The Sox and Yanks Meet to Renew Rivalry

It is now over a week since opening day, and teams are already getting heated each game. Ever since 1918 there has been one rivalry to stand out among the rest. From the Yankees blowing out each year, to the Sox eventually making a four game comeback, these two teams always put on a show that will have you at the edge of your seat. Since

last year, both teams have made some moves. The Yankees spent $503 million during the off season including picking up former Red Sox center fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury. They also picked up Masahiro Tanaka from the international market.

During the four-game set, the Sox will send Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, John Lackey, and Felix Doubront to the mound. Opposing them will be Michael Pineda, CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova. With no major injuries in order for either team, it looks to set up a regular lineup for both teams entering game one. Despite his cold streak, the Sox look like they will stick with Daniel Nava in the outfield and hope to see improvement in his game. On the Yankees side, catcher Brian McCann seems to be struggling as he is hitting well below .200.

While the season has just begun, there is no doubt these games could mean something in the end. Especially in the American League East, a win could change your October plans. Xander Bogaerts will idolize the great Derek Jeter as he continues his farewell tour, and the Sox will look in center field, as they must attack their former teammate. It is going to be a good back-and-forth series, so make sure you check it out! How do you think the series will go? Sox seep? Yanks sweep? Comment below with your thoughts and prediction.

Final Look at Sizemore and Bradley Jr. Battle

As we are just days away from opening night on Sunday the battle of Grady Sizemore and Jackie Bradley Jr. in Boston will soon come to a close… or is it just starting? Over the past month the two have been battling it out every game for the starting spot in center field. Both have had great games through spring training, but both have also seen worse days. As the season approaches it will be key these two give it their best as they fight for that final spot in the lineup.

Sizemore has not been given the bat in a regular season game since he did with the Cleveland Indians in 2011. When the Sox took on Sizemore as a possible starter for the season they did not have huge expectations set for him. Well even if there was not high expectations, Sizemore cleared them. He has had a great spring training in center field and also at the plate. He has had a few big defensive plays and also some clutch at-bats. Getting into a daily routine is where we will see if Sizemore is for real this season.

Sizemore said, “I’m just trying to get back in shape, get conditioned, get the body feeling right, get the timing back. It’s one of those things where I’ve still got to earn a spot. I’ve still got to prove I can play every day. I’ve still got to prove I’m the guy.”

His arch enemy, but also a close friend, Jackie Bradley Jr. is his opposition for the spot in center field. Bradley Jr. is coming out of a AAA season after beginning the season in MLB last year, but quickly moved down as he proved hewas not ready for the big leagues. After seeing Jacoby Ellsbury leave Boston, Bradley Jr.’s future got really bright. Farrell said he became very committed in his game and now is working harder than ever to get his spot.

As things have been looking Sizemore’s way the road has been tough for Bradley Jr. Ferrell also said, “We couldn’t be more proud the way he’s handled it. He’s a smart guy. He knows exhttps://matterofsox.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/sizemore.jpgactly the situation he’s in. He’s asked about it daily. He’s not afraid of who he is as a player. He’s not trying to be Jacoby Ellsbury or anybody else. He’s Jackie Bradley, trying to be the best he can. He’s going about it the absolute right way.”

As the Red Sox travel to Baltimore this weekend to begin the regular season it will be interesting to see who Farrell decides to go with. Sizemore is ready but will Bradley Jr. have a different plan for him? It all comes down to the final days of spring training!

Say No to Drew

As we are about half a month away from opening day there are still many free agents available. Recently, the Braves signed Ervin Santana but one free agent that still stands out is former Red Sox, Stephen Drew. While he was a great asset on the field last year, Drew struggled at the plate as he hit around .250. With rookie Xander Bogaerts, ready to play a 162 game season there is simply no need for Drew in Boston.

Drew also has had some experience at third base. Throughout the playoffs Bogaerts had the opportunity to play third, while Drew was at shortstop but now third baseman, Will Middlebrooks has returned. After playing less than 100 games many scouts questions if Middlebrooks would ever play the same he used to. Well the table has turned as Middlebrooks has had a great spring so far. Still at 30 years old Middlebrooks has a lot left in his tank apparently.

