The Boston Red Sox were unceremoniously swept by the Kansas City Royals last Sunday and in writing the recap of that giant suck-fest, I happened to mention something about how the Sox were kicking the crap out of the Oakland A’s and holy crap, I almost jinxed their win. Whoa…that was scary. So I’m been keeping my mouth shut this week and trying not to gloat too much about things like the Red Sox currently having the best record in baseball. But I don’t often get to gloat about best records, so I’m officially gloating…if only for a short time.

It’s been quite a week for the Red Sox—since the double crappy loss on Sunday, they’ve gone 6-1 and welcomed the Houston Astros to the American League with a good ol’ four-game sweep. That’s what you call Boston Strong, people!

Monday, April 22: Red Sox 9 : A’s 6
Felix Doubront pitched 6.2 innings, giving up just three earned runs and striking out eight to earn his second win of the season. The Sox offense exploded for five runs in the 5th, capped by a Mike Napoli grand slam. The A’s mounted a comeback with three runs in the 8th, but it was too little, too late…thankfully!

Tuesday, April 23: Red Sox 0 : A’s 13
The only loss of the week and boy was it a doozy. Alfredo Aceves was shelled for eight runs on seven hits and four walks in just 3.1 innings of work. He was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket shortly after the game. Don’t let the door hit you the ass, you crazy whacko. Despite the loss, his demotion was a highlight for me.

Wednesday, April 24: Red Sox 6 : A’s 5
It’s nice to see the Sox able to bounce back for a win after such a humiliating loss. Jon Lester pitched well enough for his fourth win of the season, helped by two three-run innings, which turned out to be just enough run support. Andrew Bailey came in and struck out the side in the 9th for his fifth save.

Thursday, April 25: Red Sox 7 : Astros 2
Clay Buchholz continued his tear, winning his fifth game with a 7.2 inning, five strike out performance. He did allow two earned runs which raised his ERA to a whopping 1.19. The Sox offense jumped on the Astros pitching early, scoring four runs in the 1st inning. David Ortiz hit his first home run of 2013 in the 3rd inning.

Friday, April 26: Red Sox 7 : Astros 3
Ryan Dempster finally gets his first win in a Red Sox uniform. It’s not like he hasn’t pitched well before, just wasn’t getting the support. He definitely got support in this game—in the form of the long ball. David Ross hit two home runs, Will Middlebrooks whacked his sixth, and David Ortiz launched his second in as many nights.

Saturday, April 27: Red Sox 8 : Astros 4
Not to be out-shined by Lester and Buchholz, Felix Doubront notched his third win. The Astros got close in this game, scoring one in the top of the 7th to bring them to within two, but the Red Sox would have none of it and scored three in the bottom of that inning to secure the win.

Sunday, April 28: Red Sox 6 : Astros 1
John Lackey’s return from his recent stint on the DL was celebrated with his first win of 2013. He pitched six innings on one-run ball and showed no signs of the bicep strain that knocked him out on April 6th. Ortiz, Daniel Nava and Mike Carp all had 2-hit games to spark the offense. Bailey earned his sixth save which was highlighted by a spectacular diving catch by Nava to end the game.

Can’t every week be like this one? After a well-deserved day off tomorrow, the Sox head north to Toronto for a three game series. Jon Lester is scheduled to start and will have the chance to catch Buchholz in the five win club.

To say that Boston can now return to normal would be wrong. Even after yesterday’s apprehension of both suspects—one dead, one in custody—in last Monday’s Marathon tragedy, it’s still a city in mourning. Things have not returned to normal—especially for the families of the deceased, and the victims still recovering in the area hospitals. For the victims, normal will never be the same.

The Boston Red Sox left Boston in the midst of the melee, heading out to Cleveland for a three game series. Each and every player worried about the city they left behind, the city they call home—at least this year. A Red Sox away jersey with the number 617 and the battle cry of Boston Strong hung in support in the dugout. And when the city needed a little pick-me-up in the midst of all trauma, the Red Sox came through for their fans with a sweep of the Indians.

It was their first meeting with former manager Terry Francona and boy did they show him just how strong Boston’s spirit is (as if he didn’t know.) After winning handily on Tuesday night behind Felix Doubront, you had to wonder how they could keep it up with the weight of a city on their shoulders. But they did.

