August 17, 2007

G121: Red Sox 8, Angels 4

Buchholz: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 91 pitches

A six-run first (10 batters, 46 pitches, 7 hits) off Lackey provided the cushion. The first four Boston hits were a double (Pedroia), home run (Ortiz), single (Ramirez) and triple (Drew).

***

John Lackey (3.07, 140 ERA+) / Clay Buchholz (MLB debut), 1 PM

The Clay Buchholz Era has begun!

In 21 combined starts at Portland (AA) and Pawtucket (AAA), Buchholz posted a 2.15 ERA (117 innings). He leads all minor league pitchers with 164 strikeouts.

RedSox.com:
Red Sox Nation will be watching to see if Buchholz's extraterrestrial curveball is the real deal. Buchholz also commands a plus changeup and an above-average slider, while his fastball runs in the mid- to low-90s. He will likely benefit from facing the Angels, an aggressive lineup lacking in thump.
Buchholz was chosen by the Red Sox in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft as compensation for departed free agent Pedro Martinez.

It looks like Buchholz will be sent back down to Pawtucket after the game and Jacoby Ellsbury will be recalled for today's nightcap.

Thanks to Detroit's 8-5 win over the Yankees last night, the East lead is now 5.5.

149 comments:

Rob T. said...

Question about Wily Mo...

Looks like he'll be "designated for assignment" before the game to make room for Clay. Can they just leave him DFA for the 10 days, and assuming he clears waivers (regular, not trade, obviously), try to send him to AAA, which he will evidently refuse, so we could undesignate him at that point?

Or is the die cast, and if he refuses the assigment, the only remaining options are to trade him or release him?

I have a feeling that the die is cast at that point. I'm sad, too. I agree with Theo about WMP's "upside". I saw him a couple times here in Louisville (Cincy's AAA team), and he's impressive, but he needs 400-500 ABs for a couple seasons to really develop his talent.

I know I'm biased, but I would think he'd see value in accepting assignment and getting serious playing time in Pawtucket. Though I guess the same thing would happen if he wound up in a lesser MLB team than Boston.

But that's assuming he even clears waivers.

Sorry for the rambling - just trying to figure out some way to keep WMP even if he gets DFAed today.

allan said...

I'm unclear about this.

If he's DFA, the Red Sox have 10 days to trade him, release him, or send him to the minors. But they can only send him to the minors if he accepts the assignment.

That's clear enough.

I'm pretty sure he can't be un-DFA. Also, the assumption is he wouldn't accept the assignment.

Or is the die cast, and if he refuses the assigment, the only remaining options are to trade him or release him?

I think so.

allan said...

Have the Angels flip-flopped Santana and Lackey?

Pokerwolf said...

A lot of people see the Buchholz call-up as a "desperation move" or something. How is letting Buchholz pitch the first game of a double-header (and then sending him back to the minors) a "despiration move"? It's a chance to see how well the kid does against MLB level talent. What's wrong with that?

Pokerwolf said...

Have the Angels flip-flopped Santana and Lackey?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Pokerwolf said...

Or, Lackey is starting and Redsox.com hasn't updated their front page yet. Sheesh.

Looks like they did the flip-flop to get the "easy" win the first game. I hope Lackey gets shelled. It would serve them right.

Pokerwolf said...

From the article I just linked to:

The Red Sox will purchase his contract, clearing a spot that will be used for his first Major League start. After the game, he will be sent down, at which point Jacoby Ellsbury will occupy the roster spot vacated by Buchholz in the nightcap. The Red Sox have not announced whose spot Buchholz will take.

I know they have to report what actually happens, but is there any Sox Nation Member that *doesn't* know who Buchholz is going to replace?

s1c said...

RE: DFA - First he has to clear waivers to accept the minor league deal, which he already has done.

Second the 10 days is the most as far as a trade, after 8 days then the Player (If I am reading the contract right) can refuse the trade and become a free agent.

Third if there is no trade or he does not declare free agency then he can do like Piniero and accept the assingmnet.

Pena may accept the assingment due to his ties to the organization, ie good relationship with Theo, Francona, Ortiz and etal. I would not be surprised if he did accept but I also would not be surprised if he declared free agency.

laura k said...

Jacoby Ellsbury will be recalled for today's nightcap

yay!

tim said...

yo, L. re: your previous suggestion about mstarr@newsweek.com - consider it done!

tim said...