If Bogaerts can show he is a top prospect in the game while Middlebrooks continues his fine work at third base then is there truly a need for Stephen Drew to return to Boston? Many Red Sox veterans said that Drew regrets not taking the first offer from the Red Sox and now they simply are not interested. Middlebrooks showed up extra early to spring training and many players observed that he looked like he worked hard over the offseason.  

As players are promoted and demoted, Middlebrooks now knows he must earn his spot in Beantown if that is where he wants to play. He really has turned heads this spring as he is batting over .300 and has been a great defensive asset. If the Sox continue to turn down Drew then there is only a few places looking to make Drew their shortstop. The New York Mets continue to negotiate with Drew but now that the Blue Jays lost on Santana, they may want Drew at second base. Without Drew on the roster it leaves lots of cap space for the Sox to do whatever they might need to.

Jake Peavy Might Start Season on the Disabled List

To balance work and being a full-time father can always be a challenge for many athletes. If they are not playing a game, they are often flying to their next one. For Jake Peavy, being a father has always been a key priority in his life. Last week, while Peavy’s family was visiting him in Florida, he decided to take his son fishing for the day. This went from being a good father-son moment, to becoming a possible spring training ending injury. While cutting his fishing line, Peavy cut his tendon in his non-throwing arm and has now required minor surgery.

Through spring training, managers love to see their players earn their spots. Koji Uehara told the media he knew his spot wasn’t earned, but rather he must earn in. Red Sox manager John Farrell also said that he would like to see Brandon Workman battle Capuano for the final spot in the rotation. While Capuano has much more major league experience, Workman also began to rise last year. Not quite as a major league pitcher, but still turned some heads every few games. Consistency will be the key to the final spot.While there still is a chance of his return prior to opening day, he will be taking the rest of spring training off to get a full recovery on his hand. With this injury occurring it has dropped one starter from the nominees for the starting rotation. With Dempster taking the year off, the Sox have been left with Lester, Lackey, Buchholz, Doubront, and recent signing, Chris Capuano.

Peavy’s surgery should not take him out for months, but as a precautionary surgery sounds like the best answer. After some rest and recovery, Peavy hopes to be able to fight his way back into the rotation. With many pitchers also wanting his spot, keep your eyes opening through spring training. What seemed like a father-son outing turned into surgery and a possible start on the disabled list.

Sox Search and Find Dempster’s Replacement

If you haven’t heard already, news came last week from the Red Sox skipper that Ryan Dempster will not pitch in 2014. As this news came out of the dugout, many questions were asked on who would battle Doubront for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. This week that question was answered. The Red Sox officially signed starter, Chris Capuano to a 1-year contract worth $2.25 million.

Capuano is coming off a rough season with the Dodgers as he was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA through 24 appearances. Through his career, Capuano holds a life-time record just under .500. This will also be Capuano’s first time in the American League.

In 1996, Capuano was a high school student in the Springfield, Mass. While playing in a baseball tournament, he stood on the mound at Fenway. He has now taken his childhood dream, into a reality.

As Capuano enters the Red Sox camp for the spring, he will have to face-off against Felix Doubront. Both of these pitchers tend to be up and down in their performance trends, but both have the potential to be a bottom starter. Doubront is coming off an 11-6 season with a 4.23 ERA. While that sounds like Doubront is the better option, he tends to finish off the year much weaker.

The Red Sox officially play their first major league team tomorrow as they will face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 ET. The probables to start are going to be, Anthony Ranaudo for the Sox and Mike Pelfrey for the Twins. Spring training is finally here, be sure to tune in for all the action with the Red Sox! Go Sox!

Ryan Dempster Will Not Pitch in 2014

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/435074894259187714

Recently, Ryan Dempster went in front of the media to announce that he will not pitch in the 2014 season. Though he says this is not the end for him, many expect it may be.

“I don’t feel like I am able to perform to the best of my ability and standard I am accustomed to. I feel like it is the best interest of both the club and most importantly myself to step away from playing baseball at this time.”

For the Red Sox, this could be a good thing. While Dempster could be a quality pitcher, there are many other younger starters needing experience. With Felix Doubrount likely to take the No. 5 spot, expect to see Allen Webster get a few starts throughout the season. As the Sox will place Dempster on the restricted list they will not be forced to pay his contract for the 2014 season.

