July 2nd vs. Texas

[BoSox34]

I'm going to the game so I figured I'd make this game thread.

Kason Gabbard
http://graphics.boston.com/images/bostondirtdogs//Headline_Archives/BDD_7.22_KG_sea_gett.jpg

VS.

Brandon McCarthy
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2005/12/21/ZUkFYhXY.jpg


Coming into this series, the Boston Red Sox owned the best record in the AL and the Texas Rangers had the worst. That's not the case anymore.

The Red Sox have been unable to get their offense on track against a suspect Rangers pitching staff, and enter Monday's matchup just hoping for a split of this four-game set.

Texas has limited Boston to seven runs while winning two of the first three games, climbing a half-game ahead of Tampa Bay for the AL's worst record and dropping the Red Sox two games behind the Los Angeles Angels for the best.

Facing a Rangers club which entered with the second-worst ERA (5.34) in the majors, Boston has only one homer in the series and been held under 10 hits in all three games.

ADVERTISEMENT
"You go in cycles where it seems like scoring runs is very difficult," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "You go through times when it seems like you're whacking it all over the ballpark. We'll straighten it up and we'll put a bunch up."

The Texas bullpen has thrown 11 scoreless innings in this series, including three in Sunday's 2-1 victory after starter Kameron Loe worked six effective innings.

"We struggled a lot and it was frustrating. Now that we're putting wins together, it's very big going into the All-Star break," Loe said.

Boston's David Ortiz went 0-for-4 on Sunday and is in a 2-for-17 slump. He's homerless with three RBIs and 12 strikeouts over his past nine games, and hasn't homered in 28 games at Fenway Park since April 21.

Manny Ramirez is 3-for-27 (.111) over the last eight games, and the Red Sox have lost six of them.

While Ortiz and Ramirez learned Sunday they made the AL All-Star team along with teammates Mike Lowell, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon, the Rangers' lone representative will be shortstop Michael Young.

Boston's sluggers might have trouble breaking their slumps against Brandon McCarthy (4-4, 5.90 ERA), who comes off the disabled list to start for Texas. Current Red Sox players are a combined 6-for-37 (.162) against him, including 1-for-24 by Ortiz, Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek.

This is McCarthy's second start in six weeks due to a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

"It hasn't been fun, missing time. It's definitely been tough," McCarthy told the Rangers' official Web site. "But it definitely could be worse. At least it was a blister and not anything worse. I'd rather have that than an arm injury and miss the entire season."

The right-hander went 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA in four starts before suffering the injury against Boston on May 25, when he left after two innings of a 10-6 loss. He walked four and was charged with four runs despite allowing only one hit. His lone outing since that one came against Milwaukee on June 9 as he gave up one run in five innings of a 4-3 win.

McCarthy did not get a decision in either of those starts, and remains unbeaten since April 29 at Toronto. He's 1-1 with a 4.11 ERA in five career appearances -- two starts -- against the Red Sox.

This could be Kason Gabbard's last shot in Boston's rotation for a while if Curt Schilling's sore shoulder is better in time for his next turn, or if the Red Sox want to try a different option. The latter may be the case if Gabbard (1-0, 6.48) pitches as poorly as he did Tuesday, allowing four runs and six hits with six walks in 3 1-3 innings of an 8-7 loss at Seattle after being called up to take Schilling's spot in the rotation.

Gabbard's only other start for the Red Sox this year came on May 20, when he filled in for an injured Beckett and gave up two runs while striking out seven in five innings of a 6-3 win over Atlanta. The left-hander has not faced Texas in nine major league appearances.

The first batter he'll face is the Rangers' hottest. Leadoff man Kenny Lofton has hit safely in nine straight games, going 18-for-36 with six extra-base hits.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview;_ylt=AtZmjtiGu9lGI2_lpHi4UsERvLYF?gid=2707 02102

Prediction: The powerful Rangers offense takes advantage of Gabbard's weak spots and Texas wins 9-4.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

We need some serious mojo today.

[yeszir]

Let's go with mojoless mojo.

We really should win a game once in a while.

[lasorda's speed dial]

Save all your wins for Dice-K's two starts this week.

[MANNYHOF24]

Prediction: The powerful Rangers offense takes advantage of Gabbard's weak spots and Texas wins 9-4.

In case you haven't noticed the Texas Rangers offense hasn't been exactly powerful, all year or in this series. 8 runs in three games is not very many runs. The problem is that we have only scored 7. Pathetic.

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

Tonights lineup...

