June 3rd vs. New York

[riverside sluggers]

Im making this early because I have a long day ahead, including getting last minute tickest to tonights game Bleacher seats but hopefully I'll get to heckle Proctor if Im able to see him.

 

Ortiz has gone 69 ABs (almost a month) since his last HR... facing Pettitte and the Yankees, Id say this is a good time as any to break the streak.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/99/fullj.getty-73395420eg013_new_york_yank_6_05_28_pm.jpg

 

Game Info:

Date: Sunday, June 3, 2007

Teams: New York Yankees (23-30) @ Boston Red Sox (37-17)

First Pitch: 8:05 pm EDT

Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

TV: ESPN

Starting Pitchers:

 

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_120485.jpghttp://bellsouthpwp.net/c/h/chinigor/TALKSOX/VS.GIFhttp://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_277417.jpg

 

Beckett looks to continue perfection

New York (23-30) at Boston (37-17), 8:05 p.m. ET

 

Well, that was easy. On Tuesday, Josh Beckett pitched as if his 16-day disabled list stint with an avulsion to the middle finger of his right hand had been an extended Memorial Day vacation. Not so, said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. As quietly as Beckett dispatched the Cleveland Guardians, one of baseball's offensive powerhouses, by methodically mixing his three primary pitches for strikes, rest did not make his success.

 

"He worked really hard to give himself a chance to be the same pitcher he was," Francona said. "He threw a lot, he did some simulating innings and [he] came back and threw the ball very well." On Sunday at 8:05 p.m. ET, Beckett must face the New York Yankees and fellow Texan Andy Pettitte. At 8-0, Beckett is the first Red Sox pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1986 to win his first eight decisions, and the 10th in Red Sox history.

 

Pettitte, who played high school baseball at Texas' Deer Park High, owns a 2.51 ERA, the fourth-best figure in the American League. Beckett, a Spring, Texas, native, is fifth, at 2.65. Beckett's AL learning curve: one year. The 26-year-old veteran, who made the difficult switch to Boston from Florida last year, appears to have carved himself a place among the league's elite starters.

 

"I'm proud of him," said Pettitte, who, like Beckett, owns a ranch in south Texas. "He's doing a great job. And he's learning how to pitch. He's got an unbelievable arm."

 

Pitching matchup

BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (8-0, 2.65 ERA)

It's not 2003 anymore. Beckett has been through plenty since his dominant World Series Game 6 performance against the Yankees. Relocated from Florida to Boston in 2006, where Beckett was hammered by New York, Beckett has rediscovered the subtleties of pitching and rolled off eight straight wins to start the 2007 season. In his first start against the Yankees this year, Beckett allowed a season-high four earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, but still won the game.

 

NYY: LHP Andy Pettitte (3-4, 2.51 ERA)

Pettitte's worst performance of the season came against Kevin Youkilis and the Red Sox on April 27, when he allowed five earned runs and 11 baserunners in 4 2/3 innings. Were it not for that line, Pettitte would have a 2.01 ERA in 71 2/3 innings for the season, second best in the league.

 

Player to watch

Yankees manager Joe Torre called Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez a "sleeping giant" before Saturday's game. That characterization might well have come too late: Ramirez batted .327 with a .577 slugging percentage in May, and is off to a scorching start in June. He has tormented Pettitte over his long career, batting .418 with 11 extra-base hits against the southpaw in 67 career at-bats.

[jacksonianmarch]

s*** has been brewing all series. I think this is the game it boils over. If I were the sox, I'd stay away from any sort of fight. As we saw in 2004, a dormant yet talented team can become united in a blink of an eye. Dont give em a reason. And if I were the Yankees, I'd drill Lowell and see where it takes us.

