All the makings of an aweful homestand... Manny weak, Leskanic off the DL, and francona saying that mendoza can be a real factor in the bullpen.
With flu lingering, Ramirez is waved home
Varitek put into third spot in order
By Gordon Edes, Globe Staff | August 10, 2004
For the third straight game, Manny Ramirez's name appeared on the original lineup card posted in the Red Sox clubhouse, but that lineup was discarded even before manager Terry Francona met with the media yesterday afternoon. Francona had received word from Ramirez that he would not be able to play because of the flu.
Ramirez arrived at the ballpark around 4:30 p.m., wearing a Warren Sapp Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, and went to the trainers' room.
"I was hoping [Ramirez would play], but I knew there was a pretty good chance he wouldn't play," Francona said. "He has a fever. Hopefully he won't be out long."
With last night's loss, the Sox are 4-5 in the games Ramirez has not started this season.
With Ramirez out, Francona slid Jason Varitek into the No. 3 slot in the lineup for just the second time this season. Varitek, who went 2 for 4, is the fourth man to bat in the No. 3 hole this month, joining Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, and newcomer Orlando Cabrera.
Ramirez did not stay for the game.
"I sent Manny home," Francona said. "I felt there was a better chance of him playing tomorrow if he went home and rested."
No relief in sight
An examination of Scott Williamson's swollen right arm yesterday confirmed fears that the reliever won't be coming back soon. According to information team doctor Bill Morgan relayed to the club's PR staff, Williamson has a forearm muscle strain -- not the same elbow strain that landed him on the DL last July 2. Williamson will not be able to undergo an MRI until the swelling subsides, which is expected to take a few days. "He's not going to throw for a couple of weeks," said Francona, likely understating how long Williamson, who already has missed 34 games, will be out. Curtis Leskanic, due to come off the 15-day disabled list today (shoulder tendinitis), will help to fill the void. The other wounded? According to Morgan's report, Trot Nixon (quadriceps), Pokey Reese (oblique muscle), Mark Bellhorn (hand), and Ellis Burks (knee) are all coming along, but there are no forecasts of any imminent returns . . . Leominster native John Kelly, who has pitched the last two seasons for the North Shore Spirit, an independent league team based in Lynn, was sold to the Mariners and assigned to the team's Triple A franchise in Tacoma. Kelly, originally drafted by the Mets in the 11th round in 1994, also pitched in the Marlins and Pirates systems but had never made it higher than Double A . . . Sunday was the first time Ramiro Mendoza had pitched in 13 days, but Francona was selling him yesterday as someone who could make a difference in the bullpen after he recorded five outs without allowing a run. "I think Mendoza is a real factor contributing to the bullpen," Francona said. The righthander pitched a perfect ninth last night.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/08/10/with_flu_lingering_ramirez_is_waved_home/
With flu lingering, Ramirez is waved home
Varitek put into third spot in order
By Gordon Edes, Globe Staff | August 10, 2004
For the third straight game, Manny Ramirez's name appeared on the original lineup card posted in the Red Sox clubhouse, but that lineup was discarded even before manager Terry Francona met with the media yesterday afternoon. Francona had received word from Ramirez that he would not be able to play because of the flu.
Ramirez arrived at the ballpark around 4:30 p.m., wearing a Warren Sapp Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, and went to the trainers' room.
"I was hoping [Ramirez would play], but I knew there was a pretty good chance he wouldn't play," Francona said. "He has a fever. Hopefully he won't be out long."
With last night's loss, the Sox are 4-5 in the games Ramirez has not started this season.
With Ramirez out, Francona slid Jason Varitek into the No. 3 slot in the lineup for just the second time this season. Varitek, who went 2 for 4, is the fourth man to bat in the No. 3 hole this month, joining Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, and newcomer Orlando Cabrera.
Ramirez did not stay for the game.
"I sent Manny home," Francona said. "I felt there was a better chance of him playing tomorrow if he went home and rested."
