You 'Da Man
Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox hits his 500th home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles May 31, 2008 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland.
(Getty Images Photo / Greg Fiume)

Mr. 500: Manny Hits a Milestone

BDD - Manny 500, Meir Weinberg
(BDD Photo Illustration / Meir Weinberg)

Congratulations Manny.
Mr. Henry, Tear Down That Banner.

SoxNation.net illustration
(Illustration courtesy of SoxNation.net)

It's Been Such a Long Time
Paul Pierce  of the Boston Celtics celebrates after defeating the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA Finals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on May 30, 2008 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
(Getty Images Photo / Elsa)

They're Movin' On

Game 6 Box: Boston 89, Detroit 81
Celtics Rally Past Pistons, Earn First Finals Berth Since 1987
Shaughnessy: A Green Dream | Ryan: No More Doubts
The Ghost of Most Celtics-Lakers Preview: 'I'll Do Ubuntu in a Tutu'

"It's kind of surreal... We're emotionally drained." -- 5.30.08, Kevin Garnett, Going to the Finals

Kareem, Magic, and Worthy Aren't Gonna Come Walkin' Through That Door ...

JUN 1987: BOSTON FORWARD LARRY BIRD SHOOTS A JUMP SHOT DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE CELTICS GAME VERSUS THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS IN THE NBA FINALS AT THE BOSTON GARDEN
(1987 NBA Finals -- Getty Images Photo / Jonathan Daniel)

... But Kobe Is

Smacky Birthday?

BDD - Manny 500
(BDD Photo Illustration / Meir Weinberg)

Will Birthday Boy Manny Ramirez Finally Get the
500-Pound Monkey Off His Back Tonight?

Herald: It's Been a Tough Road for Manny
Red Socks Diaries: Manny Talks About His Last Time at Camden
Boston.com: Manny HR Tracker | Photos

Sox and the Pity

Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox swings and misses at a pitch against the Seattle Mariners on May 28, 2008 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.
(Getty Images / Otto Greule Jr.)

The Sox Took the Red-Eye to Baltimore After Last Night's Loss
Unfortunately for Wake, The Bats Left On An Earlier Flight

Wednesday Night Box: Seattle 1, Boston 0
Globe: Wakefield Gets No Help as Red Sox Falter
You Complete Me: A Great Start Spoiled as Tim Was Simply Terrific
There's No "I" in Manny: Ramirez Takes One for the Team Plane:
Good Thing the Man Didn't Want to Hit No. 500 Last Night and Score One
Two Singles for Sox: Team Avg. Now .169 in Last 6 Games

"Where in the world is our offense? On this road trip, we've lost 5 of 6 so far!!!! Moreover, this team has been shutout TWICE and has a one hit and two hit game to their record. This is absolutely pathetic. Ownership has $130 million plus in this team and that's what we get on a road trip. Fans must really be crazy if they think this team is good enough to win it all again." -- 5.29.08, Jonathan Norman, BDD reader


BDD - Frank Galasso illustration

Lucky Linda

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Linda Holliday watch as the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons warm-up before Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals in Boston, Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
(AP Photo)

Belichick's Babe Is No Jinxele
High-5: Celtics Hang On for a Huge Win at Home

Dice-KO'd
Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, center, walks off the field with a trainer, left, and his interpreter as he leaves the game at the start of the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners in their baseball game in Seattle, Tuesday, May 27, 2008
(AP Photo)

Matsuzaka Leaves Early with Injury,
It's a Late Walkoff Loss for the Sox

Tuesday Night Box: Seattle 4, Boston 3
Globe: Sox Tumble in the 9th
Lost in Translation: Matsuzaka Hurts Back... err Hip... err Shoulder
Lugo, Tito Join Matsuzaka on the Sidelines Early as Well
Notorious Sox Killer Wladimir Balentien Scores Game Winner
Say It Ain't So: Is Sure-Handed Sean Casey a Defensive Liability?
Did You See That Catch Coco Didn't Make?
The Crawl to 500: Manny Milestone Now One HR Away,
But Carefree Slugger Fails to Deliver in Crucial 8th
Another Milestone: Nation Calls for Timlin to Retire for 500th Time
The Sox Sure Could Have Used a Scoreless Inning from Julian Tavarez

"Even before I went up on the mound, I felt that things were a little bit off in the bullpen. I wouldn't go so far as to call it discomfort, but I wasn't at my best even before going into the game." -- 5.27.08, Daisuke Matsuzaka, through interpreter Masa Hoshino


Ticket to Stardom

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia makes an off-balance throw to second base on a ball hit by Seattle Mariners Raul Ibanez during the third inning of their American League baseball game in Seattle, Washington, May 27, 2008.
(Reuters Photo)

Nobody Does It Better Than Dustin Pedroia
No Surprise Here: Five Red Sox Lead All-Star Voting
A Nation of Voracious Voters: Keep Up the Good Work

The Big Stopper

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Bartolo Colon throws in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners, Monday, May 26, 2008, in an MLB baseball game in Seattle.
(AP Photo)

