07/03/2009

Red Sox journal: Feeling better, Lowell says he could play now

Dice-K bound for Florida to strengthen his arm
Daisuke Matsuzaka will leave the team Monday, and travel to Ft. Myers, Fla., to begin extended rehabilitation on his weak right shoulder.

07/02/2009

At 42, Wakefield's not getting older, he's getting better
With a 10-3 record and a 4.18 ERA heading into Friday night's game, Tim Wakefield should be a strong candidate for the American League All-Star team

Jason Bay becomes an American citizen

Jim Donaldson: L.A. fans will be giddy over Manny's return

07/01/2009

Red Sox 6, Orioles 5: Sox turn tables on O's
One night after blowing a nine-run lead to Baltimore, Boston rallies from a 5-1, ninth-inning deficit and pulls it out in 11

Red Sox 6, Orioles 5: Papelbon's now the Sox' all-time saves leader

Red Sox journal: Bay unfazed by his 0-for-Baltimore series

Bill Reynolds: Book chronicles a Cumberland family's journey through the Red Sox system

06/30/2009

Orioles 11, Red Sox 10: A monumental collapse for the Sox
Boston's bullpen blows a 10-1, seventh-inning lead and loses in Baltimore

07/01/2009

Orioles 11, Red Sox 10: Smoltz' performance a bright spot for the Sox

06/30/2009

Francona uneasy with 'this time it counts' approach to All-Star Game
The Sox' skipper believes the decision to give home-field advantage in the World Series to the league that wins the All-Star Game puts the manager -- trying to win, but also trying to get everyone into the game -- in a difficult position

Red Sox journal: Proceeding with caution -- Lowell is on DL
Even though the Sox' third baseman is feeling better after receiving an injection in his hip, the Sox decide to give Lowell a few weeks' rest

06/29/2009

Red Sox 4, Orioles 0: Drew leads the way and Lester does the rest
"It seems like every time [Terry Francona] mixes it up, we do something good for him," Dustin Pedroia says.

Papelbon ties Red Sox' saves record, says ‘I’m coming after’ Rivera
BALTIMORE –– Jonathan Papelbon was walking down the hall in the team’s hotel here late Sunday night when teammate Dustin Pedroia came running out of his room.

Pedroia returns to second spot; Lowell treated with injection
BALTIMORE — Dustin Pedroia says he doesn’t care either way, but manager Terry Francona believes moving Pedroia back to the No. 2 spot in the order will help him.

06/28/2009

Braves 2, Red Sox 1: Boston shedding no tears over end of interleague play
ATLANTA –– The Red Sox can finally put interleague games behind them for 2009.

Despite early scare, Penny delivers another sharp performance
ATLANTA –– The Red Sox took a chance when they signed Brad Penny during the offseason. He battled shoulder problems all last season with the Dodgers, and he’s remained healthy so far for Boston in 2009.

Lowell to receive injection for aching hip
ATLANTA –– Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was to return to Boston on Sunday night and on Monday morning will receive a Synvisc injection into his surgically repaired hip.

Red Sox are believers in rookie phenom Tommy Hanson
ATLANTA – Until Sunday, the Red Sox had not faced Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson. They hope they don’t see him again anytime soon.

06/27/2009

Red Sox 1, Braves 0: Wakefield continues to sparkle despite pitching with torn labrum
The veteran knuckleballer, who on Saturday moved into a tie with Roger Clemens for most starts by a Red Sox pitcher, says he's been pitching despite the tear and won't have surgery until his career is over

Red Sox 1, Braves 0: Kotsay steps in and comes through

Red Sox journal: Bay gets a rare day off

06/26/2009

Red Sox 4, Braves 1: Beckett’s arm, Pedroia’s baserunning lead Boston past Atlanta
ATLANTA — There are many different ways to win a ballgame. The Red Sox’ Dustin Pedroia has accomplished almost every single one of them.

Beckett shakes off illness and gives Braves a sick feeling
ATLANTA –– The fact Josh Beckett had been bothered by "intestinal turmoil" and some "throat stuff" all week didn’t stifle his ability to dominate the Atlanta Braves –– again.

