A day without baseball...

As the 'Sox do not play today, I believe that Boston fans will turn their attention to the Celtics vs. Lakers (MaryC being one of them, I'm sure).  There was a time when I was more rabid about the Celtics than the Red Sox (I think that is possible).

In the pre-Internet days, I would subscribe to anything that provided better Celtic coverage.  The "Big 3" back then were Bird, McHale, and Chief (Robert Parrish).  They were much to watch, particularly in '86 when they added Bill Walton.  The current GM, Danny Ainge, played alongside Dennis Johnson to round out one of the best starting 5 in basketball at the time.

As Red Auerbach put it, the Celtics' decline was precipitated by the rule of 3, three untimely and unplanned for events:  the death of Len Bias; Larry Bird's back injuries; and, the death of Reggie Lewis. 

I think my passion for the Celtics waned after a series of woeful choices:  M.L. Carr and Rick Pitino (the latter wanting the immortal Red Auerbach's title of President of the Celtics).

Go Celts!  Beat L.A., Beat L.A.!!!!

Tomorrow, the Oakland A's come to town and face John Lackey.  Would love to see a good outing from him.   

Lester continues to shine.....

As southpaw posted recently, Lester IS the new ace of the 'Sox staff....no doubt about it. 

With Lester and Buch pitching so well, 'Sox would be wise (for once this season) to take their time with Beckett.  Assuming his back is not to the point of requiring surgery, changing his mechanics to compensate could cause other injuries, like a shoulder and oblique problem (as with discussed in today's Globe).

A series split with KC having spotted them the first two games sure beats a sweep by them. 

Big Papi continues to swing a big bat.  Cam had a good game, too.  If Theo would ask me (which he won't), I would rest Ells and Beckett until after the All Star break, which is about a month away.  Theoretically, they will be healthy and rested for the 2nd half.  Why rush them back?  They have gained ground in the division without them.  Just play "rope 'a dope" and hang close.  That would be my advice. 

Free Agency...

Since this era started, 'Sox have been frequently shopped at the free agent market, with mixed results.  In '76, they signed Reliever Bill Campbell.  I can think of numerous "bust" signings of players beyond their prime:  Andre Dawson and Jack Clark come quickly to mind.  They have struck out with free agent pitchers, too:  Danny Dawin; Matt Young; Mark Portugal; Matt Clement; David Wells; Pat Rapp; many more.

True "busts" include: Edgar Renteria; Matt Clement

Good signings include:  Manny Ramirez; Kevin Millar; Bill Mueller.

One of Theo's glaring failings has been free agent signings.  I have always looked upon free agent signings with great skepticsm.  Often, you lose a draft pick; have to outbid other teams; lock-up big time money, and divert resources away from the farm system and player development,

When I see what the 'Sox farm system has developed since John Henry took over, I say to the 'Sox brain trust and ownership: focus your money, time, and effort on player scouting and development.  Go to the free agent market only as a last resort.    

"Uncle Buch" comes through!

'Sox did not provide Buch with much run support but all he needed was 1 run tonight.  Way to go, Buch!

To think that he has been in the mix of many trade talks since his 2007 no-no.  With Lester going on Sunday, I am feeling better about this series. 

Interesting that 'Sox spent tons of money signing Lackey and extending Beckett and Lester and Buch and doing the job for millions less.

9-5 KC - Come 'on!

How can Tito allow Wake to give up 7 runs in one frame (given there was a grand slam)!!!!

Gimme a break -- KC????

Why do the 'Sox have such problems....

with hapless KC?  Seems like they face them frequently after getting into a good groove only to be derailed.  Come on KC?  They just sweep the hot Devil Rays and struggle against KC?  It is so exasperating!!

