Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Stanton

Does Jason Varitek Even Like Scott Boras?

Scott Stanton — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:46:10 -0500

After an offseason that has left the majority of Red Sox nation fed up with super-agent Scott Boras, it appears that now at least one of his clients is fed up with him as well. The agent’s tranquil tactics have exposed client Jason Varitek’s impatient side, and seemingly forced him to take matters in to his own hands.

Red Sox principal owner, John Henry, was left with a bad taste in his mouth after the Teixeira trade talks between Boras and the Boston Red Sox turned sour. The decorated first baseman headed to the Yankees and Henry went as far as releasing a short statement to the Associated Press stating, "There was no mention of the Yankees, but we felt all along that they were going to get the last call. That's what you deal with in working with Scott."

Henry’s statement not only delivered everything but a sucker punch to Boras, but it also showed the owner's true colors on how he feels about him.

The Teixeira deal was just another item of business added to the growing list of reasons why the Boston brass would not want to continue dealing with Boras. It also left several MLB insiders and analysts wondering if that deal would have any impact on Jason Varitek’s future in Boston.

Just as it seemed that many of Boston’s faithful had given up on Tek, saying if he wanted to stay in Boston and show his true loyalty and team leadership then he would have accepted arbitration, there was an interesting turn of events. Varitek called a meeting with owner John Henry near his home in Newton, Georgia on Thursday evening, without Boras. The two met for approximately 90 minutes, and with neither side releasing any specifics, Varitek did confirm that the meeting was to express to Henry that his desire was to stay in Boston.

What’s even more interesting than Varitek meeting Henry without his agent present is the fact that Scott Boras was a mere 200 miles away, in Atlanta, that day. He accompanied another of his clients and former Red Sox hurler, Derek Lowe, who had just signed a four-year $60 million deal with the Braves and was being introduced.

Boras had rejected Boston’s arbitration offer, which was speculated to be a one-year deal for around the $10 to $12 million mark, in hopes that they would be able to find Jason a multi-year deal. Had Varitek accepted the offer and put up better numbers offensively in 2009, he would have brought a bigger stack of chips to the table during next year’s offseason.

As the offseason continues to disappear more each day, it seems so do Varitek’s chances of landing a deal close to the one Boston has already offered him. Actually, with no other teams kicking down the door of a 36 year-old who batted .220 last season, the Red Sox have the leverage to offer him an Egg White Flatbread and Dunkaccino and say, “Take it or there’s the door.”

Though Boston claims they’re confident to go into the season with the roster they currently have, pairing a bullpen full of stallions without a seasoned vet like Varitek behind the plate is quite a gamble. And they know it. We also can’t forget that Tek is a Scott Boras client. The wonder-agent whose imperturbable tactics might as well be named, “Shock and awe.”

Whether you love the guy, hate the guy, or love to hate the guy, there is no denying that Scott Boras is great at what he does. He’s the guy that most owners and fans can’t stand and the guy who players love. Or is that still the case?

The Red Sox: Youth Of The Nation

Scott Stanton — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:50:34 -0500

Since Theo Epstein took command as the General Manager of the Boston Red Sox his philosophy has been simple, yet effective: Develop young players in the farm system. A remarkable strategy from both a player development standpoint and as a business strategy. If done correctly the outcome is a bargain priced player who has been molded to a clubs preference.

Of course the big "if" in the process is if it's done correctly. Epstein commented that, "You can't guarantee the results all the time in baseball or in life. But you can guarantee the quality and the integrity of the process."

In his time as a member of the Boston brass we have seen the emergence of such phenomenal players as Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, Justin Masterson, Jed Lowrie and Clay Buchholz. And now Epstein, as well as the rest of Red Sox Nation, will be counting on the young-bloods more than ever to produce.

After a failed attempt at signing the switch-hitting Teixeira it looks as though Boston will finish the offseason without making any huge free agent signings. But let's not forget that the Sox only missed the Fall Classic by one game, or even one swing of J.D. Drew's bat in a bases loaded situation that was giving most Red Sox fans hopeful flashbacks.

Point being the Red Sox didn't need to make any huge offseason deals to still be set up to play ball in October.

That doesn't mean that 2009 will be a walk in the park for the boys from Beantown. They are going to rely on the young farm-raised talent to get them through to October. That means Pedroia will have to pick up right where he left off, accumulating every piece of hardware he is eligible for. Ellsbury won't have Coco Crisp to fall back on if he slips into another midseason, or postseason, slump.

If Lowrie wins the starting role at shortstop he will have to prove that he deserves it and try to finish by going two back-to-back seasons with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage at shortstop.

The biggest question that still remains in limbo for the Sox is the void that still lingers behind home plate. Unsure of what the future held for Jason Varitek the Red Sox wanted to leave their catching options wide open and chose to non-tender Kevin Cash, who later signed with the Yankees.

Now with Cash officially out of the picture for next season and continuing to play the waiting game for answers from the Scott Boras/Jason Varitek camp the Red Sox signed Josh Bard.

The signing of Bard successfully put a veteran catcher with major league experience back on their roster and added another switch-hitter to the lineup. However Bard is not an every day catcher and, unlike Cash, has had trouble handling the zany knuckleballs of Tim Wakefield. Though Bard has commented recently that he has matured as a player and feels that he can handle the dancing demon that is Tim Wakefield's knuckleball.

Boston has a catcher in Triple-A Pawtucket, George Kottaras, that has extensive experience catching knuckleballs and spent last season catching the MiLB Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year, Charlie Zink's, knuckleballs. Kottaras is also a power hitter with power capable of whopping 20-25 fence busters a year.

Boston also has another promising catcher in triple-a Pawtucket who split time behind the dish with Kottaras last season, Dusty Brown. Though Brown's skills behind the plate surpass Kottaras' his bat isn't as strong and he wouldn't bring that punch to the middle of the lineup that Boston could benefit from.

Though both Kottaras and Brown sound like feasible options as potential backups neither have major league experience and Boston's Commandant, Theo Epstein, says they're about a year away from being ready for the bigs. However, if Boston is able to retain their eminent captain, Jason Varitek, either could prove to be the perfect protege to the Old Bull.

If Mike Lowell is unable to stay healthy throughout the season again we might see Youkilis shift back to his native third base position and see the emergence of Lars Anderson. A six foot four inch 210 pound left-handed first baseman with a perfect hitters frame and a smooth and fluid swing tailor-made for Fenway.

If Anderson is able to emerge and compete in the big show like he can in the minors he would be the perfect addition to the middle of the lineup. Not only would he bring power but he would allow the lineup to alternate left and right all the way through.

As we sit back and wait for the drama of the hot stove to cool to a simmer and the season to start there shouldn't be any cause for stress. Theo Epstein, and the rest of the Boston brass, have things under control.

They may not add another top-dollar Scott Boras client to the roster this off-season, but the youth of the nation are groomed and ready to take us to the Fall Classic in 2009.

Los Angeles Angels Drop Out of Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes

Scott Stanton — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:08:59 -0500

Inside sources have stated that the Los Angeles Angels have withdrawn their eight-year offer for their switch-hitting slugger, Mark Teixeira.

Going in to the offseason, the Angels' General Manager, Tony Reagins, stated that retaining the Gold Glove first baseman was their No. 1 priority. The Angels retreat from the bidding wars leaves the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox.

Teixeira, originally from Maryland, has stated how much he likes the East Coast and would prefer to play for an East Coast team. He would also prefer to be a contender and play for a team that will still be playing in October.

The Boston brass flew to Texas last Thursday to meet face-to-face with Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras. It seems there have been crickets chirping in talks of where he's heading.

The Red Sox suits had an offer in hand but skipped town and released an email to the media stating, "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

Since that statement was released it's been speculated that they are still the front-runners in landing Teixieira, despite saying they would not be a factor. The offer they presented to Teixeira in Texas was rumored to be eight-years for $170 million.

Rumors circulated that Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, told Boston it would take $195 million for an eight-year deal, though Boras denied that conversation took place.

The Teixeira saga should be winding down, and he will most likely be making a decision in the next three days, as he stated he would like to know what team he will be playing for by Christmas.

Boston Red Sox Pass on Mark Teixeira: Another Scott Boras Bluff?

Scott Stanton — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:51:56 -0500

Boston's top brass headed to the Dallas area earlier Thursday afternoon to meet face-to-face with Mark Teixeira and baseball's baneful super-agent, Scott Boras. This development came shortly after rumors that Baltimore was no longer a factor in the Teixeira bidding due to a lower contract offer than the switch-hitter wanted.

It had been reported that Teixera commented how he wanted to play for his home-town team he grew up loving, the Orioles.

In an email to the associated press late Thursday night Red Sox owner, John Henry, said that they, "are not going to be a factor" in acquiring Teixeira.

"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Red Sox owner John Henry said. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

Does that mean Boston fans won't get to see Teixeira sporting their new alternate throw-back-looking digs? No.

Boras is known for inflating his client's offer values and exaggerating the number of parties interested in his client. This move could be the Red Sox calling, what they perceive to be, a bluff from Boras and is something that has bit them in the past.

Former Red Sox centerfielder, Johnny Damon, ended up wearing pin stripes after the Boston suits refused to believe Boras when he told them about an offer made by their arch rivals.

The Angels will most certainly start going for the jugular in retaining Tex as they too have stated Teixeira is their No. 1 priority during this offseason. But there's also a chance that Boston could mysteriously be back in the conversation for Teixeira in the next few days

Will There Be a Big Splash in Beantown?

Scott Stanton — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:01:00 -0500

The Evil Empire has shelled out over $210 million to convince hurlers Sabathia and Burnett to wear pinstripes. The Angels have made it clear that they want Teixeira back next year, with their eight-year deal rumored to be over $20 million a year. And in the midst of all this wheeling and dealing, things start getting more interesting in Beantown.

It seems that Theo Epstein has made his primary focus this offseason acquiring the switch-hitting power house, and Gold Glove first baseman, Mark Teixeira. Though you just can’t help but wonder if Epstein’s interest in the 28-year-old is sincere, or simply a ploy to drive the price on him higher for rival teams.

Boston already has Gold Glove sluggers on the corners with Youkilis at first and Lowell at third. One could argue that Lowell’s age is cause for concern, and that Teixeira and Youkilis could be the future corners for Boston.

Though that argument could easily be countered with the fact that Epstein has only awarded two free-agent contracts exceeding $40 million, Drew and Matsuzaka, in his six years behind the wheel. Epstein believes in developing young talent through their minor-league system, especially pitchers.

