Ken Burns' "Baseball" on PBS -- The 5th Inning "Shadow Ball"

Caught some of this tonight.  Just like the first time I viewed it back in 1993, the series just pulls you in.   Great to see the great Satchell Paige and Josh Gibson "the Black Babe Ruth" as he was called. 

Once read his Paige's biography "Maybe I'll Pitch Forever".  According to his estimates, Paige pitched in over 2,500 games and won 2,000, pitches "hundreds" of no-hitters.  I suspect a bit of embellishment there.  Nevertheless, he was great for the Negro Leagues. 

Disppearing Act

The Globe has an interesting article on Ells.  Click here.
I hope the 'Sox have not given up on him.  Any player who can score from 2B on a wild pitch to the backstop has game-changing speed. 

Paul Pierce....going, going, gone...

At the least the original Big Three of Bird, McHale, and Parrish retired as Celtics.  Pouting Paul is taking his game and attitude on the road to test free agency.  I will admit to never really warming up to this guy.  Celtics will miss him though.  It does free up some money under the NBA cap. BTW, whether its the NFL or NBA, their cap rules require a lawyer to understand them.  I better understood the old NFL CBA which has expired. 

At least Capt. Pierce was part of a championship team.  To me, his legacy is one of mixed feelings.  He was good but, to me, he did not have the mental toughness to be a Celtic great.  Not sure if his number 34 should one day hang from the same rafters that behold the likes of Cousey, Russesll, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Tom Heinshon, Bill Sharman, Havliceck, Bird, McHale, Parrish, and DJ.  He boldly predicted that the Celtics were not going to return to LA and would finish the Lakers off in Boston but he could not backup that bravado. 

The way I see it, he got his championship and now he wants to collect even bigger money in the open market. 

Injuries....? and the problem....?

Got to hand it to our 'Sox.  Despite being short-handed, they are putting a whipping on those Devil Rays. 

My buddy, Lackey, did okay tonight --- why have I been so hard on him??  Let's hope he steps up.  No Dice-K, no Beckett, no problem. 

The Globe's Injury Report....

quite a list. 

Click here for the Globe post.

Catcher on the horizon...?

From the Boston Globe ---

Edwin Mejia, one of the agents for Adalberto Ibarra, updated his Twitter feed today to report that the Cuban catcher has taken his physical.

Once he is approved, the Red Sox plan to have Ibarra work out in Fort Myers before assigning him to a team.

Ibarra, 23, agreed to a five-year, $3 million deal two months ago but was stuck in the Dominican Republic waiting for a visa. He is an inexperienced catcher and will need time to acclimate to that position as well as the American professional game.

So, no, he won't be catching John Lackey tomorrow night.

It begs the question why 'Sox have so many catching prospects in the minors. 

Interleague play

provides for some interesting situations.  The Globe had an article in which Buchholz bragged to teammates about this hitting ability.  He got it but hurt himself n the basepaths. 

I saw where Lackey was used as a PH the other night. 

Seeing Big Papi at 1B is interesting.  He is adequate with the glove, by no means a Golden Glover.  I suspect his range is not that good. 

Nice effort by Lester

This is at least the 2nd CG win that Lester has had this year.  Going nine inning and throwing about 103 pitches is very economic and gives the bullpen, stretched yesterday due to Buchholz' injury, a much needed break.  Plus, he had 9 K's.  He is certainly the ace of this staff now. 

Silving lining in all these injuries is that players like McDonald, Nava, and others have had the opportunity to play and gain ML experience and confidence.

'Sox conclude this road trip at .500 though they could have won a few more.  Pap's blown saves continue to concern me. 

Costly win....

losing Pedroia, just when he was getting hot, really hurts.  Good thing they have Bill Hall to fill in. 

Buchholz' knee injury does not appear to be serious.  Tito should hold him out a start to ensure that he does not alter his mechanics to compensate.

As much as these injuries are untimely, I would rather see them in June as opposed to September. 

Bowden improving...could be source of relief

Perhaps another young 'Sox pitching prospect can step up and help out.  Click here for Globe article on Bowden.