Buck O'Neill Story - Part 2

Buck was a player manager toward the end of his playing days.  Thus, he was very interactive with his players during a game.  During one of those games, Buck's team was down 2-1 very late in the game.  His leadoff man singled to left.  He took his lead and immediately got picked off by the opposing pitcher.  One out.  The dejected base runner hung his head and walked back to the dugout only to be greeted by Buck and his tirade for being thrown out thereby taking away "small ball" options.  Though hurt, his leadoff man protested by saying the pitcher had a good pickoff move, best he had ever seen.  Buck would hear none of it and relegated the guy to the bench for the rest of the game. 

The batter at the plate singled, further infuriating Buck as his leadoff man, who got picked off, would have been in scoring position had he not been so careless. 

Buck grabbed his bat and still seething from his leadoff man's baserunning gaffe lined a single to center.  Runners at 1st and 2nd, one out.  Buck took his lead.  In an instant the opposing pitcher wheeled and picked Buck off of first base.  Two outs.

Shaking off the dirt from his uniform, Buck walked back to the dugout only to see his leadoff man sitting at the left side of the dogout and looking straight ahead.  Feeling ashamed, Buck headed toward the right side of the dugout.  Buck sat and watched as the next batter drew a walk.  Runners on 1st and 2nd, two out.

The leadoff man, who minutes earlier was feeling like a goat, walked down toward Buck's end of the dugout.  Without looking at Buck and staring straight out to the field, he calmly stated "so, Buck, that pitcher has some pickoff move, doesn't he?" 

The humbled and chastened Buck could only smile, shake his head, and laugh in saying "yep, he's got quite a pickoff move, best I've ever seen". 

Buck O'Neill Story - Part 1

Buck O'Neill, featured in Ken Burns' "Baseball" series was a great story teller.  Plus, he was class act.  One of his favorite stories involved the great Satchell Paige and Josh Gibson.  O'Neill played 3B on Satchell's team in the Negro League's equivalent of the World Series.  That day, Satchell was mowing down the opposing team with K after K.  Their team was leading 1-0 going into the bottom of the 9th inning.  Satchell had retired the first two batters.  The 3rd batter tagged one into the gap and legged out a triple. 

Before going into his stretch, Satch called Buck over and said "Buck, do you know what I'm gonna do?"  To which Buck replied "Well, Satch, I'm thinking that you're gonna strike this last guy out and we'll head into the clubhouse for beer and cold cuts".  Satch said "Nope, I'm gonna walk the next 2 batters".  An incredulous Buck responded "Why, Satch, why do you wanna go and do that?" 

Satch rubbed his chin and with mischevious look said "everyone says that Josh Gibson is the best hitter in baseball.  We all know I'm the best pitcher.  Let me load 'em up to get to Gibson and let's see what happens".  Buck shook his head knowing that there was no talking Satch out of this crazy idea, went back to 3rd base, and watched as Satch walked the next 2 hitters intentionally to face Josh Gibson. 

According to Buck, Satch struck Gibson out on 3 straight fastballs, 90, 95, and 100 mph respectively.  They all ran out to Satch, shook hands, and headed into the club house.  Incidentally, Buck did not mention that radar guns were not in existence in those days.  A great story nontheless though a bit embellished I suspect. 

One more story later tonight.

Timely Sweep

It was great to see our beloved 'Sox catapult over the Blue Jays, gain ground on the Rays, begin causing the Yankees to look over their shoulders, and win all 3 in Trop Field.  We are seeing both hitting and great pitching, particularly from Lester. 

Mazz in the Globe wrote the other day what "southpaw" declared a few days earlier:  Jon Lester is new ace and bona fide stopper. 

Okay performance last night from Lackey.  He seems to issue his share of BBs.  Will have to look at his career stats to see if control has been an issue for him.  Career-wise, he averages just under 3 BB/per game.  To me, that is a bit high.  Also, in looking at this career stats, maybe it's just me but they are not that impressive.  Perhaps his historical success against the 'Sox prompted the signing. 

Click here for Lackey's career stats. 

"Teammates" by David Halberstam

For those who have not read this book, I highly recommend it.  It covers the lifelong friendship among Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, and Bobby Doerr. 

