Falling Short
Boston Red Sox's, from left, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, Brad Mills, and Julio Lugo look on in the ninth inning of the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 win during a baseball game Monday, June 30, 2008 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
(AP Photo)

Comeback Comes Up Short in St. Pete
Sox Drop Further Behind in AL East

Monday Night Box: Tampa Bay 5, Boston 4
Rays Open Up East Lead to 1 1/2 Games with Win
No Help from Nation: Rays Now 4-0 vs. Sox at Fenway South in St. Pete
It Was Gross, Too: Upton Hits One Out off Mediocre Masterson
Shields Protects Rays First Place Lead with Quality Start
On the Sox Side: Lowell Stays Hot, 3-for-4, RBI
9th Life: Moss Ball Dances on Catwalk, But Tek Fly is Short
Mr. Smith Walks the Walk
Lugo Liner Ends It

Dirty Little Secret

Manny's Secret of the Day calendar for June 28
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Secret Calendar Made Manny Snap

Bradford Update: Manny Downplays Shoving Incident

"Let me tell you guys something, in the clubhouse this is a family and whatever happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse. Me and Jack, our friendship is good and he�s going to continue to be my friend yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Everything is fine." -- 6.30.08, Manny Ramirez to a group of reporters today

Archive: Manny's Reading the Secret

When Manny Attacks Jack
Red Sox longtime traveling secretary Jack McCormick and Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez
(Manny: AP Photo | McCormick: 2002 Boston Globe File Photo / Jim Davis)

Well-Liked, Longtime Sox Traveling Secretary Jack McCormick Thrown to Ground by Manny in Houston

Formerly Mellow Manny Snaps at Jack McCormick Over Tickets
Hot-heads Youk and Beckett Better Steer Clear of ManRam Tonight

"I just want it to die. It's over. He apologized. That's it. I want us to get back to our winning ways.'' -- 6.30.08, Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick on the attack

Now Duke's in Hot Water: Former Sox GM Turned Western Mass. Happy Camper Dan Duquette, Pittsfield Mayor Face Ethics Charge Over '04 Series Tickets
Trouble in Tampa? Sox Step Up Security After Mail Threat from Memphis

Do the Okie-Chokie

Houston Astros' Miguel Tejada scores the go ahead run on a single by Mark Loretta in the eighth inning against the Red Sox as Astros' Humberto Quintero looks on during a baseball game Sunday, June 29, 2008, in Houston.
(AP Photo)

Another Horrible Outing for Hideki
Sox Have More Problems in Houston

Sunday Box: Houston 3, Red Sox 2
Globe: Sox Stuck in Second Place
Starting to Sound Like a Broken Record: Beckett Deserved Better
Not Another Loretta Swat But Single Was Right on the Mark
Deep in the Heart of Houston: Manny, Pedro Homers Not Enough
Beckett's Bat Banging the Bench Among the Hardest Hits

"It doesn't matter. I have a lot of respect for them and a lot of friends over there. I'm just glad we won another series and get some momentum going again." -- 6.29.08, Friend turned foe Mark Loretta

Texas Mess
Red Sox relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen walks back to the mound after giving up the go-ahead, two-run double to Houston Astros' Lance Berkman in the eighth of a baseball game Saturday, June 28, 2008, in Houston. The Astros won 11-10.
(AP Photo)

Manny Comes Undone During Closing Time

Saturday Night Box: Houston 11, Boston 10
Globe: Sox Lose Leads, Then Game in Colossal 'Pen Collapse
Papelbon's Spent After Pitching 36 Innings Over Half Season of Baseball
The Big 4: Pedro Goes 4-for-5; Lowell 4-for-4, 3 RBIs
Buddies Bust Out: Manny-and-Youk Each Stroke 2-Run Doubles
Hit Parade Hidden Highlight: Impressive 3rd, 6th Innings Now Long Forgotten
Haardsma, Hansen Can't Hold 'Em Any Longer

"I'm beat up. Just drained all over." -- 6.28.08, Jonathan 'Pooped' Papelbon ...

K-owboy Up!
Daisuke Matsuzaka delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros in a baseball game Friday, June 27, 2008, in Houston.
(AP Photo)

Dice Gets Back in Saddle and on the Winning Track
Drew Bounces Back and Blasts a Houston Rocket

Friday Night Box: Boston 6, Houston 1
Beating Up on National League Lightweights Is Fun
Working 5 for 9: Dice-K Gets Ninth Win with 3 BB, 4 K's
Like a Rock: Lowell Connects for 2-Run Single
Better Than Average Bust Out: Dustin Is Back to .295
Just Four You: Youkilis Has First Career Four-Hit Game
The Good Hansen, Better Delcarmen, But Can Get Out of 8th
Pap Pads a Save

"I'm not even counting my last start. But I did feel like I did come back with this start. I just hope gradually I can make back all the trouble that I caused." -- 6.27.08, Matsuzaka through an interpreter


Welcome Back Trotter

Mets outfielder Trot Nixon flies out during Mets Seattle game at Shea Stadium.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Stan Grossfeld)

Dirt Dog Doing The Hustle | Photos: Nixon's Road Back

Wakebitten
Tim Wakefield gets a hand for a job well done as he comes into the dugout following the seventh inning , which would be his last frame of the evening.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Tim Can Sell Sell Sell: Snake Oil, a.k.a Knuckler,
Deceives D-Backs All Night Long

Wednesday Night Box: Boston 5, Arizona Iced
Wakefield Wins Battle of the Ages Over Big Unit
John Henry Jams Roush Racing Down Fenway's Throat Again ...
As Usual, The Uncomfortable Pregame Ceremony Went Over Like a Lead Balloon
Hansen Can't Hold'em So Pap Racks Up Another Cheap Save
Hitless Wonder: Moss Was Randy in Gathering 2 RBIs
Thanks But No Thanks: Front Row Fan Got Lugo'd
Coco Coco Coco Doubles Doubles Doubles
RJ's Just OK These Days


Cold Hard Cash

Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash is welcomed back to the dugout following his bottom of the eighth inning three run home run by teammates Coco Crisp and Mike Lowell.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Kevin Catches a Hold of One for Three
In Other News: Snakes on a Plane... to Florida


Hang on to Your Hat ...

