WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox - Page 13

AZTarHeel · 07-15-2004, 06:09 PM

D-Rays d-rail Boston in two one-run games
Sox lose another series

Boston (74-29) at Tampa Bay (45-60) – Aug. 2-4

Game 1: Boston 12, Tampa Bay 0. Former Marlins teammates — Brad Penny and A.J. Burnett — collide, with both now on different squads. Penny pitches a gem, carrying a three-hitter into the ninth inning. He nearly gets a complete game but tires, and manager Terry Francona knows what happens when he overpushes his pitchers...

Manny Ramirez goes 5-for-5 with a HR... Boston's defense turns four double plays in the first six innings... The Sox's offense cranks out 19 hits...

WP: Penny (7-12) -- his best game in Boston... LP: Burnett (4-7)... MVP: Manny Ramirez (5-for-5)...

Game 2: Tampa Bay 4, Boston 3. This is the first career Major League start for lefty Tommy Phelps. He's taking Curt Schilling's spot for a game or two. Phelps gives up three runs in the first three innings and Tampa scores what would be the game-winner in the seventh after a BoSox error...

Nomar homers in the top of the ninth, but Boston can't generate another run... D-Rays pitcher Andy Pettitte (!!) is pretty masterful, though his bullpen nearly blows the lead late.

WP: Andy Pettitte (12-3)... LP: T. Phelps (0-1)... MVP: Pettitte, who looks strange wearing D-Rays colors... "Though Houston bailed on me, I still have something to prove," he says afterward...

Game 3: Tampa Bay 6, Boston 5 (14 innings). Another rough outing for Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, who gives up five runs -- including a three-run HR to Brook Fordyce in the third and a solo shot by D. Rolls in the sixth...

David Ortiz gets Beckett off the hook for the loss with a game-tying, two-run HR in the top of the ninth. The game remains 5-5 until the 14th inning when J. Lugo raps a walk-off RBI single to win it for the D-Rays. The Tropicana palace is rocking with the series win...

Boston goes through seven pitchers, and Tampa six...

WP: Jesus Colome (1-0)... LP: Alan Embree (3-3)... MVP: Brook Fordyce

AZTarHeel · 07-15-2004, 08:10 PM

Pedro set to return this week

MLB.com • Aug. 5

The Boston Red Sox are just days away from bringing pitcher Pedro Martinez off the disabled list.

Martinez (9-1) has been on the DL for close to two months with bone chip problems in his elbow. He says he's feeling fine now and is eager to get back on the mound.

"I can't wait to get back out there and help this team," said Martinez, who signed a new lucrative six-year deal shortly before suffering his injury.

A lot has happened since Martinez went down. And the Red Sox have some big questions to answer as they make space to bring him back.

In terms of wins and losses, the Sox haven't missed a beat. They have the sharp pitching of starters like Derek Lowe (15-2) and Curt Schilling (14-2) to thank for it.

They got rid of Tim Wakefield and BK Kim but picked up fireballers Josh Beckett and Brad Penny. While Beckett has struggled since coming over the AL (2-3), Penny has gotten better and better -- one out from a complete-game shutout a few nights ago against Tampa Bay.

The biggest surprise of all has been the workman like play of free agent pickup Aaron Sele. He's 4-0 in six starts with Boston with an ERA around 4.80. He's had really one bad game.

So, do the Sox send Sele down? Or do they go with the hot hand and leave him up? Who then would they move down? Some think the Sox may move a reliever down and leave six starters up on the Big Club. Either Sele or possibly even Beckett or Penny would move to the bullpen.

Imagine Josh Beckett as a set-up guy or stopper. It could happen, though Beckett has said he wouldn't be happy losing his starting job.

"I realize I'm struggling a bit right now, but I'll get it together," he said.

Regardless, an already solid bullpen is about to get that much better in a few days. Welcome back, Pedro.

AZTarHeel · 07-17-2004, 06:30 PM

Ortiz looks to test market after '04
Boston believes veterans hold key to future

MLB.com • Aug. 2, 2004

No one has envied Boston's Theo Epstein in recent weeks.

While he may be the GM for the team with the best record in baseball, he's also the GM with a ton of players set to become free agents -- and a limited amount of cash in which to sign them to extensions.

The Red Sox finally announced their contract extension signings earlier today, and it looks like Epstein and company are favoring experience over youth. Boston re-signed C Jason Varitek, SP Derek Lowe, 3B Bill Mueller and MR Armando Benitez. The Sox also re-signed SP Pedro Martinez and SS Nomar Garciparra to long-term deals about two months ago.

The biggest player not to be sign an offer -- 28-year-old DH and 1B David Ortiz. The 2004 All-Star is currently hitting clean-up and has one of the best averages on the team (in the .340s).

"He expressed his interest in testing the market after this season," Epstein said. "When we couldn't agree on numbers -- we weren't really even close -- we decided to spend our money elsewhere. This was a tough process, let me tell you. But who knows, we may still yet be able to work something out where Ortiz is wearing Red Sox colors next year.

Ortiz and his agent weren't so sure.

"What else do I have to do to prove myself to this team?" Ortiz said. "I can't let it bother me, but man it's hurtful they are letting me get away. This could haunt them in the future."

For now, the Sox hope Ortiz can keep his head on helping the Sox to a World Series title in '04.

Here are the recent re-signings, plus contract values:
• Jason Varitek has been signed to a contract extension, $4,690,000 per year, for 3 years.
• Derek Lowe has been signed to a contract extension, $6,600,000 per year, for 4 years.
• Bill Mueller has been signed to a contract extension, $4,500,000 per year, for 3 years.
• Armando Benitez has been signed to a contract extension, $3,100,000 per year, for 3 years.

Among the other notables not given new deals, at least thus far: 2B Pokey Reese, 3B Mark Bellhorn, OF Ellis Burks, RF Gabe Kapler, MR Alan Embree, C Doug Mirabelli and SS Tony Womack.

All-Star David Ortiz might not be wearing a Boston uniform after this season. Here, he takes cuts during the All-Star HR contest.

AZTarHeel · 07-24-2004, 10:43 PM

Red Sox machine still plugging along
Beantowners win 3 series against AL stragglers

Catching up after a little break for some medical issues...

Some storylines: Pedro's back and pitching well... 20 hits in one game?... Who is Adam Hyzdu and why was he smiling after his MLB debut?... Josh Beckett finds his rhythm again, but can he get a win?... Brad Penny is money!... Derek Lowe for Cy Young?... What to do with Aaron Sele...

BOSTON AT DETROIT - Aug. 6-8
Game 1: Boston 12, Detroit 3. The real life Tigers may be on their way back but not the OOTP felines. The Sox pound Detroit, with MVP David Ortiz recording 4 RBIs. Derek Lowe improves to 16-2 on the hill, one of the best records in the Majors...

Game 2: Boston 2, Detroit 1 (10 innings). Pedro Martinez returns from the DL and pitches eight strong innings (6 hits, 1 run), but the Sox can't get a win for him. Manny Ramirez doubles home Johnny Damon in the top of the 10th to seal the victory for Brendan Donnelly (6-0). Keith Foulke gets the save...

Game 3: Boston 13, Detroit 2. The stat sheet is just plain sick after this one. The Sox pound out TWENTY (20) hits. Check out these numbers: Mueller 4-5, Damon 3-6, Millar 3-6, Manny 2-5 with two homers and 4 RBIs, Bellhorn two hits, Varitek two hits, Burks two hits... you get the picture... Curt Schilling coasts to his 15th win, dropping Rob Henkel to 1-7...

