WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox - Page 12

AZTarHeel · 07-03-2004, 12:37 AM

Loss of Mussina big blow to Yankees comeback
New York pitcher lost for the season due to injury

MLB.com

Yankee fans were just starting to think things were turning around in the Bronx.

Their beloved Bombers had won six of seven coming out of the All-Star break and had climbed within 8 games of wild card leading Oakland. Then, disaster struck just one day before New York’s weekend series with the rival Red Sox.

Pitcher Mike Mussina’s season is over.

The New York ace had been the most consistent starter (8-5 record). But he grimaced in pain in the sixth inning against Toronto. He came out, went straight to the locker room for examination. The early word – serious bone chips in his shoulder.

“His season is definitely over,” manager Joe Torre said. “At least that’s what the trainer told me. What a huge blow this is to us.”

Mussina had no comments as he left the locker room. To make matters worse, the Yankees lost the game to the Jays 7-6 in 12 innings.

Many see this as the Yankees doom. They go into the weekend series with Boston now 9.5 out in the wildcard standings. They likely have no hope of catching Boston, which is now almost 20 games ahead of everyone else in the AL East.

“The Yankees’ ship could be sinking,” a scout from a rival club said when he heard of the news about Mussina.

AZTarHeel · 07-05-2004, 09:18 PM

Boston still red hot coming out of the All-Star break
Just one loss in eight games

The Boston Globe * July 23, 2004

When Anaheim held the Red Sox to just one run and six hits in the teams’ first game back from the All-Star break, folks thought it a sign that Boston’s offense was cooling.

Think again.

While the Red Sox lost that game 6-1 to the Angels, they’ve reeled off seven straight wins since then – three against Anaheim and two each against Seattle and Baltimore. In many ways, Boston seems stronger than before the break, surging to a 69-25 heading into this weekend’s series with the Yankees at Fenway.

Here are some highlights

Anaheim Series – July 15-18 (away)
1) Anaheim 6, Boston 1: Josh Beckett gives up five runs in his first loss as a member of the Sox. This is the only speed bump since the break.

2) Boston 3, Anaheim 0: A three-hit complete game win for pitcher Derek Lowe. It’s his eighth straight win and improves his record to 13-2. He walks two and needs just one strikeout. Home runs by Bill Mueller and Ellis Burks are all the Sox need to support him.

3) Boston 8, Anaheim 1: Not to be outdone by Lowe, Curt Schilling earns his 14th win of the season (against two losses). He throws a five hitter over 6.1 innings. That’s 11 straight wins. Kevin Millar goes 4-for-4 with a homer.

4) Boston 3, Anaheim 1: Brad Penny gets his first “W” with the Sox even though the offense simmers in this one. Even though he isn’t a regular starter Ellis Burks remains in the top two in the AL in RBIs, driving in two (80 total).

Seattle Series – July 19-20 (home)
1) Boston 9, Seattle 3: Aaron Sele, the fifth starter in the rotation and a mid-season pickup, throws a complete game to improve to 2-0. He gets out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning and recovers despite giving up a three-run homer to Bret Boone in the third.

2) Boston 10, Seattle 6: Jason Varitek’s 454-foot homer run is the offensive highlight. Josh Beckett gets the win. The game really isn’t that close but reliever Colter Bean makes it interesting, giving up four runs in the ninth. That may be the kiss of death to his dream to stay up when Bronson Arroyo comes off the DL in a few days.

Baltimore Series – July 21-22 (home)
1) Boston 7, Baltimore 0: Derek Lowe is masterful again, throwing a three-hitter over 6.1 innings. The bullpen keeps the shutout for him. Jason Varitek leads an 11-hit attack with three hits.

2) Boston 8, Baltimore 6: The Sox come to the aid of Curt Schilling, who gets roughed up early by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. Schilling leaves after only four frames so he doesn’t factor into the decision (ending his steak of 11 straight wins in 11 starts). Scott Williamson gets the W and Nomar gets named MVP for his 3-for-4 performance…

Next up: the Yankees come to Fenway, but they are reeling a bit from the loss of P Mike Mussina… But, you can throw the records out, right?

In other news: No one in the AL Central has a winning record. The Twins lead with a 47-49 mark… KC’s Juan Gonzalez and New York’s Todd Zeile collect their 2000th hit two days apart…

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 01:11 AM

Red Sox take two of three from rival Yanks
Steinbrenner may begin rare rebuilding project in Bronx after falling further behind

July 23-25, 2004

The Yankees were looking to sweep the Sox and jump back into the playoff race. Instead, Boston won two of three in the Fens, pushing Joe Torre's team further behind in the wildcard standings. This may signal something rare for George Steinbrenner -- a time to rebuild, for the first time since the early 1990s.

"We're disappointed in our performance here this series," Torre said. "But we'll keep battling. We really miss Mike (Mussina)."

Here's a recap of the weekend series, which of course drew sellout crowds each night in Boston. The Sox have sold out every game this season.

Game 1: Boston 7, New York 4. Relief pitching has been an Achilles' Heel for both teams at times this season. In this game, New York's pen collapses late, and a 4-1 lead evaporates. Jose Contreras' stellar night (one run, six hits) is wasted.