When a friend told Anne Houseman that wearing her pink Red Sox hat meant she was only a
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Pat Greenhouse)

This Just In: Pink Still Stinks, And Elvis Is Dead
In Other Not-Really-News: No One Wants to Hear NASCAR Talk on NESN During a Red Sox Game

Eric Wilbur on the Godawful Force Feeding at Fenway
Red Sox Midseason Report Card Time!

D'Comebacks
Tek and Lowell lead Sox to victory
(Varitek: AP Photo | Lowell: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Sox Rattle Snakes in the 8th; Close the Deal in the 9th

Tuesday Night Box: Boston 5, Arizona 4
Slumping Tek Delivers Clutch Hit to Cap Sox' Comeback
Rally Good Timing: Sox Strike While Iron Mike Lowell Is Hot
Lefthanded Compliment: Tek Gets It Right After Suffering Through Horrendous Skid
Hanging to Chad: Masterson Didn't Elect to Give Up Tracy's 3-Run Homer
Mr. Smith Doesn't Miss Out on His First MLB Win
Move to Bring in Youk Was Just Swell Tito
Catch 22: Pap Takes Break from Blowing Saves
Second Thoughts: No Dustin, No Win
That's Qualls She Wrote

"We played like [expletive] for eight innings." -- 6.24.08, Dustin Pedroia, back on the All-Star track


Like Taking Candy from a Papi

David Oritiz at the Prudential Center on Monday giving out M&M's ice cream treats to kids
(M&M/Mars Promotional Photo)

Big Papi Takes a Break from Pitching to Get Some Swinging In Yesterday
Does David Know That Rates of Diabetes Are on the Rise in His Country?

Rising Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks rightfielder Justin Upton, center, leaps as he celebrates a 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox with teammates Eric Byrnes, left, and Chris Young, right, after their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Monday June 23, 2008.
(AP Photo)

Snakes Sneak Past Beckett, Sox

Monday Night Box: Arizona 2, Boston 1
Globe: Snakebitten: Beckett a Hard-luck Loser to Haren, D-backs
Eye-Yi-Yi... Youk Gotta Be Careful Out There
Coco's Snap Costs Sox Casey, and Maybe a Win
Make It a Double: Breaking News: 'Tek Gets a Hit

"I went to go field it, I saw the guy take off for home, so I kind of took my eyes off of it at the last second, It just bobbled around and ticked off." -- 6.23.08, Rolling ball not gathered by Moss

Youk, There It Is
Youk, There It Is

Red Sox's Kevin Youkilis jumps into his teammates waiting at home plate after his two-run walk off home run during the bottom of the 13th inning of their 5-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Sunday, June 22,  2008
(AP Photo)

Youk's Second Homer Sends Sox Home Happy

Sunday Afternoon Box: Red Sox 5, St. Louis 3
Globe: Youkilis's Homer Helps Sox Finally Finish Cards
Jon Lester Is Fast Becoming a Superstar in Boston
Jon Has Gone 5-1 with a 2.13 ERA in His Last 11 Outings
Why Can't We Keep Starters Like Joel Piniero? Sincerely, Bob Lobel
Papelbummer: Coco Got a Bad Break on the Ball in the 9th
Just Throwing It Out There: That's Just Drew Being Dewey
And in the 10th: Boston's Own Bartman Reaches Out and Grabs Ellsbury's Triple...
Turns It Into a Double, and Sox Don't Win on Casey's Fly
Hey Kid, Have Your Daddy Buy You a Ball, and Don't Celebrate...
And Call Your Friends Because You Cost the Sox a Winning Run
We're Still Sore After Watching 'Tek Take That Hit ... Imagine How He Feels Today?
On the Flip Side, Captain Crunch is 3-for-his-last-40
Tall, Dark, and Hansen: Craig Is Starting to Look Good Again
Picnic in the Dark ... If the Game Ran Any Longer
Thank God Those Nasty, New-York-Like Cardinals Fans Have Left Town

"For some reason, it seemed like it was really quiet here today. I don�t know if people are just a little hungover from the Celtics winning or something like that." -- 6.22.08, Kevin Youkilis on the Sunday silence at Fenway

Return for the Worse

Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka leaves the mound after only lasting an inning and a half in his first start since going on the disabled list.  Matsuzaka was relieved by pitcher Chris Smith.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

That Was the Worst First Inning in the History of Earth

Saturday Afternoon Box: St. Louis 9, Boston 3 | Cards Slice and Dice Sox
I Can See for Miles and Miles That Matsuzaka Didn't Have It Early
That Was the Shortest Outing By a Boston Starter Since a "Disheveled" Derek Lowe
Lasted Just One Inning at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 18, 2004
House of Glaus: Oh Boy, Troy Hits 4-Run Homer, Game Over
J.D. June: Another Long Ball in Losing Effort
Yawn: Some St. Louis Columnist is Jealous of Boston's Success

"I just hope that I can get back to a good spot. The good, I can't really think of anything that was good. Things were mostly bad today." -- 6.21.08, Dice-K on his debacle

Close, But No Cigar

A frustrated Mike Lowell tosses his bat after striking out in the 7th to end the inning.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Missed Opportunities Leave Boston Green with Envy

Friday Night Box: St. Louis 5, Boston 4
The Cardinal Sin of Stranding Runners Sinks Sox
Celts Fire Up the House, but It Just Wasn't in the Cards Tonight
Two Homers Was One Too Many for Wake to Give Up
Killing Us Softly: That's Just Manny Not Being Manny
There Won't Be Blood: Could Have Used the '04 Curt Schilling Tonight
Seems Like Old Times: Dirt Dog Daubach Was in the House and
Drinking Beers with the Common Folk in Section 20
The Big E's: Lugo Giveth, but Taketh Away Twice
Oki Not OK in 8th; Aardsma Better Than OK in 9th

Good Times at the Ballpark: The Celtics Mini Rolling Rally
Made It Quite a Night at to Remember at Fenway Park
But the Milli Vanilli Redux Featuring Papelbon and Delcarmen
"Singing" Blame it on The Rain in a Video Parody Stole the Show:

