Apparently all that time in the NESN booth calling Boston Red Sox games for Don Orsillo with Dennis Eckersley while Jerry Remy was away from the booth has paid off for Orsillo.
Listen to Orsillo go through all of the “Eck-isms” when describing Eckersley’s first pitch to Carlton Fisk on Friday night. Mind you, this did come after Orsillo and Remy spent a good five minutes talking about Remy’s dyed hair and toupées.
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For those of you who follow the Boston Red Sox on NESN with Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, you know that when the game isn’t interesting anymore, they kind of go off in a different direction.
With the score 10-5 in the seventh inning in Friday night’s game, the pair did just that as they talked about Remy’s dye job on his hair and toupées.
This one may rank up there as one of their all-time greatest convos ever.
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Forget the fact the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs 15-5 on Friday night as WBZ’s Jon Miller comes up with the question of the year for Sox skipper Terry Francona.
After a two-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox welcome the Chicago Cubs to Fenway Park for the first time since the 1918 World Series for a three-game set.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. (weather permitting) and will be televised on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Cubs television market, you can catch the game on WGN. If you don’t live in either market, you’re in luck as well as the MLB Network will have coverage of the game. And if you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to the game on the 2011 Red Sox Radio Network.
Jon Lester will be the first Red Sox pitcher to reach 10 starts this season. In his previous nine starts, Lester is 5-1 with a 3.28 ERA. He’s never faced the Cubs in his career.
Doug Davis will make the start for skipper Mike Quade. It’s just his second start of the season and he is 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA. He’s made seven career appearances (six starts) against the Red Sox and is 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA. Three of those starts have come at the Fens where he is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA.
Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day if you’re on the home page.
Here are tonight’s lineups:
 19-23 |
 23-20 |
||
| 1. Starlin Castro | SS | 1. Jacoby Ellsbury | CF |
| 2. Darwin Barney | 2B | 2. Dustin Pedroia | 2B |
| 3. Jeff Baker | 3B | 3. Adrian Gonzalez | 1B |
| 4. Aramis Ramirez | DH | 4. Kevin Youkilis | 3B |
| 5. Carlos Pena | 1B | 5. David Ortiz | DH |
| 6. Marlon Byrd | CF | 6. Jed Lowrie | SS |
| 7. Alfonso Soriano | LF | 7. Mike Cameron | RF |
| 8. Reed Johnson | RF | 8. Carl Crawford | LF |
| 9. Koyie Hill | C | 9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia | C |
| Doug Davis | SP | Jon Lester | SP |
And here is how the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers:
Check back and/or refresh often as more links will be added if/when they become available before game time.
With Drew Sutton being called up and Jose Iglesias being sent down, the Red Sox designated Daniel Nava for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Sutton.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
Pregame notes: Lackey had shot; Sox not worried about Beckett [Clubhouse Insider]
Despite neck pain, Josh Beckett expects to make his next start [Clubhouse Insider]
Red Sox-Cubs is much ado about nothing [CSNNE.com]
100,000 for a Sox-Cubs ticket? [CSNNE.com]
1918 World Series flashback: Sox vs. Cubs [ESPN Boston]
Welcome, old friends … [ESPN Boston]
Buckner, ex-Cub, ex-Sox, in the house [ESPN Boston]
Podcast: Schilling on Sox pitching and more [ESPN Boston]
Morales, Wheeler, Sutton here, Nava DFA [ESPN Boston]
Five things to know about Cubs [ESPN Chicago]
Bill Buckner ‘excited’ for return [ESPN Chicago]
Sox looking down at pitch counts? [Extra Bases]
NU to honor Montalbano tomorrow [Extra Bases]
Beckett stands tall, record aside [Extra Bases]
Welcome back, Cubbies [Extra Bases]
Sutton called up from Pawtucket [Extra Bases]
Red Sox transactions in the last 24 hours [Extra Bases]
Beckett feeling better; Morales ready to go [Extra Bases]
Pitching notes: John Lackey had cortisone shot Monday, hasn’t thrown since [Full Count]
Red Sox option Jose Iglesias to Pawtucket, announce other roster moves [Full Count]
Recruiting pitch: How Drew Sutton was sold on becoming a Red Sox [Full Count]
Boston hopes Morales can be lefty specialist [Jim Bowden – ESPN.com]
Top 10 Pieces of Advice Red Sox Fans Can Give Cubs Fans [NESN.com]
Red Sox are rolling [Nuggetpalooza]
Baseball’s Sad Lexicon [Projo Sox Blog]
A Series Matter: Red Sox-Cubs and Ancient History [Projo Sox Blog]
Utilityman Sutton replaces Iglesias on Red Sox roster [Projo Sox Blog]
Beckett still on track to make next start [Projo Sox Blog]
Wheeler hoping to turn disabled-list stint into a benefit [Projo Sox Blog]
Morales arrives, ready to contribute [Projo Sox Blog]
Cubs’ return to Fenway offers window to past [RedSox.com]
Lester, Red Sox host Cubs in historic series [RedSox.com]
Photo credit: AP Photo, Getty Images
Billed as a matchup of pitching heavyweights, Thursday night’s game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers turned into the Carl Crawford show at the end of the game. For the third game this month, Crawford provided the walkoff hit to help the Red Sox to another win, this time 4-3 over the visiting nine from Detroit.