No relief in sight
An examination of Scott Williamson's swollen right arm yesterday confirmed fears that the reliever won't be coming back soon. According to information team doctor Bill Morgan relayed to the club's PR staff, Williamson has a forearm muscle strain -- not the same elbow strain that landed him on the DL last July 2. Williamson will not be able to undergo an MRI until the swelling subsides, which is expected to take a few days. "He's not going to throw for a couple of weeks," said Francona, likely understating how long Williamson, who already has missed 34 games, will be out. Curtis Leskanic, due to come off the 15-day disabled list today (shoulder tendinitis), will help to fill the void. The other wounded? According to Morgan's report, Trot Nixon (quadriceps), Pokey Reese (oblique muscle), Mark Bellhorn (hand), and Ellis Burks (knee) are all coming along, but there are no forecasts of any imminent returns . . . Leominster native John Kelly, who has pitched the last two seasons for the North Shore Spirit, an independent league team based in Lynn, was sold to the Mariners and assigned to the team's Triple A franchise in Tacoma. Kelly, originally drafted by the Mets in the 11th round in 1994, also pitched in the Marlins and Pirates systems but had never made it higher than Double A . . . Sunday was the first time Ramiro Mendoza had pitched in 13 days, but Francona was selling him yesterday as someone who could make a difference in the bullpen after he recorded five outs without allowing a run. "I think Mendoza is a real factor contributing to the bullpen," Francona said. The righthander pitched a perfect ninth last night.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/08/10/with_flu_lingering_ramirez_is_waved_home/
Tampa Bay (54-58) at Boston (60-50)
Game Info: 7:05 pm EDT Tue Aug 10, 2004
Starting Pitchers
J. Sosa
TB vs.
B. Arroyo
Bos
One day after beating Curt Schilling, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will try for their third straight win as they face the Boston Red Sox starter with the fewest wins in the second game of a four-game series at Fenway Park.
The Devil Rays are coming off an 8-3 win in the series opener on Monday, as they beat Schilling for the first time this season and handed him his first loss at Fenway Park since joining the Red Sox in the offseason.
Aubrey Huff hit one of Tampa Bay's four homers to help the Devil Rays snap a nine-game road losing streak and beat Boston for second straight time, but just the third in 10 meetings this year. Toby Hall hit a two-run homer, and Tino Martinez and Julio Lugo each added a solo shot for Tampa Bay, which had been 0-3 and had scored just three runs in 23 1-3 innings against Schilling this season.
Schilling left after allowing six runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings Monday.
``Our guys just hung in there and finally started to get to him in the middle innings,'' Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said.
The Devil Rays won for the sixth time in 10 games after losing six straight. Now, after beating Schilling -- who leads Boston with 13 wins -- Tampa Bay will face Bronson Arroyo, whose four wins are the fewest among Red Sox starters.
Arroyo lost six straight starts from May 27 to June 26, but hasn't pitched too poorly since. He is 2-1 with a 3.21 ERA in his last six outings, including a start against the Yankees in which he allowed six earned runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings.
The right-hander is coming off a loss at Tampa Bay in his last outing on Wednesday as he allowed four earned runs and six hits in seven innings of Boston's 5-4 loss.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview?gid=240810102
Game Info: 7:05 pm EDT Tue Aug 10, 2004
Starting Pitchers
J. Sosa
TB vs.
B. Arroyo
Bos
One day after beating Curt Schilling, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will try for their third straight win as they face the Boston Red Sox starter with the fewest wins in the second game of a four-game series at Fenway Park.
The Devil Rays are coming off an 8-3 win in the series opener on Monday, as they beat Schilling for the first time this season and handed him his first loss at Fenway Park since joining the Red Sox in the offseason.
Aubrey Huff hit one of Tampa Bay's four homers to help the Devil Rays snap a nine-game road losing streak and beat Boston for second straight time, but just the third in 10 meetings this year. Toby Hall hit a two-run homer, and Tino Martinez and Julio Lugo each added a solo shot for Tampa Bay, which had been 0-3 and had scored just three runs in 23 1-3 innings against Schilling this season.
Schilling left after allowing six runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings Monday.
``Our guys just hung in there and finally started to get to him in the middle innings,'' Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said.
