April 2nd @ Kansas City

[riverside sluggers]

About to head on out for a fun day at work , just thought Id get the game threads started up . Cmon guys erase the bitter taste of 2006!

 

Game Info:

First Pitch: 4:10 pm ET

Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

TV: ESPN

Starting Pitchers:

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/6zTKcN9e.jpghttp://bellsouthpwp.net/c/h/chinigor/TALKSOX/VS.GIFhttp://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/shJTZO3H.jpg

 

http://www.redsox.com

Schilling takes ball in opener

Boston (0-0) at Kansas City (0-0), 4:10 p.m. ET

 

Curt Schilling knew that manager Terry Francona was going to give him the ball on Opening Day. Schilling sure wanted it, too, but only for the right reason. Even at 40, it is still important for Schilling to be an ace. But he wants to pitch like one, and not just carry around the title as a status symbol for all he's done in the game. So here Schilling is, ready to take the ball against the Royals in Game No. 1 out of 162. Does he feel like he did earn the nod?

 

"That's the goal; we'll find out in October," said Schilling. "It really is something that is much less of a big deal after Opening Day. After Opening Day, it's irrelevant. But I've always looked at it as very much an honor. It's something I'm very proud to do." For Schilling, this is the seventh Opening Day start of his career. Judging by past history, it is a day he gets revved up for. Schilling is 3-0 with a 2.93 ERA in Opening Day starts. Judging by the camp Schilling has had, he is primed for the season.

 

"I feel good, very good about where I'm at right now," said Schilling. "I certainly feel I'm far ahead of where I was last year." Schilling spent Spring Training refining his changeup, which he feels is going to be a vital pitch for him this season. For his career, Schilling is 207-138 and has 3,015 strikeouts. Through all his individual achievements, being part of a winning team is what continues to drive Schilling. He has already won two World Series rings and would very much like to hit the trifecta.

 

Getting off to a good start doesn't guarantee long-term success. But in Schilling's mind, it certainly doesn't hurt. "I absolutely believe you can generate momentum, but there is so much parity that you don't go into a three, six, nine-game stretch where you're playing any patsies anymore," said Schilling. "There are none. There [are] teams that can go out there and roll up 10, 12 runs a night that aren't upper division teams. That's the big difference for me. But yeah, I think you can absolutely generate momentum early in the year and ride it."

 

The ride for Schilling and the 2007 Sox officially starts on Monday.

 

Pitching matchup

BOS: RHP Curt Schilling, 15-7, 3.97 ERA in 2006

In last year's opener, Schilling defeated the Rangers by allowing just five hits and two runs over seven innings. After an injury-plagued 2005 season, Schilling re-emerged into one of the most dependable aces in the game last year. His 183 strikeouts were fifth in the American League. In his career against the Royals, Schilling is 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA.

 

KC: RHP Gil Meche, 11-8, 4.48 ERA in 2006

The big free-agent prize for the Royals makes his KC debut in this one. Meche tied a career high with 32 starts last year. He established career highs in innings (186 2/3) and strikeouts (156). Meche is 3-1 lifetime against the Red Sox with a 4.35 ERA.

 

Player to watch

Royals third baseman Alex Gordon is one of the most heralded rookies entering the 2007 season. He clubbed 29 homers at Double-A Wichita last season.

[riverside sluggers]

Got the lineups from redsox.com as well, beyond me how Gload could get the start in left field over Brown & Sanders. Both of which have had good success against Schil. Oh well for KC if its true!

 

Gil Meche (6 games vs Boston, 3-1 record with a 4.35 ERA---Career at Kauffman Stadium in 5 games, 2-3 record with a 6.48 ERA)

Julio Lugo, 0 for 7, 2 Ks

Kevin Youkilis, 1 for 3 (.333 avg) K

David Ortiz, 6 for 15 (.400 avg) 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 4 Ks

Manny Ramirez, 5 for 18 (.278 avg) Double, HR, 5 RBIs, 2 Walks, 6 Ks

J.D. Drew ---

Mike Lowell, 3 for 9 (.333 avg) Double

Jason Varitek, 1 for 8 (.125 avg) Walk, 2 Ks

Coco Crisp, 5 for 12 (.417 avg) Double, HR, RBI, Walk

Dustin Pedroia --

///

Alex Cora, 2 for 8 (.250 avg) Double, RBI, K

Eric Hinske, 2 for 19 (.105 avg) Double, 3 RBIs, Walk, 4 Ks

Doug Mirabelli, 0 for 2, Walk, 2 Ks

 

Curt Schilling (11 games vs Kansas City, 3-2 record & 3 saves with a 3.86 ERA---Career at Kauffman Stadium in 4 games, 1-2 record with a 6.20 ERA)

David DeJesus, 3 for 7 (.429 avg) 3 Doubles, RBI, Walk, 2 Ks

Mark Grudzielanek, 12 for 65 (.185 avg) 2 Doubles, Walk, 18 Ks, 3 SBs

Mark Teahen, 1 for 7 (.143 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, Walk, 2 Ks

Mike Sweeney, 5 for 15 (.333 avg) 2 Doubles, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 2 Ks

Alex Gordon ---

Ross Gload, 0 for 2

Ryan Shealy, 1 for 4 (.250 avg) RBI, 2 Ks

John Buck, 1 for 5 (.200 avg) Double, K

Tony Pena Jr. ---

///

Emil Brown, 4 for 10 (.400 avg) Double, HR, RBI, Walk, 2 Ks, SB

Jason LaRue, 1 for 6 (.167 avg) 2 Ks

Reggie Sanders, 11 for 38 (.289 avg) 4 Doubles, HR, 4 RBIs, Walk, 15 Ks

[schillingouttheks]

Let's all remember the curtosy of letting someone's winning streak mojo continue until it fizzles out in a loss...