Colon Feasts on Hapless Mariners,
Sox Road Woes End for a Day

Monday Night Box: Boston 5, Seattle 3
Globe: Colon, Sox Steer Out of Road Skid
Bartolodown: 7 IP, 5 Hits, 1 Run, 4 K's, 1 BB... and Now 2-0
Curt, Take Your Time Coming Back, Sincerely, Bartolo Colon
8th Wonders: Pedroia, Papi, Manny Strike Late to Break Tie
... And the Manny 500 Home Run Watch ContinueZZzzzz
Papelbon Hangs On

"I felt good. At the beginning I felt more strikes, that's why I felt like I was ahead of the hitters" -- 5.26.08, Bartolo Colon, through interpreter Luis Alicea

Rest in Peace: Former Sox Hurler Geremi Gonzalez, 33
Curt Schilling on Gonzalez: 'My Friend'
Get Well Soon: Jon Lester's Dad Diagnosed with Lymphoma
In Case You Missed It: Pokey Reese Resurfaces with Nats


And the Beat Goes On ...

The Sox are back in Choakland
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Sunday: A's 6, Sox 3: A's Complete Sweep

7-Hitter for Lester! Not Nearly As Exciting as Sox Drop 7th Straight Road Game
Old Foes Foulke and Embree Continue to Haunt Sox
Manny-Papi Powered Offense Not Nearly Enough
Is It Time for Hammerin' Jack Cust to Get Tested?

"All the positives we talked about before the season, it seemed I did the complete opposite." -- 5.25.08, Jon Lester... comes back to earth

Saturday: A's 3, Sox 0: Duchscherer Throws Gem

David Or Tease: Papi's Hit Breaks Up No-Hit Bid
Upside: It Was All Over in 2-Hour, 17-Minutes
It's Like a Government Job: Another Day Off for Slumping Manny
More on the Bright Side: Beckett Was Better

"I said, 'Those guys don't want none of me today 'cuz I'm going to pull a Lester on 'em. In the sixth inning, I was thinking, 'Did I really say that before the game?' " -- 5.24.08, Oakland's Justin Duchscherer

Wake and Ache

Tim Wakefield is pulled out of the game in the sixth inning of their MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, California, May 23, 2008
(Reuters Photo)

Another Painful Start for Tim,
Sox Pick Up Where They Left Off on the Road

Friday Night Box: Oakland 8, Boston 3
Globe: Wakefield Takes Loss as Sox' Streak Halted
When the Buchh Starts Here, Time for Tim to Middle Up the 'Pen?
Top of the Order OK, But Ells and Pedey Can't Do It All

"My mechanics are a little off right now� it was a grind." -- 5.23.08, Tim Wakefield, after giving up a whopping 8 earned runs to the previously punchless A's

Is Gisele Jinxing Our Teams?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Gisele Bundchen take their seats at courtside in the first half during Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons in Boston, Thursday, May 22, 2008.
(AP Photo)

... Just Throwing It Out There

The Brady Bundch Were In the House Last Night
And Suddenly the Super Celtics Get Bowled Over
Let's Just Keep Her Away from Fenway Til We Know for Sure

Yawn: Yankees Upset About Ortiz All-Star Promo
Hank on Joba: 'He's our Josh Beckett'

Fancy Drew
BDD_JDD_royals_5.22.08_bgjb.jpg
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

J.D. Comes Through with a Grand Slam; Lowell Too

Box: Boston 11, Kansas City 8
Home Sweet Homestand: Dice-K Remains Perfect
It's Been a While: First Long Ball from Drew Since April 11
Grand Scheme of Things: Mike's Got the Old Stroke Back

Lowell hits Sox second grand slam of the game
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Did You Know? Fmr. Sox LF David Murphy Has 31 RBIs, Manny Has 28
And How Much Did It Cost to Have to '498' Sign Guy and Crew
Watch Manny Go Homerless in the Last 7 Home Games?

Come Sail Away!

05/21/08 Hyannisport, MA Senator Edward Kennedy and his wife, Victoria at the helm of their sailboat, Mya at the Hyannisport Yacht Club on Wednesday May 21, 2008. Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called glioma and was released from Mass General Hospital Wednesday morning.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Matthew J. Lee)

The Six-in-a-Row Sox Are Just Cruising Along; Teddy Too

Box: Boston 6, Kansas City 3
Globe: Colon Scopes Out a Win in Sox Debut

Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon smiles as he walks to the dugout in the third inning of the Red Sox MLB baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts May 21, 2008. It is Colon's first start with the Red Sox.
(Reuters Photo)

Another No-Hitter... for Hansen, Lopez, and MDC Over 3 to Hold KC
Is Boras Giving Him the Whip or What? 'Tek Turns Into Hitting Machine Overnight
Dirty Dozen Games for Manny: 8 for 45 (.178), 11 K's

"Manny was like a brother to me in Cleveland and he really helped me out, and he's done that here as well. David has also helped me out very much as well, but Manny's like a second brother to me." -- 5.21.08, Bartolo Colon, translated via Ed Romero Jr., the team's coordinator of Latin-American operations


Jacoby Gets Cooked!

