April 10th vs. Seattle - Home Opener Rout

[Coco's Disciples]

We won on Sunday, so why not keep the mojo going? Home Opener today, I can't wait, although a lot of people, including myself, will miss the pregame festivities and the first inning or two due to school/work. My consensus on this game is that it should be one that we win. Beckett was solid in his last start, albeit a little wild. Jeff Weaver has yet to pitch this year due to the snow outs in Cleveland, but he's always terrible. If this doesn't get the offense going, we may be in trouble.

Seattle Mariners (2-1) at Boston Red Sox (3-3)
Game Time: 2:05 EST
TV: NESN
Radio: WRKO

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/WwFRg9km.jpg
Jeff Weaver (NR)

vs.
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/IRelgXzJ.jpg
Josh Beckett (1-0, 1.80)

[BSN07]

Beckett- 6 innings 4 hits 2 runs ( 1ER )

Weaver- 4 1/3 innings 7 hits 5 runs ( 4 ER )

Sox win 7-3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[riverside sluggers]

Getting ready before I go out to Boston, def taking my camera for this! With the Mariners not playing in almost a week the Sox do have the advantage, as they already did with the matchup. Go Sox! Prediction: Beckett goes 7 strong, while Manny backs him up with a bomb over the monster

I know Tito wants to get his everyday players into a groove to start the season, but I really do hope Hinske starts today. His numbers vs Weaver are too good to sit on the bench.


Jeff Weaver (13 games vs Boston, 3-4 record with a 6.07 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 8 games, 2-2 record with a 6.28 ERA)
Julio Lugo, 3 for 11 (.273 avg) RBI, Walk, K, SB
Dustin Pedroia ---
David Ortiz, 6 for 21 (.286 avg) Double, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 4 Walks, K
Manny Ramirez, 6 for 21 (.286 avg) 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Walks, 3 Ks
J.D. Drew, 2 for 11 (.182 avg) HR, 2 RBIs, Walk, 6 Ks
Mike Lowell, 3 for 8 (.375 avg) HR, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks
Jason Varitek, 8 for 19 (.421 avg) Double, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 4 Walks, 2 Ks
Eric Hinske, 10 for 25 (.400 avg) 5 Doubles, Triple, HR, 6 RBIs, 2 Walks, 7 Ks
Coco Crisp, 1 for 4 (.250 avg)
///
Doug Mirabelli, 2 for 7 (.286 avg) Double, Walk
Wily Mo Pena, 0 for 3, K
Kevin Youkilis, 0 for 3, K


Josh Beckett (2 games vs Seattle, 1-1 record with a 5.27 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 17 games, 7-6 record with a 4.84 ERA)
Ichiro Suzuki, 1 for 7 (.143 avg) RBI, K
Adrian Beltre, 3 for 14 (.214 avg) Double, Walk, 6 Ks
Jose Vidro, 8 for 28 (.286 avg) 5 Doubles, Triple, 4 RBIs, 3 Ks
Raul Ibanez, 2 for 6 (.333 avg) Triple, RBI, 2 Ks
Richie Sexson, 3 for 7 (.429 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, 3 Ks
Jose Guillen, 3 for 13 (.231 avg) Double, RBI, 2 Ks
Kenji Johjima, 2 for 3 (.667 avg)
Yuniesky Betancourt, 0 for 3
Jose Lopez, 1 for 3 (.333 avg) Triple, RBI
///
Ben Broussard, 2 for 5 (.400 avg) 2 HRs, 5 RBIs

[jacksonianmarch]

Now this should be interesting. Dont forget, the Mariners have an offense that could give people trouble when they are on and with Guillen added to their lineup, they are stronger. Beckett's gonna have to work for his this afternoon.

And if the lineup doesnt get going at the home opener in a hitter friendly park to a raucous fanbase, I dont know what will wake them up. I have a feeling Manny gets rid of the 0 next to his homer column today, dead center, off the scaffolding.

[TheKilo]

Just win.

[schillingouttheks]

Now this should be interesting. Dont forget, the Mariners have an offense that could give people trouble when they are on and with Guillen added to their lineup, they are stronger. Beckett's gonna have to work for his this afternoon.

And if the lineup doesnt get going at the home opener in a hitter friendly park to a raucous fanbase, I dont know what will wake them up. I have a feeling Manny gets rid of the 0 next to his homer column today, dead center, off the scaffolding.

:lol: You look for the positives in any weak team when they're playing the Sox. You even talked positively about Odalis fucking Perez.

Anyway, just win. Please.

[jacksonianmarch]

:lol: You look for the positives in any weak team when they're playing the Sox. You even talked positively about Odalis fucking Perez.

Anyway, just win. Please.


the same guy who held the sox bats in check for 5 innings, only to get painted by an A ball rule 5 scrub in inning #6. The sox are gonna have to work for it this yr. The easy wins left the building about last August. Every game will be a struggle, but I still think they win 90 and take the wild card crown.

Back to the game. Seattle must be salivating after watching Tito's (mis)management of the pen. If they work Beckett like KC did (seriously, Kansas City?) then the bridge will be at work early on. Becks needs to remember that a K and a popout count for the same thing, but the popout keeps his pitch count down. If that prick ever learned how to pitch to contact yet retain the ability to go for the K when needed, he'd be dominant.