THE SCHILL IS GONE
An emotional Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling tips his cap to the crowd (perhaps for the last time in Boston) as he leaves the game in the sixth inning.
Boston Globe File Photo / Jim Davis)

But We'll Never Forget What He Did for the Red Sox,
Boston, and The Nation

Schilling to Have Surgery Monday; Done for Season and Possibly Career
Good Thing Theo Epstein Has the Luxury of Lighting $8 Million on Fire

"I don't want it to end this way, but if this is the way it has to end, I'm OK with that. If it's over and my last pitch was in the 2007 World Series, I'm OK with that. I just can't stress enough where I am mentally with this. I have not a regret in the world. ... None of this makes me bitter or angry or pissed. It is what it is. In that sense, honestly, it's very, very easy for me because of what I've been able to experience compared to what I wanted when I first started my career, but if I have some say in how this is gonna end, I want it to be different than what it is right now." -- 6.20.08, Curt Schilling ... on what could be the end

Photo Galleries: The Schilling Highlight Reel | Injury History
Discussion: Thanks for the Memories | Is Curt a Hall-of-Famer?
More from Curt on 38Pitches.com

Yankee Stuck
Frank from Gloucester gets locked out of the Celtics rally
(Boston.com Photos / Steve Silva)

'Famous' Yankee Fan Frank from Gloucester Comes Close to Joining the Celtics Party, But There's No Cigar in His Dead End

Regular WEEI Crank Frank Pleads with Police, Including the Commissioner,
to Roll with the Rally, But He Ultimately Ends Up Behind the Iron Gates

"Can you get me in? Wyc Grousbeck wants me here." -- 6.19.08, Frank from Gloucester... pleading numerous times today, to anyone that would listen

Poor Frank Wore the Wrong Jacket, and
He Didn't See The Big Picture or The Big Baby Picture ...

Big Baby sans shirt
(Boston.com Photo / Steve Silva)

File Under: Not Ready for the First Day of Summer
And Why Is Boston the Only City in the Free World
That Cannot Handle a Large Gathering of People in One Place
to Have Some Fun with Our Titles Mayor Menino?

So When Is the Rally for J.D. Drew?

J.D. Drew celebrates with teammates as he walks off the field after winning a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Red Sox won 7-4.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

... Because He's on An Unreal Roll. Boo Who?

Wednesday Afternoon Box: Boston 7, Philadelphia 4
Drew Homers Again and More, Leads Sox to Win
June Boon for J.D., There's Nothing He Can't Do
Masterson Just Gets It Done, Manny Delcarmen Too


Breaking News: Drew Doesn't Homer, But Sox Win Anyway

Tuesday Night Box: Boston 3, Philadelphia 0
Les is More, Coco Too, And the Celtics Came Through ...

ON TOP OF THE WORLD
The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Finals four games to two, and in the process, wrapped up the franchise's seventeenth NBA Championship. Here Paul Pierce, with Kevin Garnett at right holds up the trophy.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

And Back in the Saddle Again!

The Boston Celtics are the 2008 NBA Champions
Game 6 Box: Boston 131, Los Angeles 92 | Celebration Photos
Globe: Celtics Crush Lakers for 17th NBA Title
Ryan: Unbelievable? No Believable | Shaughnessy: Back on Top

The Truth Hurts: Yes David Stern, Those Boos Were for You, And Stuart Scott, Too
There Was Nothing Wrong with the Sound on Your TV ...
That's Just K #%@! G Being K #%@! G
The Pressure is Now On the Stumbling, Bumbling Bruins

Tonight We're Gonna Party Like It's 1986

Fans celebrate outside of TD Banknorth Garden after the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Getty Images Photo / Jim Rogash)

Fans Celebrate Another Boston Championship
Outside of a Few Dirtbag Vandals Downtown,
Hub Fans Were Fairly Well Behaved

Love a Parade? Get Ready for Another One ...

 6/10/1986 Boston Celtics celebration parade comes down Boylston Street
(Boston Globe File Photo)

The Rally Will Be Rolling in Boston Again Starting Thursday at 11 a.m.

GREEN GIANT
Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett reacts after winning in the fourth quarter. Boston Celtics play against Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

Kevin Garnett: 'I Knocked the Bully's Ass Out'

The Celtics Simply Smoked the LA Fakers

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration - www.mikebriggz.com
(BDD / Illustration: www.mikebriggz.com)

Boston. Where 17 Happened.
They Beat LA ... To a Pulp

We Know the Atlanta Hawks, We Saw the Atlanta Hawks,
And the Los Angeles Lakers Are No Atlanta Hawks
It's Just Another Great Day in Title Town
More Good News: ESPN Suspends Jemele Hill for Hitler Remark

BDD - Frank Galasso Illustration

Red Socks Diaries Audio: Ghost of Most Loves a Parade!

Sixth Nonsense

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, left, pats pitcher Mike Timlin as he is taken out of the game in the sixth inning after giving up four runs to the Philadelphia Phillies in an baseball game Monday, June 16, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 8-2.
(AP Photo)

It's a Philly Flashback as Tito Manages Like It's
1997 All Over Again; Sox Go Down in Culture Town

Monday Night Box: Philadelphia 8, Boston 2
Phillies Flaunt Power; Sox Get Cole in Stocking
What Was He Thinking? Tito Goes to Mike 7.06 ERA Timlin in a 4-2 Game in the 6th
Bartolo Managed to Look Worse on the Mound Than He Did at the Plate
I Love Watching Pitchers Hit! Sincerely, Bartolo Colon and Chien-Ming Wang
The Sun Comes Up, The Sun Goes Down, and J.D. Drew Homers
Did You See That Catch Jacoby Didn't Make?

"I once spent a year in Philadelphia, I think it was on a Sunday." -- W.C. Fields

The Plane Truth

Celtics delayed in LA, have a late arrival in Boston

Celtics Plane Delayed in LA, Team Arrives Late Night in Boston,
But ABC Told David $tern They Just Had to Play on a Tuesday.
Just Awful.

Good News: Ray Allen Expected to Play
... If He Makes It Back On NBA-Revenue-Maximizing Time.
And Of Course, Tipoff's Not Until 9:00 ...

