September: Hardest month ever for Red Sox?

Tuesday officially starts the first day of September.

In Major League Baseball, a lot of stuff goes down.

• The 25-man roster expands to 40
• Every game counts as it were the playoffs
• Magic numbers lurk about
• MVP candidates are chanted out
• It's a preview of what's to come in October

For the Boston Red Sox this year all of the above is true, but this September isn't quite looking so easy as it once was.

The Red Sox were lucky to finish the month of August at 16-12 and need to continue their winning pace.

Whenever the words "Tampa Bay" were inscribed on the September calendar the words "easy sweep" always followed. But ever since last year that has not been the case and the Red Sox face the Rays six more times before the close of the regular season.

Boston opens up a three-game series tomorrow night at Tropicana Field in Tampa, which may be the second most important series of the month. Currently the Rays are five games back in the American League Wild Card race for third place with the Red Sox in the lead. 

Texas is in second and hanging on in the chase as well back three and a half games (Rangers are currently losing 11-10 against Toronto in the top of the ninth inning). 

The Red Sox play the Rays again at Fenway on September 11-13. The next big series for Boston is at New York on September 25-27 and mixed in between are the red hot Los Angeles Angels. However there are some weaker teams in the mix with Chicago, Baltimore, and Kansas City, but that still doesn't mean anything.

The last series of the regular season, Boston hosts a four-gamer to the Cleveland Indians into the early days of October.

It's going to be one heck of a ride with so many question marks.

Can Paul Byrd and Billy Wagner be unsung heros?

Will Daniel Bard continue his dominancy and not break against Tampa Ray and New York?

Will Jonathan Papelbon close the easy way or the heart attack way?

David Ortiz and Jason Bay in the clutch?

Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield?

Will Josh Beckett return to his mid-season form?

We'll have to just wait and see.

College newspapers: Good ideas gone bad

Ever have one of those ideas that seem to be absolutely brilliant at the time, but once it's all said and done, turns out to be one big flop?

Well this week, I examined some of these good attempts that didn't exactly turn out so hot or clearly have not been used properly.

The Daily Texan, which was critiqued last week, makes headlines again as the sports staff setup a live football chat earlier today. They used the best of the best live chatting software in "Cover It Live" and even integrated Twitter and polls.

Austin Talbert hosted the chat before football writer David Henry joined in to take and answer questions (kind of like how boston.com fills in for Tony Massarotti who always seems to get stuck in traffic on I-93).

It was the Daily Texan's first ever live chat.

Great idea? Yes. So what went wrong?

On Cover It Live, the person running the blog (it's really used for live blogging) has full control of what's published and what's not published. They can received 100s of comments, but can choose to only publish half of them. They can even block users if they wish.

This is how the "first ever" live chat started off:

1:56	David R. Henry:  Okay we're going to do this until 2:50. We'll start with the first question.

1:56	[Comment From Grendel] I hate the Daily TEXAN. I bet 80% of readers here would agree. So, shoud Childs starts?

What an amazing way to attract more readers. Maybe I shouldn't follow them after all?

To check out the entire replay, click here.

Next comes from the Quinnipiac Chronicle at Quinnipiac University. 

A lot of the top notch college newspapers are setting up Twitter accounts, which is a great idea using this new grade of technology and communication. Twitter is great to follow tons of news pages with not only up-to-date content, but as well as video links, as well as Twitpics. In this case the QU didn't use Twitpic, but UberTwitter an application for blackberries. 

On its Twitter page, the QU Chronicle posted up a picture of the latest construction going on campus. Apparently the construction is occurring right outside of its office window.

Fair enough, but just look at the picture.

Would it have killed them to at least do away with the blinds? No quality newspaper would run this photo with the obstruction of office blinds. Stupid, but true. It was a good attempt, but the picture is awful.

And sticking with Twitter, most college newspapers know how to properly use it, but The Hilltop Online of Howard University, clearly does not know how to use Twitter to its greatest potential.

Currently on its homepage there isn't a single link to one story, photo, video, or anything? The only link they managed to put on there was the direct link to its main web page and it isn't even shortened.

One "tweet" reads:

"To read the campus columnists' words, go to www.hilltoponline.com and click on 'The Voices on Campus' tab at the top. Read up!"

Did they actually just give step by step instructions using Twitter to find a link? Why didn't they just insert the link using TweetDeck like normal people? That's the whole point of using Twitter.

Amazing stuff lets see if they catch on.

Good thing Red Sox didn't get Roy Halladay

Remember when it was an absolute need to trade for Roy Halladay before the July 31 deadline?

Toronto wanted the Red Sox to give up Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, and Lars Anderson for its ace pitcher, but after today's outing that trade looks even more ridiculous.

Halladay cruised to a quick 10-1 start and was already the leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award. Then he got plagued by a groin injury, which put him in the 15-day disabled list.

But since July 29, Halladay has not been his lights out dominant self.

In his last seven starts, Halladay is 2-5 with losses to the Red Sox (twice), New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays. In those seven starts, he gave up a season high eight runs to the Rays and has allowed a total of 30 in 49 innings.

Doc has also given up 65 hits with nine of those being home runs.

His shortest outing came against Boston on August 19, where he went only five innings and allowed five runs on eight hits. His worst outing, he pitched a complete game against New York, but gave up 10 hots, five runs, and three home runs for the loss.

Think if the Red Sox traded for him. Obviously he would have faced different clubs, but in the end he still would of pitched against New York and Tampa Bay and not Boston.

No Buchholz? No Bard? After Buchholz's performance on Saturday night, it's a good thing he wasn't shipped away. And Bard? Well he finally broke and showed he was human, but he's still a kid that can throw 100 mile per hour gas and will be a valuable asset in the future with the club.

So isn't it a good thing the Red Sox didn't trade for Halladay? Just another one of those 'what ifs' that appears to finally have gone in Boston's way.

