Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Hanrahan blows his first save, Orioles fly by Sox late

A notable night at Fenway Park as the "Sellout Streak", which began on May 15, 2003, came to an "official" close.  Ask me if I care. 

On to the game, where the Red Sox had their first rain delay of the year. Prior to the delay, the Sox had a sloppy game of errors and mis-communication in the field.

In the first inning, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino bumped into each other near the bullpen, resulting in a run scored. Later in the fourth inning, Jackie Bradley Jr added to the mishap and collected his first major league error on a botched ball in left field. A run resulted from that error as well, giving the Red Sox two unearned runs. What should have been a 3-1, turned into a tie ballgame; ugly to say the least.

After a hurried fifth inning as the rain poured down, the rain delay was put into effect. After the 45-minute delay concluded, the Red Sox came out of the clubhouse ready to pounce. Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia proceeded to hit back-to-back homers, pushing the home team to a 5-3 lead. Nava launched his into the Green Monster seats (this time from the left side of the plate), while Salty hit a bomb into the bullpen.

It's also worth noting Stephen Drew's Red Sox debut. He made a fabulous play in the hole to nab the runner at second at one point. However, he did nothing at the plate: 0-3.

Ryan Dempster looked strong in his first appearance at Fenway Park as a member of the Red Sox. He showed strong command of the strike zone and had some nasty breaking stuff for punch-outs. That's exactly what you need to see out of Dempster this year. He did not return to the mound following the rain delay. His final line: 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R (1 ER), 2 BB, and 7 K.

Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, and Andrew Bailey provided elite middle relief, maintaing the lead. However, things got bumpy in the 9th.

Closer Joel Hanrahan gave up a solo shot to Chris Davis with no outs, cutting the Red Sox lead to one. He battled back and enduced two outs via strikeout and pop-up...but then Hanrahan made things even more interesting, allowing a base-hit and walking two, thus loading the bases (VERY close calls).

Following the walk, Hanrahan's next pitch went right into the dirt getting past Salty leading the Orioles to tie the ball game. It wasn't even close. It looked like something you'd see from a celebrity throwing out the First Pitch.

The very next pitch? A meatball over the plate to Manny Machado, 8-5 Orioles just like that. Why John Farrell didn't pull Hanrahan after that atrocious pitch in the dirt is beyond me. Very questionable decision there. Let's hope we don't see more outings like this from Hanrahan in the near future. Yikes.

This isn't exactly the right way to start a new sellout streak, is it?

Alfredo Aceves will take the mound tomorrow vs Chris Tillman in the final game of the series.

BOXSCORE

Ted's Army Season Preview Part Three

Baseball is finally here. While Spring Training can hold people off, many are fiending for the season to start. We're right there with you. We look forward to the brutal grind of the baseball season. The braintrust behind Ted's Army came together and put out expectations for our beloved Boston Red Sox and how they would fair in the 2013 campaign. Without further ado... I give you  the third and final part of the Ted's Army season preview.

Who will be the “10th-man” of the year?

Tucker Silva: Brock Holt. He will most likely not begin the year with the club, but Holt will make is way to the majors in June (I base that on absolutely nothing). In 24 games with the Pirates, Holt made a little noise batting .292. He won’t have glaring stats with the Red Sox, but he’ll develop to be a bench guy Farrell can rely on.

Nick Karalis: Daniel Nava. If he sticks around the entire season, he will be a valuable asset with his newly acquired versatility to play the OF and 1B. He gives 110% every game and has the potential to put up some good offensive numbers.

Aaron Gettings: CIRIACO(!!!)  Not only was he one of the only Sox players worth watching as last season was winding down, he had a knack for coming through in big spots.  While the organization was crumbling around him, Ciraco showed heart, hustle, energy, and just a general sense of fun.  Even in a reduced role, I see no reason Ciraco can't have a major impact on this Sox squad.

Ben Fountain: I have to agree with Aaron and say Pedro Ciriaco. He can play anywhere on the left side of the infield, and if we're desperate in the outfield. Busts his ass and became one of the more likable players last season. If he continues to play the way he did last year, he'll be incredibly valuble to this team.

Scott Priest: I'm contractually obligated to say Jose Iglesias, who should be the starting shortstop anyway. If Drew's concussions linger (and given how unpredictable concussions can be, I think we should assume they will), or if Pedroia gets hurt (as he seems to every year), I think we'll see Iglesias contribute positively to this team.

