Nomar Garciaparra signed a one day minor league deal with the Red Sox today and promptly retired. After thirteen seasons, the 35 year old decided he "had nothing left in the tank." Given his last two seasons performance, I can see why. His celebrity status around the majors had almost left as soon as he was traded from Boston mid 2004. The Sox fan had soured of Nomar's tantrums and knew it was his time to go. He left and we won a World Series. In an odd way, Nomie was responsible for the first title in 86 years. Today, we got our chance to thank him for his sacrifice. He leaves the game with a career .313 BA, 229 HRs, 963 RBIs, .361 OBP and .521 SLG percentage in 5,586 at bats. He wasn't a slouch in the playoffs hitting 7HRS, 24RBIs, .321 BA, .361 OBP, and a .589 SLG. He leaves with a career .975 FLD percentage. He had numerous all-star nominations and appearances. The only thing Garciaparra didn't achieved was a coveted WS ring. Will Nomar make the Hall of Fame? I'm sure, but he'll have a bit of wait with the current guys trying to make it. As for now, he'll start his new job as baseball analyst at ESPN on Baseball Tonight and color analysis on some games.
By mid 2004 before his surprising departure, I had grown weary of him and his attitude in the clubhouse. You could sometimes feel his anger through the t.v. screen if they panned a shot of him sitting in the dug-out. You forgot about the acrobatic finesse he displayed on the field rivaled only by Derek Jeter. Fans forgot how important he was in the line-up. The day when they traded him to the Cubs, and we we're shocked....shocked seeing a franchise icon we all were sure was retiring in a Red Sox uni. The feeling of anger dissipated and the questions arose if Orlando Cabrera or any other Red Sox SS could measure up. Well, today that day came....and an entire nation tipped their hats and said, "Thank you."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Red Sox, Mets, Phillies Notes
- Derrick Turnbow is feeling good after his first bullpen session and is likely to see action this weekend.
- Josh Reddick ripped the Marlins for three hits and Tim Wakefiled pitched three shut-out innings in a 9-0 win.
METS
- Jose Reyes does have an overactive thyroid. He will be staying in New York to figure out a course of treatment.
- K-Rod is back. Although, he's considering wearing glasses on the mound. Dorky? Not a chance when the opposing batters can't touch you (see five year stats with Angels).
- Johan Santana made his debut looking healthy throwing 47 pitches in a Mets win. Ike Davis and David Wright homered for the Metsies.
PHILLIES
- Despite pitching well this spring, pitching coach Rich Dubee says, "Kyle Kendrick must take the spot from Jamie Moyer."
- Roy Halladay continues to dazzle. He's got 8 K's in five innings of work.
- Josh Reddick ripped the Marlins for three hits and Tim Wakefiled pitched three shut-out innings in a 9-0 win.
METS
- Jose Reyes does have an overactive thyroid. He will be staying in New York to figure out a course of treatment.
- K-Rod is back. Although, he's considering wearing glasses on the mound. Dorky? Not a chance when the opposing batters can't touch you (see five year stats with Angels).
- Johan Santana made his debut looking healthy throwing 47 pitches in a Mets win. Ike Davis and David Wright homered for the Metsies.
PHILLIES
- Despite pitching well this spring, pitching coach Rich Dubee says, "Kyle Kendrick must take the spot from Jamie Moyer."
- Roy Halladay continues to dazzle. He's got 8 K's in five innings of work.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Red Sox, Mets Notes
- John Lackey pitched 2 scoreless frames on Saturday for the Sox with a strike-out in his debut. The question was presented to him about being the Opening Day starter was handled diplomatically by him. In Ian Browne's article on redsox.com Lackey says, "I'm not worried about that at all," Lackey said. "If the roles were reversed, and I would have stayed in Anaheim and those guys had come over there, I would expect to still be going first. I think those guys have earned the right. They've won a lot of games for [manager Terry Francona], and to go in front of me, I'm all right with that."
- From Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, "talks with Josh Beckett have been amicable, but not productive yet. Look for the Sox to base a deal like they did with J.D. Drew and John Lackey contracts in regards to medical history."
- Clay Buchholz gets the start today @ 1:05PM against Baltimore.