Dice-K on the mound....

hope the bullpen is rested.   So far, 1 H, 2 BB and no outs.

It would be sure nice to get some consistency from him.  I agree with southpaw's earlier post about Dice-K wanting to play in the World Baseball Classic.  Seems to me that 'Sox pitchers who have participated, Dice-K and Timlin, have gotten hurt during the regular season.  Theo needs to say "no" and nip that one in the bud.  The guy cost the 'Sox over $100M to bid for and to sign him.  I believe that they have some say in when and where he pitches.

Back to Lackey.  Theo needs to focus on the farm system and stay away from free agency.  His track record is pretty poor, though he has had a few successes.  $82M can pay for lots of scouting and signing bonuses.

Switching Gears....to football

Pete Carroll, former Patriot coach, is now in charge at Seatlle.  He is their head coach with expanded authority over player personnel.  He was in New England in between Bill Parcells and current coach Bill Belicheck.  While in New England, his teams struggled though he was an ebullient sideline presence.  Owner Bob Kraft, who was originally enfatuated with Carroll's presence, fired him. 

From New England, he went to USC and led them to numerous PAC-10 titles and 2 National Championships.  He coached a few Heisman Trophy winners along the way.  But, before USC is slapped with probation and other penalities for numerous player and recruiting violations, he flees back to the NFL.  Now, USC is facing numerous and harsh penalties.

Shouldn't Coach Carroll be held accountable in some way for what happened at USC on his watch there?  I don't understand.  Where will he go next when his tenure at Seattle implodes -- back to the college ranks?    

Beckett scheduled back after the All-star break....

At least if his rehab plan works out, 'Sox won't be making a waiver trading deadline for another starting pitcher.  They do need bullpen help though.  Of course, the Boston press, which was making the case for another big bat previously, may resurrect that point.  I do not see hitting as an issue.  We need bullpen help without giving up a major prospect.  Daniel Bard, in particular, needs help.  In the 70's-80's, 'Sox had a promising young relief pitcher and spot starter in Bob Stanley who was over-used.  I remember reviewing boxscores in which Stanley pitched long relief in both games of a doubleheader because their bullpen was so weak.  Well, within a few years, he was a shadow of that pitcher. 

When Joe Morgan (not the ESPN guy) managed the 'Sox in late 80's, he was unconventional.  I recall a game in which he brought in Mike Boddicker to pitch to Jose Canseco.  Then, Boddicker started a game a day or so later.  RHP Mike Smithson complained later how Morgan would have him up and down warming up only to bring in someone else.  In short, bullpen work brings with it lots of wear and tear on a pitcher.  My view is that 'Sox managers have not always managed the bullpen usage well and we are seeing Tito do that this year.  It gives me great concern.  I believe he overworked Okajima in his first few years in Boston.   

Former Cy Young Award winner, Dave Stewart, once remarked how a manager has to resist the temptation to send out their best pitchers when they have been overworked.  Pitching overhand is not a natural motion and results in much wear and tear. 

Who knows, though, maybe Daniel Nava has raised some interest in the trade market though I would hate to see him traded so quickly in his 'Sox career.  He seems to have focus and perseverance.

Jed Lowrie has sure fallen off the map.  I am not even sure if he is at Pawtucket. 

 

Okay, I'm ready for interleague play to be over...

of course, if the 'Sox had not lost in such a disappointing way last night I would be singing a different tune.  Pap is just not the automatic "save king" anymore.  These gut wrenching losses are tough.  I would rather get blown out than to lose like that. 

Baseball nicknames....

We use them all the time: Ells, Youk, Petey, Okey, Pap, 'Tek, V-Mart, Schill, Wake.  The list goes on and on.  Most seem to be a variation or shortening of the player's last name.  Here is one for you. 

I loved the nicknames from days past:

Jim "Catfish" Hunter
Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd
John "Blue Moon" Odom
Jim "Mudcat" Grant
"Shoeless" Joe Jackson
Walter "Big Train" Johnson
Dick "Dr. Strange Glove" Stuart
Carlton "Pudge" Fisk

They had such unique rings to them.