Drew
Pedroia
Papi
Manny
Youk
Lowell
Tek
Ellsbury
Lugo

[YanksHater213]

fuck that yankshater213 mojo in da casa

[riverside sluggers]

Youkilis is a late scratch tonight due to a recurring sore quad... with that Julio Lugo is prime & center as he is thrust back into the leadoff spot


Brandon McCarthy (6 games vs Boston, 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 3 games, 1-2 with a 4.41 ERA)
Julio Lugo, 1 for 5 (.200 avg) RBI, 3 Walks, 2 SBs
Dustin Pedroia, 2 for 3 (.667 avg) Double, 4 RBIs, K
David Ortiz, 1 for 7 (.143 avg) 2 Walks
Manny Ramirez, 2 for 8 (.250 avg) Double, RBI, Walk
J.D. Drew, 0 for 1, 2 Walks
Mike Lowell, 1 for 3 (.333 avg) HR, RBI, Walk
Jason Varitek, 0 for 7, RBI, 2 Ks
Eric Hinske, 1 for 2 (.500 avg)
Jacoby Ellsbury, 2 for 2 (1.000 avg) SB
///
Alex Cora, 0 for 1
Coco Crisp, 2 for 5 (.400 avg) Double, HR, RBI, Walk
Kevin Youkilis, 0 for 8, 2 Ks


Kason Gabbard (1 game vs Texas, 1-0 with a 5.19 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 3 games, 3-0 with a 2.62 ERA)
Kenny Lofton, 0 for 2, Walk
Desi Relaford, 0 for 2, Walk
Michael Young, 0 for 3
Sammy Sosa, 0 for 3, 2 Ks
Marlon Byrd, 1 for 2 (.500 avg) Double, Walk
Victor Diaz, 0 for 2, K
Gerald Laird, 1 for 2 (.500 avg) K
Brad Wilkerson, 1 for 2 (.500 avg) HR, 3 RBIs, K
Travis Metcalf, 0 for 1, Walk
///
Frank Catalanotto, 0 for 1, K

McCarthy this season vs Boston in 2 games, 0-1 with a 13.85 ERA. On the road in 8 games, 2-4 with a 6.09 ERA

Gabbard this season at home in 2 games, 2-0 with a 4.42 ERA

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

Youk is a late scratch because of a quad injury.

The new lineup:

Lugo
Pedroia
Papi
Manny
Drew
Lowell
Tek
Hinske
Ellsbury

[KeepTheFaith1229]

lugo leadoff

*throws up in mouth*

[Rdsxmbnt]

better start then last time for Kason

[ORS]

Lugo leading off makes baby Jesus' tears cry.

[Rdsxmbnt]

on base machine

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice 1st for Gabbard.

Nice BB Julio

[ORS]

Mlb.tv must be broken.

[VA Sox Fan]

Mlb.tv must be broken.

Yeah, Dustin actually struck out.

Nice hit Papi.

[schillingouttheks]

A-Rod just knocked in his 80th RBI on the season. He's on pace for ~170. That's fucking ridiculous. A-Rod in a Boston uni next year? Yes please.

Nice hit Papi.

[riverside sluggers]

Im surprised that Lugo didnt keep running to 3rd

[VA Sox Fan]

A-Rod in a Boston uni next year? Yes please.

No damn way dude! :blink:

Dammit Manny!

[Rdsxmbnt]

manny wtf is that

[redsoxrules]

this is getting anoying

[schillingouttheks]

Sigh...another 1-2-3 inning. This team is FLAT.

[ORS]

Site went down for a bit.

Did they even combine for 300' of fly-outs in the 2nd?

[schillingouttheks]

this is getting anoying

I get annoyed every game and I keep saying the same thing. I try to keep telling myself they'll break out of it soon but they prove me wrong every single fucking time. They need a shake up. They need A-Rod and his bat in this lineup next year, and trade for a big bat to jump start this offense and into next year.

[redsoxrules]

I get annoyed every game and I keep saying the same thing. I try to keep telling myself they'll break out of it soon but they prove me wrong every single fucking time. They need a shake up. They need A-Rod and his bat in this lineup next year, and trade for a big bat to jump start this offense and into next year.

they need a big bat now , theo better be trying to make something happen as we speak , our pitching is too good to let it go to waste

[ORS]

Now here comes the challenge. Can a Sox pitcher get Whoopie Lofton out?

[VA Sox Fan]

I get annoyed every game and I keep saying the same thing. I try to keep telling myself they'll break out of it soon but they prove me wrong every single fucking time. They need a shake up. They need A-Rod and his bat in this lineup next year, and trade for a big bat to jump start this offense and into next year.

If A-Rod's not available (he'll be in Chicago) maybe we could get Bonds? :lol:

[ORS]

Hey, a bloop. It ain't purty, but it's something.