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 21)

After the Boston Red Sox dropped two out of three to the first place New York Yankees in the American League East, it was smoother sailing when the Chicago White Sox came to town for a four-game series.

Boston took the first three and almost threatened to sweep. Wednesday David Ortiz was back to to his clutch ways, hitting the game winning walk off home run. 

On Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays, Jason Bay was the hero of the game, as he launched a two-run shot to tie up the score before there was a rain delay in the eighth inning. The Red Sox would score in the bottom half and win the game.

Alex Gonzalez has been swinging a hot bat as of late since the first game of the White Sox seires going 8-for-20 with two home runs, three runs-batted-in, and a double. He rose his batting average from .194 to .275.

Jonathan Papelbon went three for three in save chances this week.

Today, the Red Sox will try to sweep the Blue Jays before heading out for a seven game road trip to play Tampa Bay and Chicago.

Sunday August 23 - Saturday August 29

Weekly record: 5-2

Overall record: 75-54

AL East standing: 2nd, 6.0 games behind New York

AL Wild Card standing: 1st, 2.5 ahead of Texas

Runs scored: 39

Opponents' runs scored: 37

Home runs: 10; J.D. Drew (3), David Ortiz (2), Alex Gonzalez (2), Jason Bay (2), Mike Lowell (1)

Games left: 33

Weeks left: 5

What's wrong with Josh Beckett?

Where is the real Josh Beckett? 

The one who throws at least seven innings of quality ball. 

The one who registers eight-ten strikeouts per start. 

The one who dominates any opponent and gives up two-three runs tops.

Where did he go? Is this deja vu all over again?

Beckett has clearly not been his dominating self on Friday night where the Boston Red Sox took on its divisional rival, the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Sox got lucky and edged their way back to eventually win 6-5 after a rain delay.

The 'Ace' went five innings, gave up five hits, five runs, five walks, and had nine strikeouts on 108 pitches. He also gave up two home runs to Aaron Hill in the second and Rod Barajas in the fifth. That puts Beckett's home run total at 22 and 10 of them in his last three starts.

The CMSB is blaming Beckett for taking off his hemp necklace in the second inning. 

Chad Finn via Twitter said, "Why am I suddenly worried we're going to be hearing the word 'oblique' tomorrow morning?"

Can anyone say 2006 minus the blisters? 

In 2006, Beckett's first year with the Red Sox, he gave up a career high of 36 home runs. In 2007, he cut that number in half with only 17 long balls and last season only allowed one more to his 2007 total.

As the end of August approaches, it's almost kind of scary with Boston's 'Ace' continuing to give up easy runs. And with a pennant race in full swing and the pitching rotation not in its best form, it's even more scary.

Speaking of pitching, why didn't the Red Sox claim Scott Kazmir off waivers? Kazmir who is a nightmare every time he takes the mound to face the Sox? The Los Angeles Angels of all teams picked him up and made the trade with Tampa Bay. The Angels who the Sox could potentially face in the American League Division Series.

Big mistake?

It definitely could be.

Mike Reiss to leave Globe, join ESPNBoston

Last night I received an email from Ian Bethune over at Sox & Dawgs with some shocking news out of The Boston Globe front.

The Globe's Chad Finn reported in his media column on Thursday that colleague and New England Patriots' beat writer, Mike Reiss will be departing the Globe and joining ESPNBoston, the sports network's second city specific site.

Reiss joins Marc J. Spears who recently left to join Yahoo! Sports.

The first city specific site to launch was ESPNChicago, which debuted in mid-April. The Boston site is scheduled to be active on September 14. 

The national network is trying to make a local brand for itself and it will also be competing with the Globe's online website, Boston.com as well as WEEI.com.

Globe editor, Martin Baron had this to say about Reiss who joined the staff in July of 2005 after serving on the Metro West Daily News.

"We're very sorry to lose Mike Reiss. But talent runs deep in our sports staff. We'll draw on the other great sports journalists who work here, and we'll bring in some new talent too."

Interesting.

Along with Reiss whose sole focus was the Patriots is Christopher L. Gasper. Does this mean Gasper will be promoted to Patriot's beat writer and another writer will be brought in? 

Will the other name be a big ticket one? And if so, would Gasper be bumped?

ESPNBoston definitely did its homework though and recruited the right guy to provide in-depth coverage of the Pats. 

So with Reiss leaving does this mean his blog, Reiss's Pieces will go with him too? Obviously Boston.com will have to change that.

Just another day in the world wide changing sports media industry and not surprisingly The Boston Globe.

College newspapers: The Daily Texan holds "tryouts"

If you're becoming a regular reader of Batter-up with Bruno, you'll notice the trend starting to form about reporting and critiquing on college newspapers.

This week I lightened up a bit and took out the word "worst" because this particular newspaper isn't near being the worst, but I did discover something peculiar.

The Daily Texan, The University of Texas at Austin's student-run newspaper is currently holding tryouts to join its staff. The paper is hiring in all departments including news, photo, video, life & arts, sports (of course), design, and etc.

Tryouts? I thought tryouts were only in reference to sports, acting, and music to show off your amazing playing/acting skills. So I guess trying out for a newspaper, you get to show off your amazing writing, editing, designing, photography, and whatever else skills?

Why not just submit an application stating why you want to join The Daily Texas with three-five writing (photography or design) samples like any other newspaper or job does?

I'd love to see a behind the scenes looks at what goes on during these "tryout" sessions. I can just picture it now.

