Building Dynasties in Boston, Part II

[BostonRS14]

June 2, 2008

Baltimore 5, Boston 3

A 4 game split is not a bad thing, even if it did come against the struggling Baltimore Orioles. After starting their road trip with three consecutive losses to the Oakland A's, the Sox rebounded with a sweep of the Seattle Mariners before arriving in Baltimore. Now, the Sox leave town with a 5-5 record for their 10 game trip. Boston goes out on the road for one more 10 game trip at the beginning of July when they travel to Houston, Tampa Bay and New York.

But, right now, the Sox can't hang their heads in shame for letting the series finale get away from themselves. Tim Wakefield's knuckleball just was not fluttering today and the Orioles got to him. Unlike his approached with Beckett and Matsuzaka the previous to night, manager Terry Francona had an early hook for his veteran starter, yanking Wakefiel after he allowed 5 runs in three and two-third innings of work.

"I've seen Timmy enough over the years to know when it isn't there," Francona said afterwards. "You could tell by the way 'Tek [catcher Jason Varitek] handled him, there was a lot more breaking balls being called because the knuckle wasn't fooling them today. So, we went to the 'pen to shut them down and that's what they did. It was just [Radhames] Liz couldn't be solved."

Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen combined to pitch four and a third scoreless innings, but the Sox couldn't manage much against Orioles starter Radhames Liz. The rookie improved his record to 6-3 with six and a third innings of strong pitching, allowing just two runs on six hits.

With a 2-1 lead, Wakefield started the third inning strong, striking out Tike Redman and Nick Markakis before allowing Aubrey Huff a two-strike double to right-center. After hitting Scott Moore and Kevin Millar to load the bases, a visit by pitching coach John Farrel wasn't enough to save the Sox. Freddy Bynum battled Wakefield for seven pitches before launched a deep fly to left that ended up in the fourth row of the bleachers and sent Wakefield to the showers. It was the second home run of the game for Bynum and his first career Grand Slam. Okajima finished the inning, but the damage was done.

Manny Ramirez added a solo home in the 8th off of Cory Doyne, but the Sox couldn't get anymore off the Orioles bullpen.

W: Liz (6-3) L: Wakefield (8-2) SV: Sherill (12)
Player of the Game: Freddy Bynum (2-3, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Texas RF Milton Bradley and Houston 1B Ty Wigginton were honored by MLB with Player of the Week Awards...The Toronto Blue Jays placed SS David Eckstein, LF Shannon Stewart, RF Matt Stairs and 1B/OF Brad Wilkerson on the trade block...

[BostonRS14]

Tampa Bay Rays v. Boston Red Sox

Coming off a split with the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox are back home to host the Tampa Bay Rays in a three game set. The Red currently are in first place in the AL East. Tampa Bay (26-32, .448%) is currently in fifth place, 17 games behind the Sox.

Tampa Bay is playing well of late, having won four games in a row. They rank fourth in the AL in batting (.273) and 7th in runs scored (269). Their pitching staff is led once again by Scott Kazmir (5-1, 2.51), an early contender for Cy Young. Overall, their staff has compiled a 4.71 ERA (10th best) while allowing 287 runs (10th).

Matt Albers, claimed off waivers from the Orioles last week, is expected to make his Red sox debut this week in place of Josh Beckett.

The Red Sox and Rays have split their six match-ups this season, with the Rays having won two of three last month at Fenway.

Projected Matchups:
6/3: Jon Lester (6-1, 4.35 ERA) v. Scott Kazmir (5-1, 2.51)
6/4: Clay Buchholz (4-2, 5.37) v. James Shields (2-8, 5.70)
6/5: Matt Albers (2-3, 5.36 w/ Norfolk) v. Matt Garza (5-5, 4.10)

[BostonRS14]

June 3, 2008

Boston 6, Tampa Bay 3

The matchup of young southpaws had many of baseball's pundits drooling over a budding rivalry between the two rivals. While Scott Kazmir has the experience (he is the Tampa Bay career leader in Wins, ERA, Starts, Innings Pitched, Strikeouts, WHIP and VORP), Jon Lester has the World Series title.

Lester didn't disappoint. Throwing seven strong innings, the Sox starter allowed just one run on six hits while striking out seven without allowing a walk. Kazmir, on the other hand, last only four and a third innings, surrendering five runs on either hits. Kazmir is now 1-2 in three starts against the Sox this season.

Lester celebrated striking out Wily Aybar to end the 7th inning with runners on second and third.

Kazmir survived a first inning scare, when he walked the bases loaded before getting Kevin Youkilis to fly out routinely to left to end the threat. In the second, though, Boston wouldn't waste their chances. Trailing 1-0, Mike Lowell led off the inning with a solo home run. Following a Julio Lugo ground out, Kazmir walked Josh Bard and Coco Crisp to put runners on first and second with one out. Dustin Pedroia moved the runners up a base with a groundout to first before David Ortiz drew a walk to load the bases. Manny Ramirez drove home Bard and Crisp to put the Sox ahead, but Ortiz was caught out at the plate to end the inning.

Lowell got to Kazmir again in the 5th, this time with a two-run double that ended the starters night. With J.D. Drew and Manny Ramirez on base, Lowell launched a two-out line drive off the wall in left. With the runners moving on contact, both runners were able to score easily. After Akira Matsumoto relieved Kazmir, Lugo moved Lowell to third with a single. Josh Bard struck out looking to end the inning, stranding the runners.

Brian Corey surrendered a two-run home run to pinch hitter Johnny Gomes in the top of the ninth to cut the lead to 5-3, but Javier Lopez came on with no outs and retired the Rays to end the game.