Or Pedro Martinez, if Rubby is tearing up the minors.

Who will be the team’s HR leader by season’s end?

Tucker: Will Middlebrooks. A wrist injury halted Middlebrooks tremendous rookie season, blasting 15 HR in 75 games. By hopefully avoiding the feared “sophomore slump”, Middlebrooks and the Green Monster will be BFF’s. Prediction: 32 HRs

Nick: Jarrod Saltalamacchia. We can’t count on the health of Ellsbury, Ortiz, or Napoli, so the next guy in line would be Salty.  He will probably lead the team in homers and strikeouts…if he doesn’t get traded first. 

Aaron: It feels weird saying it could be anyone other than David Ortiz, but I just don't trust those wheels.  Have to give the nod to Mike Napoli.  He should be fun to watch.

Ben: I'm taking David Ortiz. Even with the Achilles injury limiting him to 90 games last year, he nearly the led the team with 23 homers. He'll be on the DL starting the season but in three of the past four seasons, he got off to a slow start. I'll be optimistic and project that he'll be in the lineup by the end of April and not have any setbacks, which could be asking a bit much from the 37 year old. If all that does come to fruition, he'll be in the 28-34 home run range.

Scott: Mike Napoli. I don't think Ortiz will play enough, and I don't think Ellsbury will ever hit more than 15 again.

Ted's Army Season Preview Part One

Baseball is finally here. While Spring Training can hold people off, many are fiending for the season to start. We're right there with you. We look forward to the brutal grind of the baseball season. The braintrust behind Ted's Army came together and put out expectations for our beloved Boston Red Sox and how they would fair in the 2013 campaign. Without further ado... I give you part one of the Ted's Army season preview.

 

Who will pan out to be the best acquisition of the offseason?

Tucker Silva: Koji Uehara Pitched in the AL East for the Orioles in 2011 and had a career-low ERA of 1.72. Uehara will be the anchor of the Red Sox bullpen. Not a bad one-year signing of $4.25 million.

Nick Karalis: Jonny Gomes…I guess:  There was not one acquisition that I was even the least bit excited about, and I should go with no one. Though, if Gomes does get some playing time, he could be good for 15-20 homers and a somewhat decent .260 - .280 BA. I still think the Sox over-paid for him. 

Aaron Gettings:The player formally known as John Lackey.  I've said nothing but vile, terrible things about him since he donned that Sox cap.  But I'm prepared to pretend none of that ever happened.  It's a clean slate for he and I.  He won't let me down.

Ben Fountain: Koji Uehara. I've been smitten with this signing since Day 1. Incredible control, an absurd strikeout-to-walk ratio, can go multiple innings and is just as solid against left-handed batters as he is against righties. He will be the glue guy in the bullpen.

Scott Priest: I'm going to cheat a bit and say the best offseason acquisition was the one we didn't make: There was no panic move to get Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke to get headlines. They also didn't trade out of any of their surpluses (catching, bullpen) when the value wasn't there, which is good.

Recap: Yankees blast 5 home runs in victory

At least the uniforms were cool (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The Yankees spoiled Fenway Park's 100th anniversary celebration with a handful of home runs served up by Clay Buchholz on their way to a 6-2 beating of the Red Sox.

Thankfully I only able to catch the game starting in the 7th inning and I missed the home run derby.  So I can't say to what degree Clay Buchholz stunk. But when you give up 9 hits and 5 home runs (6 runs total) over 6 innings, well, I don't think Clay leaves us any doubt as to  just how bad he was today. That's 3 pretty awful starts for Clay in a row, surrendering 7 runs to Detroit, 5 to Tampa and now 6 to New York.  The good news is that he was actually able to lower his ERA on the year from 9.82 to 9.00.  So he's trending in the right direction.

Ortiz and Aviles were the only Sox to get multiple hits (2 apiece).  One of Ortiz's hits was a solo shot that was originally ruled a double.  That was about the only excitement on the day, once the actual game began.  Aviles also drove in the only other run, with a RBI double. 

I'll ignore the growing evidence that the Sox are a terrible baseball team this year and make the excuse that they were simply distracted with all the festivities for the anniversary celebration.  That's why Clay surrendered 5 home runs and the offense was kept in check by Ivan Nova.  Has to be.