Coming to you from Rochester airport. Was going down to New York/Philly for the weekend but plane was supposed to leave at 10:15 - hasn't arrived yet.

Fucking Newark.

allan said...

A lot of people see the Buchholz call-up as a "desperation move" or something.

Really? Who?

allan said...

is there any Sox Nation Member that *doesn't* know who Buchholz is going to replace?

Timlin?

:>)

allan said...

Edes update:
in his pregame meeting Terry Francona said he doesn’t have a roster move to report, but promised there would be one before the 1 p.m. gametime. Wily Mo Pena was not in the locker room and his jersey was not hanging in his locker.

s1c said...

11 games in 10 days does not make this a desperation move, a start by Tavarez on Sunday could be considered that, but with the next off day being the 27th, I would not consider this desperation.

allan said...

Bradford: "Wily Mo Pena is not at Fenway Park this morning. He is at home waiting for a call regarding his fate, which should be determined sometime between noon and 1 p.m."

allan said...

But the Lips start also puts Wake in the Trop and gives us two rounds of Dice/Beckett/G38 against the MFY.

Pokerwolf said...

Really? Who?

I've mostly heard it from Yankees fans comparing it to the Hughes call-up. There have been a smattering of Sox fans I've heard mention it too, though.

Timlin?

Do they have to switch a pitcher for a pitcher? I thought they were DFAing Pena, calling up Buchholz for the first game, sending him back down, and then calling up Ellisbury for the second game.

a start by Tavarez on Sunday could be considered that, but with the next off day being the 27th, I would not consider this desperation.

Same here.

laura k said...

Yo Tim, good on ya. Good luck with your travels today!

allan said...

I've mostly heard it from Yankees fans comparing it to the Hughes call-up.

1. Consider the source(s).

2. So there are Yankee fans who think the arrival of The Franchise™ was a desperation move? Huh.

allan said...

Do they have to switch a pitcher for a pitcher?

No.

laura k said...

They can think whatever they want from their lofty position of second place, struggling for the wildcard spot.

allan said...

Pedroia, 2B
Youkilis, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Ramirez, LF
Drew, RF
Lowell, 3B
Crisp, CF
Mirabelli, C
Cora, SS

Pokerwolf said...

1. Consider the source(s).

Well, yes. It's still an interesting point since they've been trying to call us "desperate" for months now.

2. So there are Yankee fans who think the arrival of The Franchise™ was a desperation move? Huh.

Well, when you consider they've been riding the high of beating up on weaker teams for the past few weeks, they're looking for any weakness they can drum up due to the rough part of their schedule arriving on their doorstep at this point.

They can think whatever they want from their lofty position of second place, struggling for the wildcard spot.

Pretty much. If Mussina's outing yesterday is any indication, they're in for a rough couple of weeks. Gee, darn.

Pokerwolf said...

No Slugo for the first game? Why do I have the feeling he'll be hitting lead off for the second game? Why, Tito, why?

If everyone hits well, that's one scary lineup.

s1c said...

Actually I am not surprised to see Cora in the Day game. I also expect Ellsbury to be starting the night game for Coco!

Pokerwolf said...

I also expect Ellsbury to be starting the night game for Coco!

Do you think they'd start Moss for Drew? Or would they keep him in reserve for an extra bat?

allan said...

Moss hasn't been mentioned at all in this WMP talk. So he's staying in Pawtucket until at least 9/1, no?

P.S.: Coco played 138 games in LF in Cleveland for 2005, so he could spell Manny with Ellsbury in CF.

Chone Figgins, 3B
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Vladimir Guerrero, RF
Garret Anderson, LF
Gary Matthews, Jr., DH
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Erick Aybar, 2B
Jeff Mathis, C
Reggie Willits, CF

allan said...

Walk Off Contestants:

Afternoon: aaron
Evening: exsubmariner

Pokerwolf said...

So he's staying in Pawtucket until at least 9/1, no?

Most likely. We'll probably see Hinske in the second game, unless the first game goes pretty quickly, I think.

allan said...

Clay #61

laura k said...

Watching these cancer-survivor kids is a killer. I'll be choked up for half the game.

allan said...

4 pitch walk.

who is this bum?

Pokerwolf said...

Watching these cancer-survivor kids is a killer. I'll be choked up for half the game.

I really hope Lester spent some time with them. That would be awesome.

laura k said...

