Building Dynasties in Boston, Part II

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Around the Majors with Buster Olney

May 18, 2009

Chamberlain Making Critics Forget Cashman Mis-Steps

New York, NY -- Brian Cashman passed on Johan Santana in hopes of having Ian Kennedy and Philip Hughes in his rotation instead. As May passes the mid point, neither Kennedy nor Hughes has yet to throw a pitch, but much of the criticism has been muted thanks to the pitching of phenom Joba Chamberlain.

Despite losing his last start, Chamberlain is an incredible 9-1 in 10 starts this year, leading baseball in wins for the second place Yankees (29-17, 6 GB AL East, 1st WC).

Early AL Cy-Young Contenders:

Joba Chamberlain  9-1, 3.18 ERA, 16.3 VORP, 63 K's, 8.02 K/9, .225 OAVG, 1 SHO
Tim Wakefield       7-0, 2.39 ERA, 20.8 VORP
Ervin Santana        5-0, 2.02 ERA, 23.2 VORP, 1.59 BB/9, 4.91 K/BB, .98 WHIP, 9.10 Runners/9
Kevin Millwood      5-0, 2.43 ERA, 24.6 VORP, .226 OAVG
Roy Halladay        3-4, 2.38 ERA, 24.4 VORP, .12 HR/9

"Joba is definately a name to watch, but be weary of his innings. In 2007, he threw just about 90 innings in the minors and 24 in the majors," a rival scout noted. "He's already thrown 70 in 10 starts, he'll burn out eventually."

Still, it is quite a remarkable transition for Chamberlain, who came to the public's attention last season with the "Joba Rules" in the New York bullpen, but now is the Yankees #1 starter.

• 1. Chamberlain
• 2. Dan Giese (3-0, 1.27)
• 3. Chien-Ming Wang (2-3, 5.06)
• 4. Mike Mussina (4-2, 4.45)
• 5. Andy Pettitte (2-4, 5.47)

"They are struggling with injuries to their kids, that they are the backbone of Cashman's plan," one NL General Manager said. "New York always will have the room to go after that missing piece in June or July, but right now, it looks like Cashman might have gambled wrong."

With Boston (Matsuzaka, Lester, Buccholz), Tampa Bay (David Price, Scott Kazmir, Edwin Jackson, Matt Garza, and James Shields), Toronto (Jesse Litsch, Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum) and Baltimore (Radhames Liz, Garret Olson, and Daniel Cabrera) all developing young arms in the majors right now, the Yankees will need to get their development into gear to keep up in the new baseball landscape.

Around the Major:

• Jim Leyland's no-nonsense approach might be wearing thin on today's players. Leyland's former team, the Detroit Tigers, saw their ERA drop from 5.37 with him to 5.02 without, while the Blue Jays, 2-3 in five games under Leyland, have seen their team ERA rise from 4.57 under John Gibbons to 4.98 under Leyland.
• Doug Mientkiewicz, a World Series winner with Boston, might be out of a job soon in Pittsburgh. With Adam LaRoche on the 15-day DL, the Pirates (25-20, 2nd NL Central, -4.5 GB) are giving the slick gloved first baseman a long look, but the results (.159 avg., .528 OPS) haven't been there for a team in surprising contention early.
• The Atlanta Braves disabled list may be able to defeat some teams on their own these days: SP J. Jurrjens (1 week), SP J. Smoltz (8-9 months), CL M. Gonzalez (4 weeks), 3B Chipper Jones (7 months), SS Y. Escobar (7 months), and LF M. Diaz (1 week).
• Jeff Salazar's move from Arizona's crowded outfield to San Diego seems to be paying off, as the veteran's batting average is up from .243 to .364 with the Padres.

[BostonRS14]

Kansas City Royals v. Boston Red Sox

Coming off a three game sweep of the Brewers, the Red Sox are back to facing the American League with the Kansas City Royals making their first appearance at Fenway for a four game series. The Royals are themselves coming off a three game sweep of the Florida Marlins.

The Royals (22-22) are currently in third place in the AL Central, 4.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox. Kansas City currently ranks fourth in American League in batting (.279 avg.) and are led by DH Billy Butler (.331 avg., 5 HRs, 21 RBIs) and C Kelly Shoppach (.328 avg., 4 HRs, 27 RBIs).

Project Matchups:
5/19: Gil Meche (3-4, 4.63 ERA) v. Clay Buchholz (3-0, 4.57)
5/20: Luke Hudson (3-2, 4.86) v. Josh Beckett (3-2, 3.40)
5/21: Zack Greinke (4-5, 4.63) v. Daisuke Matsuzaka (5-3, 4.40)
5/22: Luke Hochevar (1-3, 4.43) v. Jon Lester (5-1, 4.59)

[BostonRS14]

May 19, 2008

Boston 6, Kansas City 2

With a four game winning streak on the line, the Red Sox were looking to make a statement against the Royals as the Yankees continue to slip further back in the rearview mirror.