TAMPA BAY (50-62) AT BOSTON (78-31) - 9-11
Game 1: Boston 7, Tampa Bay 2. Boston calls up CD Adam Hyzdu, sending RF Gabe Kapler down for awhile. Hyzdu is a terrible defensive player but looks to have great power numbers. On his second at-bat of the game, he sends a three-run HR over the Monster... Welcome to the bigs, friend... Jason Varitek also homers, and Brad Penny throws a two-hitter over seven to improve to 8-12... Interesting sidebar: We use Aaron Sele out of the pen for the first time. He struggles mightily, then sends us an e-mail asking to be made a starter again...That's a tough call with folks like Pedro, Beckett, Lowe, Penny and Schilling in front of him

Game 2: Tampa 4, Boston 3 (12 innings). Josh Beckett pitches well enough to win but Keith Foulke blows the save in the ninth... An RBI single from Tino Martinez seals it for the Rays... Al Reyes then stymies Boston's offense in bottom 12... Beckett had only given up one run in 8.1 innings. He throws his glove in disgust and shares some nasty words with Foulke...

Game 3: Boston 4, Tampa Bay 0. Derek Lowe pitches a four-hit shutout over seven, and Brendan Donnelly gets the save. Lowe improves to 17-2, putting his name on the Cy Young list for sure... Boston becomes the first team to 80 wins, ahead of Seattle's 73...

Game 4: Boston 4, Tampa Bay 0. The same score as the night before. This time it's Pedro Martinez dishing out the K's and high heat. He only lasts five innings (throwing 99 pitches) but fans 7 to improve to 10-1... Adam Hyzdu homers again in a pinch hitting role... Two Tampa players get tossed for arguing calls... naughty, naughty...

CHICAGO (53-60) AT BOSTON (81-32) - Aug. 13-15
Game 1: Chicago 4, Boston 3. The run finally ends for Curt Schilling, who is beaten by prospect Kris Honel... Crede's two-run HR in the fourth proves the difference... Too many stranded base-runners for Boston... Should Aaron Sele have started?

Game 2: Boston 3, Chicago 1. David Ortiz is moved from fourth to fifth in the batting rotation due to an 0-19 streak... Trot Nixon is promoted to clean-up and responds with a two-run HR in the first inning... Pitcher Brad Penny strikes out six in the first three innings and 10 for the game... The ChiSox only manage three hits as Penny wins again... Keith Foulke registers save 24...

Game 3: Boston 4, Chicago 3 (10 innings). Talk about a hard-luck pitcher. Josh Beckett again pitches well but doesn't get a decision. It's 3-3 when he exits in the seventh. Nice defense by Ellis Burks forces extra innings, and Johnny Damon scores from third on a fielder's choice by Nomar in the 10th... A double-play by the Sox would have forced an 11th frame... WP: Keith Foulke... Adam Hyzdu homers again, his third. He's got three hits in 17 ABs but all have been out of the park...

UP NEXT: A series against league foe Toronto, at home... Derek Lowe goes for win #18... It's mid-August, and who will Boston call up in a few weeks? Stay tuned...

AZTarHeel · 07-25-2004, 02:27 AM

My turn

Greetings Red Sox Nation, Bill here with some more Views from Section 100... I haven't written in awhile. As before, I'm too worried I'm going to jinx something. I mean, things are going WAY too good right now.

We're 83-33 for real? That's just sick. And the Yankees are 21.5 games out and 11 games out of the wildcard? Am I dreaming?

Pardon me for waiting for Bill Buckner or Bucky Dent to show up.

Honestly, though, there are some things about this team that have me concerned right now. Pedro's back and all, but here are some small threads that to me seem to be coming unraveled a bit:

* David Ortiz is mired in an 0-for-25 slump. I hope Boston management not signing him to a new deal hasn't killed his drive. He looks like he has just quit or something. We need that lefty clean-up hitter in a big way.

* Ellis Burks has completely fizzled. For much of the season he led the league in RBIs, even as the lead pinch hitter and DH only against lefties. But he's just 4-for-20 in his last 10 games with 0 home runs and just two RBIs. No wonder Boston didn't resign him -- and no wonder Adam Hyzdu has gotten more at-bats of late.

* Mike Bordick has cooled quite a bit. His average has dropped from the .330's (which was extraordinarily high anyway) to about .275. In his last nine games, he has only one hit in 16 ABs. Pokey might get his starting job back but he's struggling too (.240s-.250s).

* Curt Schilling's winning streak ended. Just to see him in the dugout after the Chicago game, with his head buried in his cap. He's gotten by on pure heart most of the season but I'm wondering if he has anything left in the tank for the last two months. The scouts keep predicting his downfall.

* No farm system. We have a bunch of washed up old-timers in Pawtucket, so if someone goes down with a big injury, we're history.

I realize I'm being quite paranoid I know. But it's the little things that win championships, and suddenly a lot of the little things are going South on us. Did we peak to soon? Maybe so. At least our starting pitching is holding up. Let's hope Francona doesn't overwork the guys, though. Remember what that did for Grady Little -- and our Series chances.

Forgive me for being so twitchy. It's just history is not on our side and things are going so well, it's hard to get our hopes up because the more we do, the harder the fall. That being said, this might be my last note until October.

Go Sox. Just don't blow it...

AZTarHeel · 07-29-2004, 02:56 AM

Boston weighing September call-up options

The Boston Globe * Aug. 15, 2004

On Sept. 1, MLB clubs are all allowed to carry up to 40 players on their active rosters. That means several members of the Red Sox AAA club in Pawtucket will get sent up to the Big Club.

So just who's coming up and who's staying down? Here's our take:

PACK YOUR BAGS FOR BEANTOWN:
1) MR Bronson Arroyo (2.5 stars - age 27): Arroyo spent most of the first half up on the Big Club and has appeared in 24 games with the PawSox. His ERA is a steady 3.25 and he could be a valuable long reliever ("A" duration), something Aaron Sele seems uncomfortable with...

2) MR Colter Bean (2 stars - age 27): Bean had some great appearances during a short stint on the Big Club, then had one really bad one. His ERA in Pawtucket is under 2.00. He's unremarkable overall but could take a few innings' load off a bullpen that's been overworked of late...

3) MR Tommy Phelps (3.5 stars - age 30): The Red Sox really need left-handed pitching, carrying just one southpaw on the roster right now. He could beat out Alan Embree for post-season roster if he has some good outings. He might have Embree's starting job next season since the Sox have chosen not to re-sign him.

4) MR Scott Sauerbeck (2.5 stars - age 32): Could stymie lefty hitters but also has control problems. Wasn't that impressive in few appearances early in the season.

5) SS Tony Womack (1 star - age 34): The Red Sox won't get much from his bat but will benefit greatly from his speed. He can play center if necessary...

6) RF Gabe Kapler (1 star - age 29): He spent most of the season in Boston but was moved down to see what CF Adam Hyzdu had to offer. With Hydzu struggling, Kapler should find his old job as pinch hitter/spot starter against lefties back in his hands in a few weeks...

7) CF Adam Hyzdu (1 star - age 32): Already up, Hyzdu really has only one role -- hit home runs off the bench late in a game. All three of his MLB hits have been homers thus far...

HAVE STAND-BY TICKETS READY JUST IN CASE:
1) SP Abe Alvarez (4 stars - age 21): Boston scouts really like Alvarez but his one appearance in Boston right after Pedro went down was pretty disasterous. Sox management may not want to damage his confidence any more. He may need one more good year of AAA and be ready for next September.

2) SP Corey Thurmond (2 stars - age 25): Thurmond was signed to a minor league deal in June and has gone 4-0 with a 2.50 ERA since joining the club.

3) MR Mark Malaska (2.5 stars - age 26): Has good velocity and could provide needed lefty arm to a bullpen with only one right now. ERA in Pawtucket around 3.00...

4) MR Jesse Orosco (1.5 stars - age 47!): Maybe as a favor to keep his career going for one more season (he started in 1979)? But he's struggled at AAA (7.50 ERA)...