[riverside sluggers]

Andy Pettitte (26 games vs Boston, 14-6 with a 3.10 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 12 games, 5-2 with a 2.92 ERA)

Julio Lugo, 5 for 17 (.294 avg) 2 Walks, 2 Ks, SB

Dustin Pedroia, 2 for 7 (.286 avg)

David Ortiz, 10 for 31 (.323 avg) 3 Doubles, HR, 4 RBIs, 3 Walks, 8 Ks, SB

Manny Ramirez, 28 for 67 (.418 avg) 8 Doubles, 3 HRs, 18 RBIs, 6 Walks, 5 Ks, SB

Kevin Youkilis, 4 for 7 (.571 avg) Double, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks, K

Mike Lowell, 3 for 9 (.333 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, Walk

Jason Varitek, 15 for 44 (.341 avg) Double, Triple, HR, 6 RBIs, 4 Walks, 14 Ks

Wily Mo Pena, 4 for 11 (.364 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, 3 Ks

Coco Crisp, 3 for 11 (.273 avg) Walk, 3 Ks

///

Alex Cora, 0 for 2

J.D. Drew, 6 for 14 (.429 avg) Double, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, Walk, 5 Ks

Eric Hinske, 1 for 7 (.143 avg) Double, Walk, 3 Ks

Doug Mirabelli, 0 for 3, K

 

Josh Beckett (5 games vs New York, 3-2 with an 8.44 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 23 games, 12-6 with a 4.40 ERA)

Johnny Damon, 4 for 11 (.364 avg) 3 Doubles, 2 RBIs, Walk, 3 Ks

Derek Jeter, 4 for 12 (.333 avg) Walk, 2 Ks, SB

Hideki Matsui, 1 for 5 (.200 avg) Walk

Alex Rodriguez, 3 for 13 (.231 avg) 2 Doubles, 3 RBIs, 3 Walks, 3 Ks

Jorge Posada, 2 for 7 (.286 avg) RBI, K, SB

Robinson Cano, 6 for 11 (.545 avg) 2 Doubles, HR, 4 RBIs, 2 Walks

Bobby Abreu, 6 for 41 (.146 avg) Double, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 17 Walks, 16 Ks, 2 SBs

Melky Cabrera, 3 for 13 (.231 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, Walk, 2 Ks, SB

Andy Phillips, 1 for 1 (1.000 avg) HR, 3 RBIs

///

Miguel Cairo, 1 for 4 (.250 avg) RBI, Walk, 2 Ks, SB

Wil Nieves, 0 for 3

 

Pettitte this season vs Boston in 4 games, 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA. On the road in 8 games, 1-3 with a 2.06 ERA

 

Beckett this season vs New York in 1 game, 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA. At home in 6 games, 5-0 with a 3.11 ERA

[jacksonianmarch]

1-3 with a 2.06 ERA. How to give help to the old man yanks. Geez.

[riverside sluggers]

s*** has been brewing all series. I think this is the game it boils over. If I were the sox' date=' I'd stay away from any sort of fight. As we saw in 2004, a dormant yet talented team can become united in a blink of an eye. Dont give em a reason. And if I were the Yankees, I'd drill Lowell and see where it takes us.[/quote']

 

Again if the Yankees drill Lowell, thats just putting stamping them with no class. That is Beckett's best bud on the team, it's just asking for a bench clearing brawl. Yea my team sucked in the 2nd half last year but I was never a monster hoping Arod would get hit to the side of the head and sent to the ER. Hell I despise Barry Bonds but even him I wouldnt want to see that happen to. You say the Sox should stay away from any sort of fight... but yet you continue to urge the Yanks to put Lowell into a coma.

 

Wait youre comparing the 07 Yankees to the 04 Red Sox who were down 0-3... utter ******** plain and simple. Oh yea youre team can only go up from here In the past week: Giambi might have been lost for the season, gold glove Mienky is on the DL, Roger might miss 2 weeks though he wants that money so he'll push those rickety legs to come back even sooner

 

EDIT: Anyways, update from the Globe. Drew has what is called "hamstring tendinitis", he might return tonight

[jacksonianmarch]

I dont give two shits about class. This yankee team (aside from ARod) has played with class and dignity all the way down to a 13.5 game deficit.

