SawxBlog

Seattle Skewed

(Youk watches one get by the Sawx. (AP Photo)

Becket Gets Number 11 - Red Sox Beat Padres

Beckett shined as he became the first 11 game winner in MLB. (AP Photo)

The Boston Red Sox concluded their three game set with the San Diego Padres yesterday with a 4-2 win and a 2-1 series victory. I was unable to watch really any of the games because I had to attend Eye Doctor Rog's wedding in Upstate New York but I was able to listen to yesterday's rubber game on the radio.

Listening to the Sox on the radio is a favorite of mine, especially when you're coming home from a trip where you really weren't able to see anything on them. The crackle of staic slowly getting clearer with every mile you close in on Boston you feel closer to home in many ways.

I'll be honest in saying that I was a little shocked that Terry Francona brought Josh back out  there for the eighth, especially with Oki warmed up in the pen, but all ended well as Paps came in the finish a perfect ninth. So things are looking pretty good once again for the Sox as they've built up their A.L. East lead to 11.5 games. It's also reassuring to know that they're 4/6 on their longest road trip of the year so far without having Curt Schilling toe the rubber. If they can take 2/3 in Seattle this will be beyond a successful road trip and will be a heck of a way to come back into Fenway.

Stay tuned for post later today with pictures from my visit to the Hall of Fame yesterday.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Josh Beckett - P
8 IP, 8 K's, 2 ER - 1/4 at the plate

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R.I.P. Rod Beck

Dan Shaughnessy - Most Hated Man In Boston

I personally couldn't agree more with this, Shaughnessy often writes to make himself part of the story which I just find annoying. His smugness doesn't help either, he's talented as heck, but come on, so is A-Rod. Mad props to the Phoenix for this.

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The Boston Phoenix this week has identified the most hated man in Boston, and its Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy. Sports blogs across Red Sox nation are talking about Dan Shaughnessy’s controversial segment in the March 26^th Globe regarding Curt Schilling’s personal blog. Shaughnessy’s work has caused uproar and backlash in the sports world. Adam Reilly’s response to that article comes out in this week’s Boston Phoenix, explaining why we shouldn’t listen to him this time.

View the complete story here: http://thephoenix.com/Article.aspx?id=42259&page=1

Red Sox Turn Braves into Cowards, Win 11-0 - Respect the Tavarez

Big Papi pays his respects after hitting his 12th HR of the season. (AP Photo)

After work yesterday a few co-workers and I decided to hit up Globe Bar & Cafe on Boylston to get our pub grub and Sawx on, and we all pretty much came to a universal decision. Watching the game last night was really, really fun. Really fun.

For the past few weeks I've been saying to anyone who'd listen (you now included) that J.D. Drew was going breakout in the second half(I know, I know Chuck...), and...well, so far so good. I'll admit, a lot of my hoping may have had a little to do with some fantasy baseball implications (what can I say?), but that aside, Drew's too good to slump for an entire season, and he got the Sox off on the good foot last night with a lead-off homerun, the second of his career. From there it was just like being on a hot streak in a casino, you knew everything was going to be fine, so you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Hell, I was so optimistic at one point that I turned to my buddy Josh and mentioned, "There's a lot of zero's on the board right now huh?"

Basically, if I'm starting to think Julian Tavarez is going to throw a no-hitter only one of a few things is possible for that to happen.

1. It's one of those nights where absolutely everything's going right for the Sox, Casino run style.
2. The Bud Lights at Globe are really, really tasty and potent. (And aluminum, and with Red Sox logos on them. Best...Bud...Light...Can...Ever)
3. Probably a good mix of both #1 & #2.
4. I just love Tavarez.

Speaking of Tavarez, how awesome is this guy!?! He's been pitching his a$$ off for us this year, and the emotion he shows on the field is completely infectious. I don't know what it is, but pointing and yelling by a pitcher that's really into a game just makes me happy, and especially when it's crazy Tavarez doing it. Which brings me to my favorite Julian Tavarez moments of the year thus far in no order what-so-ever.

1. When he was announcing when Manny was going to be showing up to Spring Training. Only he knew and the front office was clueless. Classic.
2. The numerous times he's rolled the ball to first base, and the inevitable reaction shot of Tito on the bench shaking his head. Priceless.
3. Every time he points and screams at the Sox defense when they make a play (which is basically anytime the ball's in play). It's like he's using some jedi mind powers to will the plays to be made.
4. The fact that the remedy he came up with to cure a blister on his finger was to crush aspirin and then put that in Red Bull, then rub that on his finger. Are you kidding me?!? I'm sorry, that's just plain nuts. Does he think the Red Bull will make it heal faster? Can you imagine if this is what Beckett was doing? Gordon Edes head would be spinning Exorcist style, but when Julian does it, it's only an after thought in the Red Sox Notebook on Boston.com. The mind that come up with this remedy is most definitely a special mind indeed.
5. The fact that he's really befriended Dice-K and Okajima. What do they even talk about? Forget Sox Appeal, can this be a reality TV show on NESN?
6. I can't for the life of me find the particular quote I'm thinking of, but Tavarez has had some Mike Tyson-esque quotes this year. My favorite was the "Dumb like a wolf one". If anyone can find that quote I'll make them the SawxBlog player of the game, I swear to god, it's that good/crazy.