"It may be counterintuitive and against conventional wisdom, but there is no indication that the younger audience is impacted by later start times. And the reality is, if it's past their bedtime, in this day and age, kids in particular are extra tech-savvy and are finding ways to consume the game online through nba.com or YouTube." -- NBA spokesman Michael Bass... apparently with a straight face

ESPN Pulls Hitler Comments From Jemele Hill Article on Celtics Fans
Red Socks Diaries Audio: Ghost of Most Sees a C's Win in Game 6

West Toast
Kevin Garnett of the Celtics (after Bryant dunk) near the end of the fourth quarter of the fifth game of the National Basketball Association finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Garnett Comes Up Small, Celts Have Little to Celebrate in LA

Game 5 Box: Los Angeles 103, Boston 98
LA Dodgers: Lakers 86 the Champagne Dreams for Green
Another Bad Start: C's Let LA Run Away Early, Comeback Comes Up Short This Time
The Small Ticket: KG Needs to Come Up Big When It Counts Tomorrow
MVPaul MVPierce Can't Do It Alone... Or Can He?
Rond'oh! Injured Guard Gave Lakers a Leg Up
P.J. Brown... Just Standing Around

"It's a tough loss tonight, a tough one to swallow." -- 6.15.08, Paul Pierce... deserved better

Extra Crispy Win

Coco Crisp, right, is congratulated by teammate Jason Varitek, left, after Crisp hit a two-run home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Cincinnati.
(AP Photo)

Sox Shut 'Em Out, Blow 'Em Out

Sunday Box: Boston 9, Cincinnati 0
Reds Statement: Sox Execute to the Nines
J.D. Drew: You Can't Stop Him, You Can't Even Hope to Contain Him
The Steal Deal: Jacoby Breaks Rookie SB Record, and Adds Power to Boot
That's Just Beckett '08 Being Beckett '07
Homer Bailey Started for the Reds... 'Nuff Said
After 33 Long Years, Sox Break Curse of the Ed Armbruster Interference Non-Call

"Who cares about Beckett? Let's talk about me." -- 6.15.08, Coco Crisp... kidding of course

Youk Can Go Home Again
Red Sox Kevin Youkilis, right, is congratulated by Alex Cora, left, after Youkilis hit a solo home run off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Lincoln in the 10th inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Cincinnati. The Red Sox won, 6-4.
(AP Photo)

Reds Scare Sox But Welcome Homer
Takes Papelbon Off the Hook

Saturday Box: Boston 6, Cincinnati 4
Sox' Extra Effort Tops Reds
Extra Insurance: Coco Hits One, Ball Charges the Stands
Encarnaci-gone: Papelblown Coughs One Up in Cincinnati
Hansen Gets First Save: Will Pap Think About Starting Again?
The Slumpbuster: Is Dustin Pedroia Finally Getting His Groove Back?
One for the Road: The Good Wake Pitched a Gem, Deserved a Win
Manny Being Money: Griffey Had 600 Reasons to Swing on 3-and-0
No Manny, No David, No Problem
J.D. On Fire

"Definitely a good thrill to hit one in that situation. To hit it in Cincinnati is a great honor and a great thrill, because who knows, after tomorrow I may not have another chance to play here."
-- 6.14.08, Cin city native son Kevin Youkilis


Friday Night, No Fight

Red Sox starter Justin Masterson pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2008, in Cincinnati.
(AP Photo)

Justin the Win? Nope. It's an Offday for the Offense.

Friday Night Box: Cincinnati 3, Boston 1
Travel Travails: Sox Trip Again
Let the Record Show, Sox Have Lost 11 of Last 15 Away from Home
The Accidental Tourist in Cleveland: 'Tek Takes the Long Way Out
On the First Leg of the Trip, Manny Comes Up with Hamstring Problems
Bruce on the Loose: The Cincinnati Kid Clubs One Out
Upside: It Was All Over in 2:21

"Overall, I was happy," Masterson said. "I just threw three pitches I kind of hung. They made me pay." -- 6.13.08, Justin Masterson, who wasn't lucky enough to get a win on Friday the 13th


Hammer Time
Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his grand slam with teammate J.D. Drew #7 at Fenway Park June 12, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Getty Images Photo / Elsa)

Bang, Bang, Bang ... Lowell, Youkilis, and
J.D. Who Knew? Drew Go Deep as Sox Drill O's

Thursday Night Box: Boston 9, Baltimore 2
No Place Like Home: It's a Blast -- Sox Roll
Lowell Blows It Open with the 4-Run Homer
The Lefty Was All Right: Jon Stays in Control and Throws an Easy 7 Hitter
No Pressure, No Problem: Delcarmen and Timlin Shine with a Big Lead
Let the J.D. Drew Contract Extension Talks Begin

"Ultimately, if we want to get to where we want to go, we're going to have to play better on the road, but it sure has been fun being home." -- 6.12.08, Terry Francona on the home (28-7) and away (14-20) Sox


Father Time

From Gary Jacobs, BDD contributor

PAWTUCKET, RI | June 13, 2008 � It is, like most days here, a beautiful day for baseball. The players are playing in bright sun, though their shadows dance long in front of them. The gametime temperature is 77 degrees and the gentlest of breezes cools the foreheads of the near-capacity crowd of over 9,000. The day couldn�t possibly be better suited to baseball.

Baseball was the game I learned on my father�s knee, the first game I gave my love to. And though I learned to love hockey with almost the same ferocity, baseball is what connects me with my youth, with memories of glorious summer days with nothing to do, and with my father.