Mark Bellhorn's three-run pinch-hit homer gives Boston a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Bill Mueller hits a solo shot for a 6-4 edge, and New York's shaky relievers surrender another score in the eighth.

WP: Brad Penny (6-11)... LP: Steve Karsay (1-1)... S: K. Foulke (20)... MVP: Bellhorn (for this three-run homer).

Game 2: Boston 10, New York 4. Aaron Sele, a free agent without a team until about a month ago, improves to 3-0 with the Sox -- and 2-0 against the Yanks. His lone bad pitch -- one out over the plate that Jason Giambi smashed for a three-run homer. Boston's offense more than makes up for that...

David Ortiz (game MVP) homers twice, and Nomar Garciaparra goes long once to lead the Boston offense.

WP: Aaron Sele (3-0)... LP: Jon Leiber (2-8)...

David Ortiz celebrates one of his two homers against New York last night (MLB.com)

Game 3: New York 10, Boston 5. A terrible, terrible outing for Josh Beckett results in a tough loss against the hated Yanks. New York may lose the series, but they always seem to get in the final word... Josh gives up seven earned runs and 11 hits... Yikes!!

Kenny Lofton goes 5-for-5 to earn MVP honors for New York.

WP: J. Depaula (5-1)...LP: Josh Beckett (12-6)...

Boston transactions: The Sox reactivate Bronson Arroyo off the DL and send MR Colter Bean back to Pawtucket. Bean had a productive stay in Boston in his first appearance in the majors, minus really poor outing... He could be back up in September...

AL East Standings
Boston 71-26
New York 51-47
Toronto 44-54
Tampa Bay 44-55
Baltimore 42-56

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 01:21 AM

Mueller snags POW honors

Bill Mueller got tagged out on this play earlier against the Braves, but he's red hot at the plate right now. (MLB.com)

Bill Mueller had a great week behind the plate for the Boston Red Sox. In addition to extending his career-best hitting streak to 20 games, he also batted .594 in 32 AB, with 2 HR and 7 RBI. It's his first POW honor this season...

Mueller's hot streak comes at a time when others on the team are simmering a bit. "It's my turn to carry us," he said...

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 02:43 AM

Theo Epstein is standing pat with the roster the Red Sox have now. It's obviously a pretty good one, leading the Majors. (MLB.com)

Boston GM: 'We're done wheeling and dealing this season'

MLB.com * July 27

The Boston Red Sox won't be making any more trades before the July 31 deadline, GM Theo Epstein said.

The Sox reportedly had been "highly interested" in obtaining 2B Alfonso Soriano, put on the trading block by Texas a few weeks ago. But the asking price was too high.

They also thought of picking up CF Rocco Baldelli from Tampa Bay, but he moved across the state to the Marlins in a trade for AJ Burnett. P Matt Clement was another option but the Cubs hurler was traded to Texas along with SS Roger Yaquet (in exchange for P Francisco Cordero).

"We're done wheeling and dealing this season," Epstein said. "We really like the lineup we have now. Once we get Pedro back, we're going to be even that much better."

Boston did its major moves before anyone else -- obtaining pitchers Josh Beckett, Brad Penny and Armando Benitez from Florida in early July. So far, Beckett has struggled, Penny has gotten better and Benitez has been hit-or-miss.

"Once these guys get adjusted to the AL, they'll be fine," Epstein said.

Beckett reportedly has been "grumpy" with Boston leadership about re-signing with the club after this season. He's asking for more than $8 million a year. The Sox have about $20 million to sign a whole horde of free agents, so this could be a rent-a-pitcher scenario.

"In the long run, Brad Penny could be the biggest pickup of this trade," one opposing scout said. "Beckett, Schilling and Martinez could be too many egos in one bullpen..." Penny is signed through 2005

Other interesting trade-deadline moves:
* Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return...
* The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel.
* The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson.
* The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way)...

YankeeFanatic04 · 07-09-2004, 12:58 PM

Other interesting trade-deadline moves:
* Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return...
* The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel.
* The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson.
* The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way....

Those arent realistic trades. Braves wouldnt trade Andruw for those guys. and Houston would never trade Pettitte for what they got in return...

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeFanatic04

Other interesting trade-deadline moves:
* Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return...
* The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel.
* The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson.
* The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way....

Those arent realistic trades. Braves wouldnt trade Andruw for those guys. and Houston would never trade Pettitte for what they got in return...

no kidding... I don't know if OOTP6 AI is better than V.5 but I've yet to see too many moves that make sense... I understand that the AI doesn't recognize names and personalities like we do, but it seems like they trade almost at random.

The three guys the Yankees got for Gabe White are all in Single A and their all 1-2.5 star guys... weird...

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 02:23 PM

Of course, we Diamondbacks fans aren't too thrilled with our real-life "AI" in Phoenix either... Curt Schilling for Casey Fossum? Six players (including several regular starters) for Richie Sexson, who got all of 90 ABs this season before tearing up his shoulder... Now that doesn't make sense...

AZTarHeel · 07-12-2004, 12:50 AM

Report: Boston will dismantle if they win Series in '04

The Boston Globe * July 29, 2004

The Boston Red Sox will hold a fire sale similar to the Marlins of 1997 if they win the World Series this year, according to a sports agent who has dealings with the organization.