OK, I could go on for awhile here, but there' s a whole lot more Tavarez where that came from, we're only halfway through the  season, and even with Schilling on the DL, I feel kinda like I'm on one of those casino runs...man I love Tavarez.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Julian Tavarez - P
7 IP, 3 H, 4 K's, 0 ER

Schilling to Go On DL, Beckett to Start Sunday

Curt Schilling reacting after his last disappointing start. (AP Photo)

Well for the last day or so it's sure looked like all signs were pointing to Curt Schilling going on the DL, and now it's official. The "good" news in all of this is that an MRI that was performed on him showed no major damage in his shoulder where he's been feeling some stiffness. This is our first real set-back in the rotation and it should be interesting to see how everyone else picks it up. When this happened in 2005 things didn't turn out so well, however this is a much different and deeper team now.

What truly concerns me though is this quote from Curt:

"I have not felt right this year, pain is a relative term. There's been a lot of this year trying to discern what's because I'm 40 or what's because I don't feel good."

That certainly doesn't sound like the talk of a player who's in his contract year and wanted to be re-signed before the year started. But I guess that's what you have to love about Schilling as a Red Sox fan, the guys honest, and he does try to connect with the fan, I just hope he doesn't connect with the DL for much longer then 15 days...

Josh Beckett will get the start on Sunday on four days rest and we'll see where the team goes from there. Let's just hope this bug isn't contagious though, injuries seem the only thing that could derail this season, and what a good season it's been thus far.

Josh Beckett Sizzles in Hotlanta

Beckett improved his record to 10-1 last night. (AP Photo)

How much of a gamer is Josh Beckett? Beckett pitched another great game last night for the Red Sox going six strong innings as he improved his ERA to 3.14. If Beckett's not playing in the All Star Game this year it would truly be a shame. Not only did Josh get it done on the mound, but he also got it done with his bat. Beckett smoked a double to left center field for an RBI, made a heads up base running play to advance to 3B on a CF Fly, and eventually made it home on a Froto Pedroia single up the middle. Take that Julio Lugo.

This isn't the first time we've seen Beckett use his bat to help his own cause, as you may remember him going yard last year in Philly. This is especially good to see with the mystery that's surrounding Curt Schilling right now. I was just in the shower listening to WEEI and Curt was on and he said something to the tune of, "I haven't felt good all year." Really?!? Is this Curt just talking and being a little over dramatic? Because if we lost Schilling for awhile, it could be a lot more interesting in the hot month of July and August.

Lastly, I want to touch real quick on Coco Crisp. Yeah, he hasn't come close to what we all thought he'd be behind the plate, however this guy is a total gamer. The catches he's making in CF (last night included) are breathtaking. The amount of ground he covered, and how in control he seemed the whole way was just amazing. This guy should win a Gold Glove this year, I mean he's gone 100 and someodd games without an error now. His bat may turn around yet, but Coco's defense and baserunning couldn't be any better. Do we really care if he talks to the media or not? And when can we stop comparing him to Johnny Damon? I just think that's a little tired now, and we should appreciate what he's been doing to help the ball club win. There...that's off my chest now!

Sox look to take the series tonight as leg number one of this long road trip nears an end.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Josh Beckett - P
6 IP, 3 K's, 0 ER - 1/3, 1 RBI, 1 R

Tomahawk Chopped

Scott Thorman scores one of this two runs last night. (AP Photo)

Some Random Reflections From Last Nights Game:

• Is it a coincidence that Barry Bonds was in town over the weekend, and then the next night Coco Crisp doubles his HR total for the year with two last night? ;-)
• Not sure if this is a complete Red Sox fan trait, but have you ever felt such anxiety in having the best record in baseball and an 8 game lead in the division?
• Curt Schilling's ERA is a Cheech & Chong-esque 4.20 now, and he's starting to show a little more of the Dr. Curt and Mr. Schilling side of him. One bad outing though and I'm not too worried, it was only eleven days ago when the guy should have thrown a perfect game (we're looking at you Julio Lugo).
• Speaking of Julio Lugo he's now only hitting a paltry .205. Dude's lucky he's listed as weighing 175 'cause he's barely hitting his weight right now. I swear to God trading Nomar may have won us a World Series, but may have set a new "curse" on a position.
• Seeing Edgar Renteria succeed makes bile come up in my mouth.
• Most eccentric billionaire, Ted Turner or John Henry, discuss!
• Timlin continues to look old as Manny Delcarmen pitches another scoreless inning for the Sox.
• Special hello goes out to my Mom & Dad who are loyal readers of the site, I love you guys, stay strong!!!

