As the playoffs roll on, the biggest Celtic concern seems to be a problem that is coming from within. Often when faced with a tight situation, the Celtics have shown a tendency to veer away from their offense into an individualistic game.
Doc Rivers generally chalks it up to players wanting very badly to win, but there’s no question it’s become a problem.
“It’s part of growth,” said the Celtics’ coach, who has chastised the team for this issue. “It’s part of growth and trust, and we didn’t have those tests during the regular season. Even in the tight games, it wasn’t the same pressure situation.
“I was most upset about it in Game 6 against Atlanta. We did it perfectly in Game 5, then we went away from it. We talked about it at halftime, and then we went out and did the same (thing). It was because everybody wanted to win, so they started trying to do more. I thought it started on defense and it carried over.”
Logically, it seems the Celtics would fall back on their support when things get tough, but that hasn’t always been the case.
“They know better, but they can’t help themselves sometimes,” said Rivers. “You know better, but you’re a good player and you get the ball and you want to make a play for your team. So instead of making the simple play, you break the offense and try to do something. But every team goes through it. I just heard Pop (Gregg Popovich) complaining about it the other night, and the Spurs have been together for eight or 10 years. It happens.”
Celtics 89, Cavaliers 73: The Celtics got the rest of their “Big Three” in gear Thursday, and once again they held LeBron James down. That added up to an easy win that gives the Celtics a 2-0 lead in this conference semifinal series.
After scoring four points in the opener, Paul Pierce went for a team-high 19. Ray Allen, scoreless in Game 1—and in the first half Thursday—went for 16 after the break. Eleven of them came in the third quarter when the Celtics were turning a 44-36 halftime lead into a 19-point advantage after three quarters.
James had 21 points, but after going two for 18 from the floor in the opener, he made just six of his 24 field goal attempts in Game 2.
“Just a better overall effort,” said Doc Rivers, comparing this to the 76-72 nail-biter. “I thought the defense was pretty much the same, pretty solid. I thought the offense was terrific in spurts.”
The first big spurt came in the second quarter when a largely bench-filled lineup went on a 10-0 run to give the Celts their first lead of the night.
The run then grew to 34-9, and it was all but over.
Notes, Quotes
• Doc Rivers has always spoken glowingly of LeBron James, and he said he got a new appreciation when coaching him in this year’s All-Star Game.
“The thing that impressed me was his focus in the huddle,” said Rivers. “He was standing on the outside of the huddle, but it was like he was directing a beam at me. I drew up a play, and he ran it as if he had been running it his whole life.”
• Kevin Garnett wasn’t upset at all about losing out on the Most Valuable Player award to Kobe Bryant. Garnett finished third behind Chris Paul, as well.
“It’s great,” Garnett said. “I’m happy for (Bryant). Lord knows that he’s worthy. This probably won’t be his last. Congratulations to him and he’s definitely worthy of it.”
Speaking of the MVP voting, Rivers said, “I don’t think anyone in our locker room cares. You don’t hear anyone ever talk about them, which is interesting. You usually hear teams talking about awards. No one has talked about them.”
Garnett did win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Quote To Note: “I think Doc said it from Day One. If we’re going to be a good team, we’ve got to establish home court.”—Paul Pierce, after moving to 6-0 at home in the playoffs.
Roster Report
Rotation: Point guard Rajon Rondo, Shooting guard Ray Allen, Small forward Paul Pierce, Power forward Kevin Garnett, Center Kendrick Perkins. Bench—Guard Eddie House, Forward James Posey, Guard Tony Allen, Guard Sam Cassell, Forward Leon Powe, Forward Glen Davis, Forward P.J. Brown, Forward Brian Scalabrine, Guard Gabe Pruitt.
Player Notes:
• G Rajon Rondo had just seven points, all from the line and all in a 1:19 span at the end of the third quarter.
• F Kevin Garnett was voted to the All-NBA first team. He received the third-most votes overall.
• F Paul Pierce was voted to the All-NBA third team. He received two first-team votes.
• G Sam Cassell actually got more playing time than Rondo at the point, 26 minutes to 23. He made his first three shots and had nine points.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Bruins - Inside Shots
The Bruins have to be happy with much of what they were able to accomplish this past season, returning to the playoffs after a two-year absence and coming back from a 3-1 game deficit to force a Game 7 with Montreal. But that can’t hide the fact there’s work to be done.
And, every time people talk about next season—about building on whatever gains were made in the crowded and wildly successful Boston sports scene—the same name seems to surface.
Marian Hossa.
The unrestricted free agent-to-be, never known as being a goal scorer in big games, scored two in a Game 5 elimination of the Rangers, giving him five (and 10 points) in nine playoff games as the Penguins headed into the Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia.
The Penguins, who acquired Hossa from Atlanta for the stretch run, would appear to already have too much in the way of big-name players and money, which could make Hossa a true rent-a-player. It could also make him highly desirable to several teams, including the Bruins.
“It’s always nice when you can do that if you have the room to do it, but in the same sense we proved that this year we (already) have guys that can do it,” said Bruins center Marc Savard, Hossa’s teammate in Atlanta, on the day the Bruins packed up and went home. “But any time you can make your team better, that’s always a positive and if that happens, that’d be great—but if not, we know what we have in here and we’re capable of doing good things.”
The Boston Globe reported May 4 that Dallas and Los Angeles could go heavily after Hossa, but you have to wonder if the Rangers, who will have money to spend, might be in the mix, too.
For his part, Hossa told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “I’m not a pure goal scorer. I’m not like (Alexander) Ovechkin or (Ilya) Kovalchuk. I’m not in that category. I’m more of a two-way guy.”
A “two-way guy” who, at age 28, has 299 goals and 648 NHL points in a 701-game (regular season) career that’s seen him amass a plus-85 rating. Sounds like all the things the Bruins are looking for.
Season Highlight: When you haven’t made the playoffs the last two seasons, the highlight is the night you made the playoffs, and the Bruins did that with a 2-1 win at Ottawa in Game 81 of the 82-game season.
Turning Point: This was a battle throughout, but Bruins’ folks point to a weekend home-and-home series with the New York Rangers, Jan. 19-20. The Bruins won at home, 4-3 in a shootout, Saturday and then went down to New York and won 3-1 the next day. It started a streak of five wins in six games.
Notes, Quotes
• Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli had to be looking at some potential buyouts as the team looks toward next season. Veterans Glen Murray and P.J. Axelsson would seem to be most at risk, with Murray almost a sure thing. He’s due $4.15 million next year and the buyout would hit the Bruins’ cap for $1.4 million for each of the next two years. He could also be sent to Providence, where he would earn the entire $4.15 million and not count against the NHL cap, but that’s not likely.
Chiarelli, seated next to coach Claude Julien at the team’s post-season news conference, confirmed Julien was working under the terms of a long-term deal. “Wish it was longer,” said a smiling Julien, who just completed a successful first year as Boston’s coach.
• Former Bruins coach Pat Burns, who has battled cancer for the past four years, was working as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championships and his name continues to surface for NHL job openings.
Quote To Note: “All you can hope now is that you can carry that into next year.”—Bruins coach Claude Julien, on his team’s late-season charge to the playoffs and a seven-game series with Montreal.
Roster Report
Most Valuable Player: G Tim Thomas came into the season fighting for playing time. Manny Fernandez was brought in to be the likely No. 1 and Tuukka Rask was the goalie of the future. So, all Thomas did was go out and become an All-Star, often acting as a one-man gang in keeping his offensively challenged team in hockey games.
Most Disappointing Player: LW Peter Schaefer was brought in to add grit and offense to the front line and really added neither until the final games of the playoffs. What he showed in the last few games is what the Bruins need him to show next season.
Free Agent Focus: The Bruins need a forward who can score, at least one, and Marian Hossa’s name keeps popping up.
RW Chuck Kobasew, who had a strong year before suffering a broken leg, could be out of the picture as a restricted free agent as the Bruins have to decide whether to match a money figure from outside.
D Dennis Wideman is another RFA who could command some money from outside.
