Running Up The Score

The topic of discussion amongst many sports writers and tv commentators over the past couple weeks has been about the New England Patriots running up the score. In back to back weeks, Tom Brady has led passing attacks late in games with the Patriots up by atleast 21 points. Many are calling it classless and some are even suggesting players on other teams should purposely take out Tom Brady. The argument has come up many times in college football but it's not one we hear much in professional sports. Where was the outcry when the Rangers beat the Orioles this past August 30-3? You might remember this game, the Rangers scored a combined 16 runs in the fibal two innings. How about the Yankees 22-0 loss to Cleveland in 2004 when the Indians scored two three-run homers in the 9th? How about when the Yankees beat Tampa 17-5 and 21-4 on back to back days? Professional athletes are paid to perform. In the NFL the offense is paid to score points, and if they go onto the field without the intent to score then they are commiting fraud against the fans who are paying to attend the game. If teams are sick of geeting blown out and embarassed by the Patriots then they need to construct a defensive plan that will slow down the Patriots offense. But to attack the Patriots for doing their job is just plain ridiculous.

Position Breakdown: Catcher

Over the next two weeks I will be breaking down each position of the Boston Red Sox and making suggestions of what the Red Sox should do for the 2008 season. We start today behind the plate. Recap Jason Varitek bounced back a little bit from his poor 2006 season, but his average was still low, however his OBP was the third highest of his career. The Captain continues to age and his numbers may not rebound to what we once saw. Varitek will enter 2008 in the final season of his contract. Doug Mirabelli had his lowest home run total since 1999 and while his defense catching the knuckler has been a value for the Sox, the emergence of Kevin Cash could doom Mirabelli's future in Boston. Looking Ahead Whether Tim Wakefield returns or not, Doug Mirabelli is likely done in Boston. Kevin Cash will be the backup in Boston next season. Cash handeled Wakefield very well and he is much younger then Mirabelli. There's nothing really out there in the free agent market so Cash would seem like the most likely choice. If the Sox could find another catcher in a trade who could also handle first base and who has a decent bat, the Sox could go with three catchers and give Varitek more days off. Beyond 2008 George Kottaras and Mark Wagner are both within range of being ready for the majors. Would either be ready for opening day 2009? Probably not, but at some point in 2009 they could begin a phase in. Varitek likely gets a 2 year extension after 2008 and remains on the job through 2010, atleast on a reduced work load. Should Wagner be ready mid 2009 he could split time behind the plate with Varitek.

The Return To Relevance

On Friday evening, the Boston Celtics, the most storied franchise in basketball history will open the season in a position we haven't seen since the days of Larry Bird, as the front runner in the Eastern Conference. The road to get to this point was painful, and while I look forward to the potential success the season could give, I still disagree 100% with the trade it took to get us here today. The Celtics certainly gave up to much to acquire Kevin Garnett, it will be painful watching Al Jefferson turn into a superstar in Minnesota. Nevertheless, we have a new season upon us and an exciting one at that. Many experts are predicting a fierce battle in the east with Boston and Detroit and more then a few expect the Celtics to come out on top. With that in mind, I am going to make my playoff predictions for the NBA and hope I hit the finals head on like I did last April with my World Series prediction. Eastern Conference Finals: In a tough battle, the big three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will lead the Celtics to a 4-3 series win over the Detroit Pistons. Western Conference Finals: The San Antonio Spurs are my second favorite NBA team, and while I did hate them for stealing Tim Duncan from us I still root for them, that's why this prediction is tough for me to write. Suns 4 Spurs 2 NBA Finals: The Boston Celtics will nail down the trifecta for New England Sports joining the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots as World Champions. Of course the New England Revolution could also join the party and Boston College may make some noise too. Celtics 4 Suns 3

New Topics Coming

Beginning later this week I will be posting about other teams such as the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, New England Revolution and New Hampshire Wildcats. This blog will still however be mostly about the Boston Red Sox.

Torre, Mattingly Heading To Dodgers

Joe Torre is expected to be introduced as early as Tuesday as the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Don Mattingly will join Torre as his bench coach. The move comes about 10 days after turning down a 1 year offer to remain with the Yankees, the offer included a option and included incetives based on playoff performance. Torre rejected that offer feeling he had earned the security of a multi year guaranteed deal. The Yankees on Monday formally offered the job to Joe Girardi bypassing Mattingly who many felt was the heir apparent to Torre. Girardi got a multi year guaranteed deal which seems to back up many peoples feelings that the Yankees purposely lowballed Torre knowing he wouldn't accept thus trying to look good in the fans eyes.

