Thursday, October 31, 2013
Hirsute Heroes May Shave Beards For Charity
They were so much a part of the identity of the 2013 Red Sox, it's hard to think of them without their beards. But now that the Holy Grail has been captured, there is talk that sometime soon their facial hair will be shorn for charity. Some, like Jarrod Saltalamacchia, have hinted that they want to keep their whiskers, but it will be hard to resist the opportunity to help others the way this team has all year. Word is that, sometime next week, Dr. Charles Steinberg (AKA The Mad Dentist) will put together an event that will be a capstone to this great year of civic responsibility on the part of The Carmine Hose. Stay tuned.
Rolling Duckboat Rally Is Saturday At 10AM
The Red Sox and the City of Boston announced that their World Series victory parade will take place on Saturday, November 2nd at 10AM. The route will be the same as in 2004: beginning near Fenway Park, before heading onto Boylston Street, turning left on Tremont Street, then another left onto Cambridge Street and a right on Blossom Street before floating down the Charles River. The duck-boats will "lap" around the Charles and return to the Museum area. Parking will be virtually non-existent—big surprise, huh?—but the weather is looking great.
Red Sox Now Rank Fourth On World Series List
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The First World Series Champions (1903) |
David Ortiz Was Runaway MVP Of World Series
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FN's Editor-In-Chief With David Ortiz |
Red Sox 'Call To Arms' Was World Series Key
Sometimes cliches are right. For example, the one that says "a team will only go as far in the postseason as its pitching will take it " was once again proven true in the 109th Fall Classic. Neither the Red Sox nor the Cardinals hit much (Boston .211; St. Louis .224), but the pitching stats told the real story. Red Sox hurlers posted a 1.84 ERA over the six games, while Cardinal pitchers limped home with a 4.15 mark. And despite his fine performance in Game Two, Michael Wacha actually ended up with the worst ERA on the Redbird staff (7.45). Outside of Craig Breslow, Boston's arms were stellar—with Jon Lester leading the way among starters with a 0.59 ERA. Moreover, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Felix Doubront and Brandon Workman combined to throw 15 innings giving up one earned run and only 8 hits. The offense found just enough "moments" to deliver big hits to put The Carmine Hose over the top—but the 8th World Series title was clearly a 'Call To Arms'.
Boston Never Stronger; Sox Are World Champs!
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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) |
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Victorino, Ross & Gomes To Start In Game Six
Game Six will feature a few new wrinkles in the Red Sox line-up. First of all, after Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia will again be hitting second, with David Ortiz in the third spot. Mike Napoli will be back at first and will hit clean-up. Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino will hit fifth and sixth, respectively. Xander Bogaerts plays third base and hits seventh, Stephen Drew hits eighth at SS and David Ross will catch John Lackey and hit ninth. The Cardinal line-up is: Matt Carpenter, Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Alan Craig, Yadier Molina, Matt Adams, David Freese, Jon Jay, Daniel Descalso—with Michael Wacha pitching.
Carlton Fisk & Luis Tiant Throw Out First Pitch
Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk and should-be Hall of Famer Luis Tiant—both heroes of the 1975 Red Sox—will throw out the first pitches tonight before Game Six of the World Series. Of course, Fisk ended '75's Game Six with a body-language induced HR off the left-field foul pole. The National Anthem will be performed by The Dropkick Murphys (following up on their Game 6 ALCS pertformance). It's still unclear whether President Obama will appear at Fenway Park. Win it tonight!
Baseball Interest In Italy Is Alive And Well
After our article on the fine Italian baseball website GrandeSlam, we were contacted by the head of the Italian Baseball Federation Press Office—Riccardo Schiroli. Mr. Schiroli has been a Red Sox fan since 1986, and attended a Red Sox-Yankee game this past July at Fenway. The Federation's website details the rich history of baseball and softball in Italy and also has a section on Italians currently playing abroad (including MLB organizational players like Alex Liddi). There's also an interesting feature on Italian major leaguers from the past. The Italian National Team got wide visibility last March by finishing in 8th place in the World Baseball Classic. The site also has extensive information on the 10-team professional Italian Baseball League. It's good to know that baseball is thriving outside the USA.