[riverside sluggers]

Jacko dont you think Beckett has any advantage with this lineup not facing major league pitching for almost a week?

Also cmon now you are saying that for the rest of the season there will be no easy wins for the Sox?

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko dont you think Beckett has any advantage with this lineup not facing major league pitching for almost a week?

Also cmon now you are saying that for the rest of the season there will be no easy wins for the Sox?

Of course not. The sox will have some easy wins. But not like some of the stretches they had in the past. In 04, I remember weeks at a time where the sox would have 3 or 4 blowouts per week. Last yr, the sox offense started out gangbusters and made tons of games no doubters by the 3rd inning. I dont think your offense has that type of sustained explosion in it. It is fairly obvious that your lineup is severely centered on 2 men producing, and that wasnt the case in 04 or 05. They were a big part, but the lineup around them was self-sufficient. And with the lineup, comes easy wins. When you hang a 9 spot on a team by the 5th, chances are you can shut off the TV, crack a book or whatever and be pretty certain that the game is over. I dont see the sox having those kinds of days on a regular basis anymore.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko dont you think Beckett has any advantage with this lineup not facing major league pitching for almost a week?
Also cmon now you are saying that for the rest of the season there will be no easy wins for the Sox?



as for your first question, not really. They could be chomping at the bit and be ready for him. Who knows. Baseball is a strange game.

[CrespoBlows]

If Beckett dominates it doesn't count, because the Mariners are not in the top 5 offensively.

Oh, it's Beckett.... Sorry, I meant if Andy Pettite pitches well tonight it doesn't count, but if it's Beckett it does.

:) me like lol

[ORS]

Jacko, if the first week of the season is so indicative of what to expect from our offense, what does it say about your starting pitching? Oh, I know there's an excuse or two out there for you to grasp at, some of them valid. All I'm saying is, apply that same mentality, you know, where the first week of the season is not tell all, to both sides.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko, if the first week of the season is so indicative of what to expect from our offense, what does it say about your starting pitching? Oh, I know there's an excuse or two out there for you to grasp at, some of them valid. All I'm saying is, apply that same mentality, you know, where the first week of the season is not tell all, to both sides.

I think your offense will be a fine offense. I think it will score a good amount of runs and set your team up to win a lot. But even before the first week of the season I was saying that your lineup this season, unlike previous, has breaks in it. Last yr, your lineup had the occasional break in it early then was one big break party by the end of the yr. This season, knowing what you got from Crisp, Varitek, and the rookie at the bottom to go along with a hit or miss guy like Lowell in the 6 could really be a serious rally killer. Something you guys didnt have previously.

That was the fear the red sox lineup struck in you. The fact that you could be holding them down for a few innings, but a few guys reach and all of a sudden, your back is against the wall and nobody is stepping into the dish that allows to you focus and take a deep breath to relax against. You had 9 hole thunder with Mueller, OCab/ERent in there somewhere taking good at bats, Millar who was annoying as fuck in the mix, a healthy Nixon, Nomar before the trade, Ortiz, Manny, Bellhorn. You name it, your lineup was a fucking grinder and every guy who stepped into the box had the ability to work you hard and drive the ball or take the walk. It was a beautiful lineup to watch if you were a sox fan, and an absolute nightmare from my POV. It was the perfect storm 1-9. Now, Lugo isnt the prototypical high OBP leadoff guy. Your 2-5 look like they could pose problems, but neither of the 6-9 guys give you that kind of assurance that it will be tough to rifle through them. This is why I dont think you will skate to too many victories like you did in the past. A guy like Coco, Duddy, Vtek, and Co. would be a welcome relief after a pitcher has to deal with Manny, Ortiz and Drew.

[jacksonianmarch]

If Beckett dominates it doesn't count, because the Mariners are not in the top 5 offensively.

Oh, it's Beckett.... Sorry, I meant if Andy Pettite pitches well tonight it doesn't count, but if it's Beckett it does.

:) me like lol

I think Beckett has a bit of a rocky start today. He wont get lit up, but he doesnt see the 6th and the sox middle relief gets put on display at the home opener in the freezing cold.

[ORS]

Today in History:

The RMS Titanic left port for the first and last time in 1912. Bad day for Mariners. Lets keep up the trend.

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/upload/img_400/PY5224.jpg

[ANiMAL]

5 - 3; Red Sox win

Beckett goes 7 innings, 4 hits, 2 BB, 5 K and gives up 2 solo shots for 2 ER

Ortiz will hit his 3rd homer, Varitek will hit a bases loaded double for 3 RBI

[yeszir]

5 - 3; Red Sox win

Beckett goes 7 innings, 4 hits, 2 BB, 5 K and gives up 2 solo shots for 2 ER

Ortiz will hit his 3rd homer, Varitek will hit a bases loaded double for 3 RBI

The 18th pitch of the game will occur 8 minutes from the start and will be a changeup, knee high, on the outside part of the plate.

[jacksonianmarch]

The 18th pitch of the game will occur 8 minutes from the start and will be a changeup, knee high, on the outside part of the plate.

that is a fantastic post. LOL.

[MANNYHOF24]

The Japanese Interpreter got a louder ovation then Coco Crisp got.