The Devil Rays won for the sixth time in 10 games after losing six straight. Now, after beating Schilling -- who leads Boston with 13 wins -- Tampa Bay will face Bronson Arroyo, whose four wins are the fewest among Red Sox starters.
Arroyo lost six straight starts from May 27 to June 26, but hasn't pitched too poorly since. He is 2-1 with a 3.21 ERA in his last six outings, including a start against the Yankees in which he allowed six earned runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings.
The right-hander is coming off a loss at Tampa Bay in his last outing on Wednesday as he allowed four earned runs and six hits in seven innings of Boston's 5-4 loss.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview?gid=240810102
Ramirez chills out
By Jeff Horrigan/ Red Sox Notebook
Monday, August 9, 2004
DETROIT - Judging by his watery eyes, pale complexion and sluggish movements, Manny Ramirez yesterday left few doubters that his absence from the Red Sox lineup over the final two games of the season's longest road trip was due to more than just the Three-Hole Flu.
The slugger became ill on Saturday, just before he was supposed to be moved from fourth to third in the batting order, and the illness forced him out of yesterday's 11-9 win against the Detroit Tigers as well.
Ramirez appeared to be animated and upbeat after Saturday night's win but those who saw him during the game said he was huddled in at his locker, wrapped in a winter parka due to chills. Manager Terry Francona had Ramirez' name listed in yesterday's original lineup but scratched it out when he saw Ramirez' condition.
Center fielder Johnny Damon joked that the Sox' two wins without Ramirez proved a point.
``It just goes to show how overrated he can be,'' Damon quipped. ``Actually, it will be good for him to get some rest for his body for a couple of days.''
Ramirez, sidelined just under a year ago by an infamous bout of pharyngitis, said that his throat is bothering him once again. He expects to be back in the lineup in a matter of days, possibly even tonight, when the Sox open a 10-game homestand with the first of four games against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
``Maybe when we get home,'' said Ramirez of a return.
Williamson set back
The expected activation of Scott Williamson from the disabled list has been put on hold due to inflammation on the inside of the reliever's right forearm. The right-hander had his side throwing session canceled yesterday and is scheduled to be examined by Red Sox team physician Dr. Bill Morgan at some point today.
Williamson made four rehab appearances at Triple-A Pawtucket, including 1 scoreless innings vs. Rochester at McCoy Stadium Friday night. He said that his fastball, which is typically in the mid- to high-90s, was only in the 88-90 mph range.
A Tigers physician examined Williamson, who last pitched for the Red Sox on June 30, on Saturday. The Detroit doctor speculated that dislodged scar tissue may have caused the swelling.
``This is how it's been for me,'' Williamson said. ``I turn the corner and then I'm back at the corner again. It's frustrating but I refuse to get down on myself.'' . . .
Curtis Leskanic, who was sent to the DL on July 25 with right shoulder tendinitis, is expected to be ready for activation at some point on the homestand. The right-handed reliever threw 35 pitches in the bullpen prior to yesterday's game at Comerica Park and will next work under simulated game conditions tomorrow at Fenway.
Leskanic reported ``minimal pain'' after throwing but said that was normal.
``I don't ever remember throwing without pain since 1989,'' he said. ``If it's tolerable, you do it.''
Ortiz resumes race
David Ortiz [stats, news] is making up ground fast on Baltimore's Miguel Tejada in the American League RBI race after serving a five-game suspension during the trip.
Ortiz, who drove in two runs in his first game back on Saturday, knocked in three more yesterday with a three-run homer. He has a team-leading 98 RBI, leaving him two behind AL-leading Tejada.
The left-handed slugger claims to be struggling to rediscover his stroke after the layoff.
``I'm still lost up there,'' he said. ``I don't know what I'm doing.''
Ortiz now has six homers at Comerica, leaving him one behind teammate Trot Nixon [stats, news] and Jim Thome for most by a visiting player. Alex Rodriguez and Ben Broussard also have six. . . .
Damon was caught stealing twice, marking only the second time in his major league career that he's been nabbed more than once in a game. He credited All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez for making a pair of perfect throws.
``When's that guy going to retire?'' Damon said.
The only other time Damon had been thrown out twice in a game was on May 20, 1998, by former Indian Sandy Alomar. . . .