"So why do you want to be on The Daily Texan?" - Veteran DT staff member

"Because I love to write!" - Incoming freshman

"Quick! What are four things a reporter never leaves without!" - Veteran DT staff member

"What? Um a pen..." - Freshman

"What are the five W's?" - Veteran DT staff member

"Five what?" - Freshman

"That's not quick enough! Quick, go interview that kid in the hallway!" - DT vet

"What kid? About what?" - Freshman

"How should I know? You're the journalist who apparently doesn't know what equipment to carry and what the five W's are. You figure it out!" - DT vet

"Is this a joke? Why are you yelling?" - Freshman

"And I want a 400 word article in 10 minutes!" - DT vet

"The kid just walked away..." - Freshman

"You want to be a DT journalist?!" - DT vet turning into a drill sergeant

"You're insane, can I talk to someone else?" - ridiculously confused and now disturbed freshman

"If you think this is insane you have no idea. This is the life of a journalist. News happens on the fly. If you can't handle this small task and know your facts, you're not qualified to be in the news industry, next!" - DT vet

"Why did I come to this school?" - Freshman

I really doubt that's what exactly goes on (could you imagine if this really did?), but to hold an efficient tryout to weed the strong from the weak, they have to cook up some kind of tactic.

Lumberjack Classic raises money, hope, and memories for Kenny Toporowski

This is one of those feel good stories that's also connected with the Boston Red Sox. 

Cancer isn't a foreign subject especially in the Sox organization, that's why public address announcer Carl Beane and Wally the Green Monster made a special trip out to support and host "The Lumberjack Classic," for Westfield Wheelmen baseball player Kenny "Lumberjack" Toporowski.

Here's the full article below that was printed in today's Westfield Plus section in The Springfield Republican.

WESTFIELD - Everyone knows at least one person in their life who has been diagnosed or stricken with cancer. Some are lucky enough to seek treatment and be OK, but others end up losing the battle because it was far too late.

Kenny "Lumberjack" Toporowski, who plays for the Westfield Wheelmen, a Vintage Base Ball team was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme stage 4 brain cancer back in February and wasn't looking good at all.

After emergency surgery and multiple visits to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Toropowski is back playing in games with his fellow teammates.

"I'm 110 percent, I'll tell you.

Ever since my five months from April on I feel 110 percent better," said Toporowski. "Before that, I felt like I wanted to die, I'll be honest. Other than that, I'm going to live day by day and see what it brings."

On Aug. 8 the Wheelmen hosted the Lumberjack Classic held at Bullens Field in honor of their teammate. The benefit exceeded expectations and all the proceeds went directly to Toporowski and his family to cover treatments and hospital bills.

"As a player, I am overwhelmed. To come here and to see all of these people, it's amazing," said Toporowski. "Just to see how many people support my benefit, I'm just lost for words."

The Wheelmen played the Latin Stars where its coach, Ray Mota is a two-time cancer survivor. Mota was stricken with astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer, and lymphoma later on, but is happily living cancer free.

"I got the call from Dan Genovese and got my guys to fly in from everywhere just to be here. No questions asked," said Mota.

Boston Red Sox public address announcer Carl Beane was the master of ceremonies, and he brought along Wally the Green Monster who entertained the crowd throughout the game. At one point Wally filled in as the third-base coach and even pinch hit in the game. Sadly, he grounded out to the shortstop, but made a good hustle to first base.

"There are people in my life that either have been claimed by cancer or have survived, so anything that has to do with doing something for people dealing with cancer I will do anything I can," said Beane. "It's very important, it needs to be eradicated and if this can sort of make a little path, I'm all for it."

Spectators had a great time for a great cause. Prior to the game there was a home run derby contest split into two divisions, the adult and 12 and under.

Latin Stars player Kenny "No No" Noe won the adult division and Brandon Bennett was crowned 12 and under champion. Both took home custom handmade wooden baseball bats.

As an incentive for the concession stands and gift shop, for every $2 spent, everyone received custom Westfield Wheelmen baseball cards to collect and trade with friends.

Throughout the game, children received autographs of their favorite players on the cards.

"Each of us continue to get compliments about what we achieved, how it was handled and the attention to detail in all areas of the event," said Dan "Gunner" Genovese, captain and founder of the Wheelmen. "Of course none of this would have been possible without the generous sponsors, wonderful vendors and of course all the fans and friends of the Lumberjack."

Jacoby Stealsbury; Red Sox center fielder breaks franchise stolen base record

Jacoby Ellsbury is the human version of Sonic the Hedgehog. 

That's right, I just compared Ellsbury to a cool blue cartoon hedgehog, in which his superpower is running really, really fast, his favorite food are chili dogs, and his job is conquering the evil Dr. Robotnik.

Now really looking at it, I'm not that far off. The blazing speed is a given, but instead of eating chili dogs it's tacos (2007 World Series) and instead of conquering Robotnik it's the "Evil Empire."

The Red Sox center fielder can call himself whatever he wants. Tuesday night Ellsbury stole his 55th base against the Chicago White Sox to break Tommy Harper's franchise record of 54 set back in 1973.

Ellsbury didn't waste anytime as he struck a leadoff double then swiped third easily without a throw from White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski who couldn't get a handle on the baseball.

Ellsbury has only been caught nine times this year, which gives him an 86% chance to not being caught. 

Congratulations Jacoby, you just earned yourself another nickname; Jacoby Stealsbury.

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to see an in-depth graphic of how Ellsbury steals a base.

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball dethrones and deaf tones FOX sports

It was good old ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, which meant Red Sox and Yankees fans alike got to listen to the deafening trio of Jon Miller, Joe Morgan, and Steve Phillips.

Exactly how bad was it?

Saturday I wrote a post criticizing FOX for its poor performance in the broadcast booth. 

Sunday night, it appeared that ESPN wanted to outdo FOX's horribleness.

Here are some examples of actual topics of discussion and some unmemorable quotes.

But before we get to the horribleness, lets start off on an awesome note. At the beginning of the broadcast ESPN had some technical difficulties with its audio and microphones. The mess that got the most praise...Joe Morgan's microphone stopped working.

The best comment of the night came from Chad Finn via Twitter:

"Finally, after all of these years, the words we've been waiting for Jon Miller to say: 'There are technical problems with Joe's microphone...'"

Now for the horribleness...

