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Ortiz and Bay do a flip-flop
Posted on July 3, 2009 by Mike Fine
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First, I’ll give you the lineups for tonight:
RED SOX
Drew rf
Pedroia 2b
Youkilis 3b
Ortiz dh
Bay lf
Kotsay 1b
Ellsbury cf
Green ss
Kottaras c
Wakefield p
MARINERS
Suzuki rf
Branyan 1b
Lopez 2b
Griffey dh
Gutierrez cf
Langerhans lf
Woodward 3b
Johnson c
Cedeno ss
Hernandez p
I gave you this first to show you that David Ortiz and Jason Bay have flipped-flopped in the order. Ortiz is at cleanup, Bay fifth, because Sox manager Terry Francona doesn’t want to give Hernandez a string of right-handers to face.
“Jason has had a tough time lately,” Francona said. “We’re trying to make it as difficult as we can for Feliz. If he has a run of right-handers it might be a quick inning.”
Francona said that Bay has just had a string of tough luck lately, something that happens to all hitters.
Meanwhile, the bigger news is that Daisuke Matsuzaka will be heading to Fort Myers Monday to begin rehabbing his right shoulder. He’ll have a program set up by Sox strength coach Dave Page and his pitching will be overseen by Goose Greggson. Today, Matsuzaka will throw for the first time since being disabled, starting at 60 feet.
Meanwhile, Jed Lowrie is scheduled to DH for Pawtucket tonight, with the intent of getting back to playing shortstop this weekend. His left knee is feeling better.
Sean Casey is around today…The Sox are taking early BP because of the threat of showers…It’s is a little unsettling to see the grounds crew sitting around near the tarp, but then, what else is new?
Going to Fenway? Stay away from the river!
Posted on July 2, 2009 by Mike Fine
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RED SOX ADVISORY ON STORROW AND MEMORIAL DRIVES CLOSINGS FOR JULY 3 AND 4
BOSTON, MA-The Boston Red Sox want to alert fans of the following information regarding the closing of Storrow and Memorial Drives:
Friday, July 3, 2009
- The westbound lane of Storrow Drive closes at 4:00pm on July 3rd.
- The Fenway and Kenmore exits will be inaccessible to patrons after 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
- Storrow Drive will be closed in both directions all day starting from 7:30 a.m.
- The Longfellow Bridge will close at 4:30 p.m.
- Memorial Drive from the Longfellow Bridge to Massachusetts Avenue will close at 4:30 p.m.
- Memorial Drive from Massachusetts Avenue to the BU Bridge will close at 6:00 p.m.
- The BU Bridge will close at 6:00 p.m.
As a result, fans that normally travel to Fenway Park via either Storrow or Memorial Drives should seek alternate routes and are urged to use public transportation wherever possible.
The Red Sox play the Seattle Mariners at 7:10 p.m on Friday, July 3rd and at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. The road closings are due to Independence Day activities taking place on the Esplanade.
Picnic in the Park
Posted on June 29, 2009 by Mike Fine
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ONE-OF-A-KIND AUCTION ITEMS AT 2009 PICNIC IN THE PARK PRESENTED BY ACE TICKET
Fundraiser includes Autograph Session with Red Sox Players; Event Held Post-game on Sunday, July 5 at Fenway Park
BOSTON, MA - The Red Sox Foundation today released a list of unique auction items available at the 2009 Picnic in the Park presented by Ace Ticket. This annual fan-favorite fundraiser, hosted by The Red Sox Wives, benefits the Red Sox Foundation’s charitable programs. The event will be held on the Fenway Park field beginning one hour after the conclusion of Red Sox-Mariners game on July 5th, which is currently scheduled for a 1:35 pm start time.
Fans who are unable to attend the Picnic can still win auction items by placing proxy bids in advance through the Red Sox Foundation. Proxy bids must be received by noon on July 5th. To place a bid, contact Gena Borson at 617-226-6440 or email redsoxfoundation@redsox.com for details.
These one-of-a-kind auction items include:
At the Movies with David Ortiz
You and three guests will view the Farrelly Brothers’ documentary of Luis Tiant - “The Lost Son of Havana” - with David and Tiffany Ortiz at the Ortiz home with special guest Luis Tiant.
Donated by: Tiffany and David Ortiz
Play MLB “The Show” video game with Jonathan Papelbon
You and three guests will enjoy a fun hour playing video games with Jonathan Papelbon at a suite at Fenway Park. This package also includes 4 bleacher tickets to a Red Sox home game in 2010 so you can watch our closer warm up!
