Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

[Starbase503]

Okay guys, from all the Bosox avatars I have seen on this forum, it is clear there are a lot of Sox sufferers out to break the Curse of the Bambino with MVP 2004. So I thought it was finally time to start the official Bosox thread, for us Yankee haters to post our results.

Last night, Derek Lowe and the Sox survived a 17-hit assault by the visiting Athletics, escaping with a tough 7-5 win. My guns launched four into the ozone. Details can be had by following the link below.

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

BOSTON, MA.

The RedSox gathered in the clubhouse before tonight's game with the A's to talk of fallen comrade Tim Wakefield. Wakefield was hit in the face, and subsequently lost for the year, on a screaming comback liner in the final game of the 3 game set with the Devil Rays. Although the mood was solemn in the CH, the boys from Beantown knew that Wake would want them to carry on. "Wake has always been the leader on this team", said Trot "Dirtdog" Nixon, "He will be with us the rest of the way, just not in the dugout with us". X-rays showed a broken jaw for Wakefield, who will relinquish his #4 starting job to B. Kim, and Bronson Arroyo will get a chance to show the Sox fans he has the stuff to make it as a starter, with a #5 rotation spot.

Curt Schilling paraded his 6-2 record, and miniscule 2.11 ERA, to the hill last night, and showed the Oakland A's a thing or two about what a sizzling 4 seamer can do when paired up with a nasty splitter. That marriage of low and slow couples with high and screaming was a recipe for success last night, and the Sox quickly game him a cushion after he went 1-2-3 in the first inning. Johnny Damon tripled to the triangle on the first pitch of the game, and in a show of good sportsmanship, waited on third while the centerfielder got stuck on the wall, and ran in place for about 10 seconds. "Man it was wacky", said Damon. "He just kind of ran in place, and the ball sat there not 3 feet from him... I just couldn't run home on him.. it seemed... well, cheesy". After that mess was cleared up, Billy Mueller promptly singled Damon home for the 1-0 lead. Manny, hitting in the 3rd spot now, came up and took Redman to a 3-2 count before sending number 14 of the year over the Redsox bullpen for a 3 run lead. Manny would not be done on this night, as his solo 4th inning blast measured 485 feet, and would have gone further if not slowed by the Cola Bottles on its way out. Four runs would prove to be enough for Schill to pitch comfortably with, and although a Jermaine Dye 2 run job in the 6th would cut the lead in half, Schill kept the A's off balance for the 4-2 victory. Schilling was dominating with 7 K's, and would have most likely earned the complete game had there not been a tantrum in the locker room before the game. Closer Keith Foulke had sent an e-mail to owner Stealy, and complained about his playing time, and the fact that he was not really happy about the contract, and his situation in the clubhouse. Owner/manager/coach Stealy has taken a hard road against whiners so far this year, but with Foulke being an important part of the puzzle, and pitching well en route to his 15 saves, Stealy re-signed him, and promised him action whenever possible. Foulke came in with 2 outs in the ninth, and got Chavez to ground weakly to Ortiz for the save. Foulke is now happy with just about everything, and if he can be fooled into thinking that 1/2 of an inning is "enough" playing time, everything will be jolly at Fenway.

Redsox 4
Oakland 2
W. Schill
S. Foulke
HR-Manny

Game 2 of the series was also played last night, and Derek Lowe went for the Sox who are just 3 behind the surging Yankees. Lowe got some unexpected run support with 2 big flies from Pokemon..that's right!! Pokey Reese connects for 2 jobs over the Monstahh, the second one hitting the nub of the foul pole, and bouncing into left field. Man Ram would add his 15th of the year in the 7th, and the Sox win a thriller 4-3 surviving a torrid 3 run eighth by the A's that chased Lowe from the game. Everyone is unhappy in the clubhouse it seems, but they are all very happy with the playing time they are getting?? Go Figure. Anyway, Lowe gave way to Allan Embry, who induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the bases loaded threat in the 8th, and newly signed, and "really happy" Keith Foulke closed out the ninth 1-2-3 for his 17th and second consecutive save in as many nights. The Yankees were pounded by Baltimore, and the Sox picked up a game on the Stanks, and face the A's tonight to try and complete the trifecta.

More to come, as the Sox send out the rally cry behind their fallen knuckler...

SYF

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

BOSTON, MA.

The RedSox gathered in the clubhouse before tonight's game with the A's to talk of fallen comrade Tim Wakefield. Wakefield was hit in the face, and subsequently lost for the year, on a screaming comback liner in the final game of the 3 game set with the Devil Rays. Although the mood was solemn in the CH, the boys from Beantown knew that Wake would want them to carry on. "Wake has always been the leader on this team", said Trot "Dirtdog" Nixon, "He will be with us the rest of the way, just not in the dugout with us". X-rays showed a broken jaw for Wakefield, who will relinquish his #4 starting job to B. Kim, and Bronson Arroyo will get a chance to show the Sox fans he has the stuff to make it as a starter, with a #5 rotation spot.