5) 1B Brian Daubach (1 star - age 32): Has 13 homers and 74 RBIs for Pawtucket but Boston is already deep at first base...

6) 3B Kevin Youkalis (3 stars - age 25): Boston likes Youkalis at first or third -- but their plans may not include having him there this year. Should be ready for sure by next September, or earlier.

7) RF Quinton McCracken (1.5 stars - age 34): Still has some pop left in his bat (hitting .343 at AAA) and possesses great speed on the bases, something the Sox need in a bad way.

8) C Michael Hernandez (2 stars - age 25): Really has nothing to offer offensively but is pretty decent on defense...

THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR
1) MR Jamie Brown (2 stars - age 27): As one scout said, "He's a battler but often comes up on the losing end of the battles." The Sox don't need that in their bullpen.

2) MR Brian Hebson (1.5 stars - age 28): Control problems are his downfall...

3) MR Jason Shiell (1 star - age 27): Hasn't seen much action at AAA. Not ready for the Big Show...

4) 1B Earl Snyder (1 star - age 28): Too many 1B and good bats ahead of him this year...

5) 2B Frankie Escalona (1 star - age 25): The addition of Mike Bordick to the roster early in the season will keep Frankie in the minors for another year...

6) LF David McCarty (1 star - age 34): Nothing to add to an already solid OF lineup. Has terrible, terrible ratings...

7) RF Terry Shumpert (1 star - age 37): Only hit .190 last year and won't have a chance to make amends this year. Look for him to retire in October...

8) C Andy Dominique (1 star - age 28): He's hitting well below the Mendoza line and has nothing to offer defensively...

AZTarHeel · 08-01-2004, 03:04 AM

BoSox offense saves faltering bullpen twice
Starter Derek Lowe improves to 18-2 in opener!

Aug. 16-18

Game 1: Boston 7, Toronto 3. The Sox jump to a 7-0 lead after three and coast home, lifting Derek Lowe to 18-2 on the season. Trot Nixon and Kevin Millar carry the big sticks.

Lowe has now won 13 straight -- lucky, lucky... Frank Catalanotto's 20-game hit streak is snapped...

Game 2: Boston 5, Toronto 3. Alan Embree blows a chance for Pedro Martinez to get a win, but David Ortiz hits a homer in the eighth to lift the Sox to victory... Miquel Batista pitches well against us until he exits... Scott Williamson gets the W with some nice relief work...

Game 3: Boston 7, Toronto 6 (10 innings). This time it's reliever Armando Benitez who takes a win out of a starter's hand. Benitez surrenders a three-run homer to Eric Hinske and Curt Schilling's 5-3 lead evaporates in the seventh.

Fortunately, Boston knows how to win when the pressure's on. Nomar ties it with an RBI single in the eighth. Ellis Burks strokes a two-out, RBI double for the win in the 10th. Closer Keith Foulke gets a win in this one...

This crazy game took 4:23...

Around the league: The AL Central has turned into a joke. Minnesota is leading the division with a 56-63 record (!!), followed by Chicago (55-63) and Kansas City (53-65)… Uggh...

AZTarHeel · 08-01-2004, 03:15 AM

Derek Lowe sinks another foe
BoSox take two of three from ChiSox

Aug. 20-22
Records going in: Boston 86-33 (way too good to be honest)... Chicago 56-63 (too poor to be in contention, but they are)...

Game 1: Boston 5, Chicago 4. Another come-from-behind victory for Boston gives Brad Penny his 10th win... Manny Ramirez hits a two-run double in the seventh for the final margin... Keith Foulke gets save 26... Back-up catcher Doug Mirabelli, who hit an early HR, is the MVP! Nice...

Game 2: Chicago 7, Boston 6. Boston blows a 4-0 and 5-1 lead... The ChiSox score six runs on seven hits in the sixth inning for the eventual winning margin.

Josh Beckett loses a chance at victory thanks to Benitez again... Chicago finishes with 14 hits total, sparked by MVP Juan Uribe (2-for-3 with a HR and two RBIs)...

Game 3: Boston 6, Chicago 3. Derek Lowe's sinkerball is working again, and the Boston hurler improves to 19-2. It's his 14th straight win. Wow -- too bad that's not happening in real life...

Bill Mueller's two-run homer in the fifth, and Jason Varitek's two-run double in the sixth prove the biggest offensive highlights. Manny hits a solo shot in the sixth. Keith Foulke records save 27...

Next up: Another meeting with the Blue Jays, this time in the Skydome... Boston's record is now 88-34... Toronto comes in at 62-62...

AZTarHeel · 08-01-2004, 06:16 PM

Hope folks are still following this one... Frankly, it's not as fun right now for me because 1) it's the dog days of the season 2) Boston is way too good, frankly.

I promise I didn't edit any ratings of my players except giving Curt Schilling a little ratings boost at the start (along with a couple of other older pitches like Clemens) to combat how the game crashes older players. Schilling has crashed anyway into a 1-star pitcher and I'm wondering whether to stick with him...

I actually wish the Yankees were better and the AL East was much tighter. I'm also sick that the AL Central leaders are 5-7 games under .500. Ugg...

Anyway, I may shorten series reports some. Let me know if there are things you want to see or ways to make this better as we go into the last month and a half of the season.

I think the post-season will be fun to follow once we get there. Will the Sox choke? There are a few other neat storylines to follow: some tight division races, Todd Helton's quest for .400, the wildcard, etc.

Thanks to those of you who have stayed with the thread, despite my tendency to overwrite...

Astros02 · 08-01-2004, 07:42 PM

I think the aging was the main reason I got OOTP6. It handles it much better. For instance, I've seen Clemens pitch into 2006 before giving it up, and he was still above 1 star.

AZTarHeel · 08-03-2004, 02:35 AM

Boston finishes sweep of Jays with a bang
Sox pound out season-high 20 hits in rout

Boston Globe * Aug. 26, 2004

The best offense in baseball outdid itself last night at Fenway Park.

The Boston Red Sox pounded out 20 hits -- yes, that's right, 20 hits -- against Toronto in a 14-5 victory.

The win gave the Sox a sweep of the three-game series. After nipping the Jays 9-8 in the opener and 4-3 in game two, Boston sent their foes back across the border absolutely reeling.

"These bats were sizzling tonight," outfielder Manny Ramirez said with a smile, touching his hand to his bat, then pulling it away as if from a flame. "I've never seen anything like that."

The fireworks started with a David Ortiz solo homer in the second inning. Jason Varitek then played longball -- a two-run shot -- later in the frame. The Sox added single runs in the third and fourth and two more in the sixth. Then, things really started heating up.

This is how the sensational seventh played out:
* Bill Mueller walks
* Manny Ramirez singles
* David Ortiz doubles to right-center (scoring Mueller and Ramirez)
* Trot Nixon grounds out
* Nomar Garciparra singles to shallow right-center (scoring Ortiz)
* Ellis Burks doubles to left-center
* Jason Varitek doubles down left-field line (scoring Nomar and Burks)
* (New pitcher) --> Mike Bordick singles
* Johnny Damon grounds into fielder's choice, Bordick out (scoring Varitek)
* Mueller walks
* Ramirez singles (scoring Damon)
* Ortiz flies out, ending the inning. 7 runs on 7 hits.

That left the score 14-1. Other than Aaron Sele's terrible relief pitching in the ninth inning (four runs scored), it was a great night for Boston.

The final stat sheet was just as sick:
* Varitek 4-5 with two homers, six RBIs
* Ortiz 3-5, three RBIs
* Mike Bordick 3-5
* Burks 2-5
* Nomar 2-5
* Nixon 2-4
* Manny 2-6

Oh yeah, and Brad Penny earned another win -- holding the Jays to one run and five hits...