"We don't necessarily obsess with them", Jason Varitek said before the series opener with Kansas City, "but we are aware of were they are, just like we are with Tampa, Baltimore and the Jays. Today, we're focused on the Royals and [Gil] Meche."

Clay Buchholz, who has been getting extra tutorage under Varitek this season, continued to prove his naysayers wrong with seven and a third innings of strong pitching in getting his fourth win of the season.

"Clay barely got into any trouble tonight, that's what we want from him," pitching coach John Farrel said. "Clay just needs to let his god-given ability take over and follow 'Tek's lead and he'll due fine out there."

A pair of back-to-back singles from Juio Lugo and Jason Varitek in the third got Boston on the board first. J.D. Drew led off the inning with a double to left and was followed by a one-out walk to Kevin Youkilis before Lugo knocked in Drew for the game's first run. Varitek followed on the very next pitch with a long single off the wall that brought home both Youkilis and Lugo without a thrown.

Sloppy play in the 5th cut the lead to two for Boston. After a lead-off double by Mike Aviles, Kevin Youkilis committed his second error of the year at first base, bobbling a throw from Dustin Pedroia long enough to allow Jason Smith to reach base and Aviles to advance to third. Facing Kelly Shoppach, Buchholz bounced a breaking ball in front of the plate allowing the runner at third to score easily. Regaining his composure after a visit to the mound from Varitek, Buchholz proceed to strike out Shoppach, Jose Guillen and Esteban German to end the inning.

The Sox got the run right back in the bottom of the inning, when Varitek and Coco Crisp both put line drives into the right field corner for doubles. The two teams traded runs once again in the eight, as Lee Gronkiewicz surrendered just his third run in 25 innings this season to earn the save.

For his career, Buchholz is now 7-1 in 12 appearances, 11 starts.

W: Buchholz (4-0) L: Meche (3-5) SV: Gronkiewicz (1)
Player of the Game: Clay Buchholz (7.1 IP, 6 Hs, 2 Rs, 6 Ks', BB, 109 PI)

Around the League:
...Los Angeles signed MR Joe Beimel (16g, 1-2, 6.33 ERA, 12.1 IP, 10 BB, 9 K, 1.59 WHIP, -2.9 VORP) to a 1-year contract extension worth $820k...Arizona placed 2B Orlando Hudson (.329 avg., 8 2Bs, 14 RBIs, 18 Rs, 1.037 OPS, 12.4 VORP) on the 60-day disabled list...

[BostonRS14]

May 20, 2008

Boston 8, Kanas City 5

With the wind blowing out of Fenway, the pitchers were fortunate to escape without whiplash. Josh Beckett and Luke Hudson combined to surrender 24 hits between the two as Boston rallied late to defeat the Royals 8-5.

After jumping out to a three run lead thanks to a David Ortiz home run, the Sox saw Beckett give it right up. Jose Guillen drove home David DeJesus with a double off the wall in the top of the 2nd and Russ Gload added a two-run single in the 3rd before DeJesus put the Royals ahead with a double to score Gload.

Trailing 5-3, Boston loaded the bases against Hudson in the bottom of the 5th with a pair of walks to J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell and an infield single by Kevin Youkilis. After a Jason Varitek struck out, Julio Lugo singled home two to tie it at 5-5 and, after Coco Crisp greeted Ramon Ramirez with a walk, Dustin Pedroia doubled to deep center to clear the bases and put Boston ahead for good.

W: Beckett (4-2) L: Hudson (3-3) DV: Papelbon (15)
Player of the Game: David DeJesus (4-4, 3 2Bs, R, 2 RBI)

[BostonRS14]

May 21, 2008

Boston 3, Kansas City 1

After watching the ball fly around the park last night, a pitcher's duel broke out a Fenway with a combined 8 hits from the Sox and Royals as Boston held on for a 3-1 victory over Kansas City.

Daisuke Matsuzaka and Zack Greinke kept batters off rhythm all night, despite a wind blowing out to left at 12 mph.

"He mixes his pitches up as well as anyone else," Jason Varitek said of Greinke. "He's young, but you can see the potential that everyone has been raving about all these years. Same with Daisuke. He's coming into his own this year, learning how to work American hitters."

Trailing 1-0 in the 4th after a solo home run from Jose Guillen, Coco Crisp led off the inning with a walk. After advancing to second on a sac bunt by Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz got Boston's first hit of the game, a line drive RBI-single to right that score Crisp easily to tie the game.

In the fifth, Boston went ahead after Jose Guillen misjudged a liner to right field that bounced down to the corner, allowing Mike Lowell to pick up his first triple of the year. Julio Lugo followed with a double to center and Jason Varitek singled to right for an insurance run.

Matsuzaka made the lead stick for Boston, picking up his third complete game of the season.