W: Lester (7-1) L: Kazmir (5-2) SV: Lopez (1)
Player of the Game: Mike Lowell (3-4, 2B, HR (6), 3 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Philadelphia 2B Chase Utley hit for the Cycle against the Cincinnati Reds, going 4-5 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored...Tampa Bay signed MR Al Reyes (20 app., 2-2, 1 sv., 4.50 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) to a 2-year contract extension worth $840k...Seattle placed SP Felix Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring...Boston signed minor league free agents LF Jerome Groulx and 1B Alonso Gonzalez...

[BostonRS14]

June 4, 2008

Tampa Bay 6, Boston 5

Scoring runs against Jonathan Papelbon isn't common place, but for some reason, the Tampa Bay Rays don't seem to have much of a problem. In three innings this season, Papelbon has surrendered 6 runs to Tampa Bay in blowing two save opportunities.

After surrendering two runs in the top of the eighth, Sox manager Terry Francona called upon Papelbon with runners on second and third and two outs. Papelbon was able to keep the Sox ahead by striking out B.J. Upton on four pitches. But, in the ninth, Papelbon wasn't as lucky. Pinch hitter Johnny Gomes hit a two-run home run into the bullpen in right field to put the Rays ahead for good.

Boston put two runners on in the ninth, but Coco Crisp grounded into an inning ending force out to close out the game.

Sox starter Clay Buchholz was strong most of the night, running into trouble in the fourth when his command wavered. After a pair of single put runners on first and second, Buchholz struck out Carlos Pena looking for the first out of the inning. Eric Hinkse and Upton followed with a pair of walks, forcing in the first run of the game. A passed ball by Jason Varitek followed to score another for the Rays, but the sox were fortunate when Reid Brignac grounded weakly back to Buchholz, starting an inning ending double play.

Crisp led of the next inning with a solo home run to put Boston on the board, but it wasn't until the sixth that Boston took the lead. A trio of doubles by Crisp, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz brought home two runs to put the Sox ahead 3-2. Julio Lugo added a two-RBI double in the seventh off Rays starer Matt Garza, but Al Reyes was able to come into the game and retire Crisp to end the inning.

Hideki Okajima pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief of Buchholz in the eight inning, surrendering two runs on four hits before giving way to Papelbon.

W: Reyes (2-2) L: Papelbon (0-2) SV: Percival (11)
Player of the Game: Coco Crisp (3-5, 2 2Bs, HR, 2 Rs, RBI)

Around the League:
...Shane Victorino went 5-6 against the Cincinnati Reds with 1 RBI and 2 Rs...

[BostonRS14]

June 5, 2008

Boston 9, Tampa Bay 6

Matt Albers first start with the Red Sox couldn't have gone as the youngster had hoped, but, a strong offensive output by J.D. Drew salvaged the day for Boston.

Getting a start in place of Josh Beckett, Albers hadn't seen action since lasting a third of an inning against Scranton while a member of the Norfolk Tides on May 28th. Propped up with an early 3-0 lead, Albers surrendered 5 runs in the third to the Rays, but was able to hang around long enough for the Sox to rally back to earn the no-decision.

With two-outs in the first, Drew hit a double to right-center that skipped past B.J. Upton, allowing Dustin Pedroia and Manny Ramirez to score easily. Kevin Youkilis followed Drew with a RBI-single to put the Sox ahead by three.

Wily Aybar led off the third with a triple and scored on a passed ball by Jason Varitek. A single by Akinori Iwamura was followed by a pair of walks to Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena to load the bases for the Rays. A visit by pitch coach John Farrell seemed to help Albers find the plate again, as Eric Hinske ripped his next pitch to right field to bring home Iwamura and Crawford. B.J. Upton followed with a single on the first pitch eh saw as well, brining home Pena without a throw. Cliff Floyd followed with a four pitch walk. With the bases loaded, Albers was able to get Jason Bartlett to fly out to center, allowing Hinske to tag up and score, but Upton was caught at third trying to advance to end the inning.

The Sox added a run in the bottom of the 5th when Drew double and scored on a pair of wild pitches by Rays starter James Shields. After loading the bases in the sixth, Tampa Bay was able to the get the run right back with a sacrifice fly by Navarro, but the Rays were unable to do any more damage. Javier Lopez came out of the bullpen in relief of Albers to get Crawford to ground into an inning ending double play.

Boston took the lead in the seventh when Dustin Pedroia launched a three-run home run into the right field bleachers to end Shields' night. Drew would later add a two-run shot of his own off reliever Al Reyes to seal the series win for the Sox.

W: Lopez (4-1) L: Shields (2-9) SV: Delcarmen (5)
Player of the Game: J.D. Drew (3-4, 2 2B, HR, 3 Rs, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Florida Marlins traded RF Cody Ross (.267, 7 Hrs, 24 RBIs) to the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league SP John Lannan (4-5, 4.50 ERA w/ Columbus)...

[BostonRS14]

Seattle Mariners v. Boston Red Sox

The Mariners come to town to take on the Red Sox having lost nine of their last ten, including three to Boston last week in Seattle.

Currently in fourth in the AL West, the Mariners (24-36) trail the Texas Rangers (33-29, .532) by 8 games. Seattle ranks 13th in the American League in runs (247) and 12th in runs allowed (309). Boston, on the other hand, is second in the AL in runs scored (350) and 1st in runs allowed (235). Star pitcher Felix Hernandez (5-4, 2.72 ERA) will miss the series after suffering a strained hamstring in his last start. He is expected to be out of action for two weeks.