There are some great baseball stories in that book.  A few years back, I read a biography on Ted Williams which was absolutely terrific.  One of the stories featured Joe DiMaggio's 62-game hitting streak in the 1940's.  In between innings, Ted used to strike up a conversation with the scoreboard operator at the base of the Green Monster.  During Joe's streak, Ted would go to the scoreboard operator and ask him about Joe's streak.  The operator, who was listening to the Yankees and keep up with other scores on his radio, would report that the streak was in jeopardy and Ted would run over to Dom to give him the update.  Later on, when Ted heard from the operator that Joe got a hit to keep the streak alive, Ted , the relay man,would run over to Dom and yell "the streak is still alive".  It was as if, despite their rivalry, Ted was rooting for Joe. 

I hope they never remove that Left Field scoreboard.  I think that there is great book that could be written about that scoreboard and the folks who kept score therein.  Perhaps it could be titled "Beneath the Monster" or "Monster Stories".  Maybe "southpaw" and I could collaborate on something like that.  The research would sure be fun. 

Another great story involves Ted and a rookie pitcher.  The first time this rookie faced Ted, he struck him out.  After the game was over, this proud rookie went into the 'Sox dugout to get Ted to sign the baseball with which he struck him out earlier.  The rookie went into the dugout with ball prominently in hand asking for Ted.  When LHP Mel Parnell found out what the rookie's intentions were, he knew that nothing good would come of this.  So, quietly left the dugout.  When the rookie found Ted, shared the baseball's importance, and asked for his autograph, the rest of the Red Sox dugout scattered like rats.  Ted immediately began to berate the young man to the point of bringing him close to tears.  Seeing what he had done, Ted grabbed the baseball, signed it, uttered some more expletives, and told the rookies to get out. 

A week or so later, Ted was facing this same rookie pitcher.  Ted promptly took one of his pitches and launched it high into the right field bleachers.  As Ted was rounding first base, he yelled out to the pitcher "I'll sign that one, too, if you can find the son of a [expletive].   

Tip My Cap....

to a great colleague in our Dallas office.  He has been wearing his 2007 World Series T-shirt since the 'Sox have hit a good stride of late.  He does not plan to change it lest he jinx the streak.  Now, that is taking one for the team, realizing that his wife may relegate him to garage with that T-shirt real soon.  I just hope he has a/c out there!

I ran into one of our really terrific lawyers in the Dining Room yesterday and we feared shaking hands lest we jinx the streak.


 

The Big 4...

Pitching stars of late include: Lester, Buchholz, Dice-K, and Wake.  Missing from this list are Lackey and Beckett.  The starting rotation would be formidable even if one of them would get untracked and into a groove.  It would sure be great if Lackey pitched well and 'Sox sweep the Rays today as they face Garza.

Yankees are beginning to fade a bit. 

More on McDonald

Please click here.

A Numbers Game

As much I welcome seeing both Cam and Ells back in the lineup, I really feel for McDonald.  He has been a welcome shot in the arm for the 'Sox.  I see where he is staying put for the time being because Ells still feels tender.  I am not sure if McDonald still has options to go back to Pawtucket.  Being a journeyman, I suspect not and that he will have to clear waivers before returning to AAA thereby possibly resulting in another team claiming him.  That would be a shame. 

Always Nice to Get the First One in a Series

Buch comes through with a solid pitching performance.  Big Papi continues on a tear -- 8th HR in May.  'Sox seems to be hitting a stride. 

I am very glad that Theo never traded Buch.  From that no-no against the O's in 2007 on just his 2nd ML start, I have always thought that he was a special pitcher.

V-Mart suffered a bruised toe.   Hopefully, he's just day-to-day. 

Cam back today. 

Big Series Coming Up

Ideally, 'Sox sweeping this series would be nice.  A sweep the other way just puts us in a deeper hole.  At the least, we need a split with the Rays.  Buchholz going tonight. 

Winners in 5 out of 6...