W: Matsuzaka (6-3) L: Greinke (4-6)
Player of the Game: Daisuke Matsuzaka ( 9 IP, 4 Hs, 1 R, 8 K's, 112 PI)

Around the League:
...Anaheim CL Franciso Rodriguez (19 g, 2-2, 11 SVs., 2.21 ERA) is expected to miss 8 weeks after straining a muscle in his back...Edison Volquez (4-4, 2.48 ERA) led the Reds to a 9-0 win over Los Angeles with a 4 hit shutout, striking out 10 and walking none...1B Scott Hatteberg (33g, .220 avg., 1 HR, 13 RBIS, -6.3 VORP) was released by the Cincinnati Reds. Hatteberg agreed to join the Seibu Lions of the Nippon League (1 yr./$2.072m)...

[BostonRS14]

May 22, 2008

Boston 11, Kansas City 5

Despite sitting regulars Coco Crisp, Julio Lugo and Manny Ramirez, Terry Francona's club was able to finish off the sweep of teh Kansas City Royals by the score of 11-5 at Fenway.

A seven-run third inning, punctuated by a bases-loaded, three-run double from David Ortiz, was the key Kevin Youkilis and Brandon Moss added back-to-back solo home runs in the inning in securing Jon Lester's sixth victory of the season. The home run was the first of Moss' major league career after 22 in six minor league seasons.

Ortiz added a two-run home run in the seventh to put the game out of reach for the Sox as Kansas City had climbed back to within 7-3.

With the sweep, Boston has guaranteed a season series win against the Royals, as the two clubs meet up again only for a three game series in August in Kanas City.

W: Lester (6-1) L: Bannisters (2-3)
Player of the Game: David Ortiz (2-3, 2B, HR, 2 Rs, 5 RBIs, BB)

Around the League:
...Toronto released C Robinson Diaz (14g, .255 avg., .314 slg.). Diaz signed with the Tijuana Potros of the Mexican League..2B Felipe Lopez (.241 avg., 3 HRs, 12 rBIs, -0.3 VORP) signed a 4-year contract extension worth $2.36m with the Washington Nationals...

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Oakland Athletics

The Boston Red Sox are traveling west to face the slumping Oakland Athletics (17-31) in a three game series at McAfee Coliseum.

The Athletics, currently in fourth place in American League West, trail the Anaheim Angels by 8.5 games. They currently rank 11th in the AL in runs scored (212) and 14th in batting average (.233). On the other side of the diamond, they have given up 257 runs (14th) compared to 180 (1st) for the Red Sox.

Project Matchups:
5/23: Tim Wakefield (7-0, 2.24) v. Kirk Saarloos (2-3, 5.24)
5/24: Clay Buchholz (4-0, 4.25) v. Joe Blanton (2-4, 3.93)
5.25: Josh Beckett (4-2, 3.71) v. Greg Smith (4-2, 3.35)

The Red Sox took three out of four games earlier in the season when the two teams opened the season in Japan.

[BostonRS14]

May 23, 2008

Oakland 5, Boston 2

The easy excuse wold be jet lag. Crossing the country after playing a night game the night before in Boston gives the Red Sox convenient cover for dropping a winable game against the A's.

Leading 2-1 in the sixth inning, manager Terry Francona made one of his mistakes this season when he left Tim Wakefield in to face Bobby Crosby. With the bases loaded, Wakefield's patented knuckleball did quite knuckle enough and Crosby easily desposited the ball into the stands for a grand slam.

"When it left my hand, I knew it was trouble," Wakefield said after the game. "I thought I had enough to get through Crosby and end the inning, but when it stayed over the middle, I knew it was trouble, just didn't see him putting it that far."

Brandon Moss had put the Sox ahead in the top of the 5th with his second home run of the season, a two run shot off Oakland starter Shigeki Noguchi.

W: Noguchi (5-1) L: Wakefield (7-1) SV: Street (8)
Player of the Game: Bobby Crosby (1-4, HR, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Baltimore released SP Matt Albers (9GS, 2-3, 5.36 ERA, 1.49 WHIP w/ Norfolk) and SP Steve Trachsel (6 GS, 0-4, 8.04 ERA, 2.18 WHIP)...Chicago White Sox SP Joe Saunders (6 GS, 2-1, 6.00 ERA w/ CHA) was placed on the 60-day DL with a torn back muscle. He is expected to miss 2-3 months...Geovany Soto (CHN) hit three home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 10-5 victory...

[BostonRS14]

May 24, 2008

Oakland 6, Boston 2

For only the second time all season, the Red Sox have lost back-to-back games. No need to panic just yet, it is only May, but the lack of effort on behalf of the offense is curious against a pitching staff that lacks a superior arm.

The Red Sox were never really in this game, falling behind by four early before rallying to cut the lead in half in the seventh.

Bobby Crosby continued his hot hitting, going 2-4 to raise his average to .324 for the season. Despite his success, manager Bob Geren continues to hit the right hander in the eighth spot in the lineup, behind such sluggers as Eric Chavez (.167, 7, 20) and Daric Barton (.196, 2, 5).