Your Morning Dump...Where Epstein and Schilling can't make the celebration

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

"I hope tomorrow is a great day for Red Sox fans and for the whole organization," Epstein said. "I have plans to be at the Cubs game tomorrow, but I will take a moment to toast Fenway along with everyone else who loves that ballpark."

On Thursday morning, principal owner John Henry -- en route to Boston from Great Britain -- was surprised at the original omission.al owner John Henry, who said he was unaware of the decision until contacted by a reporter.

"Apparently we decided to just invite uniformed personnel," said Henry, noting that the team hadn't invited Port and Duquette, either.

CSNNE : Update: Sox send Epstein an invitation, but he can't attend

The invitation to Theo and no other surviving Sox GM does not surprise me at all. Ownership still has a love affair with the "Boy Wonder" and could care less about anyone else. Sure, forget about Duquette and the crap he did. It's not like he did anything around here, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez just showed up on Fenway's front steps and were looking for a place to call home.

Is Ben Cherington invited to the celebration? They might have used his invitation on Theo.

Here is an excerpt from Curt Schilling explaining his absense from the celebration...

I apologize that business at 38 Studios has made my participation in the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park impossible. Please understand that should in no way indicate my love and passion for Red Sox Nation. There was no greater feeling than standing on that mound, in that park, in front of you fans. The memories I was honored to be a part of, from David’s walk off HR in the 2004 ALDS, to going 4-0 in World Series games in that park, to the true honor of wearing that uniform every single day is something I am blessed to have, and will never forget. (...)

WEEI: A message from Curt Schilling regarding Fenway Park's celebration

It is too bad that he can't make the celebration. I also feel for him because he is going to miss the fun and not be able to hang out with his best buddy, Bobby Valentine. Don't worry, Curt, there will be plenty more opportunities for you and Bobby to hang out.

On Page 2, Bobby is ready for the Yankees

Recap: Sox fall 6-3 amid more bullpen nonsense

Josh Beckett pitched a solid seven innings, but once again the Sox failed to win as their bullpen couldn't keep the opponent off the basepaths. This time it was Franklin Morales, who gave up two hits, three walks, and three earned runs while retiring just one batter in the 8th inning. 

There was also the requisite questionable decision making that Bobby V is making a hallmark of the 2012 Red Sox. He elected to intentionally walk Adrian Beltre (albeit with first base open) to pitch to Nelson Cruz, who happens to hold the highest career slugging percentage (minimum 100 plate appearances) against the Red Sox, at .724 (hat tip to @alexspeier for the great stat). 

It was relatively inconsequential, as Morales then walked Cruz (not intentionally, just from incompetence). Texas sent Craig Gentry, a righty, in as a pinch hitter, and Morales pitched to him despite Vicente Padilla having warmed up and Albers actively warming in the pen. Morales hit Gentry, forcing in a run. He then faced Mike Napoli, who holds the second-highest career slugging percentage against the Red Sox, at .715. (You can guess where I got that stat.) Napoli predictably slugged the ball, driving in two runs. Bobby V decided a force was necessary and elected to intentionally walk Mitch Moreland, a lefty, and, as a fantasy owner of his I can personally tell you, a lousy baseball player. With a righty due up, Bobby V brought in Albers with the game blown open and two men on base. Albers got the double play, surely taking some heat off Bobby V in the papers tomorrow. It was definitely a bizarre sequence to watch in real time.

Regardless, the Sox once again came up short against one of the best teams in the AL. The Rangers are flat-out good, and right now, the Red Sox are not. Youk broke out of his slump with a bomb over the monster, and Ryan Sweeney once again showed some clutch hitting with his fifth ninth-inning hit of the year (hat tip to Rob Bradford for that nugget). But that's what this season, 12 games in, is: a few bright spots amid a pretty murky mess of a team.

On the horizon is the celebration of Fenway Park, though, so all is well. The owners are still raking it in, and isn't that what really matters?

Box score

Tito reverses stance, agrees to attend Fenway bash

Less than a week after confirming to Dan Shaughnessy that he would not be attending Fenway's 100th anniversary celebration, Tito has changed his mind. 

ESPN has the scoop:

Former Boston Red Sox manager and current ESPN analyst Terry Francona has changed his mind and says he will be attending the Red Sox's 100th anniversary celebration of Fenway Park on Friday afternoon.

