As we move deeper into the offseason, I will be recalling month by month the 2007 season of the World Champion Boston Red Sox.
APRIL
Entering the 2007 season, the Red Sox were trying to avenge a disappointing 2006 campaign, in which they missed the playoffs altogether and finished in 3rd place. Many picked the Sox to win the division, but the majority still believed the Yanks were a better team. Take a look at this ESPN RED SOX PREVIEW. Pay special attention to that pick by Steve Phillips. ESPN also predicted that some guys named Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury would be prospects to watch during the season.
Once the season got underway, it was time to see if the Red Sox could be talented enough to make another World Series run. Curt Schilling lost to $55 million man Gil Meche on Opening Day, but the Sox bounced back to win the next 2, with solid performances by Josh Beckett and Dice-K. The Red Sox went on to lose 2/3 to the Texas Rangers, but Schilling did win his 1st game of the season.
After a 3-3 road trip, the Sox came home for their home opener, splitting 2 games with the Mariners and sweeping the Angels in 3 games. Beckett picked up his 3rd win of the season in the final game of the first home stand. After winning 2/3 in Toronto, the Red Sox were red hot and ready for the Yankees @ Fenway.
GAME OF THE MONTH: The Red Sox trailed 6-2 in their first matchup against the hated Skanks. But in the bottom of the 8th, the Sox rallied in their Green uniforms to shock the Yanks. The Sox rallied to make it 6-4, when Crisp hit a 2 RBI triple off Mariano Rivera to tie the game. Alex Cora singled home Crisp and the Sox took a 7-6 lead. Okajima came in for the 9th and got his 1st save of 2007.
The Sox went on to Sweep the Yankees, as Beckett went to 4-0 and Dice-K went to 2-2. Although the Sox lost their next 2 to Toronto, they bounced back with another 2 wins @ Baltimore. The Sox ended the month with a big 3-game series @ the Yanks. They were able to take 2/3 on the road, bringing their 2007 record against the Yanks to 5-1.
AL EAST STANDINGS (AFTER APRIL 30)
BOSTON 16-8
TORONTO 13-12 3.5 GB
BALTIMORE 12-14 5 GB
TAMPA BAY 11-14 5.5 GB
NY YANKEES 9-14 6.5 GB
The Red Sox were off to a great start, and the Yanks continued to struggle. It was a very happy time in Beantown. The player of the month had to be Josh Beckett who surprisingly was already 5-0. Papelbon, who was suppossed to be a starter before the year began recorded 8 saves in the month. Mike Lowell led the team with a .314 April.
Stay tuned for the Red Sox May recap next week. Also, stay tuned for the Mets April recap coming within the next few days.
Haven't posted in a while but plenty of things have happened over the past week that I am very thankful for. Here they are:
Bonds Indicted: This is GOOD for baseball. Everyone says this is bad, but this is a big step in learning about the past and moving on. Baseball must rid the game of steroids and who better than Barry Bonds? We all knew Bonds took steroids and he should pay for it. This is even better because Bonds will probably never play again. Unfortunately, this should've happened earlier. Then he'd never have his tainted record.
A-Rod is Back!: This is also very GOOD news! 10 more years of A-Rod = 10 more years of no titles for the skanks. He's not a team player, has a huge ego, and stinks in the clutch...the Yanks could've done a lot better with $275 mil. Plus, this keeps A-Rod away from Boston or the Mets and him and Boris still come out of this looking like idiots! A-Rod's reputation continues to suffer and Boris took a huge hit, when A-Rod negotiated on his own. That $350 mil contract they wanted never happened. That's too bad...way too bad. The classless, selfish individual who thinks hes better than all of baseball is coming to the classless organization that believes its better than all of baseball. It's a perfect match and just more reasons to hate those New York Yankees.
Lowell is Back!!!: This is the best news of the offseason so far. First Schill was back, and now the Sox get back their World Series MVP and gold glover 3B. I dont care about the numbers, I rather have the classy Mike Lowell for $37 mil any day over that other AL East 3B who has 0 rings to date. I am thrilled beyond words to have Lowell and his 120 RBI back @ Fenway Park where he does so well hitting off the monster. ORTIZ, MANNY, LOWELL...now that's one hell of a middle order. Take that New York or any other American League Team. The Sox are bringin back nearly an identical roster from last yr and you better bet they'll be back as serious contenders. Back to back titles here we come! Welcome back Mikey!
Torrealba Gone, Estrada In: Ok, in one of the weirdest tales to be talked about @ the Thanksgiving table, the Mets agreed to Torrealba and then didn't. It may have had something to do with an injury, the steroid investigation, or maybe a desire to return to Colorado. I don't know, but I never really wanted him. Estrada has had a few .300 seasons in the past and is a solid catcher who has the ability to be a low risk, high reward type of guy. If he struggles, we still got one of the best backups in the game, Ramon Castro who is an excellent hitter. Now to improve the pitching. PLEASE GET PITCHING METS!!! PLEASE OMAR!!! I am thankful for this move even more for this reason...
MOTA IS GONE!!!: VICTORY!!! The terrible Guillermo Mota is gone, traded to the Brewers for Estrada. WOOO!!! Mota was ok on steroids and awful without them. The only way to stop Willie from constantly using him, was to trade him. Way to go Omar!!! Now, make a splash for Santana! The Sox might be after Santana too. Just hope he stays away from the Skanks who once again forgot to go after pitching this offseason.