 

And where did I say to put Lowell in a coma. You guys misinterpret me. I dont want the guy dead, injured or whatever. I want him scared. You hit a guy in the butt and he takes his base. You throw head level and you scare the hitter. I want him to fear walking into the box.

 

In terms of a bench clearing brawl, that may be EXACTLY what we need. For too long we have allowed your team to walk on us when we were the better team. Now, the tables are turned. You guys are obviously the better team. Yet you till try to walk all over us. f*** that. Show some guts yankees and stick up for your teammates.

 

Also, I am not comparing them to the sox in 04 during the ALCS. I am talking about when we had a 10 game lead in July and then ARod decided to hit Vtek. That one moment has redefined the rivalry. Maybe we can return the favor.

[Cityofchampions33]

s*** I wish we still had Kapler and Nixon if there was a fight today. Even so, in an all-out brawl, I'd say the Sox would win, just because no one would bring down Ortiz.

[TheKilo]

You know you've reached new lows when you're asking for a bench clearing brawl.

 

Besides, WMP would stomp on any of those f***ers.

[jacksonianmarch]

s*** I wish we still had Kapler and Nixon if there was a fight today. Even so' date=' in an all-out brawl, I'd say the Sox would win, just because no one would bring down Ortiz.[/quote']

 

Giambroid isnt there, so you are probably right. But I did hear that Miguel Cairo is full of grit and determination. Be careful around that prick.

[jacksonianmarch]

You know you've reached new lows when you're asking for a bench clearing brawl.

 

Besides, WMP would stomp on any of those f***ers.

 

it worked for you guys 3 yrs ago didnt it. And it couldnt hurt to try. Well, maybe it could. But it isnt like we are going anywhere this yr anyway. Maybe a brawl unifies the team like it did for your team 3 yrs ago.

[TheKilo]

Oh, Just win f***ers.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Youkilis would annihilate anyone.

[Cocos Disciples]

I'll be out of the house the entire day due to my sister's graduation and dinner. Needless to say, my phone will be handy at 8. Just win baby.

[Teddyballgame10]

s*** I wish we still had Kapler and Nixon if there was a fight today. Even so' date=' in an all-out brawl, I'd say the Sox would win, just because no one would bring down Ortiz.[/quote']

 

Haha yes Nixon would be so clutch for that sitution. The Yankees wont throw at Lowell though, Pettite has to much class. And I doubt the Yankees want to fight the Red Sox, team is softer then a bag of marshmallows.

[RedSoxRooter]

I think this game gets rained out. Just looked at weather.com.

[RedSoxRooter]

And if I were the Yankees' date=' I'd drill Lowell and see where it takes us.[/quote']

 

Honestly, if they go after Lowell it would be wayyy too obvious it's intentional. The ump would automatically eject the pitcher - so you don't want Pettitte to do it. The Yanks would be smart to let one of their relievers do it. It would be much more believable considering how bad the Yankee bullpen is at locating the plate.

 

So I don't see any bean ball happening until the 4th or 5th inning.

[mtbykr]

I dont give two shits about class. This yankee team (aside from ARod) has played with class and dignity all the way down to a 13.5 game deficit.

 

And where did I say to put Lowell in a coma. You guys misinterpret me. I dont want the guy dead, injured or whatever. I want him scared. You hit a guy in the butt and he takes his base. You throw head level and you scare the hitter. I want him to fear walking into the box.

 

In terms of a bench clearing brawl, that may be EXACTLY what we need. For too long we have allowed your team to walk on us when we were the better team. Now, the tables are turned. You guys are obviously the better team. Yet you till try to walk all over us. f*** that. Show some guts yankees and stick up for your teammates.