Francona had originally said he would not attend because of the way things ended between himself and the Red Sox after the collapse of 2011.

Francona told ESPN on Wednesday that he believes he owes it to the fans to show up.

I'm very shocked by this, to be honest. 

First, and foremost, since his firing Tito has given no indication of wavering on his stance to avoid the ceremony.  Each time he was asked, he quickly replied with a "not going."   In his interview with Shaughnessy he stated that the Sox would be better off if he didn't attend, and that he wasn't comfortable putting on a fake smile and shaking hands with his enemies.  There was no gray area.

Beyond that, his appearance will completely overshadow everything else going on that day.  It's a shame, and it shouldn't be, but that's the reality in our gossip-fueled society.  Tito's attendance, and, more importantly, his interactions with Lucchino and Henry, are going to be the focus.  Not Fenway's history.  Terry obviously knows this, and I'm shocked he'd subject himself to it. 

The conspiracy theorist and ESPN-hater inside of me wonders if ESPN isn't forcing him to go for this fact alone. 

Knowing Tito as I do (and boy, do we go way back) I believe him when he says he owes it to the fans to be there.  As I stated last weekend, nearly all of the good, recent memories revolving around Fenway and the Red Sox are directly tied to Francona.  Sox fans never got a chance to thank him for all he did.  This is their chance, on such a grand scale, to give him the standing ovation he certainly deserves from the Sox faithful. 

And with bumbling Bobby Valentine running amock, a chance for the fans to let Henry and Lucchino know that the grass isn't always greener under the feet of a guy that can't manage a pitching staff.

Soccer is coming back to Fenway

I am not opposed to the sport at all, but bringing it to Fenway during the middle of the season bugs me. I am not sure if it is the digging up of the mound to make the field flat and the other crap they do to screw it up, or the lack of desire to watch soccer at Fenway. Nevertheless, John Henry and friends will be bringing Liverpool overseas to play in their other park in front of a much less enthusiastic crowd.

Liverpool FC will play AS Roma at Fenway Park on July 25 according to a release from Fenway Sports Management.

It will be Liverpool's first trip to the United States since 2004. The team is owned by Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner.

Boston will serve as Liverpool FC's home base throughout the tour and the team will conduct its pre-season training sessions at Harvard. Details and ticket sales information for other tour stops and venues will be announced in the near future.

"We're thrilled to bring Liverpool Football Club to North America and provide our fans with the chance to see the team in action live this summer," Werner said. "Our goal is to create a great experience for our North American supporters while introducing Liverpool Football to new audiences."

I understand this is another business move by Henry and Werner, but there is a perfectly good stadium about 35 minutes south that is already set up for Soccer. Just sayin'.

Sox/Welch's plan to set World Record

Searching Google for Grape Juice brought me this picture from galleryofabsurd.com.  I wish it hadn't.  My nightmare is now yours.

The Red Sox and Welch's are teaming up to set the Guinness World Record for the largest toast because, well, it's a good marketing opportunity I guess.  If you plan on attending the Sox-Yankees game on April 20th at Fenway, you will find yourself participating in this idiocy, and setting world records.

MarketWatch.com has the info Press Release:

Welch's announced today that it will partner with the Red Sox to attempt the Guinness World Records® title for the largest toast in one venue while celebrating Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary. On April 20th, game attendees will raise thousands of glasses of Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice Cocktail to celebrate the history, tradition, and pride of Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark and the oldest operating Major League ballpark in the United States. Red Sox fans will create history by collectively and simultaneously saying ‘cheers’ to Fenway Park prior to a game against their archrival, the New York Yankees.

If you really want to "celebrate the history, tradition, and pride of Fenway Park", getting 37,000 people to simultaneously say "Cheers" and sip grape juice from a plastic cup is one of the worst ways to accomplish your goal.  It probably ranks right between having Wade Boggs ride a horse around the infield and having the ghost of Babe Ruth take a dump in center field. 

Fenway Park is officially historic

You might need to be sitting down, because this news is HUGE! Fenway Park has made it into the National Register of Historic Places.

The 100-year-old ballpark has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, according to Secretary of State William Galvin.

“Listing Fenway Park in the National Register will help preserve this exceptional place for future generations to enjoy, and recognizes its 100th anniversary this year,”

Tell your friends.