Donate Your Taco!

Just saw this over on Red Sox Chick and though I would pass it along. There is a website that has been setup with a petition to have people sign to donate the taco they are entitled to because of Jacoby Ellsbury's stolen base in the World Series. The idea is that enough people donate the taco they are entitled to and in turn Taco Bell could make a donation to the victims of the California wildfires. The deadline to sign is tomorrow at 5:00PM Donate Your Taco Red Sox Chick

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

For the second time in four years, the Boston Red Sox have claimed a four game sweep of the World Series. The latest victory came at the expense of the Colorado Rockies when Boston dominated every aspect of the game from the first pitch of game one, to the final out of game four. Jacoby Ellsbury, who all series has been a spark the Sox were missing in the early games of the American League Championship Series led off with a double and came around to score on a David Ortiz single. Mike Lowell and Bobby Kielty added solo home runs in the later innings and Jon Lester pitched solidly for 5 2/3 innings to take the win. The series MVP went to Mike Lowell.

Alex Rodriguez Exits Stage Left

While the Boston Red Sox were batting in the top of the 8th inning of game 4 of the World Series did Mike Lowell's career in Boston come to a close? It very well may have. During the inning, Ken Rosenthal announced that he had just spoken with Scott Boras and that Alex Rodriguez would be opting out of his contract with the New York Yankees. Boston will be one of the few teams who will be making a run at Rodriguez in the coming weeks and the love affair probably wont be onesided. In the winter of 2003, Boston had a dead done with Texas to aquire Rodriguez, and he himself had agreed to lower the value of his contract. He was willing to give up money to come to Boston and now he has a chance to make the move while making even more money.

Toasting The Champions? World Series Game 4

All across New England, bosses are setting the contigency plans for when a nation of fans either stroll into work late or not at all Monday morning. Red Sox fans from Saint David, Maine to San Diego, California are quietly laying out their plans for celebration tonight when Boston could wrap up its second World Series sweep in four years. The situation the Sox are in, is one a Sox fan could have ever imagined even five years ago. One would ever think the Red Sox could race to a three games to none lead, nevermind actually thinking it could finish in a sweep. Then came 2004 and those idiots. The common sentiment in the Nation is that 2007 just doesn't feel like 2004. Of course it doesn't, in 2004 fans suffered through each game knowing any minute a collosal collapse could happen. Admit it, even the most confident fan had atleast a sinking feeling deep inside that being the first team to come back from a three-to-none deficit in a seven game series and win, would just lead to being the first team to lose that kind of advantage in a World Series. 2004 changed everything. Sox fans can atleast enjoy the game with a guarded sense of confidence in the Red Sox. MVP WATCH With another strong performance tonight, Jacoby Ellsbury could find himself playing a rookie season in Boston next year as the reigning World Series MVP. He already has to be considered the favorite to be the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year. If Ellsbury slips tonight others who could emerge as favorites for the World Series MVP? Dustin Pedroia and kevin Youkilis would seem to be the likely candidates. Right now it's for Pedroia and Ellsbury to lose, simply because Youkilis the only other serious contendor for it may not start tonight after only playing the last couple innings last night. Who's Going? Jacoby Ellsbury's performance last night sealed Coco Crisp's departure from Boston. Mike Lowell's future could rest on wether Boston makes a run at Alex Rodriguez or not and Curt Schilling likely has seen his last onfield action as a member of the Sox.

World Series Game 3

Red Sox 1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF 2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B 3. David Ortiz, DH 4. Manny Ramirez, LF 5. Mike Lowell, 3B 6. J.D. Drew, RF 7. Jason Varitek, C 8. Julio Lugo, SS 9. Daisuke Matsuzaka, P