 

It's really kind of irritating when someone interrupts the mojo.

 

Speaking of mojo (I know we don't have any yet but who cares?) I figure I'll start the season with some mojo we all like to remember...

 

Mojo of the day:

 

http://z.about.com/d/gonewengland/1/0/G/R/baseballhall8.jpg

 

BLOODY SOCK MOJO!!! Go get 'em, Curt!

 

I'm about to leave for the airport, so it's a good thing that I'll get to see the game later.

[Cocos Disciples]

Yes! Baseball!

 

I'm excited to see Alex Gordon, he's batting 5th and playing 3B for KC today. Hopefully Tek gets a few hits to get some people off his back.

[TedWilliams101]

Unfortunately I will have to start class right at first pitch (GRRR....). Hopefully I'll be back in time to see Paps get his first save of the season.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yes! Baseball!

 

I'm excited to see Alex Gordon, he's batting 5th and playing 3B for KC today. Hopefully Tek gets a few hits to get some people off his back.

 

Alex Gordon is my 3b on every fantasy team. I think this kid is gonna be a monster.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Alex Gordon is my 3b on every fantasy team. I think this kid is gonna be a monster.

 

I'd agree...but putting any kind of Royal on your fantasy team is a risk.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Unfortunately I will have to start class right at first pitch (GRRR....). Hopefully I'll be back in time to see Paps get his first save of the season.

 

You didn't plan to skip? Common man, I've had this day planned for MONTHS! No school for this guy :harhar:

[jacksonianmarch]

I'd agree...but putting any kind of Royal on your fantasy team is a risk.

 

well, I like him for good average, but what most people dont know about him is his power and SBs. I think this kid will be a 25/25 off the bat and that is nice from 3b.

[shortstop]

The game is on ESPN so I'll get to see it! I'm leaving work early today for sure.

[TheKilo]

Love that lineup...especially the fact Lowell is above Varitek.

 

I'm skipping my last class for a win today. Make it happen, 38.

[yeszir]

Woooohoooooooooooo

[MANNYHOF24]

Baseball is back and I'm loving every minute of it!

[BoSox21]

yep, first game thread of the year has made me blow my load

[MANNYHOF24]

I hope Schill can take us 7 today, then we can hand it over to Donnely and Papelbon if needed. I can't wait to see what our offense will do this season. They were a little slugish in spring training, but they snapped out of it nicely in Philly over the weekend. GO SOXXXX!!!

[mosox]

A couple of first inning runs would be a nice way to start the season.

[jacksonianmarch]

Mike Lowell will drive in the first runs of the game with a second inning homer.

[TheKilo]

Mike Lowell will drive in the first runs of the game with a second inning homer.

 

Mike Lowell hit the first home run of the season last year.

 

I think JD Drew hits the first this year.

[ORS]

I'll bite at the obvious choice.

 

Papi (6/15 with 4 bombs off the Meche-man )

[DrewDaGreat]

I have class at 5:15, damnit.

[jacksonianmarch]

skip it.

[riverside sluggers]

Let's all remember the curtosy of letting someone's winning streak mojo continue until it fizzles out in a loss...

 

It's really kind of irritating when someone interrupts the mojo.

 

 

Im sorry for being such an ******* for doing that. Sorry for not remembering a "mojo streak" that was going on at the end of a piss poor season.

[jacksonianmarch]

btw, this is beautiful, watching my team. How pumped are you guys? 1:59 to go.

[riverside sluggers]

Its been way toooo long, what like 6 months? Lets get this tran rolling, maybe an October rematch when all is said & done?

[jacksonianmarch]

Its been way toooo long' date=' what like 6 months? Lets get this tran rolling, maybe an [b']October rematch [/b]when all is said & done?

 

I wouldnt have it any other way.

[jacksonianmarch]

ALERT ALERT:

 

100 minutes until the red sox season starts.

[riverside sluggers]

Sidenote: Trot Nixon making his Guardians debut singled in his first AB and later was driven in by Victor Martinez

[schillingouttheks]

Im sorry for being such an ******* for doing that. Sorry for not remembering a "mojo streak" that was going on at the end of a piss poor season.

 

I wasn't talking about you interrupting anything. I was talking about the new season. I wasn't implying you did anything wrong...

[riverside sluggers]

Sorry didnt realize, just figured that when I saw your post right after mine

[schillingouttheks]

No worries. I didn't think about it being taken that way. Basically I was saying that if the Red Sox win today, everyone should let you make the thread tomorrow because it's annoying seeing mojo interrupted, lol.