Nice to see 'Sox take 2 out of 3 in Philly and beating "Doc" Halladay.   Nice performance from Wake today.  I think 'Sox should keep Beckett on the shelf until he is completely healthy.  Lackey needs to get going and get into a groove. 

Something seems to be wrong with Ramirez.  Maybe he needs a stint on the DL?

'Sox payroll

Just took a look at the numbers -- staggering the number of players making more than $10M per year.  I was surprised to see Bill Hall's contract so high.  Did the 'Sox pick up his contract?  I do not recall how 'Sox acquired him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/roster?team=bos

Compare those big numbers to those of the younger players.  Drew, Papi, and Lowell command some big numbers!

Wake vs. Doc today

"Doc" Halladay is 6-2 for the Phillies this year.  Sure glad 'Sox do not have to face him several times this season as was the case when he pitched for the Blue Jays. 

I was a bit surprised to see Big Papi at 1B and Youk on the bench last night.

Ells was activated for yesterday's game.  Good to have him back. 

An almost no-no for Dice-K

Great to see him pitching well.  With both Lackey and Beckett struggling, we needed someone to step up.
I have not seen him pitch this year.  Is he more aggressive with his pitches and has he stopped his "nibbling" around the plate? 

Remember Lee Smith?

Apparently, he is now working for the Giants organization and was recently in Richmond with the AA Flying Squirrels.  My friend met him as she got his autograph and found Mr. Smith to be a very nice guy.  He towered over her at 6'6". 

If I recall, 'Sox traded Calvin Schiraldi and Al Nipper to the Cubs to get Lee Smith.  A few years later, they inexplicably signed Jeff Reardon as closer and then had trade Smith to the Cardinals for Tom Brunasky.   Bruno was good for the 'Sox and was key, along with LHP Tom Bolton, during the 1990 stretch run.

Despite the slow start...

'Sox are 2 games over .500 and 8 GB.  The AL east has a logjam of 4 teams vying for the top.  I have to believe that the other 3 teams will hit a slump somewhere along the line.  'Sox are certainly not out of it at this point despite the dire warnings of the Boston Press corps. 

Calling on bloggers....

Mary C: when will you and your friend start blogging with southpaw and me?  Would love to hear your perspective on things.  I like hearing southpaw's views on the team, the farm, Theo, etc.  Please join us soon!!

Lester - the real ace?

He has battled back from cancer.  He shows mental toughness.  After coming back from cancer, he pitched the WS game 4 clincher in 2007 and pitched a no-hitter in 2008.  Plus, he's an electric lefthander. 

It makes me shudder to think that Theo bundled Lester up with Manny in an attempt acquire A-Rod in 2004.   Some of the best trades are those that don't happen. 

Nice to see a pitcher go the full 9 innings -- what a rarity these days.  Now, the rest of the rotation must follow Lester's lead. 

I see that "Cowboy Up" Millar has joined NESN as analyst.  I really liked having Millar around those few years.  I wish him the best.  It was the walk he drew in 2003 that enabled Dave Roberts to pinch run and steal 2nd base; and, get knocked in by Mueller. 

With friends like them...

In Today's Globe, Tony Mazzarotti raises the question of whether it is time to trade Papelbon while is value is still high and before he reaches free agency.  The shoulder subluxation problem in 2006 has caused the front office to go year-to-year with this premier closer instead of a long-term deal.  Personally, I wonder if long-term, guaranteed contracts should be replaced with year-to-year contracts universally? 

Beckett to DL with back strain

Tito hopes that Beckett will miss just one start.  I say what's the hurry, let him heal properly.  It's not like he has been carrying the team, like Clemens during '86.  I just hope that the back problem is not more serious resulting in an extended absence. 