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Coco Crisp - CF
4/4, 2 HR, 2 R

Guard Your Grill, Knuckle Up - Sox Beat Rockies 2-1

Watching Papelbon on the mound is just electrifying, you gotta' love this kid. (AP Photo)

The Boston Red Sox grinded out a tough win last night against the Colorado Rockies, 2-1. Tim Wakefield was on the mound for the BoSox and he pitched a phenomenal game. Wakefield pitched eight strong innings only giving up 4 hits while walking one. Lately it's been a little scary to see Wake pitch because his stuff has just seemed flat...well, that and we have to watch Doug Mirabelli bat. Looks like Tim put his act together last night though, and hopefully it's something that he can build some momentum off of.

The Red Sox, who are 5-5 in their last ten games, certainly can't blame their pitching for going "only" .500 in the last ten. Our pitchers ERA over the last 10 games (this includes starters, bullpen, closers, you name it) is 3.33. A 3.33 ERA should win you a lot of ballgames, that's pretty incredible. However again, our hitting has been absolutely dormant. During the same stretch our offense has only averaged 4 runs per game, which...well, won't win you a lot of games. Of the last 10 games 6 of the games have been one run games, which is always a dicey thing to get into. The Sox were an even 3-3 in those games.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that if our pitching keeps it up, and their pace doesn't have to continue to be this torrid, and our bats start hitting again, you'll see the Red Sox stringing together a lot of wins in a row again. There's a reason why we have the best record in baseball, and pitching's a HUGE part of it, but you also have to swing those bats to really get some good chunks of wins.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Tim Wakefield - P
8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 K

Extra! Extra! Red Sox Win Over D-Backs in Extra Innings, 4-3

Hideki Okajima pitched another scoreless eighth  in the Red Sox victory. (AP Photo)

The Boston Red Sox had their second 10 inning game of the week, and thankfully this one ended with a BoSox victory. This victory was in front of the largest crowd ever in Arizona history at 49,826, and Red Sox Nation was thoroughly in attendance. The Red Sox first official slump of the season is over now as they won their third strait game in a row, and aim to take the West Coast road sweep today at 4:40pm.

Coming into this series the Arizona Diamondbacks were one of the hottest teams in the big leagues and they could have easily helped the Sox continue on their June Swoon. Our bats are starting to wake up again, and if we can seriously get some consistent contribution from Crisp, Lugo, & Drew it could get scary good for the Red Sox.

Reading around on the net this morning helped re-affirm my respect and love for Mike Lowell. Mike had the night off last night, and usually when a ballplayer has the day off they'll spend a great majority spitting seeds, sitting on their hands, whatever. Not Mike Lowell, when the Sawx needed a pinch hitter in the top of the 10th inning our boy was ready to get the game winning sac fly. Terry Francona had this to say after the game:

"He didn't sit around all night, He stretched, hit, was in the cage. That's the type of guy he is. He honors his responsibility to the best of his ability no matter what the role."

And that's reason #893 why I like Mike. Also, remember how in fashion it was before the season started and even in the beginning of the year to write off our captain, Mr. Jason Varitek? Sitting here in mid-June V-Tek isn't going to win any hardware with his hitting this year, however, he is having a very respectful year, which has silenced his critics.

Varitek's home run last night was the difference maker  in what ended up being a very tight game. Jason is hitting .274 with 7 HR's and 31 RBI. He does have more K's then BB's, but he's also been keeping the best pitching staff in baseball looking like...well...the best pitching staff in baseball. I guess I wish Tek would get a little more credit from his detractors when he's performing admirably. I'm starting to really recognize how special of a player Tek is.

I mean, he's always been easy to over look on teams with Pedro, Schilling, Manny, Millar, Damon, Ortiz, etc. But Tek is professional as it comes, and his all business, no nonsense attitude behind the plate and in front of it are going to be very hard to replace when he's gone, just ask Doug Mirabelli.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
Jason Varitek - C
2/5, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 1 R

J.D. Drew Up To Perfection

Julio Lugo & Manny Ramirez greet J.D. Drew at home plate. (AP Photo)

Josh Beckett cruised to a 10-3 victory as he improved his record to 9-0 as the Boston Red Sox held off the streaking Arizona Diamondbacks. Beckett was masterful, as he's been for much of the season, however this was a night that belonged to Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew.

Drew just exploded at the plate with a career high 7 RBI and two home runs. It's been duly noted that J.D. Drew's been struggling at the plate thus far this season, and while he's carrying a $14,000,000 salary over his head, the criticism has been there, and rightfully so. Earlier in the day I was a mouse click away from trading J.D. Drew for Dustin Pedroia in one of my fantasy baseball leagues, and the only reason I didn't make it, was because I really didn't have a need for a second baseman, and boy, am I glad I didn't make that trade.

This is Drew's first year ever in the American League and it looks like it's been an adjustment period for him getting used to pitchers and ballparks, much like Josh Beckett last year. We all know that Drew has amazing potential, and a sky high ceiling when it comes to his ability, and I'm holding my breath that playing the next two weeks against National League teams can give him a semblance of familiarity so he can get his stroke back. Hitting behind Manny Ramirez & David Ortiz is going to give you a lot of opportunities to drive home some runs, and see some pitches, and god knows J.D. Drew, and my fantasy baseball team, could use the help.

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SawxBlog Player of the Game
J.D. Drew - RF
3/5, 2 HR's, 7 RBI