The A's got on the board in the first when start Clay Buchholz had difficulty with his control. After hitting leadoff batter Eric Patterson, Buchholz surrendered a two-run home run to Travis Buck.

In the bottom of the second, the Red Sox threatened, but Manny Ramirez was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first on a J.D. Drew double and Jason Varitek struck out looking with the bases loaded and two outs.

Varitek did redeem himself later in the game, when he hit a two-run single in the 7th inning when he came upon against Joe Blanton a second time with the bases loaded.

Oakland pulled away in the eighth with two insurance runs against Hideki Okajima. Robbie Robnett hit a two-run single to score Jack Cust (walk) and Wes Bankston (double) to secure the win for the A's.

W: Blanton (3-4) L: Buchholz (4-1) SV: Embree (2)
Player of the Game: Joe Blanton (7.0 IP, 7 Hs, 2 Rs, 5 BBs, 4 K's, 113 PI)

Around the League:
...Houston LF Carlos Lee (.251 avg., 7 HRs, 27 RBIs) could miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his MCL...SP Matt Albers joined the Red Sox on a 1-year, $390k contract. Albers was demoted to Pawtucket...The Chicago White Sox lost CF Jeff Davanon (.214 avg., 2 HRs, 17 RBIs) for four months with a fractured eye socket...

New England 1, Kansas City 0

Facing the only team in the league that they look up to in the standings, the Revolution brought their A-game to the pitch at Arrowhead Stadium in holding off the Wizards 1-0.

In a tightly-contested game, which on the balance of play could have been won by either side, it was eventually New England who did just enough to secure the win. Matt Reis' fine game kept the Revs in the mach until Khano Smith scored in the 67th minute to put New England ahead. The clean sheet is his third of the season.

Smith's goal came off a blocked free kick. Wells Thompson, after being pulled down in the goal box, punched the ball off the wall. Smith, bearing down on the goal, collected the rebound and skipped the ball past the Wizards' keeper for the score.

The victory enabled the Revolution (5-2-2, 17 pts.) to leap over the Wizard (5-1-2, 16 pts.) for top position in the Eastern Conference.

[BostonRS14]

May 25, 2008

Oakland 2, Boston 1

The Red Sox have to wonder what exactly happened to the club that looked so strong in racking up 16 wins in 17 games before heading to Oakland, because the performance this weekend was nothing short of embarrassing for a club expecting to play in the World Series.

In their latest defeat, the Red Sox offense mustered only four hits against the A's. Julio Lugo hit his first home run of the season in the third to Boston ahead, but Oakland came right back in the fourth to tie the game on a Daric Barton double off starter Josh Beckett. Wtih the score tied at one, Bobby Crosby added a sacrifice fly in the seventh to put the A's ahead.

Running out of time, the Red Sox rallied in the top of the ninth against closer Huston Street. Dustin Pedroia led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a Manny Ramirez single one out later. An error by Crosby on a potential game ending double play ball allowed Pedroia to score from third with the tying run. After a fly out advanced Ramirez to third, J.D. Drew was picked off first base to end the inning.

Lee Gronkiewicz came on in the ninth in relief of Javier Lopez and immediately struck out the first two batters he faced. But a walk to slugger Frank Thomas proved fatal. Pinch runner Emil Brown scored easily all the way from first when a line drive by Richie Robnett skipped past Ramirez in left and rolled all the way to the outfield wall.

The sweep by Oakland was only the third series loss by the Red Sox this season.

W: Street (1-0) L: Grenkiewicz (3-1)
Player of the Game: Greg Smith (8.0, 2 Hs, R, 11 K's, 102 PI)

Around the League:
...Minnesota Twins SP Boof Bonser (11 GS, 2-4, 4.11 ERA) shut out the Detroit Tigers 9-0, allowing just 5 hits while striking out 5 and walking 2...

[BostonRS14]

Diamond Notes with Peter Gammons

May 26, 2008

How will the loss of Carlos Lee affect the Houston Astros?

That's the question on a the minds of a lot of General Managers around the league this morning. As further news leaks out of the Astros camp as to the extent of their star sluggers injury, the Astros are reportedly mulling their replacement options.

While the season is still young, the Astros need to be realistic in their approach to fill Lee's void. Their payroll is already hovering around $100 million. They currently trail Chicago by 12.0 games in the NL Central and Philadelphia by 6 games in the NL Wild Card. They have the 7th best offense in the National League (4.8 runs/game) and the 9th best pitching staff (4.40 ERA) and yet are 24-28. They've lost 7 of their last 10 games.

With Darin Erstad, Jose cruz Jr. and David Newhan on their bench, manager Cecil Cooper has options to fill the void while Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada and Ty Willingham pick up the slack.

"This gives them a chance to really let [Michael] Bourn and [Hunter] Pence show what they are made of," one former NL Central GM said. "They've been holding onto Pence in every deal and now we get to see if he is the real deal or not. Was last year the truth or a were opposing pitchers unaware of his holes."