The NE Patriots have a running back named BenJarvis Ellis-Green.  When asked by reporters, one Patriot remarked that the team called him simply "law firm".  Quite witty.

Boof Bonser -- designated for assignment

He was supposed to a welcome addition to the bullpen yet he was coming off of arm injuries -- Theo, what were you thinking??  I have never seen him pitch but I'm always suspect of a pitcher with past arm woes.  I remember too well the 'Sox signing Skip Lockwood, back in the 80's, despite his injury problems.  Lockwood was a bust.  To me, it's like buying a race horse who has pulled up lame a few times.

I like the Globe's piece on Atchison as the "last man standing:".  Hopefully, he'll be around for a while and can continue contributing.     

Felix sent back to AAA.  RHP Robert Manual called up.  He was pitching well at Pawtucket.  Hopefully, he can provide the pen, particularly Bard, some relief.  Sometimes, I wonder if the 'Sox gave up too quickly on Craig Hansen who was hightly touted coming out of college.  He was sent to the Pirates in the Jason Bay deal.  I am so glad the 'Sox did not give up on Buchholz. 

I think that the 'Sox miss a guy like Masterson.  But, trading him for V-Mart was a steal.  

This close to the All-Star break, I am thinking that the 'Sox hold back Dice-K, Ells, and Beckett until after the break.  No need to rush them back.

Guess Big Papi will play 1B and displace either Youk or Beltre while playing in NL parks.  During interleague play in NL parks, Big Papi becomes a liability.  Hard to take the bat out of the hands of Youk or Beltre.   

Nice homestand

They swept the Dodgers with a gutsy performance by Buchholz supported
by great defensive plays. The defense picked him up after he threw 30
pitches in the first inning!

Timely hitting and good defense coupled with solid pitching has
enabled our sox to begin breathing down the necks of the Yanks.

Devil Rays have slowed.

Drew may not have to go on the DL. I woulsd stay with the outfield
lineup and keep Drew out They are winning without him.

Tito is still using Bard far too much. Doesn't he review the numbers?!!

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Felix to the 'pen??

Rather than making a silly trade, what if 'Sox tried Felix in the bullpen?  I would rather try him or Bowden rather than going outside the organization.  If Ells, Dice-K, and Beckett can come back healthy and effective for the 2nd half, I do not see the need for a trading deadline trade right now.  Okay, if they could unload J.D. Drew for pitching, I would be okay with that.  But, there would be few takers, I think.

Amazing!!

They started today a makeshift outfield of Hall, McDonald, and Nava.  The last 2 players were called up from AAA.  They have Beckett and Dice-K on the DL.  Lackey has been inconsistent.  Ellls is on the DL and may be joined by Drew.  Cameron's playing time has been limted.  Petey has not been hitting as well has he can.  Big Papi had a horrendous April.  Their bullpen has been shaky at times.  There has been a controversy surrounding playing time for Mikey Lowell.

Yet, despite  all this they are 1 GB today.

Lester and Buch have anchored the pitching staff.  Bard and Pap have held the pen together thus far.  But, they have to reduce their reliance on Bard.  Atchison could be the answer.   

Wouldn't it be something if the 'Sox were healthy in the 2nd half of the season?   

Manny reaction

Viewed the video from Manny's return to
Fenway. Mrs Tom Brady and Southpaw naoled it - very
Mixed reaction.

Going through the Globes's pictorial on Manny being Manny, I had
forgotten many of his antics.

Good performance from from Felix but Atchison really came up big!
Drew hurt his hamstring - will we ever get an injury-free season from
him?

Big Papi starting to heat up in June.

Sorry Mrs. Brady that I missed your visit on Friday - hope to catch
you next time!

Sent from my iPod

Would have nice

To see number 18 hoisted into the rafters.

It will be interesting to see what Danny Aimge will do in the
offseason. Will Doc Rivers be back?

Sent from my iPod

Lackey continues to be "lack"luster

He gives up lots of hits, is not economic with his pitches, and gives up far too many runs.  He is W-L record is deceptive.  If he was supposedly last year's top free agent pitcher, it begs the question: who was number 2?  Theo, I hope you still feel good about this $82M commitment 'cause I sure don't feel it.