Wednesday’s game 2 of the series saw the Sox quickly going up 3-0 in the first, staking Alfredo Aceves to a lead before he even took the mound. They pounded out 15 hits on route to their 6-3 win with 3-hit games from Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino—both also scoring two runs each. More importantly, they were able to prove Indians’ pitcher Justin Masterson is human. Click here for the box score.

The series finale on Thursday ended with the same score, 6-3 on the back of another stellar performance from Jon Lester for this third win. The game was a real nail biter until the Sox broke it open in the 7th inning with single by Jacoby Ellsbury and an error allowing Shane Victorino to reach. After a fly out by Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli singled to right field to drive Ellsbury home, and Daniel Nava plated Victorino with a sac fly. Pinch-hitter Mike Carp singled to right to score Napoli and give the Sox a safe lead they would never give up. Click here for the box score, courtesy of the Red Sox.

After yesterday’s madness and the Red Sox and Royals getting postponed, they’re back in action this afternoon with Clay Buchholz looking for his AL leading 4th win.

Let’s go Red Sox, let’s go!!

After the rainout on Friday night, the Boston Red Sox took a take no prisoners approach to the rest of the weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays. So far, I am loving this team. Check in with me again around the All-Star break to see if my feelings have changed, but there’s a spark here I haven’t seen in a long time. Maybe since 2004.

Saturday afternoon we saw Sox ace Jon Lester matching up against the Ray’s ace, David Price. And just as presumed, a pitchers’ duel ensued. Both starters gave up just a single run in their outings but the Sox came out on top in extra frames. Following a Jarod Saltalamacchia strikeout to open the bottom of the 10th, Jacoby Ellsbury singled to center. With Shane Victorino at the plate, Ellsbury stole second and took third on a crappy throw by the Rays’ catcher.

Rays’ manager Joe Maddon then pulled in an outfielder to give them five guys covering the infield. Is this the baseball version of pulling the goalie? Even with nearly every inch of the dirt covered, Victorino was able to ground the ball to a spot where the shortstop had to dive for it. Ellsbury scored on the play giving the Sox the 2-1 victory! Click here for the box.

Sunday afternoon’s game saw starting pitcher, Clay Buchholz, flirt with a no-hitter, stymying the Rays batters through seven innings. Buchholz pitched masterfully, giving up just two hits in eight innings and striking out 11. He has improved to 3-0 with a stingy 0.41 ERA. I would’ve figured these numbers would sit him alone atop the AL in the pitching category. I was wrong. He shared the same record and ERA with old Sox friend, Justin Masterson.

The Red Sox scored most of their runs in the third inning when Ellsbury, Victorino and Dustin Pedroia all singled to load the bases. Mike Napoli smashed a double to the triangle in center to score the first two runs. Two more scored on a ground out by Stephen Drew and a throwing error. Click here for the box—courtesy of the Red Sox.

Next up for the Red Sox, they attempt to close out a sweep of the Rays with the annual Patriots Day 11:05am start. Ryan Dempster (0-1, 3.60), still searching for his first win in a Sox uniform, will take on Jeremy Hellickson (0-1, 6.35). Tomorrow is also Jackie Robinson Day—when everyone wears #42!

The Boston Red Sox have been a lot like the weather this week… they began their 2013 home schedule with an Opening Day win on a beautiful, bright blue day. But as the days have progressively gotten crappier and colder, so has their play. Maybe this year, we here at Fenway Fatales can just pretend that the games the Sox lose don’t really happen. I hate writing about losses.

Wednesday, April 10: Red Sox 5 : Orioles 8
Grrrrrrr… When I fell asleep, it was 5-3 good guys. When I woke up, it was not. After back-to-back homers by Daniel Nava and Jarod Saltalamacchia in the bottom of the 6th to put the Sox up by two, I thought the bullpen had this one in the bag. Especially considering their short history so far this season. Joel Hanrahan had other plans that basically consisted of sucking. Hanrahan blew the save and gave up five runs in the ninth—including two home runs. FYI, his ERA is currently 11.57. Gross.

Thursday, April 11: Red Sox 2 : Orioles 3
Last night’s loss was a result of not much offense. It’s hard to win without offense. Alfredo Aceves held his own in a spot start while John Lackey is on the 15-day DL allowing just two runs. But the Sox just couldn’t pull themselves together at the plate to get him much run support and the Orioles scored one late in the game to put themselves ahead for good. At least we didn’t have to witness a tragedy like the previous night… but it still isn’t easy to accept.