Actual Topics of Discussion:

Ribbies vs. RBIs; What do you prefer to call runs-batted-in? Joe? Jon? Steve?

Derek Jeter, Derek Jeter, and more Derek Jeter. 

This happened after Jeter launched his 16th home run of the season and 2,700th hit and pretty much after that the trio continued to remind viewers of Jeter's career hit total each time he got another one.

All in all, Jeter's name was mentioned at least a couple hundred times as if he was the only player on the team.

There were some great tweets tonight regarding this subject, one of them being, "I'm thinking ESPN gets paid for each time they mention Derek Jeter."

A shocking twist of events, Morgan was making sense for a change talking about the great pitching matchup between Josh Beckett and C.C. Sabathia (prior to Beckett giving up four home runs and seven runs), but Phillips inserted a comment talking about Jeter and his athletic greatness that he'll take away the pitching matchup.

We know that Jeter is on fire, but lets get real guys.

Joe Morgan Quotes:

"Every year more than one person deserves the MVP award."

"I think he caught it, but it could have touched the ground...?"

"It takes a lot of pitches to strikeout a hitter."

"I wasn't (expecting a pitcher's duel tonight)."

Some Twitterers expressed their opinions on Morgan.

Jon Miller Quotes:

"Derek Jeter doesn't get a hit every time he is up to bat."

"Ouch! Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!" -because Miller thought the pitch hit Jacoby Ellsbury. 

*Crying noises* - after Ellsbury struck out against Sabathia.

Yes, that's right Miller was pretending to cry initiating that Ellsbury was crying after he struck out. You've got to be kidding me.

But the best from Miller, he really showed off his player knowledge skills.

He called Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, when Hughes was pitching.

He called Rocco Baldelli, Jason Bay out in right field.

He called J.D. Drew, Rocco Baldelli when he pinch hit for him in the ninth inning.

I might have even missed a couple more, but that's good enough for now.

And last, but not least, the single handedly worst upon worst that happened all night besides the Red Sox losing, 8-4?

Miller, Morgan, and Phillips all started singing like tone deaf country stars. 

That pretty much explains it all.

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 20)

Despite Friday's embarrassing 20-11 loss to the American League East first place New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox have been on fire power wise dating back to last Friday, August 14 at Texas.

Boston had a phenomenal week at the plate belting a season high 16 home runs and have hit at least two home runs or more in eight straight games. The Red Sox hit three twice and launched four on Saturday. 

Pitching hasn't been too shaky either. The rotation and bullpens gave up single runs in half of its games this week including back-to-back single runs against the Toronto Blue Jays as they swept the three-game series.

Clay Buchholz, Jon, Lester, and Junichi Tazawa all stepped up with the biggest surprise being Tazawa who went six innings and gave up eight hits, no runs, two walks, and two strikeouts in Saturday's 14-1 win over the Yankees.

Another note of recognition, Jacoby Ellsbury tied Tommy Harper's franchise record of 54 stolen bases. He is one away of surpassing it and can easily clock over 65 by seasons end.

Tonight the Red Sox will try to take two out of three from New York to build ground in the AL Wild Card, which is the more realistic focus. On paper it's set to be a pitcher's duel between Josh Beckett and C.C. Sabathia.

Another game to focus on is Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays who wrap up its series this afternoon at Tropicana Field as the Rays look to for the sweep. If they do sweep they'll both be tied for second place in the WC.

Sunday August 16 - Saturday August 22

Weekly record: 4-2

Overall record: 70-52

AL East standing: 2nd, 6.5 games behind New York

AL Wild Card standing: 1st, 2.0 games ahead of Texas

Runs scored: 52

Opponents runs scored: 36

Home runs: 16; David Ortiz (4), Jason Bay (2), Victor Martinez (2), J.D. Drew (2), Kevin Youkilis (2), Dustin Pedroia (1), Mike Lowell (1), Jason Varitek (1), Alex Gonzalez (1)

Games left: 40

Weeks left: 6

FOX at its worst: Tim McCarver can lip read; Ken Rosenthal can't tell stories

It's no mystery that FOX Saturday day baseball is the most gruesome broadcast to listen to, but Saturday evening it proved to hit another low as the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees squared away at Fenway Park.

No it wasn't the Joe Buck and Tim McCarver double duo in the booth, but just having to listen to McCarver was worse enough.

Here are some shorts of what occurred throughout the broadcast.

At Tim McCarver:

We DO NOT care about when the food and drug act was incorporated. Why this was brought up in the first place remains a mystery.

And just when we thought it couldn't have gotten any worse...

Top of the fifth inning...McCarver makes a pun at the W.B. Mason sign. It was so bad, I can't even remember exactly what he said, but it was along the lines of...

"It took that long to hit a double since 1898?" - followed by a creepy and lame chuckle. 

More McCarver quotes:

"I'm a Tweeting fool." - remarks about Twitter.

"I'm sure Red Sox fans rather be seeing Jerry Remy right now instead of me" - on Remy's return to the booth Friday.

We couldn't agree more.

After David Ortiz launched his 20th home run this season off A.J. Burnett McCarver showed off his lip reading skills.

"'Why? Why? Why? Why? Why did I do that?' Burnett said."

And they proceeded to talk about this for two minutes. 

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why did they talk about this for two whole minutes? Yes we are all amazed you could read Burnett's lips.

At Ken Rosenthal:

He tried to tell a story during the top of the third inning about Junichi Tazawa and Terry Francona. Mixed in with some technical microphone difficulties, the end result was Tazawa fetching chewing tobacco and honey for Francona. 

The punch line? Francona was just kidding. 

Wow amazing story telling skills right there. And no this did not occur when it was already a blow out to set the record.

At FOX Sports in general:

FOX advertised its Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

Yeah, I am running to the computer right now to follow them and become a fan so I can get constant updates that I want to chuck out the window.

And probably the most ridiculous of them all...