I know that I'm down on Lackey and sound like a broken record.  I'll try to temper my frustration. 

Precursor to a Lowell deal???

I sure hope not.  If something unforeseen happened to either Beltre or Youk, Lowell could step in.  I'm not in favor of trading him.

For background, click here.

Win one for the Perk-er....good luck Celtics!!!

Calling Captain Paul Pierce.  Time to bring out your "A game" tonight.  May it be said that "the Truth" came up big and the Celtics one this one for their fallen center.  Otherwise, it will be a long winter.  Regardless, this may be the last time we see the 2nd generation of the "Big 3" playing together.

Manny happy returns?

I suspect that the Fenway faithful will give Manny a good ovation when
he returns this weekend.

After all, he was an important part of two WS championships.

Plus, he is not playing for the Yankees!

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Nice win

Good pitching and good hitting results in win. Lester should be a
strong candidate to be named to the all star game .

The sox would not be where they are were it not for Buchholz and Lester.

R-ram concerns me. He allowed two baserunners thereby resulting in
Tito summoning Pap in for the final put.

You want to save Pap for the really tough save situations.

Bucholz continues to shine

9-4.  Not bad for a pitcher whose name was frequently mentioned in trade rumors.  He did not seem to be economic with his pitches last night.  Good enough for the W though.

I see that Yankees and Rays are now tied for first place. 

The 'Sox injury list creates some concern.  It would be nice to get everyone back healthy again. 

Day off blues

Still, lots to blog about.  Beltre has landed 2 important players on the DL this year.  I know he has had a good season at the plate, but hard for me to justify his presence with Mikey Lowell on the bench.  Tito has got to find a way to get him more regular AB's.  Simple as that.

Dice-K's injury seems a bit mysterious to me.  I hope it is not a sign for a more serious problem.  Strained forearms bring back memories of Clemens before his '85 offseason shoulder surgery and a promising young RHP named John Dopson.  I hope that it is not serious.

The 'Sox farm system now seems chocked full of position players as opposed lots of pitching prospects.  For a list of 'Sox prospects Click here. 

I love Wake.  He gives the 'Sox innings.  Having watched him pitch for 'Sox since '95, the one thing that seems consistent:  he is prone to that one bad inning despite keeping the opposing hitters off balance for the majority of the game.  If he has a 4-5 run lead, you can breathe somewhat easy but not too easy.

Okajima has sure fallen from his automatic "hold" form of 2007.  He never had much velocity but a deceptive move.  Perhaps MLB hitters have figured him out?

Big Papi seems to have cooled off a bit.  May not be a bad time to sit him for a while and give Mikey Lowell some DH time.  Youk could use some days off if nothing else to recover from the dings of racking up HBPs.  He plays hard and gets lots of chin music standing right on top of the plate. 

Still like McDonald.  I know that he is on the bubble for when Hermida and Ells return. 

Pap still concerns me.  He is not the same dominant closer as in 2007.  Not sure if it is a physical or mental thing.  Does he ever throw a breaking ball to get the hitters thinking curveball?  I think he needs an offspeed pitch --- a change-up?  Schill taught him the splitter.    

2 out of 3....again

It sure beats getting swept.  Nice to see Mikey Lowell get a chance to play and see him contribute.  Nice picture above of Mikey and Big Papi.

Phillies are a good team.  'Sox gave 'em a good whooping on Friday and Saturday. 

More on Nava.....

Click here for a Q&A session with this young man. 

How about that?

Admittedly, I had not heard of this kid before.  I thought that I a decent feel on some of the 'Sox top prospects, but this guy is a new one on me.  But, he made history!   Only the 4th player in MLB history to hit a Grand Slam at his first AB. 

For more on Nava, click here.

Another good trouncing of the Phillies! 

Celts pull even...

Pierce delivers a good game....game 5 is a must win for the Celts. 

Tough loss...