Crawford spent the entire month of April laboring with his average in the .100’s. But he started off the month of May with a walkoff hit against the Seattle Mariners and eight days later provided one against the Minnesota Twins on May 9th. The first walkoff hit got him rolling after hitting just .155 in the month of April.
So far in May, Crawford is hitting .294. And he’s doing this from the 8th spot in the lineup. Skipper Terry Francona plans to move Crawford back up in the order in the near future but for now he stays eighth.
There’s the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” so my feeling is why change what’s working right now. The Red Sox were 11-15 in the month of April but are now 12-5 in the month of May and riding a six-game winning streak. And with Crawford providing hits from the 8th spot why move him. It could only disrupt the lineup chemistry that’s going on right now.
Yes I know it doesn’t make sense to keep him there so maybe if things go temporarily south, we’ll see the move up the lineup for Crawford. But right now during this streak, it just doesn’t make any sense.
The Red Sox got a little scare from Josh Beckett last night as he had to leave the game after six innings of work. At that point, he had thrown only 83 pitches and allowed one run on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. It also led to speculation on what it might be. His back, another blister or my playful joke of a case of the runs.
But it turned out to be a stiff neck, a by-product of the weather and Josh not being able to get loose. Given the situation with the Red Sox starting rotation, the Red Sox and Beckett went about this cautiously. There’s no sense in having him get hurt and ending up on the DL when you already have 2/5 of the rotation there already.
Sure they signed Kevin Millwood for pitching depth but Millwood isn’t the Millwood of old. And he’s certainly not as good as Beckett has been pitching in 2011.
The Red Sox hitters had a tough time with Justin Verlander though. But J.D. Drew and David Ortiz were able to capitalize on mistakes from him for solo home runs. Verlander did finish with nine strikeouts.
Even though he left after six innings with the lead, Beckett ended up with a no decision thanks to the bullpen, well thanks to Daniel Bard.
Matt Albers was solid in the 7th but Bard gave up back-to-back home runs to Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera that tied the game up at three in the 8th. Jonathan Papelbon made it interesting in the top of the 9th and picked up a vulture win after Crawford’s heroics.
Now the Red Sox get to be a part of history this weekend as the Chicago Cubs come into town for the first time since the 1918 World Series won by the Red Sox. And in what I think will be the best part of the weekend will happen Saturday night and when both teams wear replicas of the uniforms worn in 1918.