Curt Schilling paraded his 6-2 record, and miniscule 2.11 ERA, to the hill last night, and showed the Oakland A's a thing or two about what a sizzling 4 seamer can do when paired up with a nasty splitter. That marriage of low and slow couples with high and screaming was a recipe for success last night, and the Sox quickly game him a cushion after he went 1-2-3 in the first inning. Johnny Damon tripled to the triangle on the first pitch of the game, and in a show of good sportsmanship, waited on third while the centerfielder got stuck on the wall, and ran in place for about 10 seconds. "Man it was wacky", said Damon. "He just kind of ran in place, and the ball sat there not 3 feet from him... I just couldn't run home on him.. it seemed... well, cheesy". After that mess was cleared up, Billy Mueller promptly singled Damon home for the 1-0 lead. Manny, hitting in the 3rd spot now, came up and took Redman to a 3-2 count before sending number 14 of the year over the Redsox bullpen for a 3 run lead. Manny would not be done on this night, as his solo 4th inning blast measured 485 feet, and would have gone further if not slowed by the Cola Bottles on its way out. Four runs would prove to be enough for Schill to pitch comfortably with, and although a Jermaine Dye 2 run job in the 6th would cut the lead in half, Schill kept the A's off balance for the 4-2 victory. Schilling was dominating with 7 K's, and would have most likely earned the complete game had there not been a tantrum in the locker room before the game. Closer Keith Foulke had sent an e-mail to owner Stealy, and complained about his playing time, and the fact that he was not really happy about the contract, and his situation in the clubhouse. Owner/manager/coach Stealy has taken a hard road against whiners so far this year, but with Foulke being an important part of the puzzle, and pitching well en route to his 15 saves, Stealy re-signed him, and promised him action whenever possible. Foulke came in with 2 outs in the ninth, and got Chavez to ground weakly to Ortiz for the save. Foulke is now happy with just about everything, and if he can be fooled into thinking that 1/2 of an inning is "enough" playing time, everything will be jolly at Fenway.

Redsox 4
Oakland 2
W. Schill
S. Foulke
HR-Manny

Game 2 of the series was also played last night, and Derek Lowe went for the Sox who are just 3 behind the surging Yankees. Lowe got some unexpected run support with 2 big flies from Pokemon..that's right!! Pokey Reese connects for 2 jobs over the Monstahh, the second one hitting the nub of the foul pole, and bouncing into left field. Man Ram would add his 15th of the year in the 7th, and the Sox win a thriller 4-3 surviving a torrid 3 run eighth by the A's that chased Lowe from the game. Everyone is unhappy in the clubhouse it seems, but they are all very happy with the playing time they are getting?? Go Figure. Anyway, Lowe gave way to Allan Embry, who induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the bases loaded threat in the 8th, and newly signed, and "really happy" Keith Foulke closed out the ninth 1-2-3 for his 17th and second consecutive save in as many nights. The Yankees were pounded by Baltimore, and the Sox picked up a game on the Stanks, and face the A's tonight to try and complete the trifecta.

More to come, as the Sox send out the rally cry behind their fallen knuckler...

SYF

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

BOSTON, MA.

The RedSox gathered in the clubhouse before tonight's game with the A's to talk of fallen comrade Tim Wakefield. Wakefield was hit in the face, and subsequently lost for the year, on a screaming comback liner in the final game of the 3 game set with the Devil Rays. Although the mood was solemn in the CH, the boys from Beantown knew that Wake would want them to carry on. "Wake has always been the leader on this team", said Trot "Dirtdog" Nixon, "He will be with us the rest of the way, just not in the dugout with us". X-rays showed a broken jaw for Wakefield, who will relinquish his #4 starting job to B. Kim, and Bronson Arroyo will get a chance to show the Sox fans he has the stuff to make it as a starter, with a #5 rotation spot.