The win improved Boston's record to 91-34. The Sox will host Detroit (35-91) in four games starting today in what could be the most lopsided series of the season. It could get really ugly...

AZTarHeel · 08-03-2004, 02:47 AM

Here come the Dodgers!!
LA win streak reaches 17 games

LA Dodgers players had a team meeting following getting swept by the Phillies the weekend of Aug. 6-8.

"It was intense," said catcher Paul Lo Duca. "We got everything out and challenged one another to step up."

And step up the Dodgers have. Since the off day following that sweep, Los Angeles hasn't lost. That's 17 games in a row -- three wins at Cincinnati, three wins at Chicago, three wins over the defending champion Marlins, four wins over Atlanta and four wins over Montreal.

The hot streak has put the Dodgers back into the playoff chase. They still trail Arizona by 3.5 games but are tied with San Francisco atop the wild card standings. Their record has moved from 70-57 after being 53-57 going into that series in Cincy.

LA puts its streak on the line this weekend at Shea Stadium against the Mets. Then, another off day.

"We just want to keep playing," Lo Duca said...

The Dodgers have had a lot to cheer about lately, winning 17 straight

captaincarl · 08-06-2004, 07:52 PM

Man, is this popcorn expensive!

what a record and it's not even Labor Day yet!

BostonRS14 · 08-07-2004, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZTarHeel

Hope folks are still following this one...

Since both my attempts at Sox dynasty's fizzled for different reasons, I'm still following...Hope my D-Rays rebound before we hit the dog days at the bottom of the AL East...

RMXO · 08-09-2004, 05:51 AM

The curse is over for the Bo-Sox in my solo-league. they entered the play-offs as a wild-card team. My Tampa Bay (mng by me) won the devision but lost to the Angels in the 1st Rd.

The Bo-Sox met the Astro's in the WS & won the series 4-3.

keep up the good work!

Skywalker76 · 08-09-2004, 06:35 AM

Still following and having fun- I think you should post the game scores again with a little important stuff about each game. Just like you did in July- really liked it. Can't wait for the post season.

1918 1918 1918

AZTarHeel · 08-10-2004, 11:43 PM

Tigers give Red Sox a good run
Boston works hard for 3 wins against MLB's worst team

Detroit Tigers (35-91) at Boston (91-34) – Aug. 26-29 – best meets worst…

Game 1: Detroit 8, Boston 3 – 11 innings. Detroit fights back from 3-0 deficit to force extra innings. Boston gets two on in the 10th but can’t bring ‘em in. The Tigers roar with five runs in the top of the 11th, including two home runs… Rondell White is MVP, going 4-for-6 for the Tigs…

Boston fans are groaning over poor relief pitching again… MR Scott Williamson absorbs the loss… Offensive highlight: C Doug Mirabelli hits a 3-run homer… Oh the bullpen!!!

Game 2: Boston 10, Detroit 9. Carlos Pena hits three-run homer for Detroit to put them up 8-4 in the seventh, but this time Boston roars back… Jason Varitek’s two-run single in the bottom of the eighth with two outs seals the game…

Red Sox fans sweat again as closer Keith Foulke gives up solo homer in the ninth, then allows tying run to reach second… WP: Brendan Donnelly (8-1)… Derek Lowe’s quest for his 20th win comes up short…

NOTE: LA Dodgers win streak reaches 18 games!! Yes, they kept Lo Duca in this world...

Game 3: Boston 5, Detroit 4. Another rally, another win for the Red Sox against the supposed worst team in baseball. Pedro Martinez falls behind 4-0 after Greg Norton hits two, two-run homers, and the Sox only have one hit after four innings…

The Sox score two in the sixth, one more in the seventh (solo HR by Mark Bellhorn) and get the win on a two-RBI single by Nomah in the eighth… Detroit gets the first two guys on in the ninth, but Boston turns a double play to get out of the jam, and Foulke K’s Eric Byrne to end it… Pedro salvages a victory to improve to 11-1…

NOTE: Dodgers, winners of 18 in a row, have day off, flying to New York for series with the Mets…

Game 4: Boston 8, Detroit 6. Curt Schilling, he of 1-star fame now days, battles for his 17th win (against three losses)… He gives up a three-run homer in the second inning but that’s it… The offense is plentiful for Boston again…

Detroit’s Eric Rodland gets his first big-league hit off Schilling…

NOTE: The Dodgers win streak finally ends at 18 games… It took 10 innings but the Mets win on a single from Jose Reyes… No matter, LA is back in the hunt for the NL West title, just a few back of Arizona and a few ahead of San Fran… LA leads the Wild Card race...

AZTarHeel · 08-10-2004, 11:58 PM

All eyes on Rockies' Todd Helton
Colorado 1B still in hunt for magical .400 mark

The Associated Press * Sept. 1, 2004

DENVER – It’s early September and most sports fans in this Mile High City have turned their attention to football.

The Broncos are only days away from their season opener against the visiting KC Chiefs, and hopes again are high for another Super Bowl drive. As usual, the Colorado Rockies are near the bottom of the NL West, more than 10 games out of first place with just over a month to play.

But there still is at least one reason to visit Coors Field over the next month – first baseman Todd Helton. He’s currently flirting with becoming the first player since Ted Williams to finish the season with an average over .400. Williams batted .406 in 1941.

“It’s exciting,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “We all have a reason to be up for every game even though we’re pretty far down in the standings.”

Helton jumped into the limelight with a sizzling July, batting .451 for the month and wracking up 46 hits. He has 27 homers and 94 RBIs thus far as well.

Here is his month-by-month batting average:
March/April: 36-80 (.450)
May: 25-85 (.294)
June: 32-84 (.381)
July: 46-102 (.451)
August: 32-97 (.330)

“He’s just seeing the ball so well,” Hurdle said. “We all crowd up at the dugout fence whenever he’s up to bat. He’s one of the purest swingers I’ve ever seen.”

Helton says he’s not that concerned about reaching the .400 mark. “I just want to win more ballgames,” he said. “Realistically, we could get on a hot streak just like the Dodgers and climb back into the race.”

AZTarHeel · 08-11-2004, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captaincarl

Man, is this popcorn expensive!

what a record and it's not even Labor Day yet!

Captaincarl -- next time you're at Fenway, the popcorn is on us...

AZTarHeel · 08-11-2004, 12:20 AM

Penny denied 6-0 month but BoSox take two
Derek Lowe improves to 20-2 in finale

Anaheim (71-59) at Boston (94-35) – Aug. 31-Sept. 2

Game 1: Anaheim 4, Boston 3 - 10 innings Brad Penny starts the game for the BoSox in the running for pitcher of the month. His ERA is 1.46 for August with five wins and no losses...

Unfortunately, the Angels have other plans. Penny is off the hook with the loss thanks to David Ortiz's RBI single in the seventh inning (3-3 score). Garrett Anderson batted Vlad home in the 10th for the victory...

K-Rod pitches awesome for Anaheim in the eighth and ninth and gets the win... Bartolo Colon (5-1, 1.75 ERA) is AL Pitcher of the Month -- rats...

NOTE: Dodgers win again... starting a new win streak??

Game 2: Boston 7, Anaheim 5. This one starts out as a defensive battle -- it's only 1-0 Anaheim after five. Josh Beckett falls behind 3-0 in the sixth inning, but Kevin Millar gets him off the hook with a three-run homer in the bottom half of the sixth...

Trot Nixon's three-run bomb gives the Sox the winning margin in the eighth... Recent call-up Quinton McCracken gets a big pinch-hit double in that frame...

Game 3: Boston 5, Anaheim 3. The big story in this one -- Derek Lowe is the first pitcher in the majors to reach 20 wins. Nice!! Lowe hasn't lost since he was at five wins and one loss...