The Bruins quickly extended offers to potential UFA’s Aaron Ward and Glen Metropolit. “We figured Glen would be a depth guy for us but he turned out to be more than that,” said Chiarelli, talking to the Boston Globe, of C Metropolit, a $500,000 walk-on last year. “Going forward, we’d see him more in third- and fourth-line roles, help with the (penalty killing).” On Ward, the veteran defenseman, the GM said, “The latter part of the year, he did a lot of good things for us. Philosophically, he’s a really good fit for us. And monetarily… decent.” The Globe said Carolina, one of Ward’s old teams (he won the Cup there), wants him back.
Player Notes:
• G Tim Thomas was sent home by Team USA from the World Championships after suffering what appeared to be a minor knee injury.
• D Dennis Wideman was to have hernia surgery in the off-season.
• LW Milan Lucic will be working on his speed over the summer. “I definitely want to get faster,” he said. “And I don’t think I need to get any heavier.” Lucic on the end of the season: “Hey, a couple of bounces and we could be in Pittsburgh right now. When it came to an end, it was a bitter pill to swallow, shaking all (the Canadiens’) hands.”
• Lucic was second among NHL rookies in hits, with 181. He and C David Krejci tied for 13th among rookies in points, with 27.
• Krejci was proudly skating for the Czech Republic at the World Championships. “It’s a huge honor. This is something special,” he said. “When I was young, I would dream about this, about playing for the National team in the World Championships, and I got the opportunity to do that this year.” He says the Worlds are bigger than the Stanley Cup back home. “In (my country), this means much more to the Czech people—more than anything else,” he said.
• RW Phil Kessel continued his playoff surge with a hat trick for Team USA May 4.
• Forwards Petteri Nokalainen and Vladimir Sobotka were contributing for the Providence Bruins in the AHL playoffs.
• F Jeff Hoggan was out after wrist surgery.
• C Marc Savard on his first playoff appearance: “There is another level there and it’s amazing to see that. That was especially so after missing (the last) seven games (with a back injury) and then coming back for Game 1. Stepping in, after not being able to practice… it was the quickest hockey I have ever seen.”
• C Carl Soderberg, acquired from St. Louis in the trade for Hannu Toivonen, is still playing in Sweden and the Bruins hope to have him in North America next season.
And, every time people talk about next season—about building on whatever gains were made in the crowded and wildly successful Boston sports scene—the same name seems to surface.
Marian Hossa.
The unrestricted free agent-to-be, never known as being a goal scorer in big games, scored two in a Game 5 elimination of the Rangers, giving him five (and 10 points) in nine playoff games as the Penguins headed into the Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia.
The Penguins, who acquired Hossa from Atlanta for the stretch run, would appear to already have too much in the way of big-name players and money, which could make Hossa a true rent-a-player. It could also make him highly desirable to several teams, including the Bruins.
“It’s always nice when you can do that if you have the room to do it, but in the same sense we proved that this year we (already) have guys that can do it,” said Bruins center Marc Savard, Hossa’s teammate in Atlanta, on the day the Bruins packed up and went home. “But any time you can make your team better, that’s always a positive and if that happens, that’d be great—but if not, we know what we have in here and we’re capable of doing good things.”
The Boston Globe reported May 4 that Dallas and Los Angeles could go heavily after Hossa, but you have to wonder if the Rangers, who will have money to spend, might be in the mix, too.
For his part, Hossa told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “I’m not a pure goal scorer. I’m not like (Alexander) Ovechkin or (Ilya) Kovalchuk. I’m not in that category. I’m more of a two-way guy.”
A “two-way guy” who, at age 28, has 299 goals and 648 NHL points in a 701-game (regular season) career that’s seen him amass a plus-85 rating. Sounds like all the things the Bruins are looking for.
Season Highlight: When you haven’t made the playoffs the last two seasons, the highlight is the night you made the playoffs, and the Bruins did that with a 2-1 win at Ottawa in Game 81 of the 82-game season.
Turning Point: This was a battle throughout, but Bruins’ folks point to a weekend home-and-home series with the New York Rangers, Jan. 19-20. The Bruins won at home, 4-3 in a shootout, Saturday and then went down to New York and won 3-1 the next day. It started a streak of five wins in six games.
Notes, Quotes
• Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli had to be looking at some potential buyouts as the team looks toward next season. Veterans Glen Murray and P.J. Axelsson would seem to be most at risk, with Murray almost a sure thing. He’s due $4.15 million next year and the buyout would hit the Bruins’ cap for $1.4 million for each of the next two years. He could also be sent to Providence, where he would earn the entire $4.15 million and not count against the NHL cap, but that’s not likely.
Chiarelli, seated next to coach Claude Julien at the team’s post-season news conference, confirmed Julien was working under the terms of a long-term deal. “Wish it was longer,” said a smiling Julien, who just completed a successful first year as Boston’s coach.
• Former Bruins coach Pat Burns, who has battled cancer for the past four years, was working as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championships and his name continues to surface for NHL job openings.
Quote To Note: “All you can hope now is that you can carry that into next year.”—Bruins coach Claude Julien, on his team’s late-season charge to the playoffs and a seven-game series with Montreal.
Roster Report
Most Valuable Player: G Tim Thomas came into the season fighting for playing time. Manny Fernandez was brought in to be the likely No. 1 and Tuukka Rask was the goalie of the future. So, all Thomas did was go out and become an All-Star, often acting as a one-man gang in keeping his offensively challenged team in hockey games.
Most Disappointing Player: LW Peter Schaefer was brought in to add grit and offense to the front line and really added neither until the final games of the playoffs. What he showed in the last few games is what the Bruins need him to show next season.
Free Agent Focus: The Bruins need a forward who can score, at least one, and Marian Hossa’s name keeps popping up.
RW Chuck Kobasew, who had a strong year before suffering a broken leg, could be out of the picture as a restricted free agent as the Bruins have to decide whether to match a money figure from outside.
D Dennis Wideman is another RFA who could command some money from outside.
The Bruins quickly extended offers to potential UFA’s Aaron Ward and Glen Metropolit. “We figured Glen would be a depth guy for us but he turned out to be more than that,” said Chiarelli, talking to the Boston Globe, of C Metropolit, a $500,000 walk-on last year. “Going forward, we’d see him more in third- and fourth-line roles, help with the (penalty killing).” On Ward, the veteran defenseman, the GM said, “The latter part of the year, he did a lot of good things for us. Philosophically, he’s a really good fit for us. And monetarily… decent.” The Globe said Carolina, one of Ward’s old teams (he won the Cup there), wants him back.
Player Notes:
• G Tim Thomas was sent home by Team USA from the World Championships after suffering what appeared to be a minor knee injury.
• D Dennis Wideman was to have hernia surgery in the off-season.
• LW Milan Lucic will be working on his speed over the summer. “I definitely want to get faster,” he said. “And I don’t think I need to get any heavier.” Lucic on the end of the season: “Hey, a couple of bounces and we could be in Pittsburgh right now. When it came to an end, it was a bitter pill to swallow, shaking all (the Canadiens’) hands.”
• Lucic was second among NHL rookies in hits, with 181. He and C David Krejci tied for 13th among rookies in points, with 27.
• Krejci was proudly skating for the Czech Republic at the World Championships. “It’s a huge honor. This is something special,” he said. “When I was young, I would dream about this, about playing for the National team in the World Championships, and I got the opportunity to do that this year.” He says the Worlds are bigger than the Stanley Cup back home. “In (my country), this means much more to the Czech people—more than anything else,” he said.
• RW Phil Kessel continued his playoff surge with a hat trick for Team USA May 4.
• Forwards Petteri Nokalainen and Vladimir Sobotka were contributing for the Providence Bruins in the AHL playoffs.
• F Jeff Hoggan was out after wrist surgery.
• C Marc Savard on his first playoff appearance: “There is another level there and it’s amazing to see that. That was especially so after missing (the last) seven games (with a back injury) and then coming back for Game 1. Stepping in, after not being able to practice… it was the quickest hockey I have ever seen.”