Projected Matchups:

6/06: Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-3, 3.59 ERA) v. Carlos Silva (1-5, 7.03)
6/07: Tim Wakefield (8-2, 3.23) v. Eric Bedard (2-6, 4.32)
6/08: Jon Lester (7-1, 4.10) v. Miguel Batista (4-3, 4.72)

[BostonRS14]

June 6, 2009

New York Rangers win Lord Stanley's Cup

New York fans celebrated and praised GM Brian Burke as the team claimed another Stanley Cup title, the 4th in team history.

Led by Henrik Lundquist (47-19-2, 2.65 GAA, .920 SV%), the Rangers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 to win the Cup for the first time since 1994. Center Matt Cullen (24 games, 8g, 24a, +5) was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

[BostonRS14]

June 6, 2008:

Sox Swept by Mariners; Woes Continue

Boston's offense must be looking forward to the off day on Monday, because they sure didn't show up at all over the weekend. The Red Sox struggles continued this weekend with a three game sweep at the hands of the Seattle Mariners. After defeating the Mariners easily in Seattle a week ago, the Red Sox have limped through June so far, dropping 5 of 8 games against clubs that are not be mistaken for playoff contenders.

This weekend, the Sox sent three of their better starters up against a Seattle lineup that features only two potentially fearful hitters, Ichiro Suzuki and Adrian Beltre.

Seattle 4, Boston 3 (12)

In the series opener, Boston rallied late against closer J.J. Putz to tie the game to send it to extra innings. In the 12th, Javier Lopez walked Tony Gwynn, Jr. with one out. A sacrifice bunt by Jose Vidro move Gwynn into scoring position. With two outs, Ichiro lined a double to right-center that scored Gwynn easily with the eventual-game winning run.

The Sox put runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the 12th, but Brandon Moss hit into a game-ending double play.

Carlos Silva, starting for Seattle, managed to keep the Sox bats quiet for most of the game. While not factoring in the decision, Silva went six innings, allowing one run on seven hits. Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed three runs on seven hits in six and two-third innings for Boston.

W: Huber (2-1) L: Lopez (4-2)
Player of the Game: Ichiro Suzuki (3-6, 2B, RBI, SB, CS)

Around the League:
...Washington Nationals signed MR Jesus Colome to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $1.26m...

Seattle 4, Boston 3

Tim Wakefield scattered nine hits against the Mariners but, once again, the Sox struggled to put runs on the board. Despite racking up 12 hits and five walks, Boston was only able to score 3 runs off starter Eric Bedard (4.2 IP, 8 Hs, 3 Rs, 4 BBs) before the Seattle bullpen pitched four and a third shutout innings of relief.

Holding a 1-0 lead thanks to a David Ortiz solo home run in the 3rd, Wakefield couldn't contain Ichiro Suzuki.

"He always sees the knuckle better than anyone else," Wakefield said afterwards.

Suzuki led off the fourth inning with a single, but advance to third on the very next pitch when a throw by catcher Josh Bard on a steal attempt bounced in front of Julio Lugo's glove into center field. Adrian Beltre didn't waste time bringing Suzuki home to tie the game, stroking a ne-hop liner that Lugo wasn't able to get out of his glove fast enough to beat the hustling Beltre at first. A Jeff Clement fielders' choice followed before Ryan Raburn and Jeff Cirillo hit back-to-back doubles to put the Mariners ahead 3-1.

Coco Crisp cut the lead to 3-2 with a RBI single in the fourth, but the Mariners go it right back in the top of the fifth when Tony Gwynn Jr. led off the inning with a double and stole third off Wakefield without a throw from Bard. After striking out Jose Vidro, Ichiro put down a perfect ground out to Kevin Youkilis at first taht allowed Gwynn to score anothe run.

Brandon Moss, getting the start for the second day in a row, made up for last night's game-ending double play with a RBI single in the 5th that cut the lead down to 4-3, but Boston wasn't able to muster any more offense from the Seattle pitching staff.

W: Huber (3-1) L: Wakefield (8-3) SV: Putz (13)
Player of the Game: Ichiro Suzuki (3-4, RBI, R)

Around the League:
...Atlanta 3B Scott Spiezio (.289, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs) retired from baseball after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon...

Seattle 4, Boston 1

Heading into the final game of the series, the Sox had to be licking their wounds. The Mariners pitching staff has held the Sox offense in check, resulting in two 4-3 defeats. The chance to salvage the series with a win in the finale fell to Jon Lester.

Despite striking out five and allowing just three runs on six hits, Lester was outpitched by Miguel Batista.

"Our bats went cold at the same time," manager Terry Francona said afterwards. "It happens, it is a long season. Everyone will get a day away and then we'll be back to the grind on Tuesday."

Boston managed just three hits against the Mariners, in dropping their third straight to Seattle. If it wasn't for a wild pitch, Boston might have been shutout for the time this season. With two outs in the 7th, Alex Cora took a walk from Batista. Dustin Pedroia followed with a liner off the wall in left, advancing Cora to third. With two strikes against Kevin Youkilis, Batista put one in the dirt in front of catcher Jeff Clement, allowing Cora to score easily from third. With Pedroia on third, Youkilis proceeded to strike out looking on the very next pitch, ending the best chance Boston had all night.

The Mariners got on the board in the first. Ichiro Suzuki, batting lead off against the lefty, put the first pitch of the ball game into right field for a single. A fielders' choice advance Suzuki to second and a Jose Vidro single score the speedy right fielder from second without a throw from Manny Ramirez.

The Sox face Seattle once more this season, with a three game series schedule for next month at Safeco Field in Seattle.