Curt Schilling paraded his 6-2 record, and miniscule 2.11 ERA, to the hill last night, and showed the Oakland A's a thing or two about what a sizzling 4 seamer can do when paired up with a nasty splitter. That marriage of low and slow couples with high and screaming was a recipe for success last night, and the Sox quickly game him a cushion after he went 1-2-3 in the first inning. Johnny Damon tripled to the triangle on the first pitch of the game, and in a show of good sportsmanship, waited on third while the centerfielder got stuck on the wall, and ran in place for about 10 seconds. "Man it was wacky", said Damon. "He just kind of ran in place, and the ball sat there not 3 feet from him... I just couldn't run home on him.. it seemed... well, cheesy". After that mess was cleared up, Billy Mueller promptly singled Damon home for the 1-0 lead. Manny, hitting in the 3rd spot now, came up and took Redman to a 3-2 count before sending number 14 of the year over the Redsox bullpen for a 3 run lead. Manny would not be done on this night, as his solo 4th inning blast measured 485 feet, and would have gone further if not slowed by the Cola Bottles on its way out. Four runs would prove to be enough for Schill to pitch comfortably with, and although a Jermaine Dye 2 run job in the 6th would cut the lead in half, Schill kept the A's off balance for the 4-2 victory. Schilling was dominating with 7 K's, and would have most likely earned the complete game had there not been a tantrum in the locker room before the game. Closer Keith Foulke had sent an e-mail to owner Stealy, and complained about his playing time, and the fact that he was not really happy about the contract, and his situation in the clubhouse. Owner/manager/coach Stealy has taken a hard road against whiners so far this year, but with Foulke being an important part of the puzzle, and pitching well en route to his 15 saves, Stealy re-signed him, and promised him action whenever possible. Foulke came in with 2 outs in the ninth, and got Chavez to ground weakly to Ortiz for the save. Foulke is now happy with just about everything, and if he can be fooled into thinking that 1/2 of an inning is "enough" playing time, everything will be jolly at Fenway.

Redsox 4
Oakland 2
W. Schill
S. Foulke
HR-Manny

Game 2 of the series was also played last night, and Derek Lowe went for the Sox who are just 3 behind the surging Yankees. Lowe got some unexpected run support with 2 big flies from Pokemon..that's right!! Pokey Reese connects for 2 jobs over the Monstahh, the second one hitting the nub of the foul pole, and bouncing into left field. Man Ram would add his 15th of the year in the 7th, and the Sox win a thriller 4-3 surviving a torrid 3 run eighth by the A's that chased Lowe from the game. Everyone is unhappy in the clubhouse it seems, but they are all very happy with the playing time they are getting?? Go Figure. Anyway, Lowe gave way to Allan Embry, who induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the bases loaded threat in the 8th, and newly signed, and "really happy" Keith Foulke closed out the ninth 1-2-3 for his 17th and second consecutive save in as many nights. The Yankees were pounded by Baltimore, and the Sox picked up a game on the Stanks, and face the A's tonight to try and complete the trifecta.

More to come, as the Sox send out the rally cry behind their fallen knuckler...

SYF

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Sox Solve Oakland from A to Zito
5/27/2004
It looked like another long night for Boston pitchers. Mark Kotsay greeted Sox starter Tim Wakefield with a booming triple to center. One out later Eric Chavez flied out deep to center, easily scoring Kotsay, and Oakland led 1-0.
But Wakefield settled down, and soon the Red Sox hitters didn't take long to turn things around. In the last of the second, rightfielder Gabe Kapler opened with a little flare into right that fell in front of Jermaine Dye. Tony Graffanino then jumped on an 0-2 Barry Zito changeup and ripped the ball off the Monster in left. It was hit so hard that Kapler could do no more than reach second.

Johnny Damon then took Zito into the gap, scoring Kapler. Graffanino, however, stumbled and got caught between second and third. As he sprinted back to second (where Damon stood), the Sox got lucky when Mark Ellis mishandled the throw and the ball ended up in right-center. Graffanino refused to settle for third, sprinting home for Boston's second run and a 2-1 lead.

In the last of the sixth, Ivan Rodriguez crushed a Zito fastball with the bases empty and two out for home run number 17 (and three in as many games). Sox were up 3-1.

Kapler pulled off the same feat, launching a bases empty, two-out homer the next inning to push the Boston lead to 4-1.

Manny Ramirez's batting average fell under .400 with his 1-for-4 night, but that one was a monster blast in the eighth, again with bases empty and two out off reliever Ricardo Rincon. For Manny, it was his MLB-leading 26th four-bagger and MLB-best 62nd RBI.

Wakefield lasted eight innings, allowing ten hits but just the one run, for his eighth win in nine decisions. Zito fell to 3-5. Rudy Seanez finished up the ninth.

The Sox' 5-1 win, coupled with Baltimore's 11-1 thrashing of New York, keeps Boston up by seven over the Orioles and drops the Yankees again back to ten out.

Interesting note: Texas became the second team this season to score at least 20 runs in a game, as they destroyed the White Sox in Chicago 20-5. The first team, ironically, to score at least 20 were our own Red Sox, who did it in Arlington against the Rangers on May 1. They crushed Texas 29-1.

The Sox now face a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, who come in riding a three-game winning streak and who still hold a slim one-game edge over Anaheim in the AL West. Newest Mariner Jorge Posada joins lefties John Olerud and Ichiro in leading the attack.

