Lucchino: Boston's Double Back-Up Starter Plan

Appearing on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show, Red Sox CEO and President Larry Lucchino said the team has two back-up plans for starting pitching. The first plan is to dip into the minor league system for guys like Brian Johnson or Eduardo Rodriguez. Said Lucchino, "You have to have some potential help from your pitching in Triple-A in every season. I think we have some pretty good arms down there and Pawtucket is actually leading the league, partly because the pitching has been quite effective down there." The second plan, of course, is a trade. While the Phillies are actively scouting top Red Sox prospects this week, there appears to be no immediate motivation on the part of Boston to make a deal for Cole Hamels. Lucchino stated, "There has to be a backup plan...to acquire some pitching down the road when the opportunity comes for trades. That’s not really generally the case in April." Stay tuned.

Dalton Jones Average Drops 22.3 Points In April

The Red Sox ended April just one game out of first place in the AL East. However, the 12-10 Carmine Hose clearly have a boatload of problems—not the least of which is starting pitching. Our Dalton Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) seems to be reflecting this —as it experienced a sharp drop in April—falling 22.3 points to 77.7. The initial 2015 preseason reading from our readers was normalized and set to 100.0 as the benchmark reading for the remainder of the year. The drop in the Index was fueled primarily by an extremely low level of confidence in the team's starting pitching (a raw score of 22.0). Relief pitching came in at 34.7—while offense scored at 76.7 and defense had a raw score of 75.3. FenwayNation offers its readers this monthly reading of "The Mood Of The Nation" through our exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average. Named for the all-time Red Sox pinch-hit leader, the average is a composite index of four key metrics: starting pitching, relief pitching, total offense and total defense. The editors invite readers from around the world to weigh in every month on the state of the team. The Index number—and its fluctuation up or down—has proven, over the years, to be a pretty accurate bellwether of actual team status.

A-Fraud Could Eclipse Mays At Fenway Park

(Getty Images)

As we surmised a while back, Alex Rodriguez has a good shot of tying and/or breaking the HR mark of Willie Mays at Fenway Park this week-end. The Fraudulent One sits at 659 HRs as he ventures to Boston on Friday night seeking a tie with the "Say Hey" Kid (660). Of course, you couldn't find two more polar opposite players than Mays and A-Fraud—the former being one of the classiest American athletes ever. It would be an unspeakable obscenity if The Centaur were to reach any milestone at Fenway—but this one is particularly galling. Let's hope he turns in an "0 for the series" performance.

Hanley & Holt Are Player O' Month Co-Winners

The Co-Winners

For a long time, it looked like Brock Holt was the slam-dunk winner of FenwayNation's April Player Of The Month. Then, Hanley Ramirez (and his helmet) caught fire. So, in the closest race in a while, we have named both players as co-winners of this month's honors. Ramirez is tied for the major league lead with 10 HRs, has an OPS of .999 in April, hit .293 and drove in 22 runs. Pretty impressive. Then again, Holt—in just about half of Hanley's at-bats (44 versus 82) hit .386 during April—with one HR and eight RBIs. His OPS was an amazing .971. So, we're pulling a "Solomon" and giving the award to both.

Rick's 'Cafe Canadien'; Sox Top Toronto, 4-1

(AP Photo)

We're shocked, shocked that the Red Sox finally got a stellar starting pitching performance! OK, enough with the Casablanca references. Rick Porcello turned in a gem at Fenway tonight—going seven solid innings, giving up just one earned run on two hits—walking two and striking out six. Porcello used his full arsenal of pitches tonight—his trademark sinker along with a nasty slider, a curveball and a four-seam fastball in the 4-1 win. He kept the Jays hitters off-balance all game long. Hanley Ramirez launched his MLB-leading 10th HR (a two-run shot) and both Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz had two hits each. Boston moves within a game of first with the victory, has a day off Thursday and then 'welcomes' The Evil Empire to Fenway on Friday.

VOTE In FN's Dalton Jones Industrial Average!