Derek Lowe has mentioned that he would like to return to Boston, and he seems to be the next big-money pitcher in line to await his destiny. He made his No. 1 concern clear to his agent, Scott Boras, when he stated, “With me, it's all about winning.”

Lowe went on to say, “The team with the best chance of winning, year in and year out, is where I want to go.”

Since Boston seems to be focusing the majority of their energy on Teixeira, there hasn’t been much talk over Lowe. The Yankees were another team rumored to be a destination for the 35-year-old right-hander. But having to go big for Sabathia and Burnett, it’s unlikely that they will also be able to land the hard-throwing sinkerballer. Though it seems certain one place Lowe will not be playing next year is Los Angeles.

What Boston should be focusing on now, more than a Gold Glover who can nail moonshot’s from both sides of the plate, or a clutch-veteran pitcher, is a catcher. They have yet to hear back from Varitek on their most recent offer and are now choosing not to tender Kevin Cash a contract for next season.

It doesn’t mean he won’t be back for next year; it simply means they want to keep their catching options open and see how it all plays out. The end result could leave the Red Sox with a fairly inexperienced catching staff in 2009, or it could see the same staff as 2008.

But, of course, maybe that is what’s going on. Maybe Theo is sending Teixeira emails saying Tex owes him a steak dinner for driving up his market value. Or telling him that if it’s late in a playoff game and he’s up to bat for the other team, he better not forget who helped him earn his paycheck.

Jason Varitek's Decline Heats Up the Stove

Scott Stanton — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:46:48 -0500

As suspected, Boston's captain, Jason Varitek, and his super-agent, Scott Boras, have declined the Red Sox's arbitration offer of one year for a price rumored to be around the $10.4 million mark. The decision doesn't necessarily mean that 'Tek's days in Boston are over, but it certainly kicked the dial on the stove up a few more notches.

One scenario Boston could put in to action, if the 36-year-old Varitek chooses not to return to Boston, is calling up their tag team of Dusty Brown and George Kottaras from Pawtucket. GM Theo Epstein previously commented that Brown and Kottaras weren't quite ready for the big show and could still use some development in the minors.

When asked to comment on that possibility recently Epstein said, "We have the right infrastructure in place with our coaching staff to be able to handle something like that if it came to pass. Obviously, you take a bit of a risk with young catchers' ability to handle a staff and deal with the grind, mentally and physically, of catching for a competitive club."

Epstein went on to say, "At the same time, it's a great opportunity to build value with players. Take two young catchers and throw them out there, and if they do well, all of a sudden you have incredible value at the position going forward."

Brown, 26, has a strong build, a cannon for an arm, and calls a solid game behind the plate. His ups and downs with a bat keep him from being prime MLB talent, but he was able to rock a .290 average, whop 12 zingers, and drive in 55 runs last year in Triple-A Pawtucket.

Kottaras, 25, is the antithesis of Brown: A power hitter who belted 22 fence busters, drove in 65 runs, and earned a .243 average, but his defensive skills could use some polishing. Kottaras has a strong arm, but his slower throwing motion keeps him from gunning down runners. However, he has extended experience catching knuckleballers, is good at blocking balls in the dirt, and is able to get to bunts and fly balls quickly.

Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia of the Texas Rangers are two other names that have been tied to the Red Sox as options for next year. However, the Rangers are persistent in acquiring the Sox righty-prospect Clay Buchholz in any deal that sees one of their catchers going to Boston.

Coming off a strong finish in the Arizona Fall League, Epstein remains confident in Buccholz's ability and his future in Boston's starting rotation.

A similar situation is happening with Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks. Boston, reportedly, rejected an offer from Arizona that would have sent another of their righty prospects, Michael Bowden, to Arizona and landed Montero in Boston.

Arizona's GM, Josh Byrnes, is the former assistant GM of the Red Sox and maintains a close relationship with Theo Epstein. Meaning, there's still a possibility that this could unfold into a lucrative deal as the offseason continues.

Boston Red Sox Rumors Piled High with Stuffing and Smothered in Gravy

Scott Stanton — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:04:15 -0500

As Thanksgiving dinner cooks on the stove, so do the rumors about Red Sox players, prospects, trades, and free agents. Perhaps the biggest question in Boston this offseason remains the same: What will the Sox do with Jason Varitek?

Rumors surfaced earlier this week that the Red Sox had offered their captain a one-year contract deal for an undisclosed amount. Tek's agent, Scott Boras, denied there had been any contract offered and went on to say, "I've had no financial discussions with Theo regarding Jason Varitek."

The Red Sox have to determine their arbitration salaries for their free agents by Monday, the players then have until Dec. 7 to accept or decline the offer. Of Boston's eight eligible free agents, Jason Varitek is the only player they intend to offer arbitration to, leaving David Ross, Alex Cora, Mark Kotsay, Mike Timlin, Curt Schilling, Paul Byrd, and Bartolo Colon to explore their options elsewhere.

Varitek is searching for a multi-year deal, which means if the Red Sox only offer him a one-year deal, there is a very good chance that he will decline the offer and continue searching for a long-term deal.

The Detroit Tigers talks with the Red Sox over Boston's shortstop Julio Lugo hit the doldrums today. The deal would have seen Lugo go to Detroit in exchange for a left-handed hurler, either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson. All three players involved have similar contracts with two years left, Lugo with $18 million to come, Willis with $22 million, and Robertson still having $17 million to collect.

As the talks of sending Lugo to Detroit slow and now are considered a remote possibility, the chances of seeing him in Fort Myers for Spring Training are good. He will most likely be competing for the starting spot with Jed Lowrie, who was called up from the minors and finished the second half of last season after Lugo suffered a torn quadricep.

If Lowrie snags the starting job, Lugo will most likely be moved to a utility role.

The Red Sox's interest in 22 year-old Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa has been no secret, nor has Tazawa's interest in playing for the Red Sox. Sources say that Boston has offered the right-hander a $6 million contract offer.

An offer that pales in comparison the $103.1 million that Boston spent to pick up Daisuke Matsuzaka two years ago. The main reason for the price difference between Tazawa and Matsuzaka is that Tazawa has never played professionally.

Tazawa intentionally stayed out of Japan's professional leagues in hopes he would be drafted to a major league team, a move that could cost him a three-year ban from Japan's professional leagues if his career in the major leagues proves unsuccessful and he returns to play ball in Japan.

Players in Japans professional leagues must wait nine years before becoming free agents and they are discouraged from pursuing professional careers by a three-year ban if they choose to skip Japanese amateur draft to play professionally overseas. The Red Sox had to pay the Seibu Lions a blind bid of $51.1 million dollars just to win negotiation rights to Matsuzaka.

After a rough season in and out of the majors, prospect Clay Buchholz made several adjustments in the Arizona Fall League and is expected to to fight for a spot in Boston's 2009 starting rotation. Mike Hazen, Boston's director of player development, said, "I think Buchholz comes in and competes for the major league roster. He had good experience out in Arizona, made a lot of adjustments."

In regards to Clay's shaky performance in the majors this year, Hazen said, "He's dealt with failure for the first time, and figuring out ways to respond to that."

Hazen went on to confirm, "But this guy has major-league weapons and has a chance."

Dustin Pedroia Completes The Hat Trick: Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and MVP

Scott Stanton — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:04:51 -0500

Arizona State University coach Pat Murphy recalls the first time he met Dustin Pedroia, "He walked into my office in a cutoff-white t-shirt, his skin as white as the t-shirt, and he had the body of a sixth-grader."

Pedroia flexed his biceps and said, "Hey, coach, how do you like these guns?"

Pat Murphy's scouting reports on Pedroia had comments like, "He's a mouthy, cocky kid who's only about five foot six, but he can really play." And, "He really believes he's Babe Ruth."

In his first team meeting at ASU coach Pat Murphy was reminding the players that no individual was more important than the team. Pedroia interrupted the coaches speech to chime in with, "I got to be honest, coach, you're going to win a lot more games with me than without me."

Fastforward to 2007, Pedroia's first full season in the big show, the Red Sox won 97 games during the regular season. Having only won 87 games in 2006 and 95 games in 2005, could there be truth to the statement he made as a sixth-grade looking college freshmen?

After a rough start to his rookie season, where his batting average dipped as low as .158, Pedroia bounced back to finish with a .317 batting average, .990 fielding percentage, a World Series ring, and the American League Rookie of the Year honor.

However, more honorable than a ring or Rookie of the Year award was becoming, "The strongest 160-pound player in the league." A title which he had given himself, of course.

Room for improvement in his 2008 season seemed unimaginable, but doubt and skeptics are what motivates the pint sized trash talker. In his typical fashion Pedroia set out with a chip on his shoulder and the drive to prove everyone wrong. The outcome was a hat trick of prestigious awards, snagging a Gold Glove Award, Silver Slugger Award, and completing the cycle with being voted the American League's Most Valuable Player.

During a stint this season where the Sox were struggling with injured players and a stomach flu circulating through the club house, the sizzling hot Pedroia saw himself penciled into the clean-up spot of the order. Posting a .667 average by going 12 for 18 while protecting Big Papi, who no doubt eats sandwiches bigger than Pedroia, were one of the "Destroia's" amazing accomplishments this season.

Dustin finished the regular season leading the majors in hits and doubles while leading the American League in runs. He batted .326 with 17 zingers and 83 RBIs, while stealing 20 bases in 21 attempts.

Pedrioa became the fourth American League second baseman to win the award, the last was Nellie Fox, of the White Sox, in 1959. Joe Gordon and Charlie Gheringer round out that group of elite second baseman who have won the award. He was also the tenth member of the Red Sox to win a Most Valuable Player award, Mo Vaughn was the last in 1995.

The Most Valuable Pipsqueak secured 16 of the 28 first place votes, Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau was the runner up with seven first place votes, and Boston teammate Kevin Youkilis finished third with a pair of first place votes of his own.

Theo Goes Prospecting in Detroit: Sox Acquire Virgil Vasquez Off Waivers

Scott Stanton — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:00:24 -0400

While the Fall Classic becomes the 'Rainfall Classic' and game five remains in limbo, the Red Sox acquired Virgil Vasquez off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.

Virgil was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2000 draft by Texas, but he did not sign. In his last two years at Santa Barbara High School, Vasquez finished with a 23-3 record and earned 179 K's. He was later selected by Detroit in the seventh round of the 2003 draft after finishing his college career with 189 strikeouts at the University of California Santa Barbara.

Vasquez was a member of Detroit's 40 man roster in 2008, though the 6'3" 26-year-old righty was never used due to previous struggles. Having gone 16.2 innings with an 8.64 ERA for the Tigers in 2007, Detroit called upon the likes of Armando Galarraga, Eddie Bonine, and Chris Lambert to fill holes for injured starters.

