Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Red Sox Destroy Orioles (14-14)

Today the Sox utterly overran the Orioles, beating them by a crushing score of 14-6, making them now 14-14. Victor Martinez (right) went 3-5 and had 6 RBI and 2 home runs in an awesome day at the plate for him, he is now .319/3/13 in a fairly good spring for him. Jon Lester was dominant, going 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run in the process. New acquisitions Scott Schoenweis and Alan Embree got a chance in the 8th and 9th, closing out this game in solid fashion. New acquisition, Kevin Frandsen had a grand slam in a 1-2 day for him. With the Sox, he is now .429/1/6 as I look forward to seeing some of him in the regular season. This was really a great game because the Red Sox flat out dominated the Orioles which is refreshing as it has been a tough spring for them.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Red Sox With a... Tie? (13-14)

Today the Red Sox had a very big lead of 6-0 before they failed to capitalize and fell in a disappointing 9-9 tie. Anthony Rizzo (right) ripped a two-run homer and Adrian Beltre had a 2-run triple. Casey Kelly had a succesful start, going 2 shuout innings before the Rays got to him. He will have a big role. Rays closer, Rafael Soriano got rocked for 4 runs in the 3rd inning. I think the Sox should have won this game and I am quite disappointed that they didn't, so 13-14 it is. Why shouldn't the Rays have gotten the loss, they deserved it. It any case, it's only spring training and about 5 days exactly from when Josh Beckett tosses out the first pitch of 2010. Beckett also appears to be close to reaching a deal!!!

The Rays- How we Hate Them (13-14)

Yesterday the Sox got overrun 9-3 by the Tampa Bay Rays. Josh Beckett (right) had a very good start, he went 6 innings, allowing only 2 runs. Unfortunately, Jeff Neimann was better, with 6 scoreless innings. The Rays are simply unbeatable this spring, they stand at an unheard of 18-7, that is a .720 winning percentage. The Red Sox are a mediocre 13-14, but today they play the Rays at 1:00 on ESPN!!!! I hope they can end their 0-3 streak against them this spring. There are only 2 good pieces of news that come from this game, Beckett did well, and Mike Lowell went 2-3, he is now .231/0/0 as it looks like Adrian Beltre .278/0/2 is going to win the third base job. That's alright though.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Red Sox Win Mayor's Cup in Dominant Fashion (13-13)

I don't really know what the Mayor's Cup is but I think it has something to do with the Sox and Twins being in Ft. Myers. In any case, the Red Sox grabbed their 4th consecutive one today in an 11-5 victory over the Twins. David Ortiz (right) smashed a 3-run homer, Victor Martinez went 4-5 with 3 RBI, and Tug Hulett also smashed a 3-run homer. Clay Buchholz was not sharp (4.2 innings, 4 runs) but he did retire the last 8 hitters to face him after allowing 4 runs in the first two innings. He is now 0-1/10.80/5 in a rough spring. Ortiz (.217/3/8), Martinez (.262/1/7), and Hulett (.263/2/10) are not having great springs either. Hulett is actually surprising many people, including me this spring! 13-13 is alright, they only have 6 games left this spring!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Red Sox End Win Streak at 3 (12-13)

Today, the Sox faced the Orioles after a 3-game win streak and lost 6-1. Yet they still got another great outing by John Lackey, who is now 1-0/1.20/13 in 4 starts this year. Today, he allowed 2 runs in 6 innings. Yesterday, the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 3-2 and Jon Lester was simply dominant- he threw 6 shutout innings, striking out 5. He is now 0-2/3.79/19 strikeouts in 5 starts, he has been very dominant as of late though as in his last 3 starts he has allowed 4 runs in 15.1 innings, striking out 14 in that time. 12-13 is not an unbearable record, can't wait for the season!!!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sox Beat Marlins, Dice-K is Back (11-12)

Today the Sox beat those Marlins in a 6-4 victory, Daisuke Matsuzaka made his first appearance of the spring, going 2 innings with 1 run in relief. Tim Wakefield made a very good start, scattering 3 runs over 6 innings in a season-like start for him, he is doing great this spring, at 3-1/3.66/10 and man-oh-man, they hit! Marco Scutaro had 2 RBIs and a triple, Victor Martinez had an RBI, Jacoby Ellsbury scored a run and went 2-4, Jeremy Hermida went 2-2, Kevin Youkilis went 2-4, and Adrian Beltre had an RBI and a run scored. They hit like crazy off the Marlins and they won again, 11-12 isn't so bad I guess. I just hope they do better during the season, if not- my predictions of 2nd place will be all wrong.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Red Sox End Awful Skid (10-12)