We're almost done with the initial month of the season. The perfect time for fans to make their first in-season assessment of the 2015 Carmine Hose. FenwayNation's exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average offers our readers the chance to "chime in" on the team each month. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox all-time pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics from FN readers scattered around the world. Through the DJIA, readers assess the fortunes of the team on: starting pitching, relief pitching, overall offense and overall defense. FenwayNation will publish the DJIA Index Score each month during the season—and the fluctuation up or down from the previous reading. You can now cast your April DJIA vote HERE.

Rusney Castillo Activated From Disabled List

(Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports)

Apparently, Rusney Castillo is sufficiently healed from the shoulder injury that sidelined him earlier this season, as he has been activated off the minor league disabled list. Despite his health, the Red Sox announced (via Manager John Farrell) that Castillo still needs "significant at-bats at AAA"—whatever that means. Considering how well Castillo has hit at multiple levels (AA, AAA, MLB), you have to wonder how long it will be before he is on the big club—and playing right field every day. Of course, there's that obvious complication called Shane Victorino—who just recently went on the DL. Stay tuned.

Worcester's Dubious Attendance Record Broken

Before today, the fans of Worcester, Massachusetts could boast the lowest attendance ever at a professional baseball game. Way back on September 28, 1882, a grand total of six fans showed up at the Worcester Driving Park Grounds to watch the Troy (N.Y.) Trojans face the hometown Worcester Ruby Legs. Worcester's National League entry lost the game, 4-1. Today, that mark was shattered by the zero fans attending the White Sox-Orioles tilt at Camden Yards. Oh, well. Records are made to be broken.

Mike Napoli Is Back In Red Sox Lineup Tonight

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, David Ortiz DH, Hanley Ramirez LF, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Mike Napoli 1B, Brock Holt RF, Xander Bogaerts SS, Ryan Hanigan C. Rick Porcello will start for Boston.

Jackie Bradley, Jr. Sent Back Down To AAA

Pitchers Dalier Hinojosa and Tommy Layne have been called up to the big club by the Red Sox—and OF Jackie Bradley, Jr. has been sent back down to AAA after one day in The Show. In addition, relief pitcher Anthony Varvaro has been designated for assignment.

Hanley's Helmet Has Own TWITTER Account

You've seen it flying off his head on nearly every swing. Now the batting helmet worn by Red Sox left-fielder Hanley Ramirez has its own TWITTER account. Aptly named @HanleysHelmet, the account allows you to follow the exploits of the famous head-gear on all its adventures. Whether it's rolling in the dirt as Hanley circles the bases on a HR or falls to earth after a mighty ground-out to second base—you will be part of it all. You'll even see some quasi-poetic ramblings, like: "The crisp night air feels amazing running down the line upon my being". It's a must follow.

Gammons: Best Red Sox-Phillies Hamels Deal?

Margot (L); Owens (R)

Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons tweeted today that he still thinks the best deal for the Phillies is to send Cole Hamels to the Red Sox for prospects Manuel Margot and Henry Owens (and possibly others). Margot, a center-fielder at High-A Salem, is hitting .344 with a HR and seven RBIs in 16 games this year. He's also stolen seven bases. Owens has fallen a little behind others in the Sox pitching hierarchy this year. He's started three games for the AAA PawSox—going 1-0 with a 3.94 ERA. The 6' 6" 22-year old lefty has a 1.44 WHIP. Considering the disaster that is the Boston starting rotation, a deal may be near. Stay tuned.

Pedro's Only Regret: Run-In With Don Zimmer

(Chris Faytok/The Star-Ledger)

This summer, Pedro Martinez will be enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his great career, he does have one regret: the take-down of former Red Sox manager Don Zimmer in the 2003 ALCS. Says Martinez in his new book, Pedro: "When 72-year-old Don Zimmer came barreling toward me, I wish I had not grabbed his head and pushed him to the Fenway grass as he stumbled and fell forward. Some days I feel more people remember me as the angry young man who pushed down a defenseless old man than as the pitcher who won three Cy Young Awards and a world title and wound up in the Hall of Fame. In my entire baseball career, my reaction to Zimmer’s charge is my only regret." An excerpt of the new book will appear in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.

