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Things I Didn't Know Last Week: Ft. Joe Nelson, Carl Crawford, Dice-K
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Mary Paoletti wrote this 3 months ago | Permalink | 2 comments |
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Joe Nelson is a master of Shock-and-Awe
I'm not really talking about the guy's pitching power. The Red Sox reliever saw his first action of the season last Friday in Boston's 5-1 loss to Philadelphia. Over two innings, Nelson was bested by Philly bats for three hits and an earned run. So, at what point did he drop a bomb, you might ask? When the Boston Globe released the entrance music for each member of the team. Joe Nelson's Major League Baseball entrance song is "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. 
My immediate reaction was one of blinding hatred. My appreciation for Good Taste in Music felt like it had been mugged, stabbed, and left to die in a smelly New York alley. And then it hit me -- Joe Nelson is brilliant. Opposing batters will be so surprised and disconcerted when they hear the voice of Cyrus overtake the PA system -- a voice gently described by one blogger as "the whiny noise a cat makes after you’ve accidentally stepped on it, or run it over in your Hummer" -- that they'll be unable to focus on their at bats.
If Nelson doesn't become strikeout king once unleashed at Fenway Park then Boston's signing of the pitcher will be a failure. As will be the career of Miley Cyrus.
Carl Crawford is an idiot
As a Tampa Bay lifer, I always assumed Crawford's brain power was suspect. Last night he was kind enough to confirm his senselessness.
With his team down 2-0 to an American League East foe, the Rays base-stealing specialist decided to run his mouth. Crawford was apparently so enraged by a Bob Davidson called strike that he sparked a heated exchange of words and even took a step toward the home plate ump. Not only did the left fielder get booted with four crucial innings left to play, but Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon got an automatic toss for prolonging the strike dispute.
 Said Crawford of the incident, "It went back and forth. He didn't want to back down, and I definitely wasn't going to lose a trash-talking contest."
There we have it. In the end, it all came down to pissing match. Good to know that Crawford has his priorities straight, eh, Rays fans?
Dice-K can do it
Pitch consistently? Not quite.
The miracle came in finding out on Saturday that the man can actually smile.
After a dismal last outing on May 17 (4.2 IP, 9 H, 7 ER versus the Yankees), his near no-no in Philadelphia was indeed something to take joy in. The Japanese right-hander threw eight strong innings against the best team in baseball, his line mired only by Juan Castro's two-out bloop that fell short into left. Despite losing his bid for a no-hitter, Matsuzaka was no less thrilled with his four walk, five strikeout, 112-pitch performance. A quick grin flashed on the mound reappeared in his post-game. 
"On a good night like tonight, I'm able to pitch like I imagine and the pitches come out of my hand just like I picture,'' he said. "Without over-thinking it too much, I just hope I can keep going in that direction."
He is not the only one with such hopes. What the Red Sox need from Dice-K more than glamorous rebounds off of horrendous starts is good, dependable pitching.
On Thursday, Matsuzaka will get a chance to stay steady and keep smirking when he toes the rubber against Kansas City.
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Sorting Through the Mike Lowell Sound-Off
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Mary Paoletti wrote this 3 months ago | Permalink | 2 comments |
Oh, Mike Lowell.
The Red Sox sometimes-DH is making headlines again. The stories are about what one would assume -- Lowell's increasingly limited role -- but have a new undercurrent. Mikey might not be taking it all in stride anymore.
"When Jacoby and Cam come back, I just don't really know what my role is," he said. "With those two in the lineup, I don't know who would I hit for. When I hit, I get pinch-run for. I don't play defense."
The quotes came from the clubhouse Tuesday night, where a straight-faced Lowell spoke with the media.
"I think sometimes you feel like the team might be better off if you're not on it," he continued. "I just eat up a roster spot. I really do.''
Certain members of the media are using selective portions of the quotes, lifting the most despairing parts of Lowell's comments to paint a portrait of a bitterly disgruntled DH. Though the negativity of the situation is undeniable, is there a chance that the sentiment got exaggerated?
Lowell said it himself: "...it's not good or bad, it's just reality. ... I don't know what else to do."
You can't blame the guy for facing it head-on.
The way Lowell handled the Texas-trade debacle in the offseason was admirable. This classy attitude and commitment to baseball is what has endeared him unwaveringly to Sox fans, no more evident than when Lowell received the loudest Opening Day ovation of the roster. As the season has progressed and the at-bats have proved inconsistent, however, it seems that being a fan favorite isn't enough to keep him satisfied.
And rightly so.
The guy just wants to play baseball. Unfortunately, neither Lowell's body nor the Red Sox are cooperating with that desire in the way that he wants. For months and months there's been talk that something will happen -- that something has to happen. Things apparently came to a head this week. Lowell's frank statements about the reality of his role with the Red Sox came after the line up was posted on day two in New York, when the resurging David Ortiz got the DH nod to face lefty-throwing Sabathia. I think the only surprise is that it's taken Lowell this long to speak out.