• C Carl Soderberg, acquired from St. Louis in the trade for Hannu Toivonen, is still playing in Sweden and the Bruins hope to have him in North America next season.
Red Sox - Inside Pitch
Kevin Youkilis has taken enormous steps in each of his three full seasons.
He has made such quantum leaps in every facet of his game that American League All-Star recognition doesn’t seem like such a stretch considering his efforts over the first month of this season. It’s also no monumental stretch to say that the bearded infielder has carried the Sox through the first quarter of the season.
With that in mind, it seems only appropriate that this season marks his first appearance on the All-Star ballot, as a first baseman.
The Gold Glover has—because of injuries—shifted seamlessly between first base and third base this season while playing spectacular, mistake-free defense at both corner infield spots.
“He wins a Gold Glove at first, he goes to third and he plays a major league-caliber third base,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “You can hit him anywhere in the lineup. He works the count. He really has turned into a very good major league player.
“It is appreciated. And you don’t have to run and check with him every day. You just kind of throw his name in and he handles it. He just goes about his business.”
Youkilis is hitting .313 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs through his first 35 games of the season.
Youkilis has consistently kept his batting average above .300 this season, and he has already hit in five different spots up and down the batting order.
What bodes even better for both Youkilis and his Sox teammates is that the baseball calendar has turned to the month of May. He hit .402 for the entire month of May last season to go along with six home runs and 22 RBIs.
“He’s a solid bat,” Sox third baseman Mike Lowell said. “I don’t think he’s ever going to change his approach whether he’s hitting first, second, third or fifth. He gives us a good at-bat every time.”
Red Sox 5, Tigers 1: Josh Beckett allowed a single run over seven innings for his fourth win of the season, and he also notched his 1,000th career strikeout. Kevin Youkilis smashed his third home run in the last two days, and Coco Crisp collected three hits to help lead the victory.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Josh Beckett had the 1,000th strikeout of his career during his start against the Tigers. The Sox’s ace is starting to round into form. He has gone at least seven innings in each of his last four starts. Beckett is 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA in his last four starts.
• 1B Kevin Youkilis ranks among the American League top 10 in just about every offensive category, including batting average, RBIs, walks, slugging percentage, home runs, runs, on-base percentage and on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Youkilis hit in the third spot in the Sox batting order in place of Manny Ramirez on Thursday night as the slugging left fielder received the night off. The Sox first baseman has continually put out an All-Star level performance during the early portion of the 2008 season.
• 1B Sean Casey and SS Alex Cora both collected hits Thursday during rehab starts with Class AAA Pawtucket. Casey was the team’s designated hitter and collected a pair of hits, while Cora went 1-for-4 in his second minor league rehab appearance. Cora (sprained right elbow) and Casey (right hip strain) have come through healthy thus far, and they are expected to be activated for the upcoming series against Minnesota.
• RHP Bartolo Colon reported back to the team on Tuesday after pitching two innings in an extended spring training game in Florida on Monday afternoon, and he reported the normal soreness experienced after some mound work. Colon was checked out by the Sox medical staff, and he is scheduled for an appearance with Class AAA Pawtucket on Saturday. Manager Terry Francona also added that there’s no chance Colon will be used out of the bullpen if and when he makes the major league roster.
• RHP Curt Schilling threw a second side session of 25 throws from 60 feet with pitching coach John Farrell on flat ground before Thursday night’s game. Schilling reported no setbacks with his weakened right shoulder after the two throwing sessions and will repeat the side session during the four-game series at Minnesota this weekend.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 3 after emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint May 15.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 8, and he could be activated as soon as May 10.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. He began throwing in early May but said he had a long way to go before he’d be ready to return to action.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 7, and he could return to the Red Sox during the weekend of May 9-11.
RHP Bartolo Colon (right oblique strain) is scheduled to pitch for Class AAA Pawtucket on May 10.
He has made such quantum leaps in every facet of his game that American League All-Star recognition doesn’t seem like such a stretch considering his efforts over the first month of this season. It’s also no monumental stretch to say that the bearded infielder has carried the Sox through the first quarter of the season.
With that in mind, it seems only appropriate that this season marks his first appearance on the All-Star ballot, as a first baseman.
The Gold Glover has—because of injuries—shifted seamlessly between first base and third base this season while playing spectacular, mistake-free defense at both corner infield spots.
“He wins a Gold Glove at first, he goes to third and he plays a major league-caliber third base,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “You can hit him anywhere in the lineup. He works the count. He really has turned into a very good major league player.
“It is appreciated. And you don’t have to run and check with him every day. You just kind of throw his name in and he handles it. He just goes about his business.”
Youkilis is hitting .313 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs through his first 35 games of the season.
Youkilis has consistently kept his batting average above .300 this season, and he has already hit in five different spots up and down the batting order.
What bodes even better for both Youkilis and his Sox teammates is that the baseball calendar has turned to the month of May. He hit .402 for the entire month of May last season to go along with six home runs and 22 RBIs.
“He’s a solid bat,” Sox third baseman Mike Lowell said. “I don’t think he’s ever going to change his approach whether he’s hitting first, second, third or fifth. He gives us a good at-bat every time.”
Red Sox 5, Tigers 1: Josh Beckett allowed a single run over seven innings for his fourth win of the season, and he also notched his 1,000th career strikeout. Kevin Youkilis smashed his third home run in the last two days, and Coco Crisp collected three hits to help lead the victory.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Josh Beckett had the 1,000th strikeout of his career during his start against the Tigers. The Sox’s ace is starting to round into form. He has gone at least seven innings in each of his last four starts. Beckett is 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA in his last four starts.
• 1B Kevin Youkilis ranks among the American League top 10 in just about every offensive category, including batting average, RBIs, walks, slugging percentage, home runs, runs, on-base percentage and on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Youkilis hit in the third spot in the Sox batting order in place of Manny Ramirez on Thursday night as the slugging left fielder received the night off. The Sox first baseman has continually put out an All-Star level performance during the early portion of the 2008 season.
• 1B Sean Casey and SS Alex Cora both collected hits Thursday during rehab starts with Class AAA Pawtucket. Casey was the team’s designated hitter and collected a pair of hits, while Cora went 1-for-4 in his second minor league rehab appearance. Cora (sprained right elbow) and Casey (right hip strain) have come through healthy thus far, and they are expected to be activated for the upcoming series against Minnesota.
• RHP Bartolo Colon reported back to the team on Tuesday after pitching two innings in an extended spring training game in Florida on Monday afternoon, and he reported the normal soreness experienced after some mound work. Colon was checked out by the Sox medical staff, and he is scheduled for an appearance with Class AAA Pawtucket on Saturday. Manager Terry Francona also added that there’s no chance Colon will be used out of the bullpen if and when he makes the major league roster.
• RHP Curt Schilling threw a second side session of 25 throws from 60 feet with pitching coach John Farrell on flat ground before Thursday night’s game. Schilling reported no setbacks with his weakened right shoulder after the two throwing sessions and will repeat the side session during the four-game series at Minnesota this weekend.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 3 after emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint May 15.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 8, and he could be activated as soon as May 10.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. He began throwing in early May but said he had a long way to go before he’d be ready to return to action.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Pawtucket on May 7, and he could return to the Red Sox during the weekend of May 9-11.
RHP Bartolo Colon (right oblique strain) is scheduled to pitch for Class AAA Pawtucket on May 10.
Patriots - Inside Slant
The Patriots got their first look at their rookie crop, which included draft picks, undrafted free agents and tryout players.
One of the more intriguing undrafted rookie free agent prospects on hand was Liberty outside linebacker Vince Redd (6-6, 260). Redd began his college career playing for Al Groh at Virginia. But he was suspended for one game for violating team policy in 2005 and was then reportedly dismissed from the squad along with fellow Cavaliers defender Ahmad Brooks for another violation of team policy in March 2006.