W: Batista (5-3) L: Lester (7-2)
Player of the Game: Miguel Batista (7 IP, 3 Hs, 1 R, 4 BBs, 3 Ks, 101 PI)

Around the League:
...Boston released 3B Gil Velazquez (.259 avg. w/ Lancaster)...

[BostonRS14]

June 7, 2008

LOSC Lille Metropole to bid on Parkshurt

A national football website reports that LOSC Lille Metropole are about to offer $2.8m for New England's defender Michel Parkhurst.

Whether the Rev's will be prepared to let Parkhurst leave, however, still remains to be seen.

The 24 year old defender, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, was drafted by New England in the 1st round (9th overall) of the 2005 SuperDraft. He has 99 career appearances for the Revolution, scoring 1 goal with 2 assists.

[BostonRS14]

June 9, 2008

What is Ailing the Red Sox?
Diamond Notes with Peter Gammons

Curiously, after rushing out to an impressive 41-15 record over the first two months of the season, the Red Sox have now lost 5 of their last 8. No need to panic, right? But, is there something wrong with the Sox that is being exposed now?

Leadoff hitter Coco Crisp has an OBP of .200. David Ortiz is hitting .200 with 2 RBIs in 30 at bats. Tim Wakefield is 0-2 with a 6.10 ERA after winning eight of his first nine decisions.

These are the type of guys that get in slumps and stay there all season long, but with Wakefield and Ortiz older and ore susceptible to injury, the Sox have to be concerned with their veterans pushing it too hard to carry their squad.

Theo Epstein has had a good eye for reclamation projects in recent years, with the success of Lee Gronkiewicz, Bryan Corey and Javier Lopez, but he may have missed with Matt Albers.

Albers struggled in his first start, allowing six runs in 5.1 innings against the Rays. Might have explained why the Orioles were not so broken up when the 25 year old right-hander was lost on waivers last week. Josh Beckett will be back soon enough and we'll see if Albers gets another go next time a Sox pitcher needs to skip a start.

One bright spot continues to be the play of LF Manny Ramirez, who is hitting .341/.414/.595 so far this season. Manny's consistent hitting has kept the team afloat through slumps experience by Ortiz, Drew and Varitek. While the veteran might not be able to keep it up like this over a full season, he is on pace for 34 home runs and 123 RBIs.

"They are deep and very balanced," one rival GM said. "One guy can go down or struggle for a week or two and they don't miss a beat. I'd like them to make a play for a better backup infielder, Cora and Mackowiak are not going to cut it full-season, but I like how they are bringing [Brandon] Moss along and, of course, they have Ellsbury and Lowrie in Triple-A waiting for some at bats at some point."

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With the draft around the corner, teams are finalizing their draft boards in the hopes of finding the next superstar. At the top of this years class is Orlando Duran, a pitcher out of Sparks, Gerogia who pitched for The University of Georgia. Scouts have him rated with above-average stuff, with a fastball that tops out at 91-93. Duran is expected to be a top three pick, but questions about his signability may result in him sliding down the board.

Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Kanas City, Baltimore and San Francisco lead off the draft.

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The American and National Leagues handed out some hardware this morning, as David Wright and Vladimir Guerrero were named Players of the Week.

Wright had a lofty .467 average (14-30), collecting 3 home runs, 14 RBIs, and 8 runs scored. So far this season, Wright is hitting .304 with 10 home runs.

Guerrero racked up 13 hits in 28 at-bats, with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs. Guerrero is batting .286 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs this season.

[BostonRS14]

Baltimore Orioles v. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are set to face the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park, where they have won 22 of 32 game this season.

The Orioles have compiled a 33-31 record, good for 3rd place in the American League East, 12.0 games behind the Red Sox (46-20, .697). The O's are currently tied for 2nd place in the AL Wild Card, trailing the New York Yankees (41-25, .621) by 7.0 games. Baltimore has won their last seven games.

The Orioles rank 7th in the AL with 302 runs and their batting average (.272) is 4th best. Their pitching staff, however, is just as strong. While their ERA of 4.53 ranks 7th, they have allowed just 292 runs, 4th best in the American League.

Projected Starters:

6/10: Clay Buchholz (4-2, 4.92 ERA) v. Greg Olsen (2-2, 2.73)
6/11: TBD v. Daniel Cabrera (6-4, 3.72)
6/12: Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-3, 3.62) v. Radhames Liz (7-3, 3.84)

This will be the first visit to Boston for the Orioles this season. The two clubs have previously split six games at Camden Yards this season.

[BostonRS14]

June 10, 2008

Boston 7, Baltimore 5

The Red Sox shook up their lineup against the Orioles and the adjustments seem to have paid off.

Manager Terry Francona must have been meeting with his staff on the off day, as his new look lineup seem to have work atleast for the day.

"We are playing every day like it is the last one of the season," Francona said after announcing his lineup. "We want to get the win each and every day. Putting out our best lineup 1-9 is my job and we aren't going to cater to ego's if the job isn't getting done."

What Francona did that paid off was to move Kevin Youkilis (.446 OBP versus lefties) to second in the lineup behind Dustin Pedroia. Coco Crisp was dropped from the top spot to seventh in the order. Mike Lowell was moved up to fifth, swapping spots with J.D. Drew.

The changes paid off immediately, as Youkilis hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first to put the Sox ahead early. But, it was the six-run third that highlighted the shuffling. After Clay Buccholz once again lost control of his mechanics and allowed four runs in the top of the third, Boston took advantage of slopping pitching from Baltimore starter Garrett Olson to pull ahead for good.