Vasquez spent his 2008 season with Detroit's Triple-A team, the Toledo Mud Hens. He had a total of 27 starts and finished with a 12-12 record and a 4.81 ERA. Vasquez tossed a total of 159 innings allowing 179 hits, 37 walks, 115 strikeouts, 27 homers, and had an opponents batting average of .283.

Kevin Youkilis and Aramis Ramirez Receive Hank Aaron Award

Scott Stanton — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:44:07 -0400

For the sixth year in a row, fans were able to log on to the MLB website and cast their vote for who they thought deserved the Hank Aaron award. The award is given to the most outstanding offensive performers from each league. With over 230,000 votes cast, the awards have been announced, and it is official: Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox and Aramis Ramirez of the Chicago Cubs are the 2008 Hank Aaron Award winners.

Youkilis finished the season with a career high .312 batting average, meaning that he averaged an RBI every 4.7 times he took a trip to the plate, which was the best ratio in the American League. He also finished out the season slugging .569 and accumulated a club-high 29 homers out of his 168 hits during the regular season. Youk also broke the Red Sox club record of runs with 115.

In response to being the 2008 American League recipient of the award, Youkilis said, "Well, I don't think I can ever compare myself to Hank Aaron in any way," Youkilis said. "I'll never see myself in that level. So to win this award, I don't know, I'm a little humbled by it. But it's great just to be able to have an award that's named after somebody that exemplified so much in this game and has brought so much history to this game. It's an honor just to be named in the same sentence. So for me, I'm thrilled."

Aramis Ramirez jacked 27 homers, a club-high 111 RBI's, and got 160 hits this season to finish with a .289 batting average and a .518 slugging average. Ramirez also had a career-high 44 doubles and a career-high .380 on-base percentage. It was also the two-time All-Star's sixth consecutive season, and seventh total season, of hitting 25 or more homers.

Hank Aaron complemented Ramirez and Youkilis by saying, "These guys have demonstrated that they can play the game of baseball the way it's meant to be played. The most home runs I ever hit in a season were 47. And that was it. No more. And I just want to say, really, I offer my congratulations to the two of them. And believe me that it just takes teamwork, and I'm sure that things are going to work out fine for them."

Ramirez responded to receiving the award by saying, "I can never compare myself to a guy like Hank Aaron. I mean his numbers and those 23 All-Star Games. I'm only 21 behind. But I'm just honored having that award and sitting right next to him."

Dustin Pedroia Jockeys Himself into Position As TSN All-Star Second Baseman

Scott Stanton — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:27:22 -0400

The annual Sporting News All-Star Team has named Dustin Pedroia as the American League second baseman.

The 2007 Rookie of the Year finished his 2008 regular season with the second best batting average in the league, .326, only .002 points off of Minnesota's Joe Mauer. Pedroia led the league in runs (118), doubles (54), and tied Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki for the most hits (213).

If that wasn't impressive enough, "Destroia" also whopped 17 homers, drove in 83 runs, stole 20 bases out of 21 attempts, and has the second best fielding percentage amongst second basemen in all of the Bigs. Not bad for a guy whose height still allows him to go wild in a McDonald's Playland.

The five-foot-something firecracker was the only member of the Red Sox selected for the team, but was joined by the likes of fellow American Leaguers: Joe Mauer, Cliff Lee, K-Rod, Justin Morneau, A-Rod, Jeter, Carlos Quentin, Josh Hamilton, Grady Sizemore, and Aubrey Huff.

The teams are chosen by a panel of 41 general managers and assistant managers from both the American and National League's.

Pedroia is one of the leading candidates to receive the American League Most Valuable Player Award this year, as well as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at second base.

If awards were being given for best comment made to the media about Pedroia, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen should win.

Back on August 30 during game two—of a three-game series in Chicago—Guillen called for reliever Clayton Richard to intentionally walk Pedroia. It was the bottom of the eighth, with two outs, Jed Lowrie was on second and Boston was up eight to two. It was Pedroia's ninth time to the plate in that series and he was batting 1.000.

In a post-game interview the frustrated Chicago skipper commented, "I never thought I'd have to walk a jockey."

World Series Game Three: Phireworks in Philly

Scott Stanton — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:54:48 -0400

After a 91-minute rain delay, Game Three of the World Series got underway in Philadelphia in front of the 45,900 fans in attendance. It was the latest start ever for a World Series game, and it was the home team that got on the board first. Chase Utley brought home Jimmy Rollins with an RBI ground out in the bottom of the first that put the Phillies up by one.

The Rays came out fighting in the top of the second when Carl Crawford got a leadoff double to get the party started for the Rays. After Dioner Navarro lined out to second, Crawford stole third base during Gabe Gross' at-bat. Gross eventually flew out to center, and Crawford was able to score easily from third to tie the game at one a piece.

Carlos Ruiz preferred his team have the lead and took things into his hands when he went yard in his first plate appearance of the evening. The Phillies were able to regain the lead and went up two to one before Garza and Moyer were able to settle in.

Despite the temperature, which was in the low 50s, things started to heat up for the Phillies in the bottom of the sixth. The ever-dangerous Chase Utley started things off by collecting a leadoff dinger to put Philly up three to one. Next batter, Ryan Howard, showed Utley he wasn't the only guy who could homer off Garza when he collected a four-bagger of his own.

The back-to-back home runs extended the Phillies lead by three as the game headed into the seventh frame.

The Rays immediately went to work on closing the gap when Carl Crawford reached on a controversial bunt. Crawford was called safe by first base ump Tom Hallion, off a glove-toss from Moyer to a bare-handed catch by Ryan Howard. Replays showed that Crawford was clearly out by a good half of a step, but first base ump Tom Hallion was positioned behind Howard and unable to get a clear view of the play.

Crawford advanced to third after Dioner Navarro doubled to left field. Jason Bartlett was able to bring Crawford home on a sacrifice grounder to first, which also allowed Navarro to advance to third.

With the Rays knocking, Charlie Manuel decided it was time for Moyer to tip his cap and let the bullpen take over. Chad Durbin came on in relief of Moyer to face Jason Bartlett and gave up a RBI ground out on his first pitch.

Moyer was responsible for Navarro, who scored off Bartlett's RBI groundout and ended up going 6.1 innings with five strike outs and only giving up five hits, three runs, and one walk.

Darbin's second batter of his outing was Willy Aybar, who came in to hit for Garza. Darbin ended his night by walking Aybar and Scott Eyre came on in his relief. Eyre got the Phillies out of the seventh by fanning Tampa Bay's second baseman, Akinori Iwamura, but the Rays were closing in on their lead and the score was now three to four.

The eighth inning started off with an impressive display of speed by Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton. Bossman hit a chopper to the shortstop but kicked on the afterburners to beat the throw to first. After playing cat and mouse with Philly reliever Ryan Madison, Upton was able to successfully steal second.

With his confidence still high, Bossman Junior took off for third two pitches later. Ruiz made a bad throw to third, which was deflected off Upton's foot as he slid into third, sending it towards the dugout. Upton sprung to his feet, took off for home, and leveled the score at four a piece.

J.C. Romero was brought in to the game to face Carl Crawford, whom he got to pop out to right on his first pitch. With Bradford on the hill for Tampa Bay in the bottom of the eighth, and Romero back out to work the top of the ninth, it was six up and six down as the game looked to be in a gridlock as it headed in to the bottom of the ninth still tied at four.

With J.P. Howell on the hill for Tampa Bay, Philly fans felt like they could be in for an even longer night, as it was already well past one in the morning local time. But on a two-and-one count, Philadelphia's Eric Bruntlett got stung by a pitch and trotted down to first base. With the lead runner on, Tampa Bay skipper Joe Maddon took a trip to the mound to take the ball from Howell and hand it over to Grant Balfour.

Balfour worked the count to one and one before delivering a wild pitch that sent Bruntlett hustling for second and Navarro hustling for the passed ball. Navarro gunned the ball towards second, but his ball was as wild as Balfour's. As the ball sailed into the outfield, Bruntlett started booking for third, where he was able to slide in safely. With the game winning run 90 feet away, Tampa Bay elected to intentionally walk Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs.

Now, with the bases loaded, no outs and the bottom of the ninth inning, things got even more interesting. Maddon, known for his unconventional styles, came out to rearrange his defense to a five-man infield. Maddon pulled Ben Zobrist from right field, had him switch to his infielder's glove, and put him in the shortstop position.

Rays shortstop, Jason Bartlett, slid to cover second base, while second basemen Akinori Iwamura shifted halfway between first and second.

With left and center field playing shallow, and right field completely open, Carlos Ruiz squared up in the box. Ruiz had already nailed a fence buster back in the second, but he could win the game with a lot less than that.

Then, on a two-and-two count, Ruiz blooped one halfway down the third-base line. Longoria ran in and fielded it bare handed, but with Bruntlett ahead of him in the basepath, he made a wild toss that Navarro had no chance at catching.

Ruiz came up big by going small, Bruntlett scored, and the Phillies won their first World Series game in Philly in 15 years.

Will the Boston Red Sox Grant Jason Varitek a Contract Extension: Part Two

Scott Stanton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:46:24 -0400

If there is one common theme amongst baseball fans and players, it is superstition. And now that the Red Sox's season is officially over, it is no longer possible that talking about offseason deals will jinx their destiny in the postseason.

Perhaps the biggest question lingering in the minds of all Red Sox fans is the fate of Captain Jason Varitek. Officially a free agent, the 36-year-old, Gold-Glove-winning catcher has already made his feelings clear: He wants to stay in Boston.

Unfortunately for Tek, the decision isn't up to him as much as it is the management. Varitek's history with the game almost makes the decision a no brainer, and holding the record for catching the most no-hitters (4), his presence on defense is nothing shy of elite.

But two of the biggest issues facing the catcher are his age, and his lack of production on offense this season.

It's no secret that the Red Sox don't like signing guys in their mid-to-late 30s. It's also no secret that they are not afraid to let big name fan-favorites go—Johnny Damon and Nomar Garciaparra are a couple prime examples of that.

With the loss of Manny Ramirez's bat, and the unknown future of Mike Lowell's health, the Red Sox appear to be struggling on offense. Varitek finished the regular season with a .220 batting average, a 10-year career worst. His postseason numbers at the plate were atrocious, having gone 4-for-34 in the postseason with a .118 average, and 1-for-20 with a .050 batting average in the ALCS.