Redd transferred to Liberty where after sitting out 2006 he had a very productive 2007 campaign playing for former Groh assistant Danny Rocco’s Flames. Rocco was an associate head coach with Virginia and linebackers coach for five seasons who also worked under Groh with the Jets in 2000.
Last fall, Redd started 10 games for Liberty, registering 67 tackles and a league-high 6.5 sacks. He’s an impressive physical athlete having also played basketball for a short time at Virginia in 2003. He’s been timed a 4.56 in the 40 and brings an impressive 39-inch vertical to the field.
The defense Redd played at both UVA and Liberty has many similarities to the Patriots’ 3-4. He’s aware that he likely earned a free agent look with the Patriots thanks to his connection to Bill Belichick via Groh. Rocco is hoping to make the best of the opportunity.
“Them knowing each other, they can speak to each other and see how I play and my character and stuff like that and how I actually work,” Redd said before acknowledging that his familiarity with the scheme should help him in the early going. “It’s good for me, but I still have to come in here and make my own spot on the team.”
Among tryout players who seemed to make a good impression, North Dakota State punter Mike Dragosavich was signed to a contract shortly after camp ended. The lanky, 6-6, 212-pounder showed great technique while booming several punts that hit the ceiling of the Patriots practice bubble before they hit the ground.
“Mike’s pretty athletic,” Belichick observed. “He’s a tall guy, he can generate some leg speed there.”
Belichick was asked if it more or less difficult to evaluate a punter indoors versus outside in inclement weather. The coach said he was fine with watching kicks indoors, even if they hit the ceiling.
“Even though you don’t get the full punt, you can see when they’re hitting the ball well and when they’re not. You can watch the way the punter drops the ball and the way it contacts his foot. You can get a pretty good idea of what you need to work on, and how much work you have to do.”
Notes, Quotes
• Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh has certified in writing that he turned over all relevant videotapes in his possession to the NFL—the St. Louis Rams walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI is not among them. Walsh certified in writing that he’s turning over eight stolen tapes, from 2000-2002. The tapes are reportedly of the opposing team’s defensive signals, a violation the Patriots and Bill Belichick confessed to Commissioner Roger Goodell last year.
• Third-round draft choice Shawn Crable, a 6-5, 243-pound linebacker from Michigan, was asked for his first impression of the New England Patriots. “I look at the Patriot logo, and there’s a lot of history there. I’m just trying to be a part of it,” he answered.
Perhaps he already feels at home, thanks to fellow Michigan alumnus Tom Brady, who’s back at Gillette Stadium working out.
“I talked to Tom yesterday and today,” Crable revealed. “Obviously, I’m from Michigan, so he talked to me and joked around a little. He’s a good guy. He was in the training room, just got done working out. He just gave me some advice about what to expect [here in New England] and how to handle myself, take care of my body when I get aches and pains, and other things he’s learned in his years in the NFL.”
Crable also voiced excitement in anticipation of meeting and working with such Pats veteran linebackers as Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas.
• LB Gary Guyton, a 6-3, 242-pound free agent out of Georgia Tech, played both the inside and outside linebacker spots on defense during camp. Like the other rookies, Guyton said afterward that he’s just going to play “wherever the coaches say.” Guyton, by the way, is a distant cousin of former Patriots safety Myron Guyton.
• Patriots special assistant/secondary coach Dom Capers made his New England debut at minicamp, spending much of his time working with impressive second-round pick Terrence Wheatley.
“It’s good to have him,” coach Bill Belichick said of Capers. “I think Dom is a good fundamental coach and this is kind of a fundamental weekend. I think that’s certainly coming out. He’s got a lot of great experience. Just watching him coach, fundamentally, it’s good. It’s good to have him. It’s a good addition.”
• Two players the Patriots had in for tryouts—punter Mike Dragosavich and tight end Tyson DeVree - were signed by the team to undisclosed contracts.
• The Patriots signed second-year nose tackle Steve Fifita and waived rookie offensive tackle Josh Coffman and rookie defensive lineman Carlos Feliciano.
Quote To Note: “One of the things we try to do this weekend (at rookie mini-camp), and would highly recommend it to you and your programs based on my own personal experiences, we just really try to lay it out in terms of what we expect from the player.”—Coach Bill Belichick on what he expects from his players at rookie minicamp.
Strategy And Personnel
Franchise Player: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
• WR Troy Brown played just one game in his 15th season after starting the year on PUP. He may retire, but if he doesn’t the team told him that he’s not in its plans moving forward.
• S Mel Mitchell played in 10 games and is a core special teams-type guy. He might choose to go elsewhere as New England only has room for so many one-dimensional special teamers.
• CB Chad Scott didn’t make it through training camp and has been hurt often. He’s a solid veteran backup and could be back with the team in the market for corner depth.
• LB Junior Seau was expected to get his first Super Bowl ring and retire. The Giants messed that little story up. He was healthy all year and made plays. If he doesn’t retire after his 18th season, the only place he’ll be playing is in New England.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
• LB Eric Alexander is a decent though injury prone special teamer although he’s yet to show anything on defense, other than of course his still inexplicable start in the 2006 AFC title loss in Indianapolis.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
• WR Sam Aiken: UFA Bills; $1.555M/2 yrs, $225,000 SB/$40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $757,500.
• CB Fernando Bryant: FA Lions; $776,000/1 yr, $20,000 SB/$20,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.
• LB Victor Hobson: UFA Jets; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $485,000.
• P Scott Player: FA; terms unknown.
• TE Marcus Pollard: UFA Seahawks; terms unknown.
• CB Lewis Sanders: FA Falcons; $770,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $491,000.
• CB Jason Webster: UFA Bills; $800,000/1 yr, $130,000 guaranteed/$70,000 WO.
• S Tank Williams: UFA Vikings; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
• T Wesley Britt: ERFA; terms unknown.
• LB Tedy Bruschi: Potential UFA; $4.1M/2 yrs, $1.2M SB; 2008 cap: $1.6M.
• WR Jabar Gaffney: UFA; $1.281M/1 yr, $500,000 SB/$75,000 WO.
• LB Larry Izzo: Potential UFA; $870,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: 485,000.
• WR Randy Moss: UFA; $27M/3 yrs, $12M SB/$3M base guarantee; 2008 cap: $6M.
• LS Lonie Paxton: UFA; $880,000/1 yr, $150,000 SB.
• S Ray Ventrone: ERFA; $370,000/1 yr.
• WR Kelley Washington: UFA; $1.855M/2 yrs, $450,000 SB; 2008: $830,000.
• LB Pierre Woods: ERFA; terms unknown.
• DL Mike Wright: RFA; terms unknown (tendered at $1.47M).
PLAYERS LOST
• TE Kyle Brady (released/failed physical).
• LB Rosevelt Colvin (released/failed physical).
• CB Randall Gay: UFA Saints; $12M/4 yrs, $3.75M SB.
• DL Rashad Moore: Not tendered as RFA/Falcons; terms unknown.
• CB Asante Samuel: UFA Eagles; $59.475M/6 yrs, $6M SB/$7M RB 08-09.
• WR Donte Stallworth: UFA Browns; $35M/7 yrs, $10M guaranteed.
• DB Eugene Wilson: UFA Buccaneers; $1.8M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed.
One of the more intriguing undrafted rookie free agent prospects on hand was Liberty outside linebacker Vince Redd (6-6, 260). Redd began his college career playing for Al Groh at Virginia. But he was suspended for one game for violating team policy in 2005 and was then reportedly dismissed from the squad along with fellow Cavaliers defender Ahmad Brooks for another violation of team policy in March 2006.
Redd transferred to Liberty where after sitting out 2006 he had a very productive 2007 campaign playing for former Groh assistant Danny Rocco’s Flames. Rocco was an associate head coach with Virginia and linebackers coach for five seasons who also worked under Groh with the Jets in 2000.
Last fall, Redd started 10 games for Liberty, registering 67 tackles and a league-high 6.5 sacks. He’s an impressive physical athlete having also played basketball for a short time at Virginia in 2003. He’s been timed a 4.56 in the 40 and brings an impressive 39-inch vertical to the field.