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Sox Solve Oakland from A to Zito
5/27/2004
It looked like another long night for Boston pitchers. Mark Kotsay greeted Sox starter Tim Wakefield with a booming triple to center. One out later Eric Chavez flied out deep to center, easily scoring Kotsay, and Oakland led 1-0.
But Wakefield settled down, and soon the Red Sox hitters didn't take long to turn things around. In the last of the second, rightfielder Gabe Kapler opened with a little flare into right that fell in front of Jermaine Dye. Tony Graffanino then jumped on an 0-2 Barry Zito changeup and ripped the ball off the Monster in left. It was hit so hard that Kapler could do no more than reach second.

Johnny Damon then took Zito into the gap, scoring Kapler. Graffanino, however, stumbled and got caught between second and third. As he sprinted back to second (where Damon stood), the Sox got lucky when Mark Ellis mishandled the throw and the ball ended up in right-center. Graffanino refused to settle for third, sprinting home for Boston's second run and a 2-1 lead.

In the last of the sixth, Ivan Rodriguez crushed a Zito fastball with the bases empty and two out for home run number 17 (and three in as many games). Sox were up 3-1.

Kapler pulled off the same feat, launching a bases empty, two-out homer the next inning to push the Boston lead to 4-1.

Manny Ramirez's batting average fell under .400 with his 1-for-4 night, but that one was a monster blast in the eighth, again with bases empty and two out off reliever Ricardo Rincon. For Manny, it was his MLB-leading 26th four-bagger and MLB-best 62nd RBI.

Wakefield lasted eight innings, allowing ten hits but just the one run, for his eighth win in nine decisions. Zito fell to 3-5. Rudy Seanez finished up the ninth.

The Sox' 5-1 win, coupled with Baltimore's 11-1 thrashing of New York, keeps Boston up by seven over the Orioles and drops the Yankees again back to ten out.

Interesting note: Texas became the second team this season to score at least 20 runs in a game, as they destroyed the White Sox in Chicago 20-5. The first team, ironically, to score at least 20 were our own Red Sox, who did it in Arlington against the Rangers on May 1. They crushed Texas 29-1.

The Sox now face a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, who come in riding a three-game winning streak and who still hold a slim one-game edge over Anaheim in the AL West. Newest Mariner Jorge Posada joins lefties John Olerud and Ichiro in leading the attack.

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Sox Solve Oakland from A to Zito
5/27/2004
It looked like another long night for Boston pitchers. Mark Kotsay greeted Sox starter Tim Wakefield with a booming triple to center. One out later Eric Chavez flied out deep to center, easily scoring Kotsay, and Oakland led 1-0.
But Wakefield settled down, and soon the Red Sox hitters didn't take long to turn things around. In the last of the second, rightfielder Gabe Kapler opened with a little flare into right that fell in front of Jermaine Dye. Tony Graffanino then jumped on an 0-2 Barry Zito changeup and ripped the ball off the Monster in left. It was hit so hard that Kapler could do no more than reach second.

Johnny Damon then took Zito into the gap, scoring Kapler. Graffanino, however, stumbled and got caught between second and third. As he sprinted back to second (where Damon stood), the Sox got lucky when Mark Ellis mishandled the throw and the ball ended up in right-center. Graffanino refused to settle for third, sprinting home for Boston's second run and a 2-1 lead.

In the last of the sixth, Ivan Rodriguez crushed a Zito fastball with the bases empty and two out for home run number 17 (and three in as many games). Sox were up 3-1.

Kapler pulled off the same feat, launching a bases empty, two-out homer the next inning to push the Boston lead to 4-1.

Manny Ramirez's batting average fell under .400 with his 1-for-4 night, but that one was a monster blast in the eighth, again with bases empty and two out off reliever Ricardo Rincon. For Manny, it was his MLB-leading 26th four-bagger and MLB-best 62nd RBI.

Wakefield lasted eight innings, allowing ten hits but just the one run, for his eighth win in nine decisions. Zito fell to 3-5. Rudy Seanez finished up the ninth.

The Sox' 5-1 win, coupled with Baltimore's 11-1 thrashing of New York, keeps Boston up by seven over the Orioles and drops the Yankees again back to ten out.

Interesting note: Texas became the second team this season to score at least 20 runs in a game, as they destroyed the White Sox in Chicago 20-5. The first team, ironically, to score at least 20 were our own Red Sox, who did it in Arlington against the Rangers on May 1. They crushed Texas 29-1.

The Sox now face a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, who come in riding a three-game winning streak and who still hold a slim one-game edge over Anaheim in the AL West. Newest Mariner Jorge Posada joins lefties John Olerud and Ichiro in leading the attack.

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Wednesday night was cold and chilly in Boston, and even colder in the clubhouse after the game. After a very impressive and gutsy outing by newly promoted B. Kim, the Sox could not make his effort stand up, and in the end, Keith Foulke's newly-signed, fat contract was the topic of the hour.

