Yuni Hits Bomb, Drives In Four, Mâ€™s Sink Sox 7-4

Yuni-Bomber

Usually the very sure Red Sox bullpen does the job. Tonight it didn’t as Mike Timlin failed miserably again in Seattle and it led to a 7-4 Mariners win. Timlin has given up 6 homeruns in his last six games at Safeco and the team has now dropped nine straight in Seattle.

The Mariners took the lead in the 6^th off of Timlin. Adam Jones would reach on a Julio Lugo throwing error and he would move to second when Timlin threw the ball away on a pick off attempt. Jose Lopez tried to sacrifice Jones to third but bunted the ball back to Timlin who threw off the mark to Mike Lowell and it was runners at the corners. Yuni Betancourt would hit a weak broken bat grounder to Dustin Pedroia to score Jones and give the M’s a 5-4 lead. It was Betancourt’s 4^th RBI on the night. Ichiro Suzuki was intentionally walked, Jose Vidro singled to load the bases and Jose Guillen bounced into an unassisted double play to Lugo to end the threat.

In the 7^th Adrian Beltre led off with a single off, Timlin struck out Richie Sexson, it was his third whiff of the night, but Kenji Johjima followed with a two run homer into the left field seats that broke the game open and gave the Mariners a 7-4. Manny Delcarmen would then come on and get a pair of strikeouts to keep the Sox away from any further damage.

The Red Sox chipped away at Seattle starter Horacio Ramirez for single runs in each of the first three innings to grab a 3-0 lead. In the first the sox loaded bases on singles by Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Manny Ramirez and a fourth single by Lowell would produce the games first run. On the play Manny would end up at third with Youk and Manny would be called out on a 9-4-2-5 fielder’s choice.

The Sox added a second run in the second when after loading the bases again as Wily Mo Pena was hit by a pitch, Coco Crisp singled and Lugo attempting a sacrifice bunt ended up with an infield hit. Pedroia’s double play ball brought home Pena with the run.

The Sox in the third added yet another solo run when Ortiz went yard with his 19^th HR of the year and it was 3-0 Sox.

The Mariners would get a run back in the home half of third. After back-to-back singles by Betancourt and Ichiro to lead off the inning, Sox starter Jon Lester got Vidro to line out, Guillen struck out but Beltre singled to left to cut the lead to 3-1.

Seattle in the fourth started to get to Lester with one out. Jones singled for his second hit of the game, Lopez walked and Betancourt went yard to put the M’s up 4-3.

The Sox were able to tie the game in the fifth. Pedroia singled to left, Youkilis singled to center and then Ortiz drove in his second run of the game with a single to left and that chased Ramirez from the game. Sean Green came on and was able to get out of the inning with a double play and a ground out that kept the score tied.

Continue reading →

Boarder Survives Gnarly Slam

Oh crap, this is gonna hurt.....bad.

On Thursday night while competing in the Big Air event inside the Staples Center during X-Games 13 boarder Jake Brown after completing a 70-foot jump went up a ramp, while airborne he lost his board and proceeded to free fall some 50-feet through the air to the ramps lower surface. The force of the landing actually separated his shoes from his body as he crashed to the deck.

X-Games personnel rushed to Brown’s aid, as he lay motionless for nearly 8 minutes on the ramp deck. Many in the Los Angeles crowd thought that he was possibly dead or paralyzed. Brown, wearing a shirt that said “Blind”, was able to actually get up and walk off under his own power. He was taken to a local hospital where he was kept overnight because of concerns due to some bleeding in his liver and a concussion.

He was released this afternoon around 2 p.m. western time.

Danny Way, he himself an X-Games participant, designed the ramp that was used in the Big Air event, which this year was moved inside in order to help cut down the effects that wind has on the skaters. Way said he had spoken to Brown twice since the incident and that he was doing well after what Way describes as one of the “gnarliest slams I’ve seen in my entire boarding career”.

Brown is expected to recover fully and be back falling out of the sky in no time.

[Editor’s note: here is the video courtesy of Anthony from the Oriole Post. Not for the weak of stomach.]Â

http://youtube.com/watch?v=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLgAl_TtlQ4[/youtube]

Are They Hall of Famers? â€“ The Shortstop Edition

We at Sox and Dawgs decided to start taking a look at some current players to see if they could gain election to Hall of Fame. In this series, we’re going to look at players who are currently active who have reasonable consideration to be a Hall nominee. This isn’t a science and you may have others on your list that we left off. There are some fine young players who are just starting their careers who may have Hall potential but for arguments sake these are for guys who have been around a bit or those few outstanding younger players who just jump off the page at you.