 

Also, I am not comparing them to the sox in 04 during the ALCS. I am talking about when we had a 10 game lead in July and then ARod decided to hit Vtek. That one moment has redefined the rivalry. Maybe we can return the favor.

 

 

Here are some of you gems from yesterday that would lead us to think that:

 

I liked hitting people in the ribs when I thought they crossed the line and I am not ashamed to say that I have headhunted 3 times in my career. Missed once, got the top of the helmet the other and nailed the last kid between the shoulderblades. He went down in a heap.

 

I want to test the strength of his helmet.

 

You have this misguided notion that drilling Lowell would be some kind of payback......if it happens your team will come out on the losing end, be careful what you wish for

[seabeachfred]

s*** has been brewing all series. I think this is the game it boils over. If I were the sox' date=' I'd stay away from any sort of fight. As we saw in 2004, a dormant yet talented team can become united in a blink of an eye. Dont give em a reason. And if I were the Yankees, I'd drill Lowell and see where it takes us.[/quote']

 

Jackson, this is the kind of crap that really pissed me off yesterday, posters from both camps spending all the time blaming the other team for what took place on the field besides the scoring itself. There is nothing to boil over unless one or both teams want it and if I were a spokeman for either one of them I would say cease and desist and let's just play baseball. You're right about the Red Sox staying out of a fight and just concentrating on beating the Yankees tonight, but off the charts suggesting your team drill Lowell because if they do you can bet two of yours will go down and we'll have the same crap we've become used to having when our two teams play.

 

What I also don't much care for is all my Red Sox colleagues saying we got that one game we needed; the Yankees can only gain one game this series. That's pure BS; we need the game as badly as they do regardless of record. I, for one, want to stop any Yankee momentum in its place and quickly. Two wins over them in this series does that. You might think your team has had it and many Red Sox fans think so, but I DON'T THINK SO AND SINCE I'M MORE CONCERNED WITH HOW I FEEL ABOUT THINGS THAN MY COLLEAGUES FEELINGS THAT IS WHAT IS MOTIVATING ME.

[newcenturysox1yanks0]

Youkilis would annihilate anyone.

 

HAHA i would love to see papelbon in a fight, he'd probably take a gun outta his gunrack in the bullpen!! We would be the unstoppable farce

[ksushi]

About the whole fight scenario.... In order to gain momentum from a brawl, you have to win a fight... and who on the Yankees is going to say anything to Tek, Beckett, Youk, and Drew? Christ, don't make Donnelly walk through that door... not to mention I'm pretty sure Julian Tavarez is crazier than Charlie Manson.

[RedSoxRooter]

I could see Tavarez biting Posada's nose clean off then spitting it back in his face.

 

What's the weather like up there again?

[Teddyballgame10]

About the whole fight scenario.... In order to gain momentum from a brawl' date=' you have to win a fight... and who on the Yankees is going to say anything to Tek, Beckett, Youk, and Drew? Christ, don't make Donnelly walk through that door... not to mention I'm pretty sure Julian Tavarez is crazier than Charlie Manson.[/quote']

 

Haha thats awsome, you have to win the fight. The Yankees wont throw at anyone though, they dont even care when they lose, its terrible.

[soxfaninny01]

Nobody on the Yanks bench wants to be responsible for WMP in a fight...they won't start anything

[Youk Of The Nation]

Looks like Im not watching the game tonight. Good luck everyone.

[a700hitter]

That last fastball to Damon looked a little quicker than 91 mph. Nice hook on the first pitch to Bobbles Jeter.

[soxfaninny01]

I think the radar gun is stuck on 91

[SCM33]

Love Pedroia hittin 2

[a700hitter]

How about a walk to papi and a dinger by Manny.

[SCM33]

God I hate Joe Morgans analysis....

[TedWilliams101]

They're making Beckett throw a lot of pitches. Damn it Lugo. 1-0 Yankees. Come on Beckett, get us out of this inning.