David Ortiz (two-run homer, double) and McCracken, who gets a spot start for Johnny Damon, lead the offense. McCracken hits a big RBI double. He may just make that post-season roster in place of someone like Kapler...

Next up: It's Sept. 2, 2004 -- We'll take a look at the story lines and standings with one month left in the regular season... The post-season is so close I can almost hear Joe Buck and Tim McCarver calling the play-by-play...

07-15-2004, 08:10 PM	#242
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Pedro set to return this week MLB.com • Aug. 5 The Boston Red Sox are just days away from bringing pitcher Pedro Martinez off the disabled list. Martinez (9-1) has been on the DL for close to two months with bone chip problems in his elbow. He says he's feeling fine now and is eager to get back on the mound. "I can't wait to get back out there and help this team," said Martinez, who signed a new lucrative six-year deal shortly before suffering his injury. A lot has happened since Martinez went down. And the Red Sox have some big questions to answer as they make space to bring him back. In terms of wins and losses, the Sox haven't missed a beat. They have the sharp pitching of starters like Derek Lowe (15-2) and Curt Schilling (14-2) to thank for it. They got rid of Tim Wakefield and BK Kim but picked up fireballers Josh Beckett and Brad Penny. While Beckett has struggled since coming over the AL (2-3), Penny has gotten better and better -- one out from a complete-game shutout a few nights ago against Tampa Bay. The biggest surprise of all has been the workman like play of free agent pickup Aaron Sele. He's 4-0 in six starts with Boston with an ERA around 4.80. He's had really one bad game. So, do the Sox send Sele down? Or do they go with the hot hand and leave him up? Who then would they move down? Some think the Sox may move a reliever down and leave six starters up on the Big Club. Either Sele or possibly even Beckett or Penny would move to the bullpen. Imagine Josh Beckett as a set-up guy or stopper. It could happen, though Beckett has said he wouldn't be happy losing his starting job. "I realize I'm struggling a bit right now, but I'll get it together," he said. Regardless, an already solid bullpen is about to get that much better in a few days. Welcome back, Pedro. Attached Images

07-17-2004, 06:30 PM	#243
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Ortiz looks to test market after '04 Boston believes veterans hold key to future MLB.com • Aug. 2, 2004 No one has envied Boston's Theo Epstein in recent weeks. While he may be the GM for the team with the best record in baseball, he's also the GM with a ton of players set to become free agents -- and a limited amount of cash in which to sign them to extensions. The Red Sox finally announced their contract extension signings earlier today, and it looks like Epstein and company are favoring experience over youth. Boston re-signed C Jason Varitek, SP Derek Lowe, 3B Bill Mueller and MR Armando Benitez. The Sox also re-signed SP Pedro Martinez and SS Nomar Garciparra to long-term deals about two months ago. The biggest player not to be sign an offer -- 28-year-old DH and 1B David Ortiz. The 2004 All-Star is currently hitting clean-up and has one of the best averages on the team (in the .340s). "He expressed his interest in testing the market after this season," Epstein said. "When we couldn't agree on numbers -- we weren't really even close -- we decided to spend our money elsewhere. This was a tough process, let me tell you. But who knows, we may still yet be able to work something out where Ortiz is wearing Red Sox colors next year. Ortiz and his agent weren't so sure. "What else do I have to do to prove myself to this team?" Ortiz said. "I can't let it bother me, but man it's hurtful they are letting me get away. This could haunt them in the future." For now, the Sox hope Ortiz can keep his head on helping the Sox to a World Series title in '04. Here are the recent re-signings, plus contract values: • Jason Varitek has been signed to a contract extension, $4,690,000 per year, for 3 years. • Derek Lowe has been signed to a contract extension, $6,600,000 per year, for 4 years. • Bill Mueller has been signed to a contract extension, $4,500,000 per year, for 3 years. • Armando Benitez has been signed to a contract extension, $3,100,000 per year, for 3 years. Among the other notables not given new deals, at least thus far: 2B Pokey Reese, 3B Mark Bellhorn, OF Ellis Burks, RF Gabe Kapler, MR Alan Embree, C Doug Mirabelli and SS Tony Womack. All-Star David Ortiz might not be wearing a Boston uniform after this season. Here, he takes cuts during the All-Star HR contest. Attached Images Last edited by AZTarHeel; 08-01-2004 at 06:18 PM.

07-29-2004, 02:56 AM	#246
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Boston weighing September call-up options The Boston Globe * Aug. 15, 2004 On Sept. 1, MLB clubs are all allowed to carry up to 40 players on their active rosters. That means several members of the Red Sox AAA club in Pawtucket will get sent up to the Big Club. So just who's coming up and who's staying down? Here's our take: PACK YOUR BAGS FOR BEANTOWN: 1) MR Bronson Arroyo (2.5 stars - age 27): Arroyo spent most of the first half up on the Big Club and has appeared in 24 games with the PawSox. His ERA is a steady 3.25 and he could be a valuable long reliever ("A" duration), something Aaron Sele seems uncomfortable with... 2) MR Colter Bean (2 stars - age 27): Bean had some great appearances during a short stint on the Big Club, then had one really bad one. His ERA in Pawtucket is under 2.00. He's unremarkable overall but could take a few innings' load off a bullpen that's been overworked of late... 3) MR Tommy Phelps (3.5 stars - age 30): The Red Sox really need left-handed pitching, carrying just one southpaw on the roster right now. He could beat out Alan Embree for post-season roster if he has some good outings. He might have Embree's starting job next season since the Sox have chosen not to re-sign him. 4) MR Scott Sauerbeck (2.5 stars - age 32): Could stymie lefty hitters but also has control problems. Wasn't that impressive in few appearances early in the season. 5) SS Tony Womack (1 star - age 34): The Red Sox won't get much from his bat but will benefit greatly from his speed. He can play center if necessary... 6) RF Gabe Kapler (1 star - age 29): He spent most of the season in Boston but was moved down to see what CF Adam Hyzdu had to offer. With Hydzu struggling, Kapler should find his old job as pinch hitter/spot starter against lefties back in his hands in a few weeks... 7) CF Adam Hyzdu (1 star - age 32): Already up, Hyzdu really has only one role -- hit home runs off the bench late in a game. All three of his MLB hits have been homers thus far... HAVE STAND-BY TICKETS READY JUST IN CASE: 1) SP Abe Alvarez (4 stars - age 21): Boston scouts really like Alvarez but his one appearance in Boston right after Pedro went down was pretty disasterous. Sox management may not want to damage his confidence any more. He may need one more good year of AAA and be ready for next September. 2) SP Corey Thurmond (2 stars - age 25): Thurmond was signed to a minor league deal in June and has gone 4-0 with a 2.50 ERA since joining the club. 3) MR Mark Malaska (2.5 stars - age 26): Has good velocity and could provide needed lefty arm to a bullpen with only one right now. ERA in Pawtucket around 3.00... 4) MR Jesse Orosco (1.5 stars - age 47!): Maybe as a favor to keep his career going for one more season (he started in 1979)? But he's struggled at AAA (7.50 ERA)... 5) 1B Brian Daubach (1 star - age 32): Has 13 homers and 74 RBIs for Pawtucket but Boston is already deep at first base... 6) 3B Kevin Youkalis (3 stars - age 25): Boston likes Youkalis at first or third -- but their plans may not include having him there this year. Should be ready for sure by next September, or earlier. 7) RF Quinton McCracken (1.5 stars - age 34): Still has some pop left in his bat (hitting .343 at AAA) and possesses great speed on the bases, something the Sox need in a bad way. 8) C Michael Hernandez (2 stars - age 25): Really has nothing to offer offensively but is pretty decent on defense... THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR 1) MR Jamie Brown (2 stars - age 27): As one scout said, "He's a battler but often comes up on the losing end of the battles." The Sox don't need that in their bullpen. 2) MR Brian Hebson (1.5 stars - age 28): Control problems are his downfall... 3) MR Jason Shiell (1 star - age 27): Hasn't seen much action at AAA. Not ready for the Big Show... 4) 1B Earl Snyder (1 star - age 28): Too many 1B and good bats ahead of him this year... 5) 2B Frankie Escalona (1 star - age 25): The addition of Mike Bordick to the roster early in the season will keep Frankie in the minors for another year... 6) LF David McCarty (1 star - age 34): Nothing to add to an already solid OF lineup. Has terrible, terrible ratings... 7) RF Terry Shumpert (1 star - age 37): Only hit .190 last year and won't have a chance to make amends this year. Look for him to retire in October... 8) C Andy Dominique (1 star - age 28): He's hitting well below the Mendoza line and has nothing to offer defensively... Last edited by AZTarHeel; 08-01-2004 at 02:34 AM.