"From some of the things I've heard, they plan to deal Manny (Ramirez), Pedro (Martinez) and some of their other big-name players if they win it all this year," the agent, who requested to remain anonymous, told The Globe earlier this week.

"They want to unload those big contracts and restock their depleted farm system."

Boston GM Theo Epstein called those reports "ridiculous." But they've ignited talk radio hosts all over Boston and in the national media the past few days.

"I'm not sure who this person talked to but those are bogus comments," Epstein said. "Obviously every organization undergoes changes every off-season but we like who we have and believe we have the basis to win a World Series this year and several years afterward.

"There will be no so-called fire sale..."

The Sox do face some big decisions in the coming days. The trade deadline is near, as is the day most clubs sign contract extensions for potential free agents. Boston has about $20.4 million to extend contracts but more potential free agents on the roster than any other team. Something will have to give.

Controversy surrounded the club this past winter in failed trade talks to obtain Alex Rodriguez. Ramirez and Nomar Garciparra were apparently on their way out, only to be retained after the A-Rod deal fell through.

Those trials seem to be behind the club now. Garciparra and Martinez were both offered long-term deals a month ago, and both signed them -- Martinez for six years and Nomar for four...

BostonRS14 · 07-12-2004, 01:03 AM

dismantling the Sox...and a Yankee rebuilding effort...wow...2005 looks good for Baltimore and Toronto....

AZTarHeel · 07-12-2004, 01:14 AM

Signing on, signing off
Who will Boston keep around? Who won't be tendered new offers?

The Boston Globe * July 28

At least for the time being, the Boston Red Sox will turn their attention away from trying to win a World Series and toward figuring out who will be a lock to be on the 2005 roster.

It's that time of year again when teams ink contract extensions for potential free agents. Boston might be in the trickiest position of all. Of the players on the active roster, 22 have contracts set to expire at the end of this season.

A handful of youngsters, like AAA pitcher Abe Alvarez will be re-signed automatically. Others, like Josh Beckett and Brendan Donnelly, will be offered arbitration and likely will stay in Boston one more year even if they aren't given a longer term deal. But for the rest? A lot of sweating and negotiating.

Here are the players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of '04. The Sox have about $20.4 million set aside for extensions. With the way the team is playing right now, expect a lot of guys to ask for raises if they want to stay in Beantown...

FREE AGENTS AFTER THIS SEASON:
1) C Jason Varitek (current salary $4.7 million)
2) 1B/DH David Ortiz ($3.2 million)
3) SP Derek Lowe ($3.15 million)
4) MR Armando Benitez ($2.45 million)
5) MR Alan Embree ($1.93 million)
6) 3B Bill Mueller ($1.47 million)
7) 2B Pokey Reese ($700,000)
8) RF Gabe Kapler ($525,000)
9) LF Ellis Burks ($525,000)
10) SS Mike Bordick ($512,000)
11) 3B Mark Bellhorn ($343,000)
12) C Doug Mirabelli ($300,000)
13) SP Aaron Sele ($300,000)
14) SS Tony Womack ($300,000)

ELIGIBLE FOR ARBITRATION:
1) SP Josh Beckett (Estimate: $4.97 million)
2) Brendan Donnelly ($1.05 million)
3) MR Bronson Arroyo ($410,000)
4) MR Scott Sauerbeck ($490,000)

AUTOMATIC RE-SIGN
1) MR Tommy Phelps ($300,000)
2) C Mike Hernandez ($300,000)
3) MR Colter Bean ($300,000)
4) SP Abe Alvarez ($300,000)

EXTENSIONS ALREADY SIGNED:
1) Pedro Martinez (6 years, $14.6 million)
2) Nomar Garciparra (4 years, $9.4 million)

AZTarHeel · 07-12-2004, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonRS14

dismantling the Sox...and a Yankee rebuilding effort...wow...2005 looks good for Baltimore and Toronto....

Maybe a dismantling... could just be Internet rumors you know...

AZTarHeel · 07-12-2004, 01:42 PM

Last-place Orioles win series against Sox!
Boston wins second game only because of Bellhorn's heroics

July 26-28

Could the wind be coming out of the Boston Red Sox’s sails? Fans may be tempted to think so after watching the last-place Baltimore Orioles take two of three from their team this week. The O’s nearly swept the series, but Mark Bellhorn hit a three-run double as a pinch hitter in the top of the ninth to avert a loss in game two.

Here’s the recap:

Game 1: Baltimore 6, Boston 5. Red Sox closer Keith Foulke blows a save, giving up a walk-off three-run homer to prospect Tim Raines Jr. in the bottom of the ninth. This keeps Derek Lowe from earning his 15th win of the season.

WP: J. Julio (3-5)… LP: Keith Foulke (2-4)… MVP: Tim Raines Jr.

Game 2: Boston 4, Baltimore 2. Orioles starter Jeff Suppan holds the Sox to two hits over 8+ innings (still get MVP honors). But Mark Bellhorn comes through in the ninth, clearing the bases with a double.