...showing clips of Derek Jeter's face plant into the stands "all covered in blood" (noted by McCarver) from July 1, 2004. They proceeded to talk about how Jeter was ranked as one of the worst defense shortstops until that point.

I guess they really couldn't think of anything else to talk about since it was another one sided blowout game, except this time it went in Boston's favor. 

When is FOX going to realize they need to hire new people? This discussion will never go away as long as McCarver, Rosenthal, and Joe Buck are with them. At least we'll always have something to talk about?

How the mighty Red Sox have fallen out of the AL East race

It's almost quite hard to believe that the Boston Red Sox were a dominant 8-0 against the New York Yankees to kick off the 2009 season.

But during the last five meetings with the Bronx Bombers, Boston has yet to capitalize and this comes at the more crucial stage of the season.

Friday night was singlehandedly the most embarrassing game all season to the Yankees and perhaps overall, as the Red Sox pitching imploded in a 20-11 loss at Fenway Park.

The sad part about the game is that the offense scored 11 runs, but still managed to lose. 

The run down

Brad Penny could not get his act together until the third inning after giving up six runs and his offense couldn't get a hit until Dustin Pedroia over judged and tried to turn a double into a triple. He got credit with the hit, but recorded the out five seconds later. 

At that point it was a 6-1 ball game with two outs. Who knows what could have happened is Pedroia didn't falter on the base path.

After Penny calmed down and got his act together for a couple of innings he gave up a single to Mark Teixeira, then a long base hit to Alex Rodriguez to put runners on the corners with no outs. Terry Francona knew he had to make the switch, but had no clue what was to come once he brought in Michael Bowden into his second Major League game this season. 

This time, it didn't go so hot.

Bowden was welcomed by a three-run bomb by Red Sox killer Hideki Matsui (two runs were charged t0 Penny) and dealt eight hits, five more runs, and three walks in two innings pitched. After it was all said and done it was 15-4 until the bottom half of the sixth.

The Sox made it interesting for a little bit and a comeback could have been possible if not for the 15 runs already given up, but when it was all said and done, well, it would have been a football score.

ChokeFest

As the month of August creeps to an end and with September right around the corner, the Sox are 7.5 back in the American League East and a game in front of the Texas Rangers in the AL Wild Card race.

Boston has to face New York five more times (including two more this series) and sadly, even though the Sox had an 8-0 advantage at one distant time ago, the Yankees could wind up winning the season series.

Winning the season series? That would have to be added as one of the most embarrassing and biggest chokes in Red Sox history, right up there with the 1978 season.

Stretch focus

The Red Sox need to solely focus on the AL Wild Card and nothing else. For this weekend only Red Sox fans have to be Tampa Bay fans, but also they have to hope and pray that their team will win at least one of these games. 

The only way the Sox will get into the playoffs is if they win the Wild Card because the Yankees are dying off anytime soon and they are too deep into a hole to climb their way out of it.

Now what?

Hope for a better tomorrow? Only the Baseball Gods have a say in that, but not jinx anything, it's A.J. Burnett vs. Junichi Tazawa...not exactly a match up that causes excitement. 

To be continued.

Jerry Remy returns to the NESN booth on Friday

Jerry Remy wrote on his Twitter page that he will be returning to the NESN broadcast booth on Friday when the Boston Red Sox come home to Fenway Park face the New York Yankees.

What a perfect time to return. I guess Remy couldn't bear to miss another Yankees series.

NESN announced it earlier this evening and Remy also wrote a post on his website.

"I’m excited to announce that I will be back in the NESN booth again starting this Friday night. You think I would miss another series with the Yankees!?

 

I will be easing back into things so don’t be surprised if I am not on the road trips. That said, I am excited to be back in the booth with D.O. on Friday. I will bring  Wally, his Adirondack chair and hopefully a little luck for the Sox.

 

Oh ya, congratulations to Dustin and Kelli on the birth of Dylan. I’m sure your MVP award pales in comparison to the birth of your son. Congrats!"

Red Sox Nation will be ready and waiting to give you another standing ovation RemDawg. 

Welcome back!!!

Image taken from The Remy Report.

WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon launch online auction live on eBay

Believe it or not, the 8th Annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is creeping up, but unlike past years, this year there's a twist.

Besides the regular calling in with donations, which takes place on August 27-28, there is currently a live online auction on eBay featuring 16 once in a lifetime experiences/items.

Some highlights include:

1. Throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park with Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke
2. New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox weekend package including airfare and free steak!
3. Score a home game inside the Green Monster 
4. Be an honorary grounds crew member at Fenway Park
5. Jay Leno Show VIP Package (airfare included)
6. The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien VIP Package (4)

The auction will run through Monday, August 24 and 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the Jimmy Fund, which is in conjunction with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Please spread the word to help the Radio-Telethon reach its ultimate goal of $5 million with the generous support of Red Sox Nation.

Worst college newspapers (front page): The Review of Washburn University

It's that time again. Time to dig up some dirt on college newspapers.

This week is a doozy, with a doozy of a front page.

And the award goes to Washburn University for its "Frosh Issue" front page of "the review." 

No that's not a typo, it's spelled all lowercase, which looks demeaning for a newspaper. 

I don't know what's more weird. 

• Washburn's mascot's
  
• The layout of the front page.
  
• 'the review' is all in lowercase. 
• Or why in every photo (except for the one in the top right hand corner) has white lines going through them?

The layout team obviously forgot to do something or it just appears that way, not 100% sure.

WU's mascot is the Ichabod, which is named after Ichabod Washburn who donated $25,000 to the school upon his death. So if that's the case, what was the name of the school beforehand since the whole school including the men's team mascot is named after him? The women's teams are the Lady Blues, which brings even more confusion.

But getting back to the reason we are writing this post...

'Oh, the places you'll go' which is smack dab in the middle of the page with the Ichabod, is beyond creepy and it makes no sense. Sitting on a bench somewhere in one of the academic buildings? That is by far the worst example of the slogan.