08-01-2004, 06:16 PM	#249
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Editor's Note Hope folks are still following this one... Frankly, it's not as fun right now for me because 1) it's the dog days of the season 2) Boston is way too good, frankly. I promise I didn't edit any ratings of my players except giving Curt Schilling a little ratings boost at the start (along with a couple of other older pitches like Clemens) to combat how the game crashes older players. Schilling has crashed anyway into a 1-star pitcher and I'm wondering whether to stick with him... I actually wish the Yankees were better and the AL East was much tighter. I'm also sick that the AL Central leaders are 5-7 games under .500. Ugg... Anyway, I may shorten series reports some. Let me know if there are things you want to see or ways to make this better as we go into the last month and a half of the season. I think the post-season will be fun to follow once we get there. Will the Sox choke? There are a few other neat storylines to follow: some tight division races, Todd Helton's quest for .400, the wildcard, etc. Thanks to those of you who have stayed with the thread, despite my tendency to overwrite...

08-03-2004, 02:47 AM	#252
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Here come the Dodgers!! LA win streak reaches 17 games LA Dodgers players had a team meeting following getting swept by the Phillies the weekend of Aug. 6-8. "It was intense," said catcher Paul Lo Duca. "We got everything out and challenged one another to step up." And step up the Dodgers have. Since the off day following that sweep, Los Angeles hasn't lost. That's 17 games in a row -- three wins at Cincinnati, three wins at Chicago, three wins over the defending champion Marlins, four wins over Atlanta and four wins over Montreal. The hot streak has put the Dodgers back into the playoff chase. They still trail Arizona by 3.5 games but are tied with San Francisco atop the wild card standings. Their record has moved from 70-57 after being 53-57 going into that series in Cincy. LA puts its streak on the line this weekend at Shea Stadium against the Mets. Then, another off day. "We just want to keep playing," Lo Duca said... The Dodgers have had a lot to cheer about lately, winning 17 straight Attached Images Last edited by AZTarHeel; 08-03-2004 at 02:49 AM.

07-15-2004, 06:09 PM	#241
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	D-Rays d-rail Boston in two one-run games Sox lose another series *Boston (74-29) at Tampa Bay (45-60) – Aug. 2-4* Game 1: Boston 12, Tampa Bay 0. Former Marlins teammates — Brad Penny and A.J. Burnett — collide, with both now on different squads. Penny pitches a gem, carrying a three-hitter into the ninth inning. He nearly gets a complete game but tires, and manager Terry Francona knows what happens when he overpushes his pitchers... Manny Ramirez goes 5-for-5 with a HR... Boston's defense turns four double plays in the first six innings... The Sox's offense cranks out 19 hits... WP: Penny (7-12) -- his best game in Boston... LP: Burnett (4-7)... MVP: Manny Ramirez (5-for-5)... Game 2: Tampa Bay 4, Boston 3. This is the first career Major League start for lefty Tommy Phelps. He's taking Curt Schilling's spot for a game or two. Phelps gives up three runs in the first three innings and Tampa scores what would be the game-winner in the seventh after a BoSox error... Nomar homers in the top of the ninth, but Boston can't generate another run... D-Rays pitcher Andy Pettitte (!!) is pretty masterful, though his bullpen nearly blows the lead late. WP: Andy Pettitte (12-3)... LP: T. Phelps (0-1)... MVP: Pettitte, who looks strange wearing D-Rays colors... "Though Houston bailed on me, I still have something to prove," he says afterward... Game 3: Tampa Bay 6, Boston 5 (14 innings). Another rough outing for Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, who gives up five runs -- including a three-run HR to Brook Fordyce in the third and a solo shot by D. Rolls in the sixth... David Ortiz gets Beckett off the hook for the loss with a game-tying, two-run HR in the top of the ninth. The game remains 5-5 until the 14th inning when J. Lugo raps a walk-off RBI single to win it for the D-Rays. The Tropicana palace is rocking with the series win... Boston goes through seven pitchers, and Tampa six... WP: Jesus Colome (1-0)... LP: Alan Embree (3-3)... MVP: Brook Fordyce

07-24-2004, 10:43 PM	#244
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Red Sox machine still plugging along Beantowners win 3 series against AL stragglers Catching up after a little break for some medical issues... Some storylines: Pedro's back and pitching well... 20 hits in one game?... Who is Adam Hyzdu and why was he smiling after his MLB debut?... Josh Beckett finds his rhythm again, but can he get a win?... Brad Penny is money!... Derek Lowe for Cy Young?... What to do with Aaron Sele... BOSTON AT DETROIT - Aug. 6-8 Game 1: Boston 12, Detroit 3. The real life Tigers may be on their way back but not the OOTP felines. The Sox pound Detroit, with MVP David Ortiz recording 4 RBIs. Derek Lowe improves to 16-2 on the hill, one of the best records in the Majors... Game 2: Boston 2, Detroit 1 (10 innings). Pedro Martinez returns from the DL and pitches eight strong innings (6 hits, 1 run), but the Sox can't get a win for him. Manny Ramirez doubles home Johnny Damon in the top of the 10th to seal the victory for Brendan Donnelly (6-0). Keith Foulke gets the save... Game 3: Boston 13, Detroit 2. The stat sheet is just plain sick after this one. The Sox pound out TWENTY (20) hits. Check out these numbers: Mueller 4-5, Damon 3-6, Millar 3-6, Manny 2-5 with two homers and 4 RBIs, Bellhorn two hits, Varitek two hits, Burks two hits... you get the picture... Curt Schilling coasts to his 15th win, dropping Rob Henkel to 1-7... TAMPA BAY (50-62) AT BOSTON (78-31) - 9-11 Game 1: Boston 7, Tampa Bay 2. Boston calls up CD Adam Hyzdu, sending RF Gabe Kapler down for awhile. Hyzdu is a terrible defensive player but looks to have great power numbers. On his second at-bat of the game, he sends a three-run HR over the Monster... Welcome to the bigs, friend... Jason Varitek also homers, and Brad Penny throws a two-hitter over seven to improve to 8-12... Interesting sidebar: We use Aaron Sele out of the pen for the first time. He struggles mightily, then sends us an e-mail asking to be made a starter again...That's a tough call with folks like Pedro, Beckett, Lowe, Penny and Schilling in front of him Game 2: Tampa 4, Boston 3 (12 innings). Josh Beckett pitches well enough to win but Keith Foulke blows the save in the ninth... An RBI single from Tino Martinez seals it for the Rays... Al Reyes then stymies Boston's offense in bottom 12... Beckett had only given up one run in 8.1 innings. He throws his glove in disgust and shares some nasty words with Foulke... Game 3: Boston 4, Tampa Bay 0. Derek Lowe pitches a four-hit shutout over seven, and Brendan Donnelly gets the save. Lowe improves to 17-2, putting his name on the Cy Young list for sure... Boston becomes the first team to 80 wins, ahead of Seattle's 73... Game 4: Boston 4, Tampa Bay 0. The same score as the night before. This time it's Pedro Martinez dishing out the K's and high heat. He only lasts five innings (throwing 99 pitches) but fans 7 to improve to 10-1... Adam Hyzdu homers again in a pinch hitting role... Two Tampa players get tossed for arguing calls... naughty, naughty... CHICAGO (53-60) AT BOSTON (81-32) - Aug. 13-15 Game 1: Chicago 4, Boston 3. The run finally ends for Curt Schilling, who is beaten by prospect Kris Honel... Crede's two-run HR in the fourth proves the difference... Too many stranded base-runners for Boston... Should Aaron Sele have started? Game 2: Boston 3, Chicago 1. David Ortiz is moved from fourth to fifth in the batting rotation due to an 0-19 streak... Trot Nixon is promoted to clean-up and responds with a two-run HR in the first inning... Pitcher Brad Penny strikes out six in the first three innings and 10 for the game... The ChiSox only manage three hits as Penny wins again... Keith Foulke registers save 24... Game 3: Boston 4, Chicago 3 (10 innings). Talk about a hard-luck pitcher. Josh Beckett again pitches well but doesn't get a decision. It's 3-3 when he exits in the seventh. Nice defense by Ellis Burks forces extra innings, and Johnny Damon scores from third on a fielder's choice by Nomar in the 10th... A double-play by the Sox would have forced an 11th frame... WP: Keith Foulke... Adam Hyzdu homers again, his third. He's got three hits in 17 ABs but all have been out of the park... UP NEXT: A series against league foe Toronto, at home... Derek Lowe goes for win #18... It's mid-August, and who will Boston call up in a few weeks? Stay tuned...

