Tim Wakefield has gone through some highs and lows for the Boston Red Sox in 2010. He found himself in the starting rotation to start the season only to find himself banished to the bullpen when Daisuke Matsuzaka returned. Then he returned to the rotation when Josh Beckett became injured.
But for Wakefield, he’s been a true professional throughout all of this and he rewarded Terry Francona last night with another quality start that helped the Red Sox to a 3-2 win. In the win, Wake picked up his second win of the season which now gives 177 in his career as a member of the Red Sox. He trails Cy Young and steroid boy Roger Clemens by 15 wins (both have 192).
Wakefield has been a member of the Red Sox since 1995 and was teammate of Clemens. And oh by the way, Clemens had pitched the most innings in Red Sox history until last night. Wakefield passed Clemens for the all-time Red Sox innings pitched record when he got Russell Branyan to pop out. Wake didn’t even know he had gotten the record but his catcher Victor Martinez did.
VMart asked for the ball and had it given to the dugout and Wake was left to wonder why. He found after the game when he went to his locker only to see his Wakefield nameplate gone and replaced with 2777.
Here’s what Wake had to say after the game about the record:
“I feel very blessed to be able to wear this uniform for as long as I have,’’ Wakefield said. “I think it’s a sign of longevity, dealing with adversity, the ups and downs, having an organization that believes in me and has kept me here for as long as I’ve been here.
“It’s a tribute to just never giving up. If I can pass on to somebody, maybe one of those people that are on the bubble, [it] is never quit. I’ve never done that, regardless of how good I’ve pitched or how bad I’ve pitched. It’s always keep striving to be better, and I was fortunate to be here as long as I have been and to get a win tonight and to pass Roger for all time for innings pitched is pretty special.’’
Wakefield was dealing last night. His knuckleball had great movement as it had been flat his last night time out. He even mixed in a few fastballs and recorded a few strikeouts with his nasty curveball.
The Red Sox starting pitching has been rolling of late and that’s why they find themselves in third place trailing the New York Yankees by two games for second place and the Tampa Bay Rays by four games for first place. Just a month ago, the Red Sox were 6½ games out of first and six games behind the Rays.
And before we go, don’t forget to show Kevin Youkilis some love in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game voting.
We”ll be back later with the final 2010 MLB Draft update, tonight’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups, news and any links from the day but for now, enjoy the overnight links.
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Wakefield, Sox make their mark [Boston Globe]
A taste of future for Bard? [Boston Globe]
A striking change in Buchholz [Boston Globe]
Sox Recap: Red Sox 3 Indians 2 [Boston Herald]
The joys of father-son [Boston Herald]
Tim Wakefield’s newest high [Boston Herald]
Daniel Bard: Draft a minor step [Boston Herald]
Another Kendrick Perkins in Hub [Boston Herald]
Wakefield keeps arms race alive for Sox [CSN New England]
Of Broderick Perkins and Rock Shoulders [ESPN Boston]
Quick hits: Sox 3, Indians 2 [ESPN Boston]
Mike Cameron Plays Reporter After Victor Martinez’s Big Night in Cleveland [NESN.com]
Justin Masterson Adjusting Well to Life as an Indian [NESN.com]
Celtics’ Kendrick Perkins Awed by Red Sox’ Kendrick Perkins [NESN.com]
Mike Lowell Nowhere to Be Found in Red Sox’ Lineup [NESN.com]
Tim Wakefield Sets Record for Most Innings Pitched as Red Sox [NESN.com]
Tim Wakefield, Stephen Strasburg Achieving Greatness at Opposite Ends of Careers [NESN.com]
Is Justin Masterson Better Suited to Be a Starter or Reliever? [NESN.com]
Wakefield remains a true workhorse [Providence Journal]
A closer look at the Red Sox’ top draft picks [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Ellsbury heading to L.A. for more tests [Providence Journal]
Hermida could return to lineup Wednesday [RedSox.com]
Ellsbury seeking answers about rib pain [RedSox.com]
Delcarmen’s sore back improving [RedSox.com]
Boston eyes pitching on Day 2 of Draft [RedSox.com]
Wakefield makes history in win vs. Tribe [RedSox.com]
The night Wakefield found his way … and his smile [Rob Bradford – WEEI.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
And if you must read the enemy papers, check out the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Akron Beacon Journal websites.