With Pence and Bourn in the lineup full time, the future of the Houston Astros is coming into focus. Lee is signed through 2012 and he jumps up to $18.5m after this season. Lance Berkman is signed through 2011 at $14.5m and Miguel Tejada through 2009 at $13m. Other than those three their only big money offensive player is Kaz Matsui who is at least as likely to show up from Spring Training each year as he is to give it all up and go back to Japan. The rest of the roster are mostly journeymen (Morgan Ensberg, Newhan, Mark Loretta) that could be replaced very easily.

"I think they are done with this crew," a rival GM said. "Tejada is a shell of his former self and Lee was a DH playing the field already and this injury isn't going to help. Oswalt and Berkman. That's their present. Best to start the rebuilding and stop letting their picks get away in free agency."

With Milwaukee developing youngsters at an alarming rate (Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo) and Pittsburgh starting to show some signs of a plan, the Astros are behind the curve in the youth movement in the NL Central. And the present, with Chicago and St. Louis much more attractive markets for free agents, Houston has their work cut out for them.

One name to watch is Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp. With Jacoby Ellsbury the future of the Red Sox and Brandon Moss proving he could play everyday right now, the Sox outfield is crowded enough that General Manager Theo Esptein is not ruling out moving Crisp if they could get some young prospects back. The 18-year old Crisp is signed for a reasonable $5.8 million in 2009 and $8.0 in 2010.

An outfield consisting of Crisp, Bourn and Pence would be one of the most athletic in the majors, and would allow the Astros to leave Berkman at first base, where he is less of a defensive liability.

From the Sox standpoint, the move would obviously open up at bats for their upcoming outfielders while replenishing a system that has seen quite a few graduates in recent years.

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Seattle Mariners

Boston has to be poised to bounce back from their difficulties in Oakland with their first trip to Seattle this season.

The Mariners (23-28) enter the series in 3rd place in the American League West, 3.5 games behind the Anaheim Angels, and in 7th place in the Wild card race. The Mariners, though, are on a cold streak, having lost six straight coming into the series. They currently rank 13th in the AL in runs (213) an 11th in batting (.262). Their pitching staff has been a bright spot, as their starting staff ranks 7th in ERA (4.52).

Project Matchups:
5/26: Diasuke Matsuzaka (6-3, 4.05 ERA) v. Eric Bedard (1-5, 4.48)
5/27: Jon Lester (6-1, 4.46) v. Felix Hernandez (5-4, 2.50)
5/28: Tim Wakefield (7-1, 2.74) v. Carlos Silvas (1-4, 7.11)

[BostonRS14]

May 26, 2008

Boston 3, Seattle 1

The Red Sox pitching staff once again showed itself to be amongst the elite in the league as Diasuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon combined for a three-hitter as the Sox took the opener of the three game series in Seattle, 3-1.

Matsuzka overcame two early errors by Kevin Youkilis and Sean Casey in allowing just one run over seven innings to pick up his seventh win of the season. Casey's error in the second put runners at first and third with one out, but Matsuzaka induced an inning-ending double play from Markus Saunders to end the threat. In the sixth, Youkilis miss played a groundball that allowed Seattle to load the bases with two outs, but Jeff Cirillo struck out looking to end the inning.

"We were fortunate the errors didn't hurt us," manager Terry Francona said afterwards. "We shuffled Youk at third and Casey into the lineup to give [Mike] Lowell the night off and pray for the best."

With the score tied 1-1 in the fourth, Manny Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to put Boston ahead 2-1. Dustin Pedroia, who led off the inning with a walk against Eric Bedard, scored easily from third without a throw. Coco Crisp added a sac fly in the top of the ninth for the insurance run.

The win broke Boston's three game losing streak, the longest of the season.

W: Matsuzaka (7-3) L: Bedard (1-6) SV: Papelbon (16)
Player of the Game: Matsuzaka (7.0 IP, 3 Hs, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 Ks, 115 PI)

Around the League:
...Chicago DH Jim Thome was named AL Player of the week. He wrapped up the week with a .474 average, 2 home runs and 9 RBIs...The NL Player of the Week award went to CF Corey Patterson of Cincinatti. Patterson put up a .423 average with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs...Corey Hart (MIL) and Shawn Hill (WAS) were supended 5 games a piece after being ejected from a recent ballgame...

[BostonRS14]

May 27, 2008

Boston 6, Seattle 4 (10)

The Red Sox survived one shaky inning from Jon Lester to defeat the Seattle Mariners, 6-4 in extra innings at Safeco Field.

Rolling ahead with a 4-0 lead thanks to a three-run home run by Dustin Pedroia, Lester got into trouble in the bottom of the fifth. After Ichiro and Jose Vidro lead off with a pair of singles, Adrian Beltre knocked a double to right-center driving home both runners. Ryan Raburn brought home Beltre to cut the Sox lead to 4-3.

