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Spring Training Summary: April 4: Kyle Lohse Cruises, Corey Hart Is Healthy
2012-04-05 13:00:00 by Will Overton Last night we had the first primetime game of the season to give us a taste of what today is going to hold as the regular season fully kicks off in a few hours. So now only … Continue reading →
By: The RotoFeed
Spring Training Summary: April 3: Joel Peralta?s Opportunity, Ian Desmond?s
2012-04-04 13:00:00 by Will Overton We have one regular season game tonight and a full slate of spring training games on tap and then things kick off full blast tomorrow. The beginning of the baseball season has me buzzing, but let?s not … Continue reading →
By: The RotoFeed
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 4/3
2012-04-03 17:38:00 The past two days for the Boston Red Sox have been full of thumbs. And by that I mean the mysterious thumb injuries suffered by Josh Beckett and Andrew Bailey. The reports that came out yesterday are good and bad. They state that Bailey will need thumb surgery and it's unknown how long he'd be out for. The good comes from Beckett as it is expected he'll make his first start on Saturday against the Tigers. Both Bailey and Beckett are currently in Cleveland getting second (Bailey) and third (Beckett) opinions on their injuries. From what the media is reporting, Beckett's is more for piece of mind than anything else. As far as the rest of the roster goes, that'll be determined after today's exhibition game in our Nation's capital. Obviously the injury to Bailey throws a little wrench into the plans of Ben Cherington and Bobby Valentine. They'll need to decide whether or not to carry 13 pitchers or 13 position players. And that affects players like Pedro Ciriaco, Jason Repko...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 4/3
2012-04-03 17:38:00 The past two days for the Boston Red Sox have been full of thumbs. And by that I mean the mysterious thumb injuries suffered by Josh Beckett and Andrew Bailey. The reports that came out yesterday are good and bad. They state that Bailey will need thumb surgery and it's unknown how long he'd be out for. The good comes from Beckett as it is expected he'll make his first start on Saturday against the Tigers. Both Bailey and Beckett are currently in Cleveland getting second (Bailey) and third (Beckett) opinions on their injuries. From what the media is reporting, Beckett's is more for piece of mind than anything else. As far as the rest of the roster goes, that'll be determined after today's exhibition game in our Nation's capital. Obviously the injury to Bailey throws a little wrench into the plans of Ben Cherington and Bobby Valentine. They'll need to decide whether or not to carry 13 pitchers or 13 position players. And that affects players like Pedro Ciriaco, Jason Repko...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 4/2
2012-04-02 15:52:00 The biggest news of the day for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday was supposed to be the announcement of Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard as the fourth and fifth members of the starting rotation. Instead, it was the news of a mysterious thumb injury suffered by Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey. No one is quite sure how Bailey injured his thumb and I saw a tweet somewhere yesterday that Bailey only found his thumb was injured when he tried to squeeze a shampoo bottle in the shower. So with all of that news, the Red Sox sent Bailey back to Boston for an examination and tests on the thumb. The Red Sox will wait for those results before making a determination of whether or not Bailey starts the season on the DL. The best guess here is that he does in fact start the season on the disabled list allowing him to be fully healthy for the rest of the season. While we thought Pedro Ciriaco, Jason Repko and Nate Spears were competing for the final spot on the Red Sox 25-man roster, that final spot c...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 4/2
2012-04-02 15:52:00 The biggest news of the day for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday was supposed to be the announcement of Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard as the fourth and fifth members of the starting rotation. Instead, it was the news of a mysterious thumb injury suffered by Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey. No one is quite sure how Bailey injured his thumb and I saw a tweet somewhere yesterday that Bailey only found his thumb was injured when he tried to squeeze a shampoo bottle in the shower. So with all of that news, the Red Sox sent Bailey back to Boston for an examination and tests on the thumb. The Red Sox will wait for those results before making a determination of whether or not Bailey starts the season on the DL. The best guess here is that he does in fact start the season on the disabled list allowing him to be fully healthy for the rest of the season. While we thought Pedro Ciriaco, Jason Repko and Nate Spears were competing for the final spot on the Red Sox 25-man roster, that final spot c...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 4/1
2012-04-01 16:38:00 We are getting closer and closer to the season and finally the 2012 roster for the Boston Red Sox is starting to take shape. Earlier in the week, we learned that Mike Aviles would be the starting shortstop as Jose Iglesias was sent to Triple-A Pawtucket. This left just finding out who the fourth and fifth guys in the rotation as well as the 25th man on the roster. With all four in the rotation competition pitching this week, Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, Aaron Cook and Felix Doubront, it was thought that we would learn the final two yesterday. Instead, Bobby Valentine elected to wait until today to announce his rotation since he hadn't had time to talk with all the parties involved. So without further adieu, here is your 2012 Boston Red Sox starting rotation: Jon Lester Josh Beckett Clay Buchholz Felix Doubront Daniel Bard Really no surprises here. I've said all along that Aceves is better suited from the Red Sox bullpen given his versatility. Cook most likely wasn't ready y...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/31