BDD_JE_archuleta_5.21.08_bd.jpg
(BDD Photo Illustration)

In 'Idol' Stunner, America Chooses Cook Over Ellsbury

But the Night Wasn't All Bad for the Second-Place Singer
as the Sox Star Went 3-for-4 and More with a Homer at Fenway

Let's Go Bartolo

Let's Go Bartolo
(BDD Photo... yes, we know it's Fat Joe :-)

... For Old Time's Sake

Wilbur: You Never Have Too Much Pitching | Top Sox Under 25
Is Manny Waiting to Hit No. 500?

Green House Effect

BDD - Illustration MikeBriggz.com

Home Really Is Where The Heart Is for the Celtics
9-0 for the Playoffs on Causeway Street
15th Straight Garden Party Win for C's

Game 1 Box: Celtics 88, Pistons 79 | Garnett a Driving Force
Ryan: Series Will Be a Grind | Shaughnessy: Allen Stuck in Neutral | Video
Changing of the Guard: The New, New Big 3: Pierce, Garnett, and Rondo
Rajon Rondo Is a Better Player Than Chauncey Billups, Sincerely Rick Pitino

"Rest is not an option. So we don't even think about that." -- 5.20.08, Now that's the Ticket

Masterson Also Rises

Boston Red Sox's Justin Masterson pitches against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Boston.
(AP Photo)

Following in Lester's Footsteps, Young Justin Steps Up

Box: Sox 2, KC 1 | Masterson of His Domain
Curse of the Monster Banner: Manny Still Stuck on HR No. 498
Winning in the 2nd Inning: Coco Comes Through in the Clutch
Short Stints but Delcarmen and Lopez Stay Out of Trouble
If Okajima Had Followed Okajima, The Runs Would Have Scored
Now That's a Save: Papelbon Earns His Paycheck Tonight
NESN Video: Masterson Talks About His Strong Start

"They told me to pack up the car and said it might be Pawtucket, might be Portland. So that's what I did, packed it up with my stuff and my wife."-- 5.20.08, Justin Masterson, who shall return

How 'Bout Them Yankees?

So What Have the Pinstripers Been Up to This Season?
Well, There Was This from Joba ...

Joba is Buggin'!

And There Was This from Jason ...

BDD Photo Illustration / Sharon Aukstolis
(BDD Photo Illustration / Sharon Aukstolis)

Jason Giambi and His Magic Gold Thong
... And Damon Wants to Wear One, Too

Otherwise It's Been All Bad News for the
Last Placemats from the Bronx in '08
as the Yankees' Season is Slipping Away
NY Post: A-Rod Must Produce A-SAP
Hank: 'We're Just About Ready to Go on a Tear'
Lupica: A-Rod Gets Another Chance to Prove He's MVP
Newsday: For Yankees, Best Days May Be Thing of Past
NY Times: Support for Girardi, a Bit Less for Cashman

Eric Wilbur: No (No) Comparison
More Publicity Stunt Yankees Curse Stadium Nonsense

Lesterrific!
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester celebrates after the final out of his no hitter vs. the Royals.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Jon Lester No-Hits the RoyAAAls!

Box: Sox 7, Royals 0 0 1
DEE-FENSE, DEE-FENSE, DEE-FENSE... Was Pretty Good Behind Jon, Lugo Too
Did You See That Catch Coco... er Jacoby Made?

Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Jose Guillen #11 of the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park
(Getty Images Photo / Jim Rogash)

Don Orsillo Slightly More Excited Than He Was After Nomo's No-Hitter
Lester Slightly Less Excited Than Someone Getting a Free Cup of Coffee at Dunkin

"I can't lie, it went through my head a couple of times in the ninth." -- 5.19.08, Jon Lester on the no-hitter

Two for 'Tiz
 Julio Lugo, left, hugs teammate David Ortiz after Ortiz's solo home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Sunday, May 18, 2008, in Boston.
(AP Photo)

It's a Clean Sweep as Ortiz, Sox Bash Brewers

Box: Sweepers 11, Brewers 7
Same Old Milwaukee
Pedey, Youk Punch Their All-Star Tickets with 3 Hits Each, Homer
Been Caught Stealin' Once: Ellsbury Ends Pursuit of SB Record
Is the '06 Beckett Back?

"Guys swung the bats well today, I just try to focus on positive things." "-- 5.18.08, Beckett after getting banged around

The Truth,
The Whole Truth

Celtics captain Paul Pierce screams with delight after a play went Boston's way late in their 97-92 series clinching victory over the Cavaliers.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

... And Nothing But The Truth.
Larry Bird's Not Gonna Come Walkin' Through That Door ...
But Paul Pierce Is.

Game 7 Box: Celtics 97, Cavs 92
Shaughnessy: Game Fit for a King, But James on Losing End

Papelbon Video on 'BZ: On Giambi�s Thong, Manny's Catch, Season So Far

7th Heaven
BDD / Mike Briggs illustration / Red Socks Diaries audio

RSD Audio: Heeeerrrreeee's Johnny!
Here We Go Celtics, Here We Go!