Rest in Peace, Tim Russert

Tim Russert, moderates a discussion among the candidates for the President of Red Sox Nation at Boston University on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Wiqan Ang)

NBC News Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert Has Died
Baseball Hall of Fame Issues Statement

" 'My dad bought tickets way up in the nosebleeds,' Russert says. 'I went down the aisle and tried desperately to get autographs. This one baseball player, Joe Pepitone, pushed me aside and I was crushed. I came back to my seat very dejected and my dad said, �What happened?� I explained it to him and he said, �Don�t ever forget that. It takes as much time to be nice to someone as it does to be a jerk.� It has stayed with me my entire life." -- American Profile, on Tim Russert, Yankees fan, 1.15.2006

Russert Moderated Red Sox Nation Presidential Debate in 2007
Sign the Guest Book for Tim Russert

C'est LA Vie!
Celtics guard Eddie House celebrates after the Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91 in Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals Thursday, June 12, 2008, in Los Angeles.
(AP Photo)

The Celtics Rise from the Dead in Los Angeles in the Greatest Game That the Working People in Boston Never Saw

Game 4 Box: Boston 97, Los Angeles 91
Celtics Come Roaring Back to Beat LA
The Late Show: Pierce Shuts Down Kobe and Takes C's to Promised Land
Phil Jackson: 'James Powsey... Posey... Sorry for Mispronouncing His Name'
Welcome to the Big House: Eddie Was Ready and He Put C's in the Lead to Stay
David Stern and His Network Masters Say the Kids in Boston Can
Watch the Game on Tivo After School Today
Survey: Did You Stay Up for the Comeback?

"Doc [Rivers] drew up some plays and that's where I ended up, I didn't know it would be open for myself, but for somebody on our team. I always take my shots with confidence, and [last night] they fell. We took what they gave us and took advantage of it... We weathered the storm and stuck together and got the win." -- 6.12.08, James Posey of the soon-to-be World Championship Boston Celtics


It's Blowtime in LA!

BDD_ Pau Gasol by Joe Turco
(BDD Photo Illustration / Joe Turco)

Starring Pau Gasol.
If He Only Had Some Heart ... and Some Shampoo.

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
The Ghost of Most on Last Night's Laker Wipeout
RSD: Ghost of Most Audio Archive | Complete Boston.com Celtics-Lakers Coverage


BDD Photo Illustration / Jesse Barnett
(BDD Photo Illustration / Jesse Barnett)

Ill Will
Red Sox manager Terry Francona offers his congratulations to catcher Jason Varitek (33) after his 3-run homer during the first inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles in a MLB game played at Fenway Park in Boston
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

In the Big Inning, Captain Craptastic
Blew Out the Birds

"I hope he feels like crap every night, if he's going to hit three-run home runs."
-- 6.11.08, Mike Lowell on Jason Varitek

Wednesday Night Box: Boston 6, Baltimore 3
Globe: Colon Again on the Money as Sox Cash In
One Hit Wonders: Seven Sox Chip in with One Hit
Is Timlin Getting a Commission on Papelbon's Next Contract?
The Vulture Returns: And on the Fifth Pitch, Pap Proves Why
He Needs to Bust the Money Market for Closers
Pap to Rays: 'Payback's a Bitch'

Big Thumbs Up for Bart

Bartolo Colon ends the top of the fourth inning as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles in a MLB game played at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Wednesday, June 11, 2008
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

"Right now he's got a lot of movement, he's got a pretty good two-seamer going on. He's around 93, 94 [miles per hour], and if he wants to go higher, he's still got it. He's not easy to face. He pitches more; before, he was a power guy trying to blow everyone away. Now he's the guy that pitches around the plate and makes you swing early in the count. He has way more movement than he did before." -- 6.11.08, Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez


Fenway Spank
A vendor prepares hot food on the ground level of Fenway Park prior to game time as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles in a MLB game played at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Wednesday, June 11, 2008.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to the Fenway Park Rat Race,
Brought to You By Aramark, Servers of The Most Expensive
Bad 'Food' in the World, That Actually Costs You
a Whole Lot More in the End ...

The Curse of 86'ing the Chicken Fajita Stand in '02 Continues ...
Sausage Sting: Fenway Food Stands Failed Inspections

"One food stand was cited for 'sausages thawing in stagnant water' and employees eating in a back kitchen. Another was cited for having 'a large amount of food crumbs and rodent droppings under the pizza oven,' and soiled sinks. Still another had 'rodent droppings along floor and inside the hole in the wall' and 'rodent droppings underneath the service counter.'

One vendor was cited for a 'black moldlike substance' on the inside of a refrigerator, 'soiled frialator cabinets,' 'rodent droppings throughout the stand,' and a sink that was not set up to wash, rinse, and sanitize. Another was ordered to 'remove foul odor from stand' and to 'clean drains to remove odor.'

The Fenway food warehouse racked up a page and a half of violations, including paper products stored within 6 inches of the ground and rodent droppings on boxes of cutlery." -- Fenway food stands failed inspections, Boston Globe, 6.12.08


Just Kidding ...

Children of David Ortiz, D'Angelo, left, and Alexandra, right, whisper to one another during naturalization ceremonies at the John F. Kennedy Library, in Boston, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Ortiz took the oath of citizenship along with 220 other immigrants during the ceremony.
(AP Photo)

XM Radio and Reebok present the children of David Ortiz, D'Angelo (left) and Vitaminwater, who whisper to one another during the Nakona Bats Naturalization and Wise Chips
Ceremonies at the State Farm John F. Kennedy Library yesterday
... what a country.

American Idol
New U.S. Citizen David Ortiz pledges allegiance after an induction ceremony held at the JFK Library
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Stan Grossfeld)

Citizen Papi: David Ortiz Joins the American Nation
Photos of Papi's Ceremony

Taxing Issue? "Manny gets crushed in taxes. Guys who have made tons of money, when you become a US citizen they take better care of you." -- 5.9.04, David Ortiz's thoughts back when Manny Ramirez became a citizen

Kobe Has Some Words for Schill: 'Go Yankees'
Boston Sports Blog: T.J. Simers: 'Curt Schilling is Gutless'

HOMECOMING STING
06/10/08 - Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce is surrounded by Laker defenders during Game 3
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

Paul Pierce Looked Lost in LA; Kobe's Feeling Right at Home

Game 3 Box: Los Angeles 87, Boston 81
It's a West Coast Trip as Celts Stumble in LA
The Little Two: Pierce 2-of-14, Garnett Just 2 Free Throw Attempts
Our House: Eddie Giveth, Taketh Away, Then Banged a Too Late Three
A No-Show for Pow... err Powe
Sasha Who?