The Sox held off various scoring chances, including a one out, bases loaded situation in the first. Kim was able to throw that frisbee slider for a called strike three on the always tough Eric Chavez, and induced E. Durazio into an easy grounder to Billy Mueller to end the threat. Again in the third Kim faced a dicey outlook, with men at second and third, no one out, but battled to keep any A's from crossing the dish. The game continued to be deadlocked at 0-0 until the 7th, when ex-Sox, and fan favorite Scott Hatteberg, ripped a screaming missle down towards the Peske pole, and it just beat Trot to the seats for the round tripper.

Kim hung in there to finish the 7th and 8th with no more damage, and Keith Foulke took over in the 9th to try to earn some of that fat scratch he was just paid. He worked the 9th perfectly, and in the home half of the ninth, Manny walked to the plate with 2 outs and the game on the line. Manny checked back to the pitch history, and noticed an interesting trend. For the last 3 at bats, Manny had been fed two fastballs, and then the offspeed stuff. Being the consummate professional, he took two called fastballs on the outside corner, and settled back in the box waiting for the 0-2 changeup. Like a fat kid in a donut shoppe, his eyes lit up at the sight of the change tumbling slowly towards the inner half of the plate. (As an aside, I LOVE the fact that the computer tried to beat me on stuff I had missed all game long) Manny waited, then took a huge cut at the ball, which left Fenway with a vapor trail behind it... Some fans on Landsdowne actually claimed to have heard a sonic boom as this thing broke the sound barrier out of the stadium. Manny's blast tied the contest at 1, and the crowd went crazy. Nomar struck out, as did David Ortiz, and the Sox could not seal the deal in the 9th.

And neither could Keith Foulke. His display in the 10th inning was as putrid an effort as this reporter has seen in 5 years, and if not for a quick thinking GM who shut off the game after saving it, Foulke may have been a Portland SeaDog before the night was over. He still may. Foulke gave up consecutive doubles to Dye and Chavez, then back to back jacks from Melhouse and Kotsay. There were more guys running the bases than on kid's night on Memorial Day Weekend. Coach Stealy was so disgusted, he hung Foulke out there to dry, and Foulke gave up 5 runs in the 10th.

The home half of the 10th was as quiet as Marcel Marceau, and the Sox were unable to complete the sweep of the A's. In the clubhouse, Manny expressed his displeasure to the reporters. "I know he(Foulke) used to pitch for the A's, but what the fu**?", Manny stated. "It was like Homerun fu**ing Derby out there". Foulke was less than pleased about his teammate's outburst. "Hey, I am trying to win just like everyone else", an obviously upset Foulke said. "If he thinks I was serving them up because they were my old buddies.... well he can go to hell".

Just 2 days ago, Foulke had signed a 2 year, 2190 point deal, that left the RedSox budget with just 210 points left. And with Manny, Ortiz, Nixon, and Varitek yet to be signed, this obviously will strain relationships with his teammates. The loss ran Foulke's record to 0-4, but with 17 saves, he is 3rd in the League with saved games. "Hey, I'll put my spikes back on tomorrow, and go out there and try to get the job done", he said. "Tonight was just not my night".

Let's hope tonight is his night. It's a long bus ride to Portland.

SYF

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Wednesday night was cold and chilly in Boston, and even colder in the clubhouse after the game. After a very impressive and gutsy outing by newly promoted B. Kim, the Sox could not make his effort stand up, and in the end, Keith Foulke's newly-signed, fat contract was the topic of the hour.

The Sox held off various scoring chances, including a one out, bases loaded situation in the first. Kim was able to throw that frisbee slider for a called strike three on the always tough Eric Chavez, and induced E. Durazio into an easy grounder to Billy Mueller to end the threat. Again in the third Kim faced a dicey outlook, with men at second and third, no one out, but battled to keep any A's from crossing the dish. The game continued to be deadlocked at 0-0 until the 7th, when ex-Sox, and fan favorite Scott Hatteberg, ripped a screaming missle down towards the Peske pole, and it just beat Trot to the seats for the round tripper.

Kim hung in there to finish the 7th and 8th with no more damage, and Keith Foulke took over in the 9th to try to earn some of that fat scratch he was just paid. He worked the 9th perfectly, and in the home half of the ninth, Manny walked to the plate with 2 outs and the game on the line. Manny checked back to the pitch history, and noticed an interesting trend. For the last 3 at bats, Manny had been fed two fastballs, and then the offspeed stuff. Being the consummate professional, he took two called fastballs on the outside corner, and settled back in the box waiting for the 0-2 changeup. Like a fat kid in a donut shoppe, his eyes lit up at the sight of the change tumbling slowly towards the inner half of the plate. (As an aside, I LOVE the fact that the computer tried to beat me on stuff I had missed all game long) Manny waited, then took a huge cut at the ball, which left Fenway with a vapor trail behind it... Some fans on Landsdowne actually claimed to have heard a sonic boom as this thing broke the sound barrier out of the stadium. Manny's blast tied the contest at 1, and the crowd went crazy. Nomar struck out, as did David Ortiz, and the Sox could not seal the deal in the 9th.