Of course, that one hit he got was a huge game-winning home run off of James Shields in Game Six. Regardless, the Red Sox need more production on offense. They're pitching is nothing shy of elite status, but as Pedro Martinez said in 2004, "I can't do anything if we don't score runs. I can only pitch, do whatever's possible to keep my team in the game, and from there on, it's up to them."

GM Theo Epstein has already addressed the topic of Varitek by saying, "He's an important part of the organization. There's no doubt about that. Obviously, he's coming off a year that wasn't his best. But he's important nonetheless. He's a free agent, and we'll be talking to him. We have an obligation to explore all of our options. We have to do that. We do that with every position."

Epstein went on to say, "There's not a lot of elite catching out there. At the same time, that changes the standards for what you're looking for. What we like to do is be league-average at as many positions as we can."

Varitek has been in the Red Sox's organization since 1997, when he and Derek Lowe were traded from the Mariners minor-league system to the Red Sox for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb. Quite simply meaning that Varitek has a lot of information on the Red Sox organization, which could pose a potential threat if he was traded and put on an opposing teams payroll. His knowledge of the game would also make trading him seem foolish.

What are the Red Sox's options? As Epstein said, there's not a lot of options out there for quality catching. Keep in mind that Epstein stresses youth in the system and they are also looking for a bat to fill the weak spot in the bottom of their order, which makes their criteria for a new catcher even smaller. The names Gerald Laird and Kelly Shoppach are two that immediately come to mind.

Laird, 28 years old, finished the regular season with a .276 average and six homers in 344 at-bats. Shoppach finished with a .261 average and an impressive 21 homers in 352 at-bats. Though Shoppach possesses the power bat that Boston may be looking for, he might be tougher to acquire due to the uncertain future of Victor Martinez.

Having shaved $40-60 million off of their payroll from last season, the Red Sox have some options if they choose to pursue a catcher in the offseason. However, I would expect the Red Sox to offer Varitek a one-year contract extension of around $8 million.

If they are able to get Varitek to agree to a deal, they will be able to see if he's able to start producing on offense again. If he continues to struggle, we may see Varitek splitting time and mentoring a younger prospect. His presence behind the plate should be reason enough to offer him one more year; if he continues to struggle at the plate next year, then the Red Sox need to incorporate him into the coaching staff for 2010.

Another possible deal that could play in favor of Varitek would be the Red Sox parting ways with Mike Lowell and bringing in Mark Teixeira. A switch hitter with both sides of the plate, the signing of 28-year-old Teixeira would make way to the extension of Jason Bay's contract.

The result would be a lineup of batters alternating sides of the plate, which would frustrate opposing pitchers, and a middle of the order that would be full of run producers in their peak years. The lineup could look something like:

Ellsbury (L), Pedroia (R), Teixeira (S), Youkilis (R), Ortiz (L), Bay (R), Drew (L), Lowrie (S), Varitek (S)

If the thought of Varitek's future is not something you want to think about, just think about that batting order. Imagine what it would do to opposing managers when they have to go to their bullpen.

American League Rookie of the Year: Jacoby Ellsbury or Evan Longoria?

Scott Stanton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:34:33 -0400

With Game One of the 2008 World Series in the books, the beginning of the end is near. Teams are clearing out their lockers and heading home for the winter, and the Baseball Writers' Association of America is determining Cy Young winners, MVPs, Managers of the Year, and Rookies of the Year for each league.

To be considered a rookie, you must have fewer than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 days on the active roster of a major-league club before Sept. 1 of any previous season. This year, the two prime candidates for Rookie of the Year are Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Most of the chatter is about Evan Longoria—and with good reason. The 23-year-old out of Long Beach State played an integral part in helping turn the Rays' organization around. Tampa Bay went from worst to first in the American League in just one year and earned the franchise its first ever trip to the Fall Classic.

Longo finished the regular season with a .272 batting average, an on-base percentage of .343, and a slugging average of .531. But it's his home-run column that shines the brightest on his stat sheet, having gone yard 27 times throughout the regular season.

Longoria got 122 hits in 448 at-bats, 31 of those being doubles and two being triples. He also accumulated 67 runs, 85 runs batted in, and seven stolen bases.

But like most rookies, it wasn't all wine and roses for Longoria. He struck out 122 times on offense. Committing 12 errors in 329 total chances on defense ranked him third in the American League for most errors committed.

In all of the excitement surrounding the Rays' Cinderella story this year, Boston outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury seems to have taken a backseat to Evan Longoria in Rookie of the Year talk.

But why? The stats seem to be in his favor.

Ellsbury finished the regular season on a 16-game hit streak, leaving him with a .280 batting average, slightly higher than Longoria's. But that wasn't the only column in which the speedster outperformed Longoria. Ellsbury earned more runs (98), hits (155), triples (seven), and stolen bases (50).

An argument could be made that Ellsbury had more chances because Longoria was out with a broken wrist for most of August and the first part of September, while Ellsbury avoided the DL all season.

Despite Ellsbury's having to split playing time with Coco Crisp, he did get 106 more at-bats than Longoria. With that said, it also means he had more opportunities to strike out. It's something Ellsbury only did 80 times in his 554 plate appearances, while Longoria was dealt 122 K's in his 448 trips to the plate.

Then there's Ellsbury's defense. Normally a center fielder, Ellsbury showed his talent and versatility as an outfielder this season. He filled in for J.D. Drew in right field while Drew was experiencing back problems and shared playing time with Coco Crisp in center field.

Ellsbury stepped up to fill the spot in left field when Jason Bay's daughter was born and more notably when Manny Ramirez had a "sore" left knee. (Wait, I mean right. Oh, did I say it was the left one last time? That's what I meant then, left.)

But what is more important than his versatility in the outfield is the fact that he's remained perfect while covering each position. Out of 336 total chances this season, Ellsbury has maintained a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Perfection.

Mike Lowell's Hip Surgery: "A Complete Success"

Scott Stanton — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:40:04 -0400

Mike Lowell underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday, Oct. 20, to repair his right hip. The procedure was said to be a complete success. Doctors were pleased to see that his hip was in better condition than they had originally anticipated.

Two lesions of bone were removed, as well as tiny bits of cartilage from his hip labrum. Doctors also released an abductor in his labrum—a procedure involving his tendons and his over-all range of motion.

Mike began recovery today, and is expected to make a full recovery within three to four months.

Red Sox General Manager, Theo Epstein, reported, "I think today was a big day for that. They finally got a look in there. They didn't see anything that they didn't expect. We'll monitor the rehab and the recovery, but we expect Mike to be able to contribute right from the start."

Are You Sure Matt Garza Is the ALCS MVP?

Scott Stanton — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:03:02 -0400

Matt Garza was named the ALCS MVP following Tampa Bay's Game Seven win over the Boston Red Sox. But was that title given to the correct player?

Garza out-pitched the Red Sox in both of his appearances in the series, earning the win each time. He tossed for a combined 234 pitches in 13 innings and accumulated 14 strike outs. While what he did was quite impressive, what he didn't do was even more impressive. He gave up a total of only eight hits and two runs, one of which was a home run off the bat of the mighty-mini, Dustin Pedroia.

Though those numbers are quite impressive, I have to wonder why the award was not given to B.J. Upton. At the plate, Upton went 9-for-26 and was walked four times. Speaking of four, that's also how many times "Bossman Junior" went yard. He also earned 11 RBI and stole two bags en route of the Fall Classic.

While his offensive contribution's seemed to come at clutch times, they also seemed to take a back seat to his defensive skills. Bossman robbed the Red Sox of hit after hit by covering huge plots of real estate in center field.

You could hold a reasonable argument that Evan Longoria also could have won the title, but Longo's numbers at the plate weren't as impressive as Upton's, and he committed an error that ended up costing them Game Five.

With Game One of the World Series set for Wednesday, perhaps we will see Bossman begin his crusade for the title of, "World Series MVP."

The Boston Red Sox in 2008: What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been

Scott Stanton — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:04:24 -0400

From a 10-inning, before sun-up, season opener in Japan, to an ALCS Game Seven at Tropicana Field, the Red Sox season has been as much of a wild ride as that sounds.

In MLB's attempt to expand their market, the 2007 World Series Champions started their season against the Oakland A's in Tokyo, Japan. The game was broadcast live, meaning, after I woke up in the middle of the night to watch the game, I was still able to go back to bed before waking up again to begin the daily grind.

But the half-opened, bloodshot eyes and lack of sleep the next day were all worth it. A ninth-inning home run off the bat of Boston's Brandon Moss tied the game at four, which led to a two-run, RBI double from Manny Ramirez, and Papelbon almost blowing his first save attempt of the season in the bottom of the 10th.

Fast-forward 173 games. Brandon Moss is in Pittsburgh, Manny Ramirez is in Los Angeles, Jason Bay is now playing left field in Boston, Mike Lowell is having hip surgery, Kevin Youkilis is at third, Jed Lowrie is splitting time at shortstop with Alex Cora, Mark Kotsay is at first base, and Josh Beckett has a postseason ERA of 8.79.

Let's take this a little slower.

Manny being Manny. Cell-phone calls from the Green Monster during pitching changes, and high fiving fans in the middle of fielding a fly ball were common happenings with Boston's left fielder, Manny Ramirez.

But after a severe lack of effort, fake injuries and clubhouse bickering saw "Man Ram" go to "Mannywood" in a three-way trade with the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Pirates. Outfielder Brandon Moss and reliever Craig Hansen left Boston for Pittsburgh, while third baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris left Los Angeles for Pittsburgh. Ramirez left Boston for Los Angeles, and Jason Bay left Pittsburgh for Boston.

After J.D. Drew faced constant back problems, following his MVP All-Star Game performance, Boston acquired free agent Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves as a backup plan.

Kotsay was to add depth to Boston's outfield talent, as they were unsure of what to expect from J.D. Drew heading into their end-of-the-season pennant race. Kotsay proved to be a very versatile player after Mike Lowell's hip injury forced him out of the lineup, causing Gold Glove winner Kevin Youkilis to move from his normal post at first base and set up camp at third.

Regular shortstop Julio Lugo tore his quad muscle in the middle of July, which ended his season. Boston brought up their young prospect Jed Lowrie to split time at the shortstop position with Alex Cora. Lowrie also showed his versatility by playing third base at times, allowing Youkilis to stay at first, while Cora covered the shortstop position.

Josh Beckett, Wheaties cover boy following the 2007 World Series, was plagued with injuries throughout the season. Starting with lower back pain that kept him from going to Japan for the season opener. Followed by tingling in his throwing elbow, and finally a strained oblique muscle. The result was a rusty performance in the postseason this year, giving up 14 runs, seven homers, 22 hits, and 14 strikeouts in 14.1 innings pitched over three games.