I really hope Lester spent some time with them. That would be awesome.

I bet he did. The girls doing "The Lester Project" - raising money for the Jimmy Fund - are a cancer survivor and (I believe) the sister of one. They've met Lester several times, I read.

allan said...

Clay 1st:

Figgins: bbbb
O-Cab: bcb P6
Vlad: 2 base E9
Mrs. Garret: cb 3U, run scores
Matthews: bscb K

laura k said...

Now let's get this kid some run support!

laura k said...

Clay says Thanks Papi!!!!

JFett said...

It's official - WMP to the Nationials for cash and PTBNL. It's the end of an era...

laura k said...

Drew redeems himself! (Clay says thanks again!)

JFett said...

Nice to see all this offense early in the game. That's got to help Clay relax a little.

allan said...

I want 7 GA by the end of the day.

Pokerwolf said...

I guess the Sox were tired of being held back by the Rays.

Woohoo!

allan said...

When does Don say "Long wait for Buchholz ....?

laura k said...

Let's keep the line moving...

allan said...

First 4 Sox hits = the cycle.

laura k said...

He's the Sox's lackey.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Pokerwolf said...

Keep 'em coming, guys!

allan said...

Maybe Lackey has spent too much time blogging.

Pokerwolf said...

STUD!!!!!

stefan said...

Nice move pitching Lackey the first game.

Pokerwolf said...

5-1, woohoo!

A Day in the Life of Doug Mirabelli. Awesome!

laura k said...

Did Dougie hurt himself diving back into 2nd?? Why do people that slow bother taking a lead in the 1st place?

laura k said...

whoa, pokerwolf, is that ever gross.

Pokerwolf said...

Thanks, Cora! 6-1

Sox batted around in the first!

s1c said...

Actually, I expected Ellsbury to play CF for Coco, because Coco is still got tired legs (according to newspapers0 from the cold/viral infection. They could play Hinske and move Drew to CF, but don't be surprised if ellsbury is in CF.

10 come to the plate and 6-0 woo woo.

Pokerwolf said...

Tek in for 'Belli? Uh oh.

laura k said...

who's our emergency catcher? i always ask, but i never get an answer.

allan said...

take belly out behind the barn and shoot him and have another catcher dive up from the bucket?

laura k said...

"we understand pawtucket is in odderwer"

Pokerwolf said...

who's our emergency catcher?

From what I've heard, it's Cora.

laura k said...

isn't there a spare molina around that we can use?

JFett said...

Where is Kelly Shoppach when we need him...

Pokerwolf said...

Nice job getting the DP, Clay!

Pokerwolf said...

Papi! Keep swingin' the stick! Now, bring him home, Manny!

9casey said...

L , Im sorry but that Belli injury will put Jacoby in jeopardy....

Redsock your sarcam wasn't wasted I got the Timlin joke.....

9casey said...

Yook, seems lost lately..Hey, Have the Red Sox worn the Red shirts yet this year?

laura k said...

"and the red sox leave 'em loaded"

my least favourite orsilloism!

allan said...

Press notes say Sox are 1-0 when wearing red jerseys this year.

laura k said...

L , Im sorry but that Belli injury will put Jacoby in jeopardy....

boooooo!!

Benjamin said...

Get well soon, Youk. We miss you.

CaKeY said...

Strained right calf for 'belly. Further evauluation needed.

laura k said...

Have they worn those green jerseys? (I hate those.)

9casey said...

L-girl said...
Have they worn those green jerseys? (I hate those.)

Only in Spring training for St Patricks

laura k said...

It's only spring training? So how did I see them?

I guess just in pics.

Oh never mind, I'm just losing my mind.

s1c said...

Yes they wore them once (green jerseys) - For the memorial game for Red Aurebach of the Celtics.

allan said...

Notes say:

1-0 with green jerseys
1-0 with red jerseys
1-0 with retro 1982 jerseys

laura k said...

ok, so i'm not losing my mind. or i am, but i did remember that one thing.

Pokerwolf said...

Another DP for Clay! Woohoo!

I'd prefer he take guys out at the plate, but this works!

Benjamin said...

Well there you go.

s1c said...

Records:

Green Jerseys - 1 and 0
White Jerseys - 36 and 20
Gray Jerseys - 33 and 27
Red Jerseys - 1 and 0
1982 Retro - 1 and 0

laura k said...

jere's at the game today.