Lowell out indefinitely, might receive injection for hip problem
ATLANTA –– Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell was out of Friday’s lineup because of soreness in his surgically repaired hip.

Smoltz back in Atlanta, wearing Boston colors
ATLANTA — John Smoltz woke up in his own bed, made pancakes for the kids, took a dip in the pool, then headed to the ballpark.

06/25/2009

Smoltz's debut a continuation of the Sox' offseason blueprint
Instead of signing big-name free agents during the offseason, general manager Theo Epstein -- after being rebuffed by Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett, both of whom signed megacontracts with the Yankees -- went a different route and acquired a mix of short-term, low-priced players, all of whom fill a different role.

Nationals 9, Red Sox 3: Smoltz encouraged despite rocky Boston beginning
'I can't be disappointed,' said the veteran right-hander, who says he feels fine and thinks his performance will get better in subsequent starts

Red Sox journal: Ortiz pleased about reaching latest milestone
'I'm having fun now,' says the rejuvenated slugger

06/24/2009

Red Sox 6, Nationals 4: Ortiz and Varitek power Sox to victory
Ortiz hits a three-run homer and Varitek adds a two-run shot as Boston jumps out to a 6-1 lead, then holds off Washington

Green avoids injury when broken bat flies toward him as he tries to field ground ball
"It happened so fast you really don't have time to react. I just did what I had to do to try to get out of the way of the bat," he said.

Dusty Brown's 'awesome' time with the Sox comes to an end
With pitcher John Smoltz set to be activated on Thursday, Brown was sent back to the minors.

For now, Lugo is content with playing the good soldier
Julio Lugo isn't exactly thrilled to be riding the pine for the Red Sox, but he's willing to wait and see how things pan out when Jed Lowrie returns.

Westmoreland's pro baseball career is finally underway The former Portsmouth All-Stater, who was sidelined by injury last November, is now playing for Class A Lowell

Red Sox journal: Smoltz, on the eve of his first Sox start, is raring to go

06/23/2009

Red Sox 11, Nationals 3: Sox make successful return to Washington
Back in the capital for the first time since being honored for their 2007 World Series championship, the Red Sox pound out 17 hits and rout the Nats before the biggest crowd in the history of Nationals Park

A capital performance for Bay
His 4-for-6 performance against the Nationals, including a home run, three singles, three runs scored and three RBI, increased his average to .286 and helped Boston to an 11-3 victory.

Dusty Brown makes major-league debut
Brown's stay with the Sox will be a short one, since the club needs to activate veteran pitcher John Smoltz for his start against the Nationals on Thursday.

Red Sox journal: Nationals Park gets thumbs-up from Sox
'Boston needs a place like this,' says David Ortiz

06/22/2009

Boston's minor-league system is brimming with promising catchers
All through the Boston system, the organization’s minor-league catching depth is proving to be better than advertised.

06/21/2009

Red Sox 6, Braves 5: Green proving he's more than a fill-in
On the way to proving that he can play, Nick Green has shown that he deserves a better label than the one he's long worn: career utility infielder.

Wind can't keep Green's homer in the park
ven though the rest of the stadium knew that Nick Green had just won the game for the Boston Red Sox with a ninth-inning, walk-off home run, Green himself wasn’t sure why the crowd’s roar was so loud.

Dice-K is placed on DL
Manager Terry Francona said that this could be an extended stay on the disabled list as the team tries to strengthen the shoulder and get Matsuzaka back to being the pitcher he was last season.

Ortiz's bat is heating up
Ortiz is batting .333 over his last 14 games, and he’s getting on base in ways both big and small.