Big Chill Will Envelop Fenway Park For Game 6
Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams will not be at Fenway Park tonight. But a potentially historic Game Six of the World Series will feature partly cloudy skies and chilly temperatures at Fenway Park tonight. The 'first pitch' mercury will sit at around 49 degrees, and, as the game goes on, temperatures will drop into the low 40s. An accompanying westerly wind will make it seem even chillier. Parka time!
Presidential Visit Adds To Game 6 Congestion
Editor's Note: The following has been sanitized for political correctness. President Barack Obama will visit Boston today—the day of a potentially historic World Series clincher. He will make a 4 PM speech at Faneuil Hall that will address, "the importance of providing all Americans with quality, affordable health insurance." That's an exact quote from the White House press release. There are rumors that he will then go to Fenway Park for Game 6 of the World Series. On top of all this, a Drake concert will be going on at the Garden. For those of you over the age of 20, Drake is a very popular Canadian rapper. We will leave it up to our readers to rank order the importance of these events. Good luck navigating the security, parking bans and general chaos that will ensue tonight! Try ParkWhiz HERE.
Cardinal Plane Delayed Seven Hours On Ground
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Adam Wainwright Retrieves Luggage With Child |
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Pedroia And Victorino Win Gold Glove Awards
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Cardinal Airplane Delayed By Mechanical Issues
If you're looking for Game 6 omens, how about this one? The Cardinals' flight (Delta 8893) to Boston has been delayed in St. Louis because of mechanical problems. The trip is now 'significantly delayed', with unclear prospects for when they will take off. Folks, you can't make this stuff up.
Redemption Is Close For Boston And The Sox
They have two shots to redeem the city and the franchise. Your humble scribe holds prized ducats for a possible Game Seven on Thursday night, but I would gladly forfeit that event in exchange for a Game Six win Wednesday night. The city needs it, the region needs it and this wonderful franchise needs it. A World Series victory can expunge an awful lot of what has happened over the last two years. The Black September collapse of 2011, The Bobby Valentine Magical Misery Tour of 2012, and most of all, the criminal terrorist bombing on April 15th of this year. The Carmine Hose have had mixed success in World Series Game Sixes. An 8-4 win in 1967 before falling in Game Seven. The 7-6 Carlton Fisk 'Wave Win' in 1975, before falling again in Game Seven. A 4-1 loss in 1946—can you guess the rest of this sentence? And, of course, a soul-crushing loss in Game Six in 1986. Taking care of business in this Game Six would be the ultimate redemption.
World Series Game 6 Tickets Hit Record High
Middlebrooks And 'Cask' Team Up For Charity
If you grew up around Boston (or just infested the area from New York to attend college), chances are you were a frequent patron of the legendary Cask 'n Flagon near Fenway. Now, Will Middlebrooks is giving you a reason to go back—a new sandwich with slow-cooked BBQ brisket, Gouda cheese, and mac and cheese on country white bread. The culinary treat (dubbed the 'Middlebrooks BBQ Mac n Cheese Sandwich') will also allow you to contribute to a good cause. For each sandwich sold, the Cask will donate $1 to Good Sports to help provide sports and fitness equipment to disadvantaged youth. So, if you're attending Game 6 or (Heaven forbid) Game 7, drop by the Cask for a Middlebrooks Sammie.
David Ortiz Is Even Charming Sox Fans In Italy
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(LorenzoBellocchio/Grandeslam.net) |
FN To Offer DVDs of 'Road To The Big Leagues'
FenwayNation is pleased to announce that we'll be offering our readers a chance to win DVD copies of the exciting documentary, 'Road To The Big Leagues'. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at the Dominican Republic's obsession with baseball. Thanks to IndiePix Films, we will have available a number of DVD copies of the documentary to give away in FN Trivia Contests after the World Series. The film includes interviews with Dominican big leaguers like our own David Ortiz and the Angels' Vladimir Guererro. There's also an up-close look at the Dominican Winter League and footage of Big Papi in training. Stay tuned for your first chance to win one of these exciting DVDs!