Dustin Pedroia reached base on an error by third baseman Aubrey Huff whose throw from third pulled Kevin Millar off the bag at first. A single by Kevin Youkilis was followed by a pair of walks to David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, forcing in a run. Mike Lowell followed that up with a Grand Slam over the wall in left-center that cleared the bases and put Boston ahead.

"It felt good," Lowell said afterwards. "I've been seeing the ball better lately and it paid off there. Having a hot bat and having Manny and David in front of me really makes it seem easier, but the hard work is paying off for us."

Jamie Walker replaced Olson and struck out Drew for the first out of the inning. A pair of doubles by Crisp and Julio Lugo plated another run for Boston before Lugo was caught stealing on a failed hit-and-run attempt. Jason Varitek ended the inning with a ground out, but the experiment by that point had paid off with flying colors.

Buchholz would allow one more run, in the 7th, on a groundrule double by pinch Ramon Hernandez before giving way to Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelon, who combined to pitch the final three innings without allowing a baserunner.

Dustin Pedroia, batting lead off, went 0-5, snapping an eight game hitting streak.

W: Buchholz (5-2) L: Olson (2-3) SV: Papelbon (18)
Player of the Game: Mike Lowell (2-4, R, HR, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...New York 1B Jason Giambi (.216 avg., 14 HRs, 42 RBIs) will miss 3 weeks of action after suffering a fractured cheekbone....Milwaukee 3B Ryan Braun (.344 avg., 17 HRs, 40 RBIs) strained a posterior cruciate ligament while running the bases against the Cincinnati Reds and will miss about two weeks...The Brewers signed MR Eric Gagne (20 apps., 2-0, 0 svs., 2.59 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $2.4m...Cleveland signed LF Luis Gonzalez (.269 avg., 6 HRs, 24 RBIs) to a 1-year contract extension worth $4.09m...

[BostonRS14]

June 11, 2008

Red Sox agree with Youkilis on 2 Year Deal

One of the goals of General Manager Theo Esptein has been to get his young stars locked into deals that are beneficial to the player and the organization. Cost certainty is a hot word around Yawkey Way these days.

"We know that guys like Youkilis are going to keep getting better, this deal we hope represents our commitment to him as a key part of what we are doing here." Epstein said at the early afternoon press conference before the Sox were set to face the Orioles at Fenway. "We want to reward the player for what he has done and will do, while also staying within our budget and long-term goals."

The extension, which will take effect next year, will enable to the Sox to avoid two years of acrimonious arbitration hearings with Youkilis. Currently earning $3 million this season, the Gold Glove calibur first baseman will earn $3.6m in 2009 and $4.1m in 2010.

In 65 games this season, the versatile Youkilis has hit .271 with 8 home runs and 37 runs batted in to go along with a .366 OBP.

"You might not see Kevin's name on the leaderboard with the likes of Ortiz, Ramirez or Drew, but he is every bit as valuable to them as those guys," ESPN commentator Buster Olney said of the deal. He's their glue guy. He'll get into the superstars faces when he thinks they are dogging it and he'll show the new guys how handle the quirks of hitting in Fenway Park."

[BostonRS14]

June 11, 2008

Baltimore 7, Boston 2

Justin Masterson's first major league victory will have to wait after the Sox bullpen wasted a strong performance from the youngster in his major league debut. Masterson lasted 6 innings, surrendering 1 run on 4 hits with two base on balls and two strikeouts. After the game, the Sox returned the right hander to Pawtucket.

The Sox got on the board first in the second inning, after Mike Lowell and Dustin Pedroia reached base against Daniel Cabrera. With two out, Cabrera loaded the bases with a walk to Jason Varitek. An infield single by Julio Lugo brought home Lowell with the first score of the game as Luis Hernandez wasn't able to get the ball out of his glove in time for the force out at second base. Pedroia scored the second run of the inning when Coco Crisp when Aubrey Huff couldn't handle a hot liner down the third base line. Cabrera was able to get out the jam when Kevin Youkilis grounded out to Miller at first base to end the inning.

Emergency Callup Justin Masterson unleashes against the Orioles

Masterson, whom the Red Sox drafted in 2nd round (#71 overall) in 2006 from San Diego State University, was not expected to get his first start so soon.

"To be honest, I thought Matt was going again," Masterson said. "I thought later this year I'd get a chance, but not this soon."

He was sharp early in his first major league game. In the third, after a single and error, the Orioles threatened with runners on second and third and no outs, but Masterson was able to get Tike Redman to weakly fly out to shallow center before retiring Nick Markakis and Luke Scott on strikeouts to end the threat.

The O's did get to Masterson in the fifth, though. With one out, Ramon Hernandez slapped a single to right before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Freddy Bynum was retired for the second out, but Redman put a bloop single between Lugo and Manny Ramirez in left to score the hustling Hernandez to cut the lead in half.

After turning the game over to the bullpen in the seventh, Masterson watched his chance for the win quickly disappear. Javier Lopez was met by a walk and two singles to load the bases before giving way to Hideki Okajima without recording an out. Okajima allowed a sacrifice fly to Tike Redman to tie the game at two. A Luke Scott RBI-single followed a Nick Markakis fly out to put the Orioles ahead by one.

In the 8th, with Manny Delcarmen on the mound, the Orioles pulled away. Adam Jones led off the inning with a double to right-center and scored on Ramon Hernandez's single to right. Alex Cintron ended Delcarmen's night when he put the first pitch of his at-bat in the Monster seats in left field for a four run lead. Lee Gronkiewicz relieved Delcarmen and gave up the insurance run in the top of the ninth on a Scott Moore RBI-single.

