jim Davis/Boston.com |
"After months of deliberating what to do, I've decided that it's best for me and my family that I retire, that I retire a Red Sock," Varitek said. "My decision to retire wasn't one that I took lightly in any sense of the word, nor did I want to do it more than once. This has probably been the most difficult decision I have made in my career. But the opportunity to start and finish my major league career in one place is why I'm standing here today."
Varitek became a member of the Red Sox organization in 1997; when he came to over in a trade from the Seattle Mariners. Varitek was part of a two player trade which brought him as well as Derek Lowe for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb. [Some say one of the most one sided trades in baseball history]
It was an emotional day for the Captain but he was extremely thankful for everyone who helped him along the way. He thanked everyone from his little league coaches, to his major league managers. He was extremely thankful when it come to thanking his teammates.
"It's what I'm going to miss most," Varitek said, with a long pause. "The hardest thing to do is walk away from your teammates, and what they meant to you. Thank You."
Varitek had an amazing career with pretty impressive numbers for a catcher. Varitek hit a career .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBI. He is a three time All-Star also won both the silver slugger award and Gold Glove in the 2005 season. He ranks ninth all time games played in a Red Sox uniform and first as a catcher with 1,546. He is the only player in Major League history to catch four no-hitters in a career. He caught no-hitters for Hideo Nomo (2001), Derek Lowe (2002), Clay Buchholz (2007), and Jon Lester (2008). On top of all these honors Varitek become the Captain of the Red Sox in 2005 after leading the team to the first World Series in 87 years and he did it again in 2007. He is also the only player to play in the Little League World Series, College World Series, MLB World Series, Olympics and World Baseball Classic.
When looks for the words to say to describe how much Varitek will be missed by Red Sox Nation, I came across this comment by Jared Carrabis( Gov. of Red Sox Nation, MA and SoxSpace) so thought I would share.
"With his closting statements, Jason Varitek walks away from the podium at his retirement press conference, taking with him a piece of my childhood. You embodied everything that it meant to play for the Boston Red Sox, and we were privileged to have been able to watch your entire career right here in our backyard. Thanks for everything, Captain. You will be missed." Carrabis said.
And what better way to close then to finish with the closing statement from the Captain himself.
"As I walk away from this game," Varitek said in his closing statement. "I can look at the man in the mirror and be proud that I gave everything I had to this organization. And once again, I just want to say thank you."
If you missed the retirement announcement here it is in it's entirety:
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Ellsbury Speaks
It's photo day at JetBlue ballpark where the players strike there best pose for the media. Photo day is exactly like it sounds players pretend they are pitching or hitting while getting their photo taken. While is always exciting more entertaining things happened when Jacoby Ellsbury got a chance to speak with the press.
Ellsbury discussed everything from his second place finish in the MVP voting, his spot in the line up and his future with the Red Sox. Ellsbury seemed a little disappointed that he didn't win the AL MVP but it doesn't seem to be anything that will hold him down this season.
The million dollar question for 2012 is, where will Bobby Valentine hit Ellsbury in the line up? Since Ellsbury has become such a home run hitter many believe it is a waste of production having him hit lead off with no one on-base but the question for me is if not him who?
When ask what Ellsbury thought of being dropped in the order.
"It's hard for me to say at this point. I haven't hit third on this team before. I don't know how they would go about mixing the line up," Ellsbury said. "Certain guys feel comfortable hitting in certain positions. I've hit in different areas in the lineup and it hasn't really bothered me. I feel comfortable.
"Time will tell what will happen. I really dont have an opinion either way at this moment."
With many of big names on the roster locked-up long term Ellsbury is the last to be extended. Ellsbury is will under contract until after 2013 and many think they need to attempt a contract extension. This is something that could be difficult seeing that he is a Scott Boras client. Boras likes to see his players test the free agent market.
"There's always that possibility," Ellsbury said on the talk of an extension. "I kind of leave that up to my agent and I'm just happy to get everything worked out this year. As far as future contracts and stuff like that, I let them take care of it and then inform me if there's any decision to be made."
As many know Ellsbury is from the west coast as he is from Oregon and has a full term residence in Arizona. Some question if he would even want to extend his contract and give him a chance to play on the west coast.
"I love playing here; it's a great place to play," he said. "Love the fans. The fans show up for spring training. ...It's a great place to play and I enjoy it. It's the only place I know. I enjoy playing in that pressure environment."
After hearing this you would assume that Ellsbury would be able to work out an extension with the Red Sox. In the past it has been Red Sox policy to buy the players remaining time plus free agent year and leave the team with an option. This isn't anything that Boras likes to do for his clients.This may be a down to the wire decision with him and could even go into free agency. We better enjoy the last two seasons and pray for an extension.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Spring Training Work Outs Began
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| photo by: Jim Davis, Boston.com |
New rules came out of JetBlue park and to be honest they came right on schedule. Head coach Bobby Valentine announced that their would be no beer in the club house or on return trips to Boston. This was expected after last seasons beer and chicken disaster. Not only because of that but because it has been banned in every club house Bobby V has been apart of with the exception Texas. With the ban the Red Sox become the 19th team to do so. Valentine doesn't expect any back lash from the lack of beer.
David Ortiz added his support of the ban. "It doesn't matter. We're not here to drink; we're here to play baseball. This isn't a bar." Ortiz went on to say, "This is an organization, a place that needs a lot of athleticsm. Alcohol has nothing to do with that. We have alcohol in our houses. If you want to drink, drink at home."
Today was also a big day for Carl Crawford, as well has his feelings. Crawford meet with team owner John Henry early in the day. Henry apologized for comments he made that he opposed the Crawford signing.
"It went really." Crawford said on the meeting. "He was real apologetic, I told him there were no hard feelings or nothing like that.We all share the same goal and that is to help us win, get back where we should be..."
"I should have never made those comments," Henry said in an owners Q&A session held this morning. "It was an off the cuff remark I shouldn't have made, so when I see him I'm going to apologize to him for it."
Crawford comes into spring training recovering from a minor wrist surgery. Crawford took 30 swings today in the cage and he appeared to be pleased with the outcome. Though it did come with some discomfort to the injured wrist.
"It felt good," Crawford said. "I took more swings, I swung hard so it felt good.
"[I had] a little soreness, but that's expected," Crawford went on to say. "Hopefully it's something I can play through and get used to that and eventually that little soreness will go away."
Crawford plans to be on the opening day roster come April 5th in Detroit. Valentine spoke on the matter.
"Sooner than I thought, originally," Bobby V said. "Hopefully not so soon that it sets him back, we're trying to make the time right. Of Course, we've talked about some absolute time frames.
"I think [Crawford being ready for opening day] could be realistic, but again I don't know. I wouldn't doubt it. Talking to Carl, I wouldn't doubt many things. He seems very determined."
Crawford is coming off his worst season since entering the big league hopefully now that he has one year under his belt and a surgery to fix an injury he will be better prepared for his second season in Boston.
Videos from Boston.com
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Three Red Sox Players Bring Home the Gold
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 10th and a couple of Red Sox players will probably take him this hardware as well just have to wait and see.
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