Friday, April 12: Red Sox : Tampa Bay Rays – Rained Out
Dear Mother Nature, I’m not sure if you’ve looked at the calendar lately, but it’s April 12th and, well, it shouldn’t be 31 degrees and snowing on my drive home. Snow in April just sucks. Do you have no sympathy for the poor daffodils that have already peaked their delicate heads up through the ground? Do you not like daffodils? Not cool, Mother Nature, not cool.

Next up on the schedule, the Red Sox and Rays will try again tomorrow at 1:05pm. A battle of the Aces is on the docket. Jon Lester will go for his third win, while David Price looks for his first.

Committing to going to a baseball game in April is a lot like playing weather roulette. It could either be 40 degrees with a 30 mph wind like it was this past Saturday… or it could be 65 degrees with bright, sunshine-y blue skies like it was today. A perfect scenario for my very first Opening Day at Fenway Park.

Me… in my happy place!

Fans were asked to be in their seats by 1:30 for some special pre-game ceremonies that began by honoring a 60 year partnership between the Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund with a performance by the Jimmy Fund chorus. Following the introductions of the two teams, there was a brief remembrance for both Johnny Pesky and former Baltimore manager Earl Weaver—who both passed away last year.

An American flag, covering the entire Green Monster was unfurled for the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner by the Jimmy Fund chorus. And what Opening Day would be complete without a flyover—this year by two vintage P-51 Mustangs from the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation. From behind the giant flag emerged players and patients from the last several decades who made their way from the outfield in to the pitcher’s mound to throw out the first pitches… Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek and Jim Rice were among those players. Of course, it made me teary. They always know how to make me cry.

The only thing that could make the day better was a win, which the Red Sox served up in dramatic fashion. The pitchers dueled for the first 6.5 innings—Clay Buchholz for the good guys and Wei-Yin Chen for the Orioles. At this point, I figured the first team to score would win the game. Luckily, the Sox struck first.

You just knew good things were going to happen when Dustin Pedroia led off the bottom of the 7th with an infield single. Mike Napoli quickly followed with a line shot to the center field wall for double. The fans got a bit restless when Pedroia was held up at third, especially when Will Middlebrooks whiffed for the first out. Not to fear though, Daniel Nava smashed a 91 mph fastball over everything into a dumpster on Landsdowne Street.

Clay Buchholz was masterful, pitching seven innings of three-hit shutout ball, while striking out eight Orioles. He joins Jon Lester at 2-0 on this young season with an ERA of 0.64. Joel Hanrahan earned his third save, but it was not without drama. He gave up two hits in the top of the ninth, one a home run to Adam Jones to make us all hold our breath just a little bit.

The Sox take on the Orioles again for game two of the series on Wednesday night with Ryan Dempster taking the mound, trying for his first win with his new team. Click here for the exciting box score, courtesy of the Red Sox.

The Red Sox won! The Red Sox won! I’ve been waiting a couple years to say that on Opening Day, and today I can. The Red Sox beat the New York Yankees handily in the Bronx, 8-2. Part of me was dreading this game, mostly because after last season’s horridness. It made me feel a little like Charlie Brown trusting Lucy not to pull the ball away. I didn’t want to get fooled again.

But that’s not what happened. Quite the contrary actually. It was almost as if these guys enjoyed playing with each other. Like there was, dare I say, chemistry? John Farrell is the complete opposite of Bobby Valentine… and by that I mean he’s normal and has a real handle on what makes a team work as a team. See what happens when everyone gets along!

The top third of the lineup—Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia—shined this afternoon, combining for six of the eight runs batted in on seven hits. Rookie Jackie Bradley Jr. showed veteran-like patience at the plate, walking three times in his 0-for-2 performance. He drove in his first career major league run in the top of the seventh on a fielder’s choice. Jose Iglesias, who has never been known for his stellar offense, went 3-for-5 with an RBI. Looks like someone was a little embarrassed by his .118 average last fall.

Jon Lester pitched five innings, looking sharp for four of those five—his only problem coming in the fourth where he got a little wild and gave up the two lone runs of the game. He struck out seven and walked two. The bullpen pitched lights out the rest of the way to secure Lester’s first win, only allowing one hit through the final four frames.

The Sox scored four runs in the second inning. Jarod Saltalamacchia took a one-out walk, followed by a Jonny Gomes line drive single and the first of three walks to Bradley Jr. Iglesias drove in the first run on a single to the shortstop. Ellsbury grounded into a fielder’s choice and Victorino followed with single to left scoring two. Pedroia singled to right field scoring Ellsbury for the fourth run on the inning.