The Green Monster Pays A Visit to Manhattan

Eerie Stillness At Orioles Park At Camden Yards

(Photo by Baltimore Sun)

For the first time in Major League Baseball history, no fans will be allowed to attend a game. Due to the unrest in Baltimore—in fairly close proximity to the park—the Orioles and White Sox will play in front of no one but media at 2:05 PM. According to The Baltimore Sun's Dan Connolly, there is far more media in attendance than even on Opening Day. Said Connolly this morning in his dispatch from the park, "This is going to be weird. There are no fans here now – never are this early before game time. But it’s going to stay the same at first pitch". The Orioles and MLB are probably doing the right thing under these extreme circumstances. But, in addition to it being a sad day for the city of Baltimore, this is a sad day for baseball as well.

Why The Sox Media Guide Cover Means Nothing

The 2015 Boston Red Sox Media Guide is an indispensable tool for anyone covering the team. It is a treasure trove of information—past and present—on The Carmine Hose. This year, the cover has the exciting threesome of David Ortiz, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. "Rejoice", the team seems to be saying, we've added some serious offensive beef to sandwich around Papi. True enough. After 21 games, Boston has scored a whopping 109 runs (5.19 per game). However, as Curt Schilling pointed out this morning on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show, their run differential is minus nine—worst in the division. It's not hard to find the culprit—starting and relief pitching. All together, 16 pitchers have worked for the Red Sox this year—with a collective ERA of 5.23. That group has given up more hits than innings pitched (the true yardstick of pitching quality) and delivered a WHIP of 1.40. Not a recipe for success. No matter how many runs they score this year, this brand of pitching will making them a .500 ball-club—at best. So, the cover of the media guide is nice—but (unfortunately) it doesn't really mean anything until they upgrade the pitching.

Red Sox Hurlers 'Pitch To Contact' For 17 Hits

(AP Photo)

When Toronto reliever Marco Estrada entered last night's 11-8 Blue Jays win, the highly inventive Fenway sound people played the theme to "CHiPs". Apparently, Estrada took that as motivation—he went on to hurl three scoreless innings. But this game was all about Red Sox pitching—or lack thereof. Once again, Clay Buchholz was abysmal, going just 2 2/3 innings and yielding five runs (four earned) and coughing up six hits and a walk. The over-taxed bullpen was no better—going 6 1/3 innings while serving up six earned runs. The re-vamped offense gave the team eight runs—more than enough to win any home game at Fenway. Pablo Sandoval was 4-5 with two doubles and Hanley Ramirez clocked his 9th HR—but it was all for naught.

Jackie Bradley, Jr. Re-Joins Red Sox At Fenway

As we predicted earlier today, Jackie Bradley, Jr. has been re-called from AAA Pawtucket to join the big club at Fenway Park tonight. Knuckle-baller Stephen Wright was optioned back to AAA. It remains to be seen how he'll get any playing time in the still crowded Boston outfield. But, this is a good move considering how well he was performing at AAA.

O's Close Game To Public & Games To Tampa

In a drastic move, the Baltimore Orioles announced today that tomorrow's game against the White Sox will be played at 2:05 PM at Camden Yards—but it will be closed to the public. Moreover, the May 1-3 series against the Rays that was scheduled to be played in Baltimore will instead be moved to Tropicana Field in Tampa. The Orioles will play as the home team. Also, the two cancelled home games (April 27th and April 28th) will be played as a single-admission double-header on Thursday, May 28th. The team stated that it arrived at this approach after "consultation with Major League Baseball and city and local officials".

