Another Youte Steps Up

Jonathan Van Every! Wow!

The outfielder was filling in for JD Drew last night against the team that signed him years ago. All he did was contibute in a big rally to help the Sox come from behind to tie a game they appeared out of earlier. Then, he smacked the game winning 420ft. home run in the 10th inning to pull out a clutch win for the Red Sox. All I can say is wow. He's a great story, and I'm really happy for him. These young guys are really showing off the farm system depth, aren't they?

Now its off to Tampa to take on the Rays. 

Turned up to Eleven!

The Red Sox moved their win streak to 11 last night with a solid win over Cleveland. What was more spectacular was their dismantling of the Yankees over the weekend. Now the Gotham press is going nuts, especially after all of the cash laid down for their collection of individuals. From Boston Dirt Dogs:

Hey, not sure if you saw this from the Jimmy Fallon show, but here's a clip from his interview with Larry Fitzgerald about the Madden 2010 game coming out in August. Its pretty funny.

They call it a streak, so bring on the Yanks

Its been a very productive week for the Sox, winning all the games since returning home, with sweeps of the O's and a doubleheader with the Twins. Thats a seven game win streak, folks! Now the team has a well deserved day off to prepare for the Yankees visit over the weekend. 

Here's a great post from the Pocklock blog yesterday with a 12 step program to become a Red Sox fan. Its mainly for any of those folks looking to free themselves from the darkness of the Evil Empire, but its a good read for anybody looking to join Red Sox Nation, and a blank filler for others. 

 

Sox take broom to Orioles

What a difference a weekend makes. After Wakefield's near no-no, the Sox brushed the orange birds out of Fenway with a four game sweep. Solid pitching and hot hitting returned to form for the team, complete with a fill in performance by Masterson today with Dice-K on the DL and some "keep-the-line-movin'" hitting by the line up. Even Big Papi woke up today for a multi-hit game, including a triple! Nice 12-1 victory early on Patriots Day.

Now, we have the Twins coming in for a quick two game visit, then the Yanks over the weekend. Its a good time to get hot!

Good things to come in Wake's wake?

There almost has to be after such a strong outing from the old...er....veteran. (Can't pick on him to much, he's not that much older than me). It'd been nice for him to pitching a no-no, but hey, he went the distance, and that is what the team needed most. 

Now, the guy are FINALLY back home. The O's are coming in. Lets take it to them.

Dice-K hits the DL

Dice-K was placed on the DL today and Hunter Jones was brought up from Pawtucket. I was thinking this could be an opportunity for Clay Bucholtz to see some action, but discovered he pulled a hammy during a workout. I think we're due for something positive to happen. Good time to start is ASAP today in Oakland.

What's next on "As the Red Sox turn?"

Whats with all the drama?! What is this "General Hospital"? Should I alert my Me-Ma that there is a new 'story' on for her to watch and track. I guess since I've only been following the Sox for 6 years now, maybe I'm just not quite used to it.....still. 

We've got Beckett on suspension whether its valid or not, its there. Pedroia and his spat with the home town folks. Lowrie's on the DL with his wrist, and he was already filling in after Lugo was hurt in Spring Training. Big Papi is still stuck in last season like his wrist is bothering him. Drew's play has been suspect since he was having back issues early on. And now.....Dice-K was pulled last night after giving up a buttload of runs to the A's and apparently has 'arm fatigue' after pitching so much, so early in the WBC.

Man, its been a long road trip. Time to bring the boys home and get things turned around. It would be nice to get a win this afternoon behind Wake and at least leave Cali on a good note.

Beckett suspended 6 games pending appeal

This is some BS fall out from Sunday incident in Anahiem with Beckett being charged with throwing at Abreu. MLB is suspending him for 6 games of which he is appealing, and should, and an undisclosed fine. Some of the Angels were fined and their hitting coach got suspended for 1 game. All of this and the guy the umpires didn't kick out of the game, and who were actually there, gets the stiffest penalty. Something wrong with that picture.

The appeal should allow Josh to make his turn in the rotation Saturday versus the Orioles, then we'll see. I think it will likely be reduced, it almost has to be. There weren't even any punches thrown. 