Home Sweep Home

Mike Lowell of the  Red Sox, who had four runs batted in, pumps his fist after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers during the second game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park on May 17, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Getty Images Photo / Jim Rogash)

Sox Are Working Night and Day, Mike Lowell Leads the Way

Box: Sox 7, Brewers 6
Globe: Sox Get Down to Business
Lowell Connector: 5th HR in Last 11 Games for Mike
There Were Hits, Runs, and a Whole Bunch of Errors
Not Today, But Someday... Hansen's Gonna Get It Done
More Bloopers: Youk's Shot in the 7th Seals the Deal
A League of Their Own: Sox' Interleague Mark 30-8 Since the Start of 2006
Sadly, Dr. Charles Didn't Take The Red Softball Team Jerseys with Him to LA
Timlin Retires... the Brewers in Order

"It's hard to win two games." -- 5.17.08, Tito knows

Big Cheapie
 Red Sox DH David Ortiz is greeted at home by Julio Lugo and Jacoby Ellsbury after his 3 run homer in the 2nd.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

Ortiz Pops a Cookie Over the Monster, Losing Streak Over

Box: Sox 5, Brewers 3
Dice-K Stays Perfect at 7-0
Soup's Off: That's the Jeff Suppan We Know from '97 and '03
Is He Catching Fire? 'Tek Bangs Two Doubles, Gets Average Up
Playing the 'Won't Qualify for the Batting Title' Role:
Sean 'Reggie Jefferson' Casey, now batting .355
Papelbon Didn't Quite Get One Past Ryan Braun

"I want to keep winning. But I think Boston's ace is Josh Beckett." -- 5.17.08, Mr. Humble, Daisuke Matsuzaka, smiling briefly to an interpretor

Wine and Say Cheese Party

BDD - David Ortiz (Vintage Papi), Kevin Youkilis
(SauvignYoouuk Blanc) and Jason Varitek (Captain Cabernet) from their
Longball Cellars Charity Wine Launch from today at Fenway Park
(BDD / Charity Hop)

Fans Bat For Red Sox Charity Wines
Eric Wilbur: A-Rod's Message for Manny | The High-Five Kid
Jason Giambi Wears a Gold Lam� Thong. 'Nuff Said.
Is Tom Brady Giving His Linemen New Audis Tonight? ... Yes.

Gimme Some Skin!

Boston Dirt Dogs - Manny makes the catch, and catches a fan's hand
(BDD / AP Photo | Insets: Getty Images Photos / Greg Fiume)

High-Five Times: Manny Makes the Catch of the Day
NESN: The Talkin' Manny on the High-5 Double Play
MLB.com: Watch the Manny Moment

Bartolo in Buffalo: Colon Has Big Day for PawSox
Q&A Today: Lobel Chimes In ...
Audio: Dan Shaughnessy on the Dan Patrick Show Today

Pay-back's a #&@*!

Baltimore Orioles' Jay Payton (16) is greeted at home plate by teammates Freddie Bynum and Brian Roberts (1) after hitting a grand slam home run off of Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Hideki Okajima (below left) in the seventh inning of their MLB American League baseball game in Baltimore, Maryland May 14, 2008
(Reuters Photo | Inset: AP Photo)

Jay 'Playing Time' Payton Slams Reeling Roadsters
5 Losses in Last 6 Games for Sinking Sox

Box: Orioles 6, Sox 3
Globe: Sox Trip on Okajima's Slip
Getting the Last Word In: Jay Payton Releases a Bomb on Former Team
Pedroia Opens the Floodgates, But Gets a Mulligan for the Bad Hop
Everyman's Base Hit: Congratulations to John Van Every
Chokajima: ERA Aside, 11 of the 14 Inherited Runners Have Scored
The Bus Is Gassed Up and Waiting to Take Hansen Home
Bright Side: Lowell and 'Tek Drive the Ball Deep
A Good Start Spoiled: Lester Deserved More

"We've been playing better than the losing. We just need to find a way to grind out a win."
-- 5.14.08, Jason Varitek giving the Josh Beckett generic speech after a loss

'Right Down the #&@*! Middle'

Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett walks off the mound as Luke Scott of the Baltimore Orioles rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning of their American League baseball game in Baltimore, Maryland May 13, 2008.
(Reuters Photo)

What the #&@*! Is Wrong with Josh Beckett?
And Are the Beat-Up Sox Suddenly in a Free Fall?