06/20/2009

Red Sox 3, Braves 0: Beckett throws a complete-game shutout
The Sox ace outduels Derek Lowe as he rebounds from a poor start last Sunday in Philadelphia

Red Sox 3, Braves 0: MRI shows weakness in Matsuzaka's shoulder

Red Sox vs. Braves: With help from his ex-Atlanta teammates, Nick Green taps into secret of success
The Sox' infielder learned from Chipper Jones that tapping his toe gave him better balance at the plate and helped him 'explode into the baseball'

Red Sox journal: Batting first isn't Pedroia's cup of tea

06/19/2009

Braves 8, Red Sox 2: Meeting Monday could decide Dice-K's fate
“If I keep going like this, I have no right to be a part of this rotation,” Daisuke Matsuzaka said after Friday night's game.

Braves 8, Red Sox 2: Homer on first pitch is a bad omen

Braves 8, Red Sox 2: Masterson effective again in relief of Dice-K

Red Sox journal: Braves' Jones says Youkilis is a hitter to be feared
During the World Baseball Classic, Kevin Youkilis made fans out of USA-squad teammates Jones and Brian McCann, both of the Atlanta Braves.

Papelbon: I don't want to leave Boston
Clarifying statements he made earlier about playing for the Yankees, the Boston reliever says he's happy with the Red Sox.

Lowe looks back with fondness at his time with Red Sox
Lowe will face Josh Beckett Saturday night in his first start at Fenway since Game Four of the ALCS against the Yankees in 2004

Marlins 2, Red Sox 1: Rain–shortened game leaves Sox feeling cheated
Sox starter Jon Lester gave up two big hits early, and the Red Sox only managed one against Florida’s tricky Ricky Nolasco.

Lester not perfect, and on this night, that wasn’t good enough
Staked to a 1-0 lead in the second, thanks to Kevin Youkilis’ 12th home run, Lester couldn’t keep it going.

06/18/2009

A new approach to hitting has boosted Kottaras
The Sox' backup catcher has hit .344 in his last eight games, lifting his season's average to .237

Red Sox journal: Ortiz has earned another shot at 5th spot in order
After he hit fifth Tuesday, Ortiz seemed pleased, jokingly imploring writers to ask Francona if this would be a permanent move.

06/17/2009

Red Sox 6, Marlins 1: Penny shines again for Sox
The veteran right-hander raises his record to 6-2 as he leads Boston to its second straight win over the Marlins

Pedroia walks the walk, then talks the talk
The new Sox leadoff hitter had another big night, getting three hits and driving in three. He also had two stolen bases, which were the items he was happiest to talk about.

Fans are stars of 500th straight Fenway Park sellout
The Sox celebrate a milestone in their record streak of consecutive sellouts.

Red Sox journal: Drew gets the night off (updated postgame)
Drew, who has battled back problems, reported that he is healthy and ready whenever called on.

06/16/2009

Red Sox 8, Marlins 2: Wakefield filets the Fish
The veteran knuckleballer picks up his ninth win as Boston coasts to an easy victory

Wakefield may throw a knuckleball, but he's still 42

Red Sox 8, Marlins 2: Ortiz' resurgence a welcome sight

Smoltz to start for Sox next Thursday, as team temporarily switches to six-man rotation

Sox shrug off Buchholz' comments on NECN

Red Sox journal: Sox-Marlins blockbuster worked out well for both sides

06/15/2009

Intense relief man Ramon Ramirez takes none of his success for granted
To Ramirez, every run matters. The two straight home runs he gave up against New York last week. The game-tying homer he allowed to Ryan Howard this weekend in the ninth inning against Philadelphia. Every one resonates: "This is my career, man. I take it very seriously."

Cupcake feast: After going 9-3 against baseball’s best, Sox set for a month of games against bad teams
It also should help that 16 of their next 25 games will come at Fenway, where the Sox own a sparkling 21-8 record.

Blowout of Mets helps Yankees put Boston debacle behind them
"I think we forgot about the Red Sox once that was over, and we got two of three here," Nick Swisher said after Sunday's 15-0 win at Yankee Stadium.

06/14/2009

Phillies 11, Red Sox 6: Beckett and bullpen come unglued as champs avert sweep
It apparently was just a matter of time before the Red Sox’ deep, but overused, bullpen caved in.

With Smoltz on his way to Boston, Bard could be the odd-man out
PHILADELPHIA –– The Pawtucket Red Sox may be about to get their prized closer back for the heart of the season.