07-25-2004, 02:27 AM	#245
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	My turn Greetings Red Sox Nation, Bill here with some more Views from Section 100... I haven't written in awhile. As before, I'm too worried I'm going to jinx something. I mean, things are going WAY too good right now. We're 83-33 for real? That's just sick. And the Yankees are 21.5 games out and 11 games out of the wildcard? Am I dreaming? Pardon me for waiting for Bill Buckner or Bucky Dent to show up. Honestly, though, there are some things about this team that have me concerned right now. Pedro's back and all, but here are some small threads that to me seem to be coming unraveled a bit: * David Ortiz is mired in an 0-for-25 slump. I hope Boston management not signing him to a new deal hasn't killed his drive. He looks like he has just quit or something. We need that lefty clean-up hitter in a big way. * Ellis Burks has completely fizzled. For much of the season he led the league in RBIs, even as the lead pinch hitter and DH only against lefties. But he's just 4-for-20 in his last 10 games with 0 home runs and just two RBIs. No wonder Boston didn't resign him -- and no wonder Adam Hyzdu has gotten more at-bats of late. * Mike Bordick has cooled quite a bit. His average has dropped from the .330's (which was extraordinarily high anyway) to about .275. In his last nine games, he has only one hit in 16 ABs. Pokey might get his starting job back but he's struggling too (.240s-.250s). * Curt Schilling's winning streak ended. Just to see him in the dugout after the Chicago game, with his head buried in his cap. He's gotten by on pure heart most of the season but I'm wondering if he has anything left in the tank for the last two months. The scouts keep predicting his downfall. * No farm system. We have a bunch of washed up old-timers in Pawtucket, so if someone goes down with a big injury, we're history. I realize I'm being quite paranoid I know. But it's the little things that win championships, and suddenly a lot of the little things are going South on us. Did we peak to soon? Maybe so. At least our starting pitching is holding up. Let's hope Francona doesn't overwork the guys, though. Remember what that did for Grady Little -- and our Series chances. Forgive me for being so twitchy. It's just history is not on our side and things are going so well, it's hard to get our hopes up because the more we do, the harder the fall. That being said, this might be my last note until October. Go Sox. Just don't blow it...

08-01-2004, 03:04 AM	#247
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	BoSox offense saves faltering bullpen twice Starter Derek Lowe improves to 18-2 in opener! Aug. 16-18 Game 1: Boston 7, Toronto 3. The Sox jump to a 7-0 lead after three and coast home, lifting Derek Lowe to 18-2 on the season. Trot Nixon and Kevin Millar carry the big sticks. Lowe has now won 13 straight -- lucky, lucky... Frank Catalanotto's 20-game hit streak is snapped... Game 2: Boston 5, Toronto 3. Alan Embree blows a chance for Pedro Martinez to get a win, but David Ortiz hits a homer in the eighth to lift the Sox to victory... Miquel Batista pitches well against us until he exits... Scott Williamson gets the W with some nice relief work... Game 3: Boston 7, Toronto 6 (10 innings). This time it's reliever Armando Benitez who takes a win out of a starter's hand. Benitez surrenders a three-run homer to Eric Hinske and Curt Schilling's 5-3 lead evaporates in the seventh. Fortunately, Boston knows how to win when the pressure's on. Nomar ties it with an RBI single in the eighth. Ellis Burks strokes a two-out, RBI double for the win in the 10th. Closer Keith Foulke gets a win in this one... This crazy game took 4:23... Around the league: The AL Central has turned into a joke. Minnesota is leading the division with a 56-63 record (!!), followed by Chicago (55-63) and Kansas City (53-65)… Uggh...

08-01-2004, 03:15 AM	#248
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Derek Lowe sinks another foe BoSox take two of three from ChiSox Aug. 20-22 Records going in: Boston 86-33 (way too good to be honest)... Chicago 56-63 (too poor to be in contention, but they are)... Game 1: Boston 5, Chicago 4. Another come-from-behind victory for Boston gives Brad Penny his 10th win... Manny Ramirez hits a two-run double in the seventh for the final margin... Keith Foulke gets save 26... Back-up catcher Doug Mirabelli, who hit an early HR, is the MVP! Nice... Game 2: Chicago 7, Boston 6. Boston blows a 4-0 and 5-1 lead... The ChiSox score six runs on seven hits in the sixth inning for the eventual winning margin. Josh Beckett loses a chance at victory thanks to Benitez again... Chicago finishes with 14 hits total, sparked by MVP Juan Uribe (2-for-3 with a HR and two RBIs)... Game 3: Boston 6, Chicago 3. Derek Lowe's sinkerball is working again, and the Boston hurler improves to 19-2. It's his 14th straight win. Wow -- too bad that's not happening in real life... Bill Mueller's two-run homer in the fifth, and Jason Varitek's two-run double in the sixth prove the biggest offensive highlights. Manny hits a solo shot in the sixth. Keith Foulke records save 27... Next up: Another meeting with the Blue Jays, this time in the Skydome... Boston's record is now 88-34... Toronto comes in at 62-62...

08-01-2004, 07:42 PM	#250
Astros02 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston Posts: 506	I think the aging was the main reason I got OOTP6. It handles it much better. For instance, I've seen Clemens pitch into 2006 before giving it up, and he was still above 1 star.

