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.

I take back everything I said the other day about how this west coast swing was going to be a cinch. I TAKE IT BACK!! Ok, can we please just win already?

Last night was, in short, a pitching disaster. Daisuke Matsuzaka, still in search of that elusive first win of 2012, was… well… horrible. Granted, he did claim to have a (as Bobby Valentine called it) “a crick in his neck,” yet he took the mound anyway. Honestly, I think a high school pitcher could’ve done a better job.

Dice K left the game after 28 pitches. His line was not impressive. The Oakland A’s bashed out five runs on four hits, including home runs by former Red Sox players Josh Reddick (his 19th of the year!) and Brandon Moss. But… he was injured. So do I forgive him for his bad outing? Probably not. It’s back to the DL most likely for Dice K and a game of eeny, meeny, miny, mo to pick the next member of the starting rotation.

Maybe Clayton Mortensen? He came in to relieve Dick K and pitched five innings, giving up just one more run on two hits. He’s been relegated to relief work for the most part with the Red Sox, but did start when he played in Colorado. He can’t be any worse… or more painful to watch. Despite the loss, Mortensen told reporters he was happy with his performance.

“It’s always nice to be able to go out and pick our team up. When something like that happens, it’s huge to go out there and soak up some innings so our bullpen can be fresh for the rest of our series against these guys,” said Mortensen. “They play us tough, so we’re going to need all the pitching we can have. So it was nice, I was happy with it.”

I can’t even discuss the offense right now. It’s just… yeah. One run isn’t going to cut it if you want to win.

Will Middlebrooks didn’t play last night and will probably be making a trip to the DL with a hamstring issue. Now that’s what you call bad timing.

Click here for the uninspired box score, courtesy of the Red Sox. Jon Lester tries to right the ship tonight against Bartolo Colon who is just back from a short trip to the DL. David Ortiz will try, yet again, to hit #400.

On another note, it’s going to be an exciting upcoming week for Portland fans. Carl Crawford makes strides to get back to Boston and will be playing for the Sea Dogs tonight. Ryan Sweeney could find himself in Portland possibly on Thursday. And Jacoby Ellsbury, who hit a 2-run homer for Fort Meyers last night, should be with Dogs later this week. *runs off to buy tickets*

Today marked the last day Kevin Youkilis would put on a Red Sox uniform — now his Sox are White. After the Red Sox beat the Braves this afternoon 9-4, it was announced that Youk had been traded to the White Sox for two players I’ve never heard – 25-year-old righthander Zach Stewart and utility player Brent Lillibridge. We knew it was coming. There’s been trade chatter for the past couple of weeks, it was just a matter of when and who.

I won't miss this silly stance, Youk! (Photo by: Chip Griffin, c/o Flickr.com)

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox will also be picking up $5.5 million of the $6.6 million Youkilis has remaining on his contract for this season. Well that’s a given, isn’t it? When haven’t the Red Sox been responsible for paying salaries for players that don’t actually play for them. Shocker.

Fans at Fenway, some how, some way, knew that today could very well be Youk’s final home game. The cheers were louder, more enthusiastic than they’ve ever been. And when Youk bashed an RBI triple in his final at bat, and was lifted for a pinch runner, you just had a feeling this was it. The crowd and his teammates both showed their appreciation with a standing ovation as he exited the field. A teary Youk then emerged from the dugout for his curtain call to a resounding chorus of Yoooouuuukkkk coming from the fans.

Kevin Youkilis is one of just two players (David Ortiz is the other) left from the 2004 World Series Championship team, having made his major league debut in May of that year. He was drafted by the Red Sox in 2001 and worked his way up through the Sox system. I remember when Youk landed in Portland and played for the Sea Dogs in 2003. The three-time All-Star also won a Gold Glove at first base in 2007.

This season hasn’t been easy for Youk. He has struggled with injuries as well as his bat, and has appeared to be agitated for the better part of the past few months. I’m sure Bobby Valentine’s comments about Youk’s commitment to the game earlier in the season had a little something to do with his malcontent. Maybe if he never went on the DL, if we never got a taste of Will Middlebrooks, maybe there never would’ve been talks of a Youkilis trade. But that’s the way the ball bounces (literally) and look what happened in 2004 after Nomar Garciaparra was traded. I wouldn’t take that one back for the world. Let’s hope only good comes from this move.

In actual game news… Cody Ross kicked some major ass today belting two home runs and knocking in five runs to fuel the Sox win over the Braves this afternoon. Daniel Nava, Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis all contributed with two hits and an RBI of their own.