In this series we’re going to look at the players by position as compared to Hall members of that position. The position is the primary position of the player through his career. If he played a significant amount of games in another position that will be listed next to his name. Some of the guys we will look at over time have endured position changes, but because the majority of their career was at one position over another we have chosen that as the position in which they are being considered.

The seventh category we will look at is shortstop.

The Baseball Hall of Fame shortstops we are going to use for comparison are:

Luis Aparicio 18 years, 2601 G, 10230 AB, 1335 R, 2677 H, 394 2B, 92 3B, 83 HR, 791 RBI, .262 BA, .311 OBP, .343 SLG, 12 All-star teams, ROY, 9 Gold Gloves, Stolen base leader 9x

Ernie Banks 19 years, 2528 G, 9421 AB, 1305 R, 2583 H, 407 2B, 90 3B, 512 HR, 1636 RBI, .274 BA, .330 OBP, .500 SLG, 14 All-star teams, 2 MVPs, 1 Gold Glove, Home Run leader 2x, RBI leader 2x

Ozzie Smith 19 years, 2573 G, 9396 AB, 1257 R, 2460 H, 402 2B, 69 3B, 28 HR, 793 RBI, .262 BA, .337 OBP, .328 SLG, 15 All-star teams, 1 Silver Slugger, 1 NLCS MVP, 13 Gold Gloves

Robin Yount (CF) 20 years, 2856 G, 11008 AB, 1632 R, 3142 H, 583 2B, 126 3B, 251 HR, 1406 RBI, .285 BA, .342 OBP, .430 SLG, 3 All-star teams, 3 Silver Sluggers, 2 MVPs, 1 Gold Glove

We have five possible candidates for the Hall, with two now playing significant games in other positions:

Their stats are current as of July 29, 2007.

Miguel Tejada 11th year, 1498 G, 5837 AB, 909 R, 1676 H, 331 2B, 18 3B, 247 HR, 997 RBI, .287 BA, .343 OBP, .477 SLG, 4 All-star teams, 2 Silver Sluggers, 1 MVP, 1 All-Star Game MVP, RBI leader 1x

Derek Jeter 13th year, 1783 G, 7218 AB, 1344 R, 2292 H, 374 2B, 53 3B, 190 HR, 910 RBI, .318 BA, .389 OBP, .463 SLG, 8 All-star teams, 1 Silver Sluggers, ROY, 1 All-Star Game MVP, 1 World Series MVP, 3 Gold Gloves

Alex Rodriguez (3B) 14th year, 1850 G, 7151 AB, 1455 R, 2183 H, 389 2B, 26 3B, 499 HR, 1450 RBI, .305 BA, .387 OBP, .576 SLG, 11 All-star teams, 8 Silver Sluggers, 2 MVPs, 2 Gold Gloves, 1 Batting Title, HR leader 4x, RBI leader 1x

Nomar Garciaparra (1B/3B) 12th year, 1291 G, 5190 AB, 880 R, 1639 H, 351 2B, 52 3B, 215 HR, 885 RBI, .316 BA, .365 OBP, .528 SLG, 6 All-star teams, 1 Silver Sluggers, ROY, 2 Batting Titles, Hits leader 1x

Omar Vizquel 19th year, 2537 G, 9314 AB, 1320 R, 2559 H, 408 2B, 69 3B, 75 HR, 846 RBI, .275 BA, .340 OBP, .358 SLG, 3 All-star teams, 11 Gold Gloves

Shortstop is a position that over time has evolved. It used to be a shortstop was a small feisty middle infielder, who could field, but couldn’t hit for power. Guys like Aparicio, Mark Belanger, Dave Concepcion, Vizquel and Smith come to mind. Then Ernie Banks became the first great power hitting shortstop, along came guys like Yount, Ripken, Tejada, Rodriguez, Jeter and Garciaparra who could field, hit for average and for power.

In comparing our five candidates to current Hall members, I really think there’s a legitimate shot at all five getting in. Tejada and Garciaparra will have the toughest row to hoe based on the shear numbers. I think these guys are borderline but if you look at their stats compared to others that played the position they are superior in many ways. Their problem is they are going to be compared to their peers.