I'm sorry I haven't been making posts about the Red Sox' recent losses, I just really haven't been in the mood. We've had testing at school, et cetera, et cetera but now I am, the Sox won! Josh Beckett (right) tore up the Pirates with 1 run in 5 innings, his best start by far, making him now 1-0/4.05/14 as the Sox rode him to a 6-4 victory today. The Sox hit 3 home runs, by Victor Martinez, Bill Hall, and Mike Cameron; despite their recent losses, I think the Sox have been playing well and proving everyone who said they couldn't hit enough wrong. Hall got 2 RBIs and Jacoby Ellsbury got a sac-fly and went 1-2. 11 days until the season starts! I'm so excited, plus- guess what? I might get tickets for Opening Day!!! There is a low chance but it is possible!!!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Red Sox Hit Well but Drop Game (9-9)

Today, the Sox dropped another game, this one to the Astros by a score of 10-7. They are now even at 9-9. Dustin Pedroia hit a 3-run bomb and an RBI double in a 2-4 day for him, this spring he is now .382/1/7 in a good spring for him! Mike Cameron also drilled a homer for the Sox, he is now .333/1/5 this spring as he is also doing quite well. Jon Lester had a good day for the Sox, he threw 5.1 innings, allowing 3 runs, and striking out 7 as it looks like he has not lost that strikeout skill as he struck out 225 last year. Jason Varitek had 2 hits (.333/0/0) and Jacoby Ellsbury had 3 hits (.250/2/5). Jonathan Papelbon failed in this game... pretty badly. In 0.1 of an inning, he allowed 6 runs and bought the loss for the Sox in a tough game. Tomorrow they face the Rays and Cardinals in a double-header.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Red Sox Win For Embree (9-8)

Today the Red Sox beat the Orioles by a score of 6-0 making them 9-8 this spring. Tim Wakefield (right) dominated the O's, going 5 shutout innings, giving only 2 hits and striking out 3. He is now 2-1/3.29/5 in 13.2 innings. Marco Scutaro and Kevin Youkilis both hit home runs, including a 2-run shot by Youk. Peter Hissey got 2 RBIs in this game after coming in for Jacoby Ellsbury. Daniel Nava also got 1 RBI in this game. The Sox overall played very well to break that awful 5-game losing skid. You may be wondering why it says "Red Sox win for Embree" as the title. Well, the Sox signed Alan Embree to a minor league deal. If you don't remember- Embree was on the World Series winning 2004 Red Sox, that year he went 2-2/4.13/37. I would like Embree but he is 40, then again, Brian Shouse is 41.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Red Sox With Yet Another Loss (8-8)

The Red Sox dropped another game, however, they put up a valiant effort in this one but still lost 9-7 to the Pirates. They are now dead even at 8-8, I don't like that. Their offense was quite good, however, as David Ortiz (right) hit his 2nd homer of the spring and he now has a line of .276/2/4 as he is gearing up for a big return in 2010. New acquisition, Jeremy Hermida also homered in this game as he is now with a line of .357/1/5 as he is doing very well this spring and telling us all why he should be the 4th outfielder in 2010, the guy can hit! Josh Beckett had a bad start coming off an injury as he threw 3.1 innings and allowed 4 runs. His new line is 0-0/5.40/5 in 8.1 innings this spring but I'm sure he will do better in the season. It's only spring, but I would jump up and down if the Sox broke this skid!!!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Red Sox Fall Again (8-7)

Today the Red Sox lost yet again, this time to the Mets. Their once great record (8-3) is now a reasonable 8-7. At least they scored this time, as they went down 4-2. Their scoring came on an RBI single by Dustin Pedroia and another hit. John Lackey (right) had yet another fantastic outing, throwing 4 shutout innings this time as in this Spring Training, he is now a remarkable 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 9 innings as he has been very good so far and I'm getting pretty excited about that 5 year deal he signed in December. The Red Sox were leading 1-0 in the 8th inning when top prospect, Fernando Martinez hit a 3-run jack which basically gave the Mets the ball game. They did score today which I am happy about but they need a win now to break up this nasty 4-game skid.

Red Sox Dominated in Double Header (8-6)

Yesterday the Red Sox got dominated in their double-header, losing 3-0 to the Astros and 7-0 to the Rays. Now they are 8-6 after being 8-3 as they are unfortunately on a 3-game losing streak. The Red Sox' bats were silent yesterday as they didn't score in either game. Jon Lester (right) was very good, but not good enough as he allowed 1 run in 4 innings against the Astros and Felix Doubront threw 3 scoreless innings, allowing only 2 hits. David Ortiz and Mike Cameron each reached base twice in the game against the Astros and Jason Varitek doubled against the Rays. I hope the Sox can win (or at least score) in today's game.