We’ll be back later with tonight’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. But for now, enjoy the overnight links by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
As the roster turns: Making sense of the reconfigured Red Sox [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Crawford steals show from pitchers with another walkoff winner [Boston Globe]
Searching for more relief [Boston Globe]
Park benches, different views [Boston Globe]
At low level, Ranaudo deserving high marks [Boston Globe]
Carl Crawford better of late [Boston Herald]
Sox acquire pitchers Franklin Morales, Kevin Millwood [Boston Herald]
Cubs to Hub hot ticket [Boston Herald]
Alfredo Aceves gets his chance [Boston Herald]
Josh Beckett adds to Sox’ worries [Boston Herald]
Brothers in arms [Boston Herald]
Alfonso Soriano vs. Green Monster might be a scratch [Boston Herald]
Rich Hill, a former Cub, emerges as Red Sox primary lefty reliever [Clubhouse Insider]
Crawford wins it for Sox, 4-3 [CSNNE.com]
Red Sox continue to thrive in the 9th inning [CSNNE.com]
Notes: Beckett leaves game with neck stiffness [CSNNE.com]
Francona won’t look ahead to Cubs — much [ESPN Boston]
Rapid reaction: Red Sox 4, Tigers 3 [ESPN Boston]
Beckett marvels at Papelbon’s ‘explosion’ [ESPN Boston]
Beckett ‘had trouble getting loose’ [ESPN Boston]
Carl Crawford’s third walk-off hit keeps the Boston Red Sox on a roll [ESPN Boston]
Video: Nick Cafardo on Red Sox-Tigers [Extra Bases]
Closing Time: Red Sox take right turn at Alburquerque [Full Count]
Francona on Beckett: ‘He’ll be OK’ [Full Count]
Red Sox make ‘upside’ trade for Franklin Morales, designate Hideki Okajima [Full Count]
Beckett: Neck ‘would never loosen up’ [Full Count]
Hideki Okajima: Signing with Red Sox ‘not a mistake’ [Full Count]
Francona: ‘Glad we’re playing at home’ [Full Count]
Baseball Looks Very Different Than It Did the Last Time Cubs Visited Fenway Park in 1918 [NESN.com]
Cubs May Lack Compelling Names, But Plenty to Be Excited About With Chicago Coming to Fenway Park [NESN.com]
Red Sox, Cubs to Celebrate Chicago’s First Trip to Fenway Park Since 1918 World Series [NESN.com]
Red Sox-Cubs Tickets Look to Be Biggest Draw for First Weekend of Interleague Play [NESN.com]
Heidi Watney Heads to Basho to Help Prepare Sushi for Fenway Park [NESN.com]
Josh Beckett’s Stiff Neck One of Several Obstacles Overcome by Resilient Red Sox in Walk-Off Win [NESN.com]
Peter Gammons Says Red Sox-Cubs Series Carries More Than Just Historical Significance [NESN.com]
Heidi Watney, Red Sox Twitter Followers Come Together for Inaugural ‘Red Sox TweetUp’ [NESN.com]
First-Ever Red Sox TweetUp Event Shows Expanding Role of Social Media in Sports [NESN.com]
Who Is the Best Home Run Hitter in Red Sox History? [NESN.com]
Papelbon succeeds where Bard stumbles [Projo Sox Blog]
Six in a row for red-hot Sox [Providence Journal]
With a few adjustments, Papelbon gets it together [Providence Journal]
Cubs coming to Fenway for first time in 93 years [Providence Journal]
Bill Buckner accepts his reality [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Hill eager for Cubs’ first visit since 1918 [Providence Journal]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSNNE, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.
And if you must check out the enemy news, head over to Ann Arbor News, Detroit Free Press and Detroit News websites. You can also check out our Bloguin brothers, Detroit4lyfe and The Tigers Den.
Photo credit: AP Photo
Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as some of the other sports. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below.
Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
UConn Men’s Basketball links
Coombs-McDaniel: ‘It’s Just Business’ [David Borges – New Haven Register]
For What it’s Worth … [David Borges – New Haven Register]
UConn To Host Arkansas In 2011 BIG EAST/SEC Challenge [UConnHuskies.com]
UConn men’s notebook: Coombs-McDaniel says arrest not why he’s transferring [CT Post]
Former UConn Basketball Player Coombs-McDaniel Seeks Program For Drug Arrest [Hartford Courant]
Kemba Walker At NBA Draft Combine: He’s Ready For NBA [Hartford Courant]
Coombs-McDaniel says playing time led to transfer [New Haven Register]
Futures Of Calhoun, Top Recruit Andre Drummond Linked [Lost Letterman]
UConn Women’s Basketball links
Tina Charles, Geno Auriemma To Have Breakfast In Cromwell [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
Minnesota’s Maya Moore Meets Media On Media Day [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
Cash To Receive Honorary Degree [Rich Elliott – CT Post]
Kalana Greene’s offense lifts Sun [Norwich Bulletin]
Other UConn related links
Field Hockey. Field Hockey Announces 2011 Schedule [UConnHuskies.com]
Softball. Julie Towers Named NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-Region First Team [UConnHuskies.com]
Baseball. Huskies Outlast Cincinnati with 3-1 Win [UConnHuskies.com]
UConn track star Trisha-Ann Hawthorne masters 2 events [Norwich Bulletin]
W. Soccer. UConn Players Staying Competitive Over The Summer [UConnHuskies.com]
Destination Red Sox Nation is our look at how the minor league teams of the Boston Red Sox fare each night. Game story and box score links as well as links to team rosters, team stats and league standings can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
If you would like to listen to any of the Red Sox minor league affiliates’ games, MiLB.com offers them for free.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
At low level, Ranaudo deserving high marks [Boston Globe]
NESN to Televise Eight Red Sox Minor League Baseball Games Starting With Pawtucket-Toledo on May 22 [NESN.com]
Q&A with Kendal Volz [SoxProspects.com]
Pawtucket Red Sox
The game between the PawSox and Columbus Clippers was suspended in the 4th inning on Thursday night. They’ll resume at 5:05 p.m. today followed by a seven-inning game after the first one is done.