World Series Game 2

The Boston Red Sox will attempt to win their sixth consecutive World Series game tonight as they send veteran Curt Schilling to the mound in what could be his final game in a Red Sox uniform. Boston took advantage in the series with an impressive game 1 win over Colorado 13-1 Wednesday night. Recently named Players Choice Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia became the first rookie to ever lead off a World Series game with a homer and the entiore lineup came together to destroy the Rockies. Game 2 lineups. ROCKIES CF Willy Taveras 2B Kaz Matsui LF Matt Holliday 1B Todd Helton 3B Garrett Atkins RF Brad Hawpe SS Troy Tulowitzki C Yorvit Torrealba DH Ryan Spilborghs (RHP Ubaldo Jimenez) Red Sox 1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B 2. Kevin Youkilis, 1B 3. David Ortiz, DH 4. Manny Ramirez, LF 5. Mike Lowell, 3B 6. J.D. Drew, RF 7. Jason Varitek, C 8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF 9. Julio Lugo, SS (RHP Curt Schilling) Daisuke Matsuzaka has already left for Colorado in preperation for his game three start, Jon Lester remains with the team in Boston. Look for updates in the comments section tonight.

World Series Game 1 Preview

UPDATE 9:13PM Strikeout to Helton to start the inning. Garrett Atkins then doubled off the Green Monster. Brad Hawpe then struck out. Troy Tulowitzki doubled off the scoreboard to drive in Atkins. Yorvit Torrealba grounded out to Lugo. 3-1 heading to the bottom of the second. From this point I'm only going to be updating with significant events from the game. UPDATE 9:02PM Youkilis followed with a double and was sent to third on an Ortiz groundout. Manny Ramirez then singled to left scoring Youkilis. After the umpire called a pitch low for a strike on 3-0, Mike Lowell flew out to right center. Jason Varitek then hit a single to left. The suddenly hot hitting JD Drew doubled down the right field line scoring Ramirez. Julio Lugo grounded out to third to end the inning. 3-0 Boston after 1 UPDATE 8:46PM Dustin Pedroia hits a leadoff homer 1-0 Sox UPDATE 8:43PM Strikeout, Strikeout, Strikeout. Man did Beckett look Awesome! UPDATE 8:25PM Introductions and National Anthem are finished. Flag is still drapped down over the Green Monster as pregame activites continue. UPDATE 4:45PM Lineups have been posted and here they are. ROCKIES CF Willy Taveras 2B Kaz Matsui LF Matt Holliday 1B Todd Helton 3B Garrett Atkins RF Brad Hawpe SS Troy Tulowitzki C Yorvit Torrealba DH Ryan Spilborghs (LHP Jeff Francis) RED SOX 2B Dustin Pedroia 1B Kevin Youkilis DH David Ortiz LF Manny Ramirez 3B Mike Lowell C Jason Varitek RF JD Drew SS Julio Lugo CF Jacoby Ellsbury (RHP Josh Beckett) What a fun filled couple days since Boston wrapped up the American League Championship. But now its time to get down to business. Game time is just a few hours away and it's time to take a look at the game tonight as well as the whole series. Boston easily has the advantage with the game 1 pitching match up. Josh Beckett has been as reliable in the playoffs as anyone, ever. The Red Sox bats have come alive since game 4 of the ALCS and have scored 30 runs over the past three games. Colorado meantime has been sitting home after such a hot run, thats something no team would ever want. Prediction: Red Sox 8 Colorado 1 Overall Boston sits with advantages all around. Many media outlets have done position by position breakdowns and the common theme has been that Boston basically controls the field except center field and short stop. However if one looks closely they would see that while on a whole the argument could be made that Colorado does have the better short stop the case isn't as clear in center field, especially when Jacoby Ellsbury enters the picture. That aside when comparing the play at the two positions during the playoffs at best it becomes a tossup. Who has the advantages? Catcher Red Sox: Jason Varitek Colorado: Yorvit Torrealba First Base Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis/David Ortiz Rockies: Todd Helton Second Base Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia Rockies: Kaz Matsui Shortstop Red Sox: Julio Lugo Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki Third Base Red Sox: Mike Lowell/Kevin Youkilis Rockies: Garret Atkins Left Field Red Sox: Manny Ramirez Rockies: Matt Holiday Center Field Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury/Coco Crisp Rockies: Willy Taveras Right Field Red Sox: JD Drew Rockies: Brad Hawpe Starting Pitching Red Sox: Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester Rockies: Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Fogg, Aaron Cook Closer Red Sox: Jonathan Papelbon Rockies: Manny Corpas Unless theres further news to bring, I will be back during pregame with posts cming through out the game. Enjoy Sox Nation.