Daniel Cabrera and Jamie Walker held the Sox to just four hits.

Josh Beckett, whom Masterson and Matt Albers filled in for, is expected to be activated from the disabled list in time for his next start. Kason Gabbard has been recalled to fill the vacant spot on the pitching staff.

W: Cabrera (7-4) L: Lopez (4-3)
Player of the Game: Daniel Cabrera (W, 7 IP, 4 Hs, 2 Rs, 3 BBs, 9 Ks, 96 PI)

Around the League:
...Houston released C Josh Paul and CF Reggie Abercrombie. Paul signed with SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball League, Abercrombie with the La New Bears of the Taiwan Professional Baseball League...Kansas City placed SP Gil Meche (3-8, 5.42 ERA) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled SP Mike Maroth from Omaha (PCL)...Milwaukee placed LF Ryan Braun (.344, 17 HRs, 40 RBIs) on the 15-day disabled list...New York placed 1B Jason Giambi (.216, 14 HRs, 42 RBIs) on the 15-day disabled list...Seattle activate LF Raul Ibanez from the 60-day disabled list...

[BostonRS14]

June 12, 2008

Baltimore 5, Boston 4

On the eve of heading off to face the National League, the Red Sox could have used a pick me up before taking to the road. Instead, they ran into Radhames Liz, who has been dominant against Boston this season. In three starts, Liz has now out-pitched Dasiuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz in running his record against the Sox to 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA.

"He's deceptive and has come up very quietly," pitching coach John Farrell said afterwards. "We didn't have him on any of our watch lists, but he seems to have put it together his year. We'll adjust our scouting and try to figure him out for next time."

What Liz has done is give the Orioles a front-of-the-line pitcher who seems poised to handle the big games against the Red Sox and Yankees, something the organization has lacked since Mike Mussina was an Oriole.

Baltimore scored in the top of the first against Matsuzaka thanks to the speedy Freddy Bynum. After reaching base on an infield single, Bynum advanced to second on a wild ptich before moving to third on a ground out by Tike Redman. Nick Markakis slapped a single back up the middle past Mastuzaka and Pedroia to score Bynum from third. The Sox tied the game in the third on a pair of doubles by Manny Ramirez and Pedroia off Liz.

The Orioles pulled ahead in the third when Matsuzaka threw away an inning-ending ground out, allowing Aubrey Huff to score from second with the go-ahead run. Ramon Hernandez added a two-run double to put Baltimore ahead by three.

Trailing 5-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Sox rallied against closer George Sherril, but ultimately fell short. J.D. Drew led off the inning with a double. Jason Varitek drove Drew home with a double down the right-field line. Coco Crisp followed himself one batter later with a ground-rule double that score Varitek and put the tying run in scoring position with one out. Baltimore removed Sherril and former Red Sox Chad Bradford subsequently put Kevin Youkilis on first with an intentional walk, setting up David Ortiz to end the game on a double play.

Around the League:
...The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that they set their team focus to 'Rebuilding' and have put 3B Russell Branyan (.218, 8 HR, 19 RBIs), SP Ben Sheets (6-2, 4.41 ERA, 79.2 IP, 61 Ks', 17 BBs) and SP C.C. Sabathia (6-5, 4.36 ERA, 97.0 IP, 90 K's, 24 BBs) on the block...Florida placed RF Jeremy Hermida (.286, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, .812 OBP) on the disabled list with a strained tricep tendon...Los Angeles released 1B Mark Sweeney (.192, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, .712 OBP)...Oakland signed LF Emil Brown (.262, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, .773 OBP) to a 4-year, $2.04m contract extension...SP Tim Linecum (6-4, 3.78 ERA) was activated from the disabled list by San Francisco...

Twellman brought in to U.S.A. squad

Taylor Twellman has been called up to the United States squad to replace Ante Razov.

Twellman has been in superb form for New England so far this season, contributing four goals and four assists in ten appearances.

NHL Postseason Awards

Art Ross: Oleg Saprykin, Phoenix
Bill Masterson: Jason Allison, Washington
Calder: Hugh Jessiman, New York (R)
Frank J. Selke: Jere Lehtinen, Dallas
Hart: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington
Jack Adams: Tom Renney, New York (R)
Norris: Peter Ratchuk, Dallas
King Clancy: Mike Modano, Dallas
Lady Byng: Kristian Huselius, Calgary
Lester Pearson: Eric Staal, Carolina
Rocket Richard: Dany Heatley, Ottawa
Vezina: Henrik Lundquist, New York (R)
William Jennings: Marty Turco, Dallas

All Rookie Team:
G D. LeNeveu, Phoenix; D C. Baker, Chicago; D Mark Stuart, Boston; F N. Parrish, New York (R); F P. Mackie, New York (I); F B. Ryan, Anaheim

NHL All-Star Team:
G H. Lundquist, New York (R); D J. Niinimaa, Washington; D J. Pitkanen, Philadelphia; F B. Rolston, Minnesota; F E. Staal, Carolina; F O. Jokinen, Florida

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Cincinnati Reds

Inter-league play continues for the Red Sox this weekend, as they head to Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati to face former Red Sox Bronson Arroyo and his teammates for the start of a 15 game stretch against the National League.

Boston has been struggling of late, losing 7 of their last 11 games. So far this month, the Sox have been outscored on average 4.5 to 4.36. In contrast, Boston outscored opponents on average 5.4 to 3.6 in May.