After a rough first outing in early May, Aaron Cook finally scored his first win with the Sox. He pitched five solid innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. Glad to see no lingering effects of the nasty leg laceration that landed him on the DL.

Clicky here for Youk’s farewell box score, courtesy of the Sox. With the win today, Boston moves officially one game ahead of the last place Blue Jays who lost today. And temporarily five games out of first pending the results of the Yankees/Mets game tonight. The Yankees have their hands full facing R.A. Dickey who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. *whispers* Go Mets!

The Red Sox welcome the Blue Jays to Fenway for a three game series. Here’s to continuing their winning ways and putting more real estate between them and last place. Felix Doubront will go for his team-leading ninth win on Monday night.

I realized something this week… it’s the end of May and I haven’t been to Hadlock Field for a Sea Dogs game since Opening Day. I feel shame. To try and make up for lacking as a fan, I thought I’d give you all a little update on what’s going on up here in Portland.

We’re almost two months into the 2012 season and the Sea Dogs aren’t looking so hot. At 22-31, they’re second to last place in the Eastern League standings and a steep 9.5 games out of first place. It’s starting to look like they might have a repeat of last season where they finished 59-83.

When I sat down with EVP/GM Geoff Iacuessa in late March, his 2012 roster had yet to be named and wasn’t expected until early April. He knew he would probably be losing half his roster.

 

“It’s usually about half, maybe a little more than half the guys that were here last year, that finished up here will return,” Geoff said. “But you just never know. It’s tough to know year to year what happens at spring training. Sometimes guys do well and get up, and sometimes guys that weren’t on the radar for Portland have really good springs and start here.”

Before the interview, I had decided on my top two Sea Dogs prospects for 2012 — right fielder Bryce Brentz and right handed pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. Geoff agreed with me saying he was excited to see them in Portland. The two players couldn’t have had more different seasons to date.

On one hand, Bryce Brentz has been solid in the Sea Dogs line up. Coming off a strong stint in single A in 2011, he’s continued to be a consistent force in Portland. He’s currently batting .306 with six home runs and a team-leading 57 hits. Brentz has also gone 5 for 5 twice this season. Pretty impressive… Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ross better watch their backs!

And then there’s Anthony Ranaudo who’s had a rough start to his career in AA. He began the season in extended spring training with a mild groin injury and didn’t pitch in Portland until May 15th. The 6’7″ righty has not been good. Ranaudo has started three games and is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA in 14.2 innings. He’s allowed 12 earned runs on nine hits — three of those hits were home runs. And it doesn’t help when you have more walks (13) than strike outs (10). Appears Mr. Ranaudo has some work to do in Portland.

The Red Sox have been big on player development in recent years and it would only make sense that when the big club is suffering from so many injuries, it creates a domino effect down through the farm system as each level struggles to field a competitive team. All I know is that no matter what the Sea Dogs record is, it’s always a blast and I need to get my sorry ass to another game soon!

Just like I said yesterday about the Sea Dogs and their struggles, I really hope that some good home cookin’ will get this Red Sox team on track. That sleeping in their own beds will give them the boost they need to START FREAKING WINNING! If not, I’m pretty sure I’m going to die of something. Not sure what just yet… heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, broken heart… If the Sox care about me at all, they will start winning.

Today’s starting line-up:

Johnny Pesky (id10t @ flickr.com)

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Darnell McDonald, LF
Cody Ross, RF
Mike Aviles, SS
Kelly Shoppach, C

And on the mound, trying to get his first win of the season, Josh Beckett. He has quite a bit to prove after his lackluster first start where he gave up 5, yup 5, homeruns.

It’s killing me that I’m at work and listening on the radio. I would give anything to see Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek back on the field for the first pitch. It’s bringing tears to my eyes as I type! Gawd, and now Dewey Evans… WHY don’t I have a TV in my office??? I need to talk to someone about that.

And the announcement of Johnny Pesky… I’m such a damn sissy. Makes me cry every damn time!!

Let’s go Red Sox!!

I recently sat down with Geoff Iacuessa, EVP and GM of the Portland Sea Dogs, the Red Sox AA affiliate. I wanted to interview Geoff because I have always loved his story. He started with the organization as an intern back in 2001, and then was hired on as a full-time employee in 2002 after he graduated from UMass with a degree in Sport Management. He worked his way up through the system, mostly in the sales and marketing arena, and after the 2010 season, was promoted to his current position.

It make perfect sense that to be successful in baseball, even in the front office of baseball, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. So interning is like Single A… and GM? I think that’s the big leagues…if not, it’s close. Geoff is fortunate to work under club president, Charlie Eshbach. Charlie was a minor league GM at the age of 21, then league president before he was 30. Geoff speaks highly of Charlie and the organization.