The defense Redd played at both UVA and Liberty has many similarities to the Patriots’ 3-4. He’s aware that he likely earned a free agent look with the Patriots thanks to his connection to Bill Belichick via Groh. Rocco is hoping to make the best of the opportunity.
“Them knowing each other, they can speak to each other and see how I play and my character and stuff like that and how I actually work,” Redd said before acknowledging that his familiarity with the scheme should help him in the early going. “It’s good for me, but I still have to come in here and make my own spot on the team.”
Among tryout players who seemed to make a good impression, North Dakota State punter Mike Dragosavich was signed to a contract shortly after camp ended. The lanky, 6-6, 212-pounder showed great technique while booming several punts that hit the ceiling of the Patriots practice bubble before they hit the ground.
“Mike’s pretty athletic,” Belichick observed. “He’s a tall guy, he can generate some leg speed there.”
Belichick was asked if it more or less difficult to evaluate a punter indoors versus outside in inclement weather. The coach said he was fine with watching kicks indoors, even if they hit the ceiling.
“Even though you don’t get the full punt, you can see when they’re hitting the ball well and when they’re not. You can watch the way the punter drops the ball and the way it contacts his foot. You can get a pretty good idea of what you need to work on, and how much work you have to do.”
Notes, Quotes
• Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh has certified in writing that he turned over all relevant videotapes in his possession to the NFL—the St. Louis Rams walkthrough prior to Super Bowl XXXVI is not among them. Walsh certified in writing that he’s turning over eight stolen tapes, from 2000-2002. The tapes are reportedly of the opposing team’s defensive signals, a violation the Patriots and Bill Belichick confessed to Commissioner Roger Goodell last year.
• Third-round draft choice Shawn Crable, a 6-5, 243-pound linebacker from Michigan, was asked for his first impression of the New England Patriots. “I look at the Patriot logo, and there’s a lot of history there. I’m just trying to be a part of it,” he answered.
Perhaps he already feels at home, thanks to fellow Michigan alumnus Tom Brady, who’s back at Gillette Stadium working out.
“I talked to Tom yesterday and today,” Crable revealed. “Obviously, I’m from Michigan, so he talked to me and joked around a little. He’s a good guy. He was in the training room, just got done working out. He just gave me some advice about what to expect [here in New England] and how to handle myself, take care of my body when I get aches and pains, and other things he’s learned in his years in the NFL.”
Crable also voiced excitement in anticipation of meeting and working with such Pats veteran linebackers as Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas.
• LB Gary Guyton, a 6-3, 242-pound free agent out of Georgia Tech, played both the inside and outside linebacker spots on defense during camp. Like the other rookies, Guyton said afterward that he’s just going to play “wherever the coaches say.” Guyton, by the way, is a distant cousin of former Patriots safety Myron Guyton.
• Patriots special assistant/secondary coach Dom Capers made his New England debut at minicamp, spending much of his time working with impressive second-round pick Terrence Wheatley.
“It’s good to have him,” coach Bill Belichick said of Capers. “I think Dom is a good fundamental coach and this is kind of a fundamental weekend. I think that’s certainly coming out. He’s got a lot of great experience. Just watching him coach, fundamentally, it’s good. It’s good to have him. It’s a good addition.”
• Two players the Patriots had in for tryouts—punter Mike Dragosavich and tight end Tyson DeVree - were signed by the team to undisclosed contracts.
• The Patriots signed second-year nose tackle Steve Fifita and waived rookie offensive tackle Josh Coffman and rookie defensive lineman Carlos Feliciano.
Quote To Note: “One of the things we try to do this weekend (at rookie mini-camp), and would highly recommend it to you and your programs based on my own personal experiences, we just really try to lay it out in terms of what we expect from the player.”—Coach Bill Belichick on what he expects from his players at rookie minicamp.
Strategy And Personnel
Franchise Player: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
• WR Troy Brown played just one game in his 15th season after starting the year on PUP. He may retire, but if he doesn’t the team told him that he’s not in its plans moving forward.
• S Mel Mitchell played in 10 games and is a core special teams-type guy. He might choose to go elsewhere as New England only has room for so many one-dimensional special teamers.
• CB Chad Scott didn’t make it through training camp and has been hurt often. He’s a solid veteran backup and could be back with the team in the market for corner depth.
• LB Junior Seau was expected to get his first Super Bowl ring and retire. The Giants messed that little story up. He was healthy all year and made plays. If he doesn’t retire after his 18th season, the only place he’ll be playing is in New England.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
• LB Eric Alexander is a decent though injury prone special teamer although he’s yet to show anything on defense, other than of course his still inexplicable start in the 2006 AFC title loss in Indianapolis.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
• WR Sam Aiken: UFA Bills; $1.555M/2 yrs, $225,000 SB/$40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $757,500.
• CB Fernando Bryant: FA Lions; $776,000/1 yr, $20,000 SB/$20,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.
• LB Victor Hobson: UFA Jets; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $485,000.
• P Scott Player: FA; terms unknown.
• TE Marcus Pollard: UFA Seahawks; terms unknown.
• CB Lewis Sanders: FA Falcons; $770,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $491,000.
• CB Jason Webster: UFA Bills; $800,000/1 yr, $130,000 guaranteed/$70,000 WO.
• S Tank Williams: UFA Vikings; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 WO; 2008 cap: $491,000.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
• T Wesley Britt: ERFA; terms unknown.
• LB Tedy Bruschi: Potential UFA; $4.1M/2 yrs, $1.2M SB; 2008 cap: $1.6M.
• WR Jabar Gaffney: UFA; $1.281M/1 yr, $500,000 SB/$75,000 WO.
• LB Larry Izzo: Potential UFA; $870,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: 485,000.
• WR Randy Moss: UFA; $27M/3 yrs, $12M SB/$3M base guarantee; 2008 cap: $6M.
• LS Lonie Paxton: UFA; $880,000/1 yr, $150,000 SB.
• S Ray Ventrone: ERFA; $370,000/1 yr.
• WR Kelley Washington: UFA; $1.855M/2 yrs, $450,000 SB; 2008: $830,000.
• LB Pierre Woods: ERFA; terms unknown.
• DL Mike Wright: RFA; terms unknown (tendered at $1.47M).
PLAYERS LOST
• TE Kyle Brady (released/failed physical).
• LB Rosevelt Colvin (released/failed physical).
• CB Randall Gay: UFA Saints; $12M/4 yrs, $3.75M SB.
• DL Rashad Moore: Not tendered as RFA/Falcons; terms unknown.
• CB Asante Samuel: UFA Eagles; $59.475M/6 yrs, $6M SB/$7M RB 08-09.
• WR Donte Stallworth: UFA Browns; $35M/7 yrs, $10M guaranteed.
• DB Eugene Wilson: UFA Buccaneers; $1.8M/1 yr, $500,000 guaranteed.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Red Sox - Inside Pitch
After an All-World April that saw Jonathan Papelbon convert all nine of his save opportunities, the Red Sox closer is on pace for his best season yet and a career-best 48 saves.
The increased production on the mound doesn’t come without its own consequences, however, as Papelbon is also on pace to pitch in 71 games and total 76 innings—a pair of stats that would obliterate his career highs in both categories.
The Sox coaching staff seemed to incorporate a sort of “Pap Rules” when it came to their right-handed fireman last season, but -– through both a dire need and a conscious decision to take the wraps off a bit -– the 27-year-old seems to be free of all constraints this season.
Papelbon has regularly been asked to record more than three outs this season, but he has only pitched on back-to-back days once.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound smoke-thrower has a glittering 1.65 ERA through his first 15 games of 2008 to go along with 10 saves and 21 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings, and he feels strong enough to keep up with his increased workload.
“With the combination of the things I’ve learned the first three years, I’m starting to learn what it takes and what it doesn’t take—and how to throttle that gas pedal,” Papelbon said. “It’s been a huge difference-maker in my game, and it lets me be successful daily.”