The Sox play late again in Oakland and Dice-K is on the mound vs. Eveland. Its time to start turning this thing around and getting some wins under our belt.

Egg laying by more than the Easter Bunny

The Sox have lost consecutive series to the Rays and Angels now. The pitching has been mediocre, and the hitting hasn't been able to come through in the clutch just yet. Its a long season, way to early to panic. Besides the Sox haven't taken a regular season series in Anahiem since 2006 so it isn't like they don't play us tough out there. Rays and Yanks square off this coming week, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out for the first time this season.

I missed much of yesterdays game with it being Easter and my father-in-laws birthday, so I had to catch the maylay in highlights later on. JB wasn't throwing at Abreu and all that nonsense from Scoscia that the league office ought to look into it is all a bunch of horse hockey (to quote Colonel Potter of MASH 4077th). Like one of the Red Sox interviewed said, there was a lot of emotions in this series due to the tragic accident the other day, so something was bound to pop sometime. 

Now we head off to Oakland to matchup with Billy Beane's Bunch of A's. Another late start on the left coast which hopefully will go smoother than it has been of late. Good time to get the bats working, and for Lester to show up strong.

160 to go

Its a long season and last nights game, no matter how bad the strike zone calls went against the Sox, is just one of many. Bob Davidson, who everybody knew was behind the plate thanks to the ESPN Wednesday Night coverage, made some extremely awful strike calls to help Kazmir out on the mound, and frustrate the Sox hitters. Granted the Rays played solid and plenty enough to win, but you hate to see calls that consistently BAD! Anyway, Dice-K on the mound early this afternoon vs. Garza. Lets take the series and head out to West Coast for the week.

BTW- Breaking news about the starter for the Angels last night being killed in a car accident over night. Nick Adenhart was only 22 and was filling out the rotation for the Halos after a solid Spring Training. Too young and too soon thanks to some hit and run driver running a red light. A second person was killed as well as two others in the hospital. Very sad, and my heart goes out to the family, the organization and the fans. 

Way to get it started

The Red Sox won yesterdays season opener over the Rays with quality pitching from Beckett and solid hitting including homers by Pedroia and Varitek. Okie relieved JB and struggled, but Masterson came in to bridge the gap to Paps. Solid performance all around I think. Now lets get a roll going. Tonight Lester against Kashmir on the Duece.

As for the end of college basketball season, let's just end it with this.



Super Dunk!!!!! Funny Show - video powered by Metacafe

Well, theres always tomorrow

Press release via MLB.com:

Today's Red Sox Opening Day game postponed

Game to be made up on Tuesday, April 7 at 4:05 p.m.

BOSTON, MA -- Today's Red Sox 2009 Opening Day game at Fenway Park has been postponed due to the forecast of heavy rain throughout the afternoon and evening. The game is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 4:05 p.m. to better accommodate fans who must reschedule. Opening Day festivities now will take place on Tuesday. Gates will open at 2:05 p.m.

The forecast provided by the Red Sox weather service, Meteorlogix, indicates heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms will begin during the early afternoon hours and continue throughout the evening.

"After consulting with our weather service and other professional meteorologists, it became apparent it would be extremely unlikely, if not impossible, that we could get a complete game in today so the decision was made to postpone until Tuesday," said Larry Lucchino, President/CEO. "Our fans look forward to this unofficial Red Sox Nation holiday each year, and we want to make sure that they are able to enjoy the full experience including both the special pregame ceremonies and a full nine innings of play. We reserved an alternate rain date for tomorrow for just such adverse circumstances as present themselves today."

It marks the first Red Sox home-opening postponement since 2003, when the game was called because of rain.

Tickets for Monday's opener will be good on Tuesday, April 7.

NESN, WEEI and SBN (WWDJ 1150 AM) will carry the rescheduled 4:05 pm game.

The Red Sox and Rays are scheduled to play the second game of the series on Wednesday at 7:10 pm at Fenway Park.

Commander Kick-Ass is ready to go!

Josh Beckett didn't have the best of showings yesterday against the Pirates in his last tune up for the regular season, and you knew how he would respond. Tito calmed him down. The guy is our Ace and he's really maturing into the role. Looking forward to seeing him on the mound for real next week.