Ortiz Could Have Season Ending Surgery

The Boston Herald is reporting that season ending surgery could be a real possibility for David Ortiz if it doesn't heal while in a cast for the next month. Should Ortiz have to have surgery, Boston will be left with a huge hole in their lineup. They will likely need to find someone on the trade market which could require giving up a combination of Jed Lowrie, Jon Lester or Justin Masterson, all of whom have raised their value in the opening months of the 2008 season. Who could Boston look at as replacements? Barry Bonds would immediately enter discussions and while he would come without losing prospects, he would be unlikely to land in Boston. Mark Teixeira will be a name mentioned often and Boston has the talent to pry him away from Atlanta, but Boston would need to get him signed to an extension as part of a deal or they wont give up the names needed to land him. Jim Thome will also be a free agent at seasons end and could probably be had for less the Teixeira and Chicago may look to move him especially if they begin to falter in the Central. They could try options within the system possibly with Chris Carter who has a decent bat, but is labeled a DH type who was blocked by Ortiz at the major league level. He started off slowly power wise but has come on of late. Boston could also recall Brandon Moss and use a combination of Moss, Coco Crisp, Jacoby Ellsbury and JD Drew in the outfield while putting Manny Ramirez at designated hitter while Manny is out.

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.

Position Breakdown: First Base

Recap Kevin Youkilis had a great year in 2007 with the bat and glove. Youk should win the gold glove and could be a fixture at first unless Boston doesn't re-sign Mike Lowell and can't land another third baseman which would require Youk moving across the diamond. Looking Ahead I would imagine Youkilis remains at first next year and Boston lands a big bat for third. If they don't Boston could move David Ortiz to first and Manny Ramirez to DH, that of course would be an extreme move but not out of the question. The final answer will depend on what happens at third so stay tuned. Beyond 2008 There is no shortage of power bats who will begin being ready by mid-2008 in the minors. Kevin Youkilis could find his days on the Red Sox infield numbered which would be a sad day for Sox fans. However Youk could possibly move to left field full time when Manny Ramirez' contract expires, if Manny can play it, Youk can. As for the depth in the minors. Chris Carter has an ETA of 2008 and could be a bench player for the Sox. Aaron Bates should be ready by 2009 and Lars Anderson in 2010. Brandon Moss, an outfielder who has played some first this past year could spend all his time at first in 2008 and be ready for 2009. Moss has an ETA for mid-2008 without taking into account moving to first full time.

I'm Back.....And A Busy Day We Have

Was down for the weekend as I waited for my new computer to be delivered...my old one was crashing constantly so I didn't want to try doing any in depth projects on it such as writing a post to only lose it if the system crashed. In the news today Papi is selling his car, the Pena deal was completed and it seems we made out pretty well and Theo talked with fans over at Boston.com.....oh and there's the whole Timmy shutting down Tampa....again. Will be back in the next couple hours with a nice in depth post covering it all.

What A Day

The Boston Red Sox have had a day more eventful then a team will usually work through, and Boston's day is only half over. We start with Clay Buchholz making his MLB debut today. He went 6 innings striking out five while allowing four runs (three earned). David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia homered for the Sox as they beat the Angels 8-4 in the first game of a double header. Doug Mirabelli started the game but left after the first with a leg injury. Jason Varitek who was to start the night game came in to catch thus throwing the front office into a frenzy. Needing a catcher to catch the nightcap, Boston got on the phone with the Pawtucket Red Sox to get Kevin Cash on his way to Boston, problem though, the Paw Sox aren't at home today so Cash is beating the clock trying to get to Fenway from Ottawa in time for the game. Mirabelli was placed on the disabled list and the Sox have an open spot on the 25-man roster so there's no problem working Cash in. The problem earlier today involved making room for Clay Buchholz and the Jacoby Ellsbury after Buchholz was sent down after the first game. To make that move Boston dealt Wily Mo Pena to Washington for a player to be named and cash considerations. The deal will likely involve someone on Washington's 40-man roster so the deal can't be finalized until after the season because of trade waivers. Notes: The Red Sox first five batters combined for a cycle in the first inning today... Julian Tavarez will start Sunday and Tim Wakefield is pushed back to Monday at Tampa Bay, he's 18-2 career versus the Rays... Varitek will catch Wakefield Monday... Bobby Kielty will take Ellsbury's roster spot Saturday... Ellsbury and Buchholz are both expected to rejoin the Sox on September 1... Ellsbury is leading off in the night game tonight.