And neither could Keith Foulke. His display in the 10th inning was as putrid an effort as this reporter has seen in 5 years, and if not for a quick thinking GM who shut off the game after saving it, Foulke may have been a Portland SeaDog before the night was over. He still may. Foulke gave up consecutive doubles to Dye and Chavez, then back to back jacks from Melhouse and Kotsay. There were more guys running the bases than on kid's night on Memorial Day Weekend. Coach Stealy was so disgusted, he hung Foulke out there to dry, and Foulke gave up 5 runs in the 10th.

The home half of the 10th was as quiet as Marcel Marceau, and the Sox were unable to complete the sweep of the A's. In the clubhouse, Manny expressed his displeasure to the reporters. "I know he(Foulke) used to pitch for the A's, but what the fu**?", Manny stated. "It was like Homerun fu**ing Derby out there". Foulke was less than pleased about his teammate's outburst. "Hey, I am trying to win just like everyone else", an obviously upset Foulke said. "If he thinks I was serving them up because they were my old buddies.... well he can go to hell".

Just 2 days ago, Foulke had signed a 2 year, 2190 point deal, that left the RedSox budget with just 210 points left. And with Manny, Ortiz, Nixon, and Varitek yet to be signed, this obviously will strain relationships with his teammates. The loss ran Foulke's record to 0-4, but with 17 saves, he is 3rd in the League with saved games. "Hey, I'll put my spikes back on tomorrow, and go out there and try to get the job done", he said. "Tonight was just not my night".

Let's hope tonight is his night. It's a long bus ride to Portland.

SYF

[stealyerface]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Wednesday night was cold and chilly in Boston, and even colder in the clubhouse after the game. After a very impressive and gutsy outing by newly promoted B. Kim, the Sox could not make his effort stand up, and in the end, Keith Foulke's newly-signed, fat contract was the topic of the hour.

The Sox held off various scoring chances, including a one out, bases loaded situation in the first. Kim was able to throw that frisbee slider for a called strike three on the always tough Eric Chavez, and induced E. Durazio into an easy grounder to Billy Mueller to end the threat. Again in the third Kim faced a dicey outlook, with men at second and third, no one out, but battled to keep any A's from crossing the dish. The game continued to be deadlocked at 0-0 until the 7th, when ex-Sox, and fan favorite Scott Hatteberg, ripped a screaming missle down towards the Peske pole, and it just beat Trot to the seats for the round tripper.

Kim hung in there to finish the 7th and 8th with no more damage, and Keith Foulke took over in the 9th to try to earn some of that fat scratch he was just paid. He worked the 9th perfectly, and in the home half of the ninth, Manny walked to the plate with 2 outs and the game on the line. Manny checked back to the pitch history, and noticed an interesting trend. For the last 3 at bats, Manny had been fed two fastballs, and then the offspeed stuff. Being the consummate professional, he took two called fastballs on the outside corner, and settled back in the box waiting for the 0-2 changeup. Like a fat kid in a donut shoppe, his eyes lit up at the sight of the change tumbling slowly towards the inner half of the plate. (As an aside, I LOVE the fact that the computer tried to beat me on stuff I had missed all game long) Manny waited, then took a huge cut at the ball, which left Fenway with a vapor trail behind it... Some fans on Landsdowne actually claimed to have heard a sonic boom as this thing broke the sound barrier out of the stadium. Manny's blast tied the contest at 1, and the crowd went crazy. Nomar struck out, as did David Ortiz, and the Sox could not seal the deal in the 9th.

And neither could Keith Foulke. His display in the 10th inning was as putrid an effort as this reporter has seen in 5 years, and if not for a quick thinking GM who shut off the game after saving it, Foulke may have been a Portland SeaDog before the night was over. He still may. Foulke gave up consecutive doubles to Dye and Chavez, then back to back jacks from Melhouse and Kotsay. There were more guys running the bases than on kid's night on Memorial Day Weekend. Coach Stealy was so disgusted, he hung Foulke out there to dry, and Foulke gave up 5 runs in the 10th.

The home half of the 10th was as quiet as Marcel Marceau, and the Sox were unable to complete the sweep of the A's. In the clubhouse, Manny expressed his displeasure to the reporters. "I know he(Foulke) used to pitch for the A's, but what the fu**?", Manny stated. "It was like Homerun fu**ing Derby out there". Foulke was less than pleased about his teammate's outburst. "Hey, I am trying to win just like everyone else", an obviously upset Foulke said. "If he thinks I was serving them up because they were my old buddies.... well he can go to hell".