[jacksonianmarch]

you know, after looking at that seattle lineup, they are a whole lot deeper than I thought. That top 7 is tough with the 8,9 being no slouches either.

[yeszir]

Damn day games.

[EvilDonut]

Hooray No school!

[jacksonianmarch]

Ichiro workin early. BTW, if anyone is watching and wants to volunteer to do gameday, that would be cool. I dont get NESN, yet.

[jacksonianmarch]

7 pitch AB to start the game, Ichiro down swinging.

[yeszir]

Yes, its only been 2 batters, but Beckett looks sharp so far.

[jacksonianmarch]

16 pitches through 1.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Usually when Ichiro makes a pitcher work that hard, he ends up on the positive end. Beckett impressed me there.

[Optimist]

The Japanese Interpreter got a louder ovation then Coco Crisp got.

...probably not a surprise to many people.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Coco who?

[ORS]

Ichiro workin early. BTW, if anyone is watching and wants to volunteer to do gameday, that would be cool. I dont get NESN, yet.
Why would anyone want to go to the trouble to do what is provided for free at mlb.com? You know, GAMEDAY?

[EvilDonut]

Gonna be a good game

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeff Weaver walking Lugo on 4 pitches. This is gonna be a long game.

[jacksonianmarch]

Why would anyone want to go to the trouble to do what is provided for free at mlb.com? You know, GAMEDAY?

Not a problem. Not the gameday, but more the location, speed etc of his pitches.

[ORS]

If Youk swings after 6 straight ball, well, I don't know, but that sucks.

[ORS]

Not a problem. Not the gameday, but more the location, speed etc of his pitches.
The new gameday provides location, release speed, arrival speed, and break.

[jacksonianmarch]

Weaver throws 6 balls for every strike, should be one hell of a game.

[jacksonianmarch]

The new gameday provides location, release speed, arrival speed, and break.

it isnt coming up right now. I have no idea why. I have old gameday going for right now.

[Youk Of The Nation]

My God, just let him steal the base already.

[VA Sox Fan]

YOUK! Nice 1B!

[jacksonianmarch]

youk with the single. Uh oh.

[Optimist]

Ortiz HR

I'm calling it

[EvilDonut]

it isnt coming up right now. I have no idea why. I have old gameday going for right now.


I'm having the same problem

[Youk Of The Nation]

Go ahead. Throw a strike to Ortiz. I daaare ya.

[ORS]

It's not showing the new features here either, so I guess if someone wants to type out pitch by pitch, have at it, but if I were watching I wouldn't.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Ortiz HR

I'm calling it


Thats like calling a Bellhorn strikeout. You have a 60-70 percent chance of being right. Not fair. :lol:

[jacksonianmarch]

Go ahead. Throw a strike to Ortiz. I daaare ya.

I dont think Weaver can if he tried. There is a reason why he was run out of the bronx.

[ORS]

21. It's happening.

[jacksonianmarch]

and he is missing down and in? Is he fucking stupid? If you are gonna miss on Papi, you miss up and in.

[Youk Of The Nation]

3-1 on Ortiz.

[jacksonianmarch]

Manny up with the sacks packed. I called a Manny homer off the scaffold today, hopefully it isnt right now.

[Optimist]

Suddenly the Mariners are missing Cleveland

[Youk Of The Nation]

Ortiz single. Bases loaded, no outs for the runner up in career grand slams.

[VA Sox Fan]

Bases loaded....GO MANNY!!!!!

[yeszir]

This is more like it.

[VA Sox Fan]

Weaver could walk in a run the way he's pitching.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Man, I missed Fenway. (Im going on Saturday)

[Youk Of The Nation]

2-1 on Manny.

[yeszir]

Was that his fastball at 89 mph?

[Youk Of The Nation]

3-1.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Was that his fastball at 89 mph?

Haha, yep.

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice RBI MANNY!!!!!

[Youk Of The Nation]

1-0 Sox, single for ManRam. Drew up with the bases loaded and no outs.

[jacksonianmarch]

1-0, wow.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Drew starting off ahead, 2-0.

[jacksonianmarch]

Can Weaver actually be removed without getting one out?

[Youk Of The Nation]

2-1 on Drew.

[Coco's Disciples]

Yesss just got home. Not a bad beginning.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Can Weaver actually be removed without getting one out?

Sure. They did it to Pavano in 2003 when the Sox pounded out 14 in the first.

[Youk Of The Nation]

2-2

[Youk Of The Nation]

3-2...only the second batter with more than one strike.

[a700hitter]

Bases loaded and no out against HOUR derby Weaver. Yes

[Coco's Disciples]

Drew sac fly, 2-0.

[jacksonianmarch]

more shit.

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice sac fly RBI JD!

[Youk Of The Nation]

Sac fly this early, Ill take it. Someone needs to bust this wide open, though.

[Youk Of The Nation]

First time Weaver has thrown a first-pitch strike.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Damn. It's up to Tek now.

[VA Sox Fan]

The Captain is DUE! Go Tek!!

[Coco's Disciples]

Coco with the sacks full.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Bases loaded, two outs for Coco fucking Crisp.

[VA Sox Fan]

Ok Coco......you can do it!