Orlando Cabrera [stats, news], who went 3-for-5 for his first multiple-hit game with the Red Sox, became the second Sox player to steal third this season (Damon also did it).
Time to start over
Tim Wakefield [stats, news]'s five-inning effort ended the Sox' string of eight straight starts with at least seven innings from the starter. . . .
Doug Mirabelli [stats, news], who drew three walks, has now reached base safely in 17 consecutive starts. . . .
Third base coach Dale Sveum had a rough trip. Four runners were thrown out at the plate in the final six games. . . .
The Tigers are 3-5 over the past five years when hitting five-or-more homers, including 1-2 when they hit six-or-more. They hit seven yesterday. . . .
Brandon Inge played third base, catcher and center field for the Tigers in the series.
Them's fightin' words
Wondering what the rest of the league thinks about the Red Sox' fight with the Yankees on July 24?
One Detroit player approached a member of the Boston media over the weekend and asked him to shake Jason Varitek [stats, news]'s hand for him. When asked why, the player responded: ``For punching that (multiple-expletive) A-Rod! That must have felt good. I've wanted to do that for a long time.''
By Jeff Horrigan/ Red Sox Notebook
Monday, August 9, 2004
DETROIT - Judging by his watery eyes, pale complexion and sluggish movements, Manny Ramirez yesterday left few doubters that his absence from the Red Sox lineup over the final two games of the season's longest road trip was due to more than just the Three-Hole Flu.
The slugger became ill on Saturday, just before he was supposed to be moved from fourth to third in the batting order, and the illness forced him out of yesterday's 11-9 win against the Detroit Tigers as well.
Ramirez appeared to be animated and upbeat after Saturday night's win but those who saw him during the game said he was huddled in at his locker, wrapped in a winter parka due to chills. Manager Terry Francona had Ramirez' name listed in yesterday's original lineup but scratched it out when he saw Ramirez' condition.
Center fielder Johnny Damon joked that the Sox' two wins without Ramirez proved a point.
``It just goes to show how overrated he can be,'' Damon quipped. ``Actually, it will be good for him to get some rest for his body for a couple of days.''
Ramirez, sidelined just under a year ago by an infamous bout of pharyngitis, said that his throat is bothering him once again. He expects to be back in the lineup in a matter of days, possibly even tonight, when the Sox open a 10-game homestand with the first of four games against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
``Maybe when we get home,'' said Ramirez of a return.
Williamson set back
The expected activation of Scott Williamson from the disabled list has been put on hold due to inflammation on the inside of the reliever's right forearm. The right-hander had his side throwing session canceled yesterday and is scheduled to be examined by Red Sox team physician Dr. Bill Morgan at some point today.
Williamson made four rehab appearances at Triple-A Pawtucket, including 1 scoreless innings vs. Rochester at McCoy Stadium Friday night. He said that his fastball, which is typically in the mid- to high-90s, was only in the 88-90 mph range.
A Tigers physician examined Williamson, who last pitched for the Red Sox on June 30, on Saturday. The Detroit doctor speculated that dislodged scar tissue may have caused the swelling.
``This is how it's been for me,'' Williamson said. ``I turn the corner and then I'm back at the corner again. It's frustrating but I refuse to get down on myself.'' . . .
Curtis Leskanic, who was sent to the DL on July 25 with right shoulder tendinitis, is expected to be ready for activation at some point on the homestand. The right-handed reliever threw 35 pitches in the bullpen prior to yesterday's game at Comerica Park and will next work under simulated game conditions tomorrow at Fenway.
Leskanic reported ``minimal pain'' after throwing but said that was normal.
``I don't ever remember throwing without pain since 1989,'' he said. ``If it's tolerable, you do it.''
Ortiz resumes race
David Ortiz [stats, news] is making up ground fast on Baltimore's Miguel Tejada in the American League RBI race after serving a five-game suspension during the trip.
Ortiz, who drove in two runs in his first game back on Saturday, knocked in three more yesterday with a three-run homer. He has a team-leading 98 RBI, leaving him two behind AL-leading Tejada.