Rain Causes Havoc in Columbus [PawSox.com]
Rain forces suspension in fourth [Providence Journal]
2011 Triple-A All-Star Game Voting Begins June 3rd [PawSox.com]
International League standings
The game between the Reading Phillies and Sea Dogs was rained out on Thursday. The game will be made up in Reading during the month of August.
Thursday’s Sea Dogs’ Game Postponed [OurSports Central]
Sea Dogs Ready to Welcome Summer with Jimmy Buffett Night [OurSports Central]
Salem Red Sox:
Despite allowing just one hit, Salem fell to the Wilmington Blue Rocks 1-0.
Wrong kind of luck turns up again for Red Sox [Roanoke Times]
Balcom-Miller, Salem lose one-hitter [RedSox.com]
Agonizing Streak Continues as Salem Falls 1-0 [OurSports Central]
Wilmington Blue Rocks @ Salem Red Sox 5.19.11 box score [MiLB.com]
The Drive got a run in the 11th to take a 6-5 win over the Augusta Greenjackets.
Late Blast Dooms Jackets in 6-5 Loss [OurSports Central]
Greenville Drive @ Augusta Greenjackets 5.19.11 box score [MiLB.com]
South Atlantic League standings
Lowell Spinners:
The Lowell Spinners will begin their season on June 17th at home against the Connecticut Tigers.
Gulf Coast League Red Sox
The GCL Red Sox will begin their season on June 20th on the road against the GCL Rays.
The Boston Red Sox have been busy with player moves on Thursday.
They signed Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal and he’ll report to Pawtucket. They also traded for lefty reliever Franklin Morales from the Colorado Rockies. In making room for Morales, they designated Hideki Okajima for assignment.
According to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com (via Twitter), the Red Sox have optioned shortstop Jose Iglesias to Triple-A Pawtucket. Taking his place on the 25-man roster will be infielder Drew Sutton.
Iglesias made five appearances (one start) during his brief time with the Red Sox. He didn’t pick up a hit but did score two runs.
Sutton was last in the big leagues in 2010 with the Cleveland Indians. He’s been with the PawSox for the start of the 2011 season. In 36 games, Sutton was hitting .301 with five home runs and 26 RBIs.
He did appear in 28 games during spring training with the Red Sox, hitting .382 with two home runs and nine RBIs.
UPDATE: Michael Bowden is also heading back to Pawtucket to make room for Dan Wheeler, who will be activated off the disabled list on Friday.
Photo credit: AP Photo
Friday, May 20th @ 7:10 PM
Doug Davis, LHP (0-1, 1.80) vs Jon Lester, LHP (5-1, 3.28)
TV: NESN, MLB.tv
Radio: Red Sox Radio Network, MLB Gameday Audio
Saturday, May 21st @ 7:10 PM
Carlos Zambrano, RHP (4-2, 4.89) vs Alfredo Aceves, RHP (1-0, 2.60)
TV: FOX
Radio: Red Sox Radio Network, MLB Gameday Audio
Sunday, May 22nd @ 8:05 PM
Matt Garza, RHP (2-4, 3.72) vs Tim Wakefield, RHP (0-1, 5.40)
TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com
According to a tweet from NESN’s Tony Lee, the Boston Red Sox have acquired left-handed pitcher Franklin Morales from the Colorado Rockies. In return, the Red Sox will send either cash or the famous player to be named later.
To make room for Morales on the 40-man roster, Hideki Okajima has been designated for assignment.
Since his breakout season in 2007, Okajima hasn’t been the same. He pitched well in Pawtucket to start the season before being called up to the Red Sox. In seven appearances this season, Okajima was 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA.
If this is the end of his career in a Red Sox uniform, he’ll leave with a 17-8 record with a 3.11 ERA and six saves.
Morales, who is just 25 years old, was a starter for the Rockies during the 2007 and 2008 seasons but has spent the past 2 1/4 season in their bullpen. In 14 games this season, he is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA. He’ll leave Colorado with a 7-11 record with a 4.83 ERA and 10 saves.
In other Red Sox news, the Red Sox have signed Kevin Millwood to a minor league deal. It’s expected he’ll report to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.
Photo credit: Getty Images