Napoli Out, Panda In Tonight's Red Sox Lineup

Mike Napoli, still suffering from an undisclosed sickness, will miss another game tonight. The Panda, on the other hand, is back in the lineup after experiencing neck soreness after his diving catch yesterday. He has caught fire offensively, and no doubt, wanted back in ASAP. The full Red Sox lineup is as follows: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, David Ortiz DH, Hanley Ramirez LF, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Daniel Nava 1B, Brock Holt RF, Xander Bogaerts SS, Ryan Hanigan C. Clay Buchholz starts tonight for The Carmine Hose.

Unrest Causes Second Oriole Game Cancellation

Tonight's game between the Orioles and White Sox has been postponed due to the unrest in Baltimore. This is the second straight night that unsafe conditions in the area surrounding Camden Yards has forced cancellation of an Orioles game. Moreover, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is seriously considering moving the next several Oriole home games to a different venue—perhaps Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Baltimore's Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has imposed a week-long 10PM-5AM curfew on the city.

POLL: Almost Six In Ten Favor Papelbon Return

In the continuation of a  FenwayNation Poll we first floated a while back, almost six in ten readers (59%) now favor the Red Sox "considering" a return of former closer Jonathan Papelbon. As the chart shows, about four in ten (41%) take the opposite view. Renewed trade rumors have sparked a reconsideration of this deal, which—considering the state of the Boston bullpen—may not be a bad idea. You can vote in the poll HERE.

Jackie Bradley, Jr: The Forgotten Outfield Gem

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Remember the glut in the outfield everyone obsessed over? You know, "Where the heck are you going spread out playing time among: Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava, Allen Craig and Brock Holt?" Hardly anyone added in the name of last year's 'can't miss' phenom: Jackie Bradley, Jr. Quietly, the defensive whiz is starting to re-build his offensive prowess. At Pawtucket, he is leading off and hitting .315 (with a .383 on-base percentage). Interviewed by The Providence Journal's Tim Britton, Bradley stated, "Last year was a lot of things. I don’t really care about last year. I feel good now, and I'm going to focus on what I can control now.  I'm swinging at good pitches and making solid contact. I feel fine." With the injury to Victorino and the precipitous slide of Craig, Bradley may just find his way back to The Show. And, maybe even back into the discussion about Boston's outfield plenty.

Will The Red Sox Re-Unite With Saltalamacchia?

Salty In 2011 (FenwayNation Photo)

There are multiple conflicting reports today that the Red Sox will or will not try to re-sign former catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia—who was released by the Miami Marlins. However, the weight of the evidence suggests that Boston will not re-unite with Salty. First, he's owed $15 million on the balance of his contract. Second, his bat is now a Mendoza-Line Wonder Boy. Third, Andover High School's Ryan Hanigan and Sandy Leon are perfectly adequate placeholders for the eventual backstop tandem of Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez. We loved Salty as much as the next blog, but—nah.

All 'Betts' Are On!: Mookie Walks Off Sox, 6-5

(AP Photo)

After a bit of a lull, Mookie Betts is back. Tonight, he capped a thrilling 6-5 Red Sox comeback in the 9th inning with a line single to left. It was Betts' third hit of the night. Xander Bogaerts started the 9th inning rally with a one-out single. Andover High's Ryan Hanigan followed with a bullet single to center. After a wild pitch moved runners up, Betts reached down to poke a single through the drawn-in infield. Joe Kelly had another disappointing start—going six innings and yielding five earned runs (and yet he tantalizingly struck out ten). Pablo Sandoval was injured making a dive in the infield—but he homered before leaving the game. Koji Uehara got off the 'schnide' by delivering a clean top of the night to get the win. All in all, a good and needed win.

Nava At 1B, Holt In RF As Sox Host Blue Jays

The Red Sox are 'sitting down' Mike Napoli and Allen Craig tonight as they open a three-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays. Here is the Boston lineup: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, David Ortiz DH, Hanley Ramirez LF, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Daniel Nava 1B, Brock Holt RF, Xander Bogaerts SS, Ryan Hanigan C. Joe Kelly will take to the hill for The Carmine Hose.

POLL Redux: Papelbon Back To Red Sox?

