Bronson Won, Sox Lost

Red Sox vs. Reds today! The one I'd been waiting for. Let's recap.

Bronson Arroyo's strikeout count: 9
He pitched pretty great today, and I'm glad he did. 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk. It's never good to see the Sox lose, but today, I didn't mind as much.

Youk pulled off a diving catch at first, so of course the crowd chanted his name. Always reminds me of when he thought they were booing him, and someone had to inform him that they were actually yelling "Youk."

Wakefield did a good job today, the only run he gave up was a single homerun. The Reds went on to score 3 more runs, for a final of 4-0.

An MLB press conference about investigating steroid usage interrupted the game. Thought I could get out of it by watching MLB.TV, but no. I'd like to know what will happen if anyone gets caught, but beyond that, I really don't care.

The Red Sox vs. Rangers game on Monday means the Red Sox regular season begins! It'll be on ESPN2 and Schilling will be the pitcher. I am looking ahead a bit, as there are a few more ST games yet to be played, but I'm pretty excited. Schilling better pitch great, or you know Wells will be thinking that he could have done better.

The Final Roster Is Set

As much as I'm looking forward to the start of the season, I'm somewhat lamenting the end of spring training. Why? Because it will mean the end of free MLB.TV (yeah, I finally figured out that it was free for ST and not just for me. I'm awesome).

The Sox just beat the Pirates, 3-2. It was on ESPN, and though I've been looking forward to the TV game since last Thursday, I completely forgot about it.

And just in case you're interested in seeing the final team (or the final team as of now, but basically the final team), here you are:

Pitchers: Beckett, Schilling, Wakefield, Clement, Timlin, Foulke, Tavarez the Fighting Man, Riske, Papelbon, Seanez, DiNardo.

Everyone Else: Ortiz, Ramirez, Crisp, Loretta, Youkilis, Snow, Gonzalez, Cora, Lowell, Nixon, Pena, Stern, Varitek, Bard.

Win the Lottery, Red Sox Style

Tony G is back with the Royals. They claimed him off waivers today.

If you live in Massachusetts, look for the Red Sox lottery tickets! You can win stuff like used game jerseys and if you're really lucky, season tickets. Makes me wish yet again that I lived in Boston.

Late game tonight, against the Reds, at 6 pm. I hope Wily Mo makes his old team jealous.

And looks like my wish of a Bronson/Sox reunion is going to be realized: Arroyo will face the Red Sox at City of Palms Park on Thursday.

Red Sox v. Devil Rays: The New Red Sox v. Yankees?

Whoa! Crazy amounts of fighting going on lately. This time, Julian Tavarez (yes, the one who punched a phone) punched Joey Gathright's face after Gathright pushed Tavarez's leg because it got caught on Gathright's arm as he tagged him out. As stupid as that sounds, I suppose it was a reason to punch someone twice in the head. Get off my arm! I'm going to push your leg off my arm! That's a reason to try to knock you out!

WHAT?

Best part of the whole thing was this quote from Gathright: "Yeah, it just kind of glazed. He hits like a woman."

I love these Devil Rays vs. Red Sox fights. I hope it turns into a hated rivalry like the Yankee thing, even though nothing can really compare to that one. Oh, I just love these ridiculous fights!

Beckett is Awesome

Apparently, I missed the best part of the game yesterday. Ryan Howard thought he hit a homerun and took his time getting out of the batter's box. At least, that's how Beckett saw it and said this afterwards: "Even if it is a home run, I don't think it's the right thing to do. I didn't think it was the right thing to do." Howard, however, said it wasn't like that: "I just hit the ball and didn't see where it went, so I kind of hesitated and looked up to try to find the ball, hit the bag, I'm running back to the [dugout], he starts popping off. If I was going to do something like pimp it or whatever, he'd have known."

After all that happened, Howard went out to first and Beckett said something to him, so he throws his glove down and challenges him. Howard: "But I go over [to first base] and he's like, 'Fly ball.' And he threw in some curse words and called me a couple names. I was like, 'It's over,' but he started popping back off."

It was stopped, of course, before anything happened. If this is a sign of things to come, awesome.

Some other things about yesterday's game: Beckett did pitch well. Hansen continued his ERA of 0. And Don Orsillo said this and made me chuckle: "Pinch hitter Mike Costanza. No relation to George."