Perhaps one of the strangest occurrences of the season was the bullpen. Said to be the weakest spot of the team all season, they came around and proved to be the strongest part of the postseason. One of the biggest contributors to that change was Hideki Okajima. After struggling through most of the regular season, he returned to his 2007 form in the postseason. Going 10 innings, while only giving up four hits and two runs.

Justin Masterson proved his weight in gold this season by working his way into the roll of Jonathan Papelbon's ace set-up guy. Masterson's lucky number was nine in the postseason this year. Nine appearances, nine-and-two-thirds innings, with nine strikeouts.

All of that while only giving up two earned runs and earning a 1.86 ERA. Not bad for a 23-year-old kid taking his first tour in the big leagues.

Papelbon, who was one of the most consistent relievers, maintained his career 0.00 postseason ERA. Papelbon has now gone 25 innings with zero runs in the postseason and struck out 22. Justin Masterson also became a clutch performer for the Sox's bullpen in the last half of the season.

But when all was said and done, the Red Sox were as close as one base hit shy of making it back to the Fall Classic. Down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, during Game Seven of the ALCS, Boston left runners on the corners. Then in the bottom of the eighth, after a solo shot homer by Willy Aybar that put the Rays up 3-1, J.D. Drew struck out and left the bases loaded.

It was a hard-fought battle and made for some exceptional October baseball. But as the Green Monster goes into hibernation for the winter, all Sox fans can do now is sit back and see what moves management makes in the offseason.

Dear MLB, We Need to Talk About Your TBS Contract

Scott Stanton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:32:37 -0400

Dear MLB,

I have already written a complaint to TBS in regard to their unprofessional and, seemingly, biased announcers. Now I want answers from you. What's it going to take?

What is it going to take to buy back the rest of your contract from TBS? There has been a large outcry from disgruntled baseball fans over TBS's coverage of postseason baseball. At first, it was due to half of the playoff games being televised on a cable network. Why can't all of the games be televised on non-cable broadcast networks, like Fox, ABC, NBC, or CBS?

Throughout this season, I have noticed that postseason baseball has been advertised as a sort of magical, mystical, and fairytale-like time of the year. I associate all three of those words with Disney.

The Walt Disney Company owns the ABC Television Network, as well as ESPN. Between those two companies, you should be able to pull in large figures for the contract and put together a top-notch group of announcers that offer in-depth, professional analysis. The worst case scenario is you're told they want all of the postseason games, split between ESPN and ABC, and you're already light years ahead of where you are right now.

I was able let that issue go. I wrote it off as a non-discriminatory call against cable networks. An issue similar to Monday Night Football no longer being on ABC, after 36 years, and coincidentally now airing on ESPN.

That aside, the next issue was the announcing. Their evident lack of professionalism and inability to make accurate, non-partisan, calls makes the games excruciating to watch. I am referring to their biased play calls and inability to reference players by their correct names.

Now, our complaint to you is their inability to push a button, or perhaps their inability to push the correct button.

When I tuned in to watch Game Six of the ALCS, I thought my dreams had come true—baseball was not on TBS anymore. But then I was quickly informed, by a 1990s scrolling marquee across the screen, that they were experiencing "technical difficulties" with the game. Difficulties that caused eager baseball fans, from coast to coast, to miss the entire first inning.

The game picked up with a score of 1-0. Rather than being able to witness the first score, or the entire first inning for that matter, we were left watching House of Payne re-runs. Which, literally, caused a house full of pain.

I consider last night's "glitch" to be foreshadowing to TBS's future with postseason baseball. Pull the plug. Dissolve the contract. Baseball has yet to fully recover from the 1994 strike, and you're already flirting with another disaster.

Sincerely,

Baseball Fans Across America

Washington Huskies Get an Oregon State Beaver Beatdown

Scott Stanton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:01:15 -0400

After spending last weekend Cougar hunting at home, the Oregon State Beavers made the short trip up I-5 to take on the University of Washington Huskies.

Washington's starting QB, Jake Locker, is still out with a broken thumb, which allowed fellow sophomore Ronnie Fouch to earn his second start of his college career. Fouch was matched up against fellow gunslinger Lyle Moevao from Oregon State.

Fans were expecting a hard-fought battle between the two teams as memories of Al Afalava's hit on Locker still remained fresh in their minds.

Locker left the field in an ambulance during last year's match-up, only to return in the fourth quarter in a neck brace. Locker stated the hit was clean and that his head was just at an awkward angle when he got hit.

Washington was able to get the first good drive of the game going in their second possession, going 66 yards in eight plays and topping it off with a 44-yard field goal by Jared Ballman.

Their lead didn't last long, as OSU unleashed the Rodgers brothers on their next drive. James Rodgers started things off with an 18 yard kickoff return, and then finished the drive five plays later with a 52-yard rushing touchdown. Justin Kahut's extra point was good and the Beav's were up 7-3.

Keenan Lewis intercepted a pass from Ronnie Fouch on the Washington 45, with 50 seconds left in the quarter. The Beavers orchestrated a five-play, 25-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard field goal to put the Beavers up 10-3 in the second quarter.

Oregon State ended Washington's drive early for the second time in a row, when Ronnie Fouch fumbled the ball when he was being dropped for a five-yard loss. Oregon State recovered on their own 49.

Jacquizz Rodgers took the ball on the first two plays, moving the line of scrimmage up four yards. Then on third and six, Moevao hooked up with Shane Morales for a 16-yard completion, putting them on Washington's 31.

Two plays later Moevao Hooked up with secret agent 008, James Rodgers, for a 33-yard TD pass. Kahut's PAT was good, and the Beavs were up 17-3 with 8:43 left in the first half.

Fouch was able to put together an 11-play, 58-yard drive, but failed to score after Jared Ballman missed a 40-yard field goal attempt on fourth-and-12.

Ballman redeemed himself on the Dogs' next possession, after forcing Oregon State to punt, with a 44-yarder to put Washington within 11 as they headed for the tunnel at halftime.

Oregon State's James Rodgers received to start the second half and was able to return it 35 yards to the Beavers own 35. Jacquizz Rodgers received a pass from Moevao for a 12-yard gain but limped to the sideline after the reception.

While Rodgers was attended to on the sidelines, the Beavers unleashed a Ryan McCants rushing attack. McCants went 29 yards on five consecutive carries before Jacquizz returned to the game. J-Quizz capped off the drive with a 1-yard rush that put Oregon State up 24-6.

Washington's Jordan Polk got the Huskies good field position after a 29-yard kickoff return to the Washington 36. Fouch followed up Polk's return with an eight-play drive to the Oregon State 18 before Ballman botched a 36-yard field goal attempt.

The Husky defense was able to hold the surging Beavers to a three-and-out and allow the offense to come back out and try to get something going. Fouch's first pass of the drive was a 28-yard completion to Jordan Polk.

The Huskies quickly found themselves going for it on a fourth-and-16 situation. Fouch's pass was intercepted by Washington's arch-nemesis, Al Afalava, with 17 seconds left in the third quarter.

Oregon State capitalized off Afalava's pick by going 80 yards in four plays. James Rodgers put an exclamation point on the drive with a 55-yard rushing touchdown. The Beavers went up 31-6 after Kahut drove in the point after.

Washington answered right back when Terrance Dailey broke through on the third play of the drive and went 59 yards to the end zone. Ryan Perkins' extra point kick was good and it was 31-13.

The Beavers had an 11-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 23 yard field goal off the foot of Justin Kohut to put the Beavers up 34-13.

Washington's next drive started with a five yard penalty holding penalty, followed by a 15 yard pass inference call, both in their favor. Fouch hooked up with Devin Aguilar for a 32 yard sling that put them on the Beavers one-yard line.

Fouch tried to sneak on the next play, no gain. Luke Kravitz went on second down, no gain. Fouch tried again on third down, no gain. On fourth and inches, with two minutes to go in the game, the go back to Kravitz who is stuffed by the Oregon State defense again! Four straight goal-line stops by the Beaver D!

The Beavers went three-and-out before Johnny Hekker booted a 47-yard punt, that was returned nine yards by Washington's Devin Aguilar.

Fouch's first pass of the drive was picked off in the end zone by Oregon State's Brandon Hughes. Hughes went down in the end zone for a touchback.

Moevao took two knees to run out the clock and the Oregon State Beavers defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13.

Moevao was 18-for-22, with 191 yards, one TD, and no picks. Fouch went 17-for-32, with 276 yards, no TDs, and three picks.

ALCS Game Six: "Big Lame" James Can't Stop the Captain and His Red Hot Sox

Scott Stanton — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:22:38 -0400

Boston fans were unsure which Beckett had shown up to the yard for ALCS Game Six in Tampa Bay. After striking out his first batter of the night, Akinori Iwamura, Beckett gave up a home run to B.J. Upton on a full count. But that didn't seem to phase him.

Coco Crisp didn't charge the mound to give James Shields a right hook, but Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek teamed up on "Big Game" for a couple of combo shots.

Beckett delivered a performance, showing signs of promise that the Beckett of old was back. Josh went five innings, with four hits, two runs, one base on balls, and three strikeouts. His fastball was light on the mustard, only registering in the low 90s, but he was able to utilize his curveball and command the strike zone to keep Tampa Bay batters off balance.

With the score still 1-0, Kevin Youkilis responded with a leadoff home run in the top of the second inning that leveled the score at one a piece. Youkilis came up big again in the top of the third with an RBI groundout that scored Dustin Pedroia from second base, putting the Sox up 2-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa Bay got their last hit of the night in the form of a Jason Bartlett dinger in the bottom of the fifth, evening the score at two a piece.

In the top of the sixth, with the score tied at two and Jason Varitek at the plate, I got a phone call from an old friend, a diehard Yankee fan. At first I wasn't going to answer, but then decided I would ask him how his Yankees were doing so far this postseason. As he's uttering out, "Doesn't the old dog know when to just roll over and die?"

A line I'm sure he'd been rehearsing since the second inning. Jason Varitek drove himself out of a 1-for-14 slump and earned his first hit of the series, when he went yard off James Shields' 107th pitch of the evening. It was El Capitan's first four bagger in his last 61 plate appearances. His last fence buster was on Sept. 15 against, none other than, the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

Shields was relieved by J.P. Howell after Coco Crisp followed up Tek's gopher ball with an infield single to second base. Boston's next batter, Dustin Pedroia, reached on a throwing error by shortstop Jason Bartlett. Pedroia was held at first on the error, but Crisp was able to make it to third. With ducks on the corners, Big Papi took the plate and was able to bloop one into right center, scoring Crisp from third and putting Boston up 4-2.