Wednesday Press Roundup

Heres a look around the media today. Boston Globe Gordon Edes chatted with Red Sox Nation Beckett's run reflects stuff of legend Globe staff predictions: Sox across the board Bob Ryan previews Game 1 (video) Josh Beckett post-season career (graphic) Big points for returning How the Red Sox and Rockies match up (graphic) For the knuckleballer, latest twist is cruelest Boston Herald This rebel has a cause Sox want more Painful decision by Wake Lester ready to warm up for start Tony Massarotti’s keys to the series Today's Sox enjoy extreme makeover On center stage The Hartford Courant New Sox, Hot Rocks The Providence Journal The Colorado Rockies: Who are these guys? A close call: How the teams match up For at least one fan, Series is a win-win proposition Doctor, ailing Texas teen bond over the Red Sox Beckett, Francis: 2 cool starters The Japan Times Streaking Rockies comfortable being underdogs against Sox The New York Times Giuliani roots for Red Sox Reaction Fearless forecast: Rockies in 6 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Sox vs Rox What to watch for

Mayor Rudy Roots For Red Sox

First Kevin Millar showed up on FOX before game 5 of the ALCS in Cleveland rooting on the Sox fans. Then he appeared at Fenway Park to toss the first pitch of game 7. But that's nothing compared to the latest prominent name from the American League East to show support for the Boston Red Sox. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a die hard New York Yankees fan told Bostonians at a rally Tuesday that he was rooting for the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 World Series. Such a tough week for New Yorkers. First Manager Joe Torre told the Steinbrenner clan to stuff it after they wouldn't even discuss a guaranteed multi-year deal to retain him as their manager. Then the New York Jets completely fell apart and fell to a dismal 1-6, the kind of record that would sit you in last place if not for the completely pathetic Miami Dolphins. Now the worlds most famous Yankee fan, former Mayor and current Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani has put his rooting behind the archenemy of the Evil Empire. Cheer up New Yorkers, theres always the Rangers, Knicks and Red Bulls to cheer you up..... Well maybe not the Red Bulls, the Revs will take care of that this Saturday.

Kevin Millar: A True Bostonian

It's funny to read what people in Baltimore have to say about Kevin Millar showing up and throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park before Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. The common consensus is that he shouldn't have done it because he's a member of the Orioles and they are a rival of the Boston Red Sox. Orioles fans, let's get one thing right here. You may be rivals of Toronto. Definitely of Tampa Bay, but so long as Peter Angelos remains in control of that franchise you will not be a rival of the Boston Red Sox. A rival is one who competes for the same object or goal as another. The Baltimore Orioles haven't and won't compete for the same goal as the Red Sox or Yankees so long as Angelos runs the team. In Kevin Millar, you fans have a player who remains loyal to his fans even when he leaves, sure it may be tough to see him throwing a pitch at Fenway Park, but don't blame him, blame Peter Angelos for not fielding a team in Baltimore that could reach that level.

Tuesday Press Roundup

Heres a roundup of other stories around baseball about the 2007 World Series. Worcester Telegram & Gazette Sox hot, but are Rockies on spot? Production in clutch came from four Police keep celebration under control The Japan Times BoSox beat Tribe, move to World Series The New York Times No Time Like the Present for Boston Fans Rockies Place Their Faith in God, and One Another Pedroia and Youkilis Make Things Happen for Red Sox Seacoast Online For Red Sox Nation, good times keep rolling

Sox Announce Roster

The Red Sox replaced Tim Wakefield with Kyle Snyder and not the expected Julian Tavarez. PITCHERS (11): Josh Beckett, Manny Delcarmen, Eric Gagne, Jon Lester, Javier Lopez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Curt Schilling, Kyle Snyder, Mike Timlin. CATCHERS (2): Doug Mirabelli, Jason Varitek. INFIELDERS (7): Alex Cora, Eric Hinske, Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis. OUTFIELDERS (5): Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Bobby Kielty, Manny Ramirez.

Umpire Crew Announced For Series

Major League Baseball today announced the Umpiring crew for the 2007 World Series. For the fourth time in his career Ed Montague will serve as the crew chief. He is joined by; Ted Barrett, Laz Diaz, Mike Everitt, Chuck Meriwether and Mike Reilly. Ed Montague, known for his calm demeanor and consistent strike zone, will serve as the crew chief for the World Series. It is the fourth time he’s drawn the umpiring assignment. The six-man crew announced today includes three umpires working their first Series: Ted Barrett, Laz Diaz and Mike Everitt. Chuck Meriwether and Mike Reilly complete the crew. Montague will be behind the plate Wednesday night when the Colorado Rockies play the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 at Fenway Park. Montague was last the Series crew chief in 2004, when the Red Sox won the championship.

