Category Archives: Articles

Theo Epstein Is the Master of Disguise

Theo Epstein is the Master of Disguise

If Sony Pictures was ever to make a remake or a sequel to the 2002 Dana Carvey hit, Master of Disguise, they may want to call on Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein to star in it.

We all know Epstein left the Fenway Park offices back on Halloween of 2005 in a gorilla suit. Now his latest disguise was worn to a Pearl Jam concert at the TD BankNorth Garden on Monday night.

As Big League Stew points out, this wasn’t the first time he’s gone to a Pearl Jam concert in disguise. This time around, Theo put on his best fake pornstache and a red trucker’s hat. It also looks like he has a wig of some sorts on as well.

Here’s the picture proof from Big League Stew as well:

Theo Epstein in disguise at a Pearl Jam concert - Big League Stew Photo

The worst part about this is that people were making a big stink about it all. I see no reason why he can’t attend a concert once in a while. My best guess is that people were complaining due to the poor start the Red Sox have had in 2010.

UConn Men’s 2010 Recruiting Class Ranked 20th by ESPN

UConn Huskies football coach Randy Edsall doesn’t put much stock into the rankings by the recruiting experts. He just tries to get the best guys that will succeed at UConn. And we won’t even talk about what women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma does in recruiting.  Simply put, the man is a genius.

UConn HuskiesUConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun is no different as he regularly puts together good, consistent recruiting classes. Every once in a while you’ll see a player or two transfer out but you can’t argue with the success that Calhoun has had in developing NBA caliber players.

During this year’s recruiting season, Calhoun lost out on almost all of the top-flight recruits. He was able to secure Roscoe Smith out of Baltimore, Maryland, who was ranked No. 34 in the ESPNU 100. Joining Smith in Storrs will be point guard Shabazz Napier, shooting guard Jeremy Lamb, local boy Tyler Olander, a power forward, and center Michael Bradley.

Those five were good enough to help UConn into the top 20 of ESPN’s Class of 2010 rankings at No. 20. The Kentucky Wildcats came in at No. 1.

Here’s what ESPN Insider had to say about UConn’s class:

UConn added a lot of nice pieces in this group of recruits. The national headliner is Roscoe Smith (Baltimore, Md./Oak Hill) and the long, athletic small forward has the talent to be a star. However, he needs to keep his motor on high and be consistent. Jeremy Lamb (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) is another long and athletic wing and could blossom during his time at Connecticut. Michael Bradley (Chattanooga, Tenn./Tyner Academy) and Tyler Olander (Storrs, Conn./E.O. Smith) are both advanced projects whose best days are ahead of them. Bradley is a long, athletic shot-blocker who is a little raw offensively right now but with great upside. Olander is stronger right now and is a nice high-post player with a solid stroke to 17 feet. Early high school graduate Shabazz Napier (Randolph, Mass./Lawrence Academy) is a surprise addition to the class. Napier can really score and could be instant offense off the bench with the Huskies’ backcourt returning.

A full look at the top 25 schools can be found by using the read more button to the right.

  1. Kentucky Wildcats
  2. Ohio State Buckeyes
  3. North Carolina Tar Heels
  4. Memphis Tigers
  5. Syracuse Orange
  6. Duke Blue Devils
  7. North Carolina State Wolfpack
  8. Texas Longhorns
  9. Florida Gators
  10. Michigan State Spartans
  11. Tennessee Volunteers
  12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
  13. Illinois Fighting Illini
  14. Missouri Tigers
  15. UCLA Bruins
  16. Florida State Seminoles
  17. Marquette Golden Eagles
  18. Stanford Cardinal
  19. LSU Tigers
  20. Connecticut Huskies
  21. Maryland Terps
  22. Baylor Bears
  23. Kansas Jayhawks
  24. California Golden Bears
  25. South Carolina Gamecocks

Boston Red Sox News & Notes – 5/20

Clay Buchholz(notes) #11 of the Boston Red Sox heads for the dugout after the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins on May 19, 2010 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Clay Buchholz served up just what Boston Red Sox skipper Terry Francona ordered on Wednesday night as he went 8+ innings in the 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. It really couldn’t have come at a better time as the bullpen was slightly overused in the two-game set with the New York Yankees.

There’s a reason why Francona and the Red Sox wanted Buchholz in the rotation all season and he rewarded their faith last night. He mixed in all of his pitches well and had great command of his fastball. Sure he’ll have some bumps along the way but when he becomes consistent, this is what can expect from him.

After last night’s game, the Red Sox designated Scott Schoeneweis for assignment. At that time, there was no corresponding player move but my best guess would have been a pitcher from Pawtucket like Scott Atchison or Robert Manuel. But that wasn’t the case at all.