"It's frustrating when you don't shoot well, but . . . by no means is it going to break my confidence. When I look back there were some shots I took that were good shots for me. They just didn't fall. I got myself out of rhythm by getting in foul trouble." -- 6.11.08, Paul Pierce on his appalling night

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
The Ghost of Most Goes Off on Jack, LA, and the Lakers

Huff Puffs, and Blows Our House In

Baltimore Orioles' Aubrey Huff follows through on a swing against Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Hideki Okajima in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. Huff singled on the at-bat, and had four hits in the Orioles' 10-6 victory.
(AP Photo)

Sox Hung Tough ...
But Okajima's Got the Wrong Stuff Against the O's, Again

Tuesday Night Box: Baltimore, Boston less, 10-6
Globe: Sox Get Roughed Up by Aubrey, O's
Do We Need to Move Thursday's Start Time to 4:30 p.m. Now?
Papi Who? J.D. 'The Fascination' Drew Continues to Come Through
He's Back in a Back-to-Back: Manny505 Moves Closer to No. 600
Is Something Wrong with Josh Beckett? 113 Pitches in Six Awfully Long Innings
Too Hot for Hansen Too, Apparently
Quite the Catch for Coco

"The main thing was he [Okajima] couldn't get the ball down," said catcher Jason Varitek of the Japanese reliever who is saddled with a 13.50 ERA against the Orioles (8 ER in 5 1/3 IP)."
-- 6.11.08, Boston Globe


Here's What's Happening in Our Neck of the Woods

Weatherman Al Roker throws a ceremonial first pitch as the Boston Red Sox host the Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
(AP Photo)

Roker on the Yesterday Show: Stop Whining About the Weather

"It�s a little early, but here�s the deal. People for the last six weeks have been saying, �When is it going to warm up? Guess what? It�s warmed up - so stop whining... You don�t need a weatherman to tell you to stay in air conditioning.� -- Al Roker, Boston Herald. 6.11.08


Honor Thy Father

Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez walks with his family including sons Lucas, Manny Jr. and Manuel and his wife Juliana prior to his being honored for hitting 500 career home runs.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

When He's Not Busy Going Upside Youk's Head for Yappin'
Manny's Chillin' with Lucus, Manny Jr., Juliana, and Manuel
And Getting Honored at Fenway for No. 500

Working Stiff
08/29/2007: Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens throws out the Red Sox Dustin Pedroia at first when he tried to bunt his way on in the third inning.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Clemens Was Already a Hardened Criminal on the Mound ...
And Now We Find Out He Was Corking His Bat, Too

"Clemens stashed the clearly marked, diamond-shaped pills in a GNC vitamin bottle in his locker at Yankee Stadium, according to a source familiar with the clubhouse, perhaps keeping the drug undercover to avoid the inevitable wisecracks about all the girlfriends he needed to please." -- 6.10.08, Daily News

New York Daily News - June 10, 2008
(New York Daily News homepage)

Hustle & Powe
Leon Powe  in front of Los Angeles Lakers Spanish Pau Gasol  and Frenchman Ronny Turiaf during the Game Two of the 2008 NBA Finals, in Boston, Massachusetts, June 8, 2008. Celtics won 108-102.
(Getty Images Photo / Gabriel Bouys)

Leon Lets Lazy Lakers Have It
Celtics Avoid Biggest Collapse in the History of Earth

Game 2 Box: Boston 108, Los Angeles 102
Celts Survive... and the Lakers Look Very Ascared
You're Not Going to Win Any Free Furniture ...
But the C's are Prime for a Monster Sweep
Kevin Millar Was in the House, Just in Case We Need Him for Something or Other

"Leon Pow... Powe, excuse me for mispronouncing his name... gets more foul shots than our whole team does in 14 minutes of play. That's ridiculous." -- 6.8.08, Phil Jackson, bitchin' and moanin'... Youkilis style...

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
Listen to the Ghost of Most Go Off After Game 2


Curt Calls Out Kobe

Curt Schilling sits courtside at Game Two of the 2008 NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant stands on the court during a break in play against the Boston Celtics in the second half in Game 2
(Schilling: Elsa / Getty Images | Kobe: Reuters)

Schill Sees Lakers Rolling Their Eyes at Kobe's 'Leadership'

"Who doesn't know Kobe Bryant right? I only know what I have heard, starting awhile back with the entire Shaq debacle. I don't really have an opinion one way or the other on or about him other than to know that people feel he might be one of the 4-5 greatest players to ever lace it up. What I do know is what I got to see up close and hear, was unexpected. From the first tip until about 4 minutes left in the game I saw and heard this guy bitch at his teammates. Every TO he came to the bench pissed, and a few of them he went to other guys and yelled about something they weren't doing, or something they did wrong. No dialog about 'hey let's go, let's get after it' or whatever. He spent the better part of 3.5 quarters pissed off and ranting at the non-execution or lack of, of his team. Then when they made what almost was a historic run in the 4th, during a TO, he got down on the floor and basically said 'Let's f'ing go, right now, right here' or something to that affect.

"I am not making this observation in a good or bad way, I have no idea how the guys in the NBA play or do things like this, but I thought it was a fascinating bit of insight for me to watch someone in another sport who is in the position of a team leader and how he interacted with his team and teammates. Watching the other 11 guys, every time out it was high fives and 'Hey nice work, let's get after it' or something to that affect. He walked off the floor, obligatory skin contact on the high five, and sat on the bench stone faced or pissed off, the whole game. Just weird to see another sport and how it all works. I would assume that's his style and how he plays and what works for him because when I saw the leaderboard for scoring in the post season his name sat up top at 31+ a game, can't argue with that. But as a fan I was watching the whole thing, Kobe, his teammates and then the after effects of conversations. He'd yell at someone, make a point, or send a message, turn and walk away, and more than once the person on the other end would roll eyes or give a 'whatever dude' look." -- 6.9.08, Curt Schilling on 38Pitches.com... who has much more to say on basketball and the Sox brawl, believe it or not ...

More Hoop Talk from Schill on Pau Gasol: "I heard that the Lakers got Gasol in a horrible steal of a deal and that the league should have investigated the trade for some sort of punishable crime. I saw a 7 footer last night who grabbed like 4 rebounds and spent the entire game whining about getting fouled."

