Archive for April 6th, 2012

Red Sox links (85 articles) Fri. Apr. 6

April 6th, 2012  |  Published in News

Good Morning, it is Friday April 6th, 2012 and here are some of the Red Sox links from Boston media outlets within last 24 hours.

Total of 85 articles published in that span was collected here.

David Ortiz accentuates the positive — plus, links to Opening Day coverage – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Shortly after the bullpen ruined Opening Day for the Red Sox, David Ortiz had a message for his teammates. “Like I told everyone after the game, come back on Saturday and play,” Big Papi said. “Actually, I said Frida
Tigers overcome Valverde slip, beat Red Sox 3-2 – Boston Globe, Noah Trister (AP)
Jose Valverde figured this day was coming. At some point, the jovial closer was finally going to blow a save and end a streak that dated to 2010.
Eckersley mum on this subject – Boston Globe, Chad Finn
As it turns out, the candor that is one reason Dennis Eckersley is the finest television baseball analyst there is – nationally as well as locally – does have bounds.
On Day 1, a 2011 echo – Boston Globe, Dan Shaughnessy
Jonathan Papelbon was in Pittsburgh, setting down the Pirates 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth to preserve a 1-0 victory for the Phillies. Theo Epstein was in Chicago, where the local tabloid had a cover shot of him walking across Lake Michigan. J.D.
Close, but no – Boston Globe, Peter Abraham
The crowd of 45,027 at Comerica Park on Thursday celebrated a walk-off victory when Austin Jackson grounded a single down the third base line in the bottom of the ninth to drive the winning run.
For starter Lester, it was back to the grind – Boston Globe, Michael Vega
Having to oppose Justin Verlander, Detroit’s reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner, can have that kind of effect, as it did for Jon Lester’s biggest contribution in the 3-2 loss to the Tigers in the Red Sox 2012 season op
Skipper able to manage his emotions – Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo
Bobby Valentine’s first game with the Red Sox ended in a 3-2 walk-off loss to the Detroit Tigers, bringing back all of the emotions – good, bad and ugly – he once felt in his first three managerial stints.
Valued moment from Verlander, Ellsbury – Boston Globe, Peter Abraham
When Jacoby Ellsbury came to the plate in the top of the first inning on Thursday to face Justin Verlander, they made a little baseball history.
Sweeney’s debut a little hit and miss – Boston Globe, Michael Vega
Although his Opening Day debut as the Red Sox’ starting right fielder was marred by a 3-2 loss Thursday to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, it did little to diminish Ryan Sweeney’s nerves in his first day on the job wearing a Sox unif
Mark Melancon accepts a quick exit – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
DETROIT – Mark Melancon recorded one out and yielded two singles in the ninth inning of a tie game yesterday when…
Ryan Sweeney’s Red Sox debut is real three-for-all – Boston Herald, John Tomase
DETROIT – Ryan Sweeney already felt partially responsible for spotting the Tigers a crucial triple, so the least…
New year, same fate – Boston Herald, Steve Buckley
DETROIT – It was not unlike the last game of the last, not-soon-to-be-forgotten season. The Red Sox had their…
Jon Lester start all for nothing – Boston Herald, Steve Buckley
DETROIT – When left-hander Jon Lester learned he’d be the Red Sox’ 2012 Opening Day starter, the honor came…
Red Sox open same way they close – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
DETROIT – It started just like last season ended, with a ninth-inning implosion by a beleaguered bullpen and…
‘Pen in an Opening Daze – Boston Herald, John Tomase
DETROIT – Perhaps this is a sign that yesterday’s events at Comerica Park won’t sink the season: “So,” David…
Wall space wasn’t reserved for Sweeney – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — On the last day of the 2011 season, the Red Sox were eliminated from the playoffs by Tampa Bay when Evan Longoria hit a home run that crossed over the left-field fence in Tropicana Field through a cutout space in the wall designed to give
Video: Recapping the Red Sox’ season-opening loss in Detroit – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — In the aftermath of the Red Sox’ season-opening, 3-2 loss to the Tigers, Herald baseball writers Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) and John Tomase (@jtomase) discuss the game and the postgame reaction from the clubhouse. (Video shot b