It turns out that Marco Scutaro is suffering from a case of tennis elbow in his non-throwing arm and he got a cortisone shot yesterday to help alleviate the pain. He had gotten his first day off in a long time yesterday and it turns out it was well needed. Angel Sanchez will come up from Pawtucket and play shortstop for the next couple of days while Scutaro rests up.

The Red Sox also placed Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with tightness in his back. After missing a start with back spasms, Beckett came back to start on Tuesday night only to slip on a pitch and have his back tighten back up. Beckett will miss two starts while on the disabled list and should start the day he’s eligible to come off the disabled list.

This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Red Sox as it will allow Beckett to be 100% healthy before returning the rotation plus it’ll give Tim Wakefield a few more starts. Wakefield has been outstanding filling in out of the bullpen and given Beckett’s struggles in 2010, this might not be a bad thing.

And how about David Ortiz! Reports of his demise were just a little wrong as he hit his seventh home run in the month of May last night.

For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston GlobeBoston HeraldESPN BostonNESNProvidence Journal and WEEI websites.

And if you must check out the enemy papers, head over to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press websites.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 5/20

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

DC answered a few questions in his mailbag [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Post-spring position rankings: WR [ESPN.com – Big East Blog]

Rivalries we’d like to see in the Big East [ESPN.com – Big East Blog]

Spring absentees who need to come through [ESPN.com – Big East Blog]

Post-spring position rankings: RB [ESPN.com – Big East Blog]

Six Big East players on Phil Steele All-America teams [ESPN.com – Big East Blog]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Some This And That About The UConn Women [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]

Healthy Outlook For Incoming UConn Women Freshmen [Hartford Courant]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Ranking the UConn Alumni in the NBA [UConn Huskies Basketball]

Other UConn related links

Big East Death Watch [John Silver – Journal Inquirer]

Buchholz Shuts The Door on the Twins

After using up the bullpen in the brief two-game set in New York, Boston Red Sox skipper Terry Francona would need his young horse Clay Buchholz to eat up some innings. And a win if he could get that too.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz tips his cap as he comes out of the baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning, Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Boston. The Red Sox won 3-2. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)Buchholz stepped up to the plate in a big way on Wednesday night as he allowed two runs in 8+ innings to help the local nine to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins in front of 37,426 soggy fans at Fenway Park.

It’s the second straight win for the Red Sox as they get back over .500 at 21-20. The AL Central-leading Twins fall to 24-16.

Young Clay had it going well on the bump. He was able to mix in all of his pitches and had great life and movement on his fastball. At one point during the 5th and 6th innings, he had five ground ball outs and finished with ten of them on the night.

He had thrown 100 pitches through eight innings but went back out for the 9th. But a leadoff infield single by Denard Span ended his night. All told, Buchholz went 8+ innings, allowing two runs on five hits with just one walk and recorded seven strikeouts.

Despite giving up a hit and a walk, Daniel Bard picked up his second career save and first of the 2010 season a night after picking up the win.

David Ortiz had the big blow as his 2-run homer got the Red Sox out front. It didn’t come easy for him though as it hit the top of the Green Monster in the 4th inning. After a four minute review delay, it was ruled it was indeed a home run that made it 2-1 Red Sox.

Both Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre added two hits and Bill Hall’s RBI single in the 6th inning proved to be the difference. The only member of the starting nine without a hit was J.D. Drew, who was in the leadoff spot for Marco Scutaro who had the night off.

After the comeback win on Tuesday night, this win was just as nice as it came over a quality opponent.

The Red Sox will look to get another win before heading south to Philadelphia to begin interleague play. It’ll be a matchup of lefties as Francisco Liriano and Jon Lester will toe the rubber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Minnesota Twins @ Boston Red Sox 5.19.10 box score

Breaking News: Schoeneweis Desginated For Assignment

Boston Red Sox breaking news

According to a tweet by Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe, the Boston Red Sox have designated Scott Schoeneweis for assignment. There’s no word on a corresponding roster move as of yet.

Schoeneweis, who was one of the last players to make the Red Sox out of spring training, had a rough time coming out of the bullpen. In 15 appearances, he was 1-0 with a 7.90 ERA. He had allowed 12 earned runs on 19 hits to go along with 10 walks and 13 strikeouts in 13.2 innings.

Early Evening Red Sox Delight – 5/19

Scott Baker (L), Clay Buchholz (R) - AP Photos

After splitting a two-game set in New York, the Boston Red Sox return home for a brief two-game homestand with the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park.

Tonight’s game will start at 7:10 p.m. and will be shown on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Twins television market, you can catch the game on FOXSports North. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to the game on the 2010 Red Sox radio network.