06/13/2009

Smoltz will continue to wait for first start with Sox
The team does not need to make a roster decision on John Smoltz for another week. He’ll stay with the Red Sox over that period, and he may even start again in Pawtucket on Thursday.

Red Sox journal: Phillies' fans haven't forgotten Drew snub

Jim Donaldson: Sox make a mockery of Yankee rivalry

Bill Reynolds: Red Sox are all about pitching, not homers

06/12/2009

Red Sox 5, Phillies 2: Bard helps win battle of the bullpens
When the Red Sox offense ganged up on Kyle Kendrick in the 13th inning, Bard was handed a 5-2 lead and the chance at his first career save. He delivered, striking out the side and giving the Sox a well-earned victory.

In final PawSox tuneup, Smoltz turns in solid effort in 4-1 loss
John Smoltz completed his second rehab performance with the PawSox by throwing 56 strikes and 14 balls, and giving up four earned runs and a homer in a 4-1 loss to Syracuse.

Red Sox journal: With Smoltz nearly ready, starting rotation is overflowing

Yanks' Girardi: Penny was throwing at A-Rod
After Boston's Jason Bay was hit on Wednesday night, Red Sox starter Brad Penny drilled Alex Rodriguez with a pitch on Thursday.

06/11/2009

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Sox score three in eighth to pull out eighth straight win over Yanks
Boston remains undefeated against New York in 2009

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Two great defensive plays helped win the battle

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Ortiz sticks it to Yanks

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Beanball warning was a result of directive from commissioner's office

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Postgame notes

Red Sox vs. Yankees: Youkilis turning on the power
The Sox' first baseman, on pace for more than 30 home runs this year, is becoming known as more than just a patient, disciplined hitter

Red Sox journal: Lowrie to take BP in Lowell early next week

Smoltz will have to wait a bit longer
The right-hander's scheduled rehab start Thursday in Syracuse is rained out; he'll try again Friday

Hendricken's Costantino 'excited' to be drafted by Red Sox
The senior pitcher, who also has an over-.500 batting average this season, is scheduled to attend Walters State Community College in Tennessee but says he'll still talk contract with Boston

Division I baseball: A storybook ending for Hendricken . . . and Chris Costantino The senior right-hander, drafted by the Red Sox earlier in the day, pitches the Hawks to the state championship with a three-hit shutout over North Kingstown

Baldelli happy there's another Hendricken star in the Red Sox organization

06/10/2009

Red Sox 6, Yankees 5: Sox make it seven in a row against Yanks
Boston pounds Chien-Ming Wang in building leads of 4-1 and 6-2, then holds on with Jonathan Papelbon nailing down his 15th save

Okajima 'was our star of the game,' according to Papelbon
With the Sox holding a one-run lead and a runner on second in the top of the eighth inning, he struck out Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon to secure Boston's slim advantage.

Drew continues to be second-to-none as a Sox sparkplug
Drew was moved to the second position May 31, with Dustin Pedroia taking the top position. Since then, the offense has taken off, scoring 43 runs in the seven games that Drew has batted second.

Green turns in a defensive gem, and it may have been the game's turning point
The converted second baseman made a spectacular play in Wednesday night's game that sucked the life out of an early Yankee rally, one that loomed ever larger when the Red Sox eventually just hung on close 6-5 victory.

06/11/2009

A view from New York: Red Sox making Yankees look like a joke
The Red Sox’ advantage is so overwhelming, the Yankees are being forced to rationalize their failure by pointing out they’re still only a game out of first place.

06/10/2009

A couple of firsts for Daniel Bard on Tuesday
The young right-hander faces the Yankees, and pitches in the ninth inning, for the first time

Red Sox journal: Sox turn to pitching in second day of draft

06/09/2009

Red Sox 7, Yankees 0: Confident Beckett outpitches Burnett
As the two clubs battle for the top spot in the A.L. East during this three-game set, Josh Beckett gave a vintage performance to help Boston to a 7-0 victory on a rainy, cold and windy night. He worked six scoreless innings and allowed only one hit with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Red Sox draft Puerto Rican center fielder in first round
The cousin of Carlos Beltran, Reymond Fuentes is a speedy player with a slight build and a fierce swing. He was a surprise pick, with many experts projecting that the Sox would select catcher Max Stassi. Fuentes also was caught unaware, since he had little contact with Boston officials.