[EvilDonut]

I hope he pulls through

[Coco's Disciples]

This is the 40th pitch.

[jacksonianmarch]

2-0? Does Weaver know who he is pitching to?

[Youk Of The Nation]

This guy is pitching like he's afraid of everything.

[jacksonianmarch]

This guy is pitching like he's afraid of everything.

he is.

[Coco's Disciples]

Yeeee Coco.

Ground rule double? I guess...4-0 bitches.

[EvilDonut]

Coco!!! :D

[Youk Of The Nation]

Hey, cool.

[VA Sox Fan]

Coco!! Good job!!

[jacksonianmarch]

Haha, Coco with the hit.

[Papelbon58]

Interference rule double, it sounds like Tek would have scored anyway, so he should be allowed in.

[EvilDonut]

Oh my God, was it Affleck?

[Coco's Disciples]

Pedroia's getting a little scruffy.

[Papelbon58]

Lets see if Pedroia can get a hit that means something.

[shortstop]

I'm so glad he came through.

[Youk Of The Nation]

First batter Weaver has been ahead on. 1-2.

[Coco's Disciples]

Warning track...nice inning though.

47 pitches thrown by Weaver. He looked really lost.

[jacksonianmarch]

and the inning is over. Wow. 4 runs.

[BoSox21]

fucking day games, Id love to watch a game live for once...

[jacksonianmarch]

3-1 count.

Ibanez out. 1 down.

[Coco's Disciples]

What happened to wearing the '67 unis?

[Youk Of The Nation]

Zing!

[jacksonianmarch]

Beckett dealing.

[Youk Of The Nation]

27 pitches through two. Only 11 that inning.

[Coco's Disciples]

Nothing's changed...Lugo with the leadoff double.

[EvilDonut]

The offense needed this.

[jacksonianmarch]

Lugo leads off with a double. You know how I said the sox will not have too many blowouts this yr? Well, this is gonna be one of them.

[EvilDonut]

My God this isnt fair, i think i pity the guy.

[ORS]

Double party!

[Youk Of The Nation]

Youuuuk.


5-0 Sox.

[jacksonianmarch]

5-0. Weaver is absolutely terrible.

[TGov]

Strikeout?

[a700hitter]

I love when we face this guy, but I am disappointed that no one has gone deep. BTW. Is he worse than Julian Tavarez?

[yeszir]

Haha, old school Mo Vaughn grand slam.

[jacksonianmarch]

Drew gets one out of the park. 7-0. Wow.

[EvilDonut]

Drew Sucks

[ORS]

I love when we face this guy, but I am disappointed that no one has gone deep. BTW. Is he worse than Julian Tavarez?
You were saying?

[TheKilo]

BOOM

Making my choice to make him my avvy proud.

[TGov]

WOOOOOO! JD Drew going yard...

[mosox]

I now know how to write Dunkin Donuts in Japanese.

[Youk Of The Nation]

JAYDEEEEE DREEEEEEEEEW.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

JDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[a700hitter]

Yes, HR Derby Weaver is back! Nice easy swing by Drew for the HR to CF.

[VA Sox Fan]

Atta boy JD!!!!!

[Coco's Disciples]

Weaver was shocked after that one. Not sure why. 7-0 after 2.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Drew batting .417 now.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Alright, Im off to work. Ill get a bit more on the radio on the way there, though. Have fun in here, you kids, and leave the door open a crack.

[BoSox21]

Weaver's ERA is now 31.50 ha!

[Youk Of The Nation]

Johjima breaking up the no-hitter.

[VA Sox Fan]

Damn 2 hits given up by Josh....we should really trade him....ha ha! ;)

[jacksonianmarch]

If I were a sox fan, I'd hope he just throws the ball over and runs be damned. With a 7 run lead, the sox only need innings at this point.

You should be more angry if he gets cute and tries to K everyone.

[yeszir]

Johjima breaking up the no-hitter.

HOW ARE YOU POSTING FROM YOUR CAR!!!???

[jacksonianmarch]

HOW ARE YOU POSTING FROM YOUR CAR!!!???

MULTITASKING!!!!

[Youk Of The Nation]

RBI groundout.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I should be leaving but I dont want to.

Meh.

[VA Sox Fan]

Ichiro w/ his 2nd K, unheard of!

[yeszir]

Offense is clearly the story here, but lets not forget that Beckett is pitching really well.

[TheKilo]

Nice K to Ichiro.

I'm off to take a nap for a few hours.

[Coco's Disciples]

Ken Harrelson is the biggest motormouth I've ever seen.

[VA Sox Fan]

Ken Harrelson is the biggest motormouth I've ever seen.

How the hell is his annoying ass involved in this game?????

[Thumper]

Beckett is doing GREAT today!!!!

[yeszir]

How the hell is his annoying ass involved in this game?????

He was on the '67 team and they threw out the opening pitches.

[Papelbon58]

Lugo gets a little gift with the official scoring being a hit.

[Coco's Disciples]

Beltre's having a rough time.

[Coco's Disciples]

Nice play by Betancourt there.

[Thumper]

No Big Papi!!!

[yeszir]

I hate the shift

[MANNYHOF24]

Lugo gets a little gift with the official scoring being a hit.

Beltre had no chance on that ball. That was correctly scored.