The Red are 33-36 this season, good for 3rd place in the National League Central. They trail the Chicago Cubs by 14 games in the Central. The Reds have scored 312 runs this season, which ranks 7th in the National League. Their starting staff has compiled an ERA of 4.46, which ranks 10th.

Cincinnati is led by offensively by free agent-to be Adam Dunn, who leads the team in home runs (17) and RBIs (43) while batting a modest .241 in 63 games. Edison Volquez, getting his first real shot at a starting spot, has shined for the Reds since coming over in the offseason for CF Josh Hamilton. In 15 starts, Volquez has a 5-5 record to go along with a 2.72 ERA (5th in NL) and 1.05 WHIP (4th). He leads the team in strikeouts with 106 (3rd).

The Sox have an interesting decision to make concerning David Ortiz. Heading into National League ballparks, manager Terry Francona will have to find at-bats for both Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell at the corner infield positions with the loss of the Designated Hitter spot in the lineup.

Project Matchups:
6/13: Tim Wakefield (8-3, 3.18 ERA) v. Aaron Harang (4-6, 5.35)
6/14: Jon Lester (7-2, 3.98) v. Bronson Arroyo (3-8, 5.99)
6/15: Clay Buchholz (5-2, 5.14) v. Josh Fogg (4-7, 5.00)

[BostonRS14]

June 13, 2008

With Harang Hurt, Sox Beat up on Reds' Pen
Boston 7, Cincinnati 4

The Red Sox started off their road trip with a convincing win, something that they needed after dropping their last three series. Kevin Youkilis, fresh off of inking a two-year extension, put on a strong performance in front of his hometown crowd, driving in 4 runs in the 7-5 Sox victory.

With Aaron Harang out of the game with soreness in his elbow after retiring just seven batters, the Red Sox took advantage of a tired Cincinnati bullpen. Boston loaded the bases in the third against reliever Bill Bray on a pair of singles and an error, before Dustin Pedroia drove home the first run of the game with a base on balls. Youkilis followed with a Grand Slam, his 9th home-run of the year, delighting the hometown cheering section. Jermey Affedlt replaced Bray, who managed to surrender 5 runs without recording an out, but didn't fare too much better. A single by Manny Ramirez was followed by a two-rin home run by Mike Lowell, putting the Sox ahead by seven after just three innings.

"I think that was an impressive display," manager Dusty Baker said. "They owned our guys. Enough said."

The Reds did attempt a comeback in the fourth, putting up 3 runs off Boston starter Tim Wakefield (5 IP, 7 Hs, 4 Rs, 3 Ks). Drew Anderson, in just his 12 games since jumping from Double A Chattanooga, hit his 7th home run of the season to lead off the fourth. Adam Dunn followed with a double to right before coming home on Ken Griffey Jr's 2-run home run, his 18th of the season. Griffey is the leader amongst active players with 611 home runs, 77 more than Alex Rodriguez and 151 behind Barry Bonds.

The Cincinnati added one more run in the fifth off Wakefield before the Sox bullpen shut down the Reds for the final 4 innings, allowing just two hits.

W: Wakefield (9-3) L: Bray (3-1) SV: Papelbon (19)
Player of the Game: Kevin Youkilis (2-4, 2B, HR, rR 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Seattle signed 1B Mike Sweeney to a one-year contract worth $390k and designated CF Willie Bloomquist (91 ABs, .319 AVG., .794 OPS, 1 HR, 15 RBIs) for assignment...Minnesota SP Kevin Slowey pitched a 2-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk allowed...

[BostonRS14]

Made an initial inquiry for Ben Sheets and was surprised by the price. Doing a 1-1 deal, the Brewers would accept Oscar Tejada (20 overall/79 potential), David Pauley (20/28) or Lee Gronkiewiz (60/60), not to mention Jed Lowrie, Masterson, Ellsbury, Matsuzaka, Okajima, Pedroia, Delcarmen, Youkilis, Lester, or Wakefield (who announced his retirement already). Sabathia was pretty much the same crowd. I have $21m ($160 budget, $136.5m in expenses) in budget room, so adding one or the other of these guys won't be problem. Schilling ($8m) is on the DL, and he comes off the payroll at the end of the season, along with Varitek ($9m), Wakefield ($4m) and Mackowiak ($2.8m) so I have the room to resign them if I want.

If they are still in Milwaukee come deadline time, depending on my health and theply of Lester/Buccholz, I'll make another attempt with a reasonable offer that would be more beneficial to the Brewers IRL.

[BostonRS14]

June 14, 2008

Arroyo No Match for Lester as Sox Roll
Boston 8, Cincinnati 2

Jon Lester continues to show the faith that Sox put in him this past offseason was well placed as he silenced the Cincinnati bats in leading Boston to an 8-2 win at Great American Ballpark.

Former Sox starter Bronson Arroyo didn't fare as well, lasting only two and one-third innings in taking his ninth loss of the season. The Sox scored single runs in both the first and second on a RBI single by Manny Ramirez and solo home run by Jason Varitek before chasing Arroyo with four runs in the third.

Coco Crisp led off the inning with a double and came home on a two-run home run by Dustin Pedroia. A pair of doubles by Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell followed a Kevin Youkilis flyout to chase Arroyo from the game after allowing five earned runs.

Dave Ross was the lone bright spot for the Reds on the night. The Cincinnati catcher, batting .215 on the season, was responsible for both Reds runs, scoring in the fourth on a wild pitch after doubling off Lester and the adding a solo home-run in the sixth.

Mike Lowell added a two-run home run in the eighth off reliever Jeremey Affeldt to put the Sox ahead 8-2.