Papelbon Redux?
Should the Sox consider a return of Papelbon?	Yes No
	Current Results

Phillies Re-Igniting Papelbon To Red Sox Deal?

Multiple reports are suggesting that the Philadelphia Phillies are stepping up their efforts to deal Jonathan Papelbon back to his original team—the Boston Red Sox. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has pretty good timing—since current closer Koji Uehara just blew a win in Baltimore. Papelbon has freely expressed his interest in returning to Boston and has been near-perfect this year as the Philadelphia closer. Stay tuned.

Sox Prospect Johnson Should Be In Rotation

Left-Handed AAA Starter Brian Johnson

Red Sox minor league starting pitcher Brian Johnson is now 24 years old. He's a lefty, 6'4" and 230. He is laying waste to AAA batting orders. He's 2-1 with a 0.56 ERA in three starts for "The Soon-To-Be Providence Red Sox". Johnson has struck out 18 batters in 16 innings and owns a WHIP of 0.88. In any other of the 29 organizations is baseball (with the possible exception of the Washington Nationals), he would be in The Show already. Why he isn't in the decimated Red Sox rotation right now is a mystery. Boston has the second worst starter ERA in Major League Baseball (5.35)—and it's only getting worse by the day. It turns out these are five number three starters. If Ben Cherington is still reluctant to trade top prospects for Cole Hamels (which, in our view, is a legitimate position), then at least bring this kid up—before he ceases to be a "kid".

Sox Lose Star-Spangled Slugfest To O's, 18-7

(AP Photo)

If you score seven runs on the road, you should win. Unfortunately, that precept assumes adequate major-league level pitching. The Red Sox now have the second-worst starter ERA in all of baseball (5.35). Ironically, the worst is yesterday's opponents—the Baltimore Orioles (5.52). Yesterday, Wade Miley didn't make it out of the third inning—giving up seven runs. Those that followed didn't do any better—giving up a total of eleven more runs in an eventual 18-7 loss. Hanley Ramirez hit two meaningless HRs, Dustin Pedroia was 3-4 and Brock Holt kept hitting—but other than that, this was a total embarrassment.

Papi Sits, Hanley DHs, Holt Plays LF Today

A few changes today as the Red Sox try to overcome yet another crushing one-run loss. But, if John Farrell was trying to improve OF defense with this group—why is Craig in right? Here's the lineup: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Hanley Ramirez DH, Mike Napoli 1B, Brock Holt LF, Allen Craig RF, Xander Bogaerts SS, Sandy Leon C. Wade Miley will start on the mound for the Red Sox.

O's "Demonstrate" Inadequacy Of Sox Pitching

(AP Photo)

Amid a "lock-down" of Camden Yards due to nearby protest demonstrations, The Orioles took advantage of crap Red Sox pitching to gain a 5-4 comeback win over Boston. This time it was "reliable" Koji Ueara who could not hold  4-3 advantage in the 9th—delivered by a Xander Bogaerts solo HR in the top half of the inning. Boston had trailed 2-0 early, comeback to tie it, lost the lead and tied it again, gained the lead and ultimately blew that. Not exactly the makings of championship team. Mike Napoli clouted hist fist HR of the year in the loss (a 2-run foul pole shot to right), and Justin Masterson pitched "OK" through seven innings (3 earned runs). New call-up Matt Barnes did well (2 shutout innings), but something drastic needs to get done to revamp this pitching staff.

Considering The Case Of One Brock Wyatt Holt

by Mark Lawrence, International Editor

Some years back, I opined that John Farrell was pretty much the best and only choice for Red Sox manager and his performance in that role has – to this point – been exemplary.  But, as the 2015 campaign gets off to a pretty good start, I’m sitting down here wondering why that young Matt Damon lookalike and team phenom Brock Holt is not getting a lot more playing time.

It would be very easy for me to shoot my fat mouth off about the intricacies of managing a major league ball club, but as I grow older and – astonishingly – more serene about these things, I realize that there’s got be a very sound reason for this situation – after all, this is genial John Farrell we’re talking about, not the ego-driven inventor of the wrap sannitch.