There are two serious and realistic concerns with Papelbon’s workload, though -– no matter what level his throttle happens to be at on a particular day. The excess innings and stress could lead to an injury to Papelbon’s golden right arm, and there remain real worries that the Sox closer won’t be fresh in September unless another power arm can step up and lighten the burden on Mr. Riverdance.
As you might expect, Papelbon is full speed ahead without any noticeable worry.
“The inning and how much I’m throwing … I don’t let that dictate what I’m going to do. It all boils down to experience,” said Papelbon. “The eighth- and ninth-inning stints … it all boils down to experience and what you’re accustomed to doing.”
Red Sox 5, Tigers 0: Right-hander Tim Wakefield gave up only two hits through eight shutout innings, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez hit back-to-back home runs in Boston’s fifth consecutive win. Wakefield didn’t walk a batter, and he whiffed six Tigers in his best start of the season.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Curt Schilling threw 25 pitches from 60 feet Tuesday in his first throwing session since January, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona reported that the veteran felt good after the short session on flat ground. Schilling will repeat the throwing session Thursday, and he described feeling as “if this is a climb of a mountain, I’m still at the base of that mountain” as he attempts to work his way back to the big leagues following a shoulder/biceps problem.
• RHP Mike Timlin made his 1,022nd major league appearance Tuesday night, which ties him with RHP Jose Mesa and RHP Lee Smith for ninth on the all-time list. The veteran pitched a scoreless ninth inning, which marks the sixth game in 11 appearances that Timlin hasn’t surrendered a run. Timlin also ranks second in Red Sox history in relief appearances (357), trailing only Bob Stanley (552).
• RHP Jonathan Papelbon focused on improving his command this spring, and the results have been spectacular over the first month-plus of the season. Papelbon has walked only one batter in 16 1/3 innings thus far in the 2008 season, and he has cut down on both his pitches per plate appearance and pitches per inning. The improved control has given Papelbon an amazing 21:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season, and it has allowed the 27-year-old to further minimize his workload during an appearance.
• OF Jacoby Ellsbury leads the Red Sox with 25 runs this season, and he is one of five Red Sox players who have scored at least 20 runs this season. Prior to Tuesday night’s game, no other American League team had more than two players with 20 runs scored on their team. The Sox lead the AL with 171 runs through their first 35 games this season.
• RHP Julian Tavarez hasn’t pitched in a game since April 24 and has been used very erratically out of the Sox bullpen since the start of the season. Tavarez has been mentioned several times in trade rumors with the Colorado Rockies over the past two seasons, and rumors are again cropping up that the Sox and Rox are talking about the spot starter/long reliever.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) went on the disabled list retroactive to May 3 after emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint May 15.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. He began throwing in mid-May but said he had a long way to go before he’d be ready to return to action.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10.
The increased production on the mound doesn’t come without its own consequences, however, as Papelbon is also on pace to pitch in 71 games and total 76 innings—a pair of stats that would obliterate his career highs in both categories.
The Sox coaching staff seemed to incorporate a sort of “Pap Rules” when it came to their right-handed fireman last season, but -– through both a dire need and a conscious decision to take the wraps off a bit -– the 27-year-old seems to be free of all constraints this season.
Papelbon has regularly been asked to record more than three outs this season, but he has only pitched on back-to-back days once.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound smoke-thrower has a glittering 1.65 ERA through his first 15 games of 2008 to go along with 10 saves and 21 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings, and he feels strong enough to keep up with his increased workload.
“With the combination of the things I’ve learned the first three years, I’m starting to learn what it takes and what it doesn’t take—and how to throttle that gas pedal,” Papelbon said. “It’s been a huge difference-maker in my game, and it lets me be successful daily.”
There are two serious and realistic concerns with Papelbon’s workload, though -– no matter what level his throttle happens to be at on a particular day. The excess innings and stress could lead to an injury to Papelbon’s golden right arm, and there remain real worries that the Sox closer won’t be fresh in September unless another power arm can step up and lighten the burden on Mr. Riverdance.
As you might expect, Papelbon is full speed ahead without any noticeable worry.
“The inning and how much I’m throwing … I don’t let that dictate what I’m going to do. It all boils down to experience,” said Papelbon. “The eighth- and ninth-inning stints … it all boils down to experience and what you’re accustomed to doing.”
Red Sox 5, Tigers 0: Right-hander Tim Wakefield gave up only two hits through eight shutout innings, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez hit back-to-back home runs in Boston’s fifth consecutive win. Wakefield didn’t walk a batter, and he whiffed six Tigers in his best start of the season.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Curt Schilling threw 25 pitches from 60 feet Tuesday in his first throwing session since January, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona reported that the veteran felt good after the short session on flat ground. Schilling will repeat the throwing session Thursday, and he described feeling as “if this is a climb of a mountain, I’m still at the base of that mountain” as he attempts to work his way back to the big leagues following a shoulder/biceps problem.
• RHP Mike Timlin made his 1,022nd major league appearance Tuesday night, which ties him with RHP Jose Mesa and RHP Lee Smith for ninth on the all-time list. The veteran pitched a scoreless ninth inning, which marks the sixth game in 11 appearances that Timlin hasn’t surrendered a run. Timlin also ranks second in Red Sox history in relief appearances (357), trailing only Bob Stanley (552).
• RHP Jonathan Papelbon focused on improving his command this spring, and the results have been spectacular over the first month-plus of the season. Papelbon has walked only one batter in 16 1/3 innings thus far in the 2008 season, and he has cut down on both his pitches per plate appearance and pitches per inning. The improved control has given Papelbon an amazing 21:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season, and it has allowed the 27-year-old to further minimize his workload during an appearance.
• OF Jacoby Ellsbury leads the Red Sox with 25 runs this season, and he is one of five Red Sox players who have scored at least 20 runs this season. Prior to Tuesday night’s game, no other American League team had more than two players with 20 runs scored on their team. The Sox lead the AL with 171 runs through their first 35 games this season.
• RHP Julian Tavarez hasn’t pitched in a game since April 24 and has been used very erratically out of the Sox bullpen since the start of the season. Tavarez has been mentioned several times in trade rumors with the Colorado Rockies over the past two seasons, and rumors are again cropping up that the Sox and Rox are talking about the spot starter/long reliever.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) went on the disabled list retroactive to May 3 after emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint May 15.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. He began throwing in mid-May but said he had a long way to go before he’d be ready to return to action.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10.
Celtics - Getting Inside
The Celtics believe they can disrupt the Cavaliers’ attack by pressuring their guards, so look for more of that as the series goes along. Especially after getting 18 turnovers out of Cleveland in Game 1.
“That’s Rajon (Rondo)’s job every game,” said Paul Pierce, “so I expect us to definitely go ahead and do that against their ballhandlers, because I feel like we have an advantage there.
“To be able to pick up their guards and turn them, take them out of their offense—that’s going to be big for us. If we can get them out of their offense to where they have no choice but to just throw the ball to LeBron and everybody space out, hey …
“If we can keep then out of continuity where they’re moving the ball and finding their perimeter scorers, we give ourselves a great chance.”
Rondo is very much on board with the strategy.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “That was my goal in the first series against Atlanta—to pressure the ball and make Joe Johnson handle it. And that’ll be my goal in this series as well—to make LeBron bring the ball up the court and use the clock.”
Coach Doc Rivers noted that it won’t be a change for his club, but he might be underselling the emphasis on limiting Cleveland’s time in the frontcourt. Early physical defense could not only slow the James Gang but also produce some badly needed opportunity hoops for the Celts.
“We’re going to be who we are,” Rivers said. “We pressure guards up the floor on dead-ball situations, but we get back in transition first. And we’re going to do that. We’re not going to try to recreate anything, really. We’re just going to do what we’ve done and try to do it better—try to do it more like Game 7 (against Atlanta) than Game 6.”
Celtics 76, Cavaliers 72: The Celtics got 28 points from Kevin Garnett but not much else in a Game 1 victory Tuesday night in Boston.