2012-03-31 15:53:00 It's the last day in March and with Opening Day 2012 around the corner, we still only know 3/5 of the Boston Red Sox rotation. The four left in the battle have all pitched this week and pitched well for the most part. Daniel Bard was the last of the four to take the mound and he did so yesterday. Bard went six innings yesterday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks but did have seven strikeouts. Matt Albers followed him by allowing two runs on three hits and three walks in 1.2 innings of work. Mark Melancon got the save despite allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in 1.1 innings of work. For arguments sake, let's look at the numbers of the four involved: Aaron Cook - three games (two starts), 9.1 innings pitched, 1.93 ERA Felix Doubront - four games (three starts), 16.2 innings pitched, 2.70 ERA Alfredo Aceves - five games (three starts), 18 innings pitched, 5.50 ERA Bard - six games (five starts), 24.2 innings pitched, 6.23 ERA Based on those numbers, ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/31
2012-03-31 15:53:00 It's the last day in March and with Opening Day 2012 around the corner, we still only know 3/5 of the Boston Red Sox rotation. The four left in the battle have all pitched this week and pitched well for the most part. Daniel Bard was the last of the four to take the mound and he did so yesterday. Bard went six innings yesterday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks but did have seven strikeouts. Matt Albers followed him by allowing two runs on three hits and three walks in 1.2 innings of work. Mark Melancon got the save despite allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in 1.1 innings of work. For arguments sake, let's look at the numbers of the four involved: Aaron Cook - three games (two starts), 9.1 innings pitched, 1.93 ERA Felix Doubront - four games (three starts), 16.2 innings pitched, 2.70 ERA Alfredo Aceves - five games (three starts), 18 innings pitched, 5.50 ERA Bard - six games (five starts), 24.2 innings pitched, 6.23 ERA Based on those numbers, ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/30
2012-03-30 16:42:00 Do you know who the final two spots are going to in the 2012 Boston Red Sox rotation? Yeah, I didn't think so. If Bobby Valentine knows, he sure isn't telling us. But with spring training winding down very quickly here, we should get the answer to that question sooner rather than later. Aaron Cook pitched well the other day, Daniel Bard pitches today and Felix Doubront and Alfredo Aceves threw yesterday and threw well according to the media reports since there was no television or radio coverage. Valentine may have tipped his hand though by having Doubront pitch in a minor league game while Aceves threw to the Blue Jays "big league" squad. I say "big league" because their lineup on Thursday was mostly minor leaguers with some major league reserves. After a bad outing his last time out where he got shelled, Aceves pitched much better yesterday. He went six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out four. Meanwhile on one of the practi...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/30
2012-03-30 16:42:00 Do you know who the final two spots are going to in the 2012 Boston Red Sox rotation? Yeah, I didn't think so. If Bobby Valentine knows, he sure isn't telling us. But with spring training winding down very quickly here, we should get the answer to that question sooner rather than later. Aaron Cook pitched well the other day, Daniel Bard pitches today and Felix Doubront and Alfredo Aceves threw yesterday and threw well according to the media reports since there was no television or radio coverage. Valentine may have tipped his hand though by having Doubront pitch in a minor league game while Aceves threw to the Blue Jays "big league" squad. I say "big league" because their lineup on Thursday was mostly minor leaguers with some major league reserves. After a bad outing his last time out where he got shelled, Aceves pitched much better yesterday. He went six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out four. Meanwhile on one of the practi...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/29
2012-03-29 16:10:00 After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox return to Grapefruit League action as their AL East brethren the Toronto Blue Jays come to JetBlue Park this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. and there is no television or radio coverage of the game. Here are today's lineups: 1. Anthony Gose CF 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 2. Rajai Davis RF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 3. Eric Thames LF 3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 4. Yan Gomes 1B 4. Kevin Youkilis 3B 5. Luis Valbuena SS 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Jeff Mathis C 6. Darnell McDonald LF 7. Ricardo Nanita DH 7. Ryan Sweeney RF 8. Jonathan Diaz 2B 8. Kelly Shoppach C 9. Chris Woodward 3B 9. Mike Aviles SS Drew Hutchison SP Alfredo Aceves SP Aceves will be followed by LHP Justin Thomas, RHP Scott Atchison and RHP Michael Bowden. To see the overnight links as well as ones from this morning, please click on the read more button below if you're on the home page. MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFOR...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/29
2012-03-29 16:10:00 After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox return to Grapefruit League action as their AL East brethren the Toronto Blue Jays come to JetBlue Park this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. and there is no television or radio coverage of the game. Here are today's lineups: 1. Anthony Gose CF 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 2. Rajai Davis RF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 3. Eric Thames LF 3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 4. Yan Gomes 1B 4. Kevin Youkilis 3B 5. Luis Valbuena SS 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Jeff Mathis C 6. Darnell McDonald LF 7. Ricardo Nanita DH 7. Ryan Sweeney RF 8. Jonathan Diaz 2B 8. Kelly Shoppach C 9. Chris Woodward 3B 9. Mike Aviles SS Drew Hutchison SP Alfredo Aceves SP Aceves will be followed by LHP Justin Thomas, RHP Scott Atchison and RHP Michael Bowden. To see the overnight links as well as ones from this morning, please click on the read more button below if you're on the home page. MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFOR...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/28