Papi Magic On The Farm?

In his time in Boston, David Ortiz has become known as the best clutch hitter in baseball with several walk-off hits to his credit. While 2007 has been a down year for Mr. Ortiz while he struggles along with some injuries that will require off-season surgery and plenty of rest, the kids of the future were channeling some Papi Power Saturday. In the first game between the Red Sox short-season affiliate Lowell of the New York-Penn Leauge and the Hudson Valley Renegades, the score was tied at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Luis Segovia led off by being hit by a pitch, he was followed by Carlos Fernandez-Oliva, who laid down a sacrifice bunt moving Segovia to second. After a pop out Jorge Jimenez hit a line drive over the head of Hudson Valley right fielder Angel Fermin to drive in the game-winning run as Lowell clipped Hudson Valley in a 2-1. Not to be outdone by their younger comrades the Portland Sea Dogs would have there own magic in the second game of the double-header. Jay Johnson would have the big hit in this game as Portland rallied back twice against the Harrisburg Senators. Trailing 12-9 going to the bottom of the ninth, Portland got a lead off single from Andrew Pinckney and was followed by a walk to Iggy Suarez. Zach Borowiak sacrificed them over as Portland was playing for a tie and possibly extra innings at the very least. Jeff Natale followed the sacrifice by getting walked. Following a pitching change Portland's Jay Johnson hit a bases clearing, game winning double. In other games today Boston beat Baltimore 6-2 behind a stellar performance by Josh Beckett who became the majors first 15-game winner. Greenville lost 10-1 while Pawtucket won. Lancaster is still playing, but plated five in the first inning.

Meet Your 2007 All Stars

Josh Beckett SP After a dismal debut season with the Boston Red Sox in 2006, Josh Beckett came out on an impressive run this season. Beckett leads the team in wins while posting a 3.38 ERA. His 83 strike outs is second to rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka. Beckett sits at 11-2 and will pitch once more before the All Star game which he could start. The most impressive stat for Beckett this year, which has led to his remarkable season is that he has allowed just 6 homeruns. Mike Lowell 3B Rewarded with a strong first half, Mike Lowell was named as a reserve to the All Star team. His 55 RBI leads the team. He's second on the team with 12 homeruns while batting .297 Lowell who came over in the trade with Beckett was long considered a throw-in, a take him or no deal kind of thing. Boy what a throw-in he has been for Boston. This is Lowell's fourth All Star selection having been a member of the National League team from 2002-04. David Ortiz 1B With the game being played in a National League park this season there was no DH on the ballot, thus David Ortiz appeared as a first baseman, and he walked away in the voting. Ortiz has had a down year in the power category, but is still having a great season. He leads the Red Sox in homeruns with 13 and doubles with 27. He's also batting .314 and has 49 RBI. This is his fourth consecutive selection to the American League All Star team. Jonathan Papelbon Closer Picking up where he left of last season, Jonathan Papelbon is again one of the best closers in baseball. He of course leads the team in saves with 19 in 20 chances. He leads Sox relievers in strikeouts with 42 in 30 innings and one would expect he be leading the relievers in ERA as well, but he's not. A 1.50 ERA is fabulous but good for just second among Sox relievers. Manny Ramirez OF Manny being Manny, boy do Red Sox fans love it. Ramirez has had a slow start but he is finally hitting the ball better, and Sox fans hope the power isn't far off. Combined with Ortiz, Ramirez is part of what is one of the most feared hitting duo's in baseball. When there on, the middle of the Sox order is one tough place for a pitcher to navigate through untouched. American League pitchers know they have had it easy thus far with Ramirez hitting just 11 homeruns, and American League East opponents fear whats going to happen to them when Ortiz and Ramirez are hitting like they usually do considering Boston has built a 10 game lead without their power. The wake up could occur as soon as this week when Boston open its first series of the season against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.