Joe Nelson called up from Pawtucket, a journeyman reliever.   To review stats on Pawtucket, see link below,
Pawsox stats - click here

AA stats on the Portland Sea Dogs, below.
Sea Dogs stats - click here

I have to admit a bit of surprise in reviewing these stats from both Pawtuckett and Portland.  The prospects like Lars Anderson, Josh Reddick, and Casey Kelly do not have impressive numbers.  The supposed shortshop of the future, Jose Iglesias, has good numbers.  Once touted RHP Mike Bowden is struggling.  Maybe I have been placing too much faith in Theo and his "development machine".  I hope the stats improve over the season. 
 

Beckett still not right

Over 100 pitches in 5 innings and leaves with an undisclosed injury.  At the the 'Sox avoided the sweep and snagged a win.  They really need Ells and Cameron back. 

Thoughts on Theo....

He made the tough decision to trade Nomar and landed a Gold Glover shortshop (in my opinion, he should have re-signed Cabrera).  He acquired Dave Roberts whose steal enabled the 'Sox avoid getting swept.  He traded for a Gold Glove Manciewicz (sp?).  He talked Schill to come to Boston, via trade, over a 2003 Thanksgiving visit.  He signed Foulke as the 2004 closer.  

He has orchestrated the rebuilding of a farm system that finally produced home-grown pitching and brought along: Youk; Pedroia; and Ells.  Pitching: Pap; Bard; Delcarmen; Lester; and Buchholz. 

As to free agents, he picked up Millar, Ortiz, Mueller, and few others who have contributed.   He has had some bust signings (Renteria, Clement, some say JD Drew for the price he paid).

Though I do not agree with everything he has done, he is the GM credited for 2 WS championships in my lifetime.  So, I am not ready to throw Theo under the bus.  If this "bridge year" turns out to be a myth and those AAA prospects are busts next year, then, we will have to wonder whether the talented assistant GM's that he has lost to other teams were the real talent behind Theo. 

The picture says it all...

I don't know about you all, but this looks like taunting to me.  Perhaps it is a response to how pitchers pump their fists or yell out when they get a K or key out.  Regardless, I think MLB should rein in such antics, for both hitters and pitchers.  At least the NFL has rules against and penalties for taunting. 

A disappointing loss nonetheless.

More on recent Double AA game

It was game between the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Altoona Curve.

Practically all of the players wore their pants the old fashioned way.  It was refreshing to see that.  I had forgotten how neat that looked and how I tried unsuccessfully to emulate that look as a kid with my blue jeans and long white socks.  It was not very appealing. 

With in-between inning contests and post-game giveaways, it felt like being at a baseball game again.  Of course, the $6 General Admission cost helped, too. 

'Sox need consistency from Lackey

He was the marquee free agent signing in the offseason.  His addition labeled the 'Sox as having one of the best starting rotations in history.  Like the rest of the 'Sox, Lackey needs consistency. 

Tough loss in Detroit

You hate to see the 'Sox lose games, like last night, in which they led practically the whole evening.  Games like this can come back and bite later. 

I see that both Cameron and Beckett are due to return soon. 

Big Papi getting hot?

Two HRs last night is certainly a good sign.  If 'Sox are to make up ground in the standings, they need him to provide that big bat.  Since Manny left town, via trade, to LA, a lot has fallen on Big Papi's shoulders.  Losing Jason Bay coupled with last year's struggles certainly added to this burden.  Hopefully, he can sustain this power surge and develop some consistency.   

Umpires and their strike zones

Interesting piece in today's Globe about Dale Scott's strike zone the 'Sox 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays.  In watching games over the years, the hitters were fine with an expanded strike zone once they knew what it was and so long as the umpire was consistent.  I do not understand why umpires have the liberty to stray from the standard strike zone. 

Good performance by Wake

As in many of his starts and typical of a knuckleballer, Wake had one bad inning.  He gave the starting rotation and the bullpen a life with his outing today.  I remember in 2004 when he gave up a start to pitch in game 3 against the Yankees, took a shelling, but breathed life into the bullpen.  Wake is that kind of guy.  He won't always like his role, but he accepts it. 