Keith Foulke redeems himself in this one, striking out the side for the save. Bill Mueller’s hitting streak is finally snapped at 21 games…

WP: Brendan Donnelly (5-0)… LP: J. Julio (3-6)… S: Foulke (21)

Injury report!! Curt Schilling (14-2) exits in the fourth inning with shoulder tightness. He’s expected to miss more than a week, likely one or two starts. Boston is unsure at this point how it will fill this role for a few starts…

Game 3: Baltimore 1, Boston 0. Boston only gets five hits of offense and a stellar performance by Brad Penny (four-hitter over 7 innings) is wasted. Baltimore’s lone run comes in the seventh with Penny tired.

WP: B.Groom (5-2)… LP: Brad Penny (6-12)… S: J. Julio (8)… MVP: Baltimore starter E. Dubose (game score 71, four-hitter over 6.2 innings)…

--> What is most worrisome, looking at the “Who is Not Hot” list for Boston right now -- Manny (5-28 in last eight games), Varitek (0-11 in last five), Ortiz (3-18 in last five) and Millar (3-16 in last five)…Not to mention Josh Beckett (1-2 with 7.95 ERA in last three starts. Did Boston make a mistake with its early July trade?

AZTarHeel · 07-12-2004, 10:03 PM

Boston begins August on winning note
But Josh Beckett loses again -- what's up with Josh?!?

July 30-Aug. 1, 2004

Depending on how the playoff brackets shape up – I’ve just learned OOTP5 may pit the wild card team against an opponent in its own division in the AL and NLCS – this could be a preview of the first round of playoff action.

Boston wins this series 2-1, overcoming a few more offensive and defensive struggles. Josh Beckett is horrid yet again, but Aaron Sele continues his workman-like ways, improving to 4-0!

Here’s the lowdown from the Metrodome:

Game 1: Minnesota 7, Boston 6. Chants of “Over-rated! Over-rated!” fill the Dome as the Twins hammer Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. The new acquired hurler is feeling the heat after giving up seven runs in the first three innings alone.

In a bold move, manager Terry Francona sticks with Beckett after that point. He calms down and pitches a scoreless fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Maybe that will restore his confidence…

WP: J. Santana (8-0)… LP: Josh Beckett (12-7)… S: J Nathan (17)

NOTES: Josh Beckett is 2-3 in six starts since coming over to the AL… He’s surrendered 26 runs and 43 hits during that time (37 innings pitched). Ouch… By the way, Pedro Martinez is due back from the DL in 1-2 weeks… Can’t wait!!

Game 2: Boston 3, Minnesota 1. Derek Lowe is masterful again, throwing a four-hitter over seven innings to improve to 15-2. You’ve got to include Mr. Lowe in any Cy Young talk at this point…

Boston has 11 hits but can only plate three runs. Hot-hitting Bill Mueller is 3-for-5…

WP: D. Lowe (15-2) – 10 wins in the last 11 starts!!… LP: M. Hendrickson (6-5)… S: K. Foulke (22)… MVP: D. Lowe…

Game 3: Boston 6, Minnesota 2. You’ve just got to love Aaron Sele. No one wanted the 34-year-old at the beginning of the year. Boston came calling in early July just to fill Pedro’s spot until Martinez is back from the DL. All Sele has done is go 4-0 in six starts (including two wins in Yankee Stadium).

His ERA is 4.85. In this one, Sele gives up two runs, and the bullpen holds together for him.

WP: Aaron Sele (4-0)… LP: Brad Radke (16-5)… MVP: Johnny Damon, who leads off with a home run and adds another 2-RBI double later on… Sele is Francona’s MVP for keeping Boston in games – and outdueling All-Star pitcher Radke…

Up Next: We’ll look at standings and leaders heading into August.

TCleary46 · 07-12-2004, 10:10 PM

Its to bad that Beckett is struggling for you, maybe he'll turn it on when it really matters in the playoffs. Having Pedro back will lift you a lot, he's great. And Aaron Sele, comeback player of the year? Whats up with him? I love Sele, he was great in Boston in his first run.

AZTarHeel · 07-14-2004, 01:13 AM

The Standings
Where teams rank heading into the dog days...

All the division are up for grabs except for the AL East... The AL Central is the AL Mediocre... The Tigers are the worst team in the Majors, by far... The D-Backs are pretty darn good... The Braves at the bottom of the NL East?

On the individual front, Barry's pursuing the HR title... Helton still has a shot at .400... Pettitte in Tampa Bay?... Brandon Webb for Cy Young?...

AZTarHeel · 07-14-2004, 01:22 AM

The Boston Red Sox Report
The low-down entering the last two months of the season

AZTarHeel · 07-14-2004, 01:30 AM

The Boston Red Sox Report (continued)...
Individual batting and pitching stats

... Seven regular starters batting over .300... Wow, FA pick-up Mike Bordick has won a starting spot over Pokey Reese -- not bad for a 1-star dude... David Ortiz, Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller and Manny Ramirez battle for the team batting crown... Curt Schilling has a hit!... Bill Mueller is the hottest hitter right now...

...On the pitching front, Derek Lowe and Schilling are humming along... You've got to love Aaron Sele (4-0) -- though his ERA is a bit high, he's doing exactly what Boston wanted him to in Pedro Martinez's absence... Too many blown saves from the bullpen for my tastes... Pedro comes back in a week. Which Pedro will the Sox see -- the one who started the season 9-0 or the one who struggled mightily in his last three starts before getting hurt?