Just 2 days ago, Foulke had signed a 2 year, 2190 point deal, that left the RedSox budget with just 210 points left. And with Manny, Ortiz, Nixon, and Varitek yet to be signed, this obviously will strain relationships with his teammates. The loss ran Foulke's record to 0-4, but with 17 saves, he is 3rd in the League with saved games. "Hey, I'll put my spikes back on tomorrow, and go out there and try to get the job done", he said. "Tonight was just not my night".

Let's hope tonight is his night. It's a long bus ride to Portland.

SYF

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Stealy:

Even though I had him up and throwing in the pen, I didn't use Foulke in the last two games of the A's series, after he blew two straight save opportunities (the first he was lucky to win, the second he lost). The Sox were fortunate that Tim Hudson's turn in the rotation did not come up in this series. He is going for his eighth win tonight, which would tie him with (sorry) my own Tim Wakefield for the AL lead.

I hope you have better fortune against the Mariners. I myself am not looking forward to facing their sixth-ranked offense, led by Ichiro and Posada, but their pitching is 25th, giving my top-ranked ball punishers cause for some serious salivating.

By the by, Mr. reporter...have you signed up for your free dynasty manager webpage yet? I urge you to do so...I would love to follow your season.

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Stealy:

Even though I had him up and throwing in the pen, I didn't use Foulke in the last two games of the A's series, after he blew two straight save opportunities (the first he was lucky to win, the second he lost). The Sox were fortunate that Tim Hudson's turn in the rotation did not come up in this series. He is going for his eighth win tonight, which would tie him with (sorry) my own Tim Wakefield for the AL lead.

I hope you have better fortune against the Mariners. I myself am not looking forward to facing their sixth-ranked offense, led by Ichiro and Posada, but their pitching is 25th, giving my top-ranked ball punishers cause for some serious salivating.

By the by, Mr. reporter...have you signed up for your free dynasty manager webpage yet? I urge you to do so...I would love to follow your season.

[Starbase503]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox dynasty thread

Stealy:

Even though I had him up and throwing in the pen, I didn't use Foulke in the last two games of the A's series, after he blew two straight save opportunities (the first he was lucky to win, the second he lost). The Sox were fortunate that Tim Hudson's turn in the rotation did not come up in this series. He is going for his eighth win tonight, which would tie him with (sorry) my own Tim Wakefield for the AL lead.

I hope you have better fortune against the Mariners. I myself am not looking forward to facing their sixth-ranked offense, led by Ichiro and Posada, but their pitching is 25th, giving my top-ranked ball punishers cause for some serious salivating.

By the by, Mr. reporter...have you signed up for your free dynasty manager webpage yet? I urge you to do so...I would love to follow your season.

[stealyerface]

Re: Arroyo Pulls Up Sox!

Boston, MA.
April 28, 2004

The Fenway faithful were out in droves Thursday night, as the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox faced off in the first of a three game set. Soft tossing Jamie Moyer started for the M's, while Bronson Arroyo made his debut as a starter, taking the place of injured Tim Wakefield.

It did not take long for Arroyo to get the Beantown faithful behind him. Bronson served up his own version of Deathwish on the Seattle Sluggers, and scattered only 4 hits over the 6 innings he worked. Ichiro was held hitless on this night, and power hitters Edgar Martinez and Brett Boone could only muster weak opposite-field hits against a defense that was in position all night. Manager Stealy Francona was very much in tune with his young pitcher, and made sure to position the defense for each, and every hitter. "B-man was nails out there", remarked Stealy. "He is not going to overpower anyone with his stuff, so we wanted to make sure the D was where they needed to be on every pitch". The defense proved to be the difference as Johnny Damon and Trot Nixon both made spectacular catches deep in the outfield to rob M's hitters of extra bases. Damon's was a Willie Mays-style, over the shoulder snag off the bat of Boone, and brought the bleacher creatures in right center to their feet.

Manny led the way for the Sox offense tonight, with his 17th and 18th bombs of the season. Both were solo shots, and until the Red Sox can get some guys on base for him, his RBI totals will continue to be well below the league leaders. In the first inning, he hit a Moyer curveball that went a mile....straight up. This rain maker took advantage of the abbreviated confines of left field, and 315 feet later, was gone. Hardly a blast, but a round tripper anyway. In the 4th, he showed off his opposite field power with another big bang, this one over the bullpen in rightfield, and the Sox were up 2-0. Catcher Jason Varitek took advantage of his switch hitting power, ripping a 2 run job off of the lefty Moyer in the 6th, and the Redsox handed the ball to newly called up Robert Persons, with a 4-0 lead.

