Breakfast with the BoSox

It’s a nice treat to be able to turn on the radio on the way to work and hear a Red Sox game. 99% of morning radio is so awful that I’d prefer a replay of a Red Sox game. This, however, was the real thing. Opening Day in Japan. Admittedly, the point of the trip is a little crazy. How much more money does MLB think it needs? Maybe instead of forcing itself on Japan, it could just not pay Mike Mussina $90 million? But, a Red Sox game under any circumstances is a good thing.

A couple of surprises right off the bat. JD Drew was a late scratch due to back spasms. Replacing him in right field was Brandon Moss…not Coco Crisp. I didn’t know if Coco was still too hurt, or if they just didn’t trust his arm in right. I’m also not sure what to make of Moss. Who is he? Does he have a future with the team? Daisuke Matsuzaka got the nod to start the opener. This was probably only due to the injury to Josh Beckett. I’d have thought about giving him the ball for the first game in Japan anyway, but this was just much cleaner. Dice-K didn’t exactly instill confidence starting off. He had a couple very shaky innings starting off the game. He only gave up two runs in the outing, but looked much worse. His standard control problems popped up as he had base runners all over the place, and his pitch count was soaring into the rising sun. He did settle down and finish off with a couple perfect innings. He even left with the lead, thanks to Manny and Moss. While the bullpen couldn’t hold it, the Sox were able to come back. The big shot in the comeback was a home run by Moss (seriously, how often does that happen) to tie it in the ninth of the A’s closer. It’s amazing how elite closers continue to mean nothing against the Sox. Manny finally put it out of reach with a 2-run double in the tenth. Papelbon was a little shaky, but did his job. Overall, a great win for the Sox. It’s nice to start off the year with a game that everyone contributes in. Manny drove in 4, and Moss drove in 2 including the first home run of his career. Manny, Moss, Youkilis, Ortiz, Pedroia, and Lugo all scored. 

A perfect opening statement for the defense.