2012-03-28 15:01:00 I didn't get a chance yesterday to talk about the outing Jon Lester had for the Boston Red Sox on Monday due to the fact that I was busy laying down subflooring with my father at my parent's lakehouse. However, I did watch a good part of Lester's outing and there's probably no doubt in Bobby Valentine's mind about his choice to start opening day. Before Monday's start against the Philadelphia Phillies, Lester's numbers in his last start weren't as good as he had hoped. He had said previously after that start that he was healthy and his mechanics were just fine. It was his execution. Well the time off between starts allowed Lester to tweak things and it showed. He mowed down 10 Phillies in seven innings of work and allowed just two hits. Now he'll get one more start where he probably will just throw long enough to get some good work in before beginning his preparations for the 2012 Opening Day start against the Detroit Tigers on April 5th. The man who who will be pitching t...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/28
2012-03-28 15:01:00 I didn't get a chance yesterday to talk about the outing Jon Lester had for the Boston Red Sox on Monday due to the fact that I was busy laying down subflooring with my father at my parent's lakehouse. However, I did watch a good part of Lester's outing and there's probably no doubt in Bobby Valentine's mind about his choice to start opening day. Before Monday's start against the Philadelphia Phillies, Lester's numbers in his last start weren't as good as he had hoped. He had said previously after that start that he was healthy and his mechanics were just fine. It was his execution. Well the time off between starts allowed Lester to tweak things and it showed. He mowed down 10 Phillies in seven innings of work and allowed just two hits. Now he'll get one more start where he probably will just throw long enough to get some good work in before beginning his preparations for the 2012 Opening Day start against the Detroit Tigers on April 5th. The man who who will be pitching t...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/26
2012-03-26 17:08:00 I'm not sure whether or not we know anything more or not about how the 2012 Boston Red Sox rotation will look after Daniel Bard's outing on Sunday where he gave up five runs. Three of the four pitchers, Bard, Alfredo Aceves and Felix Doubront, all pitched in games over the weekend. Only Doubront had the best numbers of the trio. Aceves outing on Saturday was more than likely an aberration as he's rarely had a bad outing in a Red Sox uniform whether it be spring training or the regular season. Doubront has been consistently good all of this spring. So with Bard giving up five runs and both he and Valentine being happy with his outing, I'm not sure if any questions were answered this weekend. "And he looked like [a starter]," Valentine said. "And I liked him in between innings. I liked how he was responding to things. I thought it was a really good look today. He worked runners when they were on base. He got ground balls when he needed to. He got some swings and misses when...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/26
2012-03-26 17:08:00 I'm not sure whether or not we know anything more or not about how the 2012 Boston Red Sox rotation will look after Daniel Bard's outing on Sunday where he gave up five runs. Three of the four pitchers, Bard, Alfredo Aceves and Felix Doubront, all pitched in games over the weekend. Only Doubront had the best numbers of the trio. Aceves outing on Saturday was more than likely an aberration as he's rarely had a bad outing in a Red Sox uniform whether it be spring training or the regular season. Doubront has been consistently good all of this spring. So with Bard giving up five runs and both he and Valentine being happy with his outing, I'm not sure if any questions were answered this weekend. "And he looked like [a starter]," Valentine said. "And I liked him in between innings. I liked how he was responding to things. I thought it was a really good look today. He worked runners when they were on base. He got ground balls when he needed to. He got some swings and misses when...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/25
2012-03-25 17:44:00 While we didn't get a chance to talk about the outing of Clay Buchholz on Friday night because of the site transfer issues, we did use our time to watch most of the game between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon. And while that game was going on, another squad from the Red Sox was in Jupiter talking on the Miami Marlins. Now what makes that interesting is not the incident when Bobby Valentine waved goodbye to Ozzie Guillen after he was ejected, it's the fact that Felix Doubront was trying to state his case for one of the final spots in the rotation. Of course Alfredo Aceves was trying to do the same thing back in Ft. Myers. If you had to pick a winner for the day, you would have to say it was Doubront. While Aceves was getting shelled by the Phillies, Doubront was dominating the Marlins. Aceves gave up nine runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out three in just three innings of work. Three of those 10 hits were home runs including back-to-b...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/25
2012-03-25 17:44:00 While we didn't get a chance to talk about the outing of Clay Buchholz on Friday night because of the site transfer issues, we did use our time to watch most of the game between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon. And while that game was going on, another squad from the Red Sox was in Jupiter talking on the Miami Marlins. Now what makes that interesting is not the incident when Bobby Valentine waved goodbye to Ozzie Guillen after he was ejected, it's the fact that Felix Doubront was trying to state his case for one of the final spots in the rotation. Of course Alfredo Aceves was trying to do the same thing back in Ft. Myers. If you had to pick a winner for the day, you would have to say it was Doubront. While Aceves was getting shelled by the Phillies, Doubront was dominating the Marlins. Aceves gave up nine runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out three in just three innings of work. Three of those 10 hits were home runs including back-to-b...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Make More Cuts at 2012 Spring Training