David Ortiz Is Making History Before Our Eyes
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Papi Getting Hitting Advice From FN's Editor-In-Chief (FN Photo) |
Lackey Can Add 2nd Series Clincher Wednesday
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John Lackey This Post-Season |
Monday, October 28, 2013
Lester Catapults Red Sox To Verge Of Title, 3-1
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) |
Shane Victorino Out Again For WS Game Five
Shane Victorino's back issues are keeping him out of a second straight World Series game tonight. The Red Sox lineup is as follows: 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF, 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B, 3. David Ortiz 1B, 4. Jonny Gomes LF, 5. Daniel Nava RF, 6. Xander Bogaerts 3B, 7. Stephen Drew SS, 8. David Ross C, 9. Jon Lester LHP.
Buchholz Thinks He Can 'Pitch In' In A Game 7
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(Boston Herald Photo By Christopher Evans) |
Walk-Off Pick-Off Was A Surprise To Everybody
Remember when Jonathan Papelbon whirled and gunned down Matt Holliday (ever heard of him?) at first base in the 2007 World Series? That was the result of a detailed scouting report on the lack of base-running savvy by Holliday. Last night, no one was expecting a pick-off of Kolten Wong—not even Koji Uehara. Said Koji, "I was trying to change the rhythm [for batter Carlos Beltran], and it just happened. I was aware that if there was a home run, it would tie the game. Obviously a big relief." So, how about catcher David Ross?: "I did nothing. Just make sure to quote me on that: I had no idea what was going on." Manager John Farrell was busy talking to his coaches about infield placement. Wong's explanation?: "My foot just slipped out."
David Ortiz Starts Again At First Base In Game 5
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Papi Holds Court |
Red Sox Are Ranked #1 In Farm System Strength
Not only is the present bright for the Boston Red Sox organization, but the near future is as well. According to the influential Baseball America website, the Red Sox have the strongest farm system in baseball. The site decided to "compile a rough guide to the most bountiful farm systems—or at least those most likely to pay dividends in the near future—using the 2013 league prospect rankings as a guide." Using this rubric, Boston is ranked #1—with MLB-ready or near-ready stars like Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Allen Webster, Henry Owens, Blake Swihart, Antony Ranaudo, Garin Cecchini, Brandon Workman, Mookie Betts and Deven Marrero. A distant second is the Houston Astros organization, followed by the Padres, Rangers, Cubs and Royals. The first AL East rival to show up is the Toronto Blue Jays—tied for 11th spot.
World Series Game 4 Beats Football In Ratings
UPDATE: 16M saw Game 4
There is hope for America. According to overnight ratings, Game Four of the World Series got a nationwide 10.5 rating—beating out Sunday Night Football's 10.3 score. This 109th edition of the Fall Classic is turning into a great series and is obviously catching the attention of the sporting masses. Overall, ratings for this World Series are up 7% over last year.
There is hope for America. According to overnight ratings, Game Four of the World Series got a nationwide 10.5 rating—beating out Sunday Night Football's 10.3 score. This 109th edition of the Fall Classic is turning into a great series and is obviously catching the attention of the sporting masses. Overall, ratings for this World Series are up 7% over last year.
'Seven Samurai' Free Agents Define Sox Run
They were Ben Cherington's big gamble of 2013—signing seven free agents who were not superstars, but winners. Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Koji Uehara, David Ross, Stephen Drew, Jonny Gomes, and Ryan Dempster were all signed in the offseason as 'vaccinations' against the virus that was the dismal 2012 season. To a large extent, their 'presence' in the clubhouse and winning attitude have shaped the character of this team. Of course, winning baseball games is more about physics (ball hitting bat, ball missing bat), than chemistry. But who can deny that this team is more likable than either the 2012 or 2011 editions? All of the 'Samurai' were signed to shorter-term deals—although the money for some seemed excessive at the time. We at FenwayNation were critical of some, and picked this edition of The Carmine Hose to finish no better than fourth in the AL East. We were dead wrong and now Cherington looks like a genius. No matter what happens in the rest of the Fall Classic, this has been a revelation of a year and clear redemption for the Red Sox management team.