The only thing that makes me happier than the Sox winning on Opening Day? The Sox beating the Yankees on Opening Day. So needless to say, I’m wicked happy! The teams have an off day tomorrow because holy crap, Opening Day must be sooooo exhausting. They’ll meet again on Wednesday with Clay Buchholz facing off against Hiroki Kuroda for a 7:05pm start.

Clicky here if you would like to view more of the amazing game #1 recap, courtesy of the Red Sox.

Of course no one will actually confirm that this 2013 Red Sox roster is official, but if you ask me, it looks pretty solid so I’m going with it. There was no ceremonial announcement that Jackie Bradley Jr. was a definite to be in New York on Opening Day but word on the street is he is headed to NY with the club. [Yay!] After finishing up the spring with impressive numbers — .419 average and a 1.120 OPS — it would’ve have been a damn shame if he found himself in Pawtucket.

So without further ado…

Starting pitchers:
Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Dempster, Felix Doubront, John Lackey
No surprises here, although I thought Felix might grab the #3 spot.

Bullpen:
Joel Hanrahan, Andrew Bailey, Andrew Miller, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Alfredo Aceves, Clayton Mortensen
Daniel Bard, who the Sox broke last season, will start the season in Portland! Sounds like a rebuilding year for Bard. And I wonder what the over/under is on when Aceves has his first whiny meltdown.

Catchers: 
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, David Ross
And once again, Ryan Lavarnway is sent to Pawtucket. He’s like the high school senior that can’t seem to make the varsity club. *sigh*

Infielders:
Mike Napoli, Dustin Pedroia, Jose Iglesias, Will Middlebrooks, Pedro Ciriaco, Mike Carp
With Stephen Drew on the DL (WHAT? a Drew on the DL?), Jose Iglesias will get a shot to show us his moves and his greatly improved offense. He did hit a respectable .294 this spring.

Outfielders:
Shane Victorino, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jackie Bradley Jr., Jonny Gomes, Daniel Nava
I’m most excited about the outfield this season — Bradley, Ellsbury and Victorino could make up one of the best defensive outfield we’ve seen in a loooong time!

Tomorrow’s the day, Sox fans. The Red Sox visit the New York Yankees for an Opening Day matinee with Jon Lester taking on CC Sabathia. Game time is 1:05pm. Where will you be?

In just over two weeks, the 2013 season will open with a bang for the Boston Red Sox as they head to New York for a three game series with their perennial nemesis, the Yankees. Let’s not ease into the season or anything like that…geez.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised this spring with the performances by most of the pitching staff. What I’m imagining to be the starting rotation has been solid—with the exception of John Lackey, but I’m giving him a pass for now. He better step it up a notch once the games start to count though. I have high hopes for Mr. Lackey in 2013.

My starting five:

#1 – Jon Lester 
I assume the self-proclaimed Ace will be on the mound for Opening Day. He has had a solid spring allowing just two runs over 14 total innings and striking out 10. Lester has a lot to prove after such a disappointing 2012 where he struggled to a 9-14 record. Spring ERA: 1.28

#2 – Clay Buchholz
Clay has been nothing short of masterful in Grapefruit play, allowing no runs in his 8.1 innings of work. If he keeps this up, there might just be some competition for that “Ace” title. At least he had a winning record last year. Spring ERA: 0.00

#3 – Felix Doubront
If Felix continues down the road he’s been on in Florida, he should have no problems securing the #3 spot in the rotation. He has pitched 8.2 innings, allowing two runs while striking out 11. Spring ERA: 2.08

#4 – Ryan Dempster
If Dempster was signed to replace Dice K, I would say it’s a giant improvement based on his performance so far. But then again, if you’re looking at the last couple of season, Coco the monkey would’ve been an upgrade over Matsuzaka. Dempster has pitched 12.2 innings, allowing three runs and striking out nine. Spring ERA: 2.13

#5 – John Lackey
After missing all of 2012 recovering from surgery, Lackey has the most to prove. And while I expected him to get off to a slow start, this is a little ridiculous. He has allowed six runs in 6.2 innings—obviously, he still has some work to do. Spring ERA: 8.10

A few of the rookies, Anthony Carter and Allen Webster, have been impressive. Carter, who came from the White Sox organization, hasn’t allowed an earned run in 7.1 innings. Webster, a product of the Dodgers system, has pitched 11 innings, allowing three runs and striking out 14! Webster has been assigned to Pawtucket, but would be available should anything happen.