Donated By: Ashley & Jonathan Papelbon
Play a Game with Mike Lowell
You and three guests are invited to play a board game in a suite at Fenway Park with Mike Lowell. You will also enjoy 4 grandstand tickets to a Red Sox home game during the 2010 season.
Donated By: Bertha & Mike Lowell
Learn How to Pitch from Justin Masterson!
One 30 minute pitching clinic with Justin Masterson for a maximum of 2 children between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Two personalized Red Sox replica jerseys autographed by Masterson are also included along with 4 grandstand tickets to a 2009 Red Sox home game. Pitching Clinic to be held at a location to be determined.
Donated by: Meryl and Justin Masterson
Meet The One and Only Jason Varitek
You and one guest will be the envy of all your friends when you meet with Jason Varitek before a 2009 Red Sox home game and then enjoy the game in the grandstand seats. Date to be determined by mutual availability.
Donated By: Jason Varitek
Meet The Sox Sensation Jacoby Ellsbury!
You and three guests will have a treat when you meet Jacoby Ellsbury before batting practice prior to a 2009 Red Sox home game. Includes 4 grandstand tickets. Date to be determined by mutual availability.
Donated By: Kelsey Hawkins & Jacoby Ellsbury
Rollin’ Sushi with Hideki and Yuka Okajima:
You and nine guests will have the thrill of a lifetime and gain a new culinary skill when you and your friends learn how to make sushi with Hideki and Yuka Okajima with the help of Chef Masa of Blue Fin.
Donated by: Yuka and Hideki Okajima
Hittin’ with Youk!
Childhood dreams come true for your child when he or she receives a 30 minute personal batting lesson from Kevin Youkilis. The hitting lesson will take place during the Red Sox 2010 spring training season in Ft. Myers. This package includes a hitting lesson for one child between the ages of 7 years and 16 years of age. It also includes: four tickets to a Red Sox game at the City of Palms Park in Ft. Myers along with one autograph and one picture per person. Date to be determined by Kevin Youkilis’ availability. (Airfare or hotel not included)
Donated by: Enza and Kevin Youkilis
Tickets to the Red Sox Foundation’s charitable Picnic in the Park may be purchased at www.redsoxfoundation.org or by calling 617-226-6440. This event is a charitable fundraiser and tickets and auction item purchases are largely tax deductible. Proceeds support the Red Sox Foundation’s programs serving low income and at-risk children. Tickets are $350 for General Admission and $600 for MVP Tickets, which include a baseball signed by a Red Sox Hall of Fame player, a bleacher ticket to the July 5th Red Sox game taking place before the picnic, and other amenities. Ace Ticket is the presenting sponsor of the 2009 Picnic in the Park. Supporting sponsors are HP Hood and Aramark. Christmas Tree Shops, CVS, Home Goods and Sports Images are among the in-kind sponsors of the event. For additional inquiries and information, please email picnic@redsox.com or call 617-226-6002.
How Green is their victory
Posted on June 21, 2009 by Mike Fine
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In the clubhouse, not long after he’d celebrated one of those moments on the field that every player treasures, Jonathan Papelbon seemed to be staring daggers through some unseen antagonist. In reality, that antagonist was probably himself. The Sox closer entered a tie game against the Braves in the ninth inning and gave up two walks and a single, managing to escape only when he struck out the final Brave batter, Matt Diaz.
Papelbon had earned himself his first win of the season, but he didn’t know it until teammate Nick Green sent a Jeff Bennett sailing past the Pesky Pole for a bottom-of-the-ninth 6-5 walkoff victory.
Papelbon was at the plate along with a mob of teammates, pounding on Green as he crossed the plate with his second career walkoff home run (the first was as a rookie with the Braves).
So this story isn’t about Papelbon, it’s about Green coming through nicely, after Tim Wakefield had done a decent done under very tough conditions, fighting the wind and mist that saturated Fenway. It also came after David Ortiz had stroked his sixth home run, a real slam against a stiff wind, reaching the Green Monster seats in the three-run first inning.
First, a little about Wakefield: “It wasn’t easy to pitch,” he said. “The only thing I had trouble with was the mist in my face. At times, I know the wind was blowing, but it was circling back. It was tough to see the plate at times. I remember throwing a couple of pitches and hoping they don’t hit it at me because I can’t see it right now.”
But at one point, after giving up a couple of quick runs in the first, Wakefield set down 11 of 11 batters (with a double play that erased a hit). he ran into trouble in the seventh and was removed after throwing only 82 pitches, good for nine hits and four runs.
Ortiz’s hit was a smash, but he followed it with a single and scored twice. “I think he’s just fine,” said manager Terry Francona. “The biggest thing, and we’ll need to remind him, is when he’s 0-for-4 that you’re going to do that when you’re going well. If he ends up being David for the next three or four months you’ll look back and say it was a blip on the radar.”