In the sixth, Jeff Cirillo hit a solo home run off Lester to tie the game at 4, which is where the game remained until the 10th inning. With lefty Eric O'Flaherty on the mound for Seattle, David Ortiz led off the inning with a double to left. Alex Cora came in as a pinch runner and the Mariners intentionally walked Manny Ramirez to put the double play into play, but O'Flaherty wasn't able to get the job done. A pair of walks to J.D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis broke the tie. After a Mike Lowell fielder's choice got Ramirez out at the plate, Julio Lugo fought off 8 fouls before a deep fly to center brought home Drew for the insurance run.

Jonathan Papelbon relieved Manny Delcarmen and worked a perfect 10th for the save.

W: Delcarmen (3-1) L: O'Flaherty (0-1) SV: Papelbon (17)

Around the League:
...Oakland traded MR Santiago Casilla (14g, 4.42 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for minor league starting pitcher Aaron Laffey (11gs, 7-2, 2.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP w/ BUF)...New York RF Bobby Abreu (.302 avg., 4 HRs, 20 RBIs) was injured running the bases and is expected to miss about 6 weeks...

[BostonRS14]

May 28, 2008

Boston 4, Seattle 3

Lee Gronkiewicz has to be making a case for the All Star Game at this point. After almost two months worth of time to come back to Earth, the veteran right hander continues to surprise everyone. This time, it was three innings of hitless relief that held onto a 4-3 lead that enabled the Red Sox to complete their sweep of the Seattle Mariners.

Gronkiewicz pitches during the late innings against Seattle

Taking over in the top of the seventh after Javier Lopez was unable to prevent two inheritated runners from scoring and cutting the Sox lead to one, Gronkiewicz lowered his ERA to 1.16 in 31.0 innings over 17 apperances. Starter Tim Wakefield was strong for six innings before he got into trouble in the seventh. With a four run lead, Wakefield gave up a single to Adrian Beltre before walking Ryan Raburn. Michael Morse single to right to move the runners up a base, but the throw-in from Brandon Moss skipped past Kevin Youkilis at first, allowing Beltre to score from second. Lopez came on in relief of Wakefield to face Jeff Clement, but pinch hitter Jeff Cirillo put a double off the wall in center to plate two.

Boston got on the board earlier in the second, when Jason Varitek hit a two-run single off Seattle starter Miguel Batista. The Red Sox loaded the bases in the 6th against Batista. Dustin Pedroia and Manny Ramirez hit RBI-singles to push the Sox ahead by four before Eric O'Flaherty replaced Batista and struck out J.D. Drew to end the inning.

W: Wakefield (8-1) L: Batista (4-3) SV: Gronkiewicz (2)
Player of the Game: Jason Varitek (3-5, R, 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Anaheim designated CF Gary Matthews, Jr. (40g, .393 avg., 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, .464 OBP) for assignment...

New England Set to Defend US Cup

The initial draw is in and the New England Revolution will begin their defense of the US Cup with a Quarter Final matchup against FC Dallas.

The US Cup is an American soccer competition open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams all the way up to the top professional clubs of Major League Soccer. Currently, eight teams from each level of the American Soccer Pyramid take part in the competition proper, with each league narrowing its delegation separately in the spring before the competition officially begins in the summer. In some cases, additional teams play in qualifying rounds to gain entry. One example is found with MLS clubs, as only the top six from the previous regular season get an automatic bid, while the bottom U.S.-based MLS teams face each other to qualify for the remaining two MLS slots.

New England defeated Los Angeles 3-2 in 2007 to win their first title.

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Baltimore Orioles

The Red Sox are coming back East after splitting their West Coast trip (3-3). Boston (42-14) still has a strong lead in the AL East, leading the Yankees (37-22) by 7.5 games. The Orioles (25-29) are currently in third place in the division, trailing the Red Sox by 16 games.

Offensively, the Orioles are led by young right fielder Nick Markakis, who leads the team in batting (.337) and home runs (10) and is tied for third in RBIs (23). Veteran 1B/3B Aubrey Huff leads the team in runs batted in with 28. Daniel Cabrera appears to have finally put together the pieces, lowering his ERA a point and a half from last season. In 12 starts, the right hander is 5-4 with a 3.93 ERA and 70 K's. The rest of the starting staff has been unimpressive, as the team ranks 14th in ERA (5.15) and 7th in runs allowed (264).

The two teams split their two previous meetings of the season.

Project Matchups:

5/30: Clay Buchholz (4-1, 4.47 ERA) v. Jermey Guthrie (3-4, 5.40)
5/31: Josh Beckett (4-2, 3.59) v. Brian Burres (4-4, 5.12)
6/1: Diasuke Matsuzaka (7-3, 3.84) v. Daniel Cabrera (5-3, 4.34)
6/2: Jon Lester (6-1, 4.35) v. Radhames Liz (5-3, 4.18)

[BostonRS14]

May 30, 2008

Baltimore 12, Boston 3

Chalk it up to Jet Lag, maybe? Inexperience? We're not sure, but whatever it was, let's hope it was just one night and not a sign of things to come. The Orioles completely owned Clay Buchholz and the Red Sox last night, winning easily by nine in the opener of a four game series at Camden Yards.