- Dice-K first side session(bullpen mound) was productive tossing 58 pitches, but only 10 of those were with the catcher crouched. Matsuzaka feels his back issues are gone.
METS
- Jose Reyes is being tested for a thyroid imbalance (hyperactive). Reyes has yet to start in a spring game, and won't be tested until tomorrow morning back in New York.
- F-Mart? Holy crap the guy lit the Nats up on Saturday?!?! Two solo HR's and two singles in the game and he left early! Great looking chance he makes the team, watch out Gary Matthews Jr., you may be headed to the Reds after all.
- Jon Niese and Fernando Nieve are "duking out it out for the fifth rotation spot," according to manager Jerry Manuel and MLB.com's Marty Noble.
Check out: http://www.sportsjabber.net
- From Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, "talks with Josh Beckett have been amicable, but not productive yet. Look for the Sox to base a deal like they did with J.D. Drew and John Lackey contracts in regards to medical history."
- Clay Buchholz gets the start today @ 1:05PM against Baltimore.
- Dice-K first side session(bullpen mound) was productive tossing 58 pitches, but only 10 of those were with the catcher crouched. Matsuzaka feels his back issues are gone.
METS
- Jose Reyes is being tested for a thyroid imbalance (hyperactive). Reyes has yet to start in a spring game, and won't be tested until tomorrow morning back in New York.
- F-Mart? Holy crap the guy lit the Nats up on Saturday?!?! Two solo HR's and two singles in the game and he left early! Great looking chance he makes the team, watch out Gary Matthews Jr., you may be headed to the Reds after all.
- Jon Niese and Fernando Nieve are "duking out it out for the fifth rotation spot," according to manager Jerry Manuel and MLB.com's Marty Noble.
Check out: http://www.sportsjabber.net
Friday, March 5, 2010
Doc Vs. CC; Mets V. Cardinals; Sox v. Twins
So the Phils pulled out a 13-6 win yesterday and the Metsies beat the Braves again 9-5 on the arms of Pat Mistch and Fernando Martinez. Today the Mets conclude their series with the Braves, but all eyes will be on the World Series rematch featuring Roy Halladay against C.C. Sabathia. What can be more epic than this? A World Series rematch I guess. This time the Phils prevailed 3-2 with a strong performance by Halladay and the Phils relievers. The Phils one by the small game and by guys like Paul Hoover, Ozzie Chavez, etc. in the small game. Hallday pitched 2 inning of no significant damage baseball with 3K's. Cole Hamels will start against the Blue Jays Friday.
The rival Mets squeaked out a win over the Cards 17-11. Mid-way through the game didn't look promising for them, but they battled back and overtook the Cards in a see-saw affair. David Wright and prospect Ike Davis(who is having a fine spring training already) went long and the top of the order combined for 4-4 with 5 runs scored and 2RBIs. The offense looked fantastic. Jason Bay went 0-2 in his debut. R.A. Dickey's knuckleball danced nicely, but got him into trouble in the third. Tobi Stoner came into stop the bleeding surrendering only another run, but putting the Cards ahead. Jack Egbert had two shut out innings and Sean Green checked in before surrendering two more runs. Johnathan Niese will be starting Friday and in a split squad Fernando Nieve will start the other game. Word is Johan Santana will pitch on Tuesday.
The Red Sox won a nail-biter over the Twins in their Grapefruit League debut 2-1. Dustin Pedroia had two hits including the tying RBI in the sixth. Catching prospect Mark Wagner knocked in the winning run in the eighth. On the mound, Josh Beckett allowed 2 hits and a run over 2 innings of work. The bullpen shined including Ramon Ramirez, Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, and Johnathon Papelbon all pitched scoreless innnings. Jon Lester will face the Twins at 1:05 tomorrow with Tim Wakefield backing him up. It will also be Mike Cameron's debut.