The Latest

1. Foulke's results: one inning, 13 pitches, 10 strikes, 1-2-3. Definitely good, but not enough info to know if he's "back."

2. Newest addition to the team: first baseman Hee-Seop Choi. I always thought he was a pitcher.

3. Wakefield goes today against the Blue Jays. And Bronson pitches for the Reds. I'll have to switch back and forth between the games, because I want to see Arroyo but I also would like to see how we fare against the Jays.

4. And this may be a bit late, but David Givens, Willie McGinest, Adam Vinatieri, Tom Ashworth. It sure is going to be interesting to see how the Patriots perform this fall.

Let's See How Foulke Does Today

Red Sox vs. Orioles again today. No TV. No MLB.TV. No Gameday Audio. And the thing I hate the most about spring training is we don't even get Gameday. That wouldn't be too much to ask. The Yankee game, on the other hand, is on TV, MLB.TV, and Audio. Why? I'd like to mention that the Sox game is the only game all day that won't be broadcast on one of the three choices.

Anyway, I guess the only news we have today is something we already knew. Papelbon will be pitching out of the bullpen, with Clement, Schilling, Wells, Wakefield, and Beckett the starting five. Oh, and Foulke will pitch for the first time today, in a Triple-A game. Can't wait to see how he does!

And just because it's always fun to be reminded of this:

Watch the Game on ESPN2 Today

Today, Matt Clement goes against the Twins. It'll be on ESPN2, to which I say finally, as I've seen at least 3 NY games on ESPN lately.

And I don't want to get too excited or anything, and I know there's no set rotation during spring training, but if Bronson pitches on Saturday there's a chance he could pitch against Boston as they play them 5 days from Saturday. I would love to see this happen, because Boston and Cincinnati play each other zero times during the regular season. And twice next week.

And, because it's not surprising in the least, Sheffield's drug use.

Boston vs. NY... Action!

I missed the first three innings because a) I forgot until about 7:20 and b) I then had to help my mother out with computer stuff.

Observations so far:

1. Johnny Damon as a Yankee is a more upsetting sight than I anticipated. But seeing him strike out, now that is quite awesome.

2. Hearing the YES guys is just as awful as I remember. Yes, mocking the opponent is the absolute best, no, the only way to do your job.

3. Wily Mo hits a homerun. If that isn't bittersweet.

4. A YES guy said Jay-Z is a "sweetheart." Yup, you read that right.

5. The hitting batters thing has to stop. Even the YES fools said Riske hitting Jeter was unintentional, and then what does Tanyon Sturtze (who, incidentally, happens to be my most hated Yankee) do? Hits his first batter.

6. Johnny Damon said he is bigger than a rock star. Okay.

Overall? Pena did pretty good, 2-for-4 with a HR. I can't hold it against him that Bronson is gone because of him, so I think I'll end up liking this guy in the long run. Craig Hansen was impressive, he's going to be good.

And this game didn't really matter. Oh, and the Sox lost.

Red Sox vs. Yankees, More Arroyo

For the first time since the trade, I'm actually thinking about the Red Sox again (not just Arroyo). First match-up against the Yankees tonight, which I'm looking forward to, but I'm not overly excited about it. Why? They aren't playing with their best guys, so the result isn't going to mean too much. Unless the Sox win, which will make it mean everything.

Now back to Arroyo. I just have to get in some final quotes from the man before I close it out.

“We’re definitely close, probably as close as you get to a GM as a player but it’s a business. It doesn’t matter how you feel personally about somebody. You’ve got to make the best move. It’s like playing a chess match. You’re just pieces on a freaking board, that’s what players are in this business. It doesn’t matter how much they like you....I said all along I’d pitch in the bullpen here [then] go somewhere else. I still feel that way now. It’s good knowing I’ll get 33 or 35 starts and not have to worry about being bumped out of the rotation, but it still doesn’t change the fact that I want to play in this uniform.”

I think he about summed it up. I for one will miss him, mostly because he was my favorite, but also because he was just a loyal guy. So finally, goodbye Bronson, it was great.

Guess Who's Still Talking?

After having a day to think it over, I'm still upset over the trade. And so is Johnny Damon! Can you believe it, he's STILL talking about his trade situation??! I sure can't!