Baltimore jumped ahead early off Buchholz, who could not locate his fastball all night. The young right hander lasted only two and one-third innings, surrendering seven runs on four hits and six walks. In the first, after recording the first two outs of the inning on strikeouts, Buchholz walked Nick Markakis and Luke Scott, before an Aubrey Huff three-run home run put the O's ahead. Walks to Scott Moore and Kevin Millar were sandwiched around a Freddy Bynum single to load the bases, but the Orioles only managed one more run in the inning on a walk to Ramon Hernandez before the 10th batter of the inning, Brian Roberts, popped out to Jason Varitek to end the inning.

"Obviously, those walks killed him," manager Terry Francona said afterwards. "Whenever you give up that many (5) walks in a game it is going to hurt, but an inning, that's not something a guy like Clay is ready to overcome."

Surprisingly, Buchholz came back out in the second inning and retired the side 1-2-3 on a pair of strikeouts and a fly ball. But, in the third, the O's struck the deciding blow. With two outs, Ramon Hernandez ended Buchholz night with a three-run home run to right-center. Brian corey relieved Buchholz and immediately surrendered a double to Brian Roberts, but Varitek caught the speedy second baseman trying to steal third to end the inning. Varitek also caught Tike Redman trying to steal second in the bottom of the 5th to end the inning as well.

Red Sox starter Clay Buccholz walks back to the mound after Aubrey Huff's home run

The Orioles pulled ahead by 10 before the Sox got on the board in the fifth. A lead-off double by Mike Lowell was followed by a single from Julio Lugo against Baltimore starter Brian Burres. Lugo was stranded on second when a David Ortiz fly ball was caught at the warning track by Nick Markakis to end the inning. In the 7th, the Red cut the lead to 11-3, when Dustin Pedroia reached on an error by Tike Redman in center that allowed two runners to cross the plate with two outs. Pedroia was stranded on second when David Ortiz struck out looking against Cory Doyne.

Manny Delcarmen pitched the final two innings of relief for Boston, allowing one run in the 8th.

The American League record for most base on balls in an inning, according to the Baseball Almanac, is 8. It was set in 1909 by Dolly Gray of the Washington Senators.

W: Burres (5-4) L: Buchholz (4-2)
Player of the Game: Aubrey Huff (1-3, BB, HR, 2 Rs, 4 RBIS)

Around the League:
...Oakland's Frank Thomas (.212, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs) and Texas' Eddie Guardado (28g, 4-1, 4.93 ERA, .276 oavg.) were each suspended 8 games for their part in a scuffle between the two teams...Connecticut on the inaugural MLB High School Invitational tournament...

[BostonRS14]

May 31, 2008

Boston 2, Baltimore 0

With a strong lead in the division and a pitching staff that has been above expectations, you have to give manager Terry Francona some latitude in his decision making. But, when he rides his ace, with a history of breakdowns, for as long as he did last night, with nothing to gain but a statistic, you have to have some accountability.

During the post-game press conference, Francona defended his move:

"We talked to Josh [Beckett] about this arm, and he said it was fine. Everyone now and again, you have to push these guys to make sure they have it in them. They've been monitored their entire careers, kept on limits and babied. Sometimes, you need to see if you have a workhorse who, when the time comes in September and October, can be counted on to do this sort of thing."

This sort of thing that Francona refers to is throw 147 pitches in a complete game, two-hit shutout that ended up with Beckett being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore wrist.

"It's a precaution," pitching coach John Farrell said after the move was announced. "The season is early and we can control Josh's innings this way, keep him fresh for later while monitoring his fatigue. We have the depth and this gives us a chance to see what our sixth and seventh guys are made of."

The previous highest pitch count for Beckett as a Red Sox was 118 back in July, 2008 against the Blue Jays.

Baltimore starter Garret Olson was the tough luck loser, allowing two runs on seven hits in six and two-third innings. Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell had RBI-doubles in the fifth and seventh innings, respectively, against Olson for the Sox.

W: Beckett (5-2) L: Olson (1-2)
Player of the Game: Josh Beckett (9 IP, 2 Hs, 0 Rs, BB, 9 K's, 147 PI)

Around the League:
...CF Jason Place (Lancaster) retired...SP Matt Albers was recalled from Pawtucket...Houston RF Hunter Pence (.305 avg., 3 HRs, 19 RBIs) was placed on the disabled list with a damaged meniscus. He is expected to miss 6 weeks...The Astros changed their team focus to 'Rebuilding' and put the following on the trade block: Mark Loretta, Brad Ausmus, Darin Erstad, Shawn Chacon, Morgan Ensberg and David Newhan...