[MANNYHOF24]

Becket is pitching masterfully right now.

[MANNYHOF24]

The Mariners are very rusty right now.

[VA Sox Fan]

He was on the '67 team and they threw out the opening pitches.

Thanks yeszir.....I forgot about that, all I could imagine was him announcing (but no White Sox) and that's excruciating!

[VA Sox Fan]

The Mariners are very rusty right now.

Yeah the effect of the snow outs are showing.

[MANNYHOF24]

Duece strikes again! 9-1 Red Sox. Boy, it's good to be home.

[MANNYHOF24]

Tek with a well struck 2 run single and the sox are up 11-1!

[ORS]

Alright, save some for tomorrow!

[VA Sox Fan]

This will be a great game to watch when I get home from work!

[KeepTheFaith1229]

So much for struggling for every win eh?

[ORS]

Tek climbs over the Mendoza Line. Coco's turn.

[VA Sox Fan]

Alright, save some for tomorrow!

Yeah, exactly!

Edit: And can we see some run support for Wake on Thursday please?

[Rdsxmbnt]

glad to see Tek hitting well here

[a700hitter]

I told you that Tek was looking better at the plate recently.

[ORS]

4 times reaching base for Lugo.

[ORS]

Good speed on the bases. A gapper scores two.

[MANNYHOF24]

How many pitches for Beckett?

[ORS]

As of fanning Guillen, it's 56.

[Thumper]

Struck out by Beckett!

Tek is 2-2, unheard of!

[Rdsxmbnt]

57 now i think with 2 down

[ORS]

He's on cruise control.

[Rdsxmbnt]

60 pitches through 5. Beckett is dealing out there!

[MANNYHOF24]

The Mariners batters have no chance against Beckett today.

[Thumper]

Beckett is in beast mode right now.

[BoSox21]

must feel nice for Beckett to be getting incredible run support today though

this guy Woods for the Mariners has an ERA of 35.00 now :)

[Coco's Disciples]

Struck out by Beckett!

Tek is 2-2, unheard of!

Giving ya a boney?

[Thumper]

Giving ya a boney?

Cute.

Well Morrow is brought in to relieve Woods, like it's gonna help. :D

[yeszir]

Nice pitch!

[Thumper]

Hinske pinch hitting for Manny?

What's going on?!?!? I don't have the game on tv!!

[Thumper]

And now Willy Mo for Drew?

WTF?!

[Coco's Disciples]

We are up by 10 runs...

[yeszir]

We are up by 10 runs...

Correct assessment.

[Coco's Disciples]

Morrow's a bit nervous, eh?

[Coco's Disciples]

Correct assessment.

Why thank you. I pride myself on my dry wit.

However, I was answering Thumper.

[Thumper]

Good point.

Guess it gives J.D. and Manny rest for tomorrow's game.

[VA Sox Fan]

And it give Wily Mo and Hinske the at bats they need/want.

[Thumper]

No surprise from Lowell...

Ortiz scores, 12-1

[Thumper]

Full count to Tek and he DOUBLES for Hinske to score!

[Coco's Disciples]

Attaboy Tek. He really has been turning it on. This game should ease the worries of many; Sox offense explodes, Tek gets 3 hits, WMP gets a couple ABs.

As Michael Scott would say, it's a win win win.

[Thumper]

Not to mention Beckett's beast mode pitching.

[VA Sox Fan]

Oh Captain, My Captain!!!!!

[Thumper]

Oh Captain, My Captain!!!!!

He truely is acting like a Captain in this game. He's hitting good and no doubt helping Beckett with the calls.

[Coco's Disciples]

Wow. 3 strikeouts of Ichiro.

[Rdsxmbnt]

omg Beckett is amazing

[VA Sox Fan]

Striking out the side in the 6th.....sa-weeeeeet!

[VA Sox Fan]

Pedroia almost goes yard

[VA Sox Fan]

Youk almost goes yard as well. Nice 2B!

[rician blast]

Nice start to '07 for Weaver...his ERA is up to 31.50.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

DOUGIE IS GOING DEEP TONIGHT!

[BoSox21]

can someone tell me what Beckett's pitch selection is like today? Is he all fastball or is he keeping batters on their toes like he did in his first outing?

[Rdsxmbnt]

hes really working everything, but I think all or most of his Ks have been FBs

[Coco's Disciples]

8 K, inning over.

[Thumper]

Goddamn Beckett is on the ball today!

[Anuj09]

10 k day anyone ?

[BoSox21]

hes really working everything, but I think all or most of his Ks have been FBs

thats fine, the FB is his bread and butter but his ability to keep batters off-balance with his other stuff is gonna be key for him this season

[Anuj09]

i gues not Donnelly is in

[Coco's Disciples]

I guess Guillen and Donnelly had some history from the 2004 Angels. Something was said first by Donnelly probably.

I doubt he hit Johjima on purpose. No reason too.

[.406]

Hargrove is such a douche bag.

[VA Sox Fan]

Donnelly & Tito tossed.

[VA Sox Fan]

Tito wasn't ejected after all per the radio guys.

[jacksonianmarch]

what happened? I missed it.