The left-handed slugger claims to be struggling to rediscover his stroke after the layoff.
``I'm still lost up there,'' he said. ``I don't know what I'm doing.''
Ortiz now has six homers at Comerica, leaving him one behind teammate Trot Nixon [stats, news] and Jim Thome for most by a visiting player. Alex Rodriguez and Ben Broussard also have six. . . .
Damon was caught stealing twice, marking only the second time in his major league career that he's been nabbed more than once in a game. He credited All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez for making a pair of perfect throws.
``When's that guy going to retire?'' Damon said.
The only other time Damon had been thrown out twice in a game was on May 20, 1998, by former Indian Sandy Alomar. . . .
Orlando Cabrera [stats, news], who went 3-for-5 for his first multiple-hit game with the Red Sox, became the second Sox player to steal third this season (Damon also did it).
Time to start over
Tim Wakefield [stats, news]'s five-inning effort ended the Sox' string of eight straight starts with at least seven innings from the starter. . . .
Doug Mirabelli [stats, news], who drew three walks, has now reached base safely in 17 consecutive starts. . . .
Third base coach Dale Sveum had a rough trip. Four runners were thrown out at the plate in the final six games. . . .
The Tigers are 3-5 over the past five years when hitting five-or-more homers, including 1-2 when they hit six-or-more. They hit seven yesterday. . . .
Brandon Inge played third base, catcher and center field for the Tigers in the series.
Them's fightin' words
Wondering what the rest of the league thinks about the Red Sox' fight with the Yankees on July 24?
One Detroit player approached a member of the Boston media over the weekend and asked him to shake Jason Varitek [stats, news]'s hand for him. When asked why, the player responded: ``For punching that (multiple-expletive) A-Rod! That must have felt good. I've wanted to do that for a long time.''
my initial thought was that it must be Sosa but he has had 2 decent starts since taking a starting spot this year...
6 hits and 1 run vs seattle (unearned run at that) over 7 innings and 4 hits 2 runs vs toronto over 5.
Prior to that his era wasnt too great but maybe this is the chance he's been waiting for - or maybe he is due to implode as the +170 (bodog) might indicate.
I'll take my shot while I have it
Tampa +170
6 hits and 1 run vs seattle (unearned run at that) over 7 innings and 4 hits 2 runs vs toronto over 5.
Prior to that his era wasnt too great but maybe this is the chance he's been waiting for - or maybe he is due to implode as the +170 (bodog) might indicate.
I'll take my shot while I have it
Tampa +170
This is enough to put a little fear in me:
SOSA is 0-1 when starting against the Red Sox with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.439.
Yikes. If I played it I would lean on the over...Tampa has proven they can score runs and Fenway is typically a run scoring park. Arroyo doesn't impress me at all.
sb
SOSA is 0-1 when starting against the Red Sox with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.439.
Yikes. If I played it I would lean on the over...Tampa has proven they can score runs and Fenway is typically a run scoring park. Arroyo doesn't impress me at all.
sb
I should add BoSox are 32-16 O/U at home this season and when you're looking at a 9 or 9.5 on the board they are 28-12 O/U and 13-4 when that number's up on a home game.
Arroyo's ERA is over 5 vs the Rays as well. This one really looks like 9 is not enough (but I'm not playing it at -135).
Good luck Jaypaw.
sb
Arroyo's ERA is over 5 vs the Rays as well. This one really looks like 9 is not enough (but I'm not playing it at -135).
Good luck Jaypaw.
sb
Of course now that I wrote all that we get a 1-0 gem into the 5th. Good luck on your play tonight Jaypaw.
sb
sb
Well it worked out after all for the over...8-4 final.
sb
sb
Arroyo has improved very drastically so his stats over the season dont do him justice either and he also has had a strengthened defense around him
however I'm still gonna keep betting against him for a while because he doesnt have a lot of experience and it wont take much to knock him off his game if he gets roughed up a few times...
YTD 66-72 +28.83]
however I'm still gonna keep betting against him for a while because he doesnt have a lot of experience and it wont take much to knock him off his game if he gets roughed up a few times...
YTD 66-72 +28.83]