All in all, based on what’s happened so far, I would say the starting rotation is in good shape. Nothing spectacular, but I think they can hold their own if everyone can stay healthy and keep their head in the game. Although I highly doubt John Farrell will let the heads be anywhere else…

What I really wanted to title this blog — Boston Red Sox: Weekly Wookie Woundup. Because really, try to say Weekly Rookie Roundup fast. Over the past week, a couple rookies have looked rather impressive—Jackie Bradley and Jeremy Hazelbaker. (And now I just want to call them wookies and picture them all really tall and furry.) Yes, it’s just spring training and yes, I know there’s not much of a chance of them living in Boston on April 1, but holy hell, the numbers from this week are preeeeeetty awesome!

Jackie Bradley
This kid is on fire (sing it… like Alicia!) The youngster has been putting up some sweet digits in spring training. In five games, he’s batting .571 with eight hits in 14 at bats. Bradley is poised to take over in center when Jacoby Ellsbury hops the train to Money-ville after this season and I’m going to guess Bradley is a tad more durable than the current center fielder. Bradley played in just 61 games with AA Portland which most certainly means at least one more year in the minors. BaseballProspectus.com says this about the #2 prospect’s strengths:

Special baseball instincts; plus glove; strong arm; average speed, but preternatural feel for position; moves before ball is put in play; precise routes and angles; plus-plus overall profile at premium position; advanced approach at the plate; good pitch-recognition skills; knows his pitch pocket and attacks; solid-average hit tool; tough out.

Jeremy Hazelbaker
The 25-year-old outfielder is swinging a big stick this spring. In his first four games, he batted .600. Granted that’s only five at bats but whatevs, .600 is pretty impressive, especially when you have some everyday players *cough* Shane Victorino *cough* that have put up a big fat goose egg thus far. As of today, his average has dropped to .429 but still respectable. Last year, Hazelbaker spent most of the season in Portland with the AA Sea Dogs. In 114 games, he averaged .273 with 19 homeruns and 119 hits.

So when are the Red Sox going to take a chance on one of these rookies? When are they going to throw caution to the wind and give one of these kids a roster spot and see where it goes? Who knows, they could have another Mike Trout or Bryce Harper on their hands. But they’ll never know unless they try.

In other news, Jon Lester spun three innings of shut out ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, walking one and striking out two. Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-2 and Mike Napoli went 1-for-2 in his spring debut. My parents were at the game—they’re in Naples, FL on vacation. Lucky for them they didn’t send me too many gloating texts.

So the Red Sox continue their losing ways. (Serenity now! *raises fist*) After dropping their last eight games of the 2012 season, they lose their first official Grapefruit League game to those pesky Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3. Close, but no cigar.

Picture perfect day. (Photo by: Krista Nordgren)

I know it shouldn’t matter. It’s spring training. There are names on the line up card that a lot of us have never heard before. But it would’ve been nice…confidence boosting even… for a W in the first meeting with a division rival. I guess that was too much to ask. I’m going to try extra hard not to ask too much this season.

Spring training games are hard for me to watch on television. It snowed most of the day here in Maine yesterday and seeing all those people, hanging out in sunny Fort Meyers, FL really pissed me off. A friend of mine was there too… torturing me with texts about how amazing the park is, how they have dispensers of sunscreen in the bathrooms, how her kid got tossed a ball, and again how amazing the park is. Kill me now.

Trying to recap a spring training game is a lot like herding kittens, so I’ll give you some highlights.

• John Lackey started his first game since 2011. He pitched just one inning of work throwing 20 pitches—10 for strikes. He loaded the bases with a hit, a walk, a strikeout and a hit batsman but got out of the inning giving up just one run. Not bad for the newly slimmed-down right-hander. I’m rooting for him to have a good year.
• Jose Iglesias smashed a two-run, game-tying home run over the Green Monster (south) in the seventh. For a guy who’s been struggling to prove he’s ready for the big leagues with his bat, this home run has to do wonders for his confidence. Maybe that off-season time spent with Dustin Pedroia is paying off!

This afternoon, the Red Sox travel to Jupiter (the town, not the planet) to play the Cardinals. Jon Lester will make the start. For more riveting detail on yesterday’s contest, click here — courtesy of the Sox. All is right in the world… baseball is back.