Here's what the man had to say: "I'm really upset for Bronson. He should be able to become a free agent after this year, re-do his contract. This is what they were afraid of - his agent was right....Unfortunately, the loyalty of the fans always stays. You try not to be bitter through life, because I've learned you just shouldn't be that way. I've learned to accept it. I hope the [Red Sox] fans accept it, because now another guy they loved is gone."

Wait, he's learned to accept it? Then why does it seem like he's always bringing it up? I guess I shouldn't be complaining, because I do agree with what he said. Everyone is leaving. Okay, being forced to leave.

From David Ortiz: "This guy has some crazy power, man. I just feel bad for my man Bronson."

But I suppose my favorite comment comes from Mr. Theo Epstein himself. And I quote: "Wily Mo is not here to be anyone's replacement."

Well, except Trot Nixon.

Bronson Arroyo is Gone

In a very upsetting to me move, the Red Sox have traded Bronson Arroyo to the Reds for Wily Mo Pena. This is the second time in less than a year that they have traded my favorite player (the first being Mark Bellhorn last year).

Earlier, Arroyo had signed a deal (against the wishes of his agent) for less money, knowing he might not get to be a starter and his deal would make it easier for him to be traded. As I have stated before, he is the anti-Damon. He stated numerous times that he wanted to stay in Boston at all costs. And then they trade him. Baseball is a business. Clearly.

This is a very sad day for me. Especially after how he pitched yesterday, that was the last thing I expected to see on the Red Sox site. Triple-takes, I tell you.

Now what am I going to do when I go to the games (in THREE weeks)? My jerseys are Bellhorn and Arroyo...thanks a lot, management!

Juan Gonzalez?

Just saw something about Juan Gonzalez reporting to Red Sox training camp on Monday. What?

The Dominicans (Ortiz) LOST?!

Somehow, and I still don't quite understand it, Cuba beat the Dominican Republic yesterday. CUBA wins. DOMINICAN loses. No, it's not easy to accept. Nor is Japan beating the previously undefeated Korean team. But since I don't care about either of those two teams, I lack the feeling of disbelief that comes with the DR loss. But at least David Ortiz will be back!

MLB.com told me they cancelled my subscription to MLB.TV, yet when I clicked on the Red Sox/Orioles game, I immediately saw Kevin Millar hit a single into left field. I imagine this won't last long, but I get to see Arroyo and Millar, so I'm not going to complain. And Millar just got caught stealing. Oh, Kevin.

Manny homerun! Varitek's first at-bat with the Sox this spring...eh, easy out. Arroyo's having his best outing so far. Maybe it's Varitek's presence that's helping.

Lastly, Roger Clemens' agent met with Theo earlier. "Routine spring training meeting." Whatev. I can see how it would mean something to have him close out his career with Boston, but how many pitchers do we need? I guess we'll see what happens.

David Wells Drama

We're not even out of spring training and we have some Wells drama! Everyone knows that Wells told Francona he wanted the #2 spot and Tito said no. Apparently, Wells decided that Francona telling the media that story was unnecessary, and had this to say:
"What went on in that office should have stayed there in that office and it shouldn't have come out to you guys. So he's the idiot for saying that like that, not me, because I didn't interpret it like that."

Idiot! I don't think he meant it in the Johnny Damon way.

As for the game yesterday, Papelbon had his best outing so far; he pitched 5 innings and not one of those Marlins scored. Youkilis had another homerun, that guy's doing alright. They'll be taking on the Blue Jays today, with DiNardo making the start and a fresh-off-an-injury Huckaby catching.

And because I love those green jerseys, here's Manny taking one for the team. And he was safe, no less.

Green Uniform Day

I'm kinda wishing I had purchased this jersey when it was on sale.

Yesterday was a pretty rough day. USA was eliminated from the WBC, even though they limited Mexico to 2 runs and the Minnesota people told me that would get them in. I've given up trying to figure out just how the US was going to get into the finals. Every website I go to has a different way of them advancing, and I Don't Care. They didn't make it, and the Dominican Republic did. I'm content.

Syracuse also lost. In the first round. For the second year in a row.

This whole "Gonzo" nickname for Gonzalez is not working for me. I really hope it doesn't catch on. And as I typed that, he made a fantastic play (or so the WEEI guys say). I'd rather we call him A-Gonz or something equally stupid. What about The Gonz?