Paul Pierce had just four points (2-of-14 shooting) and Ray Allen went scoreless (0-of-4 shooting), but Garnett came up big.
With the game even in the final minute, Garnett drove on Joe Smith and scored with 21 seconds left. LeBron James then finished off the worst shooting night of his career (2-for-18) by failing on a drive, and James Posey hit two free throws with 8.5 seconds left to essentially ice it.
“A lot of things didn’t go our way, and a lot of things didn’t go their way, either,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. “We just found a way to win the game.”
The Celts shot just 42.6 percent from the floor, but the Cavs were held to 30.7 percent shooting.
Notes, Quotes
• The Celtics weren’t really fazed by having to start the new series so quickly.
“I don’t know,” coach Doc Rivers said. “Hell, I’ll take a week or I’ll take a day. The fact is that we’re playing the next round, and that’s what you want to do.
“Obviously, we would have taken winning Game 6, but in a strange way we get more rest because we don’t have to travel (back from Atlanta) and it’s not a 1 o’clock game. We would have played a 1 o’clock game on Sunday (against the Cavaliers), and this way we played an afternoon game and get the rest of that day off. We get all day (Monday) to prepare, and we have a night game the next day, so in some ways we do have more time to prepare for the first game than we would have.”
• Though Rivers spent a good deal of time yelling at him, the coach is still quite fond of Delonte West. Why?
“His competitiveness,” said the coach. “He’s as competitive a person as I’ve ever been around, and that’s what drives him. It sometimes got in his way, but he’s a competitive player and he’s always going to be a winner. He’s great for winning teams.”
Quote To Note: “I thought it was the Knicks-Heat series for about 20 minutes.”—Coach Doc Rivers
Roster Report
Rotation: Starters—Point guard Rajon Rondo; Shooting guard Ray Allen; Small forward Paul Pierce; Power forward Kevin Garnett; Center Kendrick Perkins. Bench—Guard Eddie House, Forward James Posey, Guard Tony Allen, Guard Sam Cassell, Forward Leon Powe, Forward Glen Davis, Forward P.J. Brown, Forward Brian Scalabrine, Guard Gabe Pruitt.
Player Notes:
• G Ray Allen went scoreless for just the second time in his career. It was his playoff low, undercutting the seven he scored in Game 7 against the Hawks on Sunday.
• G Sam Cassell scored 10 of his 13 points in the last quarter Tuesday.
• G Rajon Rondo once again won the point guard matchup. He had 15 points and six assists.
• F Kevin Garnett finished third in the MVP balloting. He received 15 first-place votes.
“That’s Rajon (Rondo)’s job every game,” said Paul Pierce, “so I expect us to definitely go ahead and do that against their ballhandlers, because I feel like we have an advantage there.
“To be able to pick up their guards and turn them, take them out of their offense—that’s going to be big for us. If we can get them out of their offense to where they have no choice but to just throw the ball to LeBron and everybody space out, hey …
“If we can keep then out of continuity where they’re moving the ball and finding their perimeter scorers, we give ourselves a great chance.”
Rondo is very much on board with the strategy.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “That was my goal in the first series against Atlanta—to pressure the ball and make Joe Johnson handle it. And that’ll be my goal in this series as well—to make LeBron bring the ball up the court and use the clock.”
Coach Doc Rivers noted that it won’t be a change for his club, but he might be underselling the emphasis on limiting Cleveland’s time in the frontcourt. Early physical defense could not only slow the James Gang but also produce some badly needed opportunity hoops for the Celts.
“We’re going to be who we are,” Rivers said. “We pressure guards up the floor on dead-ball situations, but we get back in transition first. And we’re going to do that. We’re not going to try to recreate anything, really. We’re just going to do what we’ve done and try to do it better—try to do it more like Game 7 (against Atlanta) than Game 6.”
Celtics 76, Cavaliers 72: The Celtics got 28 points from Kevin Garnett but not much else in a Game 1 victory Tuesday night in Boston.
Paul Pierce had just four points (2-of-14 shooting) and Ray Allen went scoreless (0-of-4 shooting), but Garnett came up big.
With the game even in the final minute, Garnett drove on Joe Smith and scored with 21 seconds left. LeBron James then finished off the worst shooting night of his career (2-for-18) by failing on a drive, and James Posey hit two free throws with 8.5 seconds left to essentially ice it.
“A lot of things didn’t go our way, and a lot of things didn’t go their way, either,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. “We just found a way to win the game.”
The Celts shot just 42.6 percent from the floor, but the Cavs were held to 30.7 percent shooting.
Notes, Quotes
• The Celtics weren’t really fazed by having to start the new series so quickly.
“I don’t know,” coach Doc Rivers said. “Hell, I’ll take a week or I’ll take a day. The fact is that we’re playing the next round, and that’s what you want to do.
“Obviously, we would have taken winning Game 6, but in a strange way we get more rest because we don’t have to travel (back from Atlanta) and it’s not a 1 o’clock game. We would have played a 1 o’clock game on Sunday (against the Cavaliers), and this way we played an afternoon game and get the rest of that day off. We get all day (Monday) to prepare, and we have a night game the next day, so in some ways we do have more time to prepare for the first game than we would have.”
• Though Rivers spent a good deal of time yelling at him, the coach is still quite fond of Delonte West. Why?
“His competitiveness,” said the coach. “He’s as competitive a person as I’ve ever been around, and that’s what drives him. It sometimes got in his way, but he’s a competitive player and he’s always going to be a winner. He’s great for winning teams.”
Quote To Note: “I thought it was the Knicks-Heat series for about 20 minutes.”—Coach Doc Rivers
Roster Report
Rotation: Starters—Point guard Rajon Rondo; Shooting guard Ray Allen; Small forward Paul Pierce; Power forward Kevin Garnett; Center Kendrick Perkins. Bench—Guard Eddie House, Forward James Posey, Guard Tony Allen, Guard Sam Cassell, Forward Leon Powe, Forward Glen Davis, Forward P.J. Brown, Forward Brian Scalabrine, Guard Gabe Pruitt.
Player Notes:
• G Ray Allen went scoreless for just the second time in his career. It was his playoff low, undercutting the seven he scored in Game 7 against the Hawks on Sunday.
• G Sam Cassell scored 10 of his 13 points in the last quarter Tuesday.
• G Rajon Rondo once again won the point guard matchup. He had 15 points and six assists.
• F Kevin Garnett finished third in the MVP balloting. He received 15 first-place votes.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Red Sox - Inside Pitch
Sox right-hander Manny Delcarmen was the toast of spring training after he dropped 10 pounds and appeared primed and ready for a prominent role in the Boston bullpen.
The added responsibility was to include possibly taking some reps at closer when Jonathan Papelbon needed a blow, but the early-season optimism and confident chatter has simmered down considerably for the Hyde Park native.
Location has long been the biggest bugaboo for Delcarmen on the mound and it seems to again be one of the culprits -– along with the flu bug and the insane April travel schedule that had Delcarmen promising he was never going back to Japan –- behind the bloated 7.30 ERA after his first 16 appearances.
For Delcarmen this season, his strikeout numbers are strikingly similar to season’s past, but his WHIP (1.70), batting average against (.314) and slugging percentage (.549) against are all much higher than his career norms and indicate his pitches are catching too much of the middle.
“It seems like every time he makes a mistake now, he doesn’t repeat a pitch and somebody puts a good swing on it,” said Sox manager Terry Francona, on the heels of another unsatisfying performance from the hard-throwing righty on Sunday. “We could pitch him in the fifth of a blowout game and leave him out there, which would probably be good for him.”
Whatever the case, the bullpen’s inability to find a right-handed setup solution has put undue stress on Hideki Okajima and Papelbon –- a situation that could have long-range ramifications if it isn’t addressed now.
The Sox aren’t likely to stop searching for a suitable arm to fill the setup slot, and 24-year-old righty Craig Hansen’s second call-up from Class AAA Pawtucket isn’t a coincidence. Hansen was impressive in racking up three strikeouts during a 1 2/3-inning stint against the Angels last month, but was roughed up for a pair of runs while earning a hold in Monday night’s victory.