Hideki Okajima started the bottom of the sixth in relief for Beckett, and what a relief he has been this postseason. After struggling through much of the regular season, Oki has only allowed four hits and two runs over nine innings pitched this postseason and is posting a 2.00 ERA. Clutch. Oki pitched two no-hit innings, giving up one base on balls, and earned one K against the dangerous Carlos Pena.

Masterson came out for the eighth and went one strong inning with one strikeout before turning it over to the executioner, Jonathan Papelbon, who earned the save in eight pitches.

Boston won Game Six with a final score of 4-2, forcing a Game Seven at 8:07 ET Sunday, Oct. 19.

Beckett earned his first W in six weeks, and the Red Sox are now 9-1 in postseason games when facing elimination.

Josh Beckett, Please Visit Dr. James Andrews Before ALCS Game Six

Scott Stanton — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:47:30 -0400

Josh Beckett has struggled with injuries all season. From a strained back that kept him from going to Japan for the season opener, elbow issues in the second half of the season, and now a strained oblique. Terry Francona has denied Beckett's scanty performance this October is due to a torn oblique muscle, and repudiated that claim by saying no one would be capable of pitching if that were the case.

Back in August Beckett went 2.1 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up eight runs on eight hits, and marked the worst performance of his season. It later surfaced that the Boston Ace had a tingling feeling in his throwing arm.

As the next couple of weeks passed Beckett decided to visit Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, for a consult. The result, a dominating performance over five frames with seven strike outs. Beckett was limited to 80 pitches during that outing since he had not pitched in the 19 days. However, that was Josh's last win of the season as he finished out the regular season going 0-4.

Beckett's performance this postseason has left a feeling in my stomach of which I haven't felt since I told Tommy Parker he wore girls' clothes, in the third grade. The result of my mean, and childish, comment was a swift kick to the crotch. And to this day I think only Lance Armstrong could rival the amount of leg strength Tommy put into that kick. But hey, I deserved it.

Though Beckett has been able to escape both postseason games he's pitched this season with a no decision, he's posting a horrific 11.57 ERA. And as we head in to Game Six of the ALCS, with Boston on the brink of elimination, I'm starting to get that funny feeling in my stomach. But don't get me wrong, I still have faith in Josh. And the reason is quite simple, he deserves it.

Josh is a competitor and, like teammate Dustin Pedroia, seems to play with a chip on his shoulder that makes him feel he has something to prove every night he plays. He still carries that swagger about him on the mound, and he doesn't appear to be anything shy of confident when he's in the game.

He doesn't try to crawl under home plate and hide when he's slumping and facing criticism from every direction. He takes the ball and goes out there to do his job as best he can.

I remember after the Red Sox won the World Series last year I was indulging myself in a bowl of Wheaties, that had a picture of Josh on the front of the box, and my roommate asked, "What do you think 'The Ace' eats for breakfast?"

Without a moment of hesitation I gave the corniest line I could think of, "Pressure."

My diet hasn't changed in the past year, and I hope Josh Beckett's hasn't either, despite his numbers. Perhaps he needs to make a quick trip to Birmingham, Alabama to get a quick lube and oil change on his arm from Dr. Andrews. Or at least a consultation over a nice warm platter of "pressure."

Regardless to whether either of those happen or not I know one thing is for certain, I'll be cheering louder than a cow bell for Mr. Beckett come Saturday night.

History Drew The Same Conclusion For The Boston Red Sox in ALCS Game Five

Scott Stanton — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:53:35 -0400

With two outs, runners on the corners, and trailing 7-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning Dustin Pedroia "The Destroia" squared up against Grant Balfour. After taking two balls before being fanned by two fastballs Pedroia started fouling off pitches, waiting for the perfect one.

With the count full, Pedroia ripped one into right field allowing Jed Lowrie to easily score from third.

As vitamin water dripped off of his perfectly manicured beard Big Papi settled in to the batters box. Booed in his previous plate appearances of the evening, Papi knew he had to come up big. After watching Balfour stick to his fastball throughout the inning Ortiz wasted no time, jumping on the second pitch of his at bat and crushing it over the right field wall to put the struggling Red Sox within three.

Papelbon, who came on in relief of Manny Delcarmen in the top of the seventh, came back out for the eighth to help the Sox tread water as their offense started to produce. The fireman was able to retire the side in 12 pitches and allow the offense to go back to work.

Jason Bay was the lead off man for the Red Sox, but as he looked to get things going in the eighth Tampa Bay's Dan Wheeler delivered walked him in four pitches. JD Drew dug in at the plate and decided to be like fellow slugger David Ortiz, he swung for the hills on pitch two that went into the bleachers behind the right field wall and put the Sox within one.

After a double by Mark Kotsay, Coco Crisp got what Terry Francona referred to as, "probably the best at bat he's had as a Red Sock."

On the tenth hit of his at-bat Crisp drove one into right field, just over the head of Gabe Gross, allowing Mark Kotsay to score from second base leveling the score at seven a piece. Confident in his speed, and that Gross was going to try to throw home, Crisp tried to advance to second but was tagged out to end the inning.

Justin Masterson came on for the ninth and was able to keep the score at seven all, allowing a hit and a base on balls.

J.P. Howell came out in the ninth for Tampa Bay and relieved Dan Wheeler. With two outs Kevin Youkilis launched a rocket down the third base line, Evan Longoria scooped it and made a bad throw to first.

The ball bounced in the dirt before going into the glove of first basemen Carlos Pena. Pena closed his eyes and held his breath while trying to scoop the throw out of the dirt, but in his follow through action tossed the ball behind him and into the stands allowing Youkilis a ground rule double on the play that should have ended the game.

One of Boston's clutch hitters in the ALDS, Jason Bay, was the next batter up to the plate. But in a rather interesting call, which was being referred to as part of Joe Maddon's "unconventional play," Bay was given an intentional walk. Rather than trying their luck on the 0-3 Bay, Tampa Bay liked their chances better with the 1-3 JD Drew who had come up with the big two run homer in the previous inning.

After being fanned on a 3-0 count, JD Drew drove one deep in to right field over the head of Gabe Gross. Catcher Dioner Navarro was on his way to the dug out before Drew even reached first, which left more room for the Boston Red Sox to greet Kevin Youkilis as he scored the game winning run from second base.

Boston's eight run, come-from-behind, victory was the biggest postseason rally since 1929. In a post game interview Boston skipper Terry Francona said, "I've never seen a group so happy to get on a plane at 1:30 in the morning in my life."

Both teams head back to St Petersburg, Florida for Game Six at Tropicana Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 ET, and it will be a match-up against Josh Beckett and James Shields.

Will the Boston Red Sox Grant Captain Jason Varitek a Contract Extension?

Scott Stanton — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:54 -0400

With the Fall Classic just around the corner, and the Boston Red Sox one game from elimination, many Sox fans are beginning to question if they will see their captain, Jason Varitek, in a Red Sox uniform again.

If you look at the gold glover's history, you would have grounds for a decent argument on why the Red Sox organization should keep such a well decorated player.

Varitek's success began in 1984 when he lead his Altamonte Springs, Florida little league team to a 4-2 victory over Southport, Indiana in the Little League World Series.

Varitek was also a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team, Baseball America's 1993 College Player of the Year, 1994 College World Series All-Tournament Team Catcher, and he was the only Georgia Tech baseball player to have his number (33) retired.

Varitek also holds numerous Georgia Tech records: most career games played (253), most career runs scored (261), most career base hits (351), most career doubles (82). Jason was also awarded the 1994 Golden Spikes Award, 1994 Rotary Smith Award, 1994 Dick Howser Trophy, was a three time consensus All-American, and was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame.

After college, Jason was the 14th overall pick, in the first round of the 1994 amateur draft, by the Seattle Mariners. Varitek was traded from the Mariner's farm system, along with Derek Lowe, to the Boston Red Sox during the 1997 season. Jason made his first appearence in the big show was on September 24, 1997, where he went 1-1 at the plate. After showing some promising signs during the 1998 season, Varitek became the Red Sox starting catcher in 1999.

In 2004, pitcher Bronson Arroyo hit batter Alex Rodriguez with a curveball, causing Rodriguez to argue that he was hit intentionally. Varitek responded by shoving his glove in the face of A-Rod and claiming, "We don't f---ing hit .270 batters!"

The brawl resulted with both A-Rod and Varitek being ejected, however a charged Fenway crowd was on their feet cheering the Sox to a come from behind, bottom of the ninth, victory. The fracas proved to be somewhat of a turning point for the Red Sox as they chalked the best MLB record after the scrap.

Boston's 2004 season was topped off by their first World Series victory in 86 years, making Jason Varitek only the second player to have played in the Little League World Series, College World Series, and Major League World Series.

The Red Sox organization must have took his accolades into consideration, because Varitek became a free agent at the end of the season and the Red Sox resigned him to a four year, $40 million contract, and made Varitek as team captain—a title which had only been given to two other Boston players since 1923, Carl Yastrzemski (1969-1983) and Jim Rice (1986-1989.)

In his 11 years with the Boston Red Sox, Varitek has been a three time All-Star, received the 2005 Silver Slugger Award, was a 2005 Gold Glove winner, and earned the 2006 Heart and Hustle Award.

On May 19th, 2008, after catching Jon Lester's no-hitter, Varitek also became the only catcher in Major League history to have caught four no-hitters. Hideo Nomo in 2001, Derek Lowe in 2002, Clay Buchholz in 2007 and Jon Lester in 2008.

Varitek also has a number of Red Sox milestones and achievements.

On April 14, 2005, he became the 26th player to hit 100 home runs for the club. He was the first Red Sox catcher to win Sliver Slugger, and the third Sox catcher to win a Gold Glove behind Carlton Fisk and Tony Pena.

On July 18, 2006 he broke Carlton Fisk's club record of most games caught with 991, and at the time of this article has caught 1,330 games.

However, it is no secret that GM Theo Epstein, and the rest of the Red Sox organization, is not afraid to let blockbuster players go once they reach their mid-to-late 30s.

Varitek's lackluster performance at the plate this year may be cause for some concern, however. But for a man who has been loyal to the organization, and played his entire major league career with the Red Sox, it would be nice to see him remain with the organization. Perhaps a shorter contract with clauses stating that he will mentor and split starts with prospect catchers, or even signing him to the coaching staff.

