Bellhorn Placed on 15-Day DL, Youkilis Called Up from Pawtucket

'I really wanted to see Alex hit'

7.18.05, Terry Francona spoke to the media today regarding the Mark Bellhorn situation: "We're gonna use Alex Cora tonight. I have spoken to Billy Mueller about using him in, I don't want to say emergency situation, probably a stop-gap is better. Kevin Youkilis took some ground balls there (at second) when he was here. He played one or two innings. Again it could happen, I don't know that that's the fairest option to him. We'll see what happens. I misspoke a little bit (regarding using Bill Mueller last night at second base). I really wanted to see Alex hit. He's had good years. He's had a tough time here a little bit. This is kind of a long term thing. We got Alex. I really wanted to see him hit.... It's not always perfect. (We think) having 12 pitchers gives us an advantage. Dustin (Pedroia) got hit pretty hard on his wrist. He's not 100%."

No Olerud Awakening
for Fenway Francoma^™

Hold Everything ... Including Tito's Extension

Second Thoughts: You Can't Play Mueller at Second
for an Inning to Take a Shot at Beating the Yankees?
You Can't Go Down Fighting with Millar at Third?
Better to Wave the White Flag and Lose in Nine Innings?
And Good Thing We Have 12 Pitchers and No Youk.
Sox Lose Safely in the 9th, 5-3

Ump Was a Chump: Of Course Cora Was Safe at First
You Can Call Him Al: Leiter Was On Fire
More Good News: Damon Extends Hitting Streak

"Who would take his (Alex Cora's) place at second [if the game went extra innings]? If you have a guy I'll listen ... We've talked to Billy. We're not going to put Bill Mueller at second anymore." -- 7.16 Terry Francona's excuse for giving up on the game

Another Sox Star Gets Rocked
Yanks Hit Three Bombs off Guitar Tim

Wake Plays a Country Tune for Nation:

"When My Knuckle Don't Make 'Em Buckle
It's Just Batting Practice from Me."