Maybe a picture of the school's cafeteria might have been more fit? Or inside a residence hall or at the football stadium?

Who knows.

So congratulations Washburn University, it's not your fault you have a very different and unique school mascot, but learn to layout your front page better with less creepiness and more creativeness. 

Add The Review to my list of worst college newspapers (front pages) online.

UPDATE: Here's a picture (below) of the regular front page that goes out during the school year of The Review.

Now that's a front page design. The "Frosh Issue" is obviously something they put out every year before school starts. It even looks more like a tabloid design versus the broadsheet. 

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 19)

The Boston Red Sox got back on track this week after a horrendous Week 18, as now the main focus has shifted towards the American League Wild Card standings. Now that Boston is 7.5 games back, it's too deep to be solely focusing on the New York Yankees.

The Red Sox offense came alive as the team hit a season high 13 home runs this week. Jason Bay has come back to life and Mike Lowell came out of nowhere bombing two home runs off the bench on Tuesday night. He came in for Kevin Youkilis who was tossed along with Detroit Tigers pitcher, Rick Porcello who hit Youkilis and then charged the mound.

The Sox took three out of four from the Tigers and Sunday afternoon will try to take two out of three from the Texas Rangers who are now the foe in the Wild Card.

Team to focus on for the remainder of the season will be New York, Texas, and the Tampa Bay Rays who are 4.0 games behind in the WC.

Sleepers are the Chicago White Sox (6.5 games back) and the Seattle Mariners (6.5).

Sunday August 9 - Saturday August 15

Weekly record: 4-3

Overall record: 66-50

AL East standing: 2nd, 7.5 games behind New York

AL Wild Card standing: 1st, 0.5 games ahead of Texas

Runs scored: 33

Opponents' runs scored: 30

Home runs: 13; Jason Bay (4), Mike Lowell (3), Victor Martinez (2), Dustin Pedroia (1), Nick Green (1), David Ortiz (1), J.D. Drew (1)

Games left: 46

Weeks left: 7

What if Victor Martinez didn't hit that double?

Friday night's come from behind victory against the Texas Rangers was epic and pure Red Sox clutch.

Down 4-2 heading into the top of the ninth inning, David Ortiz ignited the six-run rally inning as Boston eventually won 8-4.

The key hit of the game came with Victor Martinez at the plate with Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia on base, down 4-3. After being down in the count, 1-2, Martinez worked it to 2-2 and finally found his pitch and notched a line drive double to put the Sox up 5-4.

But what happened before VMart's heroics? 

Clay Buchholz, who pinch ran for Jason Varitek, was gunned down at home plate for the second out in the inning.

Yes, Clay Buchholz.

Terry Francona wanted to put a faster man on the base paths, which is understandable, but putting a pitcher there who has no experience judging where the ball is, how good of an arm the outfielder has, and making break fast decisions, makes one to scratch their head.

Now lets just say Martinez committed the third out? That's the ball game and Boston would have lost 4-3 and guess what? The top story Saturday morning in all of the newspapers and online blogs would have been, "Why did Francona put Buchholz in to pinch run?"

Buchholz was clearly confused. He had no clue where the baseball was and he had no clue if David Murphy caught it so he had to pivot in between second and third base. This cost him home plate and the tying run.

So instead of the media bashing on Francona, instead they are bashing on the Rangers for blowing a lead and falling behind in the American League Wild Card race.

Chad Finn on WHYN 560AM to promote Maple Street Press Patriots Annual 2009

This morning on WHYN News talk 560 AM Springfield with Bo Sullivan, the Boston Globe's Chad Finn was a guest on the show and discussed his new magazine that just came out, the Maple Street Press Patriots Annual 2009.

The show didn't mention Finn wrote for the Globe, but it might be a promotional thing.

The magazine is packed with everything that a diehard New England Patriots fan wants to know and read about.

This year the featured story is nonetheless, Tom Brady recovering from his 2008-09 season ending knee surgery.

Finn talked about Brady who had to have a second surgery because of an infection and how really it's huge to have him back in full form for the 2009-10 season.

Other featured stories are: 

• Kevin Faulk's career and how much of an impact he was with the franchise
• Bill Belichick's personal moves to still maintain a competitive team
• Historic review of the Pats from the unsuccessful past to the reigning present.

Finn is the editor and also has four stories. Other writers include former Boston Globe writer and current WEEI columnist Christopher Price, Ian Clark of the Union Leader, and Chris Warner of Patriots Daily, to name a few.

The price is $12.99 and can be found at any book store and any place that sells magazines. 

MLB.com doesn't know how to add

I was browsing on MLB.com and realized the Boston Red Sox had a day game against Detroit. Being at work all day and swamped, I didn't have time to check the score.

So I go to check out the score of the game and this is what I found. 

Notice anything wrong?

Apparently whoever was working the box this afternoon forgot the basics of mathematics or they accidentally gave the Tigers two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Or they thought that the seventh inning column was the total runs column.

Now whatever the circumstance, it sure confused me and I had to go to boston.com to find out the real score of the game.

For those of you who don't know, Boston lost 2-0, not 3-0.

Congrats MLB.com box scorers, learn how to properly add up columns or to use the software. 

Editor's note: Thanks to Ian Bethune from Sox & Dawgs who kindly gave me a picture of the boxscore.

At Rick Porcello: Why did it have to be Youkilis?

Today it was announced that Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello and Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis were both suspended for five games and fined by Major League Baseball because of their roles in the bench clearing brawl that happened Tuesday night.

Tigers pitcher Edwin Jackson was also fined.

Porcello purposely aimed a 90-mile-per-hour fastball at Youkilis, which hit him on the left upper arm. Youkilis didn't even think and immediately charged the mound, chucking his helmet at Porcello, who was taunting him putting out his arms, "what are you going to do about it?"

