Author Archive

Victor Martinez, Boston Red Sox Sweep Halos, Prepare to Host NY Yankees

Things looked pretty bleak across Red Sox Nation just four days ago. The team had just been swept by the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, and arrived in Boston prepared for a 10 game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. The team’s performance over the weekend was hapless and uninspired, and the abyss appeared to have no bottom.

And then the team held a players only meeting.

It’s unclear who called the meeting (captain Jason Varitek?) or what was said, but whatever happened on Monday afternoon at Fenway Park appears to have made a dramatic impression on the players.

The Sox beat the Angels on Monday, behind an uneven performance from Clay Buchholz, then enjoyed back-to-back outstanding efforts by Jon Lester and John Lackey in 5-1 and 3-1 victories.

Last night, they survived a disastrous first inning by Daisuke Matsuzaka, and rallied for an 11-6 win, powered by catcher Victor Martinez. Martinez single-handedly tied the game with a two-run home run, his second of the season, in the third inning, and a two-run double in the fifth. It was Martinez’ first home run in a month.

With the win, the Red Sox swept the Angels in a four-game series at Fenway Park for the first time since dreaming the impossible dream in 1967.

The victory also gave the Red Sox a winning record (15-14) for the first time since their opening-night win over the Yankees, who begin their three-game weekend series with Boston tonight.

After Martinez tied the game at four, the Red Sox added three more runs in the fifth inning, courtesy of a two-run single by Jeremy Hermida and an RBI-double by Darnell McDonald.

Angels catcher Mike Napoli cut the lead to a run with a wind-blown, two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning.

But the Sox added four more runs in the bottom of the frame.

Boston scored on a bases-loaded walk to JD Drew, an RBI-single by Adrian Beltre, an error by 2B Howie Kendrick, and a force out by McDonald. It was nothing fancy, but it didn’t have to be.

As for Matsuzaka, he settled down nicely after a horrible first inning and ultimately earned the “W.”

Matsuzaka walked the first two batters of the game. After a Torii Hunter RBI-single, the Angels executed a double steal and Hideki Matsui drew the third walk of the inning to re-load the bases. Juan Rivera drove in one run on a force out at second and Howie Kendrick drove in two with a double to put LA up, 4-0.

But Matsuzaka allowed just two hits over the next four innings while his teammates rallied to take the lead.  He retired 13 of the last 16 batters he faced. Matsuzaka has evened his record at 1-1 after missing the first month of the season due to a neck strain and conditioning problems.

Red Sox starting pitchers are now 6-1 in the last nine games.

————————————

While LA Angels southpaw Scott Kazmir was once a Red Sox nemesis, in his early years with the Tampa Bay Rays, he’s been relatively pedestrian against Boston over the last few seasons. Kazmir’s struggles continued last night: 4.1 IP, seven runs, six hits, five walks, and three strikeouts.

Why did he struggle? Well, the fact that he only threw 59 strikes in 107 pitches probably had something to do with it.

————————————

With the offense, pitching, and defense seemingly clicking—finally—the Yankees series promises to be a good one. There are three outstanding pitching matchups on tap for the weekend:

Tonight (7:00 PM): RHP Phil Hughes (3-0, 1.44) vs. RHP Josh Beckett (1-0, 6.31)

Saturday (on FOX at 3:00): LHP CC Sabathia (4-1, 2.74) vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (3-2, 2.97)

Sunday (ESPN, 8:00): RHP A.J. Burnett (4-0, 1.99) vs. LHP Jon Lester (2-2, 3.93)

I’ll take the Sox tonight and on Sunday, flip a coin on Saturday afternoon.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Boston Red Sox 2004 ALCS Hero Dave Roberts Discloses He Has Lymphoma

Caption: Dave Roberts scored one of the most important runs in franchise history in the ninth inning of Game Four of the 2004 ALCS.  The run tied the game and helped set the stage for the Red Sox to execute the greatest comback in MLB history.

He’s the guy who owns the biggest stolen base in the history of the Red Sox franchise. Heck, it’s fair to say his legendary swipe may be the biggest stolen bases in major league history. Think about it. Can you come up with a stolen base that was more impactful in the crucial moment of a big game?

Anyone?

Close your eyes for a moment, and remember when…

It was Sunday night, October 17, 2004. The Red Sox trailed the NY Yankees three games-to-none in the ALCS, and they trailed Game Four 4-3, as they came up to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning.

On the mound for the Evil Empire was Mariano Rivera—the best closer in the history of the game. Kevin Millar drew a five-pitch walk and was immediately replaced by outfielder Dave Roberts, who was acquired by the front office in a deadline-day trade (for minor leaguer Henri Stanley) for JUST THIS REASON.

With third baseman Bill Mueller at the plate, Rivera threw over to first base—again and again and again. On the first pitch, Roberts sprinted towards second base. Yankees catcher Jorge Posada fielded the pitch (a ball) and threw to shortstop Derek Jeter, who was covering the bag.

We all thought: “Run you son-of-a-bitch!”

Roberts slid head-first into the bag. Jeter fielded the throw, which was just a little bit towards the left field side of the bag, and made a fluid tag. Second base umpire Joe West extended his arms. “Safe!”