Game Six Not A Guaranteed Parking Hassle
Last night's 4-2 Red Sox victory in Game Four of the World Series guaranteed at least a Game Six back at Fenway Park. If you thought parking was a nightmare for Games One And Two, you ain't seen nothing yet! And let's not even talk about a potential Game Seven. But you can remove that one worry from your mind by logging onto ParkWhiz to secure your spot well in advance of Wednesday's 8:07 PM start of Game Six. Get your reasonably-priced, convenient parking spot by clicking HERE.
Improbable Moments Are Staple Of This Series
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Game Four-Ender |
Red Sox Are 'Hit To Be Tied', Take Game 4, 4-2
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) |
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Jim Joyce Gift-Wraps Cards Win In Game 3, 5-4
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(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) |
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Buchholz 'Not 100%' Coming Off Field At Busch
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(FenwayNation Photo) |
Top 10 Reasons Why Farrell Kept Using Gomes
by Larry Shiman, FN Board
Now that Farrell has decided to use Nava in St. Louis (due to the "spacious outfield"), I thought I'd provide the top ten reasons Farrell's been using Gomes until now:
1. Nava is not the fastest runner in the league, and might clog up the basepaths. There is no chance of that with Gomes - you need to get on base first.
2. Farrell is concerned about grounding into double plays. By striking out or popping up every at bat, Gomes is unlikely to hit into a double play.
3. Starting Gomes against a right handed pitcher gives the Sox an advantage in case the other team brings in a left handed reliever in the first inning.
4. Following the lead set by the Nationals last year when they shut down Strasburg to protect his arm after coming off Tommy John surgery, Farrell decided to shut down Nava for most of the postseason to keep him healthy for the future.
5. Gomes, due to his size, would probably be better than Nava in an on-field brawl.
6. When other Red Sox struggle in the lineup, like Salty, they feel better knowing that the left fielder isn't hitting either.
7. Farrell would prefer not to play a young kid like Nava during the World Series, forgetting that Nava is actually 30 years old.
8, Gomes has been slipping Farrell a five dollar bill every time Farrell "forgets" to write Nava's name in the lineup.
9. Nava came down with a two week case of the Fenway Flu.
10. Two words: Better Beard.
Now that Farrell has decided to use Nava in St. Louis (due to the "spacious outfield"), I thought I'd provide the top ten reasons Farrell's been using Gomes until now:
1. Nava is not the fastest runner in the league, and might clog up the basepaths. There is no chance of that with Gomes - you need to get on base first.
2. Farrell is concerned about grounding into double plays. By striking out or popping up every at bat, Gomes is unlikely to hit into a double play.
3. Starting Gomes against a right handed pitcher gives the Sox an advantage in case the other team brings in a left handed reliever in the first inning.
4. Following the lead set by the Nationals last year when they shut down Strasburg to protect his arm after coming off Tommy John surgery, Farrell decided to shut down Nava for most of the postseason to keep him healthy for the future.
5. Gomes, due to his size, would probably be better than Nava in an on-field brawl.
6. When other Red Sox struggle in the lineup, like Salty, they feel better knowing that the left fielder isn't hitting either.
7. Farrell would prefer not to play a young kid like Nava during the World Series, forgetting that Nava is actually 30 years old.
8, Gomes has been slipping Farrell a five dollar bill every time Farrell "forgets" to write Nava's name in the lineup.
9. Nava came down with a two week case of the Fenway Flu.
10. Two words: Better Beard.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Will Old Angst Return If Red Sox Fail Epically?