08-03-2004, 02:35 AM	#251
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Boston finishes sweep of Jays with a bang Sox pound out season-high 20 hits in rout Boston Globe Aug. 26, 2004* The best offense in baseball outdid itself last night at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox pounded out 20 hits -- yes, that's right, 20 hits -- against Toronto in a 14-5 victory. The win gave the Sox a sweep of the three-game series. After nipping the Jays 9-8 in the opener and 4-3 in game two, Boston sent their foes back across the border absolutely reeling. "These bats were sizzling tonight," outfielder Manny Ramirez said with a smile, touching his hand to his bat, then pulling it away as if from a flame. "I've never seen anything like that." The fireworks started with a David Ortiz solo homer in the second inning. Jason Varitek then played longball -- a two-run shot -- later in the frame. The Sox added single runs in the third and fourth and two more in the sixth. Then, things really started heating up. This is how the sensational seventh played out: * Bill Mueller walks * Manny Ramirez singles * David Ortiz doubles to right-center (scoring Mueller and Ramirez) * Trot Nixon grounds out * Nomar Garciparra singles to shallow right-center (scoring Ortiz) * Ellis Burks doubles to left-center * Jason Varitek doubles down left-field line (scoring Nomar and Burks) * (New pitcher) --> Mike Bordick singles * Johnny Damon grounds into fielder's choice, Bordick out (scoring Varitek) * Mueller walks * Ramirez singles (scoring Damon) * Ortiz flies out, ending the inning. 7 runs on 7 hits. That left the score 14-1. Other than Aaron Sele's terrible relief pitching in the ninth inning (four runs scored), it was a great night for Boston. The final stat sheet was just as sick: * Varitek 4-5 with two homers, six RBIs * Ortiz 3-5, three RBIs * Mike Bordick 3-5 * Burks 2-5 * Nomar 2-5 * Nixon 2-4 * Manny 2-6 Oh yeah, and Brad Penny earned another win -- holding the Jays to one run and five hits... The win improved Boston's record to 91-34. The Sox will host Detroit (35-91) in four games starting today in what could be the most lopsided series of the season. It could get really ugly...

08-06-2004, 07:52 PM	#253
captaincarl Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Barrington, RI Posts: 4,363	holy cow! Man, is this popcorn expensive! what a record and it's not even Labor Day yet!

08-09-2004, 05:51 AM	#255
RMXO Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 88	Bo-Sox curse is over in my solo league. The curse is over for the Bo-Sox in my solo-league. they entered the play-offs as a wild-card team. My Tampa Bay (mng by me) won the devision but lost to the Angels in the 1st Rd. The Bo-Sox met the Astro's in the WS & won the series 4-3. keep up the good work!

08-09-2004, 06:35 AM	#256
Skywalker76 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 833	Still following and having fun- I think you should post the game scores again with a little important stuff about each game. Just like you did in July- really liked it. Can't wait for the post season. 1918 1918 1918

08-10-2004, 11:43 PM	#257
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Tigers give Red Sox a good run Boston works hard for 3 wins against MLB's worst team Detroit Tigers (35-91) at Boston (91-34) – Aug. 26-29 – best meets worst… Game 1: Detroit 8, Boston 3 – 11 innings. Detroit fights back from 3-0 deficit to force extra innings. Boston gets two on in the 10th but can’t bring ‘em in. The Tigers roar with five runs in the top of the 11th, including two home runs… Rondell White is MVP, going 4-for-6 for the Tigs… Boston fans are groaning over poor relief pitching again… MR Scott Williamson absorbs the loss… Offensive highlight: C Doug Mirabelli hits a 3-run homer… Oh the bullpen!!! Game 2: Boston 10, Detroit 9. Carlos Pena hits three-run homer for Detroit to put them up 8-4 in the seventh, but this time Boston roars back… Jason Varitek’s two-run single in the bottom of the eighth with two outs seals the game… Red Sox fans sweat again as closer Keith Foulke gives up solo homer in the ninth, then allows tying run to reach second… WP: Brendan Donnelly (8-1)… Derek Lowe’s quest for his 20th win comes up short… NOTE: LA Dodgers win streak reaches 18 games!! Yes, they kept Lo Duca in this world... Game 3: Boston 5, Detroit 4. Another rally, another win for the Red Sox against the supposed worst team in baseball. Pedro Martinez falls behind 4-0 after Greg Norton hits two, two-run homers, and the Sox only have one hit after four innings… The Sox score two in the sixth, one more in the seventh (solo HR by Mark Bellhorn) and get the win on a two-RBI single by Nomah in the eighth… Detroit gets the first two guys on in the ninth, but Boston turns a double play to get out of the jam, and Foulke K’s Eric Byrne to end it… Pedro salvages a victory to improve to 11-1… NOTE: Dodgers, winners of 18 in a row, have day off, flying to New York for series with the Mets… Game 4: Boston 8, Detroit 6. Curt Schilling, he of 1-star fame now days, battles for his 17th win (against three losses)… He gives up a three-run homer in the second inning but that’s it… The offense is plentiful for Boston again… Detroit’s Eric Rodland gets his first big-league hit off Schilling… NOTE: The Dodgers win streak finally ends at 18 games… It took 10 innings but the Mets win on a single from Jose Reyes… No matter, LA is back in the hunt for the NL West title, just a few back of Arizona and a few ahead of San Fran… LA leads the Wild Card race...

08-10-2004, 11:58 PM	#258
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	All eyes on Rockies' Todd Helton Colorado 1B still in hunt for magical .400 mark *The Associated Press Sept. 1, 2004** DENVER – It’s early September and most sports fans in this Mile High City have turned their attention to football. The Broncos are only days away from their season opener against the visiting KC Chiefs, and hopes again are high for another Super Bowl drive. As usual, the Colorado Rockies are near the bottom of the NL West, more than 10 games out of first place with just over a month to play. But there still is at least one reason to visit Coors Field over the next month – first baseman Todd Helton. He’s currently flirting with becoming the first player since Ted Williams to finish the season with an average over .400. Williams batted .406 in 1941. “It’s exciting,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “We all have a reason to be up for every game even though we’re pretty far down in the standings.” Helton jumped into the limelight with a sizzling July, batting .451 for the month and wracking up 46 hits. He has 27 homers and 94 RBIs thus far as well. Here is his month-by-month batting average: March/April: 36-80 (.450) May: 25-85 (.294) June: 32-84 (.381) July: 46-102 (.451) August: 32-97 (.330) “He’s just seeing the ball so well,” Hurdle said. “We all crowd up at the dugout fence whenever he’s up to bat. He’s one of the purest swingers I’ve ever seen.” Helton says he’s not that concerned about reaching the .400 mark. “I just want to win more ballgames,” he said. “Realistically, we could get on a hot streak just like the Dodgers and climb back into the race.” Attached Images

08-11-2004, 12:20 AM	#260
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Penny denied 6-0 month but BoSox take two Derek Lowe improves to 20-2 in finale Anaheim (71-59) at Boston (94-35) – Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Game 1: Anaheim 4, Boston 3 - 10 innings Brad Penny starts the game for the BoSox in the running for pitcher of the month. His ERA is 1.46 for August with five wins and no losses... Unfortunately, the Angels have other plans. Penny is off the hook with the loss thanks to David Ortiz's RBI single in the seventh inning (3-3 score). Garrett Anderson batted Vlad home in the 10th for the victory... K-Rod pitches awesome for Anaheim in the eighth and ninth and gets the win... Bartolo Colon (5-1, 1.75 ERA) is AL Pitcher of the Month -- rats... NOTE: Dodgers win again... starting a new win streak?? Game 2: Boston 7, Anaheim 5. This one starts out as a defensive battle -- it's only 1-0 Anaheim after five. Josh Beckett falls behind 3-0 in the sixth inning, but Kevin Millar gets him off the hook with a three-run homer in the bottom half of the sixth... Trot Nixon's three-run bomb gives the Sox the winning margin in the eighth... Recent call-up Quinton McCracken gets a big pinch-hit double in that frame... Game 3: Boston 5, Anaheim 3. The big story in this one -- Derek Lowe is the first pitcher in the majors to reach 20 wins. Nice!! Lowe hasn't lost since he was at five wins and one loss... David Ortiz (two-run homer, double) and McCracken, who gets a spot start for Johnny Damon, lead the offense. McCracken hits a big RBI double. He may just make that post-season roster in place of someone like Kapler... Next up: It's Sept. 2, 2004 -- We'll take a look at the story lines and standings with one month left in the regular season... The post-season is so close I can almost hear Joe Buck and Tim McCarver calling the play-by-play...