Lester gets no-decision vs. MVP Verlander – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — For Jon Lester, there was no comparison between his Opening Day starts, except for the outcome. Last season in Texas, Lester gave up three home runs in the first four innings — the last a three-run blast by Mike Napoli — then saw his te
History for Ellsbury and Verlander – Boston Globe Extra Bases
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff DETROIT — When Jacoby Ellsbury came to the plate in the top of the first inning today to face Justin Verlander, they made a little baseball history. Verlander became the first pitcher to win the…
Well, at least the PawSox won – Boston Globe Extra Bases
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff Nice Opening Day for the PawSox, who beat Buffalo, 4-2, at McCoy Stadium. Justin Germano, Junichi Tazawa and Garrett Mock combined to allow five hits while striking out seven. Ted Williams Ciriaco was 4 for…
Cook getting work in at Pawtucket – ESPN Boston blog, Joe McDonald
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — When the Boston Red Sox signed veteran right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook to a minor-league deal with an invite to big-league camp in January, the club was hoping he could stay healthy, return to form and add depth to the starting rot
Boston Red Sox face closing controversy on Opening Day? – ESPN Boston, Gordon Edes
Setup man Mark Melancon and new closer Alfredo Aceves failed their first test
In Opening Day defeat, Sox put up good fight – MLB.com, Ian Browne
The end result — an Opening Day loss to the Tigers — overshadowed an impressive comeback by the Red Sox on Thursday afternoon.
This time, Jon Lester found his opening – WEEI blog Alex Speier
DETROIT — The memory of a year ago remained fresh for Jon Lester. The Red Sox left-hander was well aware that his first Opening Day assignment, which came last April 1 against the Rangers, had been a disappointment. On that day, Lester logged 5
Melancon: Bobby V had quick hook – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Mark Melancon had recorded one out and yielded two singles, neither of which were hit particularly hard, in the ninth inning of a tie game yesterday when Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine replaced him with fill-in closer Alfredo Aceves.
Battered bullpen bruises Boston – Boston Globe Extra Bases
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff DETROIT — The Red Sox bullpen was weakened when record-setting closer Jonathan Papelbon fled to Philadelphia as a free agent. Then reliable set-up man Daniel Bard was moved into the rotation. When new closer Andrew Bai
A loss with character? Red Sox take some solace in Opening Day defeat – WEEI blog Alex Speier
DETROIT — On the one hand, it was a loss. As such, in the grand scheme, it was a bad day at the office for the Red Sox. At the same time, the 3-2 Opening Day defeat against the Tigers did come with the proverbial silver linings under the circum
Tigers overcome Valverde slip, beat Red Sox in 9th – Boston Globe, Noah Trister (AP)
Justin Verlander was brilliant on the mound and Prince Fielder drove in a key run with his bat. Still, after a rare slip by Jose Valverde, the Detroit Tigers were all tied with Boston in the bottom of the ninth.
Red Sox rally against Valverde but fall in 9th – Boston Globe, Noah Trister (AP)
Jon Lester matched Justin Verlander for most of the day, and the Boston Red Sox even scored a couple runs off Jose Valverde.
After day off, Sox turn to Beckett vs. Tigers – MLB.com, Joey Nowak
If Doug Fister can pick up Saturday where he left off last season, the Tigers are in business. If the same goes for Boston’s Josh Beckett, the Red Sox may be in trouble.
Melancon: Hook ‘felt a little quick’ – WEEI Alex Speier
DETROIT — Red Sox reliever Mark Melancon, summoned into start of the bottom of the ninth inning, suggested that he was slightly surprised by the rapidity with which he was pulled from his team’s contest against the Tigers. Melancon recorded a hard-h
Bullpen falters as Red Sox lose opener – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
DETROIT – New season, same result. As the Red Sox lifted the curtain on their 2012 season here today, seeking…
Familiar opening scene for Red Sox – Boston Globe, Chad Finn
The Red Sox’ opening loss brought back memories of last season, but it’s only one game.
Red Sox react to season-opening loss – Boston Globe Extra Bases
Red Sox players and manager Bobby Valentine spoke to the media after losing to the Tigers.
After ninth-inning rally, Sox edged by Tigers – MLB.com, Ian Browne
In Chapter 1 of 162, Boston suffered a gutwrenching 3-2 loss to the Tigers on Thursday which culminated on an RBI single by Austin Jackson with one out in the bottom of the ninth.