[ORS]

If Ellsbury hits a gapper, he'll be on Hinske's ass before Hinske reaches 2nd base.

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice placement jacoby

[redsoxrules]

ok so 2 on and no out , please dont fuck up here

[VA Sox Fan]

Hey, a bloop. It ain't purty, but it's something.

Good for Hinske!

I'm old enough to be his mom but damn Ellsbury is fine!

Atta' boy Julio, nice sac!

[schillingouttheks]

Two absolute shit hits so far, but I'll take it. Good job by Lugo to get the runners over.

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice Dped, Jacoby with his first MLB run scored

[schillingouttheks]

D-Peds coming through! Holy wow we knocked in runs!

[riverside sluggers]

Dusty!! Alright boys lets put this in cruise control

[redsoxrules]

YES WE SCORED !!

[ORS]

I don't get it? You mean they are allowed to not hit into some kind of double play there?

[Rdsxmbnt]

mccarthy looks like matt clement

[schillingouttheks]

Yes Manny! That's what we need!

[Rdsxmbnt]

now thats what I want to see!

[riverside sluggers]

Manny with the laser of a shot to center, hope this is the beginning of a monster run

[VA Sox Fan]

mccarthy looks like matt clement

He does. He's July on my Sox calender...ugh

Way to be Manny! This is cool! :D

[VA Sox Fan]

Keep this thing going Mikey, you're kinda due.....

[schillingouttheks]

Nice throw Captain!

[VA Sox Fan]

Good job Tek! Don't see that too often....sweeeet!

[VA Sox Fan]

Another good inning for Kason.

More runs boys!

[ORS]

Kasowned.

[schillingouttheks]

Another good inning for Kason.

More runs boys!

Maybe they should slow down...whenever they go overboard with their runs they have nothing left for the rest of the week. :lol:

[VA Sox Fan]

Maybe they should slow down...whenever they go overboard with their runs they have nothing left for the rest of the week. :lol:

Good idea! I guess I'm just a little anxious considering...

[schillingouttheks]

Nice rip Ellsbury!

I wanna see the kid's speed now. They should send him.

[VA Sox Fan]

The Rookie.....nice one Jacoby!

[riverside sluggers]

Nice rip by Ellsbury, this is his first career multi-hit-game

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice solid hit for Ellsbury, nice to see

[schillingouttheks]

Hahah stolen base. What a stud.

[riverside sluggers]

1st career steal!

[Rdsxmbnt]

and a nice SB

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice steal....come on Julio!

[riverside sluggers]

Julio is having a good game, 2 walks and a sac bunt

[schillingouttheks]

Hopefully getting on base a few times will help Lugo get back to his regular self.

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice to see Lugo on base again

[VA Sox Fan]

Hopefully getting on base a few times will help Lugo get back to his regular self.


Youk being scratched late and putting Lugo in the lead off spot could be a minor blessing in diguise to help him get back on track. I really hope so anyway. It must suck to go thru such a crappy ass slump!

[TedWilliams101]

Look at that speed. Wow. Scoring from 2nd on a pass ball. I love it.

[VA Sox Fan]

What a game for the Rookie....awesome!

[schillingouttheks]

Hahahaah wow Ellsbury is just too fast.

[riverside sluggers]

Fuck yea Ellsbury!!

2 for 2, 2 runs, SB

[ORS]

Kid can fly.

[Coco's Disciples]

Oy. 4-3.

[schillingouttheks]

Holy shit. 4-3.

[Rdsxmbnt]

well that sucked

[riverside sluggers]

Wilkerson has killed the Sox this series

Now he walks the next batter on 4 pitches

[Coco's Disciples]

How many pitches does Gabbard have? He crashed in that inning.

[VA Sox Fan]

The 5th sucked for Kason. Now he needs more run support......come on OFFENSE!

[riverside sluggers]

85 pitches through 5. Send him out there for the 6th, with someone warming up in the bullpen as insurance

[VA Sox Fan]

How many pitches does Gabbard have? He crashed in that inning.

85

[VA Sox Fan]

Way to be Tek! Come on Hinske!

[schillingouttheks]

HINSKE! Okay, I remember this offense...

[VA Sox Fan]

Eric!!!!!!!!!!! Damn that was a beautiful triple! WOW!!!!!!!!!

[riverside sluggers]

Hinske motherfucker!!! Man he got that pitch from below his knees

He has been on a tear since his HR against Atlanta

[schillingouttheks]

Hey Ellsbury...you've done everything tonight. How about your first career ML RBI?

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice clutch hitting Hinske!