“He’s a wealth of knowledge. Couldn’t have a better mentor and then our ownership too. The Burke family — there aren’t many families that own teams anymore. It’s a lot of corporations and partners and things like that and to have the Burke family as our owners — they’re just tremendous too. They treat us like family, they treat us so well and it works because in turn we want to work hard for them and do a good job.”

Hearing him talk of the Sea Dogs organization with such respect kind of makes me want to work there. Am I too old to get a degree in Sport Management? When I asked him if he had any advice for someone who wanted to get into the baseball business, his answer?

“Do an internship. It’s that easy. We (the Sea Dogs) have a very strong internship program and we get anywhere from five to eight each year of college kids looking to get into sports… and sports isn’t for everybody either. It’s long hours, you’re not getting paid tremendously great, we’re fortunate that we get taken care of well. There’s a lot of great things and you go to work in a ballpark every day. It’s a great place to be. But at the same time, there are long days, long hours, long home stands, rainy days and things like that.”

It’s refreshing to hear a person speak so highly of their job and the people they work for but Geoff says there’s nothing he doesn’t love about going to work. But it takes a special kind of person to make it. The season is long and the interns start in February and work through Labor Day. Some start out strong and by June or July, they’ve had enough. But then, Geoff says, there are other interns that start off a bit slow, but as they get into the season, they get the energy and the excitement and those are the people who end up with jobs in baseball.

“It’s a great way to learn if it’s a fit,” Geoff says. “It’s also a great way to make contacts. If we don’t have a job available, we all have many contacts in the industry and we can make phone calls for people and help place people in other organizations. The internship was far and away the best thing I ever did. I learned a lot at UMass, but the most valuable time I had was my internship. All the semesters before that, yeah it was good, but if I didn’t do the internship, I definitely wouldn’t be here.”

The Portland Sea Dogs play their home opener tonight (if the rain holds off) at Hadlock Field against the Binghamton Mets. Brock Huntzinger will be on the mound for the Dogs looking for his first win. Just like their parent club, the Sea Dogs have had a dismal season-opening road-trip, going 1-6. Hopefully some good home cooking gets them back on the right track.

If you missed the first Sea Dogs post, click here.

AA Portland Sea Dogs Series: Part 1

Not only is Opening Day for the Red Sox fast approaching, but for the minor leagues too! If you don’t live in the general vicinity of a minor league baseball team, you probably could give a rat’s ass. The Red Sox AA affiliate, Portland Sea Dogs, will open their 2012 season on April 5th in Reading, PA to take on the Phillies. Their home opener is a week later on April 12th, a game I’ll most likely be watching from the luxury of a warm skybox at Hadlock Field. I recently sat down with Geoff Iacuessa, the EVP and GM of the Sea Dogs to get his thoughts on the impending season, the hiring of Bobby Valentine, and how someone gets to work for a baseball team. So needless to say, you’ll be hearing quite a bit from me over the next couple of weeks on this subject.

But first I thought I’d give you all a down and dirty history and overview of the Portland Sea Dogs. In case you’ve never heard of them.

The Sea Dogs were born on April 7, 1994 as the AA affiliate of the Florida Marlins. On that day, Charles Johnson hit a dramatic 14th inning home run to give the fledgling team a 2-1 victory over the Reading Phillies. Eleven days later, the city of Portland celebrated the first of many Sea Dogs’ Opening Days at Hadlock Field. It was a star-studded event with Kathie Lee Gifford butchering singing the National Anthem, while her husband, Frank Gifford, threw out the first pitch. I was there, freezing my ass off, but happy to be watching baseball in my hometown. Something that hadn’t happened in 45 years — definitely not in my lifetime.
» Continue reading “Red Sox Farm Flash: AA Portland Sea Dogs”

Photo by John Ewing/Staff Photographer, PPH

On October 26, Portland, Maine lost a good friend. Dan Burke, president of the Red Sox double A affiliate Portland Sea Dogs, passed away at the age of 82. When I read the news, I gasped, saddened that the man that brought baseball back to Portland had lost his battle with type 1 diabetes.

I vividly remember the day Hadlock Field officially reopened to a sell out crowd on April 18, 1994. I remember it was cold. It’s April in Maine, we were lucky there wasn’t still snow on the ground. I remember being bundled up like I was hitting the ski slopes, it was that cold. I had gotten up extra early to wait in line in the freezing temps a few months earlier to get my Opening Day tickets — which sold out in hours.
» Continue reading “Thank You, Dan Burke, for the Portland Sea Dogs”