Monday, March 15, 2010

2 Sox Homer to No Avail (8-4)

Today, Josh Reddick and David Ortiz (right) homered, but the Sox still got overrun 8-4 by the Orioles, ironically, 8-4 is now their record. Tim Wakefield got roughed up with 5 runs in 3.2 innings after 3 shutout innings in his last start, in this spring, he is now 1-1/5.19/2 in 8.2 innings this spring. Big Papi is not doing too well this spring, although he went 2-2 today, he is only .143/1/2 this spring. Josh Reddick, the other bomb, is now, on the other hand, doing very well, he is .478/1/6 he is doing great and I look forward to seeing him this year even though he will start the season in AAA as Jeremy Hermida has already been set as the 4th outfielder. Despite today's loss, I expect the Sox to come back and win against the Astros and Rays in a double header.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Red Sox Become 3-0 vs. Twins (8-3)

Today the Red Sox beat the Twin 6-4 to become 3-0 against the Twins and 8-3 overall. Jeremy Hermida (right) went 2-3 with an RBI double today, he is certainly having a good Spring Training (.308/0/2) he is batting quite well and playing regularly. Ramon A. Ramirez (the new guy) earned the win with 1 run in 1.1 innings today. The Red Sox are really dominating this Spring Training with a remarkable 8-3 record, putting them in 3rd place in the Grapefruit league, 2nd place is 2nd out of 15 teams, pretty impressive if you ask me. Something a little worrysome though is that Josh Beckett was scratched from starting this game because of (it appears) a common cold, which I hope it is and nothing worse, instead of Beckett, Ryne Miller got the start and he allowed 3 runs in 1 frame, he won't be seeing much MLB action this year!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

7th Inning Sparks 7th Win (7-3)

Today the Red Sox grinded out a tough game, a 3-2 victory over the Pirates. Clay Buchholz (right) threw a good 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 2 batters. The Sox were down 0-1 to the Pirates in the 7th inning when Mike Cameron doubled to lead off the inning to lead to an inning in which the Red Sox scored 3 runs on a 2-run single by Tug Hulett, who has been very impressive in the clutch in Spring Training and another RBI by Dusty Brown, with a sacrifice fly for him. The game ended in odd fashion as well, a triple play! The ball rolled through first baseman, Aaron Bates' legs but the always vigilant Brown was backing him up and was able to work some magic including some outs by hero, Tug Hulett!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Red Sox Beat Mets, Weather (6-3)

Today the Red Sox got through the rain to give the Mets a beating, 8-2. John Lackey threw 3 shutout innings and many people, including Victor Martinez (right), Jeremy Hermida, and Marco Scutaro hit RBIs. Mike Pelfrey, the Mets' starter, got hammered for 3 runs in 3 innings and the bullpen wasn't too much better. Mets' reliever, Hisanori Takahashi, pitched today, if you remember, the Sox were close to signing Takahashi in early February. Its very nice that the Red Sox are doing this well in Spring Training, currently with a 6-3 record. I hope they do this well in the regular season, it has been very refreshing to constantly see the Red Sox winning.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Rays Continue to Dominate (5-3)

Today the Red Sox lost to the Rays, who continued their dominant ways, beating the Sox, 8-6. I think it is unfair how the Rays play because everybody uses minor leaguers and bench players in their Spring Training games but the Rays use their starters and win all of their games. We'll be used to them when the season starts and they will lose a lot in my opinion. Jacoby Ellsbury (right) hit two homers and drove in 3 runs in a dominant day for the left fielder. Jon Lester rebounded from a tough start to allow only 1 unearned run in 2.2 innings, a very good day.The Red Sox are now a very good 5-3, and they have been playing their minor leaguers. By the way, the Red Sox' long time great, Nomar Garciaparra retired today, we wish him well in life! The Rays' winning in Spring Training will not last! Mwahaha!!!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Red Sox Oust Marlins (5-2)

Today, Tim Wakefield's flutterball and the Red Sox's big bats came together to crush the Florida Marlins, 9-0. Wakefield (right) threw 3 shutout innings while striking out 1 and allowing 2 hits. The Red Sox scored all of the runs by a combination of mostly rookies. They got two RBIs from Dusty Brown (who started at catcher today) and Gil Velazquez (who more likely than not will get some at-bats). Josh Reddick got an RBI and 2 runs scored and many others got RBIs as well. I was very impressed at the way the Red Sox beat up the Marlins who are actually a good team that went 87-75 last year. The Red Sox are on a 4-game win streak and are 5-2, 3rd place in the Grapefruit League. 'Till next game, Sox.Rox fans!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Red Sox Manage to Win Odd Game (4-2)