Box: Orioles 5, Sox 4
Globe: Beckett Swears He Should Be Doing Better Than This
Great Scott: The Bad Beckett Gets Taken Deep in Baltimore
Forget All-Starting: 11 Hits to This Squad and a 4.21 ERA Won't #&@*! Cut It
Deja-Lose All Over Again: 2nd Night, 3-Run 1st, Then a Big Snooze on Offense
Don't Look Now But the Rays Are in the Catbird Seat in the East
Another Headache for Sox: Coco's Got a Serious Tummy Ache
The Sun Comes Up, the Sun Goes Down, and J.D. Drew Gets Injured
Blood and Guts Ellsbury Comes Off the Bench to Answer the Call
Celticitis? Sox Are 1-8 on the Road Against AL East Foes
Manny Had a Good Night by the Box Score, But Killed Sox in the 7th
Cora-Led Comeback in 8th Fizzles, Too

"It was a [expletive] pitch. It was right down the [expletive] middle... that's the same question he just asked... you execute pitches, you get outs, you don't execute pitches, you don't get outs (repeat over and over and over)" -- 5.13.08, the usually ornery and unusually ordinary looking non-executioner Josh Beckett

BDD -- Frank Galasso Illustration

Ft. Myers News-Press: 'Don't Go Nuts to Keep Red Sox'
Meanwhile Sarasota Group Organizes to Attract Spring Sox
Smaller Herald Headline: Lame Sox Fan to Pay Yankee Fan After Brawl
Where's Specter When You Need Him? Seize the S.D. Cheerleader Tapes!
Time to Un-Retire ChiSox Employee Pudge Fisk's Number at Fenway Now?

Clay Can't Pitch Away

Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz leaves the game after being pulled by manager Terry Francona during the fifth inning of their MLB American League baseball game against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 12, 2008.
(Reuters Photo)

Another Rough Road Start for Buchholz

Box: Twins 7, Sox 3
Sox Offense Gives It That Old Celtics Try After the 1st
Brutal Night for Buchholz: 4 1/3, 7 Runs, 5 Walks, 8 Hits
0-for-4 'Tek's Hitting the Quietest .252 on the Planet
Homer in the Dome: Manny Inches Closer to No. 500
J.D. 3 Hits

"It's tough, but you have to give the Twins credit. They have a great bullpen that pitched great, and you have to tip your hat to them... He [Twins starter Livan Hernandez] changed his speed a lot, with good location. When he's on, he's on, and he pitched great. You have to give him credit." -- 5.12.08, new Red Sox spokesperson Manny Ramirez

Hug It Out JT
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez (L) plays with Julian Tavarez before a workout session at Tokyo Dome, March 21, 2008, ahead of their season-opening baseball games against the Oakland Athletics. The Red Sox will play the Athletics on March 25 and 26 in Japan.
(Reuters File Photo)

You Won't Have Julian Tavarez to Kick Around Anymore
Tavarez Designated for Assignment,
Clearing Way for Possible Trade...
... Or a Chance for Him to Pursue That Second Career

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration

More ?'s: Now Who Will Tell Us When Manny Will Report in the Spring?
Will Manny Demand to Be Packaged in a Deal with His Favorite Fellow Dominican?
No. This Isn't 2005.
And Who's Head Will Manny Pet on the Road Now?

NESN - 5.17.07

Cavs 88, Celtics 77: The Big Flee Fold Like Cheap Suits in Cleveland
Wilbur: 24 Wins | Survey Said: Who's the Sox MVP So Far?

Tim Rakefield
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield gives up the ball to manager Terry Francona, right, after giving up the seventh run to the Minnesota Twins in third  inning of a baseball game Sunday,  May 11, 2008 in Minneapolis. At left is catcher Kevin Cash.
(AP Photo)

Some Holes Are Just Too Deep to Dig Out Of

"That's a hard way to play the game. That's about as exciting a game as you can have and not win." -- 5.11.08, Terry Francona on coming up short

Box: Twins 9, Sox 8
Globe: Sox Can't Withstand Twins' HR Barrage
It's a Horrific Night When Adam Everett Takes You Deep
Not So Fast: Is Keeping the Red Hot Coco the Way to Go?
Thank You So Much for Pinch Hitting While Sore Manny
Kudos to the Road Warriors for the Comeback
Timlin Seals the Loss

"Really, is Mike Timlin gonna be a part of this bullpen all year? First off he is old and secondly he (is lousy). Yea he helped us to two rings but at 42 and making $2.5 million per, to me its not worth it. I know he is a vet and a good clubhouse guy but if he keeps giving up runs, its time to cut ties." -- 5.11.08, BDD reader KMoney

Back-to-Back Attack

Coco Crisp (R) is congratulated by teammate Jed Lowrie (12) after he hits a solo homerun against Minnesota Twins pitcher Glen Perkins during the seventh inning of their American League baseball game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 10, 2008
(Reuters Photo)

Crisp Whacks One, Then Lowrie Smacks One

Box: Sox 5, Twins 2
Globe: Lowrie, Red Sox Trot Past Twins
Dice Breaks Dome Losing Streak: Matsuzaka Stays in the Strike Zone
No Thunder, No Lightning: Papi and Manny Combine to Go 0-for-9
The Youk, The Youk, The Youk Still on Fire
Maybe Coco Should Go to All-Star Game Over Ellsbury?
Popcorn Save for Papelbon

"That was probably the farthest ball I've ever hit. But I haven't hit a home run in about 300 at-bats or so [actually just 114]. You kind of forget how to run around the bases. They were getting on me because I ran too slow. I kind of delayed the game about 10 minutes." -- 5.10.08, Coco Crisp on his really rare home run