2012-03-24 04:16:00 Boston Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine promised he'd make more cuts this week and that's what he did on Friday. Here's the release: FORT MYERS, FL?The Red Sox today optioned right-handed pitchers Clayton Mortensen and Junichi Tazawa, and catcher Luis Exposito to Triple-A Pawtucket. The club also reassigned right-handed pitcher Brandon Duckworth, left-handed pitcher Jesse Carlson, catcher Max St. Pierre and outfielder Alex Hassan to minor league camp. The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington. With today?s moves, the Red Sox now have 46 players in Big League Camp, including 32 from the 40-man roster, two on the 60-day disabled list and 12 non-roster invitees. Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Make More Cuts at 2012 Spring Training
2012-03-24 04:16:00 Boston Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine promised he'd make more cuts this week and that's what he did on Friday. Here's the release: FORT MYERS, FL?The Red Sox today optioned right-handed pitchers Clayton Mortensen and Junichi Tazawa, and catcher Luis Exposito to Triple-A Pawtucket. The club also reassigned right-handed pitcher Brandon Duckworth, left-handed pitcher Jesse Carlson, catcher Max St. Pierre and outfielder Alex Hassan to minor league camp. The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington. With today?s moves, the Red Sox now have 46 players in Big League Camp, including 32 from the 40-man roster, two on the 60-day disabled list and 12 non-roster invitees. Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/23
2012-03-23 14:54:00 There are a few different story lines that emerged from the 4-4 tie that Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees played at JetBlue Park last night. First, it is thought that Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront are the final three candidates for the final two spots in the starting rotation. Secondly, Bobby Valentine is pissed at Joe Girardi for pulling his squad off the field after the end of the 9th with the score tied. With regards to my first point, while those three are considered to be the "finalists" for the rotation spots, Aaron Cook is trying to make Valentine's decision about those rotation spots all the much harder. The one thing Cook doesn't have in his favor is the fact that he probably won't be ready for Opening Day. However, he wouldn't be needed until the Red Sox have to put their 5th starter on the mound. Cook put up four solid innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out two. The sinkerballer had good command of the strikezone and the mai...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/23
2012-03-23 14:54:00 There are a few different story lines that emerged from the 4-4 tie that Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees played at JetBlue Park last night. First, it is thought that Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront are the final three candidates for the final two spots in the starting rotation. Secondly, Bobby Valentine is pissed at Joe Girardi for pulling his squad off the field after the end of the 9th with the score tied. With regards to my first point, while those three are considered to be the "finalists" for the rotation spots, Aaron Cook is trying to make Valentine's decision about those rotation spots all the much harder. The one thing Cook doesn't have in his favor is the fact that he probably won't be ready for Opening Day. However, he wouldn't be needed until the Red Sox have to put their 5th starter on the mound. Cook put up four solid innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out two. The sinkerballer had good command of the strikezone and the mai...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/22
2012-03-22 20:43:00 After falling yesterday to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5, the Boston Red Sox return home to Fenway South to host their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees, in Grapefruit League action. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Yankees television market, you can catch the game on YES. For those who you don't live in either market, you're in luck as ESPN will have coverage of the game. Former Sox skipper Terry Francona will join Dan Shulman and Orel Hershiser in the booth for ESPN. And if you can't watch the game, WRKO 680 AM will have radio coverage. Here are tonight's lineups: 1. Brett Gardner LF 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 2. Curtis Granderson CF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 3. Andruw Jones RF 3. Kevin Youkilis 3B 4. Eric Chavez 3B 4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 5. Raul Ibanez DH 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Brandon Laird 3B 6. Cody Ross LF 7. Jose Gil C 7. Ryan Sweeney RF 8. Ramiro Pe...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/22
2012-03-22 20:43:00 After falling yesterday to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-5, the Boston Red Sox return home to Fenway South to host their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees, in Grapefruit League action. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Yankees television market, you can catch the game on YES. For those who you don't live in either market, you're in luck as ESPN will have coverage of the game. Former Sox skipper Terry Francona will join Dan Shulman and Orel Hershiser in the booth for ESPN. And if you can't watch the game, WRKO 680 AM will have radio coverage. Here are tonight's lineups: 1. Brett Gardner LF 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 2. Curtis Granderson CF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 3. Andruw Jones RF 3. Kevin Youkilis 3B 4. Eric Chavez 3B 4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 5. Raul Ibanez DH 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Brandon Laird 3B 6. Cody Ross LF 7. Jose Gil C 7. Ryan Sweeney RF 8. Ramiro Pe...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/22
2012-03-22 15:34:00 Giving up four runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates wasn't exactly what Jon Lester had in mind yesterday when he took the mound for the Boston Red Sox. But it is what is. Fortunately despite the numbers, Lester felt comfortable with his mechanics and did have a good curve and changeup. He left his fastball up in the zone on a few occasions. He ended up going just three innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two. Closer Andrew Bailey had a rough outing as well giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. The two runs came on a home run from Nate McLouth. Franklin Morales made his spring debut and had a nice outing as he struck out one and walked one in an inning of work. On the offensive side of things, Jarrod Saltalamacchia found himself struggling at the plate as he was 1-for-13 before getting two hits yesterday. His two hits were a double and a two-run homer. While we don't worry about Salty at the plate because of what he brings ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/22
