Sunday MLB Line on the Sox, Os?

jaypaw · Apr 2, 2004

I havent seen a line yet - anyone know a place to get one this early or will I just have to wait until tomorrow? Anyone have a good idea about this "new" baltimore team?

I haven't been keeping too up to date on the exhibition play but I see that baltimore is under .500 in 27 games (if this is accurate): http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/standings/spring

This has to be to some extent a testament to their depth doesn't it? Does it mean Javy lopez, Mr Viagara, and Tejada arent gonna be able to carry this team on their own?

I know its a crapshoot at this point in the season but as far as the sox go - with a new somewhat inexperienced middle infield, millar's propensity to foul balls off his foot (didnt he do this last year around this time?), and kapler starting in place of the injured Nixon - this may be a chance for the Os to get a shot in while the gettin's good. Also Mueller just came back this week from the elbow trouble and I don't believe he's had much work in the preseason.

Having said that - it appears as though fatman ponson hasnt had a perfect preseason with an era of over 4. However - If Foulke ends up coming on then the sox may be in trouble as his preseason ERA is over 13!

Im thinking that the O's will be getting a couple here and it might be worth a go - maybe palmeiro will hand out viagara before the game?

From the boston globe:

"Francona attempted to preview his potential Opening Day lineup: Johnny Damon (center field), Bill Mueller (third base), Manny Ramirez (left field), David Ortiz (DH), Kevin Millar (first base), Varitek (catcher), Gabe Kapler (right field), Mark Bellhorn (second base), and Pokey Reese (shortstop). But Ramirez and Millar were scratched at the last minute. Millar was hobbled after he fouled a ball off his left foot the day before, and Ramirez felt "blah," Francona said. Both are expected to be ready for the opener . . ."

Ramirez felt blah so he was scratched? Um...

jaypaw · Apr 4, 2004

A turbulent close for Foulke's stormy spring
By Bob Hohler, Globe Staff, 4/4/2004

ATLANTA -- The idea was to get Keith Foulke some work and build his confidence. Nice idea, less than glittering results.

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In the latest sign of trouble for the struggling closer, Foulke yesterday surrendered a home run to Marcus Giles, the first batter he faced, in an abbreviated relief appearance as the Red Sox bowed to the Braves, 5-0, at Turner Field in their spring training finale.

After Giles jumped on a fastball from Foulke, Chipper Jones laced a changeup to center field for a single. J.D. Drew then broke his bat flying out to right field and advanced Jones to third. That was it for Foulke. He was was lifted for Rule 5 lefthander Lenny DiNardo, who allowed the runner he inherited from Foulke to score.

Foulke ended spring training with a 15.00 ERA over nine innings in eight appearances while batters hit .395 against him.

"I thought Foulkie threw much better today," manager Terry Francona said. "His velocity was up. He threw a high fastball to Giles, and I've seen Giles do that to a lot of people. I really thought he looked more like Foulkie. I was real pleased."

The Sox had been concerned that Foulke's velocity was not high enough to make his traditionally devastating changeup effective. His fastball yesterday registered in the high 80s, which Francona called an improvement. Last year, Foulke's fastball was in the low 90s.In any case, the team's prized closer remains on track to pitch in the opener tonight against the Orioles in Baltimore if he is needed.

"I hope he's going to get a save situation," Francona said.

Roster moves The Sox all but completed their opening roster by purchasing the contracts of nonroster invitees Cesar Crespo, Brian Daubach, and David McCarty and planning to purchase lefthander Bobby Jones's contract today. They optioned lefthander Tim Hamulack to Triple A Pawtucket, reassigned outfielder Adam Hyzdu to Pawtucket, and placed righthander Jason Shiell on the disabled list. DiNardo is expected to go on the DL tomorrow.

Jones, who has pitched for the Rockies, Mets, and Padres, emerged from a pack of lefties to join Ramiro Mendoza in claiming the last two bullpen spots. Jones posted a 1.74 ERA over nine appearances while limiting batters to a .143 average. He will serve as a situational lefty and middle or long reliever.

"I think a lot of our lefthanders in camp did well," general manager Theo Epstein said. "In the end, he probably threw the best."

Jones said making the team was sweeter than making his major league debut with the Rockies in '97 or making his first Opening Day roster with Colorado a year later. "This one takes the cake," he said. "This is way more special than anything baseball-wise for me."

Mendoza, who not long ago nearly seemed a lost cause as he was sidelined for much of camp with an abdominal strain and a cut on his finger, recovered in time to give the Sox hope he can contribute in middle or long relief.

"I think he's on track," Francona said. "The one thing he can't do yet is give us length if we really need it, but he can go two or three innings depending on how many pitches be throws."

Bronson Arroyo, who is scheduled to pitch the home opener Friday, will be available in the bullpen tonight.

Caught standing still In a highly uncharacteristic incident, Kevin Millar did not run out a grounder along the third base line in the fourth inning and was thrown out while he stood not far from the batter's box on the first base line. "I dribbled it and thought it was foul," he said. "I looked down and then when I looked up I was stuck." Francona said he spoke to Millar to make sure "that's not going to happen all year" and was assured it would not. "I think he had amnesia," Francona said. Millar joked that he planned to take base-running lessons from Manny Ramirez, who took considerable heat in 2002 for not running out a grounder. "Manny, what time do you want to do the base running?" Millar asked. Ramirez said, "Tomorrow, 7 a.m. Maybe you'll learn something." . . . Ramirez left the game in the third inning after he was struck on the left shoulder by a pitch from John Thomson. Francona said Ramirez was not injured . . . Tim Wakefield allowed one hit over three scoreless innings in his final tuneup before he faces the O's Thursday at Camden Yards . . . McCarty led the Sox players headed north in batting (.410) and RBIs (18) in the exhibition season and tied David Ortiz for the lead in homers (7) . . . Francona said he was all but certain to roll out an opening lineup of Johnny Damon (center field), Bill Mueller (third base), Ramirez (left field), Ortiz (DH), Millar (first base), Gabe Kapler (right field), Jason Varitek (catcher), Mark Bellhorn (second base), and Pokey Reese (shortstop). Francona said the only change he might make would be to flip-flop Kapler and Varitek . . . The Sox will open on the road for the eighth time in nine years. They have lost their last two openers and are 29-35-1 all time in road openers . . . Martinez and Varitek are the only Sox scheduled to make their fifth straight Opening Day start . . . Crespo is the only Sox player who has not previously appeared on an opening roster.

Os are looking better and better

Manny went out yesterday after getting hit by a pitch - no update on his status

Im sure hes fine but he hates getting hit so maybe he'll be tentative today...

Not going to te greedy early on

Taking Baltimore +1.5 +106 @ PINNY