Vizquel is in. He doesn’t have the offensive numbers but like Smith before him his defense is his game. Then the two elite guys, Jeter and Rodriguez, are locks. Jeter will get in based on his numbers and his post season presence. What you don’t see looking at the stats is that no one has more post season hits than Jeter. Like him or hate him he is a winner, a team player, a leader. Rodriguez is possibly the greatest player of all-time, definitely the greatest player of this current era along with Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey, Jr. Rodriguez has the chance to be the all-time HR King post-Bonds. He will have the best shot, based on his age and his current numbers, to reach that summit. But like everyone before him he won’t be a unanimous selection because of the off the field stuff and the clubhouse issues but he will be a first ballot guy just like Jeter will and Vizquel should be.

Now Pitching For The Boston Red Sox…..

Schilling in 2005

2004 World Series hero Curt Schilling is set to return to the mound for the Boston Red Sox on Monday in Los Angeles against the Angles. Schilling, 6-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 15 starts in 2007, will be activated from the disabled list and make his first start since June 18^th in Atlanta.

Schilling, who made three rehab starts for Boston’s Triple A International League team in Pawtucket, pitched 15 scoreless innings logging 18 strikeouts.

The return of the “Big Schill” is huge as he gives the Red Sox a much better starter than they could have acquired at the recently passed trading deadline. Having Schilling waiting in the wings allowed them to trade promising lefty Kason Gabbard, outfield prospect David Murphy and another prospect to Texas for reliever Eric Gagne to solidify an already very good bullpen.

“Schill’s all set to go,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “The ball keeps coming out of his hand like we want it to. It’s been very successful. We’ll be thrilled to have him back.”

So will Red Sox fans.

Sox May Start ’08 Season On The Road…..In Japan

Giants Logo

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is reporting that the Boston Red Sox are looking into the possibility of starting the 2008 season in Japan.

Officials from the Japanese City of Yomiuri, who hosts the games in Japan, were to meet with Major League Baseball officials today. Yomiuri is the home of the Giants, one of Japan’s most popular and successful teams.

The Red Sox, according to Gene Orza of the MLBPA, are a logical choice because of pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima. “I have only briefly spoken with the Red Sox players, so I don’t know what their view on the matter is. But the Red Sox are a logical choice given Matsuzaka,” Orza said.

Among teams as possible opponents for Boston are the Los Angles Angels, Oakland A’s or Seattle Mariners. If the Red Sox open in Japan, that likely would be followed by a series on the West Coast against the same club they play in Tokyo.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Sox third baseman Mike Lowell said. “We’ve got some marquee names that are going to bring a lot of attention over there. So in that sense it’s great, but I don’t think guys are too happy to go 22 hours on a plane to play games that count. It’s not the game itself. It’s the aftereffects.”

Lowell said the distance was the problem for him.

“I know we want to get the game globalized and all that,” he said, “but from a player standpoint East Coast-West Coast is tough enough, and going to the other end of the world is another thing.”

Asked yesterday about the possibility of playing in Japan to start the season on the Boston Globe Pre-Game Show on NESN, Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry replied that “I keep reading about it but there hasn’t been any internal discussion in weeks”.

Reports from the Associated Press were used in this story.

Red Sox vs Mariners Pitching Matchups

Friday August 3^rd, 10:05 PM

Jon Lester, LHP (1-0, 4.26) vs Horacio Ramirez, LHP (6-3, 6.52)

Saturday August 4^th, 10:05 PM

Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (12-8, 3.75) vs Jarrod Washburn, LHP (8-7, 4.11)

Sunday August ^5th, 4:05 PM

Josh Beckett, RHP (13-5, 3.41) vs Miguel Batista, RHP (11-7, 4.23)

Friday’s Fast Walk Around the AL & NL West

Vladimir Guerrero ended his 30-game homer drought with two longballs last night.

C.J. Wilson is looking an awful lot like a closer in the absence of Eric Gagne.

Speaking of closers, Huston Street is anxious to get back to work in that role for the A’s.

Put Ichiro anywhere and he’ll win still win Gold Glove.

Morgan Ensberg went deep twice last night.

Where is Tony Abreu?

Carlos Quentin was placed on the 15-day DL on Thursday with a strained right hamstring.

Pedro Feliz drove in 2 runs for Barry Zito and the Giants.

The Rockies know how to play some exciting baseball sometimes.

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)

Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

Tough week for Michael Vick. A spokesman for PETA announced that he has film of the Falcons quarterback throwing pigskins. Word is Vick is planning to sell his Virginia estate where the alleged dog fights took place, and buy a house closer to his job. In Canada.

Elsewhere in the NFL, some pipes broke and filled the Cleveland Browns locker room with raw sewage, reminding everyone of Tim Couch.