Diasuke Matsuzaka made his thoughts clear, through interpreter Masa Hoshino, when he said, "For two years over all those games that Varitek has caught for me, I've been able to pitch with less and less stress over that time, and that certainly has helped me in my performances as well."

I don't think the Dice-man is alone when it comes to who the fans, and players, would like to see behind the mound next season.

Race and the Boston Red Sox—Another Response

Scott Stanton — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:40:50 -0400

If you are reading this article then chances are that you know this is in response to an article written by a senior baseball writer for FOXsports.com in regards to the racial makeup of the Boston Red Sox.

I choose not to link to the article as I feel it was poor reporting and a direct jab in an attempt to stir up a non-issue.

The article begins with a direct and bold jab, as the opening line reads, "The Red Sox look very white."

The author later begins to backtrack and says he thinks it is purely coincidental and agrees with GM Theo Epstein, who said, "Our player-personnel decision making is completely color-blind and always will be."

Then the question is why this article was even written. If you agree that there is no issue, and that it was a matter of coincidence, then why choose to try and create the issue?

In the article, the author points out that after the trade of Manny Ramirez and the injury to Julio Lugo, the only non-Caucasian players left on the team are:

Coco Crisp, African American
David Ortiz, Dominican
Alex Cora, Puerto Rican
Javier Lopez, Puerto Rican
Jacoby Ellsbury, Native American
Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japanese
Hideki Okajima, Japanese
Manny Delcarmen, Dominican
Mike Lowell, Cuban

There is mention of Bartolo Colon, who is Dominican as well, not lasting.

A statement was made in context that Colon left the organization due to the roster not being racially diverse enough for him. In fact, Colon was injured and spent most of the season on the DL before returning to Boston's farm system to ease him back to health in time for the postseason.

Colon was asked to return to Boston's postseason roster as a reliever, but Colon returned to the Dominican Republic for family reasons, and then refused to come back as he felt he was a starter and not a reliever.

The article also points out that the Sox added prospects Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson. Lowrie replaced the injured Julio Lugo and Masterson was added as a reliever. Masterson is in fact Caucasian, but the author fails to point out that Masterson is from Kingston, Jamaica.

This makes 10 men on their 25-man postseason roster—40 percent of their roster—who could identify themselves on a census report as non-Caucasian.

Had Colon been cooperative to play, and Lugo not been hurt, that would be 48 percent non-Caucasian. That is assuming Lowrie would not be on the roster and Colon would take the spot of Mike Timlin or Paul Byrd in the bullpen.

There was no mention of minor-league prospects that are in the Boston farm system, such as Devern Hansack. A minor league pitcher for the Paw Sox from Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua, Hansack was used at the end of the season to test his ability and give him some experience in the majors.

Or what about Luis Alicea? He was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Alicea might not be a starting player on the roster, but he takes the field for Boston every game as the first base coach.

I am ashamed to have to write this response and allow the Fox sports writer to accomplish his demeaning motive of sparking controversy.

I hope I'm not alone when I say that it disgusts me to think that there are still people in our society that don't view everyone equally and would even consider a team's racial makeup as being a deciding factor on why other players might, or might not, want to be traded to that team.

Dice-K Can Keep the Red Sox Alive in ALCS Game Five

Scott Stanton — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:46:12 -0400

Down three games to one in the 2007 ALCS, the Red Sox were on the verge of being eliminated by the Cleveland Indians. But then Josh Beckett came through with a clutch performance in Game Five, shutting down the Cleveland offense with 11 K's over eight frames.

Boston followed with equally dominant performances from Schilling in Game Six, and Daisuke in Game Seven, allowing them their second trip to the Fall Classic in four years. After a four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies, the Red Sox earned their second World Championship victory in four years.

After another crushing defeat in Game Four from the Tampa Bay Rays, a team whose odds of winning the 2008 World Series were 50,000-1 at the start of the season, the Boston Red Sox find themselves in a very familiar situation.

But the big question is, can they repeat the unthinkable again this year?

The Tampa Bay Rays are scorching hot right now and seemingly unstoppable. But Boston will have Daisuke Matsuzaka playing the role of 2007 Josh Beckett on the mound in Game Five.

Daisuke gave one of his best performance's of the year in Game One, and the Red Sox are going to need him to repeat that performance in Game Five. Matsuzaka lead the Sox to a shutout by going seven innings with nine strikeouts and only four hits. If Dice-K is able to earn Boston their second win of the series, it will give the Sox momentum as they head back to the Trop, where Red Sox Nation hopes to see Josh Beckett return to his 2007 form.

The odds may be stacked against them right now, but they certainly are not 50,000-1, and keep in mind, "Anything's possible!"

ALCS Game Four Recap: They Can Zing, They Can Dance, Knuckleballs Were a Chance

Scott Stanton — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:36:45 -0400

Red Sox fans packed into Fenway Park Tuesday night, hoping to see Tim Wakefield's knuckleball's look like Kristi Yamaguchi on this season's Dancing With The Stars.

The game started off hopefully when Tim Wakefield utilized his knuckleball to make Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura look like a cat playing with a ball of yarn. But Wakefield's first strikeout of the night was immediately followed up by four-pitch walk to the speedy B.J. Upton, a two-run homer to Carlos Pena, and a solo shot over the monster to Evan Longoria. It seemed almost as quickly as the game started, so did the bullpen.

Wakefield looked to be back on form in the second inning when he retired the side, but when he returned for duty in the third, he gave up another two-run zinger to Willy Aybar. With the score now 5-0 and Dioner Navarro up to bat, Terry Francona began pacing in the Boston dugout. Navarro reached on a single to left field, and that was the end of Wakefield's night.

Justin Masterson, a starter turned set-up man, came and fanned Fernando Perez to end the inning. Masterson had exceptional command and looked to be the most successful Boston pitcher of the evening. Going two-and-one-third innings, "Monsterson" gave up two hits, a run, and earned four strikeouts. Javier Lopez had better numbers than Masterson, as the three runs he gave up were all charged to Delcarmen.

Boston's first run of the game came in the form of Kevin Cash's first postseason home-run, a leadoff homer in the bottom of the third.

Manny Delcarmen came on to start the sixth for Boston, relieving Masterson. Delcarmen struck out the first batter he faced, Fernando Perez, with a series of 99 MPH fastballs before he took Perez down swinging with a 78 MPH change up.

Amazed by his 21 MPH change in speed, it looked as though Tampa Bay hitter's were going to be as equally stumped as they were expected to be off Wakefield's knucklers. But that thought quickly faded as Delcarmen walked three batters, including a no-vacancy walk that put the Rays up 8-1 in the top of the sixth and brought on Javier Lopez for Boston.

Kevin Youkilis drove in David Ortiz in the bottom of the seventh, after Ortiz tripled with some help from the right field wall, closing the gap to a nine-point difference.

Mike Timlin took over for Lopez to start things off in the eighth. Mighty Mike gave up a RBI triple to Carl Crawford, followed by a RBI single to Willy Aybar before getting Dioner Navarro to hit into a double play to end the inning.

Boston got a small rally going in the bottom of the eighth when Dustin Pedroia singled to shallow center, allowing Jed Lowrie to score from second. The RBI caused Tampa Bay to worry that they might lose their, now, 10-point lead and prompted them to pull starter Andy Sonnanstine after throwing only 97 pitches in only seven-and-one-third innings.

Trever Miller came on in relief for Tampa Bay to face Big Papi, whom he was able to take down swinging. Next batter, Kevin Youkilis, doubled to left center, scoring "mini-me" Dustin Pedroia from second. As Tampa Bay's lead dwindled away to a mere nine points, they brought in reliever Edwin Jackson. Jackson struck out Jason Bay with an onslaught of 99 MPH heaters.

Mighty Mike was able to retire the side in the top of the ninth and kept the spread at nine as Jackson came back out to work for the Rays. Jackson struck out Sean Casey before delivering eight-straight balls to put the dangerous combo of Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury on base. But after a visit from pitching coach Jim Hickey, the West German mustard pitcher was able relax and strike out Jed Lowrie and J.D. Drew to end the game.

Both teams have an off day before action resumes again on Thursday at Fenway. Boston fans will be hoping for a 2007 performance and a chance to defend their "World Champions" status, while Tampa Bay looks to earn their first trip to the Fall Classic.

The game is scheduled for 8:07 ET, with Daisuke Matsuzaka on the mound for Boston and James Shields on the hill for Tampa Bay.

Dear TBS: Please Stick to Dawson's Creek Reruns or Just Shoot Me

Scott Stanton — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:14:24 -0400

Dear TBS,

I enjoy the four-story tall billboard of Josh Beckett that you have in New York's Time Square, advertising your coverage of postseason baseball. It's like a constant daily reminder to them that they are not playing baseball in October for the first time in 14 years.

But with that said, I don't think I can handle your announcers for another five years of postseason baseball coverage.

Your announcers are biased and un-able to commentate a game from a neutral stance. Chip Caray announces a home run for one team in a dry, monotone, anti-climatic voice, which, if it weren't for my sense of sight, I would have thought was a foul ball.

However, when the other team delivered a shot to almost the exact same spot, Chip nearly fell out of his chair in excitement yelling, "A HARD HIT BALL DEEP INTO THE DARK OF NIGHT! THAT BALL IS OUTTA HERE!"

A comment I find especially interesting considering the game was being played inside of a dome, so how exactly is it hit deep into the dark of night?

Perhaps it's the stats you give that also add to my distaste in your coverage. How much longer will it be until you start saying things like, "This guy has yet to reach base during this at-bat."

Or, "These guys are going to have to outscore those guys if they want to win this matchup."

Just because you know how to talk doesn't mean that you have to, nor does it mean you have something interesting to say, because no one wants to listen to you.

You could also increase your field reporter's salary so they don't have to shop for suits at the Goodwill. I'm sick of the god-awful wardrobe that Craig Sager continues to embarrass himself in every night.

A better option might be to get rid of Sager all together. When your field reporter is reporting on chewing gum and admitting that he doesn't understand the game, most people would take that as a sign that he's not the right man for the job.

Find an attractive woman to replace him with, that way I only have to mute the train-wreck of a report, rather than changing the channel completely.

Maybe you could fix the problem with the announcers, and make your coverage of postseason more enjoyable to watch, by simply eliminating your commentators all together. Just mic the crowd, or play some mundane elevator music. Anything is better than your current situation.

Please tell your announcer's booth to either headbutt a speeding locomotive, pick a fight with Chuck Norris, or spare them by giving up your rights to a real sports broadcasting station much like Fox or ESPN. We beg you, for the sake of baseball fans, stop covering the sport we love and stick to showing reruns of Dawson's Creek.