2012-03-22 15:34:00 Giving up four runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates wasn't exactly what Jon Lester had in mind yesterday when he took the mound for the Boston Red Sox. But it is what is. Fortunately despite the numbers, Lester felt comfortable with his mechanics and did have a good curve and changeup. He left his fastball up in the zone on a few occasions. He ended up going just three innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two. Closer Andrew Bailey had a rough outing as well giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. The two runs came on a home run from Nate McLouth. Franklin Morales made his spring debut and had a nice outing as he struck out one and walked one in an inning of work. On the offensive side of things, Jarrod Saltalamacchia found himself struggling at the plate as he was 1-for-13 before getting two hits yesterday. His two hits were a double and a two-run homer. While we don't worry about Salty at the plate because of what he brings ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/21
2012-03-21 14:11:00 As of right now, there's nothing written in stone that Daniel Bard will be a member of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation when the team breaks camp. He has to earn that spot in the rotation and if he doesn't, he'll head back to the bullpen setting up for Andrew Bailey. And as Bard continues to try and become a member of the rotation, skipper Bobby Valentine remains non-committal towards handing him the spot. Bard had an easy first inning last night, then got roughed up in the second inning. After a so-so third, he settled down for his final two innings of work. He ended up going five innings. allowing three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two. We have to remember that Bard hasn't thrown more than three innings in a game since 2007 until this spring training. He's also transitioning from the bullpen so he's not going to be the dominant Bard we're used to out of the bullpen. We do know that Andrew Miller is out of the competition as he threw just thre...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/21
2012-03-21 14:11:00 As of right now, there's nothing written in stone that Daniel Bard will be a member of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation when the team breaks camp. He has to earn that spot in the rotation and if he doesn't, he'll head back to the bullpen setting up for Andrew Bailey. And as Bard continues to try and become a member of the rotation, skipper Bobby Valentine remains non-committal towards handing him the spot. Bard had an easy first inning last night, then got roughed up in the second inning. After a so-so third, he settled down for his final two innings of work. He ended up going five innings. allowing three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two. We have to remember that Bard hasn't thrown more than three innings in a game since 2007 until this spring training. He's also transitioning from the bullpen so he's not going to be the dominant Bard we're used to out of the bullpen. We do know that Andrew Miller is out of the competition as he threw just thre...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/20
2012-03-20 21:03:00 It's hard to tell you my thoughts of yesterday's game when it wasn't on the television or radio. But I can tell you that we are getting down to the final weeks of spring training which means the roster will start to take a little more shape. So rather than rehash what you already know, let's move on to tonight's game. After falling to the Minnesota Twins 8-4 in the Mayor's Cup yesterday, the Boston Red Sox will host former pitching coach John Farrell and his Toronto Blue Jays squad tonight at JetBlue Park. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. The game will also be broadcast in most of the country on the MLB Network. You can also listen to the game on radio dial in the Boston area on WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM. Here are tonight's lineups: 1. Kelly Johnson 2B 1. Nick Punto 3B 2. Yunel Escobar SS 2. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 3. Jose Bautista RF 3. Dustin Pedroia 2B 4. Marcus Thames LF...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/20
2012-03-20 21:03:00 It's hard to tell you my thoughts of yesterday's game when it wasn't on the television or radio. But I can tell you that we are getting down to the final weeks of spring training which means the roster will start to take a little more shape. So rather than rehash what you already know, let's move on to tonight's game. After falling to the Minnesota Twins 8-4 in the Mayor's Cup yesterday, the Boston Red Sox will host former pitching coach John Farrell and his Toronto Blue Jays squad tonight at JetBlue Park. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. The game will also be broadcast in most of the country on the MLB Network. You can also listen to the game on radio dial in the Boston area on WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM. Here are tonight's lineups: 1. Kelly Johnson 2B 1. Nick Punto 3B 2. Yunel Escobar SS 2. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 3. Jose Bautista RF 3. Dustin Pedroia 2B 4. Marcus Thames LF...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/19
2012-03-19 15:11:00 As we move closer to the start of the 2012 MLB season, pitchers are throwing more pitches in games as they build up their arm strength. But when you're facing a divisional opponent, you need to show them something a little different than what you might normally do during the regular season. That's what Boston Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz did on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, a team he'll probably face 3-5 times this season. Buchholz threw 76 pitches, 58 for strikes in his team's 8-4 win over the Rays. We all know Buchholz has a nice changeup in his repertoire but he stayed away from it for the most part on Sunday, using his curve and cutter more. His curveball was probably his best pitch and was as good as I've seen it. The most important thing though is the health of his back. He's definitely not showing any ill effects from last year's back injury and that is good news. If he can stay healthy for the entire season, that can only mean good things for the Red ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/19