Some writers described Boston's bench boss, Terry Francona, as "annoyed" and "not happy" in his reaction to the situation. The entire scene quickly swelled with melodrama. Is there tension in the clubhouse? Absolutely. Should media, fans, or even management Lowell for expressing concern over, not just the future, but the present? No. If more convincing context is needed, look no further than the piece in today's Herald, written by Gerry Callahan.
"Ortiz is out of his slump now and homered in the 3-2 win over Minnesota last night, so Ortiz plays, even against lefties. Last year, Ortiz hit .212 against lefties. Lowell hit .301. It doesn’t matter. Ortiz plays because he has a track record and reputation and - perhaps you heard - lots of pride. In other words, he plays because he is Ortiz, and you don’t just toss David Ortiz out with the trash,'' Callahan wrote.
"Mike Lowell? You can go ahead and double-bag him, and throw him to the curb. He has done a lot for the organization, too, but apparently not enough to earn the same fawning treatment that Ortiz receives.''
It is just one more angle of interest for the saga.
A resolution, in the form of trade or release, will be reached whether the terms are ideal for all parties involved or not. In the meantime, any further exploration of reality should be recorded but not overblown. Even if the Sox feel Lowell hasn't earned at bats, he is at least deserving of Boston's respect.
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The Sox aren't the only ones struggling
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Mary Paoletti wrote this 3 months ago | Permalink | 2 comments |
This isn't the first time I've been moved to write one of these.
You know, a "misery loves company" type blog.
But since the Red Sox are currently at 19-19 -- .500, the perfect mediocrity -- and even die-hard fans are grinding their teeth in sleep, I think that it's time. Time to remind the Fenway Faithful how to count their blessings? Nope. Time to find some suckers who are doing as badly as Boston to point a finger at.
THE CHICAGO CUBS
Lou Piniella is mad. Shocking, I know. This time the Cubs bench boss's ire was invoked on Sunday when asked about his team's 16-22 record. A record that comes from the MLB's third-highest payroll.
What we need to do is win," Piniella spat. "We keep talking about at-bats for people. We talk about people needing to play. We talk about everything but winning baseball games. That's what the hell I want to talk about ... period."
Piniella's club isn't having many plate problems beside third baseman Aramis Ramirez's .167 average and Derek Lee's paltry 17 RBI. It's the pitching staff that's the source of most struggles. Sure, Boston's relievers are 5-8, but Chicago's bullpen -- which still includes Carlos Zambrano and his 7.07 ERA -- is hardly better with six blown decisions in the 10 left in its care.
ANDRE ETHIER
So let's pretend you're Eithier. You wake up on Saturday morning, stretch your arms and think,
'I'm awesome.'
And the baseball universe can only agree. Going into the day's Dodgers game versus the Padres, you're leading the NL in all triple crown categories (.392, 11, 38) and all of the MLB in batting average and RBI.
Unfortunately, the universe overall has a pretty sick sense of humor. So while you're taking a few game day swings in preparation of continued world domination, your right pinkie breaks. That's right, it couldn't have even been a manly injury like ripping your Achilles or breaking ribs. You fractured your baby finger.
It isn't certain that Ethier will have to take a seat on the DL, but if so, the Dodgers' replacement options for the hottest bat in baseball aren't too impressive. The job would have gone to Triple-A Albuquerque outfielder Xavier Paul if the guy hadn't also gone down on Saturday (beanball). That leaves Trayvon Robinson, an outfielder who is hitting .256 in Double-A and never seen a minute in the major leagues.
Jacoby Ellsbury, currently rehabbing in Pawtucket, laughs at your little pinkie, Andrew Ethier. Even though it causes excruciating pain in his four fractured ribs.
THE BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Hard to rag on a team that not only swept you but scored 20 runs in the series. I think I'll make an exception in this case, however. The O's are 14.5 games back in the AL East to Boston's 7.5. Another one of my favorite numbers is Baltimore's -55 run differential. Boston's is -7. When all else fails as the little guy, just pick on the littler guy, right?
Or maybe all we can do is have some hope. And laugh at Either for wearing pink fuzzy outfits.
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Josh Beckett & Jacoby Ellsbury's Charity Win
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Mary Paoletti wrote this 3 months ago | Permalink | Add comment |
Tuesday night the struggling Red Sox earned a 6-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. It was actually the second win of the day for Boston ballplayers, the first coming hours earlier on the other side of Lansdowne.
Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Beckett, and Charity Wines celebrated their successful partnership at noon with a modest gathering at the House of Blues. The wine varietals unveiled? A red, ZinfandEllsbury, and Beckett's white, ChardonK; both sold for $14.