Rockies Add Cook To Roster

The Colorado Rockies announced today that Aaron Cook will be on the 25 man roster for the World Series and that he will start game 4 in Denver. Cook will likely face Red Sox lefty Jon Lester who is the ledaing contender to take Tim Wakefield's spot in the rotation. With Cook, who was 8-7 with a 4.12 ERA, rookie Franklin Morales goes to the bullpen, giving manager Clint Hurdle a third left-handed reliever to go with Jeremy Affeldt and Brian Fuentes. The odd man out is reliever Taylor Buchholz, who hasn’t pitched in the playoffs.

Mayor vs Mayor, Governor vs Governor: The Bets Are In

The fun side of the lead up to a major sporting championship is when the politicians make their annual bet that usually involves some tasty foods and this year is no different. The Boston Herald reports today on the bets between the Mayors of Boston and Denver as well as the Governors of Massachusetts and Colorado. If the Rockies win, Menino will send out 100 cups of Legal Seafoods Clam Chowder, 100 cups of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, 100 Boston Creme donuts, 100 Brigham’s “Curse Reversed” Ice Cream Bars and 12 pints of Brigham’s “Boston You’re My Home” ice cream. The article went on to say... Meanwhile, the first brushback pitch of the World Series was thrown between the governors of the two states when when Bay State Gov. Deval Patrick said “I like you and I like Denver, but you’re going down, you do know that don’t you?” to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. Patrick is putting up lobsters vs. beef from Ritter. The Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox open the Series tomorrow at Fenway Park.

Wakefield Out, Ellsbury In CF For Game 1

The Red Sox announced today that Tim Wakefield will be left off the World Series roster because of his injured shoulder. The Sox also announced that Jacoby Ellsbury will start in center Wednesday night when the World Series opens against the Colorado Rockies.

2007 World Series Game 1

Let the games begin! Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, welcome to another World Series starring your Boston Red Sox. Over the course of the World Series I will be posting different articles and other blog posts on the 2007 World Series along with my thoughts and recaps of the games. I am trying to find a Rockies fan to post on here as well to bring the view of the Colorado area and its fans as it's a great story for the Rox to be here in the World Series. Lets get started with some articles from the New Hampshire Union Leader. We start with a piece by Alex Speier on the forthcoming Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia. The article talks about Pedroia's drive for success that included him giving back a scholarship at Arizona State so the team could sign a player he felt would help the team get to the College World Series. "We got a transfer in, and we didn't have any scholarship money left," Pedroia recalled. "I gave (a scholarship) back so he could come. I wanted to win. We didn't go to the World Series, but we definitely gave it a good try. "You play to win a championship at whatever level you play at. You work so hard every year to try to do that. If you don't do it, you think it's a failure." Though Arizona State did not advance to Omaha during Pedroia's three years, the team got over the hump in 2005, the year after he left. When they did, the former player was not forgotten. In her piece today, Michelle Trujillo of the Associated Press asks if Boston fans are having to much fun with the Red Sox, Patriots and Boston College having great seasons, not to mention that whole Boston Celtics thing. It hasn't been this much fun to be a sports fan in this area since 1986, when the Celtics, the Red Sox and the Patriots all played in championship games. "Twenty years later, the stars are aligning once again," said Hutchinson, a Boston University employee from Hancock, N.H. "It's all coming back and it's all going on here." Fans hardly know what to do with all the joy. The crowd started chanting "Let's go Red Sox" during the Patriots' 49-28 blowout - in Miami. Howard Ulman of the Associated Press talks about the Sox focus turning to the Rox. "The mentality is always the same, every day. You play nine innings or whatever it takes," manager Terry Francona said. "I don't think we try to complicate things. That wouldn't be very intelligent. Sometimes this game is really difficult to play. Sometimes you need to simplify it." There is one difference Francona would love to see: a better performance than the Red Sox had when they lost two of three games to Colorado at Fenway in June. The Rockies won the rubber game behind Francis, 7-1, and handed Beckett his first loss of the season after nine wins. Overall, the Rockies outscored Boston, 20-5, in the series. I will get back with the stories of Tuesday from the Herald, Globe and others along with what the blogosphere has to say about the series later today.