Brock Star Saves The Day; Red Sox Beat O's, 7-5

(AP Photo)

Brock Holt has played in just 10 of Boston's 17 games. And yet, he is the odds-on favorite to win FenwayNation's April Player Of The Month. "BrockStar" is hitting .424 on the month—with a HR and eight RBIs. Tonight, he clouted an eye-high fastball over the wall in RF for a three-run HR—putting Boston up 7-4 at the time. Moreover, after switching from SS to LF in the 9th, he held two runners to singles—and, more importantly, out of scoring position. Earlier David Ortiz also had a three-run HR, followed by a Hanley Ramirez solo shot. All Boston's runs came with two outs—and all came on HRs. Rick Porcello struck out the first five batters of the game, but had nothing left in the seventh (walk, single)—eventually resulting in a 4-4 tie. The Red Sox now have ten wins on the year, and stay tied for first in the AL East.

FenwayNation To Review Book On O's History

As the Red Sox head to Camden Yards, we are happy to say that we'll soon be reviewing a new book on the Baltimore Orioles franchise. The book, "60 Years Of Orioles Magic", is an authoritative visual history of one of baseball's greatest franchises. After morphing from the horrific St. Louis Browns in 1954, the Birds have won three World Series Championships—a team with a legacy of great players like Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Boog Powell and Jim Palmer. Your Editor-In-Chief's "dirty little secret" is that—for a brief time—he abandoned The Carmine Hose (in the pre-1967 era) and rooted for the Orioles. After the O's won it all in 1966 (sweeping the mighty Dodgers in four games), he re-stated his un-dying loyalty to the Red Sox. Anyway, we look forward to reviewing this new book for our readers.

Shane Victorino Again Out Of Red Sox Lineup

The Red Sox look to rebound from two brutal losses in the Land Of Pulpy Orange Juice with a three-game set in Charm City's Orioles Park at Camden Yards. Tonight's Sox lineup is: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, David Ortiz DH, Hanley Ramirez LF, Mike Napoli 1B, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Daniel Nava RF, Brock Holt SS, and Ryan Hanigan C. Rick Porcello takes to the mound for The Carmine Hose.

So Far, MLB Pace-Of-Play Rules Are Working

Believe it not, the new MLB 'pace-of-play' rules (such as they are) are having an impact. According to an analysis by USA Today Sports, 2015 games have been shortened by eight minutes compared to the same period in 2014. The result is that the average MLB game this year is running 2 hours and 54 minutes. Even the players are noticing the difference. Said the estimable Ian Kinsler, "The big difference you see is all of the antics being cut out. You used to see the pitchers come in from the bullpen, walk around the mound, grab the rosin bag three times and then warm-up. Now, all that extracurricular stuff is wiped out. It's like, 'Let's go.'" Give new Commissioner Rob Manfred credit—this is something Bud Selig talked a lot about but never implemented.

Odds Good A-Rod Bests Mays Mark At Fenway

Perhaps the low-point of the 2015 season would be if Alex Rodriguez breaks Wille Mays' home run mark at Fenway Park. It could happen, folks—he has 658 HRs right now. In fact, the odds-makers at MyTopSportsbooks.com say it's 4-1 that The Fraudulent One gets HR #660 (which would tie him with Mays) at Fenway. The upcoming May1-3 visit by The Evil Ones to Boston could also see The Centaur pass Mays with HR #661. Signs and wonders.

Sox Executive Kennedy Says, "No, Canada!"

Red Sox Executive Vice President and COO Sam Kennedy has turned down an opportunity to interview for the top spot in a Canadian sports empire. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) is a mega-conglomerate that owns (among other things) the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA's Toronto Raptors and the MLS's Toronto FC. Kennedy was granted permission to seek the CEO position by Red Sox ownership, but ultimately declined to even interview for the job. Kennedy is a bright star in the Sox organization—although he did dream up the awful "dynamic pricing" system that charges fans lots more money for "marquee" games.