Comments, anyone?

TCleary46 · 07-14-2004, 06:57 PM

If Sele keeps winning you should put Pedro into Penny's spot and keep the hot hand in the rotation

DAL 9000 · 07-14-2004, 08:23 PM

Wow, that .718 winning percentage is impressive. Less of a comment than a question, though: any idea who'll get a September callup this year?

07-09-2004, 01:11 AM	#223
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Red Sox take two of three from rival Yanks Steinbrenner may begin rare rebuilding project in Bronx after falling further behind July 23-25, 2004 The Yankees were looking to sweep the Sox and jump back into the playoff race. Instead, Boston won two of three in the Fens, pushing Joe Torre's team further behind in the wildcard standings. This may signal something rare for George Steinbrenner -- a time to rebuild, for the first time since the early 1990s. "We're disappointed in our performance here this series," Torre said. "But we'll keep battling. We really miss Mike (Mussina)." Here's a recap of the weekend series, which of course drew sellout crowds each night in Boston. The Sox have sold out every game this season. Game 1: Boston 7, New York 4. Relief pitching has been an Achilles' Heel for both teams at times this season. In this game, New York's pen collapses late, and a 4-1 lead evaporates. Jose Contreras' stellar night (one run, six hits) is wasted. Mark Bellhorn's three-run pinch-hit homer gives Boston a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Bill Mueller hits a solo shot for a 6-4 edge, and New York's shaky relievers surrender another score in the eighth. WP: Brad Penny (6-11)... LP: Steve Karsay (1-1)... S: K. Foulke (20)... MVP: Bellhorn (for this three-run homer). Game 2: Boston 10, New York 4. Aaron Sele, a free agent without a team until about a month ago, improves to 3-0 with the Sox -- and 2-0 against the Yanks. His lone bad pitch -- one out over the plate that Jason Giambi smashed for a three-run homer. Boston's offense more than makes up for that... David Ortiz (game MVP) homers twice, and Nomar Garciaparra goes long once to lead the Boston offense. WP: Aaron Sele (3-0)... LP: Jon Leiber (2-8)... David Ortiz celebrates one of his two homers against New York last night (MLB.com) Game 3: New York 10, Boston 5. A terrible, terrible outing for Josh Beckett results in a tough loss against the hated Yanks. New York may lose the series, but they always seem to get in the final word... Josh gives up seven earned runs and 11 hits... Yikes!! Kenny Lofton goes 5-for-5 to earn MVP honors for New York. WP: J. Depaula (5-1)...LP: Josh Beckett (12-6)... Boston transactions: The Sox reactivate Bronson Arroyo off the DL and send MR Colter Bean back to Pawtucket. Bean had a productive stay in Boston in his first appearance in the majors, minus really poor outing... He could be back up in September... AL East Standings Boston 71-26 New York 51-47 Toronto 44-54 Tampa Bay 44-55 Baltimore 42-56 Last edited by AZTarHeel; 07-09-2004 at 01:16 AM.

07-14-2004, 01:13 AM	#236
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	The Standings Where teams rank heading into the dog days... All the division are up for grabs except for the AL East... The AL Central is the AL Mediocre... The Tigers are the worst team in the Majors, by far... The D-Backs are pretty darn good... The Braves at the bottom of the NL East? On the individual front, Barry's pursuing the HR title... Helton still has a shot at .400... Pettitte in Tampa Bay?... Brandon Webb for Cy Young?... Attached Images Last edited by AZTarHeel; 07-14-2004 at 01:16 AM.

07-14-2004, 01:22 AM	#237
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	The Boston Red Sox Report The low-down entering the last two months of the season Attached Images

07-14-2004, 01:30 AM	#238
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	The Boston Red Sox Report (continued)... Individual batting and pitching stats ... Seven regular starters batting over .300... Wow, FA pick-up Mike Bordick has won a starting spot over Pokey Reese -- not bad for a 1-star dude... David Ortiz, Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller and Manny Ramirez battle for the team batting crown... Curt Schilling has a hit!... Bill Mueller is the hottest hitter right now... ...On the pitching front, Derek Lowe and Schilling are humming along... You've got to love Aaron Sele (4-0) -- though his ERA is a bit high, he's doing exactly what Boston wanted him to in Pedro Martinez's absence... Too many blown saves from the bullpen for my tastes... Pedro comes back in a week. Which Pedro will the Sox see -- the one who started the season 9-0 or the one who struggled mightily in his last three starts before getting hurt? Comments, anyone? Attached Images Last edited by AZTarHeel; 07-14-2004 at 02:16 PM.

07-14-2004, 08:23 PM	#240
DAL 9000 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 294	Wow, that .718 winning percentage is impressive. Less of a comment than a question, though: any idea who'll get a September callup this year? Last edited by DAL 9000; 07-14-2004 at 08:27 PM.