This is everything I'm thankful for. I'm also thankful for a great 2007 baseball year, culminating in the Sox 2nd title in 4 years! Can't wait till next year. 5 AM Opening Day in Japan!!! WOOO!
And, I am also thankful for Shea Stadium, as we move into it's last year. You all may think it's a dump, and it is, but it's still the home of pretty much all of the greatest Met memories (and the Beatles) and It'll be extremely sad to see it go. But, damn City Field's going to be awesome.
Check out this ESPNEWS interview with ESPN's D.J. Gallo. Gallo is very funny and does his weekly segment every Tuesday on ESPNEWS. Pay close attention to his comments about Arod and his newest children book early on in the video:
Very, very funny. I suggest you all try to watch his segment each week and read more Page 2. Sometimes it's best to look at the lighter side of sports, especially when we can all laugh at Arod.
As the Hot Stove gets underway, there are plenty of rumors floating around baseball. Here's a look at the hottest rumors on this 2nd Saturday of November.
The Mets and Yankees could be the front-runners for Twins SP Johan Santana. These 2 huge NY markets could be going head to head for the best pitcher in baseball. The Twins will probably want a top prospect and a top OF. Many GM's have the feeling that Santana will definitely be moved.
The Red Sox have reportedly offered Mike Lowell a 3 year deal for about $12 million. Lowell appears to be mulling over this deal and many believe he will accept it, although he might be looking for a 4th year.
The Texas Rangers have a lot of interest in CF Torri Hunter, but will not be willing to give him a ton of money. They might want to go a cheaper route, looking at Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron.
The Yanks may make a strong move for Miguel Tejada. The O's would probably trade their SS for a top OF prospect. The Yanks are also making little progress with C Jorge Posada, who wants to test free agency. The Yanks reportedly have only offered Posada 3 years. The all-star catcher is seeking 4. If the Yanks don't resign him, look for the Mets to step in and offer him a nice, big contract.
Nationals are interested in Andruw Jones, and Jones has not ruled out going there.
The Padres are throwing around the idea of trading Jake Peavy, although they would need a huge package to let go of their ace.
New Dodgers manager Joe Torre thinks it's a possibility A-Rod could land with the team. He did acknowledge that it would be hard to pay the all-star 3B. Scott Boras has checked in with the Red Sox, to discuss A-Rod's free agency.
Should be interesting to follow all these rumors as Winter progresses.
After Arod opted out right in the middle of the Red Sox clinching victory, the rumors began to swirl on where the heck he'd end up. Two of those possibilities? The Red Sox and the Mets. As a fan of both, I say PLEASE STAY AWAY!
First off, let me say how rude and terrible the timing of his announcement was. Whether it was his faults or Boris, ARod has a plan to get as much publicity as possible and have his ego screaming out to America once again. Once again, Arod proved how much of a jerk he was and how he believes he's bigger than the game. This was a night for the Red Sox, the Rockies, and Baseball. This was a night where the Red Sox players, none as talented as Arod, all experienced a title, something Arod has never done. I believe he will never get one, because of his chemistry problems he brings to the table. He has a huge ego and psychological issues in big clutch moments like the playoffs. I am so glad Arod never became a Red Sox and it must remain that way. STAY THE HECK AWAY!
Red Sox Nation hates and I mean HATES Arod as much as I do. That's why the fans were chanting after their title, "Don't sign Arod." If this message isn't clear enough, than I don't know what is. Bring back Lowell and forget about Arod. For all his talent, the Sox who have great chemistry, don't need a $300 million ego who stinks in October on the team. He can potentially damage a potential dynasty. Although it would probably make Yankee fans angry, I never want to see him anywhere near Boston, unless he's strikin out in October again. Come to Boston Arod and Varitek should beat the hell out of you again. No one wants you here. Selfish isn't a term in the Red Sox dictionary.
The Mets is a more likely possibility and I hope Omar and the Mets will just flirt with the guy to get good publicity and show they're trying. Remember where Arods ego was when he wanted a ton of money, a private jet, and all that crap when the Mets tried to sign him in the first place? Well, he hasn't changed. It's not worth $300 million to sign him and start moving Reyes and Wright around. Nor do I want to see Reyes traded for Santana and find myself watching and rooting for a team with the highest paid pitcher and highest paid hitter. He can't handle New York and that's part of the reason Mr. Selfish wants out. Please leave! Go, FAR FAR AWAY. How 'bout California? Join Joe in LA, become a GIANT, join Lou and become a Cub. I don't care. Just stay the hell away from Boston or New York. Go party with your mistress, go cry to your psycologist, go slap balls out of people's gloves when you failed to come through once again. JUST STAY AWAY!
Arod is the most selfish player of all time and I hope he never wins a championship, leaving his legacy as one that was paid a ton, who put up great regular season numbers, but never EVER got it done when it counted, October. He's right up there with Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and even Jason Juicer Giambi as my least favorite players. I loathe them all and especially right now Mr. Arod. I will be very angry if he ever puts on a Sox or Met uniform.
The Boston Red Sox have won their 2nd title in 4 years and I'm too happy to put it into many words. A lot of great players, a lot of great characters, and an undeniable drive to win.
It's time to celebrate and party like its 2007! Way to go Red Sox!