Check out: http://www.sportsjabber.net
The rival Mets squeaked out a win over the Cards 17-11. Mid-way through the game didn't look promising for them, but they battled back and overtook the Cards in a see-saw affair. David Wright and prospect Ike Davis(who is having a fine spring training already) went long and the top of the order combined for 4-4 with 5 runs scored and 2RBIs. The offense looked fantastic. Jason Bay went 0-2 in his debut. R.A. Dickey's knuckleball danced nicely, but got him into trouble in the third. Tobi Stoner came into stop the bleeding surrendering only another run, but putting the Cards ahead. Jack Egbert had two shut out innings and Sean Green checked in before surrendering two more runs. Johnathan Niese will be starting Friday and in a split squad Fernando Nieve will start the other game. Word is Johan Santana will pitch on Tuesday.
The Red Sox won a nail-biter over the Twins in their Grapefruit League debut 2-1. Dustin Pedroia had two hits including the tying RBI in the sixth. Catching prospect Mark Wagner knocked in the winning run in the eighth. On the mound, Josh Beckett allowed 2 hits and a run over 2 innings of work. The bullpen shined including Ramon Ramirez, Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, and Johnathon Papelbon all pitched scoreless innnings. Jon Lester will face the Twins at 1:05 tomorrow with Tim Wakefield backing him up. It will also be Mike Cameron's debut.
Check out: http://www.sportsjabber.net
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sox and Phils play their first exhibitions
Today, the Phillies are taking on Florida State University while not too far away the Sox are playing Northeastern U. J.A. Happ will get the ball for the Phils on Wedensday. The next day is a rematch of the World Series pitting Roy Halladay against C.C. Sabathia. For a Pillies update though, Shane Victorino will not be playing Wedensday and possibly Thursday due to some soreness in his shoulder. J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge have begun throwing off the mound making steady progress in their returns. Lidge says he's "pain-free, but still slow moving in the right direction." Lidge plan to throw off the mound every other day until he's ready to face live hitters. Romero on the other hand will throw every third day.
As of right now the Phils are down 6-4 against FSU in the bottom of the 5th. Rollins, Ransom, Schnieder, prospect Domonic Brown, and Ibanez lead the with Phils hits and RBIs. Phillipe Aumont has been blasted to the tune of 5 runs, 2 hits, 3 walks, and a HR. Yohan Flande followed giving up another. Happ pitched two scoreless innings with 1 walk and 1 K. To this point, the Phils have left too many guys on base.
Wedensday is the culmination of over a year of the arrival of Casey Kelly. He'll pitch the Northeastern game and Boof Bonser will pitch the B.C. night game. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw from 180-200 ft Tuesday in efforts to return from his injury beleaguered 2009. Manager Terry Francona said, ""That was about as good a day, I think, as you could have. I don't think you can throw the ball like that and not be totally healthy. So probably start thinking about toward the end of the week, getting him some real mound work where he's throwing some sides and throwing to hitters and going through that progression. But that was a real, real good day." As of tonight, it's been confirmed by MLB Network that Dice-K will throw a regular side session on Friday. Mike Lowell got his first hacks in today. His status is yet to be seen, but Francona is confident he can be an asset to the Sox. Francona also mentioned Mike Cameron is progressing from his groin injury.
The Sox pounded Northeastern U today 15-0. Casey Kelly pitched one inning--but had two K's, no hits, no runs. Gil Velazquez had two hits with 2RBIS in a Sox 3 run 2nd. Jed Lowrie was 1-1 with an RBI as well. C Luis Esposito went 1-1 with 2 RBIs and David Ortiz went yard for 2 more.
Against BC a few hours later, Boof Bonser picked up the win. Ryan Kalish, Jose Iglesias, and Kevin Youk starred on offense while Michael Bowden and Junichi Tazawa dazzled on the mound.
As of right now the Phils are down 6-4 against FSU in the bottom of the 5th. Rollins, Ransom, Schnieder, prospect Domonic Brown, and Ibanez lead the with Phils hits and RBIs. Phillipe Aumont has been blasted to the tune of 5 runs, 2 hits, 3 walks, and a HR. Yohan Flande followed giving up another. Happ pitched two scoreless innings with 1 walk and 1 K. To this point, the Phils have left too many guys on base.