Bard blows the save.  Well, Pap, has been prone to blow one occassionally.  With Lester pitching so well of late, you just expect a "W". 

Tough news on Ells: a 2nd rib injury.  It appears he will end up missing a good part of this first half of the season. 

Going to back L.A, Paul

despite your swagger and assurance, Paul, you could not back it up last night. 

Last post tonight....

I will focus on blogging only from home and on my computer to comply with firm policy.  I have been inconsistent in recent days trying to adjust to this new routine.

Nice win in Cleveland

Yankees beating up on the 'Os.  Tampa Bay beat the Blue Jays giving 'Sox more separation from Toronto. 

Bard quickly emerging as the closer-in-waiting.  Pap is still the closer but it sure is great to have Bard.  I think RHP Michael Bowden, now down in AAA, should be groomed as a set-up man.  Bard struggled as a starter in the minors and really found his niche out of the bullpen.  Could be the right direction with Bowden.

Celts seem flat...

sure wish Pierce had not made comments about not going back to L.A.  That just fuels the competitive juices of someone like Bryant.

Hope the Celts re-group and get this one in the "W" column. 

Ells to CA for 3rd opinion...

Dr. Yocum is well-respected and being asked to render a 3rd opinion on Ells' cracked ribs.  I am not a doctor but with all the modern tests (CT scan, MRI, etc.) one wouldn't think that this would be such a mystery.  I had not realized previously that Ells' agent is Scott Boras.

Would be nice to have Ells healthy for the 2nd half of the season.

Close game in Cleveland tonight.  Hope Bard can save it for the 'Sox. 

2 out of 3....

on the road is typically pretty good except when you're playing the division's cellar dweller. 

V-Mart is really swinging the bat swell.  I wonder if he is one of those guys who hits better when he is not having to catch?  If the 'Sox decide to re-sign him after the season, then they will need to shift him to 1B and re-sign 'Tek for another year plus have a solid back-up C if they go that route.

Looking at the current roster, the "bridge" players are Beltre, Cameron, and Scutaro until the prospects are ready.  Beltre signed a 1-year deal so his bridge time is shorter. 

Lackey's problems....

He continues to put up mediocre numbers:  3 BB an 7 H's over 7 IP; 124 pitches of 54 were balls.  The guy has got to throw strikes and be more efficient with his pitches.  I do not think that I am going out on a limb here, but, I believe the 'Sox were expecting a bit more from this guy who was supposedly the top free agent pitcher available in the offseason. 

I have been very critical of this guy but he's making a ton of money and should be pitching better.   

The State of the O's

Hard to believe that an owner can take a once proud and perenially contending team into the perennial doormat of the AL.  The O's used to have the 'Sox number.  I will never forget how they overcame the 'Sox in the 70's a few times at the end of the season.  '74 was a terrible 'Sox collapse to the O's. 

This is the organization that produced and taught pitching.  I remember how commentators would laud the O's pitching staff on how they would sit in the dugout and talk pitching in between starts; and, reach out to teach the youngsters.  Mike Boddicker was a student of Jim Palmer. 

And, their farm system produced such great players.  The front office used to make great trades (remember Frank Robinson from the Cincinnati Reds?).

When the O's used to play at Memorial Stadium, off of Loch Raven Boulevard, their fans were great. I happen to attend an O's game there in '79 the night after Yaz had recorded his 3,000th career hit.  When Yaz strolled to the plate, the O's fans gave him a standing ovation.  I was proud of Yaz that night but just as proud to be a baseball fan.  I will always remember the O's fans and their class that night.

They have a beautiful ballpark at Camden Yards.  They just need a new owner.

In my humble opinion, baseball teams need to be owned  by owners who love the game and are willing to bring in the right people and let them run the organization.  I very much remember how Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, referred to his role as "guardian of a New England asset" and how his job is to allow the coaches and front office run the team. 

Further on the love of baseball, we need a real commissioner, not a puppet and lackey.  The game needs strong leadership and Bud Selig is not the guy for the job.