New England 1, Dallas FC 0

Despite not living up to expectations last season with a 5h place finish in the Western Conference last season, Houston is still a formidable foe not to be overlook. As the Revolution move through the schedule, its easy to lose one's focus when the schedule comes to a team like the Dynamo (3-3-3, 12 pts.), but a championship team does not lose these types of games.

"They play us hard, that's for sure." manager Steve Nicols said during his post-game news conference. "Houston is a tough foe, they play a solid defensive game. We were ready and the final score should show how tough the are to play."

New England scored early, netting a goal in the 5th minute, before settling down into a ball control offense. After some back and forth ball play at midfield, Matt Reis skied a clearing ball that managed to sneak past two Dynamo defenders to find Taylor Twellman alone with the goalie. With a small deke, Twellman was able to clear past Zack Wells to put the ball into the back of the net.

The revs did have a scare in the 66th minute when Twellman went up for a header and collided with Dynamo defender Craig Waibel. Both players laid motionless on the pitch for a few minutes before ultimately leaving under their own power.

Both players were reported to have suffered minor concussions that will keep them out of action for between 3 days and a week.

[BostonRS14]

June 1, 2008

May Players of the Month Honored

The Boston Red Sox, coming off a month in which the team won 22 of 29, were rewarded for their accomplishments.

Daisuke Matsuzaka and David Ortiz were both named the Player of the Month by Major League Baseball on Sunday. It is the first award for both this season.

Matsuzaka has made fans take notice of his maturation from last year. His exceptional 5-0 record in May went along with a 2.84 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. For the year, Matsuzaka has compiled an ERA of 3.84 to go along with a 7-3 mark in 13 starts. He has 74 strikeouts in 93.2 innings and has held opponents to a .215 batting average.

Ortiz toyed with opposing pitchers all month long, collecting 39 hits in 107 at-bats. The veteran designated hitter hit for a .364 average and collected 10 home runs, 27 RBIs and 26 runs scored. In 2008, Ortiz is hitting .327 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. He trails Manny Ramirez (.347, 15 HRs, 50 RBIs) in all three categories for the team lead.

Ramirez had previously won the award for the month of April after hitting .409 in 25 games with 9 home runs and 27 RBIs. Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees was April's Pitcher of the Month.

The National League named Ray Durham of the San Francisco Giants as the NL Player of the Month and John Maine of the New York Mets as the NL Pitcher of the Month.

[BostonRS14]

June 1, 2008

Boston 6, Baltimore 1

After watching Josh Beckett go on the DL before the start of tonight's game, manager Terry Francona voiced no hesitation in how he has handled his star pitcher. Daisuke Matsuzaka, coming off being named AL Pitcher of the Month for May, seemed unfazed as well. Matsuzaka continued his torrid pace, throwing his fourth complete game of the season, allowing 1 run on four hits while striking out 10 Orioles. Last season, Matsuzaka throw just one complete game.

Julio Lugo wielded the big bat for Matsuzaka, taking the pressure of his starter early. In the second, after Oriole starter Daniel Cabrera loaded the bases with two outs, Lugo connected on the first pitch of his at-bat and smoked a line drive down the right field corner to clear the bases.

The Orioles got on the board in the 6th against Matsuzaka when a lead off walk to Kevin Millar proved costly. After advancing to second on a ground out by Nick Markakis, Millar scored on a Aubrey Huff single to left. Manny Ramirez failed to throw home on the play and Millar crossed the plate easily standing up.

With Jonathan Papelbon warming up on the bullpen, the Sox added three runs in the top of ninth that allowed Matsuzaka to finish the game. After a David Ortiz ground out started the inning for former-Red Sox Chad Bradford, Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew followed with a pair of singles. A walk to Kevin Youkilis loaded the bases and Mike Lowell single from Ramirez from third, but Drew was caught at home on a spectacular throw by Markakis that beat the speedy right fielder by three or four feet. A wild pitch followed to move the runners up, and Jason Varitek delivered with a two-run single to cap the night for Boston.

Julio Manon relieved Bradford and retired Julio Lugo on a groundout to Millar at first.

W: Matsuzaka (8-3) L: Cabrera (5-4)
Player of the Game: Daisuke Matzuaka (9 IP, 4 Hs, R, 3 BBs, 10 K's, 130 PI)

Around the League:
...Boston released 2B Keith Ginter (.163 avg., -2.8 VORP w/ Pawtucket)...Anaheim designated LF Garret Anderson (.241 avg., 4 HRs, 16 RBIs) for assignment and placed him on waivers...

Revolution called up for International Duty

Seven regulars from the New England Revolution have been called up for the upcoming international duty.

June 6 and 13th:
United States Under 20s - Gabriel Ferrari, Miguel Gonzalez

June 7th and 14th:
Gambia - Sainey Nyassi
United States - Pat Noonan, Michael Parkhurst
Jamaica - Rudolph Austin
Grenada - Shairie Joseph