Green Giants
BDD -- Frank Galasso Illustration

But Are They Kings of the Road?
Celtics Must Find a Way to Win Away

Blown Away
Minnesota Twins Carlos Gomez (22) slides safely into home, and celebrates with teammates Joe Mauer (L), Delmon Young (21) and Adam Everett (12), with the game-winning run after scoring on a hit by teammate Mike Lamb off Red Sox relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon during the ninth inning
(Reuters / Papelbon: Christine Hochkeppel for The Boston Globe)

Put This One On Papelbon

"It's a pretty simple game. I've got one out to get. I've got to execute a pitch with two strikes and get the job done. It's that simple. I didn't do that. I've got to get back on track in order to be able to finish my pitches and throw my pitches with confidence." -- 5.9.08, Jon Papelbon, bottom line

Box: Tigers 7, Sox 6
Globe: Sox Silenced by Lamb
The Roof, The Roof, The Roof Is On Fire: 8 Straight Dome Losses for Boston
Lugo's Gonna Hear It Now: Error No. 11 Negatively Affects the Game
How Low Can He Go: Okajima ERA Now .053
The Uncontested Stolen Base Rears Its Ugly Head
Cooler Heads Prevailed: No Motor City Meltdown for Pap Postgame
Another Clean Sweep: Ellsbury Swipes One
Not Lester's Best Start

"Jed Lowrie hit the ball well when he played regularly. He hits line drives and long fly balls. I do not understand why Lugo has to play every game or at all just because dumb Theo gave him a huge contract. We get many Rays games here so I had seen Lugo with Rays many times and he was the one who killed most of their rallies. Occasionally, he would hit a long fly to right that would drop in. He seems to be a pull hitter now." -- 5.9.08, BDD reader, John Walsh

Beck on Track

Red Sox starter Josh Beckett pitches against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 8, 2008, in Detroit
(AP Photo)

Josh Shows Signs of Returning to Form
Sox Take Out Tigers Again

Box: Sox 5, Tigers 1
The Mayor of Detroit Rules Again
Finish Line: Beckett Put the Pedal to the Metal in Motown
No Complaints: Hansen in the 8th, MDC in the 9th
NOTE TO AL GMs: COCO'S HITTING .315
Note to Julio Lugo: You Don't Know Nothing About Negativity in Boston.
Sincerely, Edgar Renteria

"I did some good things today, I've been working on a few things the last couple weeks. I did some good things tonight. That's probably about as high praise as I'll give myself." -- 5.8.08, Josh Beckett postgame analysis

Let Me Tell You Something, Brother!

BDD - Steve Garberg Photo Illustration
(BDD / Steve Garberg Photo Illustration)

Youkamania Is Running Wild Across the Country

Kevin Youkilis Has Second 2-Homer Game of His Career, Both in Detroit
7th HR for Kevin in 13 Games at Comerica Canyon


As Reliable As a Yugo

BDD -- Julio Yugo
(BDD Photo Illustration / Michelle Schacht)

Do We Have Another Rent-a-Wreck on Our Hands?

Julio Can't Hang On ...

BDD - Lugo makes Error No. 10, Tigers win
(BDD / NESN screengrab)

And Then Goes Off ...

Buckley: Questions About Errors Spark a Lugo Outburst

Someone Needs to Explain to Julio How It Works in Boston: �I don�t care, but sometimes it would be nice to say something positive,� he said. �But all the time it�s negative things, you know? Sometimes, you know, people should say something that�s positive. But every time it�s something negative . . . bring it up, bring it up, bring it up. Why? I understand you (the media) are going to write whatever you want . . . but I come here every day and bust my ass . . . if things don�t work out sometimes, that�s the way it�s going to be. You understand? But sometimes you bring up the same things . . . You get tired of that." -- 5.7.08, Julio Lugo to Steve Buckley, Boston Herald


The Steal Deal

SportsPropaganda.com

Ellsbury in the Running for Raines's Record

2 More 'Bags for Jacoby in Detroit; 22 Straight without Being Thrown Out
Most Straight Steals Since Tim Raines Swiped 27 Straight for the Expos

Detroit Breakdown

DETROIT BREAKDOWN
Papelblown Away
(BDD / NESN screengrab)

And a Minor Postgame Meltdown
Papelblown Away: Tigers Nickel and Dime, and Take a Wild One

Box: Tigers 10, Sox 9
Globe: Fumble Leads to Sox Loss
Error No. 10: The Defensively-Challenged Shortstop Finally Costs Sox a Win
'Dustin the Win' Should Have Been the Headline
Youkilis Continues to Earn His All-Star Spot
Is Red-Hot Mike Lowell Writing a New Chapter on Hitting?
Did Julian Tavarez Know He Might Be Working Tonight?
Forgotten Play of the Day: The Strike-'Em-Throw-'Em-Out Was Outstanding
Buchh Slips Up

"We fought back and we did a great job to do that. .. they put the bat on the ball, sometimes you get rewarded for that." -- 5.7.08, Terry Francona, postgame chat with Heidi Watney

Now, That's the Ticket

BDD - Chris Speakman - www.sportspropaganda.com

No Fade Away for Garnett at Home, Celts Take Game 1

Box: Celtics 76, Cavs 72
Globe: Celtics Grind Their Way to Win
Their Take: Bob Ryan | Dan Shaughnessy

"This was two heavyweights, just body punching. You know, there wasn't no finesse, no jabs, just all body punches, just all-out beat-down defensive fight." -- 5.7.08, KG on Game 1


The Only Thing Missing in Boston
During Times Like These ...