[Coco's Disciples]

Donnelly struck out Guillen, then as Guillen was walking back to the dugout, he points at Donnelly and walks towards him. Benches and bullpens clear, Guillen tossed. A few pitches later, he hits Johjima and is tossed.

[mar_022]

wow, i just turned on the game....nice pleasant surprise to see the bats have finally come to life...all we needed was jeff weaver i guess haha

[jacksonianmarch]

Donnelly struck out Guillen, then as Guillen was walking back to the dugout, he points at Donnelly and walks towards him. Benches and bullpens clear, Guillen tossed. A few pitches later, he hits Johjima and is tossed.

I see. Guillen up to his old antics.

[Thumper]

I run to the store for 15 minutes and Tito got tossed?

[VA Sox Fan]

I run to the store for 15 minutes and Tito got tossed?

Only Donnelly per the radio announcers.

[Coco's Disciples]

According to Don Orsillo, in 2005, Jose Guillen spotted some pine tar in Donnelly's glove and told Frank Robinson. That could play into this...

[Coco's Disciples]

We need to keep the Coco D mojo going tomorrow.

[Anuj09]

this explains it from Wikipedia

On June 14, 2005, the Nationals began a three-game series against the Angels, who were still helmed by Mike Scioscia. This marked Guill?n's first return to Anaheim since being traded. Going into the series, both Guill?n and Scioscia kept a civil tone publicly, each indicating that the past was behind them and claiming that they held no hard feelings toward one another. However, the tensions below the surface were exposed when, during the second game of the series, Angels pitcher Brendan Donnelly was found with illegal substances on his glove.

Donnelly was ejected from the game, and Scioscia then came out of the dugout and exchanged hostile words with Nationals manager Frank Robinson, who had instigated the search of Donnelly's glove. The confrontation led to both teams' benches being cleared as all of the players streamed out on to the field. As he was being restrained by fellow Nationals players, Guill?n shouted angry words at the Angels, a number of whom made it clear that they felt their former teammate had been the one who told Robinson to have Donnelly's glove examined. (Several weeks later, Guill?n would acknowledge that he had indeed done so.)

In the eighth inning of the same game, Guill?n hit a two-run home run to tie the game, and the Nationals went on to win. After the series' final game, Guill?n blasted Scioscia and acknowledged that despite his earlier statements to the contrary, he was in fact still hurt over what had happened at the end of the 2004 season.

I don't got truly no respect for [Scioscia] anymore because I'm still hurt from what happened last year . . . Mike Scioscia, to me, is like a piece of garbage . . . He can go to hell . . . I can never get over about what happened last year. It's something I'm never going to forget. Any time I play that team, Mike Scioscia's managing, it's always going to be personal to me.[1]

[Thumper]

Game. 14-3

And cue "Dirty Water."

[MANNYHOF24]

Nice to see an offensive explosion. Really nice to see Varitek with 3 hits. We probably will have trouble get 3-5 runs tommorow with Felix Hernadez on the mound for Seattle. It should be a great pitching matchup tommorow night. I can't wait.

[MANNYHOF24]

So far this season Beckett has given up only 4 hits in 12 innings. He has also struck out 13 batters and walked only 4. Granted it's K.C. and Seattle but I am liking what I'm seeing so far.

[BruinsFan]

Beckett has looked sharp. The bats exploded.

Hello half a game out.

[jacksonianmarch]

Beckett has looked sharp. The bats exploded.

Hello half a game out.

Save yourself the worry. The race is NY vs Boston and all that really matters is the loss column. And standings watching right now is nuts.

[BruinsFan]

Im always watching the standings.
Thats what I do.

[Coco's Disciples]

I said it once and I'll say it again, this game makes me and many others feel good. Bats exploded, especially Varitek, and Beckett was filthy.

[jacksonianmarch]

Jeff Weaver got himself into trouble, the sox patiently waited him out and slashed him. Beckett's job was easy after that.

[schillingouttheks]

Nice to see an offensive explosion. Really nice to see Varitek with 3 hits. We probably will have trouble get 3-5 runs tommorow with Felix Hernadez on the mound for Seattle. It should be a great pitching matchup tommorow night. I can't wait.

I'll be there! I'm SOOOO pumped!


Jeff Weaver got himself into trouble, the sox patiently waited him out and slashed him. Beckett's job was easy after that.

You make it seem like he didn't have a beast of a day, Jacko...

Come on, at least give the kid credit. He struck out ICHIRO 3 times! Besides, you're also the one that said that the Mariners' lineup is a lot more dangerous than on the surface :rolleyes:

[EvilDonut]

Jeff Weaver got himself into trouble, the sox patiently waited him out and slashed him. Beckett's job was easy after that.


Yeah its like he gave up 2 hits........

Thank the Offense for that!

[KeepTheFaith1229]

The Mariners are great...oh wait, Beckett dominated them? Well, they suck.

[BoSox21]

say what you want, but the mariners have a pretty decent lineup. Beckett was big time today

[KeepTheFaith1229]

say what you want, but the mariners have a pretty decent lineup. Beckett was big time today

Agreed. I was being sarcastic *cough* Jacksonianmarch *cough*

[jacksonianmarch]

Yeah its like he gave up 2 hits........

Thank the Offense for that!