“He’s a lot more compact with his release and his mechanics and that’s really allowed him to work down in the strike zone with his fastball and slider much more consistently,” said Sox director of player development Mike Hazen. “There’s a consistency and a command to that slider now, and he’s got two major-league weapons when it’s working with the fastball.”
Delcarmen and Hansen are leagues better than anything the Sox could possibly hope to find on baseball’s open market, so patience will be the word for both hurlers.
Red Sox 6, Tigers 3: First baseman Kevin Youkilis, designated hitter David Ortiz and third baseman Mike Lowell each cranked out home runs and powered the Sox to their fourth straight victory. The start was literally a wild one for right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, as he walked a career-high eight batters but allowed only a single run on two hits.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Curt Schilling reported that his progress has moved faster than anticipated and he will attempt a throwing session on Tuesday afternoon. Schilling hasn’t picked up a baseball since January, but reported that his shoulder/biceps problem has subsided since receiving a cortisone shot in February. The Sox didn’t expect Schilling before the All-Star break -– at the earliest –- and the veteran big-game pitcher has vowed to pitch at some point this season.
• DH David Ortiz has what Sox manager Terry Francona termed a case of tendinitis in his surgically-repaired right knee, and it’s a situation the Sox will have to manage until the “spot” of pain dissipates from his joint. Francona opined that the warm weather will be a large help to Ortiz’s creaky knee, and the tendinitis hasn’t really affected “Big Papi” at the plate over the last three weeks. Ortiz is hitting .312 over his last 18 games with five home runs and 22 RBIs as he slowly emerges from his season-opening slump.
• 3B Mike Lowell finally collected his first home run and RBIs of the 2008 season on Monday night after setting a Sox record for third baseman with 120 RBIs last season. The Sox third baseman went through 15 games this season without collecting an RBI, which was the worst RBI drought of his distinguished 10-year big league career. After an early-season slump and a left thumb injury, Lowell looks like he is finally rounding into run-producing form.
• OF Jacoby Ellsbury continues to be the pace-setter for the Sox at the top of their lineup and ranks among the AL’s top 10 in runs scored (second with 25), stolen bases (third with 11) and on-base percentage (fourth with .415) this season. The Sox are also an amazing 12-2 when Ellsbury scores at least one run this season, and are also averaging a scant 2.13 runs per game when the speedy outfielder is missing from the lineup card.
• RHP Bartolo Colon threw two innings during an extended spring training start against an Orioles team in Sarasota on Monday afternoon. The 34-year-old Colon allowed a single hit and registered a strikeout during the two scoreless frames, and reported no health setbacks following his first mound appearance in nearly a month. Colon reported back to the rest of the Sox team in Detroit following the start, and could be ready for a start at Class AAA Pawtucket this weekend.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
DH David Ortiz (sore right knee) was scratched from the lineup on May 4. Ortiz is day to day.
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) was placed on the disabled list on emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint on May 15.
OF J.D. Drew (tightness in left quadriceps) left the April 29 game. He missed three games but returned May 3.
OF Jacoby Ellsbury (sore groin) did not play May 1. He played on May 2 against the Rays.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. Schilling is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break, but will start throwing in mid-May.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10.
The added responsibility was to include possibly taking some reps at closer when Jonathan Papelbon needed a blow, but the early-season optimism and confident chatter has simmered down considerably for the Hyde Park native.
Location has long been the biggest bugaboo for Delcarmen on the mound and it seems to again be one of the culprits -– along with the flu bug and the insane April travel schedule that had Delcarmen promising he was never going back to Japan –- behind the bloated 7.30 ERA after his first 16 appearances.
For Delcarmen this season, his strikeout numbers are strikingly similar to season’s past, but his WHIP (1.70), batting average against (.314) and slugging percentage (.549) against are all much higher than his career norms and indicate his pitches are catching too much of the middle.
“It seems like every time he makes a mistake now, he doesn’t repeat a pitch and somebody puts a good swing on it,” said Sox manager Terry Francona, on the heels of another unsatisfying performance from the hard-throwing righty on Sunday. “We could pitch him in the fifth of a blowout game and leave him out there, which would probably be good for him.”
Whatever the case, the bullpen’s inability to find a right-handed setup solution has put undue stress on Hideki Okajima and Papelbon –- a situation that could have long-range ramifications if it isn’t addressed now.
The Sox aren’t likely to stop searching for a suitable arm to fill the setup slot, and 24-year-old righty Craig Hansen’s second call-up from Class AAA Pawtucket isn’t a coincidence. Hansen was impressive in racking up three strikeouts during a 1 2/3-inning stint against the Angels last month, but was roughed up for a pair of runs while earning a hold in Monday night’s victory.
“He’s a lot more compact with his release and his mechanics and that’s really allowed him to work down in the strike zone with his fastball and slider much more consistently,” said Sox director of player development Mike Hazen. “There’s a consistency and a command to that slider now, and he’s got two major-league weapons when it’s working with the fastball.”
Delcarmen and Hansen are leagues better than anything the Sox could possibly hope to find on baseball’s open market, so patience will be the word for both hurlers.
Red Sox 6, Tigers 3: First baseman Kevin Youkilis, designated hitter David Ortiz and third baseman Mike Lowell each cranked out home runs and powered the Sox to their fourth straight victory. The start was literally a wild one for right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, as he walked a career-high eight batters but allowed only a single run on two hits.
Notes, Quotes
• RHP Curt Schilling reported that his progress has moved faster than anticipated and he will attempt a throwing session on Tuesday afternoon. Schilling hasn’t picked up a baseball since January, but reported that his shoulder/biceps problem has subsided since receiving a cortisone shot in February. The Sox didn’t expect Schilling before the All-Star break -– at the earliest –- and the veteran big-game pitcher has vowed to pitch at some point this season.
• DH David Ortiz has what Sox manager Terry Francona termed a case of tendinitis in his surgically-repaired right knee, and it’s a situation the Sox will have to manage until the “spot” of pain dissipates from his joint. Francona opined that the warm weather will be a large help to Ortiz’s creaky knee, and the tendinitis hasn’t really affected “Big Papi” at the plate over the last three weeks. Ortiz is hitting .312 over his last 18 games with five home runs and 22 RBIs as he slowly emerges from his season-opening slump.
• 3B Mike Lowell finally collected his first home run and RBIs of the 2008 season on Monday night after setting a Sox record for third baseman with 120 RBIs last season. The Sox third baseman went through 15 games this season without collecting an RBI, which was the worst RBI drought of his distinguished 10-year big league career. After an early-season slump and a left thumb injury, Lowell looks like he is finally rounding into run-producing form.
• OF Jacoby Ellsbury continues to be the pace-setter for the Sox at the top of their lineup and ranks among the AL’s top 10 in runs scored (second with 25), stolen bases (third with 11) and on-base percentage (fourth with .415) this season. The Sox are also an amazing 12-2 when Ellsbury scores at least one run this season, and are also averaging a scant 2.13 runs per game when the speedy outfielder is missing from the lineup card.
• RHP Bartolo Colon threw two innings during an extended spring training start against an Orioles team in Sarasota on Monday afternoon. The 34-year-old Colon allowed a single hit and registered a strikeout during the two scoreless frames, and reported no health setbacks following his first mound appearance in nearly a month. Colon reported back to the rest of the Sox team in Detroit following the start, and could be ready for a start at Class AAA Pawtucket this weekend.
By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.
Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.
Roster Report
Medical Watch:
DH David Ortiz (sore right knee) was scratched from the lineup on May 4. Ortiz is day to day.
OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) was placed on the disabled list on emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint on May 15.
OF J.D. Drew (tightness in left quadriceps) left the April 29 game. He missed three games but returned May 3.
OF Jacoby Ellsbury (sore groin) did not play May 1. He played on May 2 against the Rays.
1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26.
RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. Schilling is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break, but will start throwing in mid-May.
INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10.
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