Sunday: Drew 2, Seattle 1: J.D.'s Got Tools, Masterson Rules
Saturday: Boston 11, Seattle 3: Manny Smacks Another One; M's TKO'd

The Jack Blackout

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration - www.mikebriggz.com
(BDD / Illustration: www.mikebriggz.com)

Very High Above Courtside,
Johnny Tracks Down the Missing Jack

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
Listen to the Ghost Get the Most Out of Jack
Ghost of Most on Game 1: 'Beat LA... And Tampa Bay!'

No Fight Left in 'Em

Brandon Moss's reaction after striking out in the 9th could be applied to the Red Sox offense which was non existent as the Boston Red Sox were shut out 8-0 against the Seattle Mariners
(Brandon Moss: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

And Seattle Didn't Pull Any Punches Either

Friday Night Boxing: Seattle 8, Boston 0
Worn-Down Drama Kings Get Knocked Out of the Ring
Did the Fallout from the Fighting Cost the Sox the Game Last Night?
Big Man Bottoms Out: Bartolo Didn't Help His Cause Any
If You Bought Tickets for Friday Night at Fenway, You Got Suckerpunched

"We were flat tonight." -- 6.6.08, Terry Francona in the understatement of the year


Loco Coco Takes a Seat for 7

The suspensions are in
(AP Photo)

8 Players Banned for the Brawl

"It is what it is right now. Nothing else really to say about it. I'm through talking about it. It's over with."-- 6.6.08, Coco Crisp... not nearly as animated as the night before

Mellow Manny vs. Hothead Youk

In Other Fight News: Did Youkilis Ignite Scrap?
Sounds Like Manny Got Tired of Hothead's Whining and Throwing Stuff Around, So He Went Upside His Head.
End of Story.

Frank Galasso Illustration

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em
Red Sox Roll

Coco Crisp, right, takes a swing at Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields after Crisp was hit by a pitch and charged the mound in the second inning of a baseball game
(AP Photo)

The Sox and Rays Go At It, Again
Coco Charges the Mound After Shields Goes Thigh Hunting

"I charged the mound. I feigned it like I was going to go to first base, just to get Navarro off me a little bit, and just charged the mound,� Crisp said. �He tried to hit me with a haymaker. He missed. I threw a punch. I pretty much missed. And the rest, went down to the ground� like the scratches on my face were people trying to scratch like we were playing football or something, like little girls, trying to scratch out my eyes. I move one hand down, scratch me right here [points to scratch to the right of his nose]. �

�After that, people were trying to pull my hair like little girls. Instead of throwing some real punches or something like that..." -- 6.5.08, Coco Crisp, to reporters after the brawl game


HOT COCO
BDD / Don't Mess with the Zohan
(BDD Photo Illustration / Richard Goldrich)

Surviving Grady: Check Out the Brawl and Dust-up Video Here

FIGHT CLUB
Manny charges Youk in the dugout after the fourth inning
(BDD / NESN screen image)

That's Just Manny Being Bananas
Youk and Ram Have Words in the Dugout
Manny Throws a Backhand Swipe, Then Shoves Youk Down ...
But Should ManRam Have Been Shoving Gomes Earlier?
Is Manny Just a Lover, Not a Fighter?

You Gotta Keep 'Em Separated

Manny has to be restrained from going after Youk
(BDD / NESN Screen Image)

"I think they were just exchanging some views on things. It was kind of a hectic night. Sometimes those things happen. It wasn't really a big deal; it won't be a big deal." -- 6.5.08, Tito Being Tito, trying to downplay the Manny-Youk altercation

Gomes, Sweet Gomes ...

Tampa Bay Rays DH Jonny Gomes cocks his arm as Rays catcher Dioner Navarro  holds Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp on the ground and in a head lock during the second inning.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Chickens Will Come Gomes to Roost
For You Too, Carl Crawford

Thursday Night Box: Boston 7, Tampa Bay 1
Oh, And the Sox Swept the Rays
Oh, And Manny Also Drove in 5 Runs Besides the Run-in
Oh, and He Might Be Hurting, Too
Oh, and Ellsbury Sprained His Wrist

"You have to ask them [Manny and Youkilis about the altercation]. I was eating next to Youkilis and said I don't want to know. I saw Manny. He was speaking in Spanish." -- 6.5.08, the new talkin', fightin' Coco Crisp... so much more fun than the surly, silent Crisp of the last two years


Oh, And the Celtics Had a Game Tonight ...
And DOWN GOES PIERCE ...

Paul Pierce  on the floor after getting hurt in the third quarter. Boston Celtics play against Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals on Thursday, June 5th, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Watchoo Talkin' 'Bout, Willis?
He Shall Return

Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics returns to the court after being taken off in a wheelchair in the third quarter of Game One of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 5, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
(Getty Images Photo / Kevin C. Cox)

Pierce Comes Back to Lead Celtics Past Lakers 98-88
in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Boston

"When I got in the back I could put some weight on it, I knew I needed to be out there for my team." -- 6.5.08, Paul Pierce... becoming a legend in Boston before our eyes

The Ghost vs.
The Governator

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration - www.mikebriggz.com
(BDD / Illustration: www.mikebriggz.com)

Very High Above Courtside,
Johnny's Back to Say Hasta La Vista to Ah-nold

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
Listen to the Ghost of Most Take on Schwarzenegger
More Lakers-Celtics: Prediction Roundup | Best of Boston-LA on YouTube
RSD: Ghost of Most Audio Archive | Complete Boston.com Celtics-Lakers Coverage


Can Anyone Catch the C's?

A fan running on the field avoids getting tackled during the eighth inning as the Boston Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays on June 3, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Another Clown Gives Fenway Security the Runaround...
Bet Mr. Black Socks Is Not Exactly Free as a Bird Now

Cocode Red!
Boston, MA 06/04/08 Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp makes contact with his arm to the mid section of Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura during the 8th inning. Crisp was called out. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5 to 1 in a MLB game played at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Manager Francona, Did You Order Bench Coach Millsy to Tell Center Fielder Crisp to Give Akinori Iwamura a Code Red? ...