Larry Johnson Art

Get the Back Back and Come Back Soon Bob Lobel

Eric Wilbur: Child Labor for A-Rod
McCready's Roomie Recalls it All About Roger Clemens Affair

Tim Terrific
Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield pitches against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Detroit.
(AP Photo)

The Very Good Tim Wakefield Rocks Detroit

Box: Red Sox 5, Tigers Zippo
Globe: Wakefield's Turn to Pitch In
Not Seen Since 1900: Wakefield and Timlin Get the Over-40-Only Shutout
It's Been a While Boys: Dominican Dynamite Explodes Back-to-Back
Scrape No. 496 Off the Fenway Banner, Manny Finally Crunches No. 497
David Ortiz Is Finally Coming Around, Maybe He Deserves An All-Star Nod Now
Cash is Money, Again: .361 Hitting Catcher Hits in Clutch, Catches Tim
Note to Tito the Cooler: Don't Give Manny a Day Off Now, Please
Breaking News: 2 Errorless Games in a Row for Lugo

"And he threw more fastballs and curveballs than he has all season. Maybe 20-25, more fastballs than curveballs. And look at how many fastballs they swung at, maybe two or three? The rest they took for strikes. But the biggest thing, of course, was his knuckleball. Everything that came out of his hand was great." -- 5.6.08, Catcher Kevin Cash ... should he be (gulp) catching every day?

Yesterday in Detroit: Schill Plays Catch
(And Somewhere in Delaware, Dr. Craig Morgan Is Curled Up in a Ball
Weeping to a Sports Talk Radio Call-In Show)

Raise Your Hand ...

Curt and Shonda Schilling last weekend
(BDD / KL Photo)

... If You Can't Wait to See How Schill's Arm Holds Up Today

Schilling Ready for a Toss
In Case You Missed It: Medfield High Fields Named for Schillings
38Pitches: Getting the �Go Ahead�

"We won't know the right or the wrong here until I'm pitching... I'm close to a point in time where it's going to be a win or a loss. Somebody's going to be right, and somebody's going to be wrong." -- 5.6.08, Curt Schilling on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan

Open Mike Night

Red Sox's Mike Lowell, left, is congratulated by Manny Ramirez after hitting a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning of an MLB baseball game in Detroit, Monday, May 5, 2008. Ramirez scored on the play.
(AP Photo)

Lowell Comes Alive in Detroit

Box: Sox 6, Tigers 3
Lowell, Youk, Papi, Lead the Way
Shaky-K: ' 8 Walks in 5 Innings is Unheard Of' -- Eck postgame
Thanks Oki... As If Hansen Doesn't Have Enough Trouble on His Own

"He was all over the map... he's still feeling the effects of being sick." -- 5.5.08, Terry Francona on Dice-BB

Sox-Yankees Spat Cited in N.H. Killing
Rest in Peace, Red Sox Fan Matthew Beaudoin
Sox Step Up to the Plate for Kids Rejected by Yankees
Little Sox Lover Proves He's in His Right Mind

Now Don't Misremember ...

BDD - Frank Galasso illustration

... That Roger Apologized for His Mystery Mistakes

Clemens Wants Us to Guess What He's Sorry For
A More Specific Apology from a High-Profile International Star:
Ronaldo Sorry for Encounter with Cross-Dressing Prostitutes

"I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life for which I am sorry. I have apologized to my family and apologize to my fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which have not been right." -- Clemens comments to the Houston Chronicle

Truth ...
After he hit a 14 foot jump shot in the third quarter to put the Celtics ahead by 30 points, 62-32, the Hawks called a timeout, and as the crowd roared their approval, Celtics captain Paul Pierce screamed with delight.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

And on the 7th Game, the Celtics Take Care of Business
Shaughnessy: Bad Thoughts Choked Off by Pierce

And Justice
Kevin Youkilis, right, celebrates his solo home run with teammate Mike Lowell (25) in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Boston.
(AP Photo)

Sweep Caroline: Sox Avenge Last Weekend's Wipeout

Box: Sox 7, Rays 3
Monster Day for Youkilis
Knee Needs Rest: The Big Powerless DH Takes a Day Off
The Wheels Deal: The Boston Red Sox Stole 5 Bases Yesterday
Does MVP Mike Lowell Start Hitting Anytime Soon?
Not His Best Effort, But Lester Earns a Win
How Long Can Sox Go with Delcarmen and His 7.30 ERA?
Papelbon OK After 4-Out Save

"I'm sure the opponents are thrilled when one of those guys isn't in there. Then a guy like Youk steps in and gives us half our offense." -- 5.4.08, Sox manager Terry Francona