Red Sox Nation screamed. The Red Sox bench exulted. THERE WAS LIFE!

Two pitches later, Mueller ripped a base hit into center field. Bernie Williams threw home…too late. Red Sox:4, Yankees:4. Three innings later, A Man Called Papi hit a bomb and sent the Red Sox home winners. The rest was history…

Literally.

Today we learned Roberts, who played such an integral role in franchise history in spite of the fact he wore the uniform for only three months, has cancer. Hodgkins lymphoma to be precise.

In a conference call with the media, he informed the world he was diagnosed in mid-March. The good news, he says, is the cancer was detected early, and his prognosis is “good.” There is rarely a good aspect of being diagnosed with cancer, but if you are a glass-half-full kinda guy, then this early catch was surely good news.

He said he has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy so far, and added: “I expect to beat this fully.”

Roberts wanted to keep his illness private, but he is working in the public eye, as a special assistant for Jed Hoyer and the San Diego Padres. He knew the change in appearance (as he undergoes the chemo treatments) will be noticed. So he decided to deal with the public disclosure head on.

He said: “Going forward, I definitely hope that I can keep this private with my family.”

Roberts said he began feeling some soreness in his neck before spring training. He discovered a lump. And when the lump began to grow, he knew he had a problem.

He continued to work with players during spring training. ”Going to the ballpark and working with the players, or going to a minor league affiliate and seeing the guys, it stimulates me and keeps me going and keeps me positive,” Roberts said.

He said he has to pace himself.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of the popular outfielder: “I know we’ve got a lot of people pulling for him here. He probably knows that—everywhere he’s been.”

Former teammate Tim Wakefield said: “We prayed for him in chapel yesterday. Hopefully, a lot of prayers go his way.” Amen, Tim.

Here’s a request to Red Sox Nation: when you go to bed tonight and tomorrow night and for many nights thereafter, please add Dave Roberts to your list of intercessions.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Embarrassed In Baltimore: Red Sox Swept By Lowly Orioles, 3-2

Now THIS was embarrassing!

The Red Sox may have been humbled by their four-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays two weeks ago, but they were downright humiliated by their performance in Baltimore this weekend.

It was the first time the Orioles swept the Red Sox in a three-game series at home since September, 1974. Heck, it was the first time since 1998 that the Orioles swept a series of three games or more against anyone (and THAT was a four-game sweep against the Red Sox)!

For the Baltimore Orioles, these are the best of times. They have managed to compile a three-game winning streak after going 2-16 to start the year. Afterwards, O’s Manager Dave Trembley said: “It’s just great for the team, individuals who have gone through a lot of pain and mimicry for 30 days. I believe we’ve gotten through the worst and the good days are ahead.”

For the Boston Red Sox, these are the worst of times. The Orioles now have seven wins this season, and four of them have come against the Red Sox (in just 6 games). The team seems to be what the NY Yankees were for many years — a collection of highly-talented players unable to play as a team. In the media room after the ballgame, Terry Francona said: “We’re going to have to regroup in a hurry and figure it out.”

The master of under-statement!

Both starting pitchers were highly effective in today’s contest — a good sign for the Red Sox and Josh Beckett (who has been brutal recently). He allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings, walking no one and striking out six. Orioles righty Kevin Millwood remained winless in his first season with Baltimore despite giving up just two runs on five hits in eight innings… he has a 3.15 ERA over six starts but has repeatedly been hurt by poor run support.

The Orioles scored two runs in the fourth inning. They loaded the bases with no one out. Beckett then struck out DH Luke Scott before LF Nolan Reimold drove in the first run with fielder’s choice. 1B Rhyne Hughes delivered a two-out RBI double to give the home team a 2-zip lead.

C Jason Varitek homered in the fifth to get the Red Sox on the scoreboard, and J.D. Drew led off the seventh with his third home run of the series to get things knotted at two-apiece.

Things remained even until 2B Ty Wigginton doubled home the game-winning run in the 10th following a throwing error by Jonathan Papelbon on an attempted pick-off play. RF Nick Markakis led off with a walk and went to second on the errant throw. He later then scored without a throw when Wigginton doubled to left-center field.

Matt Albers (2-3) pitched a scoreless 10th inning for his second win in the series.

For the second time this season, a decision by third base coach Tim Bogar may well have cost the Red Sox a game—this one will be referred to as Bogar’s Boner, Part II. The Red Sox had baserunners at first and second base with two outs in the eighth inning when Dustin Pedroia ripped a line-drive single into left field. Bogar sent the slow-footed Varitek home in spite of the fact he had barely touched third base when the ball was fielded in relatively short left field by Reimold. “Tek was thrown out easily.

NESN broadcasters Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy then insulted the intelligence of their viewers when they declared Bogar “had to send” Varitek home under the circumstances. Talk about pandering to the club! The mere suggestion that Bogar ‘had to’ send Varitek home under the circumstances—with Reimold in short left field was preposterous! I expected more from The Rem-Dawg, a LOT more!

———————————–

Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch with a strained left groin. Mike Lowell started at 1B in his place.

———————————–

Seven of Jason Varitek’s 11 hits this season have been for extra bases.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Copyright © 1996-2010 Kuzul. All rights reserved.
iDream theme by Templates Next | Powered by WordPress