yankeessuck013

Blessed with a mid-90s fastball and a biting slider, Craig Hansen may be the first of the 2005 draft class to reach the Major Leagues. Taken by the Red Sox as the 26th pick overall, Hansen made his professional debut Thursday night for Double-A Portland. Boston GM Theo Epstein was on hand, and he did not leave disappointed. Hansen, a dominant closer this season at St. John's, pitched a scoreless ninth inning to save a 3-2 Sea Dogs victory over Norwich. Allowing only a soft single, Hansen hit 96 on the radar gun and struck out the first professional batter he faced on three pitches. All nine pitches he threw were strikes. Hansen, who signed on July 23nd, debuted after making only two appearances in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He arrived in Portland only hours before the game, and based on his first performance, he may not be staying for long. http://www.soxprospects.com/players/images/craighansen.jpg On his first Double-A appearance: "There were definitely a few nerves, but I kept my composure. That's always a big part of it. It felt like my velocity and command were there. I felt solid. It felt great to be back on the mound, and I feel like I did my job." On being assigned to Double-A Portland: "They told me on Monday, after one of my Gulf Coast League outings. Until then, I didn't really know where I'd be going. I didn't really need to know. I didn't have expectations, because my job is to do what they tell me and try to get hitters out.” On how long he’ll be in Portland : “I’m not sure on that, either. They haven’t told me, and I haven’t asked. That’s up to the organization.” On his slider, which he's thrown as hard as 90 mph: "I threw two or three last night, and it felt good. It took a few pens to regain the feel for it after the lay-off, but it's there. I'm not sure how hard I was throwing it. I don't pay much attention to the numbers." On the effect adrenaline has on his velocity: “I’d say that maybe I throw a little harder when the adrenaline is pumping. Especially last night. You get a little more keyed-up in certain situations.” On developing his change-up: "I'm working on it every day. I'm long-tossing with it, and trying to build up the muscle-memory and get a permanent feel. It's getting close to where I need it to be; to where I can be consistent with it. It's a pitch I want to use to complement my fastball and slider, even as a closer." On whether his future is as a starter or as a closer: "That's really up to the Red Sox. I don't really know. We'll wait until the offseason and talk about it then. I went seven innings in my last game at St. John's, in the regionals. They told me I threw 95 in the beginning, and 95 in the end, so I know I can maintain my stuff. But it's up to them. Ultimately, it's not my choice." On joining baseball’s biggest rivalry: "Half of my family are Yankee fans, and the other half Mets fans. But in college, I became more and more of a baseball fan than a fan of just one team. I've come to Fenway a few times, and have been amazed by the passion. It will be a thrill to pitch there. When I do, I'm not going to change anything. I'm just going to go with what works for me mentally. I'm composed on the mound, and that's one reason I'm here right now." On what he’s like off the field: “I’m a little outgoing, I guess. But mostly I’m just a normal person. A regular guy.”

congratulations, its about time someone noticed

adam sterns play in the 1st inning was the #2 web gem on Baseball Tonight

good

yep keep him for the rest of the season then let him go, and start with a fresh slate

hahahahaha, i almost died on my keyboard laughing.....hahahaha....praying...hahhaa.....vitamins...hahahah......pumping...hahaha.....iron.....hahaha

is it just a coincidence he has been in a "slump" since the talk of steroids has been going on around the league....nah I don't think so

tough loss for pedro today

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2005-07-07/200507071122405454133.html at the us open Prize Money Tops Record $17.7 Million With Potential $20.6 Million Total Payout......holy s*** the william sisters have the manliest grunt though

yeah be she wasnt as sexy, any girl that grunts has got it goin on

it might alrady be a record- 7 hrs 30 mins, so far

its just watchin the ball go back and forth, only like watchin roddick and sharapova, cuz shes the hottest player and she grunts ALL the time, ahhhhhh so sexy

My bad, I don't think those stats include yesterday's stellar 0-4 performance with 2k's and 3 men left in scoring position...

Last 6 games: AB R H 2b 3b HR RBI AVE. 19 2 3 0 0 0 2 .158 Huge offensive production this past week, wonder if all the speculation about suspensions and steroi...err...vitamins has him shaken up a bit?

i was just watchin the astros game and the astros catcher was playing shortstop.....and he turned a double paly.

yanks have won 4 in a row, sox have won 6....rain delay we are 4.5 up as of 7:11 pm.

pretty impressive but I can't watch tennis, too boring...playing is more fun

havent heard his name around for a while, found this cool interview and he even speculates that hewasnt 12 http://www.insidejoke.tv/200109/almonte.asp

please don't restart.....please don't restart

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2134100 mixed reception for palmeiro today

so a 0-0 game all over again?

if they reschedule it, would they just continue starting at the 4th inning?