07-03-2004, 12:37 AM	#221
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Loss of Mussina big blow to Yankees comeback New York pitcher lost for the season due to injury MLB.com Yankee fans were just starting to think things were turning around in the Bronx. Their beloved Bombers had won six of seven coming out of the All-Star break and had climbed within 8 games of wild card leading Oakland. Then, disaster struck just one day before New York’s weekend series with the rival Red Sox. Pitcher Mike Mussina’s season is over. The New York ace had been the most consistent starter (8-5 record). But he grimaced in pain in the sixth inning against Toronto. He came out, went straight to the locker room for examination. The early word – serious bone chips in his shoulder. “His season is definitely over,” manager Joe Torre said. “At least that’s what the trainer told me. What a huge blow this is to us.” Mussina had no comments as he left the locker room. To make matters worse, the Yankees lost the game to the Jays 7-6 in 12 innings. Many see this as the Yankees doom. They go into the weekend series with Boston now 9.5 out in the wildcard standings. They likely have no hope of catching Boston, which is now almost 20 games ahead of everyone else in the AL East. “The Yankees’ ship could be sinking,” a scout from a rival club said when he heard of the news about Mussina.

07-05-2004, 09:18 PM	#222
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Boston still red hot coming out of the All-Star break Just one loss in eight games The Boston Globe July 23, 2004* When Anaheim held the Red Sox to just one run and six hits in the teams’ first game back from the All-Star break, folks thought it a sign that Boston’s offense was cooling. Think again. While the Red Sox lost that game 6-1 to the Angels, they’ve reeled off seven straight wins since then – three against Anaheim and two each against Seattle and Baltimore. In many ways, Boston seems stronger than before the break, surging to a 69-25 heading into this weekend’s series with the Yankees at Fenway. Here are some highlights Anaheim Series – July 15-18 (away) 1) Anaheim 6, Boston 1: Josh Beckett gives up five runs in his first loss as a member of the Sox. This is the only speed bump since the break. 2) Boston 3, Anaheim 0: A three-hit complete game win for pitcher Derek Lowe. It’s his eighth straight win and improves his record to 13-2. He walks two and needs just one strikeout. Home runs by Bill Mueller and Ellis Burks are all the Sox need to support him. 3) Boston 8, Anaheim 1: Not to be outdone by Lowe, Curt Schilling earns his 14th win of the season (against two losses). He throws a five hitter over 6.1 innings. That’s 11 straight wins. Kevin Millar goes 4-for-4 with a homer. 4) Boston 3, Anaheim 1: Brad Penny gets his first “W” with the Sox even though the offense simmers in this one. Even though he isn’t a regular starter Ellis Burks remains in the top two in the AL in RBIs, driving in two (80 total). Seattle Series – July 19-20 (home) 1) Boston 9, Seattle 3: Aaron Sele, the fifth starter in the rotation and a mid-season pickup, throws a complete game to improve to 2-0. He gets out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning and recovers despite giving up a three-run homer to Bret Boone in the third. 2) Boston 10, Seattle 6: Jason Varitek’s 454-foot homer run is the offensive highlight. Josh Beckett gets the win. The game really isn’t that close but reliever Colter Bean makes it interesting, giving up four runs in the ninth. That may be the kiss of death to his dream to stay up when Bronson Arroyo comes off the DL in a few days. Baltimore Series – July 21-22 (home) 1) Boston 7, Baltimore 0: Derek Lowe is masterful again, throwing a three-hitter over 6.1 innings. The bullpen keeps the shutout for him. Jason Varitek leads an 11-hit attack with three hits. 2) Boston 8, Baltimore 6: The Sox come to the aid of Curt Schilling, who gets roughed up early by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. Schilling leaves after only four frames so he doesn’t factor into the decision (ending his steak of 11 straight wins in 11 starts). Scott Williamson gets the W and Nomar gets named MVP for his 3-for-4 performance… Next up: the Yankees come to Fenway, but they are reeling a bit from the loss of P Mike Mussina… But, you can throw the records out, right? In other news: No one in the AL Central has a winning record. The Twins lead with a 47-49 mark… KC’s Juan Gonzalez and New York’s Todd Zeile collect their 2000th hit two days apart…

07-09-2004, 01:21 AM	#224
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Mueller snags POW honors Bill Mueller got tagged out on this play earlier against the Braves, but he's red hot at the plate right now. (MLB.com) Bill Mueller had a great week behind the plate for the Boston Red Sox. In addition to extending his career-best hitting streak to 20 games, he also batted .594 in 32 AB, with 2 HR and 7 RBI. It's his first POW honor this season... Mueller's hot streak comes at a time when others on the team are simmering a bit. "It's my turn to carry us," he said...

07-09-2004, 02:43 AM	#225
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Theo Epstein is standing pat with the roster the Red Sox have now. It's obviously a pretty good one, leading the Majors. (MLB.com) Boston GM: 'We're done wheeling and dealing this season' *MLB.com July 27** The Boston Red Sox won't be making any more trades before the July 31 deadline, GM Theo Epstein said. The Sox reportedly had been "highly interested" in obtaining 2B Alfonso Soriano, put on the trading block by Texas a few weeks ago. But the asking price was too high. They also thought of picking up CF Rocco Baldelli from Tampa Bay, but he moved across the state to the Marlins in a trade for AJ Burnett. P Matt Clement was another option but the Cubs hurler was traded to Texas along with SS Roger Yaquet (in exchange for P Francisco Cordero). "We're done wheeling and dealing this season," Epstein said. "We really like the lineup we have now. Once we get Pedro back, we're going to be even that much better." Boston did its major moves before anyone else -- obtaining pitchers Josh Beckett, Brad Penny and Armando Benitez from Florida in early July. So far, Beckett has struggled, Penny has gotten better and Benitez has been hit-or-miss. "Once these guys get adjusted to the AL, they'll be fine," Epstein said. Beckett reportedly has been "grumpy" with Boston leadership about re-signing with the club after this season. He's asking for more than $8 million a year. The Sox have about $20 million to sign a whole horde of free agents, so this could be a rent-a-pitcher scenario. "In the long run, Brad Penny could be the biggest pickup of this trade," one opposing scout said. "Beckett, Schilling and Martinez could be too many egos in one bullpen..." Penny is signed through 2005 Other interesting trade-deadline moves: * Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return... * The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel. * The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson. * The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way)...