The Texas Rangers traded Mark Texiera to the Braves for four prospects, which they will eventually trade for a washed up pitcher.

Hoping to win back the public’s trust, the NBA announced it’s new head of officiating – Pete Rose.

In golf, Jim Furyk edged out Vijay Singh to win the Canadian Open. That’s just like the US Open, but with nobody watching.

Kentucky Derby winning jockey Jose Santos announced his retirement, and is looking forward to eating again.

Evander Holyfield will fight for a version of the heavyweight title at age 44 in Moscow. In Russia he won’t look old, he’ll just look poisoned.

And the National Guard is in talks to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr’s NASCAR team as a great way to recruit more poor people. The Army decided against sponsoring Jeff Gordon for unknown reasons. We didn’t ask, they didn’t tell.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

Wakefield Pitches, Mirabelli Hits Sox To Win

Two days into August and two four run 7th innings have led the Boston Red Sox to a pair of wins over American League East division foe, Baltimore. Today after giving away an early 3-0 lead the Sox put up their 4 spot in the 7th inning to break a 3-3 tie with the Orioles.

With reliever Rob Bell (3-2) on as the third Baltimore hurler he got Manny Ramirez to ground out to start the inning. Mike Lowell singled to left and got forced at second when Coco Crisp hit into a fielder’s choice for the second out. Crisp stole second, his second of the day and 20th on the season, Eric Hinske was intentionally walked and then pinch run for by J.D. Drew, who was a late scratch due to family considerations. Catcher Doug Mirabelli who was already 2 for 2 with a solo HR, single and a walk singled again to drive in his second run of the day and give the Sox a 4-3 lead. Alex Cora followed with a RBI single to score Drew and it was 5-3. The diminutive Dustin Pedroia doubled on a ball that looked like Orioles rightfielder Nick Markakis might have caught as he dove. But the ball hit his glove, bounced off the side of his face, rolled down his body and onto the grass as Mirabelli and Cora raced home with two more runs and a 7-3 lead. For the second day in a row the Baltimore bullpen had imploded at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox would stake starter Tim Wakefield, who was pitching on his 41st birthday, to a 1-0 lead in the third inning. After a one out double by David Ortiz, the scorching hot Ramirez produced a RBI single to center to drive him home.

The hometown nine increased their lead in the fourth inning. Hinske, a late addition to the starting line up, would homer over the bullpens off of starter Jeremy Guthrie and it was 2-0. Mirabelli then followed with a solo homer of his own into the Monster Seats. It was the 6th time this season the Sox have gone back-to-back and it gave his battery mate Wakefield a 3-0 lead.

The O’s struck right back in the fifth off of Wakefield (13-9). Aubrey Huff would hit a lead off triple into the rightfield corner, Jay Payton hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Huff and that cut the lead to 3-1. With two out Paul Bako singled, Brian Roberts doubled to left and then Corey Patterson singled to score Bako and Roberts to tie the game at 3-3.

In the 6th inning the Sox threatened again and loaded the bases with one out. Mirabelli singled, Cora sacrificed him to second, and Pedroia would walk. Kevin Youkilis ended up reaching on Markakis’ first error in 147 games when he dropped a fly ball in rightfield. This chased Guthrie from the game and with the bases loaded Jamie Walker was summoned to face Ortiz. Big Papi put a charge into one as he flew out to Markakis at the warning track in front of the Sox bullpen. Mirabelli who was tagging on the play, felt he left early, went back to re-tag third and was easily thrown out at the plate by Miguel Tejada to end the inning on a bizzare double play.

In the eighth Terry Francona turned the game over to his bullpen. Rookie lefty Hideki Okajima only needed six pitches to get out of the inning even after giving up a base hit.

In the ninth, in a non-save situation, newly acquired Eric Gagne made his Boston debut to the delight of the Red Sox fans. Gagne would make quick work of Kevin Millar and Tejada as they both went down looking at called third strikes. Huff then got a fluke ground rule double on a ball that was foul and blew back into fair territory and dropped behind Lowell and in front of Cora as the ball bounced into the seats. Payton’s cue shot single off the end of his bat to right brought home Huff and it was 7-4 Sox. But Gagne was able to get Jay Gibbons to fly out to Ramirez in left to end the game.

The Sox left after the game for Seattle where they have a three game series with the Mariners. The Sox will also travel to Los Angeles to play the Angels and finish up the road trip in Baltimore for a re-match with the O’s before coming home again.