Ortiz and the DR take on Cuba tomorrow afternoon. I'm pretty sure it'll be on ESPN, which works because I'd like to see another homerun from The Man.

In the Order of Most to Least Interesting

1. BC is playing now. Pacific just tied the game with 9 seconds to go, and now it's going into overtime. And Pacific just got two 3s in a row, and every time BC gets close, Pacific shoots another 3, and now it's a 2-point game with 12 seconds left. Craig Smith just made the 2 most important free throws of his career, to get into DOUBLE OT!! This is an exciting game, I tell you. But Boston College completely ran away with it in the second overtime, winning by 12.

2. Syracuse plays tonight, and since that is my hometown and all, I can't wait for this game.

3. From Metro West Daily: Johnny Damon's shoulder. OK, he's not with the Red Sox. But they're saying his left shoulder hurts so much he can't throw. How could they tell the difference?

4. New York Knicks. Okay, now hear me out. I was born in New York and lived there up until a few months ago, and I've liked the Knicks since I was about 5. I pride myself on choosing the Red Sox over the Yankees or Mets, even though I lived in NY. Now, the Knicks won last night in double OT without "Starbury." I can't remember Marbury ever being good with the Knicks (and I may be wrong, but I doubt it), so I don't know where the name comes from, but I don't think anything will happen. The Knicks are horrible. And "Starbury" isn't going to change that. Though I wish he could, because I don't like seeing any of my favorite teams in last place.

5. WBC. I'm listening to the Red Sox/Twins game, and the announcers said Mexico can get into the next round if they beat the US Team by 12+ runs in at least 12 innings. What? That's stupid. And the US is still in, even if they lose, as long as they limit Mexico to 3 runs or less. What? Stupid.

And now, I think I'll finally get to some Red Sox stuff. Josh Beckett appears to have had a pretty good outing today. He's long gone, and the Twins only have 1 run (I'm not sure if he gave it up or not). Beckett and Clement have had some good games, so at least we have 2 guaranteed guys. Arroyo, not so much. He needs to get into his groove, and soon, before people get worried. Schilling, I hope we can count on him. Which reminds me, Wells said he's ready to be the #2 guy and Francona rightly said, umm, no.

They say Loretta will be a good 2 hitter. Let's hope!

3-10

Yes, that is the Red Sox record as of right now. No worries. All we need is a little Papi action.

Dominican Republic won last night, and now they're heading to the final round. Varitek, Timlin, and the US team take on Mexico tomorrow, and if they lose, they be done. Didn't they beat Mexico in the first round? I bet they'll win, but if they have to play DR or Korea in the final round, they won't.

Sox lost to the Orioles. That's okay because it means Millar won. But it won't be okay come regular season!

Oh, and my former favorite Orioles player (1. Because he is #6, and 2. because I had a dream in which he saved my life (?)) with my new favorite Orioles player. Why do I feel like Millar is still on the Red Sox?

Quick Ones

Quick hits:

- Francona's contract was extended through 2008.

- Clement pitched awesome Monday.

- Arroyo = not so awesome

- Damon may not be able to play for USA. USA is not affected by this decision.

- Team USA lost yesterday. No one is surprised.

- DR plays in 15 minutes. Must win!

I am David Ortiz's good luck

So Ortiz was 2-for-13 the whole WBC, the only 2 hits he had being homeruns. Which were also the only 2 times I saw him bat. And I just saw him up for only the third time, and he hits another homerun. From this, I have concluded that I am good luck for David. You are welcome.

Somehow, the Dominican Republic lost yesterday, but they are making up for it now. They currently have a 6-0 lead, and I don't see them losing it. And the United States team also won, though I don't know how legitimate it was, since Japan got screwed over on that "he left early even though he really didn't" call. I guess the worst part of that win was everyone saying A-Rod won it for them, even though there was only one out and bases were loaded and he was just lucky enough to be the next one to bat.

Just started listening to the Sox/Dodgers game and heard that Boston already has 4 errors. What? They just tied the game on a 2-run Calloway homer in the bottom of the 9th. Gonzalez and Youk had homeruns today too, and I believe that makes 2 days in a row for Youkilis. Looks like we're going to extra innings, and some Dodger just hit a 2-run homerun. Seems like there are more homeruns in spring training than in all of the regular season.