07-09-2004, 12:58 PM	#226
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	Other interesting trade-deadline moves: * Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return... * The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel. * The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson. * The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way.... Those arent realistic trades. Braves wouldnt trade Andruw for those guys. and Houston would never trade Pettitte for what they got in return...

07-09-2004, 02:23 PM	#228
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Of course, we Diamondbacks fans aren't too thrilled with our real-life "AI" in Phoenix either... Curt Schilling for Casey Fossum? Six players (including several regular starters) for Richie Sexson, who got all of 90 ABs this season before tearing up his shoulder... Now that doesn't make sense...

07-12-2004, 12:50 AM	#229
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Report: Boston will dismantle if they win Series in '04 The Boston Globe July 29, 2004* The Boston Red Sox will hold a fire sale similar to the Marlins of 1997 if they win the World Series this year, according to a sports agent who has dealings with the organization. "From some of the things I've heard, they plan to deal Manny (Ramirez), Pedro (Martinez) and some of their other big-name players if they win it all this year," the agent, who requested to remain anonymous, told The Globe earlier this week. "They want to unload those big contracts and restock their depleted farm system." Boston GM Theo Epstein called those reports "ridiculous." But they've ignited talk radio hosts all over Boston and in the national media the past few days. "I'm not sure who this person talked to but those are bogus comments," Epstein said. "Obviously every organization undergoes changes every off-season but we like who we have and believe we have the basis to win a World Series this year and several years afterward. "There will be no so-called fire sale..." The Sox do face some big decisions in the coming days. The trade deadline is near, as is the day most clubs sign contract extensions for potential free agents. Boston has about $20.4 million to extend contracts but more potential free agents on the roster than any other team. Something will have to give. Controversy surrounded the club this past winter in failed trade talks to obtain Alex Rodriguez. Ramirez and Nomar Garciparra were apparently on their way out, only to be retained after the A-Rod deal fell through. Those trials seem to be behind the club now. Garciparra and Martinez were both offered long-term deals a month ago, and both signed them -- Martinez for six years and Nomar for four...

07-12-2004, 01:03 AM	#230
BostonRS14 All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 1,029	dismantling the Sox...and a Yankee rebuilding effort...wow...2005 looks good for Baltimore and Toronto....

07-12-2004, 01:14 AM	#231
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Signing on, signing off Who will Boston keep around? Who won't be tendered new offers? The Boston Globe July 28* At least for the time being, the Boston Red Sox will turn their attention away from trying to win a World Series and toward figuring out who will be a lock to be on the 2005 roster. It's that time of year again when teams ink contract extensions for potential free agents. Boston might be in the trickiest position of all. Of the players on the active roster, 22 have contracts set to expire at the end of this season. A handful of youngsters, like AAA pitcher Abe Alvarez will be re-signed automatically. Others, like Josh Beckett and Brendan Donnelly, will be offered arbitration and likely will stay in Boston one more year even if they aren't given a longer term deal. But for the rest? A lot of sweating and negotiating. Here are the players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of '04. The Sox have about $20.4 million set aside for extensions. With the way the team is playing right now, expect a lot of guys to ask for raises if they want to stay in Beantown... FREE AGENTS AFTER THIS SEASON: 1) C Jason Varitek (current salary $4.7 million) 2) 1B/DH David Ortiz ($3.2 million) 3) SP Derek Lowe ($3.15 million) 4) MR Armando Benitez ($2.45 million) 5) MR Alan Embree ($1.93 million) 6) 3B Bill Mueller ($1.47 million) 7) 2B Pokey Reese ($700,000) 8) RF Gabe Kapler ($525,000) 9) LF Ellis Burks ($525,000) 10) SS Mike Bordick ($512,000) 11) 3B Mark Bellhorn ($343,000) 12) C Doug Mirabelli ($300,000) 13) SP Aaron Sele ($300,000) 14) SS Tony Womack ($300,000) ELIGIBLE FOR ARBITRATION: 1) SP Josh Beckett (Estimate: $4.97 million) 2) Brendan Donnelly ($1.05 million) 3) MR Bronson Arroyo ($410,000) 4) MR Scott Sauerbeck ($490,000) AUTOMATIC RE-SIGN 1) MR Tommy Phelps ($300,000) 2) C Mike Hernandez ($300,000) 3) MR Colter Bean ($300,000) 4) SP Abe Alvarez ($300,000) EXTENSIONS ALREADY SIGNED: 1) Pedro Martinez (6 years, $14.6 million) 2) Nomar Garciparra (4 years, $9.4 million)