2012-03-19 15:11:00 As we move closer to the start of the 2012 MLB season, pitchers are throwing more pitches in games as they build up their arm strength. But when you're facing a divisional opponent, you need to show them something a little different than what you might normally do during the regular season. That's what Boston Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz did on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, a team he'll probably face 3-5 times this season. Buchholz threw 76 pitches, 58 for strikes in his team's 8-4 win over the Rays. We all know Buchholz has a nice changeup in his repertoire but he stayed away from it for the most part on Sunday, using his curve and cutter more. His curveball was probably his best pitch and was as good as I've seen it. The most important thing though is the health of his back. He's definitely not showing any ill effects from last year's back injury and that is good news. If he can stay healthy for the entire season, that can only mean good things for the Red ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/18
2012-03-18 16:33:00 After splitting their split-squad doubleheader with the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, the Boston Red Sox head north up I-75 for a Grapefruit League matchup with their AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch this afternoon is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. If you can't get to your television, the game will also be broadcast on your radio at 93.7 WEEI/850 AM. If you live in the Rays television market you can catch the game on Sun Sports. The game will also be broadcast nationally on the MLB Network. Here are your lineups for this afternoon's game: 1. Mike Aviles SS 1. Desmond Jennings LF 2. Nick Punto 2B 2. Luke Scott DH 3. Cody Ross RF 3. Ben Zobrist 2B 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C 4. Evan Longoria 3B 5. Josh Kroeger DH 5. Carlos Pena 1B 6. Lars Anderson 1B 6. Jeff Keppinger SS 7. Jason Repko CF 7. Matthew Joyce RF 8. Nate Spears 3B 8. Jose Molina C 9. Alex Hassan LF 9...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/18
2012-03-18 16:33:00 After splitting their split-squad doubleheader with the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, the Boston Red Sox head north up I-75 for a Grapefruit League matchup with their AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch this afternoon is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. If you can't get to your television, the game will also be broadcast on your radio at 93.7 WEEI/850 AM. If you live in the Rays television market you can catch the game on Sun Sports. The game will also be broadcast nationally on the MLB Network. Here are your lineups for this afternoon's game: 1. Mike Aviles SS 1. Desmond Jennings LF 2. Nick Punto 2B 2. Luke Scott DH 3. Cody Ross RF 3. Ben Zobrist 2B 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C 4. Evan Longoria 3B 5. Josh Kroeger DH 5. Carlos Pena 1B 6. Lars Anderson 1B 6. Jeff Keppinger SS 7. Jason Repko CF 7. Matthew Joyce RF 8. Nate Spears 3B 8. Jose Molina C 9. Alex Hassan LF 9...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Make First Cuts of 2012 Spring Training
2012-03-17 04:32:00 Not everyone in big league camp this year for the 2012 Boston Red Sox was going to make the team. Cuts will have to be made. Well Bobby Valentine made his first cuts of spring training on Friday as he sent eight players to minor league camp. Here's the release from the Red Sox: The Red Sox today announced that they have reassigned four players to minor league camp, optioned outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin and third baseman Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned left-handed pitcher Drake Britton and second baseman Oscar Tejeda to Double-A Portland. The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington. Among the reassigned players are right-handed pitchers Tony Pena Jr., Chorye Spoone and Alex Wilson and outfielder Juan Carlos Linares. With today?s moves, the Red Sox now have 56 players in Big League Camp, including 36 players from the 40-man roster, two players on 60-day disabled list and 18 non-roster invitees. Follow Ian on T...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Make First Cuts of 2012 Spring Training
2012-03-17 04:32:00 Not everyone in big league camp this year for the 2012 Boston Red Sox was going to make the team. Cuts will have to be made. Well Bobby Valentine made his first cuts of spring training on Friday as he sent eight players to minor league camp. Here's the release from the Red Sox: The Red Sox today announced that they have reassigned four players to minor league camp, optioned outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin and third baseman Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned left-handed pitcher Drake Britton and second baseman Oscar Tejeda to Double-A Portland. The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington. Among the reassigned players are right-handed pitchers Tony Pena Jr., Chorye Spoone and Alex Wilson and outfielder Juan Carlos Linares. With today?s moves, the Red Sox now have 56 players in Big League Camp, including 36 players from the 40-man roster, two players on 60-day disabled list and 18 non-roster invitees. Follow Ian on T...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/15
2012-03-15 16:20:00 After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox return to Grapefruit League action when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park this afternoon. The first pitch today is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. There is no television or radio coverage of the game. Here are this afternoon's lineups: 1. Rafael Furcal SS 1. Kevin Youkilis 3B 2. Jon Jay CF 2. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 3. Carlos Beltran DH 3. Dustin Pedroia 2B 4. Matt Adams 1B 4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 5. Daniel Descalso 2B 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Matt Carpenter LF 6. Cody Ross RF 7. Erik Komatsu RF 7. Ryan Lavarnway C 8. Koyie Hill C 8. Darnell McDonald LF 9. Alex Cora 3B 9. Nick Punto SS Kyle Lohse SP Alfredo Aceves SP Aceves will be followed by RHP Daniel Bard, RHP Matt Albers and LHP Justin Thomas. Lohse will be followed by RHP Jason Motte, RHP Kyle McClellan, RHP Fernando Salas, LHP J.C. Romero and LHP Marc Rzepczynski. To see the links from the overnight and morning, ple...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/15