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice plate discipline

[schillingouttheks]

Great night for Ellsbury.

[riverside sluggers]

Ellsbury: 2 for 2, Walk, 2 Runs, SB

[VA Sox Fan]

Alright Lugo.....you're just a tad overdue......GO JULIO!

[Coco's Disciples]

Way to be Hinske! Why can't we do this all the time? ...Lugo grounds out.

[VA Sox Fan]

Dammit....oh well, he's having a decent game overall, nothing but a good thing.

[schillingouttheks]

Dammit....oh well, he's having a decent game overall, nothing but a good thing.

True, but he still doesn't have that hit lol.

[riverside sluggers]

Hinske since his pinch hit homerun against Atlanta in the 11-0 blowout

6 for 14 (.429 avg) Double, Triple, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 3 Runs, Walk, 3 Ks`

[VA Sox Fan]

True, but he still doesn't have that hit lol.

I know....I'm just sayin'......:lol:

Sit down Sammy, nice K Gabbard!

[riverside sluggers]

Well done Kason

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice outing by Kason....clap clap clap clap!!!

[CrespoBlows]

Well done Kason


Nice outing by Kason....clap clap clap clap!!!


?????????

[Coco's Disciples]

He's still walking too many guys, and the 5th inning was horrible. Besides that, he was good.

[example1]

So far I feel pretty good about what I've seen from Ellsbury. I was right, he is already the best athelete on this team, as soon as he steps on the field. God damn he's fast. First 2 base passed-ball run since 1997.

Speed lights up a team and a crowd in the same ways that strike outs and home runs do. He is an electric player and should start on the big club next season.

[VA Sox Fan]

?????????

Compared to his last outing....he's young.....he had a no hitter thru 4.....he got the run support.....overall, a good outing......

[schillingouttheks]

Nice job Timlin.

[redsoxrules]

AROD pulled out of the game , got tangle up with morneau trying to beat up the throw

the yanks are fucked if he goes down

[CrespoBlows]

AROD pulled out of the game , got tangle up with morneau trying to beat up the throw

the yanks are fucked if he goes down

He's fine. They got him as day-to-day.


A-Rod was involved in a minor collision with Justin Morneau while running to first base and pulled up a little lame. He initially convinced the trainer he was fine to stay in and run, but after a couple of more pitches, first-base coach Larry Bowa signaled to the dugout and the Yankees made the move to take him out of the game. Rodriguez is likely day-to-day.

[VA Sox Fan]

AROD pulled out of the game , got tangle up with morneau trying to beat up the throw

the yanks are fucked if he goes down

Clemens showed up tonight....only 2 hits off of him, so far.......

Get well soon A-Fraud.....

[riverside sluggers]

Woohoo Varitek, oh yea this is how it should be

Just heard that the last time a Sox player has scored from 2nd on a passed ball, was 2nd baseman Jeff Frye in 97 vs the Athletics

Speaking of which, Ellsbury has reached base 4 times tonight

2 for 2, 2 Walks, 2 Runs, SB

[Rdsxmbnt]

another BB for Ellsbury

[TedWilliams101]

Jacoby should be leading off and Lugo in the 9 spot.

[a700hitter]

That whore Roger (He' snot as good as Hansack) Clemens threw 8 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 run to the Twins. He sucks.

[VA Sox Fan]

Jacoby on again Ok Julio.....you know what to do....so do it!

[TedWilliams101]

When will Tito stop playing Lugo. He shouldn't ever see the field other than to pinch run.

[riverside sluggers]

Damn it, 0 for his last 33

hmm looks like Lugo & Eyre were havin some words

[VA Sox Fan]

That whore Roger (He' snot as good as Hansack) Clemens threw 8 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 run to the Twins. He sucks.

It's about time the Whore showed up.....will it last? doubtful.....

Nice to hear the Fenway fans chanting for Julio, had he played for the Yankees and been in Yankee Stadium, he would have been booooooo'd...

[ksushi]

Damn, lugo...

I'm starting to feel for him.

[VA Sox Fan]

When will Tito stop playing Lugo. He shouldn't ever see the field other than to pinch run.


Did you just start watching the game?

[a700hitter]

Damn it, 0 for his last 33

hmm looks like Lugo & Eyre were havin some wordsWhat is the record?

[TedWilliams101]

What ever it is, Lugo will own it before long.

[CrespoBlows]

What is the record?

Bill Bergen, 0-46. http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bergebi01.shtml

A pitcher went 0-70. (Bob Buhl)

[a700hitter]

Bill Bergen, 0-46.