Portsmouth High's Westmoreland bound for Lowell
Westmoreland needed offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and he’s been rehabbing in Fort Myers since December.

Epstein's most memorable draft pick? Papelbon, of course
A look at the Red Sox' recent high draft picks shows some who have worked out great, and others who have struggled to establish themselves professionally.

06/08/2009

No one tries harder than David: Teammates see signs of life from Ortiz
BOSTON –– The erase board on the back of the Red Sox clubhouse door on Friday read: "Early BP tomorrow at 3 p.m."

Bill Reynolds: Yankees return to Fenway as a team on the rise
The Sox and the Yankees are right there where everyone expected them to be, which only pours fuel on a rivalry that’s always a hot fire to begin with.

Yankees feel need to make a statement against Red Sox
NEW YORK — Not even a spot atop the American League East can soothe the bruised pride the Yankees have suffered as a result of a winless streak against the Red Sox so far this season.

06/07/2009

Rangers 6, Red Sox 3: Another sloppy start for Matsuzaka
Over the first three innings, Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up seven hits and four runs to put the Red Sox in a hole that they were not able to climb out of.

Red Sox journal: Ortiz has six-game hitting streak

Rangers 6, Red Sox 3: Kotsay gets the job done off the bench
Mark Kotsay, who was acquired via trade from Atlanta last August, went 2-for-3, including a solo home run and two runs scored. It was his first homer as a Red Sox.

06/06/2009

Red Sox 8, Rangers 1: Lester stifles Texas with another dominating performance
On the heels of a 12-strikeout game against Toronto, the left-hander carries a no-hitter into the seventh inning and finishes with a complete-game two-hitter, with 11 more K's, in leading the Sox to victory

Red Sox 8, Rangers 1: Near no-hitters are no coincidence with these Sox

Red Sox 8, Rangers 1: Postgame notes

Red Sox vs. Rangers: Lugo smarting over what he feels is unfair criticism
The veteran shortstop doesn't agree with critics who say his defense has deteroriated

Red Sox journal: Baldelli-Sox 'partnership' working well
The Rhode Island native is benefitting from the plan he and the team worked out in spring training

Smoltz cruises though his first rehab start with PawSox
The 42-year-old right-hander allows only one hit in six innings, and gives up only one run

06/05/2009

Rangers 5, Red Sox 1: Penny fades in the fifth
Brad Penny was strong over the first four innings, when he allowed just one hit, striking out three, but the Rangers racked up four hits and four runs in the momentum-swinging fifth inning to take control of the game.

Red Sox hope to continue to prosper in the draft
No matter if the economy is good, or in dire straits, Boston's philosophy is to put the necessary resources into scouting and development in order to help the Red Sox remain perennial winners.

Red Sox journal: Despite 'dry' eyes, Ortiz's vision is 20-20

06/04/2009

Red Sox 6, Tigers 3: A wild afternoon in Detroit
Boston takes advantage of Dontrelle Willis' lack of control for a six-run third inning, and completes the three-game sweep of the Tigers

Tim Wakefield continues to anchor a suddenly rejuvenated Red Sox rotation

Youkilis' status uncertain after he leaves game with a calf injury related to being stepped on Wednesday

Red Sox 6, Tigers 3: Drew hits his 200th homer . . . and no one knows it

Red Sox 6, Tigers 3: Laird says he understands why Beckett hit him Wednesday

04/19/2009

Jim Donaldson: Ortiz is not scaring anyone, except Red Sox fans
BOSTON –– Just as we know the white-hot Kevin Youkilis isn’t going to continue to hit .468 this season, we know that the slow-starting David “Big Papi” Ortiz isn’t going to continue to hit .170.