Credit Beckett for limiting the walks. Some pitchers dont pitch well with big leads. Beckett adjusted game plan, kept the pitches low and made it through 7. Credit to him. He dominated a pretty good lineup.

[riverside sluggers]

Getting ready before I go out to Boston, def taking my camera for this! With the Mariners not playing in almost a week the Sox do have the advantage, as they already did with the matchup. Go Sox! Prediction: Beckett goes 7 strong, while Manny backs him up with a bomb over the monster

I know Tito wants to get his everyday players into a groove to start the season, but I really do hope Hinske starts today. His numbers vs Weaver are too good to sit on the bench.

Woohoo Sox Win! At least I got "Beckett goes 7 strong" right, but heck at 83 pitches he couldve gone longer. But understand that they were already up by 13 runs at the time & he had to keep waiting in the dugout practically each inning as they batted around

Just a great game to be at! Beckett is just looking so strong since ST and has held true to stray far away from relying on the fastball. He's throwing his fastball, change up (which avg 83-86) and his curve for strikes. watch out American League if this stuff continues

Maybe the offense just needed a jolt of 35000 adrenaline-fueled Sox fans to light a fire up their ass. What more to help is that Jeff "I wish i was Jered" Weaver. Even the pitchers that followed him were sad. Really at one point a lot of us started to feel embarrased how bad they were. Tho to their credit they havent played an actual game in what has probably felt like forever for them. Lugo & Drew the much ballyhooed free agent pickups who many criticized for their contracts are quickly embedding themselves as fan favorites. I knew a Drew homerun was coming very soon. His swing so smooth

Donnelly... this guy's got intensity, throws mid 90s fastball and can still ring up Ks... this is the man I want out there in the 7th or the 8th. He got a great standing ovation

Not meant to rain, Jacko, but I do believe today was a game where they didnt struggle at all :) Tomorrow night Im gonna be suited up in winter clothes as I see Dice-K's debut

[Cityofchampions33]

Great great game. No complaints, good to see absolutely everything clicking, I couldn't name one thign that needed improving. Hopefully this will carry over into tomorow for my birthay

[riverside sluggers]

I think Beckett has a bit of a rocky start today. He wont get lit up, but he doesnt see the 6th and the sox middle relief gets put on display at the home opener in the freezing cold.

Jacko just to clarify for you & others... I was stating that about Pavano because well its Pavano... now Mussina, Wang, or Pettitte does something like that you wouldnt catch me saying "but can he do it against a top 5 offense lineup?" Those 3 have proven track records, Pavano has to earn back his dignity & the feeling from fans alike that he can win the games consistently

[example1]

Didn't get to see the game. Thanks blackout restrictions. I'm pretty sure the game wasn't even on here (in the Pacific NW), which seems like a really bad reason to blackout the game. So, it's NOT on local TV but they will black it out if I want to watch it on the computer or MLB EI? That's lame.

Looks like a truly dominating performance by Beckett. Offense hit. Sounds good.

How was the atmosphere in the park?

[riverside sluggers]

The atmosphere was just electric. As I said it toned down some when Sox kept hitting off of Mariners pitchers but still everyone was having a good time.

The Sox didnt take long introducing Matsuzaka. Usually they announce the lineup, bench players, then the pitchers. But everyone was caught off gaurd when he was called upon right after Pedroia. The cheers just got louder as he got to the field and lined up with his new teammates. Haha dont know why but everyone got loud when the japanse massage therapist was introduced

Donnelly getting ejected then walking back to the dugout was another time the crowd got up on their feet to give him a standing O. BTW first game Ive been to in a long time... that didnt feature the wave

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko just to clarify for you & others... I was stating that about Pavano because well its Pavano... now Mussina, Wang, or Pettitte does something like that you wouldnt catch me saying "but can he do it against a top 5 offense lineup?" Those 3 have proven track records, Pavano has to earn back his dignity & the feeling from fans alike that he can win the games consistently

agree completely.

[BoSox21]

Tito did manage Beckett pretty well today. It's still early in the season and with cold weather and long breaks in between innings, limiting Beckett to 7 innings and 84 pitches was a good idea. No need to wear him out with a 13 run lead despite the fact that he probably would've had a complete game with a reasonable pitch count

[riverside sluggers]

Forgot also, there was a moment of silence for sports players that have been lost I guess since the season opener. They were Charlie Wagner (pitcher for '46 Sox, 2006 home opener was the one who said "Play ball"), Eddie Pellagrini (3rd/ss for '46 Sox), Red Auerbach, Dennis Johnson, Daryl Stingley, and the non-Boston related Cory Lidle.

It was good to see that the Sox added Lidle in the list of names to have a moment of silence for

[ANiMAL]

Great Opeing Day for the Sox!
Hitting that well in that cold weather is impressive.

[TheKilo]

Tito did manage Beckett pretty well today. It's still early in the season and with cold weather and long breaks in between innings, limiting Beckett to 7 innings and 84 pitches was a good idea. No need to wear him out with a 13 run lead despite the fact that he probably would've had a complete game with a reasonable pitch count

Agree 100%. On a cold day you gotta keep his PC/workload under control.


Beckett did his job. Offense did their job. Nice win.