Pokerwolf said...

jere's at the game today.

He better share pictures when he gets back!

Ofer said...

If I remember correctly, they wore them against the Yankees in the Rivera blown save game. With the Coco triple and near insane catch in which he fell into the bullpen.

How does that cliche go? Long time reader, first time commenter?

s1c said...

ofer - you are correct!

allan said...

ofer:

April 20?

allan said...

JoS post and the headlines the next morning.

laura k said...

donald trump donated $1.50...

Ofer said...

Yeah, that's the one. And a day later it was the back-to-back-to-back-to-back game... Wow, that series was just great.

laura k said...

yeah, late august is going to be wild.

Pokerwolf said...

Late August is going to be certifiably insane.

laura k said...

that was scary! yook must be ready to kill someone.

laura k said...

we'll have two yankees fans staying here during the august series. not serious fans, they're teenagers. but one of them (my niece) became a yankees fan from me.

Pokerwolf said...

Drrrreeeeeewwwwwww!

Hang in there, Youk!

7-1!

Pokerwolf said...

not serious fans, they're teenagers. but one of them (my niece) became a yankees fan from me.

So, there's still time to bring them over from the Dark Si...er...convince them to cha....er....uh......talk to them about baseball. Awesome.

laura k said...

So, there's still time to bring them over from the Dark Si...er...convince them to cha....er....uh......talk to them about baseball.

Right :)

Benjamin said...

Thanks, Youk.

Benjamin said...

Are baseball players' names goofier on average than other athletes', or do I just pay more attention to them?

Pokerwolf said...

Buchholz is looking decent so far. 3 R, 7 H in five innings for a first-timer isn't spectacular, but it's not bad either.

laura k said...

I think they've got to be goofier. And always have been!

Pokerwolf said...

BALK!

LOL

Pokerwolf said...

I think they've got to be goofier. And always have been!

Yeah, they have been. There's also more roster spots on baseball teams than most other professional sports, so there's more opportunity for interesting names to show up.

I don't think we're ever topping Ococ, though.

laura k said...

I'm getting really tired of these foxwoods people unzipping themselves.

allan said...

Are baseball players' names goofier on average than other athletes

Van Lingle Mungo votes for baseball players.

laura k said...

There's also more roster spots on baseball teams than most other professional sports, so there's more opportunity for interesting names to show up.

Good point.

I don't think we're ever topping Ococ, though.

I'm honoured. :)

s1c said...

Geez I do an inspection with the Sox up 6-1 and come back its 7-4. I got to start taking off work on these afternoon games.

Okajima 7th Gagne 8th and Pap in the 9th?

Benjamin said...

I really like Okajima. FYI.

Benjamin said...

Nah, OK's coming back for the 8th at least. (Only 10 pitches during the 7th, and it's a doubleheader.)

allan said...

Okajima 7th Gagne 8th and Pap in the 9th?

With a nice 3-run leads and night game tonight? Probably not.

s1c said...

Jeemer 7th & 8th and Dimmer 9th or MDC - The radio guys aren't saying who is warming in the pen.

Benjamin said...

http://live.protrade.com/angels_redsox/20070817/1

94% chance of winning. Not bad.

allan said...

94% chance of winning. Not bad.

But if s1c leaves the room, it gets cut in half.

s1c said...

But if s1c leaves the room, it gets cut in half

Not to worry, finished up last inspection of the week so am here for the rest of the GAME!!!!

Bot warming up according to Joe Castig!

laura k said...

Let's make it quick, the pup is going nuts and needs to go out for a run.

s1c said...

Bot coming in!!!!

laura k said...

Yeah Dusty!!!

s1c said...

Joe was pretty excited about that one. 6th for the year and if not for Matsuzaka, Okajima and Pedroia splitting the votes you could say there is the ROY.

efd said...

About a month ago I was visiting my Mom on the Cape, and my brother had flown in from California. We were watching the Sox game one night when play was halted because Pedroia was having problems with his contact lens. The trainer came out and was messing around with Pedroia's eye, putting drops in and it looked like he was also trying to put the lens back in. The whole episode gave my brother (who isn't much of a baseball fan to begin with) the willies, and the next time Pedroia came up my brother referred to him as "eyeball dude."

So, the first thing I thought when I saw that he hit a homerun was "Yeah, eyeball dude!"