W: Lester (8-2) L: Arroyo (3-9)
Player of the Game: Mike Lowell (2-5, 2B, HR, 2 Rs, 3 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Baltimore traded 2B Freddy Bynum (.243 AVG., .651 OPS, 4 HRs, 18 RBIs) to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for MR Joel Peralta (51 IP, 5-0, 1 SV., 3.71 ERA) and 23-year old SS Clint Robinson (AA)...Chicago 1B Derek Lee (.346 AVG., .970 OBP, 10 HRs, 40 RBIs) went 0-4 against the Blue Jays, ending his hitting streak at 25 games...

2007-2008 Boston Bruins season recap

Once again, the Bruins (32-46-4, 68 pts.) suffered through another lost season as management was unable to find the right mix of players to get the club out of the Eastern Conference basement. Despite seeing an increase in offensive output from the previous year (273 GF, +32 from 2006-07), Boston was only able to muster 4 more wins than their previous campaign.

The culprit had to have been the woefully thin depth that Boston went into the season with in goal. Offseason acquisition Curtis Joseph proved to be past his prime and was subsequently released. Peter Budaj (24-36-3, 3.44 GAA, .897 SV%) ended up playing the bulk of the minutes in net (64 GP) with a revolving cast of backups (Joseph, Mike Smith, Andy Chiodo, Tuuka Rask) unable to prove capable to offering a valuable alternative.

Defensivley, the Bruins didn't fare much better. Zdeno Chara was the bright spot on a squad that didn't do enough night-in and night-out to help their young backstops. Brooks Orpik developed nicely as a second option behind Chara for the Bruins coaching staff. The Bruins were fortunate to acquire Jeff Schultz from Washington (along with Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray) in exchange for Paul Kariya at the trade deadline. Schultz didn't show great skill, but at 22 years of age, the left-handed defenseman is expected to compete in camp next season along with Denis Wildeman, Mike Green and Andrew Albert for the second pairing on the blue line.

General Manager Peter Chiarelli had to make a tough decision at the deadline as two key Bruins were set for free agency. Paul Kariya (59gp, 34g, 27a, -11), who led the team in goals after signing a one year contract, was sent to Washington in exchange for Schultz and Bourque. Paul Mara, a hometown hero on the blue line, reportedly turn down a multi-year contract offer leading up the deadline and was subsequently traded to Los Angeles in exchange for Dustin Brown.

While the end results were disappointing, Chiarelli and team president Christian Franklin have made a concerted effort to build the Bruins with youth and skill, as evident by their recent transactions. In the upcoming offseason, insiders expect the Bruins to be active in the free agent market as they look to bolster their blue line and goaltending situation.

World Cup Qualifying Round-Up

A few Revolution were involved in this past weekends World Cup qualifying:

• Sainey Nyassi made an appearance in Gambia's 2-0 win over Benin in the 2nd round of the African pool. The 19 year old has 8 caps for his native country. Nyassi has not been called on by New England since the second match of the season.
• Rudolph Austin gave a solid performance for Jamaica in their 2-0 win over the Dominican Republic. The twenty-one year-old centre-back is in his first season with the Revolution after spending the past three with Portmore Utd.
• Defensive midfielder Shalrie joseph played the entire game in Grenada's 5-3 loss to Mexico in the second round of North American qualifying. Grenada failed to move onto the second phase of qualifying.

The United States has qualified for the Second Phase of North American qualifying. They are currently in Group 2 along with Canada, Guatemala and Jamaica. The U.S. next plays Jamaica on Aug. 13th in Kingston.

The World Cup will take place in South Africa between 11 June and 11 July 2010.

[BostonRS14]

June 15, 2008:

2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft Preview

Boston heads into Major League Baseball's annual entry draft with the 30th overall selection based upon last year's record. Boston doesn't have much of a chance at grabbing the top tier of talent, headlined by Boston University's pitcher Hector Rodriguez, catcher Doug Osborn of Maine and Georgia pitcher Orlando "Moo" Duran.

With the recent graduation of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz from the minors, the Red Sox are expected to focus on pitching in the draft.

"I think our philosophy is not going to change," General Manager Theo Esptein said from Fenway Park this morning, where the team's scouting and development staff are held up awaiting the draft. "We are going to draft the best available talent that fits our team's philosophy regardless of position or cost. Our staff has done a tremendous job getting these guys ready over the past few years and we are looking to continue that pipeline here today. We need to keep adding the pieces that we need to build for long-term sustainability at the major league level."

Team President Larry Lucchino and owner John Henry traveled to New York for the festivities.

The Red Sox are poised to have Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard all with a chance of cracking the team's pitching staff within the next season, allowing Boston to replace aging parts of their staff while keeping costs down. In addition, Lars Anderson (.282, 5 HRs, 31 RBIs with Pawtucket) is showing signs of developing into the power-hitting first baseman the Sox have lack since the days of Mo Vaughn.

"We like Lars bat, obviously, but defensively he rates out as a plus-defender. With Youkilis signed, we have options to work him into the lineup at DH and off the bench, but we see him fitting in as an everyday first baseman probably within two seasons."

Baseball America recently ranked the Sox as having the 2nd best minor league system in baseball thanks to the signing of free agent 17-year old 2B Lucio Serrano out of Costa Rica.

Having the college and high school programs in their first year, I also left on the 'additional players' option just in case the draft class was weak. In future years, I plan on removing this and maybe adding another division or two to the NCAA program, which currently has 260 teams mirrored on Division 1 NCAA baseball. After comparing this draft class to next year's, I'll make that decision. The high school level is 50 teams based upon a one-per-state tournament so the chances of expanding are slim depending upon options available in OOTP10.