Wedensday is the culmination of over a year of the arrival of Casey Kelly. He'll pitch the Northeastern game and Boof Bonser will pitch the B.C. night game. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw from 180-200 ft Tuesday in efforts to return from his injury beleaguered 2009. Manager Terry Francona said, ""That was about as good a day, I think, as you could have. I don't think you can throw the ball like that and not be totally healthy. So probably start thinking about toward the end of the week, getting him some real mound work where he's throwing some sides and throwing to hitters and going through that progression. But that was a real, real good day." As of tonight, it's been confirmed by MLB Network that Dice-K will throw a regular side session on Friday. Mike Lowell got his first hacks in today. His status is yet to be seen, but Francona is confident he can be an asset to the Sox. Francona also mentioned Mike Cameron is progressing from his groin injury.
The Sox pounded Northeastern U today 15-0. Casey Kelly pitched one inning--but had two K's, no hits, no runs. Gil Velazquez had two hits with 2RBIS in a Sox 3 run 2nd. Jed Lowrie was 1-1 with an RBI as well. C Luis Esposito went 1-1 with 2 RBIs and David Ortiz went yard for 2 more.
Against BC a few hours later, Boof Bonser picked up the win. Ryan Kalish, Jose Iglesias, and Kevin Youk starred on offense while Michael Bowden and Junichi Tazawa dazzled on the mound.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mets Report
The Mets have survived the Jose Reyes drama. Reyes denies using HGH, but going with a platelet-enriching therapy process. You'd have to be stupid to think Reyes was on HGH ever. I mean Reyes isn't too small of a guy, but he doesn't look like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, etc. One thing no one will argue is that Reyes looks ready for 2010. He ran out a triple and felt good after and intrasquad games Monday before the Mets first exhibition today against the Braves. Evidently, Carlos Beltran is now talking with agents about a treatment in Canada.
The Mets have been dealt a blow with setup man Kelvim Escobar going down. Escobar is feeling some fatigue in his right shoulder, but what can expect after having not thrown in a year. Now, Ryota Igarashi, Bobby Parnell and Sean Green will battle it out for the role until Escobar returns. My money is on Parnell, but look out for Igarashi. The team is still hoping to sign Joe Biemel or Ron Mahay. As of Saturday, Biemel has been holding out for $2M which the Mets aren't going to offer. Also, K-Rod has a bad case of pink eye, so he is currently unavailable.
The Metsies won their exhibition game four to two over the Braves. Elmer Dessens left the game after taking a Brian McCann liner to his knee. Starter Nelson Figeroua pitched nicely bailing them out of tight situations with K's. Bobby Livingston finished up the game. At the plate, Jesus Feliciano was the offensive spark with 2 singles and a sac fly to bring in a run. Russ Adams hit a home run. 1B prospect Ike Davis went 2-3 with a RBI. Jason Pridie and Ruben Tejada brought runners in. The fifth innning was huge for New York bringing in three runs. Castillo, Reyes, Bay, Francouer and Wright were out of the line-up due to field conditions.
The Mets have been dealt a blow with setup man Kelvim Escobar going down. Escobar is feeling some fatigue in his right shoulder, but what can expect after having not thrown in a year. Now, Ryota Igarashi, Bobby Parnell and Sean Green will battle it out for the role until Escobar returns. My money is on Parnell, but look out for Igarashi. The team is still hoping to sign Joe Biemel or Ron Mahay. As of Saturday, Biemel has been holding out for $2M which the Mets aren't going to offer. Also, K-Rod has a bad case of pink eye, so he is currently unavailable.
The Metsies won their exhibition game four to two over the Braves. Elmer Dessens left the game after taking a Brian McCann liner to his knee. Starter Nelson Figeroua pitched nicely bailing them out of tight situations with K's. Bobby Livingston finished up the game. At the plate, Jesus Feliciano was the offensive spark with 2 singles and a sac fly to bring in a run. Russ Adams hit a home run. 1B prospect Ike Davis went 2-3 with a RBI. Jason Pridie and Ruben Tejada brought runners in. The fifth innning was huge for New York bringing in three runs. Castillo, Reyes, Bay, Francouer and Wright were out of the line-up due to field conditions.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Red Sox Report; Ruiz to Sox?
The pitchers have been throwing batting practices getting this velocity back and endurance back up from the months off. The Sox haven't had any pitcher casualties yet, but Adrian Beltre missed two days of practice after misplaying a ball and stepping on twisting his ankle. Beltre has been taking BP, but should step out onto the field today. Dice-K is throwing from 150 ft away which is good news.