Clay Buchholz makes his 8th start of the season for Terry Francona. In his seven starts, he is 4-3 with a 3.46 ERA. He hasn’t faced the Twins in 2010 and has made only one career start back in 2008. In that game, he took the loss after allowing seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Scott Baker is making his ninth start of the season for the Twins. In his previous eight starts, he is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA. He hasn’t faced the Red Sox in 2010 and was 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA (6 ER/4.2 IP) in one start in 2009. Overall in his career, he’s made three appearances (two starts) and is 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA with all of them coming at Fenway Park.

Keep reading for lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and pregame links.

Minnesota Twins24-15

Red Sox logo20-20

1. Denard Span CF 1. J.D. Drew RF
2. Orlando Hudson 2B 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Joe Mauer C 3. Victor Martinez C
4. Justin Morneau 1B 4. Kevin Youkilis 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer RF 5. David Ortiz DH
6. Jim Thome DH 6. Adrian Beltre 3B
7. Jason Kubel LF 7. Jeremy Hermida LF
8. Brendan Harris SS 8. Bill Hall SS
9. Nick Punto 3B 9. Darnell McDonald CF
Scott Baker SP Clay Buchholz SP

Here’s the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers in their careers:

Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox batter/pitcher matchups

Before tonight’s game, the Red Sox announced that they have placed Josh Beckett on the 15-day DL with a back strain. Beckett was pulled in the 5th inning of last night’s start with a tight back. To replace him on the 25-man roster, they have called up reliever Joe Nelson from Pawtucket.

In 16 appearances for the PawSox, Nelson was 3-2 with a 2.49 ERA and a save. Tim Wakefield will take Beckett’s place in the rotation which means Wake will square off with Roy Halladay on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Josh Beckett goes on 15-day DL [CSN New England]

Red Sox hope Beckett will miss just one start [Clubhouse Insider]

His fight with Father Time leaves scars [ESPN Boston]

Francona, Mauer to honor Mass mentors [Extra Bases]

Hermida has earned his at-bats [Extra Bases]

Beckett on DL; Wakefield in rotation [Extra Bases]

Globe 10.0: Is Beckett overrated? [Extra Bases]

Francona on D&H: ‘The game should be played a certain way’ [Full Count]

Pre-Game Notes: Francona, Sox ‘err on the side of caution’ with Beckett [Full Count]

Wakefield: ‘I shouldn’t have to’ prove anything [Full Count]

In 7-6 Win, Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox Remind Us That It’s Still May [NESN.com]

Jeremy Hermida Providing Offensive Spark When Red Sox Need Him Most [NESN.com]

Struggling, but still battling, Red Sox “keep playing” [Projo Sox Blog]

Drew healthy, hitting leadoff [Projo Sox Blog]

Beckett placed on disabled list [Projo Sox Blog]

Ortiz hosting fundraiser at restaurant [RedSox.com]

Back problem forces Beckett to DL [RedSox.com]

2010 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt

Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt

Lowell, MA (May 19, 2010) – The fourth annual Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt tournament was announced today and is scheduled to take place today July 1, 2010 at the Tsongas Center @ UMASS Lowell, Lowell MA. This year’s event is held to benefit Journey Forward. The 18 custom made putting holes will be hosted by one of Varitek’s Boston Red Sox teammates or other Boston celebrities, who in the past have included, Jonathan Papelbon, Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, hockey legend Ray Bourque and many more.

Tickets for the 2010 Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt tournament are open to the public and can be purchased for $17.00 each by visiting the following websites and location:

In his 14th season with the Boston Red Sox, the Captain has been a strong asset to the baseball club. “I enjoy the time that I get to play, and work hard to consistently make myself a better and stronger player” stated Jason. Varitek has had a successful start to the season in a new role and will continue to work his hardest on and off the field. “This event is a great experience for fans and benefits a great cause, Journey Forward. I enjoy meeting all of the fans, and taking the time away from the baseball field to pick up a putter and support charity. Each year the event seems to grow, and the crowd enjoys the atmosphere all around them. It’s a great feeling to know that I can help to make that happen.”

About Journey Forward

Journey Forward was founded by Dan Cummings who was paralyzed one day while going for a swim with his friends. Dan was diagnosed a C6 quadriplegic and was in ICU for four weeks. Dan fought to live and showed improvement but was told there was a good possibility of never walking again. Dan promised to anyone that would listen that he would walk again and after three years in Boston and four years in California he did. Dan realized that his new mission was to make the program he used in California easily accessible to those in need so he moved back to Boston and began Journey Forward. Journey Forward is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bettering the lives of those who have suffered a Spinal Cord Injury through an intense exercise program. Journey Forward’s exercise program is designed to assists those with Spinal Cord Injuries so that they can achieve basic lifelong functions and receive the benefits.