Sincerely,

Baseball Fans Across America

Terry Francona: Justifying and Questioning His Decisions in ALCS Game Two

Scott Stanton — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:49:04 -0400

There have been a lot of questions surrounding the choices Terry Francona made last night during Game Two of the ALCS.

Though it's hard to question a skipper who has earned two World Series rings and a Division Championship in the last four years with the Boston Red Sox, some of his decisions last night seemed a bit quizzical to most.

Question One: Why did the struggling Josh Beckett get sent back out to work in the fifth inning?

This is a very good question, especially considering Joe Maddon showed no sympathy on his starter, Scott Kazmir, when he was pulled in the top of the fifth after giving up a two run homer to Kevin Youkilis that tied the game.

The only logical answer I can see is that Francona wanted Beckett to be able to make it all the way through the fifth inning before having to go to his bullpen.

I'm sure Beckett, Francona, and pitching coach John Farrell had words in the dugout and Beckett said he would be fine to go one more inning. Most would think that pitching one inning without giving up any runs would be a simple task for Josh Beckett.

Question 2: After Beckett was knocked around in the top of the fifth, why go to Javier Lopez when you have someone like Paul Byrd in the bullpen?

Francona said that Byrd would serve as a long relief pitcher. This would appear to be a situation where he was needed.

Though I don't think Francona lacks confidence in Byrd, I think Tito was just trying to be aggressive. Everyone has an off day after this game before heading back to Boston where their workhorse of a starter Jon Lester will take the mound. This would basically allow the majority of the bullpen two days rest.

The reason the side winding Javier Lopez was brought in for one pitch was for a lefty on lefty matchup against Carl Crawford. It was just unfortunate for Lopez that Crawford was able to get an RBI single off his first pitch of the game—making his night on the mound a rather short one.

Manny Delcarmen was brought in after Lopez. I've yet to hear any questions really surrounding this call to the bullpen, or bringing in Hideki Okajima after Delcarmen. Both are pretty solid relief pitchers and capable of going two full innings if needed.

Hoping that Boston could pull ahead in the game, this would set up Francona's new bullpen toy Justin Masterson to set up the eccentric Jonathan Papelbon to shut the game down. This is more or less how it played out, despite pulling the lead.

Question 3: Why pull Masterson after only two-thirds of an inning in the ninth and bring in Papelbon with the game tied?

At this point in the game, I started to see the wheels fall off for Boston.

Francona's decision can easily be answered by saying that he was staying aggressive and putting faith in the offense. He was at the meat and potatoes of his batting order for the top of the ninth. Dustin Pedroia—who already had two lead off homers in the game—was leading off, followed by David "Big Papi" Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, and Jason Bay.

Francona put a lot of faith in the offense to pull through in the ninth so Papelbon could shut it down in the bottom of the 10th.

This was the first call I didn't agree with.

Masterson was doing fine. He had two outs, a runner on first, and was perfectly capable of getting the third out. If you fail to score in the top of the tenth frame, you can bring Masterson back out for another inning, and you still have Papelbon ready to go in the bullpen.

But if you use Papelbon and don't get the run, you're left with Byrd and Mike Timlin in the bullpen. Keep Papelbon on the bench until you get the lead, and then use him to close the game.

Question 4: After the offense wasn't able to get a run—and Papelbon's already gone an inning-and-a-third—why bring in Timlin over Byrd?

This is when I told myself the game was over. I started having flashbacks to the 14th inning of Tampa Bay's last game of the regular season at Fenway on September 10th. At this point, you realize both bullpens are about spent and it's going to be a matter of whose final pitchers can last the longest.

One would think all of the cards point to Byrd in this situation.

Byrd is a starting pitcher who can easily go five or six innings. He also has a perfect one-move shift towards first when checking runners, which is key when you have the likes of BJ Upton, Carl Crawford, and Jason Bartlett standing there. Also useful in that situation is Byrd's constant changing wind-up and footwork. If Tampa Bay got a runner on, you can guarantee Maddon is going to be aggressive.

Why wouldn't he? They are the fastest team in the majors, finishing the season in first place for stolen bases with 142. It's hard for a runner to get a jump off a pitcher who is inconsistent in his pre-pitch motions.

Despite the reasons I saw to put in Byrd, Francona chose Timlin. We all know how well that worked out.

By no means am I saying Francona doesn't know what he's doing or that I could do a better job than him. I'm simply saying there were some questionable decisions made that left a lot of people wondering: "What if..."

ALCS Game Two: Pedroia the Destroia's Laser Show Doesn't Stop Rays

Scott Stanton — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:44:26 -0400

433 pitches, 24 hits, 17 runs, 14 pitchers, 11 innings, seven home runs, five hours and 27 minutes, and one heck of a ball game!

That's what went on inside the dome at Tropicana Field Saturday night for Game Two of the ALCS matchup as Boston's Josh Beckett took the mound against Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir.

The Boston Red Sox got to Scott Kazmir early with a two-out double off the bat of Jason Bay that scored David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis to put the Sox up by two in the top of the first.

Tampa Bay wasted no time as Evan Longoria went yard for a two-run homer in the bottom of the first to tie the game.

A struggling Dustin Pedroia hit one of his patented "lasers" over the left field wall to put the Sox back up on top and leave Red Sox fans saying, "Heeeeeee's baaaaack."

But that lead didn't last long as Josh Beckett gave up a home run to B.J. Upton in the bottom of the third. Upton's jolt over the wall and deep into the bleachers was followed by a double from Evan Longoria. Longo scored four pitches later when Carl Crawford singled to right, giving Tampa Bay their first lead in the game.

Beckett continued to struggle and gave up another homer to Tampa Bay's left fielder, Cliff Floyd, putting Tampa Bay up 5-3 over the Sox.

Two pitches into the top of the fifth, Dustin "Pedroia the Destroia" went yard for the second time of the night. Back-to-back solo shots over the left field wall put Boston within one.

After a fly out by Big Papi, it was Kevin Youkilis' turn to blast one over the left field wall and tie the game up at five a piece. Youk's four-bagger-blast prompted Rays skipper Joe Maddon to pull starter Scott Kazmir and bring in Grant Balfour.

The first batter to face Balfour was postseason rookie Jason Bay. And on a 2-2 count it was Bay who dialed long distance, belting one over the left field wall to give Boston a 6-5 lead.

As most thought Beckett's night would also be over, he trotted back out to the mound to work the fifth inning. That decision led me to think Francona figured the game was still close and he wanted Beckett to keep working out the kinks that have been plaguing him this postseason. That way he would, hopefully, be back to his 2007 postseason form if Boston needed his services later in the series.

After walking B.J. Upton, Beckett gave up a RBI base hit to Carlos Peña. That was followed by a RBI double off the bat of Evan Longoria, who was then able to advance to third on the throw home by left fielder Jason Bay in an attempt to get Pena out at the plate.

Beckett was pulled and replaced by Javier Lopez in the sixth inning. Lopez gave up a RBI base hit to Crawford on his first pitch.

That was also his last pitch, as Boston then brought in Manny Delcarmen. Delcarmen was able to get Boston out of the inning, but Tampa Bay was now up eight to six.

Boston answered back with a RBI double from Jason Bay, which scored Pedroia from second. The inning ended on a pop fly from Jed Lowrie, and Boston was still down by one.

Top of the eighth: Pedroia the Destroia was looking to get his third zinger of the night to tie the game but settled for a nice base hit to right field. Pedroia advanced to second after Big Papi was walked. Youk hit into a double play, but Pedroia was able to advance to third.

Then, on a 3-0 count, reliever Trever Miller delivered a strike that catcher Dioner Navarro wasn't able to grab a hold of. The ball sailed all the way to the backstop, and Pedroia was able to score the tying run.

Hideki Okajima, who worked the seventh and eighth innings, giving up zero hits, was relieved by Justin Masterson in the ninth. "Monsterson" only went went two-thirds of an inning before Terry Francona decided to push the envelope and bring in Papelbon, as Pedroia, Papi, and Youk were due up in the 10th.

But it was three up, three down for the top and bottom halves of the 10th.

After Boston left two on in the top of the eleventh, Mike Timlin came on in the bottom of the 11th to relieve Jonathan Papelbon.

As Red Sox fans tried to shut the memory of September 10th's loss to the Rays when Timlin gave up a two-run homer to Carlos Peña in the top of the 14th at Fenway, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell stormed out of the dugout to argue balls and strikes with home plate ump Sam Holbrook.

Farrell was ejected.

After Timlin walked the first two batters, he was able to get Jason Bartlett to ground out and get the first out of the inning. But now the game-winning run was 90 feet away.

Boston opted to load the bases and try for the double play, but the plan backfired when B.J. Upton hit a sacrifice fly to right and pinch runner Fernando Perez was able to score from third to win the game.

Beckett went four and one-third innings, giving up nine hits, eight runs, and three homers and striking out five. It's hard to say what to expect from Beckett this postseason, as he's let his postseason ERA slip to a disastrous 11.57.

The ALCS is now tied at one a piece as it heads back to Boston for Game Three on Monday, Jon Lester vs. Matt Garza.

Red Sox- Rays: ALCS Game Two, Bet on Beckett, Right?

Scott Stanton — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:51:24 -0400

As time draws closer to the first pitch of ALCS Game Two at Tropicana Field, Red Sox nation sits wondering which Josh Beckett they are going to see take the mound this evening.

Will it be the murderous Josh Beckett who tossed 30 innings in the postseason last year, with a nasty 1.20 ERA. Or will it be the rusty Josh Beckett we saw in Game Three of the ALDS who went a mere five innings and had an atrocious 7.20 ERA.

Sox fans are hoping for Buck-Nasty Beckett to put Boston up by two games as the series heads back to Beantown, and Jon Lester takes the hill in Game Three. Lester has been nothing shy of an animal in the postseason, with an ERA of 0.00 in his last 19.2 postseason innings. Which already has the Boston clubhouse feeling good about Game Three.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's newfound fans are praying for ALDS Beckett, so they can hopefully tie the series at one a piece before heading out on the road.

Or has Beckett decided to take to the Vice-President Candidate Sarah Palin strategy? Give the crowd nothing so the expectations of his performance aren't much more than just showing up to the yard and not tripping over his own feet. I guess that approach would make some sense; it would take a little pressure off his performance and allow him to relax a bit more.

But Dice-K's big win last night should have already assisted a little in that department.

With that question lurking in the back of every Boston, and Tampa Bay, fan's mind, one thing is for certain: Tonight's game will be no walk in the park for either team.