Ringing In A New Fenway Season

The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 2008 home season with a tremendous ceremony honoring the 2007 World Series Champions. All four major sports trophies were in the house Tuesday as all time greats of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins joined members of the current New England Patriots and members of the 2004 World Champion Red Sox team to bring the rings out to the field, they also brought with them trophies from their sport. The Celtics players brought the NBA trophy, one they hope to win again this season. The Red Sox guys carried out the '04 trophy, the Patriots players had one of their Lombardi trophies and the Bruins players carried the Stanley Cup. When the World Series banners were dropped down from the Green Monster like in 2005, they dropped a wall sized 2004 banner and then dropped a 2007 one over it, the wind started blowing the 2007 banner up to keep the '04 one showing. The Boston Pops were once again there to perform throughout the ceremony. The rings were presented in groups, led my the manager and coaches, then trainers and staff, the catchers, infielders and so on. Johnny Pesky again got a big ovation. Eight players had slightly different rings. On the side with the name of the player was a Boston "B" logo and a World Series trophy, the eight members of both championship teams had trophies on either side of the "B". No idea if coaches from both teams or Pesky's were also like that with double trophies. David Ortiz was the last to receive his ring and then led the team to center field to raise the 2007 Championship flag, Pesky and Ortiz raised it up the flag poll. Bill Buckner was on hand to toss out the first pitch and received a long standing ovation. He tossed a strike to Dwight Evans. In the game, Daisuke Matsuzaka had another strong outing as Boston beat Detroit 5-0 behind Kevin Youkilis' 4-4 afternoon. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performed God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch. A video was also unveiled with Neil Diamond wearing a Sox jacket leading Fenway in the singing of Sweet Caroline, the video played on the center field video screen and at the end Diamond shouted out "GO RED SOX". I have searched and searched and this is the best video I could find of it. I hope the video becomes an everyday thing at Fenway instead of just the audio track. The Red Sox should also release the video that was played on the screen on its official website so those not in attendance can actually see it.

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.

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.