Lone Sox Fan: Yoan Moncada 'Might Be Ready'

(AP Photo)

According to Big League Stew's Chris Cwik, Yoan Moncada's US debut was seen by one—that's right one—fan. The 19-year old phenom played in his first state-side game yesterday at the Red Sox complex in Fort Myers, Florida. Boston gave the Cuban infielder a $31.5 million signing bonus, and a lot of big things are expected of him in the years to come. So far, so good. In his first US at-bat, he hit a stand-up triple. Said the one Red Sox fan in attendance (Tony Medina), "With that bat, he might be ready." From Medina's lips to you-know-who's ear.

Lucchino May Become New 2024 Olympics Guru

Maybe all the rumors about Larry Lucchino being on the "outs" with others in Red Sox ownership are true. The team's house organ (The Boston Globe) is reporting that Lucchino may become the 'face' of Boston's 2024 Summer Olympics bid. The bumbling and hugely unpopular efforts by the front group (Boston 2024) have resulted in calls for new leadership. Lucchino would bring a highly visible and experienced spokesperson to the effort. He has rich experience bringing new, invigorating venues to second-tier towns like Baltimore (Camden Yards) and San Diego (PETCO Park). Considering the global competition for the 2024 games (Rome, Hamburg, Paris), Boston could be considered second-tier on this score. Part of Lucchino's job, of course, would be to punch up Boston's 'world-class' image—although recent experiences with the "T" and past epic debacles like 'The Big Dig' hardly suggest we could handle an international event. Oh, did we mention traffic? Good luck, Larry!

Sox Team Batting Average Worst Since 1992

Many observers—including us—have focused on the serious deficiencies on the Red Sox pitching staff this year (both starters and bullpen). But, just as vexing is the woeful offensive production from a team that was expected to bash the ball this year. As ESPN.com's Gordon Edes points out, after 16 games, Boston's .230 team batting average is the worst (16 games into a season) since 1992. We're talking the Bush I administration. Mo Vaughn was a rookie on that 1992 squad that featured immortals like Bob Zupcic—who (amazingly) was leading the team at that point with a .276 average.

Varvaro Is Latest Sox Hurler Implosion; Fall, 2-1

(AP  Photo)

Another gut-wrenching loss at the pathetic MostPulpDome puts the Red Sox in a three-way first-place tie with the Yankees and Jays. The 2-1, ninth inning walk-off was due to—you guessed it—crap relief pitching (Anthony Varvaro). Clay Buchholz turned in a gem for six innings—giving up just one earned run on two hits while striking out ten. But, tonight, it was a lack of offense that also killed the Sox—managing just three measly hits off Rays pitching. It's the first series loss for Boston and—at 9-7—they go into Baltimore for a big three-game set.

Nava, Craig And Leon In Tonight's Sox Lineup

The Red Sox will try to erase last night's ugly loss by sending out a slightly different cast of characters. Here is today's lineup: Mookie Betts CF, Dustin Pedroia 2B, David Ortiz DH, Pablo Sandoval 3B, Mike Napoli 1B, Daniel Nava RF, Allen Craig LF , Xander Bogaerts SS, and Sandy Leon C. Clay Buchholz will take to the hill for Boston.

Today's PawSox Game In Scranton Snowed Out!

Spring, Schming! Tonight's AAA game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders has been postponed due to snow. There really isn't much else to say about this except maybe that it's not surprising. Son of a Gun, and it was 'Beer & Pepsi' Night, too. Clearly, there is no justice in the world.

Red Sox And M's To Celebrate Negro Leagues

On May 16th at Safeco Field, the Red Sox and Mariners will don throwback Negro League jerseys to honor the players who were barred from playing in the major leagues. The game will be part of a four-game set between the two teams. The Mariners will wear the jersey of the Seattle Steelheads—a Negro League franchise of the mid-1940s. The Red Sox will wear the jersey of the Boston Royal Giants. Over the years, the Royal Giants played games at Medford's Playstead Park, Boston's Lincoln Park, Braves Field and Fenway Park.