Persons would use a blazing fastball, clocked at over 94mph, to throw off the M's timing, and worked a perfect 7th and 8th. The only scare was a deep drive to right field by Ichiro, that would have easily been an inside the park homerun, but Trot Nixon made a sweet diving catch that was replayed at least 5 times by the cameraman. The cameraman's wife finally yelled at him, as it was closing in on 9pm est, and apparently there was a scheduled broadcast that was about to pre-empt the last inning...

Anyway, after a quiet bottom half of the eighth, the bullpen was stirring, and Wednesday night's goat, Keith Foulke, was warming up to the sweet chorus of the boobirds in the stands. With a 4-0 lead safely in the bank, Stealy decided that the only way to get his closer back in the good graces of his teammates, was to run him back out there, and let him sink or swim. Tonight, he swan. Mark Spitz would have been proud on this night, as Foulke used a filthy changeup to have the number 2,3, and 4 hitters flailing and sputtering at the dish.

After striking out Bret Boone on 4 pitches, Edgar Martinez watched a called strike three float by, and Helmut Olerud could do nothing but weakly ground to Nomar to end the game. Even though there was no save situation, Foulke enjoyed the work, and thanked his manager after the game. "I know I can pitch, and I know I can help this team. Tonight, it was all good." Foulke added. "If I get the chance, I'll take us to the next level, and we can put last night, and 1918 behind us".

Tonight, Pedro brings his 5-1 record to the bump, looking for his 3rd consecutive victory. The Sox take advantage of another Yankee loss, and are just 1 game out of the East.

SYF

[stealyerface]

Re: Arroyo Pulls Up Sox!

Boston, MA.
April 28, 2004

The Fenway faithful were out in droves Thursday night, as the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox faced off in the first of a three game set. Soft tossing Jamie Moyer started for the M's, while Bronson Arroyo made his debut as a starter, taking the place of injured Tim Wakefield.

It did not take long for Arroyo to get the Beantown faithful behind him. Bronson served up his own version of Deathwish on the Seattle Sluggers, and scattered only 4 hits over the 6 innings he worked. Ichiro was held hitless on this night, and power hitters Edgar Martinez and Brett Boone could only muster weak opposite-field hits against a defense that was in position all night. Manager Stealy Francona was very much in tune with his young pitcher, and made sure to position the defense for each, and every hitter. "B-man was nails out there", remarked Stealy. "He is not going to overpower anyone with his stuff, so we wanted to make sure the D was where they needed to be on every pitch". The defense proved to be the difference as Johnny Damon and Trot Nixon both made spectacular catches deep in the outfield to rob M's hitters of extra bases. Damon's was a Willie Mays-style, over the shoulder snag off the bat of Boone, and brought the bleacher creatures in right center to their feet.

Manny led the way for the Sox offense tonight, with his 17th and 18th bombs of the season. Both were solo shots, and until the Red Sox can get some guys on base for him, his RBI totals will continue to be well below the league leaders. In the first inning, he hit a Moyer curveball that went a mile....straight up. This rain maker took advantage of the abbreviated confines of left field, and 315 feet later, was gone. Hardly a blast, but a round tripper anyway. In the 4th, he showed off his opposite field power with another big bang, this one over the bullpen in rightfield, and the Sox were up 2-0. Catcher Jason Varitek took advantage of his switch hitting power, ripping a 2 run job off of the lefty Moyer in the 6th, and the Redsox handed the ball to newly called up Robert Persons, with a 4-0 lead.

Persons would use a blazing fastball, clocked at over 94mph, to throw off the M's timing, and worked a perfect 7th and 8th. The only scare was a deep drive to right field by Ichiro, that would have easily been an inside the park homerun, but Trot Nixon made a sweet diving catch that was replayed at least 5 times by the cameraman. The cameraman's wife finally yelled at him, as it was closing in on 9pm est, and apparently there was a scheduled broadcast that was about to pre-empt the last inning...

Anyway, after a quiet bottom half of the eighth, the bullpen was stirring, and Wednesday night's goat, Keith Foulke, was warming up to the sweet chorus of the boobirds in the stands. With a 4-0 lead safely in the bank, Stealy decided that the only way to get his closer back in the good graces of his teammates, was to run him back out there, and let him sink or swim. Tonight, he swan. Mark Spitz would have been proud on this night, as Foulke used a filthy changeup to have the number 2,3, and 4 hitters flailing and sputtering at the dish.

After striking out Bret Boone on 4 pitches, Edgar Martinez watched a called strike three float by, and Helmut Olerud could do nothing but weakly ground to Nomar to end the game. Even though there was no save situation, Foulke enjoyed the work, and thanked his manager after the game. "I know I can pitch, and I know I can help this team. Tonight, it was all good." Foulke added. "If I get the chance, I'll take us to the next level, and we can put last night, and 1918 behind us".

Tonight, Pedro brings his 5-1 record to the bump, looking for his 3rd consecutive victory. The Sox take advantage of another Yankee loss, and are just 1 game out of the East.

SYF