Casey Kelly has debuted at spring training throwing off the mound. He wasn't fazed by the big league experience impressing manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farell. “He has a very professional approach,” Farrell said. “He’s got genuine confidence in himself, and I mean that in the right way. He’s not cocky by any means. He’s very respectful. When you see him go about his work, he’s not in a rush.
He carries himself with a very good air about him, like one who genuinely is comfortable with himself, even being in big league camp for the first time." Kelly didn't have a problem hitting either. Kelly will make his pitching debut in spring training against Northeastern U on March 4th. Boof Bonser will get the nod against BC the next day followed by Beckett, Lester, Wakefield, and Lackey against Minnesota and Buchholz against the O's on Saturday.
Gordon Edes says, "David Ortiz's days could be numbered if he gets off to the start he did in 2009." The Sox have the option to pick him up for 2011, but given the depth at minor league level with Lars Anderson and Anthony Rizzo, Ortiz is definitely in trouble. What could spell more trouble is if the Red Sox sign Cuban defector Jose Julio Ruiz. Ruiz is similar to Ortiz (only and inch shorter) and a lefty bat which the Red Sox love to have. Ruiz could come at a much cheaper price than Ortiz and possibly more effective if he makes the team upon signing. Ruiz has been compared to Carlos Delgado in his prime before and is just twenty-five.
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports if Mike Lowell doesn't wind-up sticking around, the Twins may be very interested. The Sox do want to keep his bat. The Sox would have to pay Lowell's $12M salary before the Twins would bite.
RP Manny Delcarmen is hoping to get back on track after his case of right shoulder fatigue last season. Evidently, when I cringed last season seeing him on the mound, he was cringing on it as well. Delcarmen didn't report any strangeness last season despite seeing his velocity slow down. He has promised to be more open about injuries even if he doesn't know he's suffering from them.
According to WEEI, Mike Cameron cut his workout short on Sunday with a sore leg. Turns out it's a groin. Cameron is doubtful to play in the first two games this week to prevent further injury and let his body catch up with his age.
Casey Kelly has debuted at spring training throwing off the mound. He wasn't fazed by the big league experience impressing manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farell. “He has a very professional approach,” Farrell said. “He’s got genuine confidence in himself, and I mean that in the right way. He’s not cocky by any means. He’s very respectful. When you see him go about his work, he’s not in a rush.
He carries himself with a very good air about him, like one who genuinely is comfortable with himself, even being in big league camp for the first time." Kelly didn't have a problem hitting either. Kelly will make his pitching debut in spring training against Northeastern U on March 4th. Boof Bonser will get the nod against BC the next day followed by Beckett, Lester, Wakefield, and Lackey against Minnesota and Buchholz against the O's on Saturday.
Gordon Edes says, "David Ortiz's days could be numbered if he gets off to the start he did in 2009." The Sox have the option to pick him up for 2011, but given the depth at minor league level with Lars Anderson and Anthony Rizzo, Ortiz is definitely in trouble. What could spell more trouble is if the Red Sox sign Cuban defector Jose Julio Ruiz. Ruiz is similar to Ortiz (only and inch shorter) and a lefty bat which the Red Sox love to have. Ruiz could come at a much cheaper price than Ortiz and possibly more effective if he makes the team upon signing. Ruiz has been compared to Carlos Delgado in his prime before and is just twenty-five.
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reports if Mike Lowell doesn't wind-up sticking around, the Twins may be very interested. The Sox do want to keep his bat. The Sox would have to pay Lowell's $12M salary before the Twins would bite.
RP Manny Delcarmen is hoping to get back on track after his case of right shoulder fatigue last season. Evidently, when I cringed last season seeing him on the mound, he was cringing on it as well. Delcarmen didn't report any strangeness last season despite seeing his velocity slow down. He has promised to be more open about injuries even if he doesn't know he's suffering from them.
According to WEEI, Mike Cameron cut his workout short on Sunday with a sore leg. Turns out it's a groin. Cameron is doubtful to play in the first two games this week to prevent further injury and let his body catch up with his age.
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