[riverside sluggers]

I keep going back to JD Drew's homerun. As I said before that swing of his will get him doubles off the green monster and he'll also get balls to go over the monster/center field wall. Something cool in past few years Ive seen some first homeruns for new Sox players: Renteria & Payton both did it against RJ & the Yanks, Wily Mo against the Blue Jays, Dusty's first career homerun (BTW if yesterday was warmer his shot to center yesterday wouldve been gone), now JD Drew

He has hit safely in his first 7 games, I believe he also ended the 06 season a 3 or 4 game hitting streak. He starts off 10 for 25 (.400 avg) 2 Doubles, HR, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs, 2 Walks, 6 Ks. God this is what we have been missing in the 5 hole. Last season the Sox had the worst ranking in baseball for just about every category from it.

Last year (Trot, Tek, Wily Mo, Youkilis, Lowell) combined to hit: 138 for 579 (.238 avg) 36 Doubles, Triple, 14 HRs, 74 RBIs, 73 Runs, 79 Walks, 94 Ks, 2 for 7 SBs

[riverside sluggers]

Now, Lugo isnt the prototypical high OBP leadoff guy.

Just looking over this post Jacko and must say I disagree. For sure you could say that about Coco but not Julio. Last year before he was traded he had a .373 OBP in the 1st half, in 2005 he had a .362. Now in 2004 he had a .338 OBP but really that was his first season of playing more than 140 games. Im not expecting him to be an OBP machine but he should still post a 2005-ish OBP and be a solid leadoff guy to give pitchers trouble

[RedSoxRooter]

I keep going back to JD Drew's homerun.

The one thing that floored me was that on his deep fly out to the triangle in the first inning and the home run ball, he only used a three quarter swing. He didn't follow through on either.

Either he's got tremendous power or he's real good at getting the barrel on the ball. It was impressive.

[jacksonianmarch]

The one thing that floored me was that on his deep fly out to the triangle in the first inning and the home run ball, he only used a three quarter swing. He didn't follow through on either.

Either he's got tremendous power or he's real good at getting the barrel on the ball. It was impressive.

he has good power and my guess is he may be trying to tailor his swing for fenway. Its easier to hit the ball 420 feet to center than it is 380 to dead right.

[jacksonianmarch]

Just looking over this post Jacko and must say I disagree. For sure you could say that about Coco but not Julio. Last year before he was traded he had a .373 OBP in the 1st half, in 2005 he had a .362. Now in 2004 he had a .338 OBP but really that was his first season of playing more than 140 games. Im not expecting him to be an OBP machine but he should still post a 2005-ish OBP and be a solid leadoff guy to give pitchers trouble

I dont think Lugo is the 1.5 yr sensation he was in a Boston uniform. Call me a cynic. I dont think he will revert to his useless ways in Houston but I dont see him becoming a stud like he was in Tampa. Personally, I'd like him more as a 9 hitter to restart the lineup rather than a 1 hitter. Leadoff guys these days have some pop to them, and Lugo doesnt. I think he could post a .350OBP this yr. We'll see. He has been so topsy turvy in his career and SO bad last yr after the trade that he bears watching. Lets just say that he has shown flashes of being a solid leadoff hitter, he just needs to prove it now.

[riverside sluggers]

The one thing that floored me was that on his deep fly out to the triangle in the first inning and the home run ball, he only used a three quarter swing. He didn't follow through on either.

Either he's got tremendous power or he's real good at getting the barrel on the ball. It was impressive.

Even more impressive Rooter is the fact that it was on a changeup

[riverside sluggers]

I dont think Lugo is the 1.5 yr sensation he was in a Boston uniform. Call me a cynic. I dont think he will revert to his useless ways in Houston but I dont see him becoming a stud like he was in Tampa. Personally, I'd like him more as a 9 hitter to restart the lineup rather than a 1 hitter. Leadoff guys these days have some pop to them, and Lugo doesnt. I think he could post a .350OBP this yr. We'll see. He has been so topsy turvy in his career and SO bad last yr after the trade that he bears watching. Lets just say that he has shown flashes of being a solid leadoff hitter, he just needs to prove it now.

Oh please dont rever to Dodgers' fans dribble. I thought we were done with this argument

--He went from an everyday player to rotting on the bench (biggest case to why he spiraled downard in teh 2nd half)
--He switched leagues mid-season
--He switched coasts mid-season

[jacksonianmarch]

Oh plaease dont rever to Dodgers' fans dribble. I thought we were done with this argument

--He went from an everyday player to rotting on the bench
--He switched leagues mid-season
--He switched coasts mid-season

I agree, there were reasons for it. But lets not make excuses and sit back and think about this guy. The guy bounces his wife off his fists a few times, is pretty awful in Houston, comes to TB and reincarnates himself into a fine ballplayer for 1.5 seasons. He moves to LA where he sucked, then comes to Boston. At this point, is he the player the dodgers had? Probably not. Is the the player he was in TB? Probably not. Is he as bad as he was in Houston? Probably not. I'd assume he is a mix of all 3 and will be a serviceable player. But again, I like the light on power speed guys resetting my order rather than leading it off. Call it a personal preference.

[TheKilo]

he has good power and my guess is he may be trying to tailor his swing for fenway. Its easier to hit the ball 420 feet to center than it is 380 to dead right.

.....................

Re-read this sentence again, please.