As he struggled throughout the 2013 season this could be a win for the Sox. Doubront will be able to show his young talent on the mound weekly, and Brandon Workman will also see some major league action. With so much talent on its way up, nobody in Boston is crying for Dempster to come back.

Though a young starter seems like the answer, we never know what the Sox might pull off if they want an end of the rotation pitcher. Possible pick-ups could include, Jon Garland or Chris Capuano. Garland is recovering from shoulder surgery but looks like he could be a full comeback for this season. Capuano has seen interest from the Sox a few years ago and he is coming off a very tough season but could become an average starter for the Red Sox No. 5 sport.

With Dempster taking the year off, a new question was brought up. He decided to take the season off to become healthier and spend more time with his family. We wish Ryan the best during his season off.

Four Days till Spring Training

With spring training just days away, Red Sox pitchers and catchers have started travelling to Fort Myers, Florida. Being the defending World Series champions there will be a lot of eyes on the Sox throughout March. Though the Red Sox have all positions filled, there are still many questions being asked around the clubhouse. With Jackie Bradley Jr. and Grady Sizemore both prepared to play center field on opening day, it will be a battle through March. In the rotation both Dempster and Doubront are hungry for the No. 5 spot as the other may not see a start too soon. Lastly, in the bullpen there are many pitchers that want a spot on the roster but not enough spots. Bullpen guys such as Webster, Workman and others with be on the hot spot for this March.

This season the Red Sox made a few additions and subtractions. A key subtraction was Jacoby Ellsbury, who will be covered by Bradley Jr. or Sizemore in center field. Another subtraction was Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who will be covered behind the plate by A.J. Pierzynski. Other subtractions included Franklin Morales, Stephen Drew, Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey. With the bullpen already on overload, do not expect to see Morales, Hanrahan or Bailey become a late addition and questions still arise about Stephen Drew. At this point the Sox are best to walk from him and watch what Xander Bogaerts is ready to do!

With Ellsbury gone, the leadoff spot as been put into question. Outfielders Daniel Nava and Shane Victorino look to be the top two candidates for that spot but, it will be all about who can pick up the other’s slack. Batting third this year looks to be Dustin Pedroia. As usual in the DH number four spot will be the hard-hitting David Ortiz. With Ortiz asking for a one-year extension, let’s hope he can be a quality hitter there. Behind him will be Mike Napoli followed by A.J. Pierzynski. Batting seventh and eighth will be between Bogaerts and Middlebrooks, while whoever is playing CF will most likely round out the bottom of the order. If Bradley Jr. and Sizemore can prove themselves, they have both had opportunities at the top of the order. Pitchers and catchers report in four days, and we are just weeks away from first pitch for spring training!

Buchholz and Mujica get acquainted. pic.twitter.com/H3zuaghr9L

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) February 13, 2014

Curt Schilling Diagnosed with cancer

All through the 2004 playoffs there was one player who believed comeback was possible more than anyone. He was most famous for wearing a t-shirt saying, “Why not us?” That was the question veteran Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling always asked. Recently this week Schilling has announced he has been diagnosed with cancer. While he has not given many details, this is very sad news for Red Sox nation. In his recent interview on ESPN Schilling responded with this:

“I’ve always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges. We’ve been presented with another challenge, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer. Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers.”

Schilling, who is now 47, has now been working with ESPN as an analyst ever since he left the Sox in 2009. He pushed through a lot of blood (literally with the bloody sock), sweat and tears throughout his 2004 season but led his team to victory. The Red Sox’s first World Series in 86 years and the second of his career. Schilling pitched for 20 years in the majors  with multiple teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox. Current Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester recently tweeted Schilling referring to his cancer diagnosis (@gehrig38).

@gehrig38 I'm here for you man during your fight. Prayers for strength for you and your family during this difficult time. #standuptocancer

— Jon Lester (@JLester31) February 6, 2014

@gehrig38 NEVER QUIT man!!

— Jon Lester (@JLester31) February 6, 2014

Clearly, Schilling refused to quit in 2004, and he will not quit now. He has always been a strong pitcher and a strong person that will fight through this battle. He was always the spark in the locker room and never let any battle beat him. He left the interview with one last saying:

“My father left me with a saying that I’ve carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: “tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

Please keep Curt and his family in your prayers. We stand united as Red Sox Nation!