Josh Reddick

Good to see him called up.  He remains me a bit of Mike Greenwell.  He is one 3 OF prospects 'Sox.  Ryan Kalish is another.  A third, Ryan Westmoreland, had to have brain surgery and his future is uncertain.

AL East

The 4 teams continue to be bunched up.  Despite a shaky start, our 'Sox are right in the hunt.  I was checking the Wildcard standings and the 'Sox are only 2 GB.

I believe that Toronto will lose steam eventually.

Hopefully, 'Sox will get back to full strength after the All Star break with Ells, Beckett, Cameron back close to 100%.

Buchholz again...

He continues to pitch with great confidence.  He as an 8-3 record. 

Where would the 'Sox be without him? 

I am very grateful that they did not trade Buchholz and other top prospects for Johan Santana back in 2008.  I will never forget this no-hitter against the O's in only his 2nd MLB start in 2007.  He set the bar very high for himself and has begun to attain that high level that fans had come to expect of him. 

No pressure, Buch, but I would love to see you named as the AL starter in the All Star game.

Almost Perfect....last thoughts

Without the help of Google, I can name only 3 pitchers who have thrown perfect games in baseball history:  Don Larsen; Jim "Catfish" Hunter; and, Kenny Rogers (not 100% sure on the last one).  I would be hard pressed to name the others.  I would be merely guessing.

However, in my humble opinion, I will always remember Galaraga's as a gracious young man who acted with such class when robbed of something he had earned fairly.

He may not have been credited with the perfect game he threw, but I will always remember his countenance when seeing the awful call made at first base.  Constrast that quickly to George Brett's angry burst and spring from the dugout when his HR was erased due to excessive pine tar on his bat. 

Mr. Galaraga: you acted in a way and manner that is so lost in today's society.  I greatly respect your "grace under pressure".  I wish you continued success and a great baseball career.  I hope that the 'Sox fan greet him warmly when he pitches in Fenway.    Just don't pitch a perfect game against our beloved 'Sox!

Perfect Game Lost....

Having watched the video replays, saw the graciousness of  Galaraga, and the ump's reaction, as a baseball fan, I:

1. really feel badly for this young pitcher
2. glad that the ump took responsibility for blowing the call (human error which we're all prone to)
3. do not feel that the commissioner should step in and do anything (it would set a dangerous precedent)

As much as I would love to see the young man given his proper credit, to me, he towers in stature by his gracious handling of what has to be such a major disappointment.  I understand that the ump apologized to Galaraga.  I sure hope that the media spotlights this as great lessons for all of us!

Any other thoughts?

Mrs. Tom Brady..

is focusing on the Celtics now....good luck tonight, Celts.  Beat L.A.!!!

Hope Kraft and Belicheck come up with a big bucks contract for Mr. Tom Brady. 

Wake...

I love this guy.  He gives the team 100% and has been a loyal 'Sox member since '95.  He gives the 'Sox innings. 

With his knuckler, you never know what is going to happen. 

Dice-K struggles but hangs in there...

and nice comback from a 3-0 hole.  Big Papi continues to hit.  Sadly, Lowelll continues to sit.  They have got to find some ABs for him.

Pap gives up a solo PH HR but thankfully 'Sox had a 2-run cushion going in.  He's not the lights-out closer of recent years when he was almost automatic.  But, he is still good.

Has he gone away from his splitter? 

Oh those LOBs.....

'Sox cannot afford to strand runners, 7 so far tonight, with the way Lackey is pitching.  It seems to be a truism in baseball: you let a struggling starter off the hook and he gets stronger as the game goes on. 

4-3 now.  Lackey needs to shut down the A'S 1-2-3 and get his team back into the dugout.  Time to bear down and earn that big money. 

Lackey is lacking....

His performance so far begs the question: why did Theo agree to pay so much money for this guy?  Other than a couple of good outings, he has been a mediocre pitcher not worth the $15-16M 'Sox are paying.  You expect a guy making that kind of money to come out, throw strikes, and shut down the opposition. 

I sure hope he proves to be stronger in the 2nd half of this season. 

Of course, if he settles down and the 'Sox rally, I'll a little better until he struggles, which may be inevitably soon.