2012-03-15 16:20:00 After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox return to Grapefruit League action when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at JetBlue Park this afternoon. The first pitch today is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. There is no television or radio coverage of the game. Here are this afternoon's lineups: 1. Rafael Furcal SS 1. Kevin Youkilis 3B 2. Jon Jay CF 2. Jacoby Ellsbury CF 3. Carlos Beltran DH 3. Dustin Pedroia 2B 4. Matt Adams 1B 4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B 5. Daniel Descalso 2B 5. David Ortiz DH 6. Matt Carpenter LF 6. Cody Ross RF 7. Erik Komatsu RF 7. Ryan Lavarnway C 8. Koyie Hill C 8. Darnell McDonald LF 9. Alex Cora 3B 9. Nick Punto SS Kyle Lohse SP Alfredo Aceves SP Aceves will be followed by RHP Daniel Bard, RHP Matt Albers and LHP Justin Thomas. Lohse will be followed by RHP Jason Motte, RHP Kyle McClellan, RHP Fernando Salas, LHP J.C. Romero and LHP Marc Rzepczynski. To see the links from the overnight and morning, ple...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/14
2012-03-14 17:04:00 The biggest rivalry in baseball and all of sports for that matter started up again last night with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees playing each other in Tampa, FL. Oh, who am I kidding, it's only spring training. But I digress. Last night's SPRING TRAINING game was all about the pitching staffs. Hits were far and few between for both teams as they each had four hits for the game by eight different players. The winning run, also the only run of the game, was scored on a three-base error after a Pedro Ciriaco single allowed him to come all the way around. Felix Doubront stated his case for a spot in the rotation as did Vicente Padilla while Michael Bowden kept his hat in the bullpen mix. Doubront got into a little trouble in the 1st inning but settled down after that. He allowed two hits, a walk and had three strikeouts in four innings of work. Bowden followed Doubront and gave up a hit while striking out three. Padilla responded from a bad outing his last time out...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/14
2012-03-14 17:04:00 The biggest rivalry in baseball and all of sports for that matter started up again last night with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees playing each other in Tampa, FL. Oh, who am I kidding, it's only spring training. But I digress. Last night's SPRING TRAINING game was all about the pitching staffs. Hits were far and few between for both teams as they each had four hits for the game by eight different players. The winning run, also the only run of the game, was scored on a three-base error after a Pedro Ciriaco single allowed him to come all the way around. Felix Doubront stated his case for a spot in the rotation as did Vicente Padilla while Michael Bowden kept his hat in the bullpen mix. Doubront got into a little trouble in the 1st inning but settled down after that. He allowed two hits, a walk and had three strikeouts in four innings of work. Bowden followed Doubront and gave up a hit while striking out three. Padilla responded from a bad outing his last time out...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/13
2012-03-13 21:57:00 After winning 5-3 yesterday on a walk-off home run over the Miami Marlins, the Boston Red Sox head north to Tampa, FL for a matchup with their AL East rivals, the New York Yankees. The first pitch today is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on MLB Network in the Red Sox television market as well as most of the United States. You can also listen to the game on WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM if your radio dial picks that up. If you live in the Yankees television market, you can watch the game on YES. Here are tonights's lineups: 1. Mike Aviles SS 1. Brett Gardner CF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B 2. Russell Martin C 3. Jacoby Ellsbury DH 3. Alex Rodriguez 3B 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C 4. Mark Teixeira 1B 5. Will Middlebrooks 3B 5. Raul Ibanez DH 6. Lars Anderson 1B 6. Andruw Jones RF 7. Juan Carlos Linares CF 7. Eduardo Nunez SS 8. Josh Kroeger RF 8. Bill Hall 2B 9. Alex Hassan LF 9. Jayson Nix LF Felix Doubront SP Ivan Nova SP Doubr...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/13
2012-03-13 15:40:00 It was an interesting day yesterday with the Miami Marlins and Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Josh Beckett struggled with his control early on only to turn in a nice performance on the mound. Andrew Bailey's command wasn't all there in his first spring training game. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen got ejected. And finally, Pedro Ciriaco hit a two-run walk-off home run in the 10th to give the Red Sox the 5-3 win. Beckett was all over the place in the first inning as he allowed a hit and plunked two batters. But then he settled down, retiring the next nine batters he faced as he threw 55 pitches in four innings on three days rest. Yes, I said three days rest. Bobby Valentine and Bob McClure have been having the starters throw on three days rest to build up some arm strength. But as the rotation starts to take shape, they will all start to work on regular rest to get ready for the season. As for Bailey giving up a run and three hits, I wouldn't put too much stock in his effort. C...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/12
2012-03-12 15:39:00 Yesterday marked the first time Jon Lester had faced big league competition. His first two outings during the 2012 Boston Red Sox spring training campaign came against Northeastern and a "B" game against the Minnesota Twins. He had his command issues early on issuing three walks but he settled down after that and threw the ball well. All total in four innings of work, Lester allowed a run on one hit and four walks while striking out two. Aaron Cook made his spring debut for the Red Sox and went two innings. He had command of his sinker for the most part. Cook ended up walking two and striking out one. As a whole it was a good day for the Red Sox pitching staff who took part in the game. They allowed just three hits with the second hit coming in the 8th inning when Doug Mathis allowed a hit. Justin Germano also allowed a hit in the game. The Red Sox did most of their damage early in the game against Orioles starter Dana Eveland. They got a run in the first and two in the second ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/11