Papi Passes Chipper (HRs) and Joe D (RBIs)

HR Number 469

When David Ortiz smacked his 469th career home run last night, he was able to scoot by two pretty good ballplayers on a couple of all-time lists. The Red Sox DH slid into 32nd place on the all-time HR list—passing Chipper Jones. The solo shot also provided Big Papi with his 1,538th RBI—vaulting over the bow of The Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio. Reflecting on the recent controversies surrounding him, Ortiz stated, "The other day, I think I tied DiMaggio in RBIs. In the past four days, all I've seen on TV is, 'Papi got thrown out of the game.'" The homerun was his third of the season.

Another Goofy NOG Gimmick: A Fenway Farm

"Fenway Farms"

Wouldn't it be nice if the Red Sox ownership group focused exclusively on baseball? Instead, we get foreign soccer, NASCAR racing, a sports marketing agency, NESN and The Boston Globe to clutter their minds. And now, we can add organic gardening to the portfolio. Apparently, John Henry's wife (Linda Pizzuti Henry) cooked up the idea of Fenway Farms—a 5,000 square foot rooftop organic garden behind the park's GATE A facade. Folks, you just can't make this stuff up. The "farm" will feature: "...a rotating lineup of seasonal vegetables, from kale to sweet peppers, along with herbs." Isn't that special? The 4,000 pounds of produce will be used at food concessions in the park. This will include the elite EMC Club—because who the heck else (besides Mike Dukakis) would eat kale but the beautiful people in the toney suites? Oh, it gets better. The politically-correct NOG agenda must be served as well. So, Fenway Farms "reduces energy costs by insulating the building below it and will be a “teaching tool” for area children about healthy eating and the local environment." How insufferable are these guys?

The Evolution Of A British Red Sox Fan

Dave Merry, Red Sox Fan

by Dave Merry, Nuneaton, United Kingdom

It's official, I'm completely obsessed with baseball and the Red Sox. These are the words of my wife and daughter! After 15 games of my first season, I love baseball and I especially love the Red Sox. I can't believe that, at the age of 48, I've only just discovered how great baseball is. All this, despite living 3,193 miles/5,139 km away from Boston—in a country where most of the population wouldn't know one end of a bat from the other—and having no friends, family or work-mates to chat with about baseball. This is where having FenwayNation has been a big part of my new-found obsession and I do feel like I'm part of FenwayNation. All I need to do now is learn the words to the Star-Spangled Banner, and I'll feel that a part of me is American. Well, maybe not, but you get the idea.

Dysfunctional Pitching Staff Hands Rays 7-5 Win

(AP Photo)

When characters from The Blues Brothers start hitting home runs off your pitching staff, you've got problems, The immortal Jake Elmore (OK,OK, but it's close enough) clouted his first career round-tripper last night to cap an improbable Rays 7-5 comeback win over the Red Sox. Boston was cruising with a 5-1 lead into the sixth inning when Joe Kelly—as is his reputation—completely fell apart. Four hits and a bases-load walk later and he was out of the game. Craig Breslow came in and gave up the game-tying hit. After that, it was an inevitable loss in the House Of Horrors that is the MostPulpDome. The Red Sox got offensive firepower from Dustin Pedroia (2-run HR) and David Ortiz (solo HR). Mookie Betts also had an RBI single in the fifth. All in all, an horrific loss—indicative of the mess that is the Red Sox pitching staff (from top to bottom).

Ted, Yaz, Pedro, Papi Top Sox 'Fab Four' List

The results really aren't too surprising. With voting now underway for MLB's "Franchise Four", the Red Sox quartet right now is: Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez. Not a bad foursome! According to Major League Baseball, over 10 million votes have already been cast across baseball's 30 franchises. Winners from all the clubs will be announced at the July 14th All-Star Game in Cincinnati. You can vote for your favorite Red Sox 'Fab Four' players HERE.