Usually when a team doesn't get a hit through the first 6 innings, it is a pitching game, not the case when the Red Sox held the Cardinals hitless through 6, but edged out a 7-6 victory. Josh Beckett (right) threw 3 masterful innings without a hit, but with 3 strikeouts as he dominated. Josh Reddick had the big run, however, he scored the winning run when Che-Hsuan Lin drove him in with a walk-off single. Jose Iglesias kept te Sox alive with a big 8th inning jack. The Red Sox are currently on a 3 game winning streak and I am liking it (the perentheses on the title are our record). This was on odd game but I'll take any Red Sox win!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Red Sox Edge Orioles (3-2)

Today the Red sox edged the Orioles, 5-4. Mark Wagner hit a solo shot in the top of the 9th to cap the comeback as the Orioles led 4-1. It all started when Angel Sanchez laced a 2-run triple to make the score 3-4 then Gil Velazquez (right) tied the game with a single up the middle. I'm very happy because I got to watch this game on MASN (they don't have NESN in Virginia). I was very thrilled when Wagner bombed that home run! Casey Kelly earned the win with two shutout innings, he's going to see some playing time this year when someone goes down. Then I got to see Robert Manuel seal the deal, as he earned the save with his quirky windup. The Red Sox won for me! This is why we love our team!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Red Sox Split Squad- And Games (2-2)

Yesterday the Red Sox lost 5-0 to the Twins but today the Red Sox split their squad for two 1:05 games, one against the Twins and the other against the Rays. Lackey (right) started the Twins game and was perfect, allowing no hits with 1 strikeout in 2 innings, the Red Sox went on to win 9-3. Felix Doubront started the Rays game perfectly as well, with no hits and 2 strikeouts in 2 innings, but the Rays won 6-4. The Red Sox are now 2-2, in a tie for 3rd place in the Grapefruit league. The Red Sox utterly beat up on the Twins in their game as utility infielder Tug Hulett blasted a three-run bomb which will go a long way toward some MLB at-bats this year. Gustavo Molina made a nice block at the plate and saved a run. It feels so good to see Lackey performing in a Sox uniform, well!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Red Sox Lead Off Spring Training with a Win

You may be wondering why I have so many posts already in this month- well, I am going to try a new approach this year, I am going to try to make a post for every game, and that includes Spring Training. The outcome for the Red Sox' first Spring Training game against an actual MLB team was... a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. The Twins scored one run in the first inning but did not score again. In the 6th inning, Dustin Pedroia hit an RBI single up the middle and in the 8th inning Mark Wagner (right) hit the game-winning RBI in a pinch-hit performance. I expect Mark Wagner to be making his MLB debut this year probably, Dusty Brown may get some playing time too. Man- it feels so good to be blogging about a baseball game!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Red Sox Overrun NEU, BC

Today the Red Sox silenced everybody who said that their offense wasn't good enough by winning 15-0 against Northeastern University while allowing no hits and a booming home run by David Ortiz. To prove that was not fluke, they went out in the nightcap and ousted Boston College 6-1 with a 3-run double by shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias (right). Casey Kelly and Boof Bonser started the Northeastern and BC games. Many of the Red Sox minor leaguers got RBIs including two each by Luis Exposito and Darnell McDonald. But, we must remember, the first hit of the Red Sox' spring training goes to Bill Hall who hit a lazy blooper from the No. 2 spot in the order in the first inning. The Red Sox play the Twins tomorrow for their third straight Exhibition Game Opener against the Twins. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Life is Fine for Fien

Right now, life is fine for Casey Fien. He has just been picked up by one of the best teams in baseball (the Red Sox) coming from one of the most overrated teams over the last few years (the Detroit Tigers). He was a waiver claim, and guess who the Sox released? Gaby Hernandez, clamied under a month ago, they've got something going with these minor league pitchers. Last year, Fien went 0-1 with a 7.94 ERA in 9 relief appearances for the Tigers. In just under 24 hours, the Red Sox will be squaring off against Boston College, after playing Northeastern earlier that day. The BC game will be televised on NESN (if you live in New England) and we will be seeing some new guys as Terry Francona has posted the lineup. Casey Kelly is starting! Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Another Minor Spring Training Injury

The Red Sox have suffered another (very) minor injury. Mike Cameron, apparently has tightness in his left groin. He says that it is just a minor injury, however, and is only taking time off because he doesn't want to "get tired and really hurt something." Earlier this week, Adrian Beltre got a minor injury after tripping over a ball in fielding practice and missed Thursday and twisted his right ankle, but he is fine now. Even earlier in Spring Training, Jonathan Papelbon was suffering from "bed back" whatever that is, maybe he popped his back or something in bed. In any case, I hope Cameron will be alright when the Red Sox play a double-header vs. Northeastern University and Boston College on March 3rd, very exciting! Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!!