But the main story today was Green, who has solidified his position as the team’s starting shortstop. The deposed incumbent, Lugo, was nowhere to be seen during the celebration at the plate or in the clubhouse afterward.
The Green story is a good one, a longtime minor-leaguer who spend all of last season in the Yankees’ farm system, calling his attitude “terrible. I went to camp thinking I had a chance to make the team and that wasn’t really the case. I know better to do it but I let it affect me and that’s not the right way to approach any situation, so it’s something that I’m learning from and I feel like it helped me in the long run, especially here. I wasn’t expecting to play early and to remain positive and be ready when I do get a chance.”
He got his chance in the spring when players went to the WBC and Lugo hurt his knee. He hit the you-know-what out of the ball and earned a spot, however temporary it was expected to be. And he became a shortstop, a position at which he had little experience over his career.
“It’s not my natural position so it takes a little time to gain confidence again and remain confident in my ability to do it,” Green admitted. “But it’s one of those things you gotta play every day. You can’t sit four days and then go play. You might not get a ground ball or you might not get a certain play in a certain situation.”
Offensively, Green has come up big several times. On May 24 he hit a two-run fifth-inning single that put the Sox ahead of the Mets. On June 11 against the Yankees he hits an eighth-inning leadoff single that keyed a three-run rally. He also made a great play on a ground ball.
“Couldn’t happen to a better guy,” said Jason Bay. “He’s been a big part of our team this year, especially playing that shortstop spot. There’s playing shortstop, an important position at the major league level, and a few places, this being one of them, it might not just be another position on the field, and Greenie’s handled it unbelievable. He’s an easy guy to cheer for, at a very important position.”
With Daisuke done, Dusty debuts
Posted on June 21, 2009 by Mike Fine
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With Daisuke Matsuzaka on the DL, the Sox promoted Pawtucket catcher Dusty Brown to the big club, probably until John Smoltz is activated Friday. Today marks Brown’s major league debut.
“It’s exciting and unexpected,” Brown said after reporting from Durham, where he was with the PawSox. “I’m looking forward to getting whatever I can get.”
Brown said the call-up came out of the blue, that he hadn’t heard a thing, but Sox manager Terry Francona explained that with George Kottaras catching Tim Wakefield today, and with the team scheduled for a day off tomorrow, he could use Brown in a pinch today and make sure Varitek gets a good rest.
Brown feels he’s been solidly defensively for the PawSox, but needs to be more consistent offensively. “I’ve struggled, but there’s been bright spots. I’m trying to find consistency.” Brown was batting .239 with two home runs and 12 RBI in 47 games.
In other matters, Mike Lowell is being given a second straight day off today. “He’s doing OK,” said Francona, who’s concerned about Lowell’s hip. “I thought we’d give him another day. Because he keeps saying it’s OK (to play), he’s gone too long without a blow. He’s just a little beat up, and with the day off tomorrow this makes a little sense.”
Jed Lowrie was scheduled to start a rehab stint with the PawSox today, probably with a five-inning outing. The goal is to get him strong and not fatigued.
Daisuke never was ready
Posted on June 21, 2009 by Mike Fine
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The Red Sox today have placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list, but manager Terry Francona says it won’t be a simple matter of coming back after two weeks. The manager says that the MRI taken on Matsuzaka yesterday was identical to one taken in April, which is good news, because it means there isn’t any structural damage, but the right shoulder is weak. Francona says it’s because of the World Baseball Congress, the fact that Matsuzaka never had any spring training, never got a “foundation” because he was forced to ramp up his pitching program before he was ready.
The Sox brought up Pawtucket catcher Dusty Brown to replace Matsuzaka, presumably until John Smoltz is activated Thursday.
“This is not gonna be a two-week DL,” Francona said of Matsuzaka. “We’re gonna have to figure this out. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us trying to get him back to being Daisuke. I don’t know if we can give him a week off and say, ‘your shoulder is going to be strong.’”
Francona said the club hadn’t worked out details about the rehab process, but indicated it would try to get him to Florida for work. Matsuzaka had already been disabled earlier in the season and began the process of starting his own personal spring training. It appears that he might be back to that point.
“He pretty much started over last time,” said the manager. “We were never able to get that foundation. We’ve got to try to figure it out. This (him pitching) is obviously not working.”
Francona has attempted to be respectful of the MLB/WBC process, but he also knows it’s not working in the case of the Red Sox.