Saturday Night Special

Manny Ramirez, right, is congratulated by teammate Julio Lugo after Ramirez threw out Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena at home plate during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Saturday, May 3, 2008.
(AP Photo)

Manny's Got a Gun, Sox Have Some Fun

Box: Sox 12, Rays 4
Beckett Benefits as Sox Crush Shields and Cruise
Tough Guy at the Top: Ellsbury's a Gamer, Gets Sox Going, Again
No Homers, but Sox Bang Out 15 Hits at Home
Dustin Keeps Bustin': 3 More Hits for 2nd Baseman
The Streak is Over: Manny Ends Longest RBI drought Since '97
Vote Dustin Pedroia for All-Star
Captain Props: 3 RBIs for the Catcher
He's Over .200: 3 RBIs and 2 More Hits for Papi
Moss Undergoes Appendectomy at Mass. General
Drew Gets into the Act

"I think he's had an uncanny ability to be unbelievably accurate. He has the ability to sometimes not move his feet - not that he didn't there - but look left, throw right, and the ball ends up where it's supposed to be. It's a pretty good play all the way around at a big juncture in the game." -- 5.3.08, Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Manny Ram�rez's radar arm

Late Night Mash

Red Sox vs. Tampa- Sox Brandon Moss is congratulated at the dugout after hitting a 4th inning homer putting the Sox ahead 2-0
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Tlumacki)

Dandy Moss, Pedey, & Co. Break the Bats Out of the Cave

Box: Sox 7, Rays 3
Delayed reaction: Sox' offense pours it on Rays
Alive and Stickin': 5 Extra-Base Hits in Just One Game!
When It Rains It Pours Revenue for Cash-Strapped Sox:
2-Hours-and-27-Minutes of Bonus Beer Sales on a Friday
Bottom Line, Buchholz Got the Win
Welcome Back Big Time Dustin Pedroia
Needs More Rest? Invisible Manny Goes 0-for-5, 3Ks
Lopez, MDC Let Rays Back In
Oki, Pap Pressed into Service

"I think it's just contagious,I've been told that since I was 8-years-old. One guy gets a hit and they all do." -- 5.2.08, Clay Buchholz said of the sudden Sox offense

US Marshals Allegedly Transported McCarver, Buck in Boston
Eric Wilbur: The Buzz of Integrity | Sox Lost

Mayday! Mayday!

Manny Ramirez #24 of the Boston Red Sox heads to the dugout after he struck out in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 1, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Blue Jays defeated the Red Sox 3-0.
(Getty Images Photo / Elsa)

Sox Sticks are in the Mud

Jays 1, Sox Zip
Sox Score Just 3 Runs for the Series
Tito the Cooler: Manny Hasn't Homered Since He Sat Down for Two Days
The 496 Banner on the Monster Is Getting Cobwebs on It
Wake Pitched Just Good Enough to Lose Tonight
More O'fers: The Youk and Pedroia All-Star Campaigns Begin with a Whimper


The Hits Keep Coming for Roger

More trouble for Roger?
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Barbara Walters and Prominent Righty Were An Item

"It's been a busy week for President Bush, tomorrow he meets with the girlfriends of Roger Clemens." -- 5.1.08, David Letterman, The Late Show

Cloud 9
Manny Ramirez called safe at the plate scoring the winning run off a single by Jason Varitek in bottom of 9th inning against the Toroto Blue Jays at Fenway Park.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Bill Greene)

V-Tek Kicks In, Sox Get Another Walkoff Win

Sox 2, Jays 1
A 9th Life One More Time
Wells Runs Dry: Vernon's Hammer Can't Nail Manny
Keeping Up with the Becketts: Dice-K Pitches in with 7-inning Gem
39 Inning Drought Ends: Papi's Pop Good for Extra Bases
Coming Back to Earth? Pedroia and Youk Turn in 0-for-4's
Kevin %#@! Youkilis Pulls a Live Beckett on NESN
Slow-rie? Or Did the Kid Just Get a Bad Jump?
The Vulture: Pap Snatches Another Win

"I didn't see that [Manny's helmet dunk], I was too busy screaming."-- Brandon Moss, who would have been the 9th inning hero if it was Manny, not Lowrie, wheeling around third

The Daly News

New York Daily News
(NewYorkDailyNews.com screengrab)

Roger Clemens Linked to John Daly's Ex

Farewell Fort Myers? Sox Confirm Sarasota Talks
ABC7 Ft. Myers: Don't Worry, Sox Not Leaving

BDD is a feature of Boston.com. All posts are by Steve Silva unless otherwise indicated.

Boston Globe:

Rodriguez looks like the steal deal > Despite effort by Rodriguez, Red So fall > Tazawa has come a long way, on and off field

Boston Herald:

Lauber: Eduardo Rodriguez showing Red Sox he's special > PawSox start looms large for Masterson

ProJo:

Rodriguez gem wasted > Chili Davis doesn't want to turn Red Sox into free-swingers > Red Sox draft catcher in third round

NY Post:

How Mariano Rivera has influenced Yankees' top pick > Why starting rotation could be a big Yankees' strength

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