07-12-2004, 01:42 PM	#233
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Last-place Orioles win series against Sox! Boston wins second game only because of Bellhorn's heroics July 26-28 Could the wind be coming out of the Boston Red Sox’s sails? Fans may be tempted to think so after watching the last-place Baltimore Orioles take two of three from their team this week. The O’s nearly swept the series, but Mark Bellhorn hit a three-run double as a pinch hitter in the top of the ninth to avert a loss in game two. Here’s the recap: Game 1: Baltimore 6, Boston 5. Red Sox closer Keith Foulke blows a save, giving up a walk-off three-run homer to prospect Tim Raines Jr. in the bottom of the ninth. This keeps Derek Lowe from earning his 15th win of the season. WP: J. Julio (3-5)… LP: Keith Foulke (2-4)… MVP: Tim Raines Jr. Game 2: Boston 4, Baltimore 2. Orioles starter Jeff Suppan holds the Sox to two hits over 8+ innings (still get MVP honors). But Mark Bellhorn comes through in the ninth, clearing the bases with a double. Keith Foulke redeems himself in this one, striking out the side for the save. Bill Mueller’s hitting streak is finally snapped at 21 games… WP: Brendan Donnelly (5-0)… LP: J. Julio (3-6)… S: Foulke (21) Injury report!! Curt Schilling (14-2) exits in the fourth inning with shoulder tightness. He’s expected to miss more than a week, likely one or two starts. Boston is unsure at this point how it will fill this role for a few starts… Game 3: Baltimore 1, Boston 0. Boston only gets five hits of offense and a stellar performance by Brad Penny (four-hitter over 7 innings) is wasted. Baltimore’s lone run comes in the seventh with Penny tired. WP: B.Groom (5-2)… LP: Brad Penny (6-12)… S: J. Julio (8)… MVP: Baltimore starter E. Dubose (game score 71, four-hitter over 6.2 innings)… --> What is most worrisome, looking at the “Who is Not Hot” list for Boston right now -- Manny (5-28 in last eight games), Varitek (0-11 in last five), Ortiz (3-18 in last five) and Millar (3-16 in last five)…Not to mention Josh Beckett (1-2 with 7.95 ERA in last three starts. Did Boston make a mistake with its early July trade?

07-12-2004, 10:03 PM	#234
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Boston begins August on winning note But Josh Beckett loses again -- what's up with Josh?!? July 30-Aug. 1, 2004 Depending on how the playoff brackets shape up – I’ve just learned OOTP5 may pit the wild card team against an opponent in its own division in the AL and NLCS – this could be a preview of the first round of playoff action. Boston wins this series 2-1, overcoming a few more offensive and defensive struggles. Josh Beckett is horrid yet again, but Aaron Sele continues his workman-like ways, improving to 4-0! Here’s the lowdown from the Metrodome: Game 1: Minnesota 7, Boston 6. Chants of “Over-rated! Over-rated!” fill the Dome as the Twins hammer Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. The new acquired hurler is feeling the heat after giving up seven runs in the first three innings alone. In a bold move, manager Terry Francona sticks with Beckett after that point. He calms down and pitches a scoreless fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Maybe that will restore his confidence… WP: J. Santana (8-0)… LP: Josh Beckett (12-7)… S: J Nathan (17) NOTES: Josh Beckett is 2-3 in six starts since coming over to the AL… He’s surrendered 26 runs and 43 hits during that time (37 innings pitched). Ouch… By the way, Pedro Martinez is due back from the DL in 1-2 weeks… Can’t wait!! Game 2: Boston 3, Minnesota 1. Derek Lowe is masterful again, throwing a four-hitter over seven innings to improve to 15-2. You’ve got to include Mr. Lowe in any Cy Young talk at this point… Boston has 11 hits but can only plate three runs. Hot-hitting Bill Mueller is 3-for-5… WP: D. Lowe (15-2) – 10 wins in the last 11 starts!!… LP: M. Hendrickson (6-5)… S: K. Foulke (22)… MVP: D. Lowe… Game 3: Boston 6, Minnesota 2. You’ve just got to love Aaron Sele. No one wanted the 34-year-old at the beginning of the year. Boston came calling in early July just to fill Pedro’s spot until Martinez is back from the DL. All Sele has done is go 4-0 in six starts (including two wins in Yankee Stadium). His ERA is 4.85. In this one, Sele gives up two runs, and the bullpen holds together for him. WP: Aaron Sele (4-0)… LP: Brad Radke (16-5)… MVP: Johnny Damon, who leads off with a home run and adds another 2-RBI double later on… Sele is Francona’s MVP for keeping Boston in games – and outdueling All-Star pitcher Radke… Up Next: We’ll look at standings and leaders heading into August.

07-12-2004, 10:10 PM	#235
TCleary46 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 64	Its to bad that Beckett is struggling for you, maybe he'll turn it on when it really matters in the playoffs. Having Pedro back will lift you a lot, he's great. And Aaron Sele, comeback player of the year? Whats up with him? I love Sele, he was great in Boston in his first run.

07-14-2004, 06:57 PM	#239
TCleary46 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 64	If Sele keeps winning you should put Pedro into Penny's spot and keep the hot hand in the rotation