(I know, a lot of mostly irrelevant info from someone you don't know, but maybe "eyeball dude" will stick with some of you the way it did with me.)

stefan said...

What have they got against Manny?

laura k said...

Efd, it might be irrelevant, but it's still funny! (And a good 50% of what gets posted in a game thread is irrelevant.)

I think that's the same DP AB where Jere said something like "Dustin My Eye Pedroia".

I actually remember these things.

allan said...

what's with the pitcher's ball of hair on his chin? is that actually done on purpose? did he lose a bet? it's fucking ugly.

laura k said...

i concur

s1c said...

WRKO saying Kevin Cash has been summoned from Ottawa, Sox are hoping he will arrive in time for tonight's game.

laura k said...

Kevin Cash? Is he money?

laura k said...

Kevin Cash on the all-money team:
Brad Penny
Curt Schilling
John Buck

JFett said...

According to SoxProspects.com...

Kevin Cash Scouting Report: Terrific all around defensive catcher. His bat, on the other hand, is the reason why he hasn't been able to maintain a career in the majors. Doesn't make enough contact, but is able to take a decent amount of walks. He does have some pop when he makes contact.

Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: Not drafted
How Acquired: Minor league free agent (Jan. 2007)

allan said...

Boo! I want Ontario-born catcher George Kottaras.

laura k said...

Yeah! Clay gets the win, and we're 6 games up.

Benjamin said...

Yay. 6 up.

laura k said...

Terrific all around defensive catcher. His bat, on the other hand, is the reason why he hasn't been able to maintain a career in the majors.

Sounds like most major leage catchers.

s1c said...

Good win for the boys! 6 up and might be able to pick up another tonight!

efd said...

Kevin Cash on the all-money team:
Brad Penny
Curt Schilling
John Buck


... Reid Nichols??

(sorry, just trying to pick up the slack since Jere isn't here)

gojohn said...

2 outs in the 9th...

gojohn said...

ooops...it's over 6 up now.

Go Tigers!!!

JFett said...

Since Cash is not on the 40 man roster, any theories on how this all shakes out in the next 2.5 hours?

Benjamin said...

Travis Buck
Hunter Pence

We're just doing active players, right?

allan said...

Will they go with Cash and not Ellsbury?

P.S. Game 2 thread is up.

allan said...

We're just doing active players, right?

All players ever.

efd said...

Felipe Lira

Benjamin said...

Toots Coyne
Charlie Frank
Mike Frank
Fred Frank
Mike Benjamin
Stan Benjamin
Bill Pounds
Dave Cash
Norm Cash
Ron Cash
Art Ruble

JFett said...

Don Money
Tom Qualters (close enough?)

Benjamin said...

Kevin Tolar
Lenny DiNardo (dinar + dough)
Bill Florine Sarni (bill + florin)
Johnny Pulado Estrada (pula + dough)
Bartolo Colon
Cris Colon
Roman Colon

Benjamin said...

John Kroner
Ray Crone
Marc Kroon
Alex Burr

Benjamin said...

Josh Rupe
Ryan Rupe
Chuck Shilling
Jim Shilling
Red Schillings
Fred Kipp
Barry Latman

Benjamin said...

Ray Durham
Bull Durham
Don Durham
Ed Durham
Joe Durham
John Durham
Leon Durham
Justin Leone
Dick Rand
Jason Botts
Bob Botz

That's all I've got.

Jere said...

Hey, I got mentioned four times! Awesome. I was at the game, I will share pics, of course, and I was glad to see the Clay Dollar-holz era (aka the Double-H era) begin in person.

laura k said...

Cool money names!

Reid Nichols??

yes, excellent

Travis Buck
Hunter Pence


check

We're just doing active players, right?

nope, all time

Felipe Lira

I was wondering if there was a lira! Good work. :)

Toots Coyne
Charlie Frank


Coyne is great, and all the Franks are cool. But Benjamin? I don't think so.

Art Ruble

Another goodie, with Lira and Frank.

Don Money

How could we forget?

Tom Qualters (close enough?)

Nope, sorry.

DiNardo: bzzzt

What's a Colon? What's a Durham?

John Kroner

Another good one!

Wow, you guys are good at this.

Benjamin said...

Dirham is Moroccan.

Colón is Costa Rican.

laura k said...

Dirham is Moroccan.

Colón is Costa Rican.


VERY good!