And another loss. It's a good thing these games don't really count!

Red Sox Lost, BC Lost, What's Up?

I watched the Sox lose another one today, but got to see Coco and Manny in action. Youkilis had a 2-run homer early on, but Minnesota decided to really play after that and won easily. I missed a portion of the game to see if Boston College could beat Duke, but it did not happen. Duke. Whatever.

USA/Japan is starting now and Ichiro just hit a homerun to start the game. Doesn't bode well, but you never know what is going to happen in baseball.

Love Those NESN Games

Today, I watched the Red Sox lose. I watched them lose. MLB.TV is working for me (guess I'm out $80) and I listened to RemDawg and Don call the game. It was GREAT.

Downside being I didn't realize it until the 5th inning and missed Schilling's performance. I guess he did great the first 3 innings and then hit some guy in the head (gave the poor guy a concussion) and gave up 4 runs. The Sox kept getting the lead, then losing it the next half inning. Not a great game. But Alejandro Machado had a good game, I kept hearing.

Tomorrow, we get a WBC doubleheader consisting of USA vs. Japan, then Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico. The US is coming off a 17-0 win, but it was against South Africa, so who cares. The DR is going to win the whole thing, so all this talk is meaningless. Go Ortiz!

Today: Boston Red Sox vs. West Coast Red Sox

Arroyo vs. Lowe today. Be there or be square.

This World Baseball Classic is very interesting to me. I thought I'd be bored by it, but for some reason I'm really getting into it. I even want the US to win! Okay, that's a lie. I want the DR to win, but the US is a close second. I can't believe they lost to Canada yesterday. Even after Varitek hit a grand slam. And what's with Stern playing great for Canada? The man hit an inside-the-park homerun! And he caught a ball that could have put the US in the lead if it went out. Craziness.

ESPN's got college basketball all day, so I'm out of luck for the Sox/Dodgers game. Thinking about Audio-ing it, since I think it will be a good one. I like the Dodgers just because they do have all those former Sox players, so I really want to see this one. No good WBC games today either, which makes today a baseball-less TV day.

And in weird news, Francona said he and Grady Little were roommates for a month back in 1992. What?

Millar and Manny

As I've mentioned many times in the past, I will miss the hell out of Kevin Millar. And since he was reunited with his old team yesterday and spoke about it, I will give you some quotes.

"It's always nice when you get a chance to play against your old teammates for the first time. There are a lot of guys you haven't seen since last season. Now I'm a member of the Orioles, but it was great to see those guys, great to give them all hugs."

He received a loud ovation when he came to the plate.

"The one thing I can always relate with the Red Sox fans is that I gave everything I had every night. They appreciate the blue-collar-type guy that's not as talented as everybody but gives his all. It was a nice welcome."

"I'll miss it a ton," said Millar. "People joke around, 'Cut the cord, cut this.' It's still a part of your life. The three years that we spent there were still the greatest time I had in the game. It's a great city. It's something I'll remember."

I love that everyone clapped for him, and I doubted they wouldn't. They've got a video of Don Orsillo and Millar over at NESN, and it's pretty obvious that Millar misses the Boston team and would have liked to stay. As much as I dislike non-funny signs at games, I may have to make one that says something about missing Millar.

And Manny! Making his presence known in his debut, going 2-for-2 with a sac fly. Said Schilling: "He hasn't seen a pitch in, what, six months? Single to right. Yawning." No matter what Manny says, you have to love his production.

And finally, Cla Meredith was the winner yesterday. That must be a completely new feeling for him.

Ortiz Is Making Us Proud

David Ortiz just hit his second homerun of the game. That man is just awesome.

When Will "John" Damon Learn?

NOBODY CARES ANYMORE.

"John" (as Steinbrenner says he will call him) Damon continues to embarrass himself, this time by saying that he felt disrespected by Red Sox management when they didn't pursue him. I really wish he would get over it, because we all have. If he wants to complain and whine and be called John, let him, but why do we have to hear it? It's time to move on, kid.