Both players were ejected in the second inning as Chris Lambert replaced Porcello and Mike Lowell came in for Youkilis.

The ejection heavily favored Boston as Lowell blasted two home runs off the bench and won the game 7-5. Lambert gave up five runs, five hits (three home runs), walked four, and struck out three.

That's karma alright.

Here's what happened before the aftermath of the bench clearing brawl.

In the top of the first inning, Sox rookie, Junichi Tazawa hit Miguel Cabrera in the left-hand. In the bottom half of the inning, Porcello threw at Victor Martinez, but wasn't successful in hitting him. 

In the bottom of the second with Youkilis leading off, Porcello didn't miss that time.

So out of everyone in the Red Sox starting lineup, why did Porcello have to choose to hit Youkilis? Why couldn't he wait for not Kevin Youkilis to come up? David Ortiz was in the on deck circle then Jason Bay followed, so it's not like he had a good picking either, but the matter of the fact is it was flat out ridiculous.

If Detroit really felt that Tazawa was intentionally trying to hit Cabrera on an 0-2 count then they clearly have issues that need to be addressed. 

The bean balling was a continuation from Monday night's game, which surprisingly no on got tossed from, but why do professional ballplayers have to act like 10-year-olds sometimes?

Porcello was being ridiculous and deserve to be charged there's no question about it. And to think that this wasn't even a Red Sox/Yankees game. Prior to this series, Boston and New York played four games and there wasn't anything even close to a brawl. 

Funny how these things work.

Tazawa gets a re-do; Rookie gets his first start tonight

No one imagined that Boston Red Sox rookie Junichi Tazawa would make his major league debut in the bottom of 14th inning at Yankee Stadium in a 0-0 game.

And no one imagined that he'd wind up giving up the game winning home run to Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 15th with Derek Jeter on and two outs in the inning.

Despite the ending outcome, Tazawa was very impressive in one of the most high pressure situations. He got Hideki Matsui to line out to Jacoby Ellsbury in centerfield for the first out, but then allowed Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano reach on back-to-back singles.

J.D. Drew made that spectacular play in right field robbing Eric Hinske of a game winning hit then struck out Mekly Cabrera to end the inning.

In the 15th, Derek Jeter singled, but Tazawa then retired Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira, which is not an easy task whatsoever. Then A-Rod came up to the plate.

He was so close.

The 23-year-old is getting a second chance however, as Tazawa is starting against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night at Fenway Park. He'll face Rick Porcello who comes in with a 10-7 record, 4.30 earned run average, and has given up 17 home runs in 111 innings pitched.

This is a crucial start for the rookie pitcher as the Red Sox are in desperate need of good pitching. They finally notched out a win Monday night to kill off a six-game losing streak and would like continue their winning ways to stay afloat in the American League Wild Card race.

Currently Boston is holding onto a half game lead over the Texas Rangers. Behind them are the Tampa Bay Rays who are two and a half games back.

Right now it's not about the AL East, it's about securing a playoff spot and it wouldn't be all bad either. If the playoffs were to start today prior to everyone's game, the Red Sox would play the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and New York would face the Tigers. 

And with the playoff history between Boston and Los Angeles, Boston is heavily favored.

It should be an interesting ride.

Boston Globe updates: Gary Washburn new Celtics beat writer; Mazz on The 'SportsHub'

Boston Sports Media Watch reported this morning that ex-Seattle SuperSonics beat writer Gary Washburn has been hired by The Boston Globe to replace Marc J. Spears who took a job at Yahoo! Sports last month.

Washburn was with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 2005-09, a newspaper that only exists online. What's more ironic? The SuperSonics no longer exist either as they are now the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For more more background info see Bruce Allen's piece on BSMW.

Last week there was a rumor circulating that the Globe's Tony Massarotti would become a co-host with former Boston Herald colleague Michael Felger on the all new WBZ-FM's "98.5 The Sports Hub," which launches on Thursday.

The Globe's finest Chad Finn transformed the rumors into realism as he reported that Mazz will become a permanent co-host, but will still write for the newspaper and boston.com multiple times a week.

That clears up my earlier report about why in the world would Mazz leave the Globe for solely radio?

If you'd like to read something demoralizing about the Globe, the Herald has an article saying that the headquarters on Morrissey Boulevard is contaminated and would require a cleanup by any future owner.

What will they dig up next?

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 18)

It's hard to believe what's going on right now. The Boston Red Sox are slipping away no faster than power surge in April and May. Last week was by far the worst all season long. After sweeping the Baltimore Orioles, Boston has yet to win another game in its nine-game road trip. 

The Tampa Bay Rays swept a brief two-game series and the New York Yankees are trying to sweep a four-game series in the Bronx.

For the last two games, the Red Sox have not been able to score any runs and have been shutout in their last 24 innings. It's almost hard to believe that Boston hit eight home runs, but had only one win to show for it.

Lefty Jon Lester takes the hill tonight against another lefty in Andy Pettitte for a 8:05 p.m. start time that will be broadcast on ESPN.

Sunday August 2 - Saturday August 9

Weekly record: 1-5

Overall record: 62-47

AL East standing: 2nd, 5.5 games behind New York

Runs scored: 30

Opponents' runs scored: 40

Home runs: 8; Dustin Pedroia (2), Rocco Baldeli (1), Josh Reddick (1), Kevin Youkilis (1), Jason Bay (1), Victor Martinez (1), Casey Kotchman (1)

Games left: 53

Weeks left: 8

It's Do or DIE, nuff said Red Sox Nation

Honestly, there's nothing I can possible say right now. Only that it's "Do or Die" time and it's only August 8, but this is some serious business and some serious stuff. 

Don't give up Red Sox Nation. Stay positive even though that seems completely impossible right now. Just keep positive, trust me.

John Smoltz DFA'd; Red Sox 2006 nightmares lurking

This may be the saddest end to any future Hall of Famer's career.