Ready to jettison the Boston Globe's coverage

We are not even 40 games into the season and the Globe has been pushing the theme "can the 'Sox get back into the race?"  I can see why Ted Williams, Yaz, and Jim Rice had such strained relations with the Boston Press.  They have to be some of the most negative reporters I have ever read. 

Anyone else have an alternative newspaper or website to recommend? 

Dice-K Tonight

He brings his 9.90 ERA to Fenway to face the Blue Jays.   It would be great to see him get out of the 1st inning without any BB or ER.  Otherwise, it will be a long night for the bullpen.

Drew - out with vertigo

He has had a history of back problems, shoulder problems, and vertigo.  Last 3 years with the 'Sox:  140, 109, and 137 games, respectively.  He certainly does not qualify an iron man award nor has he knocked in over 70 runs in any given season for the 'Sox -- begs the question: why did Theo sign this guy? 

I see that Wake will start Wednesday night pushing Beckett back to a Friday night start.  Sounds like Beckett may get in some extra work and maybe watch some video on his mechanics.  I have a lot of faith in John Farrell, the pitching coach. 

In the minors, RHP Casey Kelly continues to impress.  Maybe we see him in the bigs after the All-Star break if 'Sox need some starting pitching help. 

Lester - the Stopper

Strong effort from Jon Lester last night.  Hopefully, he has turned the corner and will now be more consistent.  Now, we need for Beckett and Dice-K to turn it around and, then, the starting rotation could be as dominant as previously billed coming out of spring training.   

14-3?

Seems like the makings of another "Boston Masscre" weekend.  At least we have Lester going on Sunday.  Real a strong outing from him.

An Unfinished Career

He led the American League in home runs at the mere age of 19. He amassed 100 HRs in just 3 seasons.  He was a local athlete from Revere, MA and lived out his childhood dream of playing in Fenway Park for his beloved Red Sox. He had Hollywood good looks and charisma to match. The Red Sox Nation affectionately referred to him as Tony C., short for Tony Conigliaro.  He was the right guy, in the right sport, in the right town, and the right time.

It was said that Tony C possessed the "Fenway Park Stroke", a swing that enabled him to launch or yank home runs over Fenway's "Green Monster" which stood only 315 feet from homeplate but stretched over 37 feet high. When most hitters would experience long singles and doubles, Tony C's stroke enabled his long fly balls to hurdle over the high wall for home runs.  He was a clutch hitter.

He was on the "Impossible Dream" team of 1967, which had finished dead last in 1966, with aspirations of winning an American League Championship for the first time since 1946. That team consisted of some up and coming talent (Reggie Smith, Rico Petrocelli, George Scott, Jim Lonborg, and Mike Andrews) mixed in with solid veterans (Yaz namely).

With all this going for him and the Red Sox, the future looked extremely bright until that fateful night in August, 1967 when a Jack Hamilton fastball smashed into the left side of his face causing severe eye damage. Though he made a successful comeback in 1970, he was never the same hitter. He retired from baseball in 1975 ending what might have been and what should have been a very successful, perhaps Hall of Fame, career.

Through it all, friends and family shared that he never complained of having been dealt a bad hand. His unfinished career carried into an unfinished life as Tony C. passed away at the young age of 45 from a stroke.  I undertand that Jack Hamilton was never the same pitcher after that traumatic night in 1967.

Buchholtz vs. Sabathia today on Fox

He has been perhaps our best pitcher, so far, this season.  I believe it would be a great shot in the arm for him and the 'Sox if he could shut down the Yankees today.  Lester goes tomorrow.  If Buchholtz does not rise to the "stopper" role today, Lester has been pitching well.  Let's hope for a 2-1 Series win verse 1-2 or worse yet, a Yankees sweep in Fenway.

Beckett Continues to Struggle

Though he had 8 K's last night, I wonder if there is something physically wrong with Beckett?  Has anyone seen him pitch thisy year?

Recent series:
Sweep the Blue Jays
Get swept by the Orioles
Sweep the Angels

The 2010 'Sox need consistency.