Closing Time: Bullpen does in Sox in 3-2 Opening Day loss to Tigers – WEEI blog Alex Speier
DETROIT — A furious Red Sox comeback was spoiled when, after erasing a 2-0 deficit in the top of the ninth inning, the Andrew Bailey-free Red Sox bullpen allowed the Tigers to push across the game-winning run in the bottom of the inning, with t
Bullpen spoils Red Sox comeback in opener – WEEI Alex Speier
DETROIT — The Red Sox saw their spirited, ninth-inning comeback go for naught Thursday, with Austin Jackson notching a bases-loaded single down the third-base line against reliever Alfredo Aceves. The walk-off hit gave the Tigers a 3-2 win in t
Good first impression: Ryan Sweeney ties game, 2-2, with RBI triple – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Andrew Bailey may be out until at least August, but Ryan Sweeney is making that December trade with the Athletics look good. Down to their final out, and having been shut down for eight innings by Tigers ace Justin Verlander, the Red
That’s a wrap: Melancon, Aceves falter as Red Sox fall, 3-2, in ninth inning – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — New season, same result. As the Red Sox lifted the curtain on their 2012 season here today, seeking to finally put the nightmare of last September behind them, they wasted a spirited game-tying rally in the ninth inning when the bullp
Rapid Reaction: Tigers 3, Red Sox 2 – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — One day into the 2012 season, and we are assured that the closer controversy will have legs. The late-inning combination of setup man Mark Melancon and closer Alfredo Aceves failed their first test Thursday, when Austin Jackson’s bases-lo
Panic in Detroit – Boston Dirt Dogs blog
“It looked like we were rolling if we could have scored one more there…” — Bobby V postmortem
Dustin Pedroia still tops for Sox jersey sales – Boston Herald, Greg Turner
Scrappy second baseman Dustin Pedroia ranked as the top jersey-selling Red Sox player again last season, moving…
Youkilis on getting into bullpens – Boston Herald Blog
If the Red Sox are going to win this one, it looks like they’re going to have to get into the Tigers bullpen. With ace Justin Verlander (AP photo) silencing them through seven shutout innings, the Sox are being kept in the game by Jon Lester, w
Sox down to their last swings – Boston Herald Blog
Alex Avila’s two-out RBI double just over the outstretched glove of Cody Ross in left broke a 0-0 tie in the seventh and the Tigers just added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth to take a 2-0 lead into the ninth, where closer Jose Val
Bailey injury doesn’t alter Bard outlook – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — Daniel Bard had stayed back in Florida for one final tuneup before his scheduled start next Tuesday in Toronto when the Red Sox announced that closer Andrew Bailey needed thumb surgery and would be out for an extended period. He did not t
In-game update: Verlander, Lester dueling through three innings – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
DETROIT — New Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross got a proper introduction to Justin Verlander. Having never before…
In-game update: Verlander, Lester dueling through three innings – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — New Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross got a proper introduction to Justin Verlander. Having never before faced the Tigers ace, Ross came to the plate with two out and David Ortiz on third base in the second inning today. He did well to wor
Lester escapes jam in fifth – Boston Herald Blog
Red Sox starter Jon Lester just escaped his first real jam of the season, keeping the Tigers off the scoreboard after the first two runners of the fifth reached. After Ryan Raburn singled to left and Jhonny Peralta walked, Lester struck out Alex Avil
Bobby V. relishes being back in duguout – MLB.com,
Bobby Valentine got up early on Thursday morning and rode his bicycle from the team hotel to Comerica Park, where he was getting ready to manage his first regular-season game for the Boston Red Sox.
Ellsbury returns to familiar role in lineup – MLB.com,
For weeks at a time during Spring Training, manager Bobby Valentine held off from disclosing where he was going to hit Jacoby Ellsbury this season.