The Sox take on the Orioles today, which is awesome because it means everyone will see Millar again and you know they all miss him. Once again, I don't understand why I'm not getting this game, since Baltimore is the local team and all I'm seeing is paid programming. But ESPN is showing the Dominican Republic game, so I get to see Ortiz, which is good.

And finally, Manny makes his debut in about 45 minutes in the DH spot. I can't wait to see him play...well, hear about how he played, since I don't get any of the games.

It's About Time

The Sox beat the Devil Rays today, the first win of the (pre-) season. Beckett pitched for the first time in a Red Sox uniform, and ESPN showed the Mets/Indians game. I don't get it either.

I've been thinking about what Wells' latest decision means for Sox pitching. Now we have Wells, Schilling, Beckett, Clement, Wakefield, Arroyo, Papelbon. All I can think about is how they just might decide to trade Bronson to Washington after all, because they do have 7 men for 5 spots. If that happens, I would probably be the most upset I've ever been, so let's hope that it doesn't. And no one even considers it. I'm hoping they'll take on a new team motto: "You can never have too many pitchers."

I really don't want to trade any of those guys, because you never know what will happen. Look at Clement, who started off terrific last year but got hit and couldn't get back to where he was. Papelbon hasn't proven himself yet (nor has he really had a chance to) so you can't count on him (but I think he's going to impress us). Therefore, keep them all, because I want them all.

Boomer Rescinds

"I told Theo that I'd probably just stay, I think it would be better if I just stayed, and don't worry about trading me at this point," said Wells. "Let's go out and just concentrate on getting through Spring Training and head north."

Well, okay.

So the Red Sox are 0-3 and the White Sox are 0-6. The Sox ain't bringing it.

I saw David Ortiz on Baseball Tonight earlier today and he mentioned Kevin Millar and his bling. What? You know he wants Millar back just as much as I do.

Lost in the 9th

Bronson didn't do so hot today. I guess he gave up 3 runs on 5 hits without even getting through 2 innings. Ouch! He's not worrying though, so I won't either. Signs of goodness from Abe Alvarez, who pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief after replacing Arroyo. Then they managed to tie it, only to lose in the 9th when some Pirate scored and they couldn't do the same.

On the other hand, Schilling did great yesterday. Said the man: "If I thought about how I felt last year in my best start and ranked it, today was in a different stratosphere from a physical standpoint, as far as I how felt, compared to any point last year." That's a good thing to hear.

Also, we can wave goodbye to Vinatieri. "I really enjoyed my 10 years with the Patriots. It's been a great time and I have a lot of good memories in there. The New England Patriots are bigger than I am. There have been other people who have been released, and others who have been brought in, and that team's been good no matter what." Not good.

Coco Hits the Spot

A game was played last night! And one is about to start right now! I wish I could actually SEE them.

Coco Crisp had a pretty great debut last night. The kid went 3-for-3 and you can't ask for much better than that. Papelbon pitched, got hit just below the ankle (no harm done, thankfully), and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits. And the 0-for-3ers? Graffanino and Youk. It's okay guys, it's only March. Lots of pitchers to see, none of them dazzling anyone. Seanez pitched one inning and gave up 2 solo homers, Riske gave up 2 hits and a run in an inning, but Hansen, Breslow, Holtz, and Delcarmen all pitched an inning without giving up any runs.

So we got some Boston college games today, at 1 and 7. Schilling and Clement are going to start, and it's going to be exciting to see how they both fare against the kids.

He's Baaaaack

"I'm back, I guess people want me back," Ramirez said. "My focus is baseball right now and trying to help this team win."

...uhh? He guesses?

Manny is back, much to the elation of RSN. And people are saying that he's smiling and seems happy. As I usually do in good times, I will throw in the negative comment. I have to question the look. From that picture, I'm seeing two different hair colors with a questionable style, and a beard-type-thing. I'm not the only one looking twice:

Lose it Manny, and go back to the way you look on the cover of my MVP Baseball 2005 game. Unless it's possible that you play better with this look, then you should keep it.

But it seems that he didn't lose the best part about him:


Other Manny notes: "I don't feel different. I don't have a problem with Boston. I know I'm one of the big guys in the game. I'm human. I like to go out and do things and have fun, but I've got to represent Boston and the Red Sox outside of this game.''


I thought I'd throw in this shot of Alex Cora actually catching a ball. Look, he can do it!