It's been reported by multiple sources (starting here) that John Smoltz has been designated for assignment and left to go home to Atlanta Friday.

The original rumor came from WFAN in New York City.

Smoltz completed his worst outing yet in a Boston Red Sox uniform as he went for 3 1/3 innings and allowed eight runs on nine hits, four walks, and two home runs. 

As sad as this is, why did it take Terry Francona this long to realize that it's just not working out? Why did he still opt to start Smoltz in perhaps one of the biggest games during this road-trip stretch?

The loss last night puts Boston three and a half games back of New York and just three games ahead in the loss column to Tampa Bay who has been surging. 

New York is 15-5 since the All-Star Break and is 22-10 since July 1. Tampa Bay is 35-20 since the beginning of June and 12-7 since the break. 

The Red Sox?

They are 15-15 since July 1 and 8-11 since the break.

And what does this remind any Sox fan of? That August meltdown just three seasons ago, perhaps one of the worst meltdowns in recent years. Is this going to happen again?

Every player thinkable is hurt; J.D. Drew, Jason Bay, Rocco Baldelli, Tim Wakefield, and Daisuke Matsuzaka. The pitching rotation has collapsed behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. David Ortiz and Jacoby Ellsbury's bats have gone cold and missing and trading away Justin Masterson for Victor Martinez and looking more horrendous by the day when the Sox needed a long reliever to eat up innings.

Can this be stopped? Everything is happening so fast and it's hard to understand why?

Paying a fee to read the Boston Globe online?

Well this just tears it.

The Boston Herald reported Friday morning that The Boston Globe will begin charging for readers to access content on its website, boston.com.

Globe publisher P. Steven Ainsley gave the news to the union's bosses Thursday and the New York Times Co., who still owns the Boston paper, confirmed it.

Globe spokesman Bob Powers said they are trying to generate more revenue and this is just one way of doing it.

There have been some reports circulating (via Bruce Allen on Twitter) that the San Diego Union-Tribune owner placed a $35 million bid on the paper. Beverly Hills based Platinum Equity, bought the Union-Tribune in May.

However there are also reports that the Times is in no hurry to sell the Globe.

Great, so if looks like I'm pretty much screwed and will have to end up "subscribing online" in order to access all of my Globe articles. And if any of you want to read them you're going to have to pay as well and you probably won't.

Of course I conveniently have all of my articles available in hard copies like every good reporter should do just in case, but usually it's the other way around. 

Once the fee takes effect, the Globe will not be the first newspaper to charge for access.

Some local papers in Western Massachusetts including The Springfield Republican and the Daily Hampshire Gazette charge access to certain articles. The Republican's are free until the story is old enough to be dubbed an archive, then readers cannot read the full story unless they pay to do so.

Bigger newspapers that currently charge are the Wall Street Journal and next on the list will include The New York Post, The Times of London and The Sun, a British tabloid.

Were the budget cuts, benefits, and elimination of lifetime job guarantees not enough?

Is Tony Massarotti leaving the Globe for radio?

It's no secret that WEEI and The Boston Globe were feuding for months, which banned all Globe sportswriters from appearing on the radio network.

However yesterday the two Boston media outlets agreed to put their differences aside and now effectively immediately, Globe sportswriters will appear as guests on all of WEEI's talk shows, which consist of "Dale and Holley," "Dennis and Callahan," and "The Big Show" to list a few.

The catch is that Globe sportswriters can only call-in to "D&C" and "The Big Show," but can co-host and be in the studio for "D&H."

So why a change of heart right now after 10 years?

Yes, back in 1999 Globe sportswriters were banned from appearing on "D&C" and "The Big Show," and it seems like they are still "half banned" because it's by phone only.

Well yesterday, the Boston Herald reported that former Herald sports columnist and current Globe sports columnist Tony Massarotti might be leaving and for an afternoon gig on the all-new "98.5 The Sports Hub."

Uh, oh.

Mazz refused to discuss about the matter, in which if true, he'd partner up with ex-Herald colleague Mike Felger during the afternoon drive shift, that would complete with WEEI's "The Big Show."

Is WEEI scared that they'll lose listeners? Is Mazz really going to leave the Globe after only leaving the Herald to join it a year ago? And why would he leave now during August, a month before contention really heats up with the Boston Red Sox? It doesn't make any sense.

Though the newspaper industry has not faired well and the recent news involving the Globe's troubles could make sense of a leave, it's still puzzling only because Mazz technically works under boston.com, with his featured blog; MAZZ Information, Insight, Analysis and isn't a print guy.

If the Globe did layoffs again, he wouldn't be threatened of losing his job if it's really about that.

Still interesting.

Penny pressure; Red Sox pitcher needs deep outing against Tampa Bay tonight

After last night's extra inning disaster, the Boston Red Sox have to brush aside the loss and look towards the future; that being Brad Penny who takes the mound tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays who now have a 7-4 record against Boston in 2009.

Penny has been known all season not to go past seven innings and lately he hasn't been making it past five. His last start against Oakland on July 29, the right-hander pitcher lasted for five innings and gave up seven runs off seven hits and four walks.

Besides facing the Rays who are already a Red Sox fan's worst nightmare right now, Penny's stats don't help the cause one bit.

It's crucial that Penny's goes at least six innings if not more thanks to a dead bullpen because of last night's 13-inning loss where six relief pitchers were used.

Also it's crucial that Boston's bats wake up and produce. Scoring two runs generally doesn't secure a win and with the addition of Victor Martinez you'd think critics would stop bringing this matter up.

How critical does Theo Epstein look now trading away Justin Masterson in part for the Martinez deal?

Masterson could have easily gone three innings if needed and Terry Francona wouldn't of had to use up all of his arms. Clay Buchholz at one point was warming up in the pen during the top of the 12th inning.

The Rays just love to give the Sox trouble, especially down in their house. How can Boston break this hex? Maybe they should bury a Jacoby Ellsbury jersey under the turf.