... overheard in the bowels of Fenway after the game...
Joe Maddon:
Did you order the "Code Red?"
Tito: I did the job I was --
Joe Maddon: -- Did you order the "Code Red?!"
Tito: You're goddamn right I did!!!"


Bad, Bad Play by Bartlett

Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp  steals second base as Rays short stop Jason Bartlett  can't get a handle on the throw from catcher Dioner Navarro during the sixth inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays a MLB game played at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Sox Don't Kneed That: Coco's Got a Bum Thumb
Hence The Cocounterpunch

"How 'bout some consistency from cry-baby Rays' coach Maddon. When his guy Johnson crashed into Yankee catcher in a Pre-season game in the middle of March, breaking his wrist, the Rays' bi-speckled skipper called it, 'just good hard baseball.' Meanwhile, in the next game there was a bench-clearing brawl, another hard slide into Iwamura, and four ejections. So there was a difference of opinion about the 'good hard baseball.' Now when Coco retaliates for bag-blocking with a knee, Maddon starts whining. Toss him a crying towel. And I think MLB should warn Maddon and threaten him with a suspension if he attempts any retaliation, like trying to hurt Ellsbury or Crisp when they try to steal today, which they undoubtedly will! -- 6.4.08, Oak via BDD comments

Wednesday Night Box: Boston 5, Tampa Bay 1
The Earth Is Back on Its Axis... Sox Are Back in First; The Rays Freefall Begins
That's 12 Straight at Home and Counting
With No More Slip Ups, Beckett Should Be Beckett By October:
Nice Line: 6 IP, 1 Run, 5 K's and No Walks
The Big 3: Ells, Drew, and Manny End the Game in the Third
Life Without Papi: More Hits for Coco, and 2 for Youk, Too
Pedro Was #%&*@!: Umps Blow Another HR Call on Dustin
Manny Being Money: Delcarmen Stock on the Rise, Again
And Props to Hansen the Rest of the 'Pen

"I went down to go to the bathroom. Every time I leave [bench coach Brad Mills] in charge, he either puts [Kevin Youkilis] in right or something. Coco got his thumb jammed on the [play] before. I missed the rest of it. I was trying to get my zipper up. It wasn't going as fast as I wanted it to." -- 6.4.08, Terry Francona... still denying he ordered the Code Red ...

Jack on the Rocks

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration - www.mikebriggz.com
(BDD / Illustration: www.mikebriggz.com)

Very High Above Courtside,
Johnny's Pumped and Jacked for the Finals

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
Listen to the Ghost of Most Take on Jack
More Lakers-Celtics: Who Has the Edge? | Bob Ryan's Top 10

J.D. New?
Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew homers and leaps to catch a deeply hit ball by Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro during the 5th inning at Fenway Park in Boston, MA Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
(Getty Images Photo / Elsa | Boston Globe Staff Photo / John Bohn)

Or Tease?

Tuesday Sox Box: Boston 7, Rays 4
Drew Swings into Action
Coco Pop: Crisp Fly Ball Turns Into Game-Winning Double for Slumping CF
As a Left Fielder at Fenway, Hinske Makes a Great DH
On the Healthy Side: Mike Lowell Bangs Out No. 8
Did He Know the DH Slot Was Open? Manny Came Down with Sore Legs
Justin the Win: The Kid Was Alright Last Night
That's 28 Stolen Bases for Jacoby
Mmm Bop! Hansen Gets It Done Again
Agent 99 MPH: Big Pap Was Powerful

"They've got a lot of pop in there and some guys that can sneak stuff through. That middle of the lineup still has a lot of pop even without Ortiz." -- 6.31.08, Rays starter Matt Garza

Heeeeere's Johnny

BDD / Mike Briggs Illustration - www.mikebriggz.com
(BDD / Illustration: www.mikebriggz.com)

Very High Above Courtside, Johnny Has Some Final Thoughts

Red Socks Diaries Audio:
Listen to the Ghost of Most Makes His Pick for the Game 1 MVP

Big Trouble
Red Sox David Ortiz takes off his helmet as he walks back to the dugout after popping up to Minnesota Twins Mike Lamb with men on base during the fifth inning of their American League baseball game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 12, 2008
(AP Photo)

Globe: Ortiz Headed to the DL; Out Likely at Least a Month
Herald: 'Season-Ending Wrist Surgery a Possibility'

"According to a source, Ortiz� wrist will be immobilized for roughly the next month to determine whether the injury can heal on its own. If it cannot, the Red Sox and Ortiz very well may face a harsh reality: Season-ending surgery." -- 6.2.08, Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald

The Game Has Changed ...

Bases loaded like the old Nintendo game
(BDD Photo Illustration / Meir Weinberg)

... Hideki Has Been Horrible in '08
Okajima Creates His Own Mess This Time
Newsflash: Okie Won't Have to Worry About Pitching in All-Star Game

Mae Leaving in June

Hazel Mae, host of SportsDesk and Red Sox Rewind, both on NESN, talks shop with her neighbors in the bleachers at Fenway during the Monday, June 26, 2006 game against the Phillies.
(Boston Globe Staff Photo / Josh Reynolds)

Haze Leaves Nation in a Daze: Hazel Will Hit the Road
That's Just NESN Being NESN

It's a Man's World

Manny Ramirez follows through on a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 1, 2008, in Baltimore.
(AP Photo)

Manny Starts His Push To No. 600
Sox Keep Pace with Red Hot Rays, Stay One Game Back in East

Sunday Box: Boston 9, Baltimore 4
Sox Bang Out 16 Hits in Win
Wrist Watch: MRI On Tap for Papi
Turn on the Power: Drew, Lowell Go Deep, Too
Using All the Tools in His Box: Ellsbury Continues to Do It All
Colon Just Keeps on Winning: Bartolo Now 3-0
Another Bright Spot: Hansen Is Back

"I don't have any swelling, but there's a little click going on in there that's not normal." -- 6.1.08, David Ortiz on his injured left wrist

Saturday: Boston 6, Orioles 3: Mannyfest Destiny at Fenway South
Friday: Boston 5, Baltimore 2, 13 Innings: Manny's Home with Winning Run
Good Sports Legends of the Ball: Bid to Win a Sushi Dinner with Dice-K

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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