April 8th @ Texas - Ortiz clocks his first two

[Cocos Disciples]

Something's gotta change here. We won a couple I started last year, so why not? This one is on ESPN. Meaning we have to hear Joe Morgan talk about how statistics aren't really a good measuring stick, so Darin Erstad is better than Adam Dunn. As for the Red Sox, we need to win this one. We can't get swept this early on in the year. Going back to Fenway 3-3, as ugly as it has been, wouldn't be horrible.

 

Boston Red Sox (2-3) at Texas Rangers (2-3)

Time: 8:05 ET

TV: ESPN

Radio: WRKO/ESPN Radio

 

 

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/4267.jpg

Curt Schilling (0-1, 11.25)

 

vs.

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/6257.jpg

Vicente Padilla (0-1, 11.57)

 

There have been precious few occasions when Curt Schilling has let himself down more than during his Opening Day against the Royals. Schilling prides himself on winning big games and eating innings.

He failed on both counts Monday and now he can make amends for that Sunday in what would loom as an important win for his team. The Red Sox have lost the first two games in Texas, and a strong performance from Schilling could prevent a sweep.

 

"Well, you've got Curt Schilling [on Sunday]. He's one of the best pitchers we have," said Sox righty Julian Tavarez. "He's a veteran guy with great stuff. I give him a lot of credit to still be throwing 94, 95 [mph] at age 40. Curt will give us a good game and we'll get good run support and walk away at .500. That's what we're looking for."

 

"We go home 3-3 on this road trip and then things are going to change," continued Tavarez. "Our guys are going to get more ready, the more at-bats they get. We'll be fine. It's only five games."

 

These are the type of "stopper" situations that Schilling has enjoyed throughout his career, so he'll try to rise to the occasion again.

 

In the opener, Schilling suffered his earliest knockout (four innings, eight hits, five runs) in a decade.

 

"It was just one of those games where I stunk and didn't improve and then got worse," said Schilling.

 

Needless to say, Schilling has spent the five days in between trying to figure out why he didn't have his usual fastball command.

 

Red Sox manager Terry Francona didn't seem like he was losing much sleep over Schilling having a rare bad outing.

 

"I just don't think he repeated [his delivery] the way he needs to, which is usually one of his strengths," said Francona. "I think he felt that from early on in the game for him, it was a fight the whole way."

 

But the Red Sox hope to see a much different game this time around.

 

"The big key is just to keep playing the game hard," said Sox right fielder J.D. Drew. "It's very, very early in the season. You're trying to get over the first week of baseball jitters and things like that. They pitched well, hit well and that's hard to overcome sometimes."

 

 

Pitching matchup

BOS: RHP Curt Schilling (0-1, 11.25 ERA)

The big right-hander had an uncharacteristic lack of command on Opening Day, giving up eight hits and five runs over four innings of a 7-1 loss. It was Schilling's shortest start in a Boston uniform. The Rangers represent a good opportunity for Schilling to bounce back. He is 4-0 with a 3.82 ERA in eight lifetime appearances against Texas. Last year, Schilling was 2-0 against the Rangers with a 3.86 ERA.

 

TEX: RHP Vicente Padilla (0-1, 11.57 ERA)

Padilla makes his first start of the season at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, where he was 8-5 with a 4.80 ERA in 17 starts last year. He was 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox last year and is 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA against them in his career. Manny Ramirez is 1-for-8 with four strikeouts in his career against Padilla, while Drew is 6-for-14 with a home run.

 

Player to watch

Frank Catalanotto is 10-for-19 lifetime against Schilling with four doubles.

 

Go get 'em boys!

[riverside sluggers]

Alex Cora will get the start at 2nd over Pedroia tonight, his good stats vs Padilla helped that decision

 

Vicente Padilla (4 games vs Boston, 1-1 record with a 5.06 ERA---Career at The Ballpark in Arlington in 17 games, 8-5 record with a 4.80 ERA)

Julio Lugo, 2 for 3 (.667 avg) Walk

Kevin Youkilis, 2 for 4 (.500 avg) Double, Walk, K

David Ortiz, 2 for 7 (.286 avg) 2 Doubles, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks

Manny Ramirez, 1 for 8 (.125 avg) 4 Ks

J.D. Drew, 6 for 14 (.429 avg) 2 Doubles, HR, 4 RBIs, 3 Walks, K

Mike Lowell, 7 for 32 (.219 avg) 3 Doubles, 6 RBIs, 2 Walks, 3 Ks

Jason Varitek, 1 for 2 (.500 avg) Double, RBI, K

Coco Crisp, 5 for 7 (.714 avg) Double, SB

Alex Cora, 6 for 17 (.353 avg) 2 Ks

///

Eric Hinske, 1 for 6 (.167 avg) 4 Ks

Doug Mirabelli, 0 for 3, 3 Ks

Wily Mo Pena, 0 for 2, Walk, K

 

Curt Schilling (8 games vs Texas, 4-0 record with a 3.82 ERA---Career at The Ballpark in Arlington in 1 game, 1-0 record with a 2.57 ERA)

Kenny Lofton, 7 for 23 (.304 avg) Double, HR, 3 RBIs, 2 Ks, 2 SBs

Frank Catalanotto, 10 for 19 (.526 avg) 4 Doubles, 5 RBIs, 2 Ks

Michael Young, 4 for 12 (.333 avg) 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 2 Ks

Mark Teixeira, 1 for 9 (.111 avg) Walk, 3 Ks

Sammy Sosa, 17 for 52 (.327 avg) 3 Doubles, 7 HRs, 13 RBIs, 2 Walks, 21 Ks

Hank Blalock, 2 for 9 (.222 avg) HR, 2 RBIs, 5 Ks

Brad Wilkerson, 2 for 16 (.125 avg) 2 Doubles, RBI, 3 Walks, 7 Ks

Gerald Laird ---

Ian Kinsler, 3 for 6 (.500 avg) Walk, K

///

Jerry Hairston Jr., 3 for 8 (.375 avg) Double, K

[RedSoxRooter]

I'm so not looking forward to Joe Morgan.