A pitcher went 0-70. (Bob Buhl)
0-46 is well within his grasp. If he breaks the reord, they should do him a favor and take him under the stands in CF where they keep the batting cage and just shoot him

[TedWilliams101]

Right now I'd rather have beckett hitting 9th than Lugo. Thats pathetic.

[a700hitter]

It's about time the Whore showed up.....will it last? doubtful......
None of the guys that we have that are better than him -- Gabbardge, tavarez, or Hansack have ptiched a game like that this year ... or ever.

[riverside sluggers]

What is the record?

I know the last time a Sox player was in this type of stretch was Luis Apparicio (spelling?) in which he went like 0 for 41 I believe

[CrespoBlows]

None of the guys that we have that are better than him -- Gabbardge, tavarez, or Hansack have ptiched a game like that this year ... or ever.

You sure about that?

[Youk Of The Nation]

You mean the Tavarez who threw 7 scoreless innings in Atlanta and 7 innings of one-run ball against the defending AL champions? He hasnt had a game that good this season?

[a700hitter]

You mean the Tavarez who threw 7 scoreless innings in Atlanta and 7 innings of one-run ball against the defending AL champions? He hasnt had a game that good this season?Is 7 innings 8?

[VA Sox Fan]

None of the guys that we have that are better than him -- Gabbardge, tavarez, or Hansack have ptiched a game like that this year ... or ever.

So?

How much money are Gabbard, Tavarez and Hansack making?

Bottom line....what's your point?

[Youk Of The Nation]

Is 7 innings 8?

No, but is one run for 20+ million zero runs for 3?

[CrespoBlows]

Is 7 innings 8?

Is 8 innings 9?

Boston Red Sox IP H R ER BB SO HR
Tavarez W(4-4) 9 7 1 1 1 1 0

9/22/06 @ Toronto.

[VA Sox Fan]

Come on Manny.....go LONG this time baby!

[VA Sox Fan]

Not LONG but long enough Manny.....c'mon JD!

[a700hitter]

So?

How much money are Gabbard, Tavarez and Hansack making?

Bottom line....what's your point?Did I say anything about money? Read the old thread. I am not going to rehash the entiire argument.

[a700hitter]

Is 8 innings 9?

Boston Red Sox IP H R ER BB SO HR
Tavarez W(4-4) 9 7 1 1 1 1 0

9/22/06 @ Toronto.Nice research, but he did give up 7 hits, and it was the garbage time of the season for both teams.

[VA Sox Fan]

Did I say anything about money? Read the old thread. I am not going to rehash the entiire argument.

Ok Luca. I'll be sure to try to dig up the old thread.

Clemens is where he belongs, so he can finish his career in September 2007.

[VA Sox Fan]

Okerjimer time!

[CrespoBlows]

Nice research, but he did give up 7 hits, and it was the garbage time of the season for both teams.

If Clemens shuts down the Angels, I will allow you to control my signature for a week.

Clemens has faced: (Team OPS+)

Pittsburgh - 89
Orioles - 95
Rockies - 99
Mets - 109
Giants - 93
Twins - 95

I'm still out on Roger Clemens. Did anyone get the YES telecast? His velocity was at 87-89 mph, with him touching 91 once.

The Twins don't like to walk, no?

[VA Sox Fan]

Nice play Julio!

[a700hitter]

If Clemens shuts down the Angels, I will allow you to control my signature for a week.

Clemens has faced: (Team OPS+)

Pittsburgh - 89
Orioles - 95
Rockies - 99
Mets - 109
Giants - 93
Twins - 95

I'm still out on Roger Clemens. Did anyone get the YES telecast? His velocity was at 87-89 mph, with him touching 91 once.

The Twins don't like to walk, no?I hope you are right and they light him up like a Christmas tree.

[Rdsxmbnt]

nice win

[riverside sluggers]

How fitting for it to Ellsbury (tonight's star) who catches the last out of the game

Halfway mark, the Sox are now at 50-31

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070703/capt.1ae63b9d815f4692997f678f56b59ed2.rangers_red_ sox_baseball_maea105.jpg

[VA Sox Fan]

Great TEAM effort and a much desired win!

Tampa Bay needs to be swept!

[Rdsxmbnt]

bosox34 had better get on here soon and make a game thread

[castigs850]

still no new game thread?

[schillingouttheks]

still no new game thread?

I'll do it if it's still not up by 6:30.

[CrespoBlows]

Doesn't matter. We're fucked. Scott Kazmir is pitching.

[Rdsxmbnt]

We just have to wait him out, and take a lot of pitches. He leads the league in walks and has a really high walk ratio (4.6 per 9). The TB bullpen is pretty bad so the goal should be to get him out by the 6th, easier said then done though.