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Kenmore After '75 WS Loss (Bob Dean Photo) |
A Modest Line-Up Proposal For Game Three
Now that the World Series has come down to a best three-of-five (with St. Louis holding home-field advantage), the Red Sox need to consider some serious lineup changes for Game Three. The paucity of offense has returned (after a Game One hiatus), and something needs to be done to 'jump-start' the bats. First and foremost, Stephen Drew needs to sit for at least one game—Xander Bogaerts should play short and hit sixth and Will Middlebrooks should play third and hit eighth. Any defensive downgrade at shortstop is acceptable for one game in exchange for a chance at more offense. Daniel Nava should be in left field on Saturday night and hit fifth. David Ross should be given another crack behind the plate and hit seventh. The revamped line-up would be: 1.) Ellsbury, CF; 2.) Victorino, RF; 3.) Pedroia, 2B; 4.) Ortiz, 1B; 5.) Nava, LF; 6.) Bogaerts, SS; 7.) Ross, C; 8.) Middlebrooks, 3B; 9.) Peavy, P.
Pedroia, Ellsbury, Victorino Gold Glove Finalists
John Henry Adds Publishing To Soccer Empire
After a Worcester judge removed a temporary restraining order, the sale of The Boston Globe to Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry was finalized yesterday. At last, the staff of the Liverpool Daily Post can rest easy—Henry will not be prowling around Merseyside for his newspaper toy. Henry paid $70 million in cash for the moribund rag on Morrissey Boulevard. About the only valuable asset in the deal is the real estate upon which the Globe's headquarters sit (maybe that could be the site of a New Fenway Park?) The actual paper is a shell of its former self—when the elitist "bow-tied bum-kissers" (as the inimitable Howie Carr used to call them) ruled the Boston newspaper market. We're sure that Henry's vibrant personality will liven things up at the Globule. And their Sox coverage should be Pulitzer Prize-winning rump-swab.
Beltran Used Controversial Toradol Drug To Play
Carlos Beltran was able to play in Game Two of the World Series (and go 2-4 with an RBI) after being injected with the pain-killer Toradol—a controversial non-steroid drug that has come under intense scrutiny by Major League Baseball. Most of the controversy about the drug surrounds the side-effects that can accompany its use—like potentially fatal cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. After the 2012 season, the Red Sox fired their former trainer Mike Reinold—some reports said for improperly administering Toradol to players. Only physicians are allowed to dispense the drug in Massachusetts. After the firing, the team instituted a new policy toward Toradol in Spring Training of this year. Former Red Sox players Curt Schilling and Jonathan Papelbon have admitted using the drug, while Clay Buchholz was treated with Toradol in 2012 during a period when he missed 20 games with esophagitis (Buchholz told reporters at the time that the bleeding he experienced in his esophagus might be due to Toradol usage). While the drug is legal in baseball, the controversy continues over the wisdom of its use.
Sloppy Sox Yield Late Lead, Lose Game Two 4-2
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) |
Thursday, October 24, 2013
What Exactly Is Going On With Clay Buchholz?
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(FenwayNation Photo) |
Boston Hosted The First World Series In 1903
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Huntington Avenue Grounds |
'Game Time Decision' On Beltran For Game Two
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Jay And Beltran |
MLB Clears Lester Of Lame 'Loading Up' Charge
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The Silly So-Called 'Evidence' |
Tonight May Be Napoli's Last Chance To Shine
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(AP Photo/Matt Slocum) |
SeatGeek Is Best Bet For Last Minute WS Tix
If you absolutely have to have a ticket to tonight's Game Two of the World Series, your best bet is to browse the ticket marketplace on SeatGeek—which surveys all available tickets from all sellers on the secondary market. With SeatGeek, you can compare prices on a 'level playing field'—so to speak. So, if you absolutely must see Matt Damon in-person wearing his cute little mittens or Kevin Millar wearing his ridiculous pink frilly shirt—log on to SeatGeek HERE.
Avoid Game Two Parking Snafus With ParkWhiz
Boston Mayor Tom Menino recently announced new parking restrictions around Fenway Park for all Fall Classic games—along with his fervent hope that the Red Sox bring home "the World Series Cup". So, to avoid his legion of Parking Prohibitionists just log onto ParkWhiz and secure your spot well in advance of Thursday's 8:07 PM start of Game Two. Get your reasonably-priced, convenient parking spot by clicking HERE.
Cardinal Gaffes Are Completely Out Of Character
Opportunistic Sox Pounce On Miscues, Win, 8-1
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) |
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