Second Place is the First Loser

Be that as it may, I’d like to acknowledge the runner-up in this year’s scavenger hunt. Kayla from Durham, NH was leading until the last moments when Jere edged her out. I wanted to share one of her entries for a couple reasons. First, it’s fun to look at the pictures people sent in. Second, I like how she found her items. She didn’t have them handy, so she went out looking for them. I felt I should reward the effort with an atta-girl.

Caps for sale! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!

Thanks to Kayla, and everyone else who submitted entries. And, congratulations again to Jere for coming out on top. I hope the fame this win has brought you hasn’t gone to your head.

TTM Time!

Since Spring Training is in full swing, it’s time to start requesting autographs through the mail. I’ve prepared a stack of requests to some of my favorite Red Sox. Following the recent Manny Delcarmen success, I have high hopes for this season. This year, I’m trying…
Jacoby Ellsbury. I realized that I have already tried Ellsbury. But, I didn’t realize it until after I wrote the new request. So, I’m sending it out anyway. All I need is a 50% success rate, and I’ll be good to go.
Terry Francona. He’s skippered two Red Sox teams to World Championships. He is the only manager to be 8-0 in the World series. He gives a fantastic radio interview. What’s not to like? His autograph would be fantastic.
David Ortiz. He had a rough season last year. But, he still has two rings, and a place in Red Sox lore. He would be a great addition to any Red Sox collection.
Dustin Pedroia. Maybe I should have insulted him in my letter. I bet if I said that people are saying that he is too short to respond, he’d send back 100 signatures. But, how can I not try for someone with his trophy shelf?
Jason Varitek. One of the best Red Sox players ever, and probably their best catcher. He apparently would like to keep playing in Boston. Definitely would be great to add the captain.
Kevin Youkilis. I always forget how good Youkilis is. He’s so consistent that his production isn’t newsworthy. But, a great player with a great mental approach. It would be another great thing to get returned.
So, those are the super-six requests that went out to Spring Training. As always, I’ll let you know if anything happens.
Keep your fingers crossed for me.

List of 36: Best Red Sox Shortstops of the Past 36 years

1. Nomar Garciaparra
2. Rico Petrocelli
3. Luis Aparicio
4. Hanley Ramirez
5. John Valentin
6. Orlando Cabrera
7. Edgar Renteria
8. Rick Burlson
9. Glenn Hoffman
10. Alex Gonzalez
11. Tim Naehring
12. Spike Owen
13. Poke Reese
14. Julio Lugo
15. Jody Reed
16. Luis Rivera
17. Rey Quinones
18. Mike Benjamin
19. Donnie Sadler
20. Jackie Gutierrez
21. Jed Lowrie
22. Alex Cora
23. Lou Merloni
24. Ed Romero
25. Craig Grebek
26. Frank Duffy
27. Ed Jurak
28. Esteban Beltre
29. Mario Guerrero
30. John Kennedy
31. Stan Papi
32. Julio Valdez
33. Bill Selby
34. Carlos Rodriguez
35. Jeff Manto
36. Juan Beniquez

Happy 36th Mike Lowell!

Today we wish a very Happy 36^th Birthday to Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell!

Mike is certainly no stranger to Red Sox fans. While most fans considered him a throw in, or anchor, to the deal that brought Josh Beckett to Boston, he has become a valuable member to the team. In fact, he was the most valuable member of the 2007 World Series. How’s that for a turnaround. Mike’s swing seems perfect for Fenway Park, and he has filled a key spot in the Red Sox line-up.

My favorite Mike Lowell moment came during Game 2 of the 2007 World Series. In the fourth inning of a game the Sox were trailing 1-0, Lowell drew a walk. Drew followed with a single to right. Lowell’s wheels might not be what they used to be, but he knew he had to try to get to third base. He lumbered in, and just beat the throw with a headfirst flop. With him now at third, he was driven in with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. The Sox ended up winning the game 2-1, so that was a key run. It was a clear example of a savvy baserunner using whatever skills he had left to make all the difference. This season, injuries have left Lowell without a position, and that’s too bad. Hopefully he’ll be able to help the team. I’m sure if there’s a way, he’ll find it.

Happy 36^th Birthday Mike Lowell!

Red Sox A-Z: N is for…

Nomo, as in Hideo

Hideo Nomo joined the Red Sox starting rotation for the 2001 season, following an up and down career. He started it off in a blaze of glory with the Dodgers in the mid 90’s. He was the first major Japanese import, and everyone went crazy over the rookie with the tornado wind-up. He ended up winning the NL rookie of the year award that season. After that, he had a more mediocre stretch. Obviously, nothing could match the hype of his debut season. By the time he joined the Sox, he had kicked around a couple years, and he wasn’t a major free agent pick-up. He ended up having a fine season for the Sox. He led the team in wins (with 13!), innings pitched, and complete games. He led the American League with 220 strikeouts. That total was the 13^th best in Red Sox history. He started his Red Sox career about as well as he could, as well. He threw a no-hitter in his very first start with the team. That’s even better than Clay Buchholz.

I was lucky enough to see Nomo pitch live five times during the 2001 season. He got a no-decision against the Yankees and the Athletics. He picked up three wins, against the Phillies, Braves, and Expos. Interesting that he won the three games against NL teams, coming from the NL as he did. It’s the Montreal start that I remember best, since it was in Montreal. It was the second time I had seen the Red Sox play outside of Fenway Park. It was also the second time I had seen a pitcher with a bat in his hands. The stadium was crazy. At the time, Montreal was drawing about 8,000 fans to a game. For the Red Sox series, they had about 30,000 each game. Nomo got to the plate three times in the game. He struck out the first time with men on first and third to end the inning. He struck out the second time as well. The third time, with Brian Daubach on second, he singled. He almost got an RBI, but Dauber was cut down at the plate. We were all very excited. Nomo was removed during the next inning, after giving up five runs in five-plus innings of work. Not a stellar performance, but it was enough for the win. Nomo struck out 7 batters in that game.

All told, I saw him strike out 28 of his league leading total live. In the five games I saw him, he pitched 27 innings, and gave up 15 earned runs. It’s amazing to think that he was 3-0 in those five games with a 5.00 ERA, and a 1.37 WHIP. That’s how it does sometimes. I don’t remember what happened to Nomo after that season, but he bounced around a few more years as he toured the major leagues. His stop in Boston ended up being one of his better stints.

N is for Nomo, Hideo.