The event marked yet another effort by members of the Sox to channel their energy toward championing a cause. The Charity Wine venture started in 2007 with Manny Being Merlot, Schilling Schardonnay, Tim Wakefield’s CaberKnuckle, and continued with Vintage Papi, Jason Varitek’s Captain’s Cabernet and Kevin Youkilis’ SauvignYoouuk Blanc. In keeping with tradition, not a cent of profit will be pocketed by the players. Instead, all proceeds benefit charities of their choosing. The Josh Beckett Foundation -- an organization that raises funds for the health and well-being of children -- is the hurler’s pick while Ellsbury has opted to support the Navajo Relief Fund, Project Bread, and the Ellsbury-Read Project.
“It took me a while to pick the charities,” said the Red Sox leadoff man, ‘’but these three are close to my heart and it’s exciting to make an impact in someone’s life.”
With Beckett's injured back keeping him with trainers and away from the wine launch, Ellsbury was left to shoulder the celebrity. Jacoby accepted the attention amiably, signing baseballs that were provided by the NRF, posing for photos with fans, taking center stage for a Q&A, and offering thanks to the crowd for its patronage.
“I have been blessed, not only to be a professional athlete but to be able to give back to the less fortunate,” he said.
Jason Oberle, the executive director of the JBF, delivered a statement on behalf of the foundation’s namesake. Beckett’s message asked that guests excuse his absence and enjoy themselves regardless. Attendees did both graciously. Within the swank coziness of the Foundation Room‘s patchwork walls, wine and baseball lovers alike rubbed elbows and sipped the offerings of Longball Cellars for over two hours.
NESN’s Heidi Watney provided some added star-power as emcee of the event. The host tossed a few gentle jabs into the sensitive ribs of Ellsbury, first telling him that she preferred the ChardonK and later suggesting that he jinxed the Sox by switching uniform numbers this season. Ellsbury good-naturedly donated a laugh in response. He was similarly polite when fielding questions about his return from the disabled list. While he gave no specific timeline for a rehab assignment, Jacoby confirmed that he’s ‘’working with trainers to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
As far as Red Sox philanthropy fetes go, the Charity Wines launch lacked some of the usual pomp and flair. Some may wonder if the low-key mood was a reflection of a subdued Boston clubhouse. In reality, it was just a simple celebration of philanthropy -- a win that is no less important than anything accomplished on the other side of the street at Fenway.
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You Can't Really Watch the Sox if Blinded by Faith
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Mary Paoletti wrote this 3 months ago | Permalink | 4 comments |
I just read a blog that questions having blind faith in sports teams, specifically, in the Red Sox. The 14-14 Red Sox. Though it may seem like a condemnation, the piece is more of a plea. The writer wants reasons -- rhetoric -- as to why he should simply "keep the faith" instead of succumbing to pessimism that sounds like this: "we have the Yankees coming up and I FULLY expect to get swept in glorious fashion."
Well, K-Dub, I'm not going to argue with you.
While the Sox have won their last three games to sit poised for a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, it is hard to forget that this upswing has come after a three straight losses to the lowly Orioles. The mantra of "pitching and defense" repeated ad nauseam in the offseason by Theo Epstein is probably now snickered at throughout the league, as those two facets of the game have been wellsprings of serious Sox struggle. And it doesn't help that plate production has been as inconsistent in baseball's first two months as feared.
So of course it's been difficult for fans keep the lid on their dissatisfaction.
Or is unwavering hope for the home team the very definition of a fan? Where is the line drawn? If you're optimistic during tough times are you faithful or naive? If you express displeasure with the Beantown Boys are you fair-weather or realistic?
I'll tell you where I'm at.
When I look at Boston's schedule I don't sit back with pride and think that this roster can beat any team in the MLB. Let's face facts -- they can't. But whenever the Sox take the field, whether against Baltimore or New York, there is a part of me that has hope. This indestructible seed of optimism is nestled at the center of the very reason I love sports: Anything is possible. Though the rationality within me won't allow me to believe that this is a World Series season, there won't be a single day or night that I don't watch a Red Sox game because I think they can't win.
You know what happens when you do that? You miss walk-off singles by Darnell McDonald. You miss Jonny Lester's seven inning, 11 strike out start that defied April odds. And you miss a 17-run stress reliever of an outing by a line up that supposedly can't hit.
I am not an advocate of blind faith.
There is no part of me that thinks sports fans should steadfastly 'believe' in a team that gives little reason to do so. But I'll never stop watching. It's entirely possible that the Sox will indeed get swept by the Yankees this weekend in "glorious fashion." It's also possible that the rotation will continue to lower its ERA, Ortiz and Drew will continue to raise their averages (however slowly), and the Sox will steal a game -- or three. Either way, I'll keep my eyes on the field and my ears on the airwaves.
That's all fandom is to me -- a relentless desire to keep watching no matter what the outcome.
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