“I know MLB was behind it. I had enough conversations about cooperating, having players play if they were able. I understand, but we’re down a pitcher. We want to have a lot of pitchers. This is a pitcher who won 36 games for us in two years. That’s a lot of games and we don’t have him. If we had a chance to ramp him up for spring training we would have a better chance.”
Francona said that Matsuzaka took the news well, and he’s already checking out video of his performances, but he also knows that he was forced into action long before he was ready in the spring. “He knows he pitched almost in earnest before he was ready. There’s no getting around that. I don’t see how you can.”
The usual procedure is for pitchers to start with a couple of innings and then spend some time in the bullpen-not to start pitching immediately in games that matter. “He said he was trying to get outs before he was ready,” the manager said.
Matsuzaka refused to blame the WBC for his troubles, saying he was fully prepared to pitch. He also said that he approached the coaching staff prior to his getting disabled because he didn’t want to be a burden on the pitching staff.
DK on DL
Posted on June 21, 2009 by Mike Fine
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Here’s a quickie, and I’ll have some detailed notes shortly: Daisuke Matsuzaka has been placed on the disabled list because of weakness in his right shoulder. Sox manager Terry Francona continues to bemoan Matsuzaka’s participation in the WBC as the reason, but he wants to make sure Matsuzaka gets right before coming back. The manager says this won’t be a simple two-week rehab.
To fill his roster spot, the Sox called up Pawtucket catcher Dusty Brown, probably until John Smoltz returns Thursday.
Tarp’s on the field, but the Sox and Braves are expected to play today. Here’s the lineups:
red sox:
pedroia 2b
drew rf
youkilis 3b
bay lf
ortiz dh
kotsay 1b
ellsbury cf
green ss
kottaras c
wakefield p
braves:
mclouth cf
escobar ss
jones 3b
mccann c
anderson lf
kotchman 1b
prado 2b
ross c
blanco rf
jurjens p
Daisuke in the dumps
Posted on June 19, 2009 by Mike Fine
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Through the years he’d become a rock star in Japan, both as a high-schooler and a pro. The Red Sox thought he was worth $100 million dollars, and while he fought through some rough patches before, Daisuke Matsuzaka has become just another struggling major league pitcher, the same as any kid coming up through the minors trying to find a place on a major league roster.
For now, that’s how Matsuzaka is looking at himself, too. “If I keep going like this,” said the 2008 18-game winner, “I have no right to be part of the rotation.”
Matsuzaka was abysmal tonight as the Red Sox suffered an 8-2 loss to the visiting Atlanta Braves, who got a terrific effort from their own Japanese star, Kenshin Kawakami. The Sox only banged out two hits-a night (both by Jason Bay–one a home run) after they managed one in a rain-shortened loss to Florida-but with Matsuzaka getting off to such a poor start, they hardly had a chance.
In the first inning the right-hander gave up a leadoff first-pitch home run to Nate McLouth, followed by two singles, all on four pitches. He then walked two straight batters before eventually getting out with two runs scored thanks to a double play. But he also gave up two in the fourth and two in the fifth, and the ferocity with which the Braves were banging eight hits off him was startling. Balls were flying all over the park, and deep.
“They hit some balls pretty hard,” said Sox manager Terry Francona, who says he’ll take the Monday off day to explore some options, and with John Smoltz coming into pitch next Thursday, the manager might have some. “Sure it’s tough. Early, it looked like he wasn’t as confident as we’ve seen him. it wasn’t from a lack of trying. We know that. He’s a guy who’s won a lot of games for us. we need to figure it out.”
To his credit, Matsuzaka gave a stand-up, honest press conference, and he’s just as stymied as his manager. He tried to make adjustments almost right off the bat, he said, but nothing worked. “I felt I had to do whatever it took to get out of that rut,” he said. “When I came out of the game I looked at video, and what I saw was completely different than what I thought I was doing.”
Maybe the hardest thing to take was an impatient Fenway Park crowd. Often on edge during his Houdini acts on the mound, the crowd was downright hostile tonight, booing after the first pitch and throughout his four-innings-plus stint. “”Everyone knows I haven’t been performing well,” he said. “As a professional I have to accept a reaction like that.”
Matsuzaka said he couldn’t remember ever having a start like that, but that this was definitely his worst in Boston. Heck, everyone knows that.
“I’d have to say that never before have I faced such a tough time period,” he said. I also believe it has to end sometime. I have to do what it takes.”
He said he’s often used video in the past and has always found a way out of his dilemma. “Even if I couldn’t see the answer right away, I found a way out. This time it’s taking too much time. Now might be the time to reach out for some advice.”
He didn’t elaborate on that.
Matsuzaka is now 0-5 in his last five starts at home, with an 8.23 ERA.
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