2012-03-11 14:57:00 One of the biggest questions the Boston Red Sox had coming into spring training in 2012 was who were going to be the fourth and fifth starters in the rotation. Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves were told to prepare as starters and that they would be given a chance to win those jobs. The Red Sox also signed a slew of pitchers to minor league contracts to compete with the pair but if both continue to pitch like they did on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, it's likely they could win the spots. That is of course unless skipper Bobby Valentine decides they'd be better off helping the Red Sox in the bullpen. It'd been a long time since Bard had pitched three innings in a baseball game. But as he continues to build up arm strength, he'll throw more pitches and innings in games than he has before in the big leagues. He had some struggles in the first inning when he said he lost his focus but quickly regrouped. He ended up allowing two hits and two walks while striking out over ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/11
2012-03-11 14:57:00 One of the biggest questions the Boston Red Sox had coming into spring training in 2012 was who were going to be the fourth and fifth starters in the rotation. Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves were told to prepare as starters and that they would be given a chance to win those jobs. The Red Sox also signed a slew of pitchers to minor league contracts to compete with the pair but if both continue to pitch like they did on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, it's likely they could win the spots. That is of course unless skipper Bobby Valentine decides they'd be better off helping the Red Sox in the bullpen. It'd been a long time since Bard had pitched three innings in a baseball game. But as he continues to build up arm strength, he'll throw more pitches and innings in games than he has before in the big leagues. He had some struggles in the first inning when he said he lost his focus but quickly regrouped. He ended up allowing two hits and two walks while striking out over ...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/10
2012-03-10 22:01:00 After falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, the Boston Red Sox continue their Grapefruit League campaign with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers, FL. Tonight's game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. and will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. The game will also be broadcast on the MLB Network. If you live in the Boston area, you can catch the game on your radio dial at WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM. Daniel Bard will make his second start of the spring as he transitions from being a reliever to the starting rotation. In his first outing of the spring, he went two innings allowing a walk and had two strikeouts. Wade Davis will also be making his second start of the spring for Joe Maddon's Rays. In his first outing, he also went two innings, allowing one hit while striking out one. Click on the read more button below if you're on the home page to see the lineups for tonight's game plus links. 1. Desmond Jennings LF 1. N...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training Delight - 3/10
2012-03-10 22:01:00 After falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, the Boston Red Sox continue their Grapefruit League campaign with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers, FL. Tonight's game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. and will be broadcast in the Red Sox television market on NESN. The game will also be broadcast on the MLB Network. If you live in the Boston area, you can catch the game on your radio dial at WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM. Daniel Bard will make his second start of the spring as he transitions from being a reliever to the starting rotation. In his first outing of the spring, he went two innings allowing a walk and had two strikeouts. Wade Davis will also be making his second start of the spring for Joe Maddon's Rays. In his first outing, he also went two innings, allowing one hit while striking out one. Click on the read more button below if you're on the home page to see the lineups for tonight's game plus links. 1. Desmond Jennings LF 1. N...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/10
2012-03-10 16:40:00 I think that sometimes we forget that spring training isn't about winning. We always are expecting the Boston Red Sox to win every time they take the field. But that's not what spring training is about. For a good portion of the 25-man roster, it's about getting ready for the season. For some, it's about performing well to try and make the 25-man roster or to even position yourself to be one of the first callups if needed. So when we see Clay Buchholz give up a few runs in his three innings of work, we might think something's up with him. It's not folks, he's just perfecting everything to be ready for the season. One of the concerns for Buchholz was the back injury he suffered last year. On a wet mound at JetBlue Park last night, there was a worry he might slip again. He didn't. The back even held up well when Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen called timeout at the last possible second. Buchholz gave up two runs in three innings of work. He threw 51 pitches, 3...
By: Random Thoughts
Red Sox Spring Training News & Notes - 3/10
2012-03-10 16:40:00 I think that sometimes we forget that spring training isn't about winning. We always are expecting the Boston Red Sox to win every time they take the field. But that's not what spring training is about. For a good portion of the 25-man roster, it's about getting ready for the season. For some, it's about performing well to try and make the 25-man roster or to even position yourself to be one of the first callups if needed. So when we see Clay Buchholz give up a few runs in his three innings of work, we might think something's up with him. It's not folks, he's just perfecting everything to be ready for the season. One of the concerns for Buchholz was the back injury he suffered last year. On a wet mound at JetBlue Park last night, there was a worry he might slip again. He didn't. The back even held up well when Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen called timeout at the last possible second. Buchholz gave up two runs in three innings of work. He threw 51 pitches, 3...
By: Random Thoughts
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