[BruinsFan]

I'm so not looking forward to Joe Morgan.

 

You read my mind.

 

Anyway, I agree, it won't be that bad to go back to Fenway at .500. It isn't lovely, but we can deal.

[schillingouttheks]

Well, with the way they've been playing out of the gate, I'll take 3-3 going back to Fenway. The team could use a boost from the crowd at home. Just win tonight and get back to business Tuesday night.

[schillingouttheks]

My prediction for Schilling tonight:

 

He comes back strong and gives a good outing.

 

6.2 IP, W, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

[riverside sluggers]

I'll say the offense gets to Padilla tonight including a 2-run shot from JD Drew

[example1]

Everyone here seems optimistic. Talksox.com certainly has a division between the optimists and the pessimists. Of course, neither is right all the time but I too, fit into the optimist side.

 

We haven't seen Ortiz really hit at all this season yet and we all know that will change. I expect a good game tonight.

 

Historically it seems that we do fine against Texas when our better pitchers are pitching (as do most teams) but we struggle when we start throwing our 4 and 5 at them. Wakefield traditionally gets crushed, and their high-powered offense makes pretty short work of the likes of Tavarez. This isn't true of every team. It seems that some teams are competitive against every pitcher with less of a discrepency between best pitchers and 4th or 5th, and others can be overwhelmed by 1st 2nd but destroy the weakest starters. I don't know... it seems that way at least.

 

I expect Schilling to come out and be dominant. Prediction: 6-3 Red Sox, Ortiz gets his first bomb.

[schillingouttheks]

Everyone here seems optimistic. Talksox.com certainly has a division between the optimists and the pessimists. Of course' date=' neither is right all the time but I too, fit into the optimist side.[/quote']

 

Make no mistake about it, the only reason I'm optimistic is because it's early and the team hasn't played at Fenway in a 100% friendly environment yet. I still think the reason behind the poor play is that the season is young, but if this play continues in two weeks I'll be very concerned and my tone will change quickly.

[TedWilliams101]

I'm worried about the success the top of the Rangers order and especially Sosa against Schillling. Hopefully tonight that wont matter... but it worries me, especially after seeing him struggle opening day. Hope for the best.

[BruinsFan]

Make no mistake about it' date=' the only reason I'm optimistic is because it's early and the team hasn't played at Fenway in a 100% friendly environment yet. I still think the reason behind the poor play is that the season is young, but if this play continues in two weeks I'll be very concerned and my tone will change quickly.[/quote']

 

My thoughts mirror yours. It is still a young season. We still have a LONG, LONG, way to go. Ortiz will get going, and the pitching will get figured. Epstein won't let there be a terrible 5th starter for long, if he has to, he will get someone.

 

But, if once the season is in full swing and Fenway isn't rockin', its time to be concerned!

[schillingouttheks]

I don't agree with your thoughts about Theo. This is the same guy that let Gabbard/Snyder/Johnson last in the 5 spot.

[ksushi]

Gabbard should be in the 5th spot right now. Look at what he did last year. Johnson sucked, Synder sucked, but what are you going to do? Sometimes you need emergency options.

 

What are you bashing Gabbard for though? Thats who should be pitching for us instead of Tavarez right now.

[RedSoxRooter]

You really really can't judge a team after 5 games on the road. Things will look much better after a few games at Fenway. Trust me.

 

Figures I have a meeting at work at the same time as first pitch on Tues. F'n figures...

[BruinsFan]

Game Time!

[RedSoxRooter]

Joe Morgan makes me want to kill bunnies on Easter.

[BruinsFan]

Lugo grounds out to start the game.

 

ORTIZ!!!!!

 

He's back people!

[riverside sluggers]

Papi!!!!!

[RedSoxRooter]

:ortiz:

[example1]

I expect Schilling to come out and be dominant. Prediction: 6-3 Red Sox, Ortiz gets his first bomb.

 

So far so good. :thumbsup:

[jacksonianmarch]

Ortiz schmoked that one. That got out FAST.

[jacksonianmarch]

Schilling has it tonight ladies and gents.

[BruinsFan]

A few minutes to early jackson.

 

Damn changeups! Throw the heat Curt!!!!!!!

[riverside sluggers]

Schilling, the changeup is not something you can get over effectively

[jacksonianmarch]

A few minutes to early jackson.

 

Damn changeups! Throw the heat Curt!!!!!!!

 

I have said before that if he is locating his heat and the heat is 92+ he will be very effective. He will have a good game today. Even though he just got raked 2 times in a row.

[BruinsFan]

He just owned Texeria.

[yankees228]

Wow, it seems like they shift on every power hitting lefty these days.

[riverside sluggers]

Haha oh Schil that pitch to Sammy made my heart race a lil bit

[EvilDonut]

Hey, i havent been keeping track of the posts, but Joe has just provided some valuable insight.

 

Umpires have an easy job, and Ortiz is the new team leader. More to come im sure.

[jacksonianmarch]

Hey, i havent been keeping track of the posts, but Joe has just provided some valuable insight.

 

Umpires have an easy job, and Ortiz is the new team leader. More to come im sure.

 

John Miller should wear a tampon in his mouth to stop the spew of menstruation that flows out every time he opens up.