Lamoriello here to watch Devils, root on Bobby V — plus, more links – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
DETROIT — Before he accepted a two-year contract to manage the Red Sox, Bobby Valentine called a few old friends,…
Live updates: Red Sox at Tigers – Boston Globe Extra Bases
Top of the 3rd: Red Sox 0, Tigers 0 Second verse, same at the first for Lester. Fielder singled in his Tigers debut to the delight of the crowd. But Young bounced the second pitch he saw to shortstop for…
Red Sox minor league notes: Ranaudo, Workman held back; Stroup suffers major injury – WEEI blog Alex Speier
After a couple seasons in which the strength of their farm system appeared to be their position players, the Red Sox are starting to see promising signs from their pitchers. Homegrown pitchers Daniel Bard and Felix Doubront will both be in the rotati
Opening Day pregame with Bobby Valentine: Jacoby Ellsbury once again a leading man – WEEI blog Alex Speier
DETROIT — After plenty of speculation, the inaugural Red Sox lineup of the 2012 season looked…and awful lot like the one that ended last year, at least at the top of the order. Manager Bobby Valentine‘s first official Red Sox lineup
Live Blog: Jon Lester, Red Sox take on Justin Verlander, Tigers in season opener – WEEI blog WEEI
Red Sox Opener
Bard: Red Sox ‘didn’t even talk about’ making him Bailey replacement – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — If Daniel Bard needed further affirmation that the Red Sox are committed to giving him a chance to succeed as a starting pitcher, it came this week when they never broached the subject of moving him back to the bullpen to replace inju
Lamoriello here to watch Devils, root on Bobby V — plus, more links – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Before he accepted a two-year contract to manage the Red Sox, Bobby Valentine called a few old friends, including New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello, for advice. It’s fitting, then, that Lamoriello is in town for Valenti
Bobby V. meets with Tito, hears from Henry – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — So how did Bobby Valentine feel upon waking up for his first Opening Day in the major leagues since 2002? “I got up so long ago,” he said, “I can’t remember. “To tell you the truth, I think I have the same feeling that most of the guys
Video: Tito says Lester needs fast start – ESPN Boston blog, ESPNBoston.com
ESPN analyst Terry Francona, in Detroit covering his former team’s 2012 debut against the Tigers, talks about how he managed Jon Lester’s starts and weighs in on the current bullpen situation. Francona, after acknowledging the “weird” feeling of cov
Minor league rosters set – Boston Globe Extra Bases
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff Here are the rosters for the Red Sox minor league affiliates. In some cases, these will be changed before the teams actually open. Any players you don’t see are either in extended spring training or…
Bobby V’s first pre-game session as Red Sox manager – MLB blog, Ian Browne
What went into the decision to keep Ellsbury in the leadoff spot?  “Jacoby? Obviously we talk about the lineup as a group. It seems like in this grouping he looks really good being there and I also thought it would be apropos for you guys to write
Valentine radio controversy an absolute joke – WEEI blog Kirk Minihane
This is a joke, right? I mean, no one actually cares that Bobby Valentine — who, during the course of the season, will speak twice a day to beat writers, once a day to WEEI in pregame and Jenny Dell of NESN in postgame and will also do a 20-min
Pre-game notes from Comerica Park – Boston Globe Extra Bases
It was more than a little strange to see ESPN’s Terry Francona, in a suit, waiting outside the manager’s office to go in and talk to Bobby Valentine.
Cherington: No promises to Bard – WEEI Rob Bradford
Appearing on the Dennis and Callahan Show Thursday morning, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said no guarantees had ever been made to Daniel Bard regarding having a spot in the starting rotation, prior to the season over after the injury sustai
Red Sox Opening Day lineup – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — Here is the lineup for the Red Sox for their Opening Day matchup against the Tigers. 1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF 2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B 3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B 4. David Ortiz, DH 5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B 6. Ryan Sweeney, RF 7. Cody Ross, LF 8. Jarr
Lineup: Ortiz cleaning up vs. Verlander – WEEI Alex Speier
DETROIT — The Red Sox will feature a largely familiar lineup as they prepare to open the 2012 season against the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander. Jacoby Ellsbury will return to his familiar leadoff spot, followed by Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gon
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington Opening Day live from Detroit – WEEI Red Sox Audio
Ben Cherington joined Dennis and Callahan discussed Bobby V on NY Radio, Bailey’s injury and much more live from Detroit on Opening day. [0:00:00] … some AT&T hotline AT&T forgy LT eat the general manager of the Boston Red Sox bench aren’t that hap
Experience not required: Alfredo Aceves ready to close for first time – WEEI blog Alex Speier
DETROIT — When the Red Sox acquired Mark Melancon from the Astros, some skepticism existed about whether he was ready to close in Boston. After all, Melancon had spent less than a full year as the closer of a last-place team in Houston. While h
Unorthodox approach catches on – Boston Herald, Michael Silverman
Bobby Valentine has had six weeks to work his managerial magic on the Red Sox in Fort Myers. Those whose professional…
Big payroll not answer for Ben Cherington – Boston Herald, John Tomase
The Red Sox will spend more on players this year than the gross domestic products of Palau and the Marshall Islands,…
Bobby Valentine storms in at perfect time – Boston Herald, Ron Borges
Bobby Valentine’s critics insist he’s a lightning rod. So what, exactly, is a lightning rod? According to the…
Top three must lead arms race – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
Six months ago, they were the faces of the steepest late-season free fall in baseball history, a veritable…
Bobby Valentine wastes little time on job – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
If ever there was a doubt that things would change for the Red Sox under Bobby Valentine, it was erased within…
Faithful say winning will heal wounds – Boston Herald, Rachel Fox
One of the major themes of this new Red Sox season, which begins today in Detroit, is putting the disappointment…
Sox nucleus takes the lead in time of need – Boston Herald, Michael Silverman
They led the major leagues in runs, hits, doubles, total bases, on-base percentage and slugging percentage and…
Comings and goings – Boston Herald, John Tomase
It was a busy winter for the Red Sox, who did not sit on their laurels after the beer-soaked disaster that was…
No letup in this league – Boston Herald, Scott Lauber
Over the years, Joe Maddon has relished the competitiveness of the AL East, where three teams have won at least…
Bouncing back strong a matter of Sox pride – Boston Herald, Steve Buckley
The starting pitching is shaky, uncertain. The closer job is up in the air after Andrew Bailey’s right thumb…
Are you ready for Red Sox-Tigers? We’ve got lineups. – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Citing his desire for a competitive edge, and perhaps to build the drama of his first season-opener with the Red Sox, Bobby Valentine hasn’t revealed the identity of his Opening Day lineup. Until now. Here it is, the lineup post
Some Opening notes, quotes and gloats – ESPN Boston blog, Gordon Edes
DETROIT — And so it begins. Good morning from the Motor City, where the weather could not be better for Opening Day. Partly cloudy skies, temperatures headed to a high of 51, with more of the same scheduled for Saturday and a few showers possible on
Red Sox coverage in today’s Globe – Boston Globe Extra Bases
Dan Shaughnessy writes that it doesn’t look good for the Red Sox as the season opens. Bobby Valentine named Alfredo Aceves as his new closer. Nick Cafardo writes that it should have been Daniel Bard. Tony Massarotti writes that it…
Game 1: Red Sox at Tigers – Boston Globe Extra Bases
Here are the lineups for Game 1: RED SOX (90-72 in 2011) Jacoby Ellsbury CF Dustin Pedroia 2B Adrian Gonzalez 1B David Ortiz DH Kevin Youkilis 3B Ryan Sweeney RF Cody Ross LF Jarrod Saltalamacchia C Mike Aviles SS…
Red Sox set for Opening Day — plus, links – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — Good morning, all. And now, at last, it can be said: Happy Opening Day! Ready or not, the Red Sox will open the 2012 season here at 1:05 against the Detroit Tigers. For the first time since they trudged off the field in Baltimore on S
Video: As Red Sox open season, questions, injuries abound – Boston Herald Blog
DETROIT — T-minus only 4-1/2 hours until the Red Sox raise the curtain on 2012 here at Comerica Park, and we will have lineups and other pregame notes shortly. For now, here are Herald baseball writers Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) and John Tomas
Red Sox hope sun rises again – Boston Herald, John Tomase
Tom Werner surveyed the scene before ownership’s first press conference of the spring in Fort Myers. The media…
25 Red Sox, 25 Questions: Predicting the performances of the ’12 team – WEEI Alex Speier
Time for WEEI.com’s annual roundtable of 25 Red Sox, 25 questions. A panel of so-called experts examines the roster by addressing a number of timely questions — um, what? Bailey had…surg…oh my — about the 2012 roster. Participa
Reasons aplenty to expect no title for Red Sox – Boston Globe, Dan Shaughnessy
The Red Sox this year are underdogs, hiding in the